MIMI Miami is in contrast to different Chinese language eating places in Miami. In truth it’s extra just like the sort of place you’d discover in New York. The menu is artistic — totally different, and really properly curated. The fashionable décor has the Chinese language inspiration going within the wealthy, deep crimson colours and to me, had trace of a speakeasy with its dim lighting and intimate house seating 80 together with the bar. There’s no DJ or social gathering scene, although the scene continues to be “buzzy”. The diners had been most fixated on the meals, and judging by the individuals at close by tables, had been loving it.
As you learn in my put up on restaurant traits, I bemoan the truth that there aren’t extra larger finish Chinese language eating places in Miami, so a giant welcome to the Magic Metropolis. One of many issues I most preferred in regards to the menu is that dishes replicate the delicacies of various provinces of China like Hunan, Sichuan, Hong Kong, Guangdong and others with a contemporary contact. The culinary director is David Schwartz, recipient of the 2023 Michelin Information’s Toronto Younger Chef award. Govt Chef is Braden Chong who labored at fine-dining eating places in Japan together with Kyoto’s Michelin-starred Lurra° and Tokyo’s two-Michelin-starred Sazenka. MIMI has a sister restaurant in Toronto.
The menu at MIMI Miami isn’t giant, however as I stated, it’s properly designed,. It’s divided into uncooked and cooling, savory and warming, chef specials, noodle & rice, and greens. .Every dish is marked with its province of origin, a pleasant contact.
We began with the crossed arm hen dumplings, a standout. The wrapper was completely al dente, the hen stuffing plump, and the sauce it rested in was a mixture of spicy, candy, savory, and salty ($22). Our terrific waiter Mario stated the Chinese language describe it as “Guaiwei” which suggests the all the things sauce. If MIMI bottled it and bought it, I’d be first in line to get a bottle. We additionally had the smacked cucumber salad with wooden ear mushrooms, chrysanthemum and Shanxi vinegar. The dressing was mild and flavorful and the greens tremendous contemporary ($17).
As a second course we couldn’t go up on considered one of their signature dishes, the 4 foot belt noodle. It’s a flat, large noodle that’s combined with grass fed beef, black sesame and lengthy beans. You chop the noodle into items and blend it with the peas and beans.To not be missed. ($29)
For my predominant course I opted for the ocean bass with scallions and ginger., tangerine peel, scalded leek and cilantro. It was steamed and served entire ,although deboned and will serve two. It was very contemporary, delicate and lightweight ($58). Subsequent time although I’m going for the hunan chili sea bass which our neighboring diners had and seemed wonderful ($59). Mr. W. couldn’t determine between the Hidden crispy hen ($34) however opted for the stirred fried lamb leg as one seldom finds that in Chinese language eating places. It was made with cumin, cilantro and Chinese language celery ($37).. For a facet we selected the chiu chow inexperienced beans made with salted olive leaf, garlic and ginger. They had been crisp and engaging ($16).
Subsequent time (and I’ll undoubtedly return) I’d wish to strive the shrimp toast; the home char siu which is pork stomach with wildflower honey and caramelized soybean; and the supreme fried rice with shrimp, scallop and salmon roe.
MIMI Miami is pleased with their steamed cake (ma lai goh) from Guangdong. It’s made with salted egg yolk custard and candy rice cream. I can by no means resist tender serve ice cream because it brings again reminiscences of the ice cream truck that went round my neighborhood once I was younger. Right here it’s taken up multiple notch with coconut, mochi and peanuts. Dinner for 2 with a glass of wine or cocktail every, two starters, 4 star noodles, two entrees and one dessert will value you about $200 plus tax and tip.
There’s additionally a 4 course tasting menu with palate cleanser for $115 per particular person plus tax and tip.
Service is pleasant {and professional}.
There’s a collection of signature cocktails ($18-$22) and mocktails ($14-$15). A glass of wine (5 ounce pour) begins at $15 and bottles begin at $70.There’s sake by the glass and barrel aged varieties and magnum sized bottles for sharing.
MIMI Chinese language Miami is open for dinner Wednesday by Sunday from 5 p.m.. Observe that the sound degree is aggressive, so if you’d like reasonable, come round 6 p.m.
MIMI Chinese language Miami, 1575 Alton Street, Miami Seashore. Avenue parking and a storage close by off of 15th Avenue.