We have to admit, when Balazs rolled-out of the Raleigh we felt like the hotel lost a bit of its celebrity mojo. The once small and glamorous rooms began to just feel small and the infamous pool lost a bit of the show-off gusto it had in previous years. But along comes chef sensation Michael Schwartz to revamp the patio eatery. The scene is a familiar one, located under a cluster of mature shade trees on the back patio facing the infamous Raleigh pool in the shadow of the art-deco building that's been a Miami style icon since the 1940s. Inside, a swank lobby bar offers lobby-based martini scene as well as great people watching as guests and models crisscross the lobby en route to rooms and in-house outpost of Ford Models.
The Food
The man behind such fashionable kitchens as Michael's Genuine recreates a modern hotel brasserie menu with the sex appeal of an iconic South Beach eatery not easily duplicated at newer properties like the Soho Beach House or W South Beach. A raw bar menu offers chilled selections of crab claws, shrimp cocktail and oysters arranged in generous platters ideal for sharing. Feel-good portions of truffle fries and fried sides compliment heartier appetizers like beef or tuna carpaccio with black truffle or hefty salads topped with shaved Parmesan and wand of black pepper. Main course is a mix of white cod de-boned tableside, grilled rib-eye with grilled vegetables and French lamb chops with hints of rosemary and thyme.
Last Word
It’s always been on of Miami’s sexiest outdoor dining room now with hipster chef that comes ala Miami Design District with weekend DJs and new infusion of cool.
