Asia Major
The life-size gold gorilla statue that greets visitors at Mandrake says it all. This place does not hold back. With bold design touches that include chairs covered in florals and a bas relief of a rhino, the eatery is the latest effort by the owners of Kiki on the River. The menu is all about Asian flavors with izakaya plates that run the gamut from pork belly to duck gyoza, as well as larger main dishes like pan-seared chicken and the grilled 32-ounce Tomahawk rib-eye. 210 23rd St., Miami Beach, 305.397.8036
World Flavors
Fusion seems to be the operative word at Myn-Tu, a French-Japanese eatery by Romain Zago. Here, executive chef Merryl Villacorta and sushi master Seiya Noborikawa combine flavors via dishes such as Asian tacos with lobster or tuna, as well as yuzu tofu avocado and crispy wonton and slow-roasted orange duck with Mandarin orange sauce. The dessert menu includes standouts such as almond cake with espresso and chocolate ganache. Cocktails (which are served until 5AM), include concoctions such as Everything is Better With Bubbles, a mix of Grey Goose vodka, strawberry puree, lime juice and simple syrup topped off with Champagne. 1905 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, 786.216.7790
Sunny Side Up
Anticipation is high for LAID Fresh. The new fast-casual concept from restaurateurs Steven Haigh and Michael Lewis (of KYU) offers an egg-forward menu (you read that correctly) with local farm eggs cooked in a multitude of ways, including fried, served with sausages or with cheese sauce on a potato brioche bun (and that’s just for starters). Other options include fried chicken sandwiches and fried beignets. 250 NW 24th St., Miami, 305.699.0601
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