By Terry Ward
I never leave Miami without indulging in some Cuban food. But the greatest thing about the dining options in this city are that you can find absolutely everything else, too, including the tastiest Peking duck this side of Beijing, on the menu at Philippe.
My dad was in town recently, so I snagged us a reservation at one of South Beach's hottest tables. Philippe, a contemporary and authentic Chinese restaurant, is on the ground floor of the Gansevoort South, and it's a trick to keep your eye on the food what with all the people-watching to occupy your line of vision!
Chef Philippe Chow in Miami made a name for himself in Hong Kong and Manhattan, and foodies revere his dim sum and hand-pulled noodles on a level approaching religious. So it's no surprise he made his way to Miami's haute cuisine scene, too. I love restaurants where Florida dining is a communal experience, where everyone orders a few dishes and enjoys them family style, passing the various goodies around and getting a taste of everything. And that's exactly what's encouraged at Philippe Chow's Miami restaurant.
A few of the items we shared:
- Hot and sour soup, packed with flavor and bursting with strips of veggies
- Crunchy duck salad with sesame soy vinaigrette
- Crabmeat soup dumplings, which you ladle with sauce and slide into your mouth to flavor-bursting effect
- Chilean sea bass, served half-half with black bean sauce & garlic
The scene is very glam, so dress to impress. Think mood lighting, banquette benches and cozy tables, and a shiny metallic open kitchen that provides nearly as much theater as the preening patrons. An experience to savor, for sure!
Philippe
2305 Collins Ave., Miami Beach
305-674-0250
