Jen Chaefsky celebrated Mother's Day at Macchialina, which was fitting given that the rustic Italian eatery is her lovechild. For the special day, chef Michael Pirolo did things a little differently. Rolling carts stacked with minuscule bowls of homemade pasta and other hot and cold delicacies darted in and out of the kitchen and around the dining room. The Italian dim sum-style brunch offered more than 15 items on rotation, allowing guests to choose during several drive-bys. Prices ranged from $3 to $6, depending upon the plate, making the feast inexpensively attractive.
Given the success of the unique brunch, Macchialina will likely offer it more often. To see what you missed -- and to ensure you don't miss this dim sum-style brunch the next time it rolls around -- check out the photos after the jump.
See also: Does Tropical Chinese Serve the Best Dim Sum in Miami?
A Macchialina brunch favorite, the porchetta hash -- with scallions, peas, and a perfect poached egg, which erupted like a volcano -- puts all other hash browns to shame. "We're thinking for special occasions," Pirolo says. But Chaefsky is leaning more toward once a month. Let's hope she gets her way.
A year and a couple of months after opening, Macchialina finally joined the brunch train in September. And just last week, the restaurant finally went bottomless for the summer, serving endless mimosas and bloody marys for a fixed price of $20.
And because it's practically summer already and the mercury is climbing, you'll want something cool and refreshing. Macchialina's brunch offers myriad items in this department, including raw oysters ($3 each) served with house-made cocktail sauce and onion vinaigrette. You can choose from East or West Coast seasonal offerings, or opt for both.
Our first pick from the dim sum cart was squid ink raviolini stuffed with mortadella, and shrimp drizzled with brown butter lemon and capers. Who knew squid ink and mortadella could be a match made in heaven?
Potato gnocchi alla Bolognese is simply traditional and delicious. Macchialina's meat sauce is among the best in the city.
Our server suggested ordering a couple of things off menu in addition to the dim sum. We opted for the tomato and lobster gazpacho, with cucumber, watermelon, and brioche -- a perfect balance of coolness and citrus.
Arancini, fried rice balls coated with breadcrumbs, are flavor bombs. These tasty treats, listed on the regular brunch menu only, are available every Sunday.
Unfortunately, this chilled spaghetti tossed with cucumber, shallots, and basil isn't available weekly. Think summer pasta salad.
Mozarella in carozza was my least favorite of the bunch, but that's 'cause I'm not really cheesy. This dish is.
Potato rostie and scrambled egg crostino.
A Maine lobster roll wasn't part of the dim sum menu, but it was worth venturing away for.
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