A contemporary Asian fusion restaurant is going to debut down the street from Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink in the Design District. Chef will be Timon Balloo, who has worked locally at Chef Allen’s, Azul at the Mandarin Oriental, and La Broche (in fact he spent a longer time at this groundbreaking Spanish establishment than some other chefs who have made careers from their "I worked at Broche" boasting). Balloo likely picked up his Asian chops while chef de cuisine at Sushi Samba Park in midtown New York.
FatBurger, Queen Latifah’s successful L.A. fast-food franchise, will be opening on Washington Avenue, while an outlet of McDonald’s Mexican chain, Chipotle Grill, is set to premiere in North Miami Beach, next door to the Total Wines superstore. More Mex will come to Mary Brickell Village when New York City’s long-acclaimed Rosa Mexicano debuts -- and Latin American-sushi fusion when Abokado Sushi Restaurant launches in the same Village.
The Texas de Brazil rodizio is staking another location above Monty’s South Beach, and star chef Michael Mina is bringing Bourbon Steak to Turnberry Isle -- the first time this resort is opening its restaurant to the public. The Touch folks, too, are putting out feelers for a steakhouse on Lincoln Road; meanwhile, the mall is getting ready to unveil the French bakery/café chain Paul’s.
Popular SoBe spot Sardinia is expected to expand, and nearby on the Beach’s west side will be a 24-hour coffee shop. The Mint Leaf, a highly regarded, contemporary Indian eatery from London, will be attempting to curry favor in Coral Gables. --Lee Klein
