|
| Last Updated: December 10,2008 12:04:32 pm
|
|
 peaking of shrimp, George Costanza famously quipped, "Let's see how many I can fit in my mouth." The allure of small-bite food pervades not only classic 1990s television, but also modern cuisine. Despite the prevalence of nascent tapas joints, another one is far from unwelcome. Thus, the advent of Sra. Matinez in Miami's Design District has excited many a food-eater (um, everyone?).
From Michelle Bernstein (Michy), Sra. Martinez specializes in tapas, taking a Spanish paradigm and adding contempo-fusion to the mix. Divided between hot and cold options, the menu features bacon-wrapped dates, rabbit loin, gazpacho, roasted piquillos, and, for only-children and other share-haters (i.e. me), there's a steak option.
 Like any good tapas joint, the menu is vast and promising and includes a heaping of quickly churned out meat and cheese options. To supplement the commie-pleasing main attractions, Martinez will also offer cocktail and dessert options.
A former post office, the space has an inherent airiness. The warm palette meets intriguing flourishes, making the room striking but inviting. It's a lounge-ish aesthetic that befits the dining style.
Given the time of year, the newness of the venture, the location, the Chef's pedigree, and the alluring menu, Sra. Martinez should explode. Thus, reservations are a good idea. Additionally, as with any share-ready place, only dine with trusted and clean compatriots (David Puddy and other germaphobes are perfect).
|
AT A GLANCE
Sra. Martinez
4000 NE 2nd Avenue, Miami, FL
315-573-5474
Spanish
Design District
Venue:
Restaurant
Hours:
Mon. to Thu.: 6:00pm - 11:00pm Fri. and Sat.: 6:00pm - 2:00am
Price Range:
$$ (Affordable)
Payment:
Master Card, Visa, American Express
|
 |
THE BUZZ
|
|
|
IN THE AREA
|
|
|
|
|
6 Reader Reviews | liked most of the food, but was disappointed with the small plate dishes. The shell was too hard. The decor was sparse but pleasant. I enjoyed the wine I had. My fish wasn't amazing, but my friends halibut was great.
1. Andrew Faltas's Review :: December 27, 2008 Andrew Faltas's Rating: 3 Stars |
What can u say about this fabulous new cafe, the atmosphere, the staff and, to a certain degree, the food. C'est Magnifique! There are kinks to be worked out at Sra. Martinez... but this could be a great hot spot.
2. Sandra L. Benstead's Review :: December 26, 2008 Sandra L. Benstead's Rating: 3 Stars |
Many of my friends have asked me what my new favourite restaurant in Miami is... my response is now Sra. Martinez. There are many culinary traditions that I enjoy immensely -- but to bring the dining experience to the highest level requires attention to many different levels of the diner's needs. The palate, the taste -- is central, but the attendant issues are not tangibly less important.
Sra. Martinez delivers a dining experience that is intimate, compelling, and memorable.
3. Dale Marrin's Review :: December 25, 2008 Dale Marrin's Rating: 4 Stars |
Visited Sra. Martinez last night. Service, concept and pleasantness of dining experience get five stars unquestionably. If you can get here, you definitely should!
4. Dennis McCraig's Review :: December 25, 2008 Dennis McCraig's Rating: 3 Stars |
Scene and hype, yes. Delivery... well. There are places nearby and near enough that I'd go to before here. If you want to see and be seen, why not. Otherwise, Sra. Martinez is merely alright. Not great, not horrible. 2.5 stars.
5. Trent Gardiner's Review :: December 23, 2008 Trent Gardiner's Rating: 2 Stars |
My husband and I visited Sra. Martinez last night for dinner. The place is gorgeous and the staff pleasant. The food on the other hand was ridiculously expensive and we left hungry after eating the tiny, seemingly counted portion sizes. To describe Caldo Gallego,a hearty Spanish soup,as a "warm chicken soup...." is outrageous. Caldo Gallego has absolutely nothing to do with chicken. You made get away with that description in another city, where people are unfamiliar with Spanish cuisine. But, in a city like Miami, where so many residents come from Spanish descent and grew up with dishes like "Caldo Gallego", it's offensive to read that. The croquette portion for $9.00 was three very small croquettes, that were tasteless. Then came the Rabo Encendido. Any good Cuban or Spanish Restaurant would serve a generous portion of this oxtail delicacy, accompanied by rice,beans,plaintains for under $10.00.
Here on the other hand for $15.00, you get three tiny slices of baguette, with a small portion of meat on top.
If your goal is to socialize, the ambiance is pleasant. If your goal is to eat good tapas and authentic Spanish food, skip this place, there are numerous, quality Spanish restaurants in Miami.
6. Norma L's Review :: December 13, 2008 Norma L's Rating: 1 Stars |
|
|
  4000 NE 2nd Avenue, Miami, FL
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |