In May, Miami’s beloved James Beard Award-winning chef, Michael Schwartz, opened his latest restaurant Tigertail + Mary. The fresh vegetable-forward concept named after the intersection it sits on is surrounded by Coconut Grove’s lush landscape, and even has its own herb garden that provides the kitchen with fresh herbs on a daily basis.
As Miami’s cooler months approach, Tigertail + Mary is an ideal spot for a lovely outdoor (or indoor if you so choose, where guests can enjoy the open format kitchen) brunch. Sunday brunch is served from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., but those who are thirsty are welcome to sit at the bar as early as 10:30 a.m. where beverages comprise of light brunchy cocktails like the Cool As A Cucumber made with basil-infused vodka, fennel syrup, and cucumber or the Via Abitare made with rosé, pamplemousse, dry vermouth, St. Germain, and lemon. Hardcore brunch aficionados will find comfort with the Bottled Bloodys by Miami’s own Bar Lab with eight options of spirits to select from and two mixes: Santa Maria, a classic tomato and harissa; or the Niña, a juicy option with carrot, mango, and pepper.
Of course, there’s plenty of food to help soak up the Sunday Funday drinking. The menu is broken down into three sections: Starters + Small, Plates, and Things. Starters consist of must-have dishes such as the Crab + Avocado Toast piled high with crab meat and a fennel and lemon confit and the Fideos, tiny noodles with chorizo, littleneck clams, sea beans, and garlic aioli. Those who prefer to nosh on something sweet at brunch can opt for the Alpine ‘Kaiserschmarren’ Torn Pancakes filled with rum raisins and topped with powdered sugar. These bite-sized pancake pieces are sinfully delicious and easily addicting. Other starters include oysters, tuna crudo, housemade labneh, and roasted beet salad.
When it comes to entrees, diners will find a mix of classic brunch dishes: Chilaquiles, French Toast, Steak and Eggs, and a Smoked Salmon Bagel. Schwartz knows his way around a pizza, so naturally, the brunch menu features a Breakfast Pizza with onion bechamel, egg, chives, and crispy leeks, as well as a pepperoni pizza with oregano and hot honey. Unexpected egg dishes include a twist on a classic Eggs Benedict made with duck confit, pikliz, and truffle hollandaise; or the Eggs in Purgatory with bone marrow, tomato, chili flake, red onion, and anchovy. Round out the meal with the Things portion of the menu where Lamb-stuffed Fried Olives, daily Baked Goods, and Plantain Chips take center stage.
Tigertail + Mary by Michael Schwartz is a perfect spot to sit back, relax, and take in the beauty of one of Miami’s oldest neighborhoods while sharing a lovely brunch with friends and family. Not in the mood for a full brunch? Check out the counter-service cafe that’s open daily at 8 a.m. serving quick bites and easy breakfast food.
