Restaurants

Since the opening night in 2015, not a day has gone by where the restaurant called Alter wasn`t packed. It has a very lively atmosphere and a menu that constantly changes from time to time, which makes customers come back for more. Dinner is tasting menu-only, with a choice of either five or seven courses. We know, it sounds overwhelming, but once you’re in your seat, you’re in the chef’s very capable hands.

The kitchen is lead by Executive Chef Brad Kilgore, what makes Kilgore amazing? In Miami’s up-and-coming Wynwood neighborhood, Kilgore is serving some of the country’s most brilliant and playful dishes. His version of cassoulet features mahimahi, with rye bread, smoked white beans and serrano ham jus. Brad is a well-recognized Miami based chef originally from Kansas City with more than 10 years of experience working at fine dining restaurants, including Chicago’s L2O, Alinea and Boka

Alter’s cuisine is focused on locally sourced ingredients from Florida, with an emphasis on seasonal flavors. Alter offers 3 different options for tasting menus; a 5 course, 7 course, or 8 course Chef’s Counter experience.

Also, they offer an uncompromising selection of wines that span from top well-known producers to small artisanal growers from around the world. There is also an optional wine pairing that can be added to your experience.

It doesn’t take a seasoned detective to figure out that what is now one of Miami’s most experimental New American restaurants used to be a run-of-the-mill warehouse. The space still retains much of that gritty, industrial edge—at least as far as the design—with its concrete walls and floors, exposed ceilings, and an open kitchen that gives diners a peek at the magic that’s happening in the kitchen.

The only prerequisite for enjoying a meal at Alter is an adventurous spirit, and a willingness to put the fate of your meal in the hands of Kilgore and his team. The restaurant is a great choice for pretty much any occasion—just be prepared to let the meal be the main topic of conversation.

Visit their website at www.altermiami.com

In Miami, Florida there is a new spot in town that`s creating a buzz located at 1099 NE 79<sup>th</sup> Street. You may not have heard of this place called Ferraro`s Kitchen before but you will be glad that you have after we go through a short overview of what the place offers.

The owner`s name is Igor Ferraro he is a native from Venice, Italy. He is also the chef of the restaurant, his father was a wine producer which led to Igor`s interest in becoming a sommelier. With a background in the hospitality industry he successfully created a cooking school in Rome since 2012. He opened a gastro pub called Tramezzini which focused on Venetian dishes. In 2013 he brought his Italian cuisine to Coconut Grove at La Bottega, where he brought his passion for regional recipes using top quality ingredients. After two years, in September 2016 he opened his own restaurant Ferraro Kitchen in the MiMo district.

The restaurant is quite attractive, with an open kitchen, a wraparound bar and a dining room that seats about 38. It also has a fabulous patio with lounge seats and tables within a walled off private garden.

His menu is a journey through the flavors of Italy. Igor takes pride in providing the freshest and most natural ingredients.

The menu offers charcuterie, crudos, salads, pastas, soups, fish, seafoods and meats as well as a nice selection of vegetables. He has built classic recipes with top notch ingredients. For instance, his zuppa di pesce (fish soup) has the most tender calamari, and it also contained shrimp, octopus and fish in a flavorful and well-seasoned broth. The octopus carpaccio was sliced thinly and drizzled with a good quality olive oil, lemon and sea salt.

That is the only garnish you need when you are using quality products. Also the burrata, which was a fine example of what excellent burrata should taste like, with the milk oozing at first bite.

Drawing from his experience as a sommelier, Ferraro offers an extensive wine collection, heavy on Italians. His prices are fair and you may want to experience a super Tuscan or a great choice from another region in Italy.

Ferraro also happens to offer wine tasting courses as well as cooking classes. Guests get a chance to sample and learn about a variety of wines and Italian dishes.

For dessert, he offers a wide selection of cakes like limoncello cake and the tiramisu. Without a doubt, you must try the tiramisu, it merits a special mention. I am not usually one to order this, but the version here is dreamy and a highlight. The restaurant is open 7 days a week for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch.

I have personally tried some of their cuisines and I can honestly say that I am a new fan of Ferraro Kitchen, where everything is made from scratch and Igor cooks from the heart.

Visit there website at www.ferraroskitchen.com