Occasionally, we approach dining experiences with eager anticipation, while other times we proceed with cautious reservation. Log Restaurant, nestled discreetly at 19 NE 27th Street, caught my attention during a casual drive-by. Situated on the quieter corner of North Miami, around the corner from Beaker and Gray, a little outside from the bustling streets of Wynwood.
Intrigued by its concept of woodfire cuisine, where flames play a central role, I warily ventured into this establishment (as I knew nothing else about it,) helmed by Chef Calvin Daniele, a native Argentinian known for his prowess with the grill. With approximately 90% of the menu crafted using their 2 signature woodfire ovens, this spacious, attractive, 4,500 square foot restaurant exudes an inviting charm, boasting high ceilings, a plethora of firewood logs on display, and even a simulated fireplace casting imitation flames.
Drawing comparisons to the serene ambiance of Tulum or the cozy warmth of a ski lodge, Log Restaurant has seamlessly transformed its previous restaurant into a culinary haven. To my delight, every dish we sampled surpassed expectations, from the fragrant spiced hummus paired with a wood-fired, homemade pita to the succulent wood-fire oysters enveloped in a luscious thermidor sauce with grana padano.
The chicory salad, adorned with orange segments, pecorino cheese, and caramelized nuts, drizzled with an exquisite orange vinaigrette, stood out as the best-tasting salad of the season. Equally impressive was the zucchini pizza featuring a harmonious medley of pomodoro, mozzarella, pecorino cheese, and chili oil atop a perfectly baked wood-fire Neapolitan-style crust.
The Branzino, adorned with herb aioli and a hint of lemon, emerged as a standout among Miami’s fish offerings, reasonably priced at $42- an absolute steal compared to lesser quality and more expensive alternatives.
With an extensive menu comprising approximately 12 starters and 12 mains, Log Restaurant encourages communal dining with its generous portion sizes.
Their signature cocktails, including the enticing smoked Old Fashion, infused with Jack Daniel’s, plum bitters, and cinnamon, and lit tableside, was this year’s most memorable and delicious cocktail for me. A special mention goes to the “Naked Passion Rita”- passion fruit and tequila, shots graciously offered by the management- which added a burst of flavour to the evening. Thank you.
For dessert, the three options were equally enticing, featuring a decadent flan, a delicate but rich pavlova, and a tempting chocolate and pear creation.
Overall, my dining experience at Log Restaurant left a lasting impression. With the remarkable dishes that I tried (I can’t speak for the meat options as I didn’t try them), to its cool atmosphere, and is definitely a place worth discovering.
Happy dining,
Shanea
04/02/2024
