Michelle Bernstein finally reopened her restaurant after a renovation. This was a highly anticipated meal for us. The restaurant is no longer called Michy’s but it is now Cena. The restaurant is a very cool, 60’s modern look of old Miami. The colors are softer, the bar has been moved, you can now view the kitchen through a glass wall. I liked the retro fixtures. The menu is still great for sharing, but most dishes are new. The food was innovative and delicious. Our one disappointment was the creamy polenta with Brussel sprouts and a poached egg. We preferred her old creamy polenta which was one of her standout dishes. This one had a different color, and consistency. It was okay but not memorable. The daily Ceviche was great, and the table to our left raved about the Scallop Tempura.

We opted for a burger which was a wise decision. It was a mixture of aged beef, brisket and short ribs, topped with cheese, cartelized pinion a and a “special” sauce. It was accompanied by these outrageous duck fat fries! Oh my!

We also tried the green Gnocchi with vegetables, Parmesan broth and a jake pesto. They were good but would be better if less doughy. We washed this down with a nice Chardonnay from Sonoma.

For dessert we tried her Bread Pudding with chocolate and cherries and the Peach Tart. Both were excellent. It would be better to go with more people so we could have tried more dishes.

Michelle came over to say hello and she is such a humble chef, which is not usual for most. She is truly one of Miami’s celebrity chefs, who still hard at work on the kitchen, and that is why I feel she has been such a success. Her husband David Martinez runs the front of the house and he does a great job in the hospitality end.

The restaurant was packed and we were glad that Michelle is once again on the top of her game.

Recommended!
Happy dining!
Shanea

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