Dinner at Bazaar Miami
Kueh Pa Ti. Not Your Everyday Caprese Salad, with pesto, cherry tomatoes and liquefied mozzarella balls.
Secreto de Jamon Iberico Bellota
While describing specials and answering questions about the menu our server gave us a crucial piece of information. The iberico pig, raised, fed, slaughtered and cured with the same care as the best veal, is the source of a transcendent ingredient, secreto de jamon iberico bellota. Only two butchers in the world can extract this small “secret” cut of the shoulder.
We enjoyed a ten ounce portion of perfectly marbled pork, alternating lean and fat, every bit equal to A5 wagyu beef. It was served on a bed of fresh aromatic rosemary and thyme, accompanied by tomato bread, pureed potatoes drizzled with lardo and topped with crispy bits of pork skin. This was one of the most indulgent and satisfying entrees I have eaten in ages, but before I forget to mention it, we both ordered this to avoid a fork fight.
Dessert
It was time for dessert. Yes, we made room and we chose the Spanish flan with caramel sauce and passion fruit whipped cream. Add a cup of espresso and we were finished, or so I thought.
The dining room was winding down and we struck up a conversation with our server. In the small world category, he had recently attended a wedding in Little Rock. His friend’s groom was an acquaintance of mine. Then the house manager visits and begins to chat. Marty had told him that I was from Arkansas, my appreciation of chef Andres cuisine and love of iberico ham. In the middle of our conversation, Marty arrives with a portion of freshly sliced ham for each of us. It was a non-traditional final course, but much appreciated.
Our evening at Bazaar ended on that high note and we exited to a clear, starlit Miami night.