Macaroni necklaces cause indigestion. Licking the ice-sculpture likeness of your boss at a corporate party can prove to be both uncomfortable and antisocial. Generally, combining a passion for art and food creates more trouble than its worth. However, art-buff gourmands need not despair. Chef Cindy Hutson of Ortanique on the Mile is one of you. Hutson, lauded by foodies from the New York Times, Bon Appétit, and beyond, takes pride in calling her fusion cuisine edible art. Her dishes evoke everything from the burnt umber Caribbean sunset to the choppy brown East Sea.
Eating gorgeous entrées such as the Caribbean seared ahi tuna and the guava barbecue Scottish salmon feels almost wrong. Head to Ortanique during Ultra Hours this Thursday, and the free champagne tasting will dull your guilt at devouring such a lovely presentation. Taste the champagne every Thursday at 5:30 p.m. For reservations, which are recommended, call 305-446-7710.
Thursdays, 5:30 p.m., 2008