A large mosaic of JFK is incorporated into the all glass wall that invites you into the restaurant.
The restaurant is Mediterranean influenced and Latin inspired with restaurant consultant Giorgios Bakatsias, chef Keith Suarino and sous chef Luis Antezana at the helm.
Dining recently at Vintro Kitchen was a visual and gastronomic celebration of carefully crafted food and drink. The cocktail list incorporates both the classics and creative mixology. An international selection of wines are offered by the glass or bottle at varied price points. The kitchen is committed to responsibly sourced seasonal ingredients with plates intended for sharing. Menu items feature "aphrodisiac bites," which are a selection of artisanal cheeses and charcuterie, tapas, salads, seafood and meat entrees, and delectable desserts.
At our table of six we had the good fortune to experience multiple items showcasing the artistry of the kitchen.
A tuna tartare was presented in a glass jar delicately diced atop avocado mousse and garnished with a quail egg and microcelery. The flavors were a perfect blend and quail egg added a dynamic element.
Octopus medallions were served intertwined with orange slices, shaved fennel, yuzu and microgreens. The tender octopus was exquisitely grilled and the yuzu provided a citrus tartness that magnified the flavors.
Crispy calamari was uniquely offered as a lightly battered bruschetta adorned with microcilantro, diced tomatoes and octopus. Visually stunning and tastefully pleasing.
Thin rectangular watermelon slices were carefully arranged with peppered seared tuna and microcelery — when placed on the table the server carefully poured a light green cucumber gazpacho over the plate.
The dish is light, summery, colorful and a burst of freshness. A definite palate pleaser.
Caramelized sea scallops arrived flawlessly seared sitting on tomato jam with a vertical arrangement of speck. Food as art!
Our salad choice was heirloom tomatoes with burrata, pinoli, and fresh basil. The tomatoes are a potpourri of color locally sourced from Homestead. The generous burrata is made locally by an Italian cheesemaker on Miami Beach. The personal attention and amore are passionately felt in every forkful. Other salad options include a five-green salad with sunflower seeds and a sherry vinaigrette or Greek seasonal vegetables with lemon yogurt and feta.
Entree portions include whole roasted chicken with orange and rosemary and hangar steak with salsa verde and frites. Our selections were lamb chops and branzino. The lamb chops were grilled to a precise medium rare and carefully placed on a wood plank accompanied by a side of quinoa and seasonal vegetables. The lamb was both succulent and savory.
A chalkboard features the daily selection of wild caught fish. The branzino was grilled with oranges, chive and onion in the cavity and served whole on a plank with grilled lemon. The fish was meticulously deboned by our server tableside. The preparation brought out a zestiness to the tender white flesh.
Vegetable sides include fingerling potatoes with garlic confit and chive and sautéed greens with extra virgin olive oil and roasted garlic. We chose the brussel sprouts, which arrived pan served and fire roasted with almonds and beeswax honey. They are delicate with an abundant crispiness and candied consistency.
To finish an elaborate parade of food, two desserts arrived at our table tempting one's penchant for sweetness.
A goat cheesecake is served parfait style with graham cracker crumbs and a melange of berries. Creaminess and tartness pair well in this dessert.
The piece de resistance is chocolate mousse with extra virgin olive oil and sea salt. The mousse has a light airiness — the olive oil and sea salt elevate the flavor to a pinnacle of delight.
Vintro Kitchen also has an inspired lunch menu that includes appetizers, salads, a fruit plate, sandwiches, and a daily pasta.
Do not leave the premises without having the lamb burger. The lamb is richly seasoned with thyme and balanced with goat cheese and caramelized onions at the top. A piquant remoulade is alongside in a small ramekin and perfectly crisp frites are an accompaniment. Every bite of this burger is an explosion of flavor.
Vintro Kitchen is a fresh gem and certainly worthy of every bite.
VINTRO KITCHEN
2216 Park Avenue
Miami Beach, FL 33139305-674-9200
