Miami: Sra. Martinez Pop Up at the Thompson Miami Hotel
octopus carpaccio
One of the trends on the upswing right now is offering small plates but let’s go back to the original– tapas. When I was in Miami, I hit up Chef Michelle Bernstein’s Sra. Martinez pop up at the Thompson Hotel. Chef Michelle is better known as Michy and her popular Sra. Martinez restaurant had closed recently (I actually went to it years ago when I first visited Miami). The pop up was being run out of the 1930s House next to Chef Michy’s Seagrape Restaurant.
The three of us decided to tackle the menu and just go for it. Bring on the seafood and cured meats. I thought octopus carpaccio sounded tremendous and it was. The octopus had been formed into blocks then sliced. Add in some potatoes and you had yourself a nice little dish.
jamon serrano
I declined cocktails this evening though I wished for some sherry to go with the jamon serrano. The ham was delicious and would have been perfect for a lazy afternoon.
tortilla espanola
I remember the first time I ever had Spanish style tortilla and being so confused. Now I enjoy the layered omelet of sorts.
galbi beef tartare
I was intrigued by the slight Asian influence across the offerings. The galbi beef tartare then became a must order. Such great sauce and lovely rice crackers.
hog fish crudo
My friend said I had to try the hog fish since I was in Miami. I liked the delicate grapefruit that kept the dish fresh. When I think of white fish, I tend to think of it as delicate but it turned out hog fish is very creamy, almost assertive of its presence.
assorted croquettas
It’s funny how so many things became necessary when you go out for “traditional” tapas. Croquettas made it onto our order and I’m so glad we got this cute assortment.
crispy artichoke
I love artichoke hearts and agreed readily to an order of crispy artichoke. I liked this but given a choice of roasted or marinated or fried, I’d stick to the first two. Though I have to say the artichokes weren’t greasy at all.
laughing bird shrimp salad
I was introduced to laughing bird shrimp a few years ago and hadn’t seen it on a menu again until now. I knew we had to get the shrimp toast made with this delectable and sweet shrimp.
doughnuts
After many, may bites we could not say no to dessert. It turned out the hot doughnuts were all we needed.
Now where can I find this kind of Spanish tapas in Los Angeles?
Sra. Martinez pop up at the Thompson Miami Hotel 1930s house by Seagrape
4041 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, FL 33140 — (786) 708-2731 © The Minty 2015