MMMMMMMakoto

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Bal Harbour shops is a mecca of luxury north of Miami- Valentino and Fendi and Chanel Oh My! Far from your typical mall, Bal Harbour has an open air-setting that envelops shoppers in a sense of serenity that leads to some serious spending. The Valet stand is over-looked by two of Bal Harbour’s restaurants, as diners are treated to a constant parade of Bentleys and Ferraris, the men who drive them and the women who love them for it. This is some serious BYOB- Bring your own Birkin, and The Pants always make a trip when we are in Miami.

Recently I was lucky enough to be treated to a different kind of luxury experience in the form of a four course meal at Makoto, Bal Harbour’s swoon worthy spot for sushi and Japanese fusion fare. The Fashionable Feast was a special mix of foodies and fashionistas, and everyone knew their Manolos from their maki. The Moet bubbly was flowing and the conversation was equally as sparkling, but we were all rendered just about speechless by the parade of yummy food that was presented. Living in NYC, I am truly able to be a sushi snob, and I have to say that Chef Makoto’s deft hand at handling and respecting his raw ingredients was impressive; his skills with the cooked preparations were laudable as well, making dishes that are both familiar and inventive at the same time.

The first course was presented on three plates: Dish one- tuna air bread, caesar foam, tomato red onion and a spicy tuna crispy rice number. Dish two- wahoo carpaccio with orange ponzu and crispy carrot. Dish three- kobe beef carpaccio, ginger, garlic, mitsuba and truffle oil. The wahoo was my favorite thing that I ate all day- perfectly sliced, with a decent amount of spiciness and the crunch of the carrots for some texture- truly outstanding. The beef carpaccio reminded me of the new-style sashimi at Nobu, with the hot truffle oil heating the beef ever so slightly; the truffle and the fat of the kobe lead to a silky, decadent melt in your mouth experience. The other two appetizers were interesting- the tuna caesar thing was tasty, like a creative hors d’ouevres at an event; I know that some people will be coming after me with pitchforks for saying this, but the tuna with crispy rice was not my favorite, SORRY.

Did I mention that there was amazing Moet Imperial flowing? Yummmm

The sushi course was presented beautifully in this fancy ice thing, and everything was fresh and flavorful; proper simple presentation of really fresh fish. Someone clearly knows how to cut and prepare sushi, and I can’t wait to return to try some more.

To round out the savory dishes: The grilled skirt steak is one skirt that will always be in style; the Chef described the sauce that he served with it as a sort of guacamole, and it was truly delicious. The salmon ponzu with crispy brussel sprouts was perfect- the salmon was moist and nicely glazed with a gentle sweetness that reminded me of an upscale teriyaki sauce- I would definitely order this dish for dinner. The frosty kobe fried rice with foie gras, shichmi and jidori egg was another highlight- everyone should try this dish. If you would have handed me a shovel, I would have put it to good use with this rice, but this was much too much of a civilized crowd and I had some shopping to do after lunch. The eggplant robata was nicely done, with some crunch added on top for a soft contrast in the the eggplant’s silky texture.

Full yet? Nope…I know that I need to pay full attention to all desserts served, but I am so excited about this fruit dessert that I have to get it out: The cooked fruit dessert was one of the best desserts I have had in a long time. Everything was perfection- the flavors, textures, etc, and homemade marshmallows! I am not a dessert person but this cleansed my palette and left me with a great taste in my mouth. The chocolate cake had a miso center, and the ice cream had puffed rice around it, nice crunch. By the time the Mochi came all my buttons were undone, but I heard it was quite delicious…

See below for pictures…Chef Makoto was charming and gracious when he described each of his dishes; He is surrounded by some some class act names at Bal Harbour and he has earned his place.

makoto apps
Trifecta of amazingness to start

makoto wahoo
Close-up of the Wahoo, my favorite bite

makoto bal harbour
Raw talent

makoto Bal Harbour
Salmon

Makoto Bal Harbour
Steak, done well (get it?)

Best. Dessert. Ever

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