Adventures of The Foodaholic: Baoli Miami

Friday, August 16, 2013

Baoli Miami

Think of Cannes, the Cote d' Azur and the French Riviera. Now add a little of the Miami bling bling and you have Baoli Miami, located at 1906 Collins Avenue in Miami Beach. One of four venues around the world operated by the Baoli Group, Baoli Miami is a restaurant and night club that offers Mediterranean cuisine influenced by the Orient. It is the Magic City's own version of the jet-setter, celebrity favorite, tailored after the elegant supper clubs in France. The outdoor courtyard offers a charming, French feel that transforms in the evenings to a vibrant party scene while the inside exudes a more intimate setting.

Head Chef Gustavo Vertone has recently revamped the menu, infusing a strong Asian influence into the globally inspired dishes. Along with Nobu's former sushi chef, Fnu "Danie" Armandani,
Vertone has added a myriad of sushi rolls to the already extensive menu, taking guests on a magical journey through several continents during their multi-course dinner.

I recently visited Baoli and indulged in a variety of their extravagant dishes, exotic cocktails and sophisticated ambiance. I have to say that the first thing that blew me away, besides the décor, was a new, refreshing cocktail I had at the bar. Crystal Passion, a sinful combination of caramel vodka, passion fruit puree, and fresh lime juice, kept most of us buzzing around the table. Served in a large cognac glass with crunched ice and a star fruit slice, it left a sweet taste in my mouth that, for some reason, reminded us all of butterscotch. I can't remember a cocktail I've enjoyed quite as much as this one.

Crystal Passion

But on to the food - it was August 6th and the jump start of an incredible promotion at Baoli where the new menu items are offered at half-price every Tuesday. In addition to the half-priced menu, Tuesdays also bring a unique wine specially selected by the sommelier and a cocktail list with preferential pricing (Again, I highly recommend the Crystal Passion). This special promotion is being offered through October 29th, so don't wait too long to take advantage of it. It's one of those experiences you'll want to try more than once.

I figure you probably want to see for yourself what it is I'm talking about so let me give you a glimpse into Baoli by parading a few of the memorable plates. Oh and please don't blame me for any refrigerator raids that occur from this point forward.

Foie Gras au Torchon
Terrine of foie gras on a brioche, served with fruit and
figs compote

Ahi Tuna Tartare
Fresh diced tuna mixed with avocado and kimchee lime
dressing, and served with artisan sesame sticks and a side of caviar
My all-time favorite!

Ceviche Mixto
Hamachi tuna, scallops, shrimp and Maine lobster, combined
with rocoto lime sauce and served with crispy plantain chips
This one flew off the plates!

Burrata & Tomato
Heirloom tomatoes sit under a creamy Buffala Mozzarella,
accompanied by olives, and drizzled with evvo

Roasted Beets
Yellow and red beets artfully served with feta cheese and
bathed with orange miso sauce

Grilled Tiger Prawns
Yakiniku BQ with smoky citrus soy sauce

Rack of Lamb
Flavorful herbs and so tender it practically fell of the bone


Filet Mignon - All the meat is Certified Angus Beef


Miso Broiled Sea Bass Unbelievable Chilean sea bass with bok choy, shitake and clear ocean broth


Australian Kobe Wagyu - Juicy and served with a creme of truffles

Hamachi Jalapeno
Light sushi roll prepared with soy paper, chopped Hamachi,
jalapeno garlic, cilantro, cucumber, avocado and wasabi mayo


Black Truffle Risotto- Served in a Parmesan Wheel Aquarello Organic rice with porcini broth and Mascarpone and topped with Black Truffle shavings One of my favorites of the night!