Club Review

Baru Urbano
1001 S. Miami Ave. Miami, FL
(305) 381-5901

This spot used to be the only French restaurant in Mary Brickell Village, but it did not survive (go figure). It was soon replaced by Barú Urbano, a crowd pleasing bar/restaurant for the Latin food and music lovers of the area. Barú offers customers a stress free environment with two full liquor bars (inside and patio), friendly bartenders, valet service, and a very original urban décor.
From Wednesday to Saturday, DJ Lucas from Colombia mixes house music with Latin rhythms from 8 p.m. until 4 a.m. On Thursdays, local band “The Culture” plays an unplugged version of Top 40’s in both Spanish and English, mixed with Latin Rock and Pop songs that will make you want to clap and sing along. Some days they have special guests and events and every Wednesday is Ladies Night with prize giveaways. The kitchen opens till late, in case you want to grab a bite while enjoying the music.

What’s cool?: The urban décor with Spanish rock band posters on the walls, kitchen open until late, and perfect place to relax and start a conversation without the pretentious vibe of Brickell bars. Also, there is no cover.

Not so cool: This place is crowded most of the time, especially inside, but there is plenty of room in the patio area. Also, on busy days you might have to wait for your drink, but relax it is worth it.

Restaurant Review

RESTAURANTS: Sra. Martinez
4000 N.E. 2nd Ave Miami, FL 33137 - (305) 573-5474

Venture a little farther away from Brickell to the Design District and you’ll find Sra. Martinez, the pride and joy of Chef and TV personality, Michelle Bernstein. Bernstein uses this concept of the tapa (small portions of food traditionally made in Spain) to construct the perfect multi-course meal. My dinner began with the cobb salad, which was refreshing and citrusy although the green peppers were a little overwhelming.

Then, I went on to enjoy the Shrimp Tiradito. It was a delightful dish that blended the Asian flavor of the soybean sauce with the Peruvian influence of the yellow huancaina sauce. The crunchiness of the sprinkled popcorn was a pleasant surprise over the still-in-its-shell poached to perfection shrimp. The flavors were spicy and interesting, nothing like I’ve ever had before. Afterwards, I tried the Rabo Encendido (oxtail stew), which reminded me of something that one of my Dominican friends once said –“Never, in a million years, should you pay more than 5 dollars for a plate of rabo”. However, I am certain that if he tries Bernstein’s version of with trofie pasta, mascarpone, and pecorino, he would change his mind. At first sight, the stew had a pasty brown color that didn’t look very appetizing, but after I tried it I couldn’t put down my fork! It is an incredible dish made with a very special ingredient: Venezuelan cacao.

Chef Bernstein’s Galbi Pinchos are Chinese-style marinated ribs accompanied with a tasty cucumber slaw. I have never had better a better rack of ribs in my life! The Bacon Wrapped Dates were a succulent surprise as the bacon gives the dates a salty and delicious twist while the sweetness and chewiness of the fruit brought a contrasting texture to the plate. I also ordered the Patatas Bravas. The potatoes were crispy and came with yellow huancaina sauce and a little ketchup. Without a doubt, the highlight of the night the Catch of the Day: corvina -- a fresh and juicy fillet of Chilean fish similar to sea bass. The Catch of the Day comes with Israeli couscous mixed with citrus-capers and butter. The couscous maximized the textural experience and added an interesting flavor profile to the dish.

After such an extraordinary meal, I tried the Flan to please my sweet tooth. It was smooth with just the right amount of sweetness to complement the Chantilly crème and toasted cookie that rested on top.

Recommended dishes: Shrimp Tiradito, Galbi Pinchos, Catch of the Day.

Not so much: Cobb salad.

What’s cool ?: The staff is very knowledgeable of the menu, the decoration makes you feel at home, the music is modern and relaxing. Exquisite, fresh, and exciting cuisine that doesn’t leave you feeling bloated.

Not so cool: Restrooms were not as clean as I expected.