We all know too well that planning a date night is easier said than done. But what if we could have a day date instead? Often times it’s easier to find a sitter, a trusted friend or a family member willing to watch our kids for the better part of the day than in the evening. Plus, we won’t be getting home super late and tired dreading how early our little ones will wake us up the next day.
So when The National Hotel invited me to try their Tamara’s Bistro brunch menu, I knew it would be a perfect date day. We dropped the kids off at my brother’s house, sneaked away and headed to Miami Beach for a a few hours of well deserved parents time off.
Nestled in Miami Beach's celebrated Art Deco neighborhood (1677 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139), the National Hotel is literally two blocks away to Lincoln Road and Ocean Drive. My husband and I rarely venture over to this area of town for a date but after seeing this iconic hotel's pictures and hearing about its brunch, I knew I needed to check this place out.
If not for the address, upon stepping into the foyer of the recently renovated hotel, you wouldn’t believe you were still in South Beach. Recognized by Historic Hotels of America for maintaining its architectural authenticity and sense of place, this timeless beachfront hotel has been turning heads since 1939, when it first opened.
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The interiors evoke the Art Deco era through its uniquely curated art collection and many original furnishings, such as the re-upholstered “barrel” chairs in the lounge and lobby, polished chrome light fixtures illuminating public areas, and the terrazzo flooring in the Martini Room cigar bar. My favorite Deco touch? The colorful mosaic ceiling depicting an Art Deco scene in the style of the famous artist, Tamara de Lempicka, the namesake of Tamara’s Bistro.
Adjacent to the lobby, Tamara's Bistro has a choice of inside and outside dining areas. We were greeted and seated al-fresco in the patio overlooking Miami Beach’s longest infinity-edge pool nestled amongst native palms, bougainvilleas and tropical foliage.
In a timely manner the very personable restaurant manager presented the menu, created by Executive Chef Matthew McDonald. A unique twist on fine French dining, mixed with American and Mediterranean inspired cuisine, the food offering speaks of old Gatsby glamour with New World fusion.
The Brunch menu ($35 per person + $25 for bottomless mimosas) begins with breakfast choices, moving onto entrees and then a selection of home-made desserts proving to be simple yet refined.
Both of us were unable to look past the breakfast buffet with an array of charcuterie and cheese, chicken apple sausage, bacon and eggs, colorful fruit salads, assorted breads, etc. It was filling, nicely presented and gratifyingly rich.
I was told by the manager that the Grilled Sirloin Satays was an absolute must! He was right, it was delicious. The description says “Cocunut Ginger Rice, Teryiyaki, Jerked BBQ, Mango Sweet and Sour Sauces”. Looks like a lot of sauces, right? Mmm, nope. Especially the Mango Sauce balances perfectly with the sweet and tangy flavors from the marinade.
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My husband loved his Scottish Benedict - a brunch classic with an unusually cooked Smoked salmon, two perfect poached eggs, English muffin, heirloom tomato, spinach and Hollandaise sauce on top.
We finished with the chef-special Key Lime Pie and wonderful Chocolate mousse. Smiling like a child discovering the joy of chocolate for the first time, I found myself thinking that this was a truly spectacular way to end the meal.
My conclusion. There is nothing quite as relaxing as brunch in a sophisticated setting, where the food is beautifully presented and plentiful, and the need for decision-making is minimal. Think a breathtaking view and a piano accompaniment to elevate the experience.
Tamara’s Bistro brunch is offered on Sundays, from 11 am to 3pm. For more info , visit Tamara's Bistro website.
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