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lovemiamilovemybicycle

Posted on Thu, 10.01.2009 @ 07:29

My new favorite spot ~ my little neighborhood is growing up! Mussels and frites are perfect, cocktails are sophisticated, simple but creative (not south beach-y) and the staff is great.... Read more

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First Look:

Urbanite Bistro

9/27/2009

Sara Liss

Member rating:

• Urbanite Bistro
  62 NE 14th St, Miami
  305-374-0662

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The goods: The dining scene downtown gets a jolt of culinary excitement in the form of Urbanite Bistro, the latest restaurant to open in the area now being dubbed the “Arts and Media District.” If you're catching a performance at the Adrienne Arsht Center or heading to the Vagabond nightclub for a night out, you'll want to swing by this sophisticated spot for an informal dinner and an intriguing menu that warrants repeat visits. The neighborhood is...still in transition. Meaning, don't stray too far from the entrance if you're not accustomed to inner-city grit. But luckily, there's free valet at the restaurant, which is both convenient and necessary.

Amabiance: Chef and owner Frank Imbarlina has a big city pedigree, having opened popular gastropub Brass Monkey in New Jersey. He brings a polished, rustic  vibe to this spot, outfitting it with dark wooden tables, an inviting bar at the entrance and decorating the walls with work from local artists. The restaurant will also host art openings regularly to correspond with the changing works on display.

The grub: Eclectic American cuisine. The menu dots around the globe with North African, Asian and French influences, plus a few oddball items  - alligator egg rolls, for one - that keep things interesting. Prices are moderate in keeping with the informal digs – starters or “tastings” will run $9-$14 while mains are in the mid-$20's. There's also a creative list of burgers like the tuna sashimi burger (made from ground sushi-grade fish) and plenty of vegetarian-friendly options like mushroom empanadas with vegan gravy and orange-glazed tofu. Start off the meal with the duck confit ravioli (made with pasta from North Beach's Mr. Pasta) and a plate of shrimp corn dogs, battered with a sweet polenta breading. The duo of Morrocan lamb sliders are enlivened with a spicy harissa mayo and side of tabbouleh while the mu shu dumplings prepare the palate for Asian classics like pad thai. Main include a hefty grouper with ancho-chili glaze served with blue corn bread and broccoli and a whole pan seared snapper served with crunchy truffle chips.

If you're into wine you're in luck as Urbanite's wine list offers over thirty types by the glass including a Riesling from King Estate (Washington) for $9 and an Italian Sangiovese from Rocca di Montemassi also priced at $9. There's also an enviable list of rare beers on hand like a Rogue Brewery Mocha Porter for $8 and a $6 Pumpkin Ale from Maine's Shipyard Brewery.

Verdict: A sophisticated menu and wallet-friendly wine list ought to satisfy the hipsters that frequent this nightlife-oriented stretch of downtown.