Miami is only second to the biggest city in the nation when it comes to the most diverse dining scenes, and restaurant LEKU Fish & Garden is a good example.
Nestled in the Rubell Museum in Miami, LEKU features an innovative cuisine without leaving its Basque roots in Spain behind.
Bar and wine? Yes, you will be surprised. There are cocktails inspired by American, Latin, and Iberian influences, as well as plenty of wine, white, red, and rose, from Spain, France, and Italy and other European countries, in addition to California´s.
Right in front of the restaurant there´s a charming garden you might want to walk thru first. If the bar is opened, you will enjoy the surroundings.
At the dining room, besides the wide menu and good cooking, they offer perfectly presented dishes.
Let´s mention the sausage made of shrimps, the scallops tartar, tuna (ham) curated or artichoke in perfect sauté with basil oil, saffron emulsion & egg yolk emulsion.
Another thing that makes this place qualify for Michelin stars is the principle of using seasonal local ingredients and cooking methods based on their own techniques.
Chef Carlos García, who has worked at celebrated Spanish restaurants El Bulli and El Celler de Can Roca, in Spain, takes care of the cooking following certain rules given by the owners.
Fish, catch of the day, comes with mojo canario (Canary Islands red or green sauce), which is supposed to be made with Spanish paprika for red and parsley or cilantro for green, instead of leek. Chef García promised to use parsley.
He manages to infuse the menu with uncommon combinations, tasty flavors, and creativity.
Don´t forget to try the Beets tartar, and the Almond & Garlic Soup, known as ajo blanco malagueño in Spain, is one of the most classic dishes that hail from Andalucía.
One of the favorites fish is seabass, lubina in Spanish, and here it comes with a perfect grill sided by the sauce of your choice.
When it comes to desserts, you have options, but the Basque-Style Cheesecake (tarta de queso), with raspberry ice cream is a must.
LEKU Fish & Garden, 1100 NW 23rd St, Miami.
Wednesday through Saturday noon to 3 p.m. and 6 to 10 p.m. and Sunday noon to 8 p.m.
Ph. (786) 464-0615
For reservations and more information, visit LEKU Fish and Garden online at www.lekumiami.com or follow @LEKUmiami on social media.
