This has been the year of the suburbs, especially Kendall. The south got a ton of new culinary additions, from a boutique seafood and steakhouse to a cupcake shop and even New Orleans style fast-casual barbecue. In our annual Best of Miami 2013 -- which hit stands a couple of weeks ago -- the boutique seafood and steakhouse Devon was named Best Restaurant in South-Dade.
Now executive chef Scott Barrow has decided to keeps thing interesting by adding seasonal dishes to the already extensive menu just in time for the summer. With no beach nearby to get refreshed, locals must find another way to stay cool.
See also:
- Devon Seafood & Steak: Kendall's Finest New Eats
- Best Restaurant in South Miami-Dade - 2013 Devon Seafood & Steak
While you peruse the menu and hear your server tell you about the new seasonal items you want to have one -- or four -- of the homemade biscuits served with a honey butter that's amongst one of the best butters I've had. Must be the hint of OJ in it.
If you're trying all new items you want to go with the snapper ceviche ($14), which went on a hiatus because of availability, and has now been brought back. Served with black beans, mango, cilantro and tortillas, it's the perfect refreshing start and way to get your appetite going for the rest of fish to come. For entrees, Devon's added potato wrapped choice grouper ($33) with celery, tomato, mussels, olive tapenade, Spanish chorizo and saffron-sherry sauce; Creole halibut ($34) with sweet potato, corn crawfish, Andouille sauce and espelette pepper sauce; Southern fried soft shell crabs ($29) with white cheddar and bacon grits, green beans and thyme honey; and grilled Copper River Salmon ($36) served with your of two sides or a spinach, montrachet goat cheese, balsamic onions, tomatoes, basil oil and balsamic vinaigrette -- same as the panzanella on the menu.
Should you opt for the side dishes, there are some newcomers in this arena as well -- lemon asparagus risotto, grilled artichoke with parmesan sauce, or zucchini, corn, tomato, basil ragout. Sides are also offered al a carte for $3.50.
"I choose fish because of all the great selections of species that become available during the summer months. You have all the wild salmons, halibut, striped bass, soft shells and so much more. Because of how hot and humid it gets down here, it's also the perfect time of year to serve up fresh, lighter dishes," says chef Barrow.
And since chances are you've have a light and refreshing meal -- notice no meat dishes were added to bloat you for boat season -- dessert is intended to keep it that way. A strawberry shortcake ($7) made with lemon pounce and strawberries, served with a side of roasted strawberry ice cream and some whipped cream will keep you from feeling guilty.
With school out and summer in session, suburbia flocks with hungry families and kids in need of proper nutrition. Good thing then that Devon partners with quality fishmongers and artisan producers to ensure only the highest-quality ingredients are used in their dishes, so you don't have to feel bad about eating out, even if it is summer. Oh, and since there are no "school nights" taken advantage of ReCork Monday's where you can get up to $20 of your new summer dishes for bringing in natural corks.
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