Why Jeremy Ford’s Stubborn Seed Has Won Over Miami

Photo Credit: Grove Bay Hospitality

When Top Chef winner Jeremy Ford announced he’d be opening his first solo restaurant in Miami, departing from the famed Jean-Georges Vongerichten institution, Matador Room, Miamians waited with bated breath to see what the chef had up his sleeve. And to be frank, the result of the restaurant entitled Stubborn Seed is even greater than anyone could have predicted or hoped for.

Delicate precision, artful presentations and decadent combinations of fresh produce mixed with high-quality meats and fishes are the product of the diligent creating and planning of the chef—resulting in what is now undoubtedly one of Miami’s top respected dining destinations in the city.

Photo Credit: Grove Bay Hospitality

Stubborn Seed shies from the ordinary, with its beautiful yet unpretentious interior design housing only 72 seats throughout the space. The bar is beautifully decorated with a rustic, yet sophisticated feel, showcasing an impressive display of spirits and a handful of condiments and toppings that make each drink a unique masterpiece.

And the restaurant did not win over the discerning palettes of locals and visitors alike, as well as snag the prestigious “Chef of the Year” award from Eater, and earn an “Exceptional” review from the Miami Herald just from its beautiful design and fancy cocktails—the food speaks for itself.

Photo Credit: Grove Bay Hospitality

The menu is limited but diverse in its offerings, ranging from fiery Kusshi Oysters decorated with radish, thai chili mignonette and fresno pepper oil that go down like butter, to a creamy Lavash with a powerful spicy kick, topped with smooth chicken liver butter and smoked chili jam.

Photo Credit: Grove Bay Hospitality

Next, you’ll move to the Warm Celery Root that showcases the chef’s mastery of produce, with a wonderful combination of crackling tempura maitake, creamy mustard, a quail egg atop caviar and herbs and blossoms; a soft, butter-poached Lobster with green curry, caramelized cauliflower and crispy garlic; a Umami Short Rib that falls off tenderly with tasty trumpet mushrooms, heirloom carrots and miso mustard butter; Smoked Foie Gras over toasted sourdough bread with quince, macron almond and butternut squash; and a delectable Organic Chicken cooked to perfection, seasoned with truffle butter, brussels, charred turnips and gnocchi.

Photo Credit: Grove Bay Hospitality

And make sure to save room for the dessert, because the sweet and equally inventive concoctions whipped up by chef Dallas Wynne must not be missed. The Snickerdoodles that now go hand-in-hand with Stubborn Seed’s prestigious reputation showcase simple comfort food elevated with gourmet ingredients—created with brown butter, valrhona gianduja (a Nutella-esque hazelnut topping) filled in the inside of the cookie and cinnamon on top—we promise, there is no cookie that can compete with this standout in Miami. Another must-try is the savory Butter Popcorn Gelato, which pairs beautifully with the side of corn mash and strawberries with crushed meringue on top.

Photo Credit: Grove Bay Hospitality

Situated in the quaint, culinary hotbed of the South of Fifth neighborhood, Jeremy Ford’s newest addition with Stubborn Seed offers Miamians an exciting and flavorful culinary adventure with stunning food and beverage creations, as well as a cozy environment. Every aspect of the eatery is thoughtful and creative, sophisticated yet relaxed, and brings something new to the Miami dining scene, which we are happy to welcome.

Photo Credit: Grove Bay Hospitality