A couple weeks ago, I was invited down to experience eden South Beach–a restaurant that opened a few months ago down on 23rd and Collins. Before I even got inside, I already liked a couple things about this spot. First off, plentiful parking. Taking into account that it was lunch and not dinner, I was still impressed that there were more than a few spaces in the municipal lot on 23rd. There’s also that huge lot between the W Hotel South Beach and Setai, only a block away and plenty of scattered spaces on the street. Secondly, it’s not the in “heart” of South Beach, which makes it wayyy convenient for those of us who aren’t on vacay.
Once inside, I was met by the Jenns–Jenn Schacht, who handles all the event planning for the hotspot and my bestie, Jenn Heegaard, of Jeje Consulting. I was given the grand tour, including the garden. I absolutely LOVED the garden out back–an intimate, outdoor lounge and airy dining room, with an open theater kitchen. There were lights in the trees and cute cabanas. I can’t wait to go back to experience it at night.
We sat down for lunch and as I looked through the lunch menu, I realized that I wanted everything. Yes, EVERYTHING. The lunch menu was amazing and I just couldn’t decide. Things like a grilled chicken sandwich (with proscuitto and brie) called to me. And the blackened chicken quesadillas. And the cuban sandwich. Finally, I ordered. While waiting for the food, I got to catch up with Jen Heegaard and hear some of the amazing things that she is up to.
A few minutes later, my first course arrived–the Tortilla Soup. Presentation is everything with me and eden South Beach did NOT disappoint. My bowl was empty, save for a mound of crispy pork, avocado, corn and black beans. My waiter then poured my soup over it. Immediately, my senses were on full alert. The aroma was amazing! The taste matched. It was wonderful. And, my bestie Jenn also let me taste the Hummus that she had. It was great too. For my main dish, I had the Grilled Salmon, (with baby bok choy and coconut lemongrass emulsion). It was absolutely divine. And, while Jenn passed on dessert, y’all already KNOW that I didn’t. HA! Can you say Key Lime Pie Sundae??? YUMMO!
After dinner, I got to meet Chef Christopher Lee, who not only has been recognized by the James Beard Foundation, but has also appeared on the Bravo Channel’s Top Chef. He’s from New York and always knew that he wanted to be a chef. He was very cool–I can’t wait to hang out with him again. As for the eden South Beach, I give it 2 thumbs up. The dinner menu has beckoned me back, as well as the popular Sunday Brunch.
Have you been there? What did you think?
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That menu is “to die for”, I must go there when in town. You lucky duck!