Maison d’Azur at the Angler’s Boutique Resort in Miami Beach
Maison d’Azur brings the phrase “seafood brasserie” to the lexicon of South Beach diners. Emerging from the ashes of a former transients’ hotel, the Angler’s Boutique Resort is HOT - and it’s chic new dining room is firing on all cylinders and climbing the Top 10 lists of foodies all over the city. Why? Well there are few French restaurants of any quality in town with such panache.
Servers are friendly and knowledgeable. The atmosphere fairly crackles with the buzz of a brand new hot spot. A DJ spins as an eagle-eyed captain keeps a lookout for a water glass needing a refill or a moment’s pause in the culinary action. Guests feel pampered but not smothered. It’s a delicate balance and one that the Maison got right almost from opening day.
Start with the St. Tropez style brunches or lavish multi-course suppers featuring towering “Plateaux de la Criée,” sparkling fresh towers of oysters & clams, shrimp & crab legs, whelks & periwinkles served for two as they do in the South of France. Serving classic French soups from chilled Vichyssoise to Fisherman’s Chowder and seafood hors d’ oeuvres like tiny crab cakes and tuna tartare, each meal starts out with new riffs on traditional French cuisine.
Landlubbers will appreciate the grilled brochettes, twin skewers of just-seared duck, chicken or Kobe beef served over fresh greens and a splash of vinaigrette. Kobe makes a second appearance lightly seared and paired with a decadent helping of truffle-infused macaroni and cheese that is as far from Mom’s recipe as you can imagine and absolutely delicious!
Seafood is sourced locally and flown in daily from all over the world. Fish is the house specialty and can be served whole or filleted table-side if you choose. Tender Mediterranean sardines, hearty red mullet or whole bronzini take pride of place next to Tazmanian ocean trout or delicate diver scallops. Selection varies as the freshest catch relies on the vagaries of the tide and the good fortunes of the fishermen.
Chef Gwenael Le Pape lends a signature touch to traditional lunchtime sandwiches including a cheese-filled Croque Monsieur which can be topped with 2 perfectly fried eggs and crisp frites. An opulent duck confit fills a crisp, pressed sandwich and the chef’s twist on the New England lobster roll with capers, chipotle and cilantro is perhaps the most elegantly simple and simply elegant midday meal you’ll ever love…
Master Mixologist Alex Ott creates specialty cocktails starting at $12 including strawberry lychee ginger mojitos, Jasmine-scented martinis, and a “love potion” of merlot, rose water, sweet basil and ginseng that should come with a warning label. The combination of fine food and drink, cosseting service and a dazzling atmosphere makes an evening at Maison D’Azur a genuine culinary event.
Bon Appétit
Maison D’Azur serves all day long starting at 7am and all night weekends until 4am.
Angler’s Boutique Resort
660 Washington Avenue
Miami Beach, FL
305-534-9600
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