Matador Room at The Miami Beach EDITION
Stepping into The Matador Room's sunken oval dining room with a restored elegant 1950s chandelier overhead, the throwback glamour inside The Miami Beach EDITION's restaurant is a definite change from the traditional hotel spot.
The menu here is just as impressive as the decor, created by world-renowned chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten. Like the crispy, meaty Maitake mushrooms with goat cheese and fresno pepper vinaigrette as an appetizer to kick off the meal. Or perhaps something simple like the sweet pea guacamole served with warm crunchy tortillas.
Then you can segue to a couple of great entree selections. Try the most elevated pizza you'll ever have, topped with a variety of exotic mushrooms, three cheeses, garlic-parsley oil and a farm fresh egg or choose the just as unique take on arroz con pollo. The classic rice and chicken is topped with crisply crackling chicken skin and zingy lemon zest which is an unexpected surprise.
For dessert traditional choices like panna cotta and chocolate lava cake are the way to go and when they arrive you'll feel you're at a gallery or museum because they look like art on a plate.
The disk of cream-colored coconut panna cotta pops off the plate thanks to the hot pink color of the raspberry sorbet, fresh raspberries about the plate and swirl of raspberry sauce. The lava cake has an intricate design and is served with creamy vanilla ice cream, dusting of powdered sugar and streak of rich chocolate.
Once the meal's over, a walk in the lobby or outdoors by the pool is a must. The elegance of the dining room is equaled in the welcoming, warm lobby. And poolside you'll love the original diving board and sundial, circa 1955 and fully restored to their original glory.Matador Room at The Miami Beach EDITION, 2901 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, 786-257-4600. http://www.matadorroom.com/
