The Bazaar At SLS Hotel Review (South Beach, Miami)

The recently opened SLS Hotel in South Beach offers two great dining options: Katsuya and The Bazaar by José Andrés. As I had already dined at Katsuya's in L.A., I opted for the Bazaar.

First off, I have to say I really like the overall design of the hotel. You can see Philippe Starck's touch everywhere and although it is not as original as it once was, it still is very pleasing to the eye.

The Bazaar is supposed to be less adventurous in the molecular gastronomy field than the chef's signature restaurant Minibar in Washington, DC. It, however, doesn't cease to surprise.

One great example is the cocktails menu. I ordered a "clean and dirty Martini" as a pre-dinner drink and was not disappointed. The salt air (the foam on top) combined with the liquid olive at the bottom made for a very original taste for this classic cocktail:

As I wanted to try as many dishes as possible, I opted for the tasting menu priced at $100 which started with Aceitunas Rellenas (piquillo pepper, anchovy, olive oil):

Followed by excellent Kueh Pai Ti (Singapore's favorite street food):

Bagels and Lox (salmon roe & dill cream chesse):

José's Taco (caviar and Jamon Iberico) which was one of the simplest and finest combinations I've ever hard:

Yuca Churros with honey and peanut butter in a tube: I liked the presentation but it was a bit too sweet for my taste buds at this point in the meal:

Dragon Fruit Ceviche (tuna, pecans, lime, hibiscus):

Sautéed Shrimps (garlic, parsley, lemon, gindilla pepper):

Black Rossejat (paella-style pasta, squid ink, shrimp, aioli):

Not Your Everyday Caprese (cherry tomatoes & liquid mozzarella): I loved the texture of the liquid Mozzarella:

Brussels Sprouts (lemon purée, apricots, grapes, lemon air & banana): one word: interesting!

Cuban Coffee Rubbed Churrasco (with passion fruit):

Cubano (sandwich in Honor of Café Versailles which is a cuban specialty restaurant in Miami):

Japanese Taco (grilled eel, shiso, cucumber, wasabi & pork chicharrones):

Cuban Escabeche "Estefan's Way" (hamachi, pickled onions, sour orange):

Deconstructed Key Lime Pie:

Tres Leches (coconut, nitro frozen pineapple, Rum):

Banana Mojito (mojito sorbet, mint, caramelized bananas):

I must say I was impressed by this tasting menu and although I did not like every singe dish, I had an overall great experience. The Bazaar ranks amongst the best restaurants in South Beach and is an absolute must-go!