In a year that has brought much uncertainty to the world and the food world, one of the most anticipated restaurants of the year has still managed to open its doors in Miami — Mamey by Niven Patel. A member of Food & Wine magazine’s “Best New Chefs” class of 2020 and a James Beard Award nominee, Patel is best known for his Kendall eatery Ghee Indian Kitchen, so we were more than excited to take a first look at his latest creation.
One of our favorite things about Patel is that he sources a great deal of fruit, vegetables and herbs for his restaurants from Rancho Patel, his two-acre farm in Homestead. That produce is the star of many of his dishes, including starters that are perfect for sharing. Some of our favorites included the Vietnamese Caesar Salad made with Opal Basil, Parmigiano, Crispy Shallots, Croutons; the Roasted Beet Salad; the Yellowfin Tuna Tostones with tomato sofrito, scallion and piquillo pepper aioli; Tuna Poke; Corn & Callaloo Empanadas; Ghee Roasted Plantains made with Jerk Spiced Crema, Pickled Onions, Herbs; and the Ceviche with Coconut Leche de Tigre, Cachucha Peppers, Cilantro, Red Onion, and Avocado.
Larger dishes that were standouts include the Peri Peri Chicken with Thyme Roasted Potato, Broccolini, Meyer Lemon; Lemongrass Glazed Grouper with Bok Choy, Heirloom Carrots, Bamboo Rice, Thai Curry; and the Wagyu Churrasco with Yucca. Island Spinach, and Red Pepper Chimichurri. And of course you can’t forget dessert with the Jamaican Rum Cake with Toffee Sauce, Vanilla Bean Ice Cream; Churros with Cinnamon Sugar, Chipotle, Mexican Chocolate Sauce; and the table’s favorite, Key Lime Cheesecake Flan, yes – you read that correctly.
It wouldn’t be a full meal without cocktails, created by the Bar Lab team. Our favorites included the Que Banana made with Banana Infused Gin, Tiki Spice, Pimento Dram, Lime Juice; the Jerk Margarita with Agave, Fresh Watermelon, Jerk Infused Strawberry, Citrus; and the Island Fever.
Don’t sleep on this exciting Caribbean-inspired destination by one of Miami’s favorite chefs. Until then, enjoy some tasty pics below.