The Dish on Local Dining
Giorgio Rapicavoli at Mayfair Grill, Chinese calligraphy at Komodo and catching great seafood at AHU | MAR.
Chef Giorgio Rapicavoli at Mayfair Grill
Renowned Chef Giorgio Rapicavoli – known for his creative vision at Eating House and Luca Osteria – is taking the helm at Mayfair Grill, ushering in a new era for the beloved Coconut Grove restaurant. Inspired by Rapicavoli’s Argentine roots and Miami’s diverse culinary landscape, he’s crafted a cuisine designed to honor Coconut Grove’s rich heritage, he said.
Central to his technique is the open flame grill and an emphasis on prime ingredients, presenting dishes with “thoughtful simplicity,” he says. “This allows the natural flavors to shine. We’re not hiding behind complex techniques or excessive garnishes. Instead, we’re letting premium dishes, and the mastery of fire speak for themselves.”
The new menu is designed for sharing and presents items including Avocado “Caprese” with Florida burrata, purple basil, and citrus vinegar; Sebastian Inlet Clams with white beans, chorizo dashi, and grilled bread; and Jalapeño Pesto Green Pasta with stracciatella, Florida basil, and cashew. Other notable offerings include Lobster Ravioli with thermidor sauce, brandy, shallot, and citrus; Pasture-Raised Chicken with cilantro salsa verde and grilled lime; and Prawns with preserved lemon and Calabrian chili. The Mayfair Grill experience blends sophisticated design with Coconut Grove’s natural beauty.
Komodo Calligraphy Experience
Komodo, located in Miami’s vibrant Brickell neighborhood has announced a monthly Chinese Calligraphy series in partnership with Soto Sake. In the restaurant’s sleek Asian-inspired decor, with giant paper dragons soaring and Chinese Calligraphy adorned on the walls and tables, resident Artist, Kei with Kei’s Smile Factory is guiding guests through an immersive and personalized journey through the art of Chinese Calligraphy.
The experience begins with dinner and Komodo is known for a unique and upscale take on Southeast Asian dishes developed with a Miami flare. With a full sushi bar, Komodo’s signature maki offerings include a spicy bluefin tuna with jalapeño, avocado, crispy shallot and micro cilantro plus a Hamachi truffle with avocado, cucumber, asparagus and truffle ponzu. Also try the Wagyu skirt steak tacos in a wonton shell, while the cereal rock shrimp is prepared with cornflake and curry leaf. Komodo’s Peking Duck is served with a platter of cucumber, scallion, hoisin, and thinly sliced pancakes for duck wraps. Also try the Angry Maine Lobster with spicy aioli or the wile mushroom lo mein with sake cream, parmesan and black truffle.
After the culinary experience, guests are escorted to Kei’s Smile Factory and greeted with neon colors, moody lighting, and Chinese calligraphy artwork. Kei begins the consultation with your name and the vibrant colors most represent your personality. Kei magically sketches out your name with Chinese calligraphy and identifies your personality traits to tastefully embed into the artwork. This insightful and spiritual experience is also a beautiful canvas. Komodo’s Chinese Calligraphy experience will continue again on Saturday September 14th.