Sunday I had brunch with 30 of my super passionate “Food Friends” at Sugarcane Raw Bar Grille in midtown Miami. It was my first time there but at least half of the group has been there before and dare I say it, are regulars. Fanatic ‘Sugarcane’ worshippers to be more exact. No question the attendees at this brunch are the who’s-who of good taste, exotic taste and experimental taste in South Florida each with their own fervent opinion on what tastes good and this very special brunch at ‘Sugarcane’ was no exception.
There were just a handful of us who have never experienced Sugarcane Raw Bar Grille and the rest of the gang proudly guided us through the menu as a beaming parent would brag of their child winning first place at the science fair. No joke, these ‘Sugarcane’ fans are serious. They are avid fans of the restaurant and are fiercely devoted to the culinary talents of Timon Balloo the Chef de Cuisine. After being a part of the Sugarcane Raw Bar Grill experience I have to agree wholeheartedly that ‘Sugarcane’ has mastered the fine art of customer service and exciting food creations with a welcoming-stay-put ambiance which is what casts a deliriously delicious spell over its guests resulting in loyal repeat diners.
Our seven course menu was one gastronomic adventure after another. To quench our thirst we were served endless pours of Caipiroskas, Mojitos and the house specialty, Spice of Love. We started with lobster bisque garnished with two bite-sized lobster beignets. Then we moved on to the salad courses we were served two salads; a chilled bacalao, tomato, caper and chick-pea salad generously garnished with thick slices of a rustic country bread and a braised romaine golden beet burrata salad. The surprise dish of the afternoon was duck and waffles. I’m still speechless. Duck and Waffles, again my cherished readers this was a gastronomic adventure. The dish that caused the most elation and border lined active food porn was our next course, the crispy poached egg served with asparagus and duck confit. Holding final culinary court was the Timon Balloo nouveau-classic, Whole Roasted Chicken with truffle fingerling potatoes and robata corn. No brunch is complete without a bit of sweet and for dessert we sinfully indulged on the house made almond milk blanc manger with drunken cherries.
This was not your ordinary Sunday brunch. This is not an ordinary restaurant. Sugarcane Raw Bar Grill under the creative talent of Chef Timon Balloo and General Manager Joshua Rubinstein have taken the ordinary and made it extraordinary. Click here to view photos from the brunch. Sugarcane Raw Bar Grill 3250 NE 1st Ave. Miami, FL 33137 (786) 369-0353
