NAIYARA
AMBIANCE
Rustic Thai style is the order of the day, harking from Chef Bee’s days growing up in rural Thailand by the Mekong River. There are nice touches like Thai newspapers, rough-hewn wood tables and incense in the bathroom.
WHAT TO EAT
The Beef Jerky appetizer is a winner, as is the Red Curry, which comes with sliced duck wading in a piquant coconut milk sauce with bell peppers and pineapple. The Crab Fried Rice is pretty special too.
WHAT TO DRINK
Cocktails come with heaps of fresh lime and other raw ingredients. The standout? It’s the Killer Bee with gin, lemon, and ginger.
SWEET TOOTH
Don’t leave without ordering the Thai Donuts. NaiYaRa aims to give diners a taste of Thai street food, and this finger food is a perfect finish.
KOMODO
AMBIANCE
Big, sweeping vistas define this three-story Brickell hotspot by owners Dave Grutman and Jeffrey Chodorow. There is a sense of space and elegant lighting, whether dining inside or in the garden. Warm materials like teak and oolite make the 17,000 square foot restaurant seem cozy.
WHAT TO EAT
This is Asian-inspired so dishes run the gamut. Try Lobster Dynamite: warm and crunchy bite-size appetizers posing shellfish over crispy rice. Black Cod skewers come with the perfect blend of sweet and miso-salty on tender white fish.
WHAT TO DRINK
The Cucumber Lime Martini is a house favorite.
SWEET TOOTH
The Nutty Bar is just like is sounds – your favorite candy bar turned into a dessert you’ll be fighting over.
BAZI
AMBIANCE
Located in the lobby of the historic Marlin Hotel, Bazi brings a bit of Chinoiserie-glitz to the deco hotel. It’s easy to feel transported to another city, and maybe even a far eastern continent.
WHAT TO EAT
Don’t miss the Peking Duck, which comes with a few unique dishes, such as Duck lo Mein. Lobster, Our Fickle Friend comes with savory black rice and “happy” butter, and “angry” foam, hence the name. Noodles are a special here and don’t miss the Peanut Noodles or the Short Rib Buns with pickled veggies and soft, steamy rice-flour buns.
WHAT TO DRINK
There is a serious beverage director, so cocktails are quite creative. Get the Whiskey and Tea Highball, or the aptly named Text and Uber, which is a frozen drink with Don Q rum, spicy ginger, and lime.
SWEET TOOTH
Desserts are excellent. Our favorite is the Coconut Rice Pudding served with chunks of sweet fried banana.
NOBU
AMBIANCE
Situated in the newly renovated Eden Roc Nobu Hotel, Nobu’s new location is a power play.
WHAT TO EAT
They are famous for their Rock Shrimp Tempura and the Black Cod with Miso, but branch out with Uni Sushi, White Fish Tiradito and an Artichoke salad.
WHAT TO DRINK
Try an Ikaati handcrafted tea made with whole tea leaves, like Nobu Shiso with white tea or Nobu Genmai Cha, which is green tea with roasted rice. Or go with a glass of Louis XIII Cognac, your choice.
SWEET TOOTH
Don’t miss the Banana Soy Toban, which has caramelized bananas with candied pecans and Malaga ice cream.
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February 17, 2016What's Haute: Miami's Latest Happenings
