When it comes to world-class restaurants, Bagatelle has set the gold standard in the last decade. They have locations in New York, London, Miami, Dubai, St. Barths, and many other luxurious places. The ambiance of the restaurant feels like a very French affair, turning a restaurant into a dancefloor – or even better a nightclub – after dinner. After a two year hiatus, Bagatelle returned to South Beach at the Ritz-Carlton on Miami’s Lincoln Road. The new Miami location brings together the glamor of the French Riviera with the old school Art Deco of Miami, while exemplifying the ‘joie de vivre’ of the brand. The new space features a large dining room, a conservatory, cocktail bar, and a private dining room. And in true French spirit, all dishes on the table are meant to be shared with family and friends.
To slip into the right mood for the evening, the parmigiana eggplant with parmesan cream cheese is a perfect option for an appetizer. This cheesy, saucy dish has everything you would expect from a comfort food, while also maintaining a sense of French flair. The sauce is fresh and tomato-y, the cheese layers are creamy and tangy and indulgent, the breaded eggplant slices are tasty and “meaty” and the overall effect is warm, cheesy and delicious. It’s also one of those vegetarian meals that’s hearty enough that you’ll never miss the meat.
A delicious option for dinner is the Whole free-range chicken in tarragon salt crust. This dish has magic and drama in spades. It's majestic to see a whole chicken arrive at the table encased in an armor of herbs and salt and to smell the intensity of the flavors as they burst forth as the waitress/waiter cracks it open. The salt crust acts as a seal, keeping the flavorings close to the skin as the chicken steams from within. This perfectly tender and juicy whole oven roasted chicken is stuffed with aromatics for extra flavor. It’s perfect for Saturday dinner, but easy enough for a weeknight.
Now going into the dessert, the Tropézienne is a slice of French Heaven. This delightful piece is a light, creamy dessert that was created in St. Tropez in the 1950s. When people think of this tarte, they attach a warm sentiment of Southern French cooking. The Tropézienne consists of a brioche, lighter than a traditional brioche in terms of quantities of egg and butter. The inside cream is made with beaten butter and pastry cream. The result is a very silky, soft, airy cream that almost melts in your mouth.
Bagatelle Miami Beach redefines the French Mediterranean dining experience through an exquisite seasonal menu, a beautifully constructed space, great music and the most personable people from all over the world. The opening week is starting on January 18th, 2022. To learn more about Bagatelle Miami, visit their website. Your Joie de Vivre Awaits!