The Lincoln Eatery Opens With Cake Thai, Gaijin Izakaya, and Kosher Pastrami

Quick on the heels of last weekend's Citadel preview, the Lincoln Eatery held its own soiree in advance of its grand opening tomorrow, January 31.

The space, developed by Terranova Corporation, was home to a strip of stores on Lincoln Lane, including the much-missed Laundry Bar, where Miami Beach denizens could grab a drink and a smoke while washing their undies. Now it's essentially a long, slick corridor of food vendors. Unlike most food halls, which position the bar in the center of the space, the Tavern Bar is located on a side wall. The food hall has communal seating for 200.

Hundreds of members of the media and invited guests flocked to the Lincoln Eatery last evening to sample the various vendors' fare. Most of them are relatively unknown and slightly generic, but there are a few standouts, notably the dual offerings by Phuket Thongsodchaveondee, better known as Cake. The chef has not only opened another outpost of his Cake Thai Kitchen here but also revived Gaijin Izakaya. The Midtown restaurant, which closed last May, was a popular after-shift hangout for chefs.

At last night's preview, Cake's stall, resplendent with a display of hanging ducks and pork ribs, was the obvious draw. The duck or pork is hacked into bite-size pieces and offered with rice or noodles. Other offerings on the truncated menu include drunken noodles, pad thai, and pad see ew (street noodles) tossed in a wok with a seemingly endless selection of proteins from land and sea.

The Gaijin Izakaya menu is composed of "bitez" such as edamame, chive cake, chicken wings, steamed pork buns, shishito, and several kinds of dumpling. 
The people behind the New York-style deli concept Marble & Rye made a strong case for their pastrami, which they make from cuts of beef leaner than traditional deli meats. Served on pumpernickel with a half sour pickle slice and a smear of mustard, the sandwich was the perfect bite while reminiscing about Brooklyn's Grabstein's Delicatessen with a friend. The food is certified glatt kosher.

The other concepts represent the array of fare needed to cater to most tastes. Find burgers, empanadas, paletas, nitro ice cream, sushi, espressos, tartines, bowls, and booze. Prices are not yet available.

That's a good move for tourists who need to grab a nosh before shopping for beach flip-flops at Marshalls, located next door.

Lincoln Eatery officially opens tomorrow at 8 a.m. with a Junkanoo parade on Lincoln Road from 10 a.m. to noon. At 5 p.m., DJ Pam Jones will spin hits, followed by live music by Patrick & the Swayzees from 7 to 9 p.m.

On Friday, February 1, DJ Lolo Reskin will spin from 5 to 7 p.m., followed by live music by Leslie Cartaya from 7 to 9 p.m.

Saturday, February 2, is family fun day, with arts and crafts, face painting, and balloon animals from 1 to 4 p.m., followed by drag queen bingo from 6 to 8 p.m.

Sunday, February 3, is sports-themed, with appearances by the Miami Heat cheerleaders and Sebastian the Ibis from 1 to 4 p.m., followed by a street-side Super Bowl viewing party.

Here's the roster of eateries:

• Cake Thai: Phuket "Cake" Thongsodchaveondee serves noodles, duck, pork, and other Thai specialties.
• Chill N: The South Florida-based ice-cream shop offers flash-frozen creams made from liquid nitrogen and a variety of toppings.
• The Crafted Burger: Burgers and mac 'n' cheese bites are specialties.
• Fresh Garden Bowls: Made-to-order salads, wraps, and juices come with vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free alternatives.
• Gaijin Izakaya: Phuket "Cake" Thongsodchaveondee revives his Midtown restaurant with a selection of "bitez," including dumplings, chicken wings, and steamed pork buns.
• Manhattan Paletas: The Mexico-based brand sells frozen fruit paletas. This is the company's first South Florida location.
• Marble & Rye: This New York-style deli offers pastrami, corned beef, brisket, and more.
• Necessary Purveyors: Sandwiches, teas, and house-made granola are made with Southern flair.
• Patagonia: Specialties are traditional Argentine empanadas and medialunas.
• The Tavern Bar: The Lincoln Eatery’s central bar slings a long list of wine, beer, and cocktails.
• Toast & More: This French bakery serves savory and sweet tartines, French pastries, quiches, and other desserts.
• TYO Sushi: The Japanese sushi spot features modern takes on traditional items.
• XO Espresso Bar: This specialty coffee bar offers coffee, wellness drinks, teas, and a menu of small bites and pastries.
  

The Lincoln Eatery joins an ever-growing list of Miami-area food halls, including La Centrale and Casa Tua Cucina at Brickell City Centre, Treats at Aventura Mall, St. Roch Market in the Design District, and 1-800-Lucky in Wynwood. Other food halls on the horizon are Time Out Market, Central Fare at Brightline, and the Citadel Miami, expected to debut in February.

The Lincoln Eatery. 723 Lincoln Ln., Miami Beach; thelincolneatery.com. Daily 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.