CHOTTO MATTE: MIAMI

Nikkei Gyoza: pork shrimp and cassava dumplings at Chotto Matte, Miami 

Chotto Matte, the popular Japanese-Peruvian fusion restaurant with locations in Toronto and in London, has recently opened in Miami.  The sleek exterior hides the entrance, tucked in the alleyway just behind the 1111 parking garage, off of 16th and Lenox.

Night time bar scene at Chotto Matte, Miami

The dining concept centers around four key areas: the sushi bar, the Robata grill, the Sautee Grill and a Tempura selection.  There are also a variety of Nikkei sharing menus to choose from.  The sharing menus are perfect for first timers, because they help cut through the vast menu selections. They provide you with pre-set options for starters, entrees, and desserts.

Exec Chef Jordan Sclare, has hit it out of the park with dishes like the Tentaculos de Pulpo - a perfectly grilled and tender piece of octopus served alongside a purple potato sauce.  The Nikkei Gyoza are perfectly crispy on the outside with a delicious pork and shrimp blend filling. The lobster tempura is a must have, and easy to share.

The ambiance and decore at Chotto Matte Miami are sure to draw you in. Dim lighting provides for beautiful interiors.  If you opt to dine in the evening, the moonlight fills the main dining area, as it comes through the beautiful and large skylight. In the winter months, the retractable roof can be opened to let in the beautiful Miami breeze.

Chotto Matte is not quiet, by any means, and between the music blaring and the vast menu, you may feel a bit overwhelmed.  Still, the tropical vibe is fun; a great option for a night out when you want to disconnect and people watch.

Last, but not least, and definitely worth a mention is the amazing service. This restaurant boasts the most friendly staff. There was rarely a moment in between plates, and the staff was really welcoming and pleasant.

Tentaculos de Pulpo

Below, are some of my must-have dishes.

TACOLANDIA MIAMI

Love to eat? Love tacos? Then there's an event that's got your name written all over it. Enter, Tacolandia, Miami's first annual all you can eat taco event where the price of admission gets you all the tacos your little heart desires. Think of it like a pub crawl, but for tacos. You'll have access to unlimited taco samplings from over thirty different South Florida vendors, each putting their spin on a classic taco.  

Participating restaurants include Agave Taco Bar, Amour de Miami, Candela Gastrobar, Coyo Taco, Deck Sixteen, El Grito, El Jefe Luchador, Fresh Guacamole, Huahua's Taqueria, La Lupita Taqueria, La Santa Taqueria, Milty's Gourmet Catering & Events, My Ceviche, Orale Mexican Restaurant, Plomo, Rocco's Tacos & Tequila Bar, Rubio's Coastal Grill, Tacology, Taquiza, and more!

When: November 18th, 2017
Time: 2:00 PM (VIP) 3:00 PM (GA) until 6:00 PM
Where: SoHo Studios located at 2136 NW 1st Avenue Miami, FL 33127

GA tickets start at $35. VIP tickets start at $50 and include complimentary drinks in the VIP area. A portion of ticket sales will benefit Feeding South Florida.

Buy your tickets here. 

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