Food for Thought: Otentic

By Kristin Klein

I think we have a new SOBE neighborhood… NoFi… North of Fifth!  We went to Otentic Fresh Food Restaurant last week and we now have a new favorite restaurant. This charming French
Bistro lives up to its name the food was so fresh.  Owner, Greg Brown has done an amazing job of maintaining authenticity while offering a relaxed atmosphere.

We started with a complimentary glass of white wine (standard practice here) accompanied by homemade olive tapenade with French Bread Crisps.

Our server offered the daily specials reading from their blackboard. We decided to start with Duck “French-a-nadas” a French twist on a Miami classic. The duck was tender, juicy and savory- mixed with tomatoes, sweet peppers and chili flakes all wrapped in a light and flaky homemade puff pastry- delicious.

Our second course was a Charcuterie. This delight consisted of an array of imported meats & cheeses from around the globe (they don’t do store bought here folks). Duck terrine, “house-made’ foie gras with an onion jam, imported chorizo, a decadent Roble chon, Rosette Lyon Dried Salami and a beautiful Italian prosciutto. A huge hit at our table!

For our main course we had Steak Maurice- a 12oz butcher-cut Rib-eye topped with white mushroom and porcini cream sauce atop homemade Dauphin Gratin then topped with imported brie (sounds rich but it soooo works)!  My friend had the Pan Seared Salmon made with a sweet chili Thai sauce couscous with almonds, pistachios, walnuts and dried apricot all accompanied by Haricot Verts. The salmon was crunchy on the outside and melt in your mouth tender on the inside… we shared both entrees’ because we could not decide which one was better!

For dessert we had the “Old School” Southern Pecan Pie Tart… Sweet Jesus it was the best thing I have ever eaten!  This dish is an ode to Chef Nick’s upbringing in South Carolina. The tart was accompanied by homemade vanilla ice cream and homemade whipped cream served warm… melted in our mouths.

Our Chef, Nick Dhers, learned the fine art of pastry and bread baking by attending culinary school on France. He lived in Spain for 8 years and has French lineage, his father is French and his mom a southern belle form South Carolina. He honed his skills in the kitchen in fine dining restaurants in Key West and here in Miami.

“It’s Not French It’s Fresh”!

Otentic Fresh Food Restaurant is #6 on Trip Advisor (maintained top 10 status for over a year) and is located at 538 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach. Reservations suggested. 305-531-1464. Beer and wine only, daily specials. Catering for all occasions.