Lookout Miami, there’s a new, SMOKIN’ HOT restaurant heating things up on South Beach. This weekend I had the pleasure of previewing the newest and quite possibly, one of the sexiest restaurants on the beach and here’s a look inside. Say hello to Tantalize.
This is not just another restaurant to hit the scene, it’s a whole experience. From the decor and intricate accents, the lighting, the entertainment along with the themed cocktails and the mouth-watering menu items, Tantalize is a pleasure for all your senses, so the name is perfectly fitting.
From the street you see nothing but a black door with no sign of life inside, but walk through the doors and you are met with a beautiful parlor adorned with crystal chandeliers, an intimate bar, and ornate gold framed mirrors on black walls. You feel as though you are stepping in to a sexy boudoir and escaping the fast Miami life.
As you take a seat at the bar as you wait for your reservation, expect to be greeted by the knowledgeable bartenders who will whip up a sexy cocktail for you such as the Tantalizer, the Teaser, the Seducer, the Provocateur, the Temptress, the Lover, the Indulger or the Pleaser. (I’ll take one of each please!). My drink of choice for the evening was the Tantalizer- careful now this one will easily creep up on you, but it tastes so good, you can’t have just one.
After getting my mouth wet, it was time to make my way in to the main room where you continue to see the decadence and the lavishness continued on from the foyer. Bright red velvet walls, grand chandeliers, and a stage front and center on both the second and first floor. I was escorted to my table where it was times to enjoy the masterfully crafted meal designed by James Beard Award Semifinalist, Chef Horacio Rivadero. For the preview dinner there was an abridged version of the menu that gave us just enough the magic that’s to come and left me yearning for more.
For appetizers I chose the B&B a light refreshing dish with strawberries, roasted red and yellow beets, Mashe lettuce, Goat cheese mousse, drizzled with a balsamic glaze and strawberry vinaigrette. This dish was so simple yet so flavorful and the freshness of the ingredients shined through in every bite. Along with the B&B I ordered the Wagu Sirloin Beef Tartar. This crudo came served with horseradish, scallions, baby sweet cornichons, crispy shallots, topped with a sunny side quail egg, Hungarian paprika and toast- a must have!
As we proceeded on to the entrees it was time for a little peep show action. Throughout the night what makes this such a one-of-a-kind experience is entertainment which seems to tie everything together from the music to the dancing paired with the cocktails and dinner, you feel as though you are transported to a different time and place. The shows are an homage to old Hollywood glam era with beautiful, sensual performers, dance numbers, and a little teasing. Think along the lines of a South Beach take on Moulin Rouge mixed with Chicago along with a little bit of Christina Aguilera in Burlesque, throw in some Bob Fosse style dance moves and complete with a hint of 50 Shades of Grey that all together combine to give you a show of seduction, intrigue, delight and a bit of strip tease all in one. You almost forget you’re there for dinner.
Soon after, dinner was served. I mean, to be honest, there is no other way to explain this than to say it was a symphony of flavors that danced beautifully together. The two dishes I tried, the Cuban Boxer and the Cobia, were cooked to perfection. The Cuban Boxer featured a braised pork shoulder sitting on top of a yuca with mojo mash over a black bean puree, topped with pickled cabbage salad; I mean WOW, this pork melted in my mouth. Then I took a bite of the Cobia which was paired with a chorizo and plantain gremolata, hearts of palm escabeche, a clam mojo, and served along with balsamic glazed roasted plantains and Brussel Sprouts- umm yeS, yES, YES! Light, yet packing flavors and textures. You had the soft roasted plantains, the crunch from the gremolata and the Cobia, light, fluffy- just plain delicious.
I could have ended my night there having pleasured my taste-buds all night, but of coarse the night wouldn’t be complete without a little dessert. My suggestion, you have to have the Flan de Chocolate made with fennel, raspberry, and “Morir Soñando” Ice Cream- the end! The dessert was a perfect ending to such a whimsical evening.
Owners Dr. Carlos and Gladys Sanchez, most certainly have a winner here. They have spared no expense to ensure guests feel entertained on every level. It’s not just a restaurant, its a sensual dining destination that you will want to come back over and over again to make sure you get a chance to try everything on the menu.
The two-story restaurant holds seating for up to 150 guests and offers two private private dining rooms: the State Room (up to 20 guests) and the Crystal Chandelier Room (up to 60 guests), where you can host a evening for you and your friends.
From the start to finish, Tantalize promises to bring a little breath of fresh air to South Beach and with nightlife impresario, Gerry Kelly leading the Marketing, we can be sure there’s so much more to see.
Doors are now open as of Tuesday June, 9th starting at 7pm. Make sure to make a reservation to see it for yourself.
For more of the menu and an inside look at Tantalize click here.
Tantalize will be open Tuesday through Sunday from 7pm to closing. For reservations email info@tantalizemiami.com.
Tantalize
330 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach, FL 33139; www.tantalizemiami.com
(305) 695-1401
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