Nestled within the neighborhood is the charming Grand Central Restaurant, located at 7919 Biscayne Blvd. Once home to Cake Thai restaurant, this cozy bistro emerged on October 13, 2023, captivating diners with its intimate ambiance and culinary delights. With a mere 24 seats, including those around the bar, Grand Central exudes an enchanting allure. The narrow space, draped in white linens, sets a romantic tone with soft melodies, wafting through the air, while candlelit tables against whitewashed walls and dangling, globe lights overhead, transport guests to a Parisian haven. Polished concrete floors and a French-style ceiling add to the quaint charm.
Under the guidance of Bronx chef Nuno Grullon of Uptown 66, Grand Central melds French and European influences with American fare. Here simplicity reigns supreme, with a focus on fresh quality ingredients. Upon arrival, warm homemade biscuits with piped butter wait beneath a glass dome, setting the stage for a memorable dining experience.
The concise menu features eight appetizers and eight entrees each showcasing the chef’s skills. From baby artichokes, with a pancetta hollandaise, with artichoke chips, salsa verde, and dusted in pecorino cheese, to beef tartare, made with tenderloin, black truffles, capers, shallots, cornichons and served with a side of crostini. Notable entrees are the chef’s signature Grand Central burger, with a double patty, using black Angus beef, on a sesame brioche, with American cheese, secret sauce, and a side of shoestring potatoes, or the sea bream with celery root, carrots, gold potatoes, paprika, thyme, and lemon. Every day the chef offers a butcher’s cut, accompanied by a choice of shoestring fries or gold potato purée. Lamb chops were on offer on our night. For vegetarians, they can delight in an eggplant adorned with seasonal mushrooms and zucchini. The truffle chicken pot pie was too rich and creamy for me.
The eclectic wine list is global to complement the cuisine, though cocktails are notably absent. For dessert, an indulgent ice cream sundae was our first choice, while the flour-less chocolate cake and New York-style cheesecake also offer a sweet ending.
Service was excellent, a rarity in Miami, with Rosario leading the way with warmth, knowledge, and genuine hospitality. Grand Central currently operates 7 days a week for dinner, with plans to introduce brunch in the near future. While not reinventing the wheel, this beloved gem delivers a fine dining experience in aesthetically pleasing surroundings, leaving guests returning for more. Be advised the parking situation is a challenge. There are a few spots on the side streets and an arrangement has been made at the nearby optical store.
Happy dining,
Shanea
03/28/2024
