‘Every restaurant needs to evolve’: This Miami hot spot has reopened after renovation
After being closed for four months, the restaurant that jump-started Miami’s Design District is open again.
Just in time for its 15th birthday, Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink has reopened after an expansion and redesign, with new decor and kitchen space twice the size of the original. There’s a bigger, brighter dining room with high ceilings and a renovated courtyard, together offering space for 200 diners.
And for those summer evenings when the rain clouds gather overhead, there’s even an retractable roof to make outdoor dining feasible. Want a good view of the busy kitchen? Sit at the Chef’s Table in the middle of all the bustle.
The menu underwent a renovation, too. New additions include whole roasted tuna collar prepared Sicilian style; wood-roasted Camembert with chanterelle mushrooms; long-cooked squash and lamb Massaman curry.
But don’t fret: Favorites like the wood oven-roasted octopus, stracciatella and pan-roasted poulet rouge are still available.
Weekday happy hour is back, too, with half off wines, beers and cocktails and snack items.
Chef Michael Schwartz, also the force behind Harry’s Pizzeria and Amara at Paraiso, said the time had come for a change.
“Every restaurant needs to evolve, and after 14 years we felt it was time for Michael’s Genuine to undergo a refresh,” he said. “It was essential to keep the spirit of Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink alive in all aspects.”
Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink
Where: 130 NE 40th St., Miami
Open: 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m. Monday-Thursday; open til midnight on Friday and Saturday
Reservations: OpenTable or 305-573-5550
