Bagatelle's the spot for dinner and a show
I'd seen the atmosphere with all the bells and whistles (literally) and plenty of dancing around tables that happens at Bagatelle for their brunch, it was all over Instagram. It's kind of what kept me away but...when I was invited to check out a recent 10-course Chef's Table menu on a Wednesday when they host their Latin night I was happy to check it out.
The performance that evening by a couple of salsa dancers was a bit more subdued than the brunch atmosphere however, they do stop by the tables to encourage diners to join them on the dance floor.
But enough about the show for me, the star that night was the food, and the tasty rosé sangria that kicked off the evening. That's because the shareable plates they brought out were abundant and deliciously prepared and served family style. That made from great camaraderie with fellow diners.
A few salads, including the Salade Bagatelle with tender butter head lettuce, herbs, parmegiano regggiano and tangy vinaigrette and Salade d'Endives with Belgium endive, blue cheese mousse, candied walnuts and Anjou pear were great starters.
Ceviche and two types of tartar followed. Yellowfin tuna tartar with avocado salad and lime soy vinaigrette was one and Black angus raw beef tartar with crispy risotto cakes, traditional condiments and harissa aioli was the other. Both were equally delectable and the Black angus is a new menu item. The ceviche was made with mixed seafood, leche de tigre, traditional Peruvian choclo (corn), avocado, red onion and cilantro. Refreshing and light.
Then came the mains with an impressive Mezze platter and everything Greek/Mediterranean under the sun. Squash hummus (very unique), baba ghanoush, falafel, spanakopita, walnut baklava, pita bread, haloumi cheese and labneh yogurt for dipping.
A rich homemade Parisian gnocchi with black truffle sauce and aged parmesan cheese; grilled mahi mahi with roasted cauliflower, trumpet royale grapes and pine nuts in brown butter and my favorite, the whole roasted chicken with country style potatoes, caramalized cipollini onions, button mushrooms and thyme chicken jus. Simple and perfect, all of them!
The mushroom pizza was a special surprise not on the menu and was a welcome one for sure.
I didn't stay for dessert and totally regretted it once I saw photos of the creme brulee and macarons.
If you like a little entertainment (or a lot of it which we already determined comes during brunch) and a well thought out, no fuss, simple, traditional menu that's truly memorable, grab a table at Bagatelle.
Bagatelle, 220 21 St., Miami Beach, (305) 704-3900
