Ryan J.
Yelp
The Word Genuine means Authentic, Real, Sincere, as it said so on the side of Restaurant. Just as you walk along 40th Street, so if you are looking for something Authentic, look no further than this Establishment. Serving up some of the best Quality Food in the 305.
My 1st full day in Miami, while my Brother was golfing, I took an Uber down to Miami's artistic Design District to walk around for a bit. Seeing as I arrived 2 1/2 Hours before they opened, I walked around some of the nearest shops and took in some of the surrounding scenery. At looking at Buckminster's Fuller Fly Eye Dome and checking out Miami International Contemporary Museum of Art for an Hour.
Michael's Geunine was now open and I walked in knowing I was going to have an Awesome Lunch. I walked in to a very casual and comforting Atmosphere, where I got to sit at the Bar Area and drink lots of Water with how Hot it was out. Michael's Genuine is committed to serving up the freshest and seasonally organic Meats and Produce in the 305 for Local and out of town Visitors.
But how did I know about this place, how about the Food Network (no not Guy Fieri and Triple D). I'm talking about the Best Thing I ever Ate when Michael Symon, Scott Conant and Frank Bruni were Debating about the best Sweet Tooth. How crazy that I waited 14 years to dine here after watching that Episode. Plus when coming to Miami, I made sure that this was on my list as it was recommended by none other than Mike Colicchio (brother of Top Chef Judge - Tom Colicchio). He said that its their favorite place to dine at whenever they come to Miami.
While looking over the Menu, I had the distinct pleasure of meeting the Chef/Owner of Michael's Genuine himself. Michael Schwartz, one of the Top Dogs of Miami's culinary scene. After spending 10 minutes talking to Michael, I got right into Lunch.
I got a few of their Snacks on the Menu, first was Bahn Mi Style Toast that had been fried but it had Shrimp instead of Pork. Shrimp were Sweet and Tender, topped with Sambal Aioli for some Sweet Heat, Fresh Lime for some Acidity and Pickled Red Onion for some Texture.
Next up was a dish that you'd have to be "All Ears" for as I got one of their Signatures. Crispy Pig Ears, think of it as another way of Eating Bacon. With each bite that I took I enjoyed the Crispy yet slightly Fatty morsels that have been dusted with Chili Powder. I did not feel Sow-ry one bit, I wasn't slightly Ear-itated in the Least. I was enjoying myself. Then I got myself one of their Signature Sandwiches. I'll say that it was a Monster. It was a Pastrami Sandwich with some very unique Components to it.
Aside from Pickled Red Cabbage and Thousand Island Dressing, the Meat was smoked for 7 Hours, and the Gruyere Cheese was aged in a Cave for a Whole Year. This was an absolute mouthful, every single bite was Smokey Beef, Tangy Cabbage, Mild Cheese and Rich dressing. I've never seen so much meat crammed on to one Sandwich. I even managed to have a few of the Fresh and Crispy French Fries. This Sandwich was so filling, that I wasn't even gonna be able to finish. There was also no way that I was gonna carry what was left of it around Miami with me. So this was like one of those Man vs Food moments where Food was triumphant over me.
I ate like 45-50% of it and the rest I told them to take away, but it was a great Sandwich regardless. Since it was the day before my Birthday they offered me a free Dessert, but I told them I was good. So they took the Pig Ears off my Check.
This was arguably hands down one of the best Meals that I've had outside of Buffalo. I will make a promise to myself that if I plan another trip out to Miami, Michael's Genuine will be on that list of places to eat at. But next time with an additional Stomach so I can eat more of their Great Food. !!!