Audio By Carbonatix
I noticed the Villa Mayfair was shuttered last night, so I gave the restaurant a call. No answer. The website did provide an answer: “Villa Mayfair is currently closed for the summer. We are looking forward to seeing you again in October.”
I’m not suggesting that Mayfair won’t re-open, but a restaurant that’s been in business for just six months usually doesn’t shut down for an entire season. Not only does this temporary closure put a stop to any momentum that may have been gained via word of mouth, advertising, and media dinners, but it also means a rehiring and retraining of staff come October.
Maybe the Mayfair folks will take the time off to retool their concept. The current menu offers a bowl of truffle artichoke soup for $17. A burrata and heirloom tomato salad is $15. Raw bar items start at $22, appetizers begin at $12, red meats run $32 to $38, and seafood dishes, excepting a $61 Dover Sole, are $26 to $34.
I haven’t dined on chef Frederic Joulin’s Mediterranean fare, so I can’t comment on whether high prices are warranted. But Coconut Grove’s dining scene hasn’t exactly been able to support upscale cuisine of late. And by “upscale,” I mean anything more sophisticated than Chili’s.
Will you step up to support New Times this year?
We’re aiming to raise $30,000 by December 31, so we can continue covering what matters most to you. If Miami New Times matters to you, please take action and contribute today, so when news happens, our reporters can be there.
So chef Joulin: Just replace those truffle slivers in the artichoke soup with tortilla strips and you’ll be heading in the right direction.
Follow Short Order on Facebook and Twitter @Short_Order.
