Steve Haas, proprietor and innovator of Miami Spice, has generously extended his restaurant’s interpretation as Seafood Spice through the month of November.
City Hall is an All American bistro featuring American comfort food with an innovative and creative culinary twist. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming. The decor reflects the Art Deco history of Miami with vintage inspired fixtures and architectural elements.
Art Deco inspired interior.
Service is friendly and attentive. Our server described the Seafood Spice offerings eloquently. Three starters, three entrees, and three desserts are available in full portions for dinner at $39 and half portions for lunch at $23.
While pondering decisions, we perused an extensive and modestly priced wine and cocktail list.
A freshly baked warm loaf of bread arrived at the table on a wooden plank. House made pecan butter added a decadent sweetness.
Bread and pecan butter.
Our first starter was Jumbo Lump Crab-Corn Fritters. Four fritters were placed atop guacamole mousse and drizzled with a smoked jalapeno aioli and diced red peppers. The crunchy exterior is an introduction to a savory and spicy palate pleaser.
Jumbo lump crab-corn fritters.
We then chose oven roasted oysters. Plump and with a characteristic North Atlantic flavor, these New England oysters hail from Gay Island, Me. Crusted with parmesan butter, pancetta, and arugula oil the dish provided an intensely rich flavor reflective of the chef’s talent.
Oven roasted oysters.
A New England style clam chowder soup with oyster crackers is also available.
Grilled Shrimp Scampi Skewers, our first main, featured perfectly grilled shrimp resting on a generous bed of pesto infused Israeli couscous. A cubed potpourri of grilled zucchini, yellow squash and red pepper added a smoky zestiness.
Grilled shrimp scampi skewers.
Frutti di Mare Rissoto is a highly seasoned combination of shrimp, clams, mussels, calamari, fresh fish and lobster. Marinated cherry tomatoes in a balsamic reduction and a green herb coulis garnish a robust presentation from the sea.
Frutti di mare risotto.
The third entree available is a Potato Crusted Corvina Filet with sautéed greens, Spanish chorizo and beurre blanc.
Finishing the meal, we reveled in all three desserts. City Hall's signature dessert is a chocolate chip croissant bread pudding. Fluffy and scrumptious, it is an indulgence fit-for-the-gods.
Chocolate chip croissant bread pudding.
Key lime pie is prepared in a circular mold. Blissful, silky and bursting with tartness, it is garnished with whipped cream and lime zest.
Key lime pie.
Carrot cake is a generous wedge of deliciousness with velvety mascarpone frosting, caramel drizzle, and candied nuts.
Mascarpone carrot cake.
City Hall, The Restaurant offers a voluptuous seafood experience. Afford yourself the pleasure. Seafood Spice is enticing and well executed.
City Hall the Restaurant is located at 2004 Biscayne Blvd., Miami, FL. 33137. Call 305-764-3130 or www.cityhalltherestaurant.com. Hours are Monday through Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 1 a.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Valet parking is $5 and free parking available in back of the restaurant adjacent to the valet lot on 20th St.
