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This organic life
The organic trend has taken hold in the tropics. Here's a free-ranging look at some local options for the delicious and sustainable.
By Evan S. Benn
From heirloom tomatoes to hormone-free beef, organic food has found a foothold in Miami. Dine out knowing your salmon is sustainable and your mojito is made with organic agave nectar. Or join a farming co-op and get first dibs on cage-free eggs and fresh microgreens. Some options:
Restaurants
Michael's Genuine Food & Drink has been a foodie destination since it opened in Miami's Design District in March 2007. Chef Michael Schwartz sources his ingredients from local, organic growers and pairs them with pedigreed pork, antibiotic-free chicken and Harris Ranch beef. Open for lunch Monday through Friday 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dinner Monday through Thursday 5:30 to 11 p.m., Friday 5:30 p.m. to midnight, Saturday 6 p.m. to midnight, Sunday 5:30 to 10 p.m.
130 NE 40th St., Miami; 305-573-5550; michaelsgenuine.com
Soli Organic Ice Cream scoops out a refreshing treat made with cream from vegan-fed cows and with 100% organic agave nectar instead of sugar. Its bold flavors like lemon basil and raspberry pomegranate acai make vanilla and chocolate seem downright tepid. Try some in a homemade organic waffle cone or in a biodegradable cup and spoon made of sugar cane fiber. Open every day from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
7209 SW 59th Ave., South Miami; 305-663-9399; soliorganic.com
Sublime in Fort Lauderdale strives -- usually successfully -- to make vegan fare with mass appeal. Portobello "tenderloin," homemade "ricotta" and eggplant "sushi" are all tasty and cholesterol-free, as is everything on the menu. Even the wines and several spirits behind the bar are certified organic. Open for dinner Tuesday through Sunday from 5:30 to 10 p.m.
1431 N. Federal Hwy., Fort Lauderdale; 954-539-9000; sublimerestaurant.com
The menu at Seasons 52 changes four times a year, for every new season, but every item is always under 475 calories. (They get away with this by serving desserts in shot glasses. Order several.) Everything is fresh, and because the chefs go easy on butter and oils, individual ingredients shine through. Despite the calorie limit, even meat and seafood dishes are satisfying and filling. Open every day at 11:30 a.m. for lunch and 5 p.m. for dinner.
2428 E. Sunrise Blvd., Galleria Mall, Fort Lauderdale; 954-537-1052; seasons52.com
Markets, Clubs and Co-ops
Glaser Organic Farms hosts a farmers market in Coconut Grove most Saturdays. People choose their own organic fruits and vegetables, nuts, seeds, grains and dried fruits out of big cardboard boxes. Pick up some gourmet raw-food spreads, fruit pies and natural juices from an adjacent stand. 3300 Grand Ave., Coconut Grove; glaserorganicfarms.com.
The Organic Produce Buying Club of South Florida lets members buy about 20-40 lbs. of local, organic fruits and vegetables every other week for $43. Learn more at organicbuyingclubsofla.com.
Redland Organics in South Miami-Dade connects a network of farmers, providing fresh veggies, greens and (if you sign up early enough) eggs to members from Broward to the Keys. Memberships start at $360 for a five-month season. More info is at redlandorganics.com/csa.htm.
Web-based grocer Delicious Organics brings the co-op experience to your door. The North Miami Beach company delivers any of its 5,000-plus items throughout South Florida, or you can order online and pick it up. The minimum delivery order is $100, plus a delivery fee, but the company keeps prices below retail. Call 305-655-3344 or visit deliciousorganics.com.
The Slow Food movement is building a base in South Florida. Join at slowfoodmiami.com.
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What you said
I really enjoyed this article. As someone who has been contemplating switching to an organic lifestyle I found this article very uplifting. It's not going to be easy switching to all organic, but this gives me hope that there are restaurants and stores out there that accommodate this lifestyle. It's making the decision seem a lot easier. ... Read more
To add to the List of organic living,WHOLE FOODS MARKET in Coral galbes is open.Many people don't evn know that it is open but thats why im here to gret it in the open.Located across from the Shops at Sunset Place, one block east of US-1,it is a organics dream store.There produce department is wonderful with many options to choose from.There seafood is to die for with the most freshest salmon you can find.Meat department is outragous.They actaully have a age dryer where they place meats and they will slice it for you,WHATEVER YOU WANT THEY GOT IT.O did i forget the mention that you can pick your meat and have it grilled right in front of your face to your specification.Specialty department is full of cheese from around the world and many many bottles of wine oh my god.A sushi maki restaurant is also in there.
The prepared foods section is amazing and the even cater i order a few items from there on thanksgiving and christmans but they cater all year round.The bakery is ....................... oh i just caught myself drooling about the deserts.And when you buy all of the foods you can sit down in there cafeteria area outside or in the front area where there is a long countertop table all complete with free wi-fi acess out.The baggers are very fast during checkout time and if you want to know where something is or how it taste, then they will take you to the product and open the product for you.They have curbside service where they place your groceries in the car for you or if you parked down the street they will follow you to where ever (may be even mars).They have free parking upstairs on the second level whic is great and will be great for those rainy summer days you will remain dry the whole time (ramp on next street on sam remo ave)and you come down and shop and when your done it goes back up stairs where someone will help you out to your car. The complete address is 6701 Red Rd Coral Gables 33143 Hope To see You there.!!!!!!!!... Read more
ROMA Organic Gelato is highly recommended in Brickell. It might even be the best gelato place in town.
Also, Escopazzo, the Italian restaurant in South Beach, is all organic as well.
There's more farmer's markets in the area too, having local produce, but I don't know if they're organic.... Read more
Restaurants
Restaurants
- Toast rainy season with free shots at Bella Beach happy hour in Sunny Isles
- Feast on seasonal summer eats at Miami restaurants
- June dining events in Broward
- Fort Lauderdale's Sunfish Grill salutes the summer staycation with four new, limited edition menus
- Pancho Tacos brings authentic, cheap Mexican to Wynwood
- Top Chef alum Andrew D’Ambrosi continues the Pop-Up Harding Dinner Series in Surfside
- Toast the Taste of the Gables Thursday, May 31
- Villa Mayfair celebrates Memorial Day with Sunday brunch in Coconut Grove
- Feast on BBQ & beer at Edge, Steak & Bar May 29
- Angelique Euro Cafe celebrates National Egg Day with $4 tortilla in Coral Gables
