El'Eat

PEI Mussels

You know the saying "good things come in small packages"? It doesn't apply here. Meet El'Eat Restaurant and Lounge, the flashy new restaurant that just opened in North Miami Beach at 3207 N.E. 163 Street. You wouldn't know from standing outside just how spacious it is, but wait until you get inside. Decorated with chandeliers, white flowy curtains and an eclectic mix of furniture, the place is huge, sporting enough room for dinner, drinking, dancing and any other "d" you may want to do.

I had the opportunity to come in and check out a large portion (is everything here large?) of El'Eat's menu and I was impressed. Executive Chef Will Biscoe, who brings El'Eat a combination of talent, experience and innovation, puts together a diverse menu that features everything from caviar to burgers.

Kale Salad

Grilled Asparagus Salad

Avocado Fritters

Our evening began with a sampling of the Garden and Apps section of the menu.. The Kale Salad was delicious, served with a braised and crispy smoked pork belly, while the Grilled Asparagus Salad had a fun twist. It was crowned with a fried egg and sprinkled with Manchego Cheese and parsley crumbs. Being a fan of the ever popular avocado, I enjoyed El'Eats' preparation of the green goddess. Their Avocado Fritters were a flavor and texture festival of crispy-breaded and cumin-seasoned avocado wedges, topped with sweet and spicy dynamite sauce.

Jumbo Lump Crab Cake

Crispy Calamari

Oysters

Next up, we sampled the Jumbo Lump Crab Cake, a tasty and tender treat of Maryland Crab seasoned with Old Bay and served with a grainy mustard sauce, followed by their Crispy Calamari, flash fried and drizzled with Thai Peanut Sauce, and a plate of scrumptious Oysters.

Sauteed Garlic Shrimp

Grilled Red Snapper

Crispy Pork Shank

My favorite appetizer of the night was the Sauteed Garlic Shrimp. It reminded me of an old southern favorite, a mix of biscuits and gravy, with white wine, tomatoes, lemon butter sauce and corn butter. Delicious.



Their entrees include a variety of steaks cooked on the grill, fish and chicken. I particularly enjoyed the Grilled Red Snapper, served with braised leeks and cabbage, pink grapefruit and kalamata olives, as well as the flavorful Crispy Pork Shank, served over a bed of Feijoada style black bean stew and oranges. If you are a fan of creamy mac & cheese, you'll love their Lobster version, a creamy, decadent tease for the palate.

Lobster Macaroni & Cheese

Chocolate Crunch Bar with
Pistachio Ice Cream

Chef Will's Famous Valrhona
Chocolate Chunk Cookies

All good things must come to an end, but the end can be so sweet. There are plenty of delectable desserts to choose from on El'Eat's menu. Two of my guilty pleasures were the Chocolate Crunch Bar with Pistachio Ice Cream (enough said) and Chef Will's Famous Valrhona Chocolate Chunk Cookies. These are definitely a must-have, even if you doggie-bag them.

For more information on El'Eat or to make reservations, visit their website or call them at 786-440-7104.