Weekend Brunch at Izzy's Fish & Oyster for Under $30, Thanks to Miami Spice 2016

If you haven't already heard, Miami Spice is in full swing. The two-month promotion, which offers three-course lunch and dinner menus at discounted prices, makes the most opulent meals in Miami accessible to all. Because brunch has become a permanent fixture for most Miamians, many Spice-participating eateries have crafted rich menus for the occasion.

At Izzy's Fish & Oyster Bar, located in South Beach's SoFi neighborhood, gathering for weekend brunch has always been a staple for the restaurant. The nautical-designed eatery blends homey, traditional Northeastern food in a intimate and cozy environment. 

New Times was invited for a taste in December, when we noted the casual, laid-back seafood-centric eatery offered a much-needed breath of fresh air to Miami Beach. With tables arranged close together, Izzy's resembles a small, homey restaurant found up North. The same can be said of its marked-down Miami Spice brunch experience. 

The $23 three-course menu, offered weekdays and weekends, features two to three choices in each category, making it one of the best brunch deals around. Despite the fair price, quality hasn't been sacrificed.

New Times was given the opportunity to try brunch at Izzy's again, this time for the new menu launch. The meal began with a choice of appetizer. On the menu, find a blueberry muffin stuffed with wild Maine blueberries, charred baby romaine salad drizzled with a Dijon-lime dressing, and a flaky, warm croissant fresh out of the oven. For something lighter, choose the croissant. Those with a hefty appetite should opt for the muffin or the salad, depending upon one's desired brunch experience — more breakfast- or lunch-oriented.
What follows is a large main course, consisting of key-lime stuffed French toast, an egg white frittata, or a crispy chicken sandwich. All three are flavorful choices, though each one cater's to a different taste. The egg white frittata, stuffed with cave-aged cheddar, tomatoes, and asparagus, is the lightest option of the three and served with a small and airy side salad.
The key lime pie French toast is meant for diners with a severe sweet tooth. Two slices of thick challah bread ooze with a thick key lime custard fused with a slight hint of mint. The dish, which is the largest of the three, is enough for two. Consider ordering it along with the egg-white frittata to share. 

The crispy chicken sandwich is perfect for someone interested in a more lunch-centered brunch. The thick yet tender bird, flavored with a tangy spice, is served inside a potato bun. Waffle fries are served alongside.
End your meal with a choice of two desserts: an official Del's frozen Italian ice or an order of classic whoopie pies draped in marshmallow fluff. Pro tip: Snag an order of the ice at the beginning of the meal to enjoy as a drink, and save the pies for dessert.

For $12 extra, get an order of New England oysters to share. There's also the option to substitute dessert for something boozy, such as a Sam Adams summer ale or a Florida orange mimosa.

Miami Spice brunch is offered daily from noon to 3 p.m. through September 30. For more information, visit izzysmiami.com.