Gotham Steak, Miami Beach: Beyond a Steakhouse

July 31, 2009 7:25 pm

Gotham Steak, Miami Beach: Beyond a Steakhouse

So much more than a steakhouse, Gotham Steak, Gotham Steak earns highest marks for the wide variety of original delectable delicacies not commonly associated with a restaurant that features steaks as its main fare. From the moment one arrives at Gotham Steak, the excitement of a spectacular evening and the expectation of a superb culinary experience are set in place by the vibrant edgy modern space, the lively people filling every table, the cool live music and the professionalism of the staff. Head Chef John Suley is an intense young man whose passion for food is evident when he proudly speaks of the freshness of his ingredients and the subtleties of his creations. Suley is a perfectionist, totally hands-on; he works tirelessly preparing his dishes, sourcing ingredients from locally-grown vegetables and finding the highest quality seafood available in South Florida. One can taste the overwhelming freshness as well as his creative hand in the flavors and sauces of his dishes.

The Yellow Fin Tuna Tartare as well as the Hamachi Sashimi Red Snapper were two memorable appetizers. Another outstanding starter was the Fois Gras Terrine with Quail Egg. The Alaskan Prawn Risotto can easily stand up to the risotto prepared in any of the finest Italian restaurants; it is an absolute showstopper. The Lobster Bisque with lumps of lobster meat swimming in it was light and delicious.

For main dishes, the Florida Grouper with Quinoa, Haricots Verts, Picholine Olives, Speck Ham, Cherry Tomatoes was our personal favorite. The flavor of the NY Strip prepared in a hard wood charcoal oven has a special flavorful sweetness. A must as an accompaniment to any of the meat entrèes was the memorable dishes include the Lobster Mashed Potato served on the skin of a baked potato with the meat of lobster claw on top as a side dish. Among his sweet irresistible desserts, Pastry Chef Josh Gripper prepares a chewy brownie that is an absolute must.

Gotham Steak is so exceptionally appealing because all of its dishes are so thoughtfully prepared, and the impeccably trained staff is always there without being in your face.

Gotham wins five stars for its execution, presentation and inventiveness. The restaurant itself is split into two floors. The downstairs, facing the immaculate open kitchen, appears more traditional and is less of a "scene." The upstairs, on the other hand, is livelier with music and vocalists Thursday through Saturday. The ambiance is much more high tech with a wine cellar reaching to the ceiling.

For wine lovers, this restaurant boasts 500+ exceptional wines from around the world. A special fact to note- Gotham Steak is open from midnight to 3am for the after-hours crowd. At this late hour, diners can have their wee hours dinner at a mere fraction of the menu price—a super bargain.

All in all, a very exciting, crisp, delectable dining experience from Alfred Portale, Chef and Owner of both the New York City Gotham Bar and Grill as well as Gotham Steak at Miami Beach's Fontainebleau.

Gotham Steakhouse
4441 Collins Avenue
Miami Beach, FL 33139
877.326.7412 for reservations

—Robert M. Wilkis and Elsa F. Wilkis