The Jazz Brunch at the
Miami Beach Emeril's is always a treat. Recently, my friends and I were there
for Mother's Day and had a very special time. Oddly enough we got a table on
the very day without a previous reservation. The on-line service I usually use
was booked, so I called at 9:30 in the morning to check if we could get in. The
music usually ends at 2:30PM, but was extended until 3:30. So, I got a table
for four at 2:30. The manager, Andrew Bluestein, saw the demand and continued
the party (and music) actually well until 4PM. No one wanted to leave!!
We
ordered champagne and Bloody Marys to start. The Bloody Marys are prepared with
extra spice (Mazama Pepper) and come adorned with a huge shrimp and olive.
However, you can request a milder version and hold the shrimp if you don't care
for shellfish.
The
musical talent of the day was a trio composed of husband and wife team Julie
Davis (singer) and Kelly Dow (guitarist), along with bass player John Dadurka.
The music was classic jazz standards of the1940's. Julie has the charisma and
grace of a silver screen Hollywood siren and the voice of
a blues diva. Kelly has magical fingers on his guitar which accompanies his wife
like a seasoned tango dancer. They played lots of Billie Holiday, Ella
Fitzgerald tunes that had the place hopping mixed with sultry Brazilian songs
by Jobim. Their myriad South Florida venues are
displayed on their website: www.DavisAndDow.com
For
our Brunch, we started with a doubled portion of Emeril's Barbecue Shrimp
appetizer served with rosemary biscuits. The sauce was rich and creamy New Orleans
style with just the right amount of black pepper to add a bite. The staff
offered us generous portions of biscuits, blueberry muffins and corn bread as
we enjoyed the light and airy ambiance. You can even see the beach and ocean
behind the musicians as you enjoy yourself.
Our
host gave us a complimentary cold, roasted pepper soup to stimulate our taste
buds on the house. It was both refreshing and delicious we followed it by the
following entrees: I had my favorite Butter Milk Fried Chicken with Sweet Corn
Mashed Potatoes and baby carrots; Dianne had Eggs Tchoupitoulas, poached eggs
on English muffins with roast asparagus, apple smoked bacon, arugula and "just
the right touch of" crabmeat hollandaise sauce; Vin had the Grilled Kobe Beef
Hamburger with cheddar cheese and steak fries; and Mike had Seared Crab Cakes with
poached eggs and green onion hollandaise sauce. Both the egg dishes were fancy
versions of a classic eggs benedict with the added "bam" Emeril is famous for.
Mike ordered an extra side of the smoked bacon which was so aromatic it
intoxicated me with its fragrance. The beef of the cheeseburger melted in the
mouth with every bite. Then what can I say about good old fashioned southern
fried chicken? I can never order anything else when I brunch there. It is
tender and light, but scrumptiously good!
We
shared two desserts, one of which is the house signature Banana Cream Pie loved
by all my companions and my favorite, Chocolate Devil Angel Food Cake with
Berries. All decadent and delicious! Any questions?