Few hotel lobbies have the theatricality of Morris Lapidus’ Eden Roc in Miami Beach. Upon entering the eye instantaneously meets a stage set for drama. A sheer curtained circular bar is the nucleus of the scene surrounded by undulating elliptical columns and softly lit by a galactic chandelier and sexy red tripod lamps. If you’re not having dinner at 1500 Degrees, I’d recommend spending some time here but don’t even think about reading your book. You’re in Miami and it’s after dark so get with the program. Now let’s get back to dinner.
1500 Degrees is the hotspot of this iconic property and named for the temperature of the broiler that cooks the amazing steaks here, a specialty if you’re a carnivore. The dining room is a throwback to Miami’s heyday when the tropical deco and MIMO styles flourished in every commercial building but in restaurants the liberties taken were especially daring and here Mr. Lapidus certainly put his stamp on things. His original sculpted chandeliers are newly encased in bronze mesh subtly toning down the wattage and black & white tables and chairs provide a sharp contrast to the predominantly chocolate brown motif making a strong statement in the patterned pillars. Coffered ceilings and a long center island add decorative touches while high-backed club chairs in dazzling white punctuate the tables lending an international feeling to the room as Morris no doubt intended.
Relax, unwind and quench your thirst first with inventive cocktails like the Basil Lemon Drop or the Eve, a soothing concoction of Ketel One vodka, Elderberry liqueur, pomegranate juice and Prosecco. No need for Adam with this one. Celebrity chef, Paula DaSilva’s menu, with a focus on farm to table eating is incredibly ambitious in a town with few farms and a penchant for pasta and predictable standards when it comes to dining out. A Brazilian by birth, Paula has instilled her Brazilian birthright into every dish and is known to even choose the fish daily.
While the menu at 1500 Degrees strongly focuses on steaks the auxiliary menu items showcase the farm to table offerings. Start with one of the small plates like the halibut sashimi with micro greens. The fish just melts in your mouth. Segue to the grilled octopus which is served with minted watermelon, kalamata olives, feta and arugula. It’s the tenderest ever which says a lot about Paula’s standards. The Pork Belly Tacos with homemade kimchee is a specialty of the house so don’t miss it. Other small plates that are a must try are the spicy baked meatballs with ricotta in a sweet tomato sauce and the duck leg confit with an aged cheddar waffle and cherry sauce if you’re longing for something a little richer. Other excellent firsts are a salad of Homestead tomatoes, local burrata, speck and minus B vinegar and the Dungeness crab agnolotti with zucchini and sweet corn sauce. You might want to have a couple of these fabulous small plates first then a second course before your main.
For mains you can’t go wrong with meat. This is a steak house after all and the broiler does several cuts including skirt steak, Florida grass fed wagyu ribeye and an amazing Porterhouse. There are 11 sauces available as condiments. If you’re not in the mood for meat, there are tons of choices to satisfy you from a half rotisserie chicken with Carolina rice, chorizo, black bean puree and greens to a whole fried snapper with baby bok choi, shishito peppers and Thai chilli sauce. Hooray for side dishes where 1500 Degrees shines. Try the baked macaroni and cheese, broccoli raab with garlic and duck fat steak fries.
Paula has her syllabus at the ready when it comes to desserts and has ambitiously decided to interpret some American favorites. A classic blueberry shortcake is divine, the fresh fruit and whipped cream swimming over a home baked biscuit served with vanilla ice cream and the Espresso crème brulee takes you back to her Brazilian roots where coffee is king.
From start to finish, a meal at 1500 Degrees is a five star experience in a serene and stunning environment. With the pool and beach just steps away from the rear entrance, it would also be a great place to throw a large party, hmmm.
1500 Degrees
The Eden Roc Hotel
4525 Collins Avenue
Miami Beach, Fl. 33140
305-674-5588
*For special events & parties contact Riley Phillips
305-494-8566