Maska
3252 NE First Ave., Suite 109, Miami, 786-971-9100, MaskaMiami.com
An acclaimed chef is bringing South Florida a taste of the Michelin-starred Indian restaurants that he helms in New York City.
“Maska is a uniquely contemporary concept, especially for an Indian restaurant,” executive chef Hemant Mathur says of his Midtown Miami restaurant, which replaces the former Brasserie Azur. “Maska’s menu is designed as a combination of mostly small- to medium-sized plates that are Indian in terms of flavor but incorporate a lot of local elements from Miami. There is a focus on seafood and local produce, as well as some fun Indian twists on Latin-American inspired plates.”
Long-standing signatures, though, include garlic cauliflower ($11), jackfruit biryani ($20) and tandoori lamb chops ($28).
“Lal maas [goat curry, $26] is a traditional dish from the state of Rajasthan where I grew up. It has a long history stemming from royal families in Jaipur,” Mathur says. “On the other hand, octopus masala [$16] is a modern twist on a traditional preparation, as is the mushroom and truffle kulcha [stuffed bread, $18].”
Cocktails incorporate Indian ingredients, such as the Yellow Yellow Dirty Fellow with yellow curry syrup, mescal and yellow chartreuse ($17).
Orange umbrellas on the front patio beckon inside, where crystal chandeliers suspend over an elegant bar and a chic lounge with a wine cellar. Overhead vines entwined around thin tree trunks accent ornate floor tiles, peacock-blue chairs, an open kitchen and a mural of a graceful, veiled Indian woman.
Dinner is served nightly except on Mondays, and Sunday brunch is available. A DJ spins Indian-inspired lounge music Friday nights.
Cho:tu, Maska’s street-food companion, recently debuted next door from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.
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