Novecento in Aventura

Aventura just got a little more exciting. You don't have to drive down to Brickell or Coral Gables anymore to fill your heart's desire with Argentinian dishes with a refreshing twist. Recently opening their 11th location in the Town Center at 18831 N. Biscayne Blvd., Novecento has brought its fun ambiance, exciting food and extensive wine list to the north part of town.

Having been to the other Novecento locations in Miami, one thing I noticed about this one is a more relaxed, casual feel. It's got the same great food and attentive service, but in a more laid-back setting. We started off the night with a nice Malbec from their wine cellar and took a look at the menu. A smoky, alluring aroma filled the air, and I realized it came from their wood-burning brick oven. Aha! I knew what I was having first: one of their delicious flatbreads. There are over nine to choose from and we went for the Capricciosa, a cheesy delight made with tomato sauce, mozarella, ham, mushrooms and artichokes. It was crispy on the outside and oozing with creamy mozzarella on top. Didn't I tell you there was a refreshing twist to their Argentinian cuisine? It was gone in the blink of an eye.

Capricciosa Flatbread

Ceviche Con Tostones

Tartar de Atun y Camaron

Next, we journeyed over to an entirely different continent and ordered the Ceviche con Tostones. Talk about an intercultural marriage! The ceviche was fresh and light; a mix of fish marinated in lime juice, with jalapeno peppers and avocado. I loved scooping it on top of the fried green plantains it was served with to enjoy the combination of textures on the dish. From here, we decided to travel "Under The Sea" to a colorful array of Tartar de Atun y Camaron (Tuna and Shrimp Tartare). This was not your ordinary tartare but rather an original rendition of my signature favorite. The ahi tuna was marinated in soy, and combined with chunks of shrimp, cherry tomatoes, lime caviar, and toasted bread, then drizzled with balsamic vinegar and droplets of aioli. I thought that was one seriously imaginative and palate-pleasing tartar!

Picada Criolla

You're probably thinking, "When does the traditional Argentinian food come out?" Bam, here it is: The Picada Criolla; a tasting platter for two of tender and perfectly seasoned skirt steak served with chimichurri sauce, grilled chicken, chorizo (sausages) and their famous chicken and beef empanadas. Oh yeah, let's do the tango, baby. We were poking on the sticks, grabbing, rolling our eyes back in carnivorous delight, and it was all very, very good.

Once composed, we ordered dessert. We tried their Panqueques con Dulce de Leche y Helado. This sweet ending consisted of warm crepes filled with dulce de leche, and topped with powdered sugar. Smiling down from the top was a scoop of vanilla ice-cream, strawberries and whipped cream. This was definitely an adventure to be repeated.

Novecento in Aventura is open for lunch, dinner and weekend brunch and they offer Happy Hour everyday from 4pm to 7pm. For more information, you can call them at 305-466-0900 or visit them online at http://www.novecento.com/.