Sugarcane Rawbar Grill - Miami

2011-06-02T21:59:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine mentioned this restaurant in Miami. I decided we should take a trip and try the drinks and fare. The location of this restaurant is in the Miami Design District, an area as unique as the people that live there.

The restaurant is located hidden away from the public behind a wall of nicely manicured bushes within the a beautiful plaza surrounded by skyscraper condos. Upon entering the restaurant, you are greeted by several beautiful hostesses who are eager and waiting to assist you. The restaurant has an eclectic feel to it. The design is that of a South American Colonial design with a rustic touch and a warm feel.

This is all brought together by the celebrated Executive Chef Timon Balloo, who also has was instrumental in the success of SushiSamba. Sugarcane’s emphasis on seasonal, local ingredients and the industry’s sustainability efforts have given rise to Balloo’s specialty dishes crafted from his daily inspirations and the market’s freshest offerings. Of these spotlight selections, Balloo’s Whole Roasted Chicken, served with truffle fingerling potatoes and shiitake mushrooms, has become the talk of the town.

I decided to order a Mojito from the bar, which wraps partially around the interior and the brush covered exterior. The bartenders were also very friendly and hospitable. My bartender served me a delicious Mojito. I must say its one of the best prepared mojitos I've ever tasted. My friend ordered a rather rare drink called the Blackberry Toast, combining freshly muddled oregon blackberries, housemade secret syrup and Jim Beam Kentucky Bourbon, another excellent choice.

Shortly after being seated we were greeted by our server, who understood the menu and answered all our questions. The menu consists of the several sections, including the Robata (prepared by the fire side) The Raw/Sushi Bar, and Tapas Bar. We made several choices from the Tapas menu including the Bacon-wrapped dates, which I must say were amazing, the bacon was cooked to perfection, the dates were stuffed with Manchego cheese and Liguica chorizo. We also enjoyed lamb meatballs seasoned with Harissa spices. Duck and Waffles was a play on the classic chicken and waffles, a duck leg confit with a mustard maple sauce. This was followed by Skirt steak and thin crust flat bread from the Robata grill. We finished off the with steamed pork buns and Kobe sliders, the perfectly cooked burgers were finished with a quail egg.

Several drinks later we must say we thoroughly enjoyed our first visit to Sugarcane, I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for new exciting flavors. I would clearly give this restaurant a thumbs up!

By: Joel Espelosin

How to Find This Restaurant....

SUGARCANE

3250 NE 1st Ave
Miami, FL 33127

(786) 369-0353

FOOD AND WINE SPOT

Sugarcane Rawbar Grill - Miami