When
Bond Trisransri opened Mr. Yum, a Thai and sushi restaurant in the
middle of Little Havana, in 2009, it seemed about as likely to
flourish as escargots in Indiana. However, the success of Mr. Yum has
led Trisransri to open Thai and sushi restaurant numero dos,
2B Asian Bistro, down the street.
Set
in a distinctly Cuban neighborhood filled with art galleries,
Cuban cuisine, cigar shops, and markets, 2B Asian Bistro stands out.
Trisransri explains how moved he feels by the energy when he drives on this stretch of Calle Ocho, from Mr. Yum's en route to his home
in Brickell. And when the space became available, he jumped on it.
A former architect, Trisransri added touches to the space
that include bamboo floors, a contemporary minimalist ambiance, and
house music that brings the vibe of South Beach to Little
Havana. The various abstract paintings were provided by Cuba Ocho, 2B
Asian Bistro's neighbor across the street and complete the feel of
the restaurant.
cuisine. The first dish we tasted came from the appetizer portion of the menu. The wahoo carpaccio is thinly sliced fish with garlic ponzu and dry pepper.
"The Bag of Gold," also an appetizer, features delicately fried parcels stuffed with shrimp, shiitake mushrooms, and water chestnuts. These crisp purses of perfection are full of flavor and bound to please Next up was the Thai beef salad, which is Thai-style sliced grilled beef with spices, tomato, onion, and cucumber. The salad was fresh, with green leaves of Romaine, sprigs of cilantro, and traces of mint and scallions rounding out the ingredients.
Yesterday's soft opening also featured the "spice crispy duck." This entrée is served with steamed buns that the guest stuffs with slices of duck, scallions, jalapeño, cilantro, and cinnamon plum sauce. The sweet taste of the plum sauce, coupled with the consistency of honey, provided a good contrast.
The dessert tasting consisted of light and fluffy Thai doughnuts and a banana tempura coated in a coconut batter and drizzled with chocolate.
2B Asian Bistro
1444 SW Eighth St., Miami
