Last week I was fortunate enough to have been invited to try the new Coral Gables hotspot LHardy Kitchen + Bar.
Once I stepped inside the door I wasn’t sure what to expect. Italian food? Really nice American food? Perhaps some hookah?
The décor was very regal and elaborate, like something out of Game of Thrones. Lots of gold and red, very Casterly Rock!
I have learned to never judge a book by its cover; never judge a plate of food on presentation alone, and I also used to not trust green shakes (spinach and kale? So ew). But now of course, I know better.
With that aside, the very nice décor sets a nice ambiance. You really feel like you are about to feast on some delicious cuisine and feel assured you will be taken care of.
I have to make a note that our server Greg was just fantastic. This man made the experience really enjoyable and I was super impressed by his extensive knowledge of wine. I also loved how passionate he was about the food at LHardy! I can’t say enough that I really love dining at a place where the staff truly believes in their food and are passionate about it. It just makes me feel good and ensures confidence in my dining experience.
So, let’s get to the good stuff: the food!
We were very lucky enough to try some exclusive bar bites prepared for us by their Chef Chris. First, we tried some deliciously prepared Asian crab salad with caviar and crispy noodles. I noticed some sweet notes but there is a great spicy kick at the end! Simple, but yummy.
His pork belly was delicious too. Very tasty! Also a bit Asian inspired and cooked to perfection, prepared in a raw sugar glaze. This is a must order! In fact, order two.
But, keeping true to my roots and love of fried things… I must proclaim my love for his frita chorizo sliders! Good god. It is absolutely so full of flavor; instead of hamburger meat picture a chorizo patty, with melted cheese, crunchy potato sticks and pink sauce. So much flavor and spices packed into these small sliders! Naturally, I wanted more of these. It was really hard having to share!
Next, we tried their rainbow caprese salad. This isn’t your average boring caprese salad by far. Beautiful heirloom tomatoes and the FRESHEST buffalo mozzarella with basil pesto. Here is a prime example of how quality and freshness can take a simple dish into something fantastic and set it apart from the rest! Greg recommended to drizzle a bit of balsamic over them and it really sets it off nicely!
As an entrée we ordered their red snapper. It was cooked to perfection and topped with a huge crab cake lump and accompanied by grilled asparagus. I thought this dish was simple, cooked in a buttery sauce, but full of flavor. I was impressed, this was quite good.
As for dessert, we tried their tiramisu, which was the freshest tiramisu I’ve ever tasted. It was surprisingly really light and incredibly fresh.
I had no idea they made their own limoncello! That’s pretty cool! It was really good, and strong.
The consistent theme here is quality and freshness. I can’t wait to go back and try their seabass (which looked absolutely drool-worthy) and lobster ravioli! LHardy’s specialty in world class fare will gain a lot of followers in Miami. If you’re looking for a place in South Florida that sets others apart from the rest, in terms of service and simple good food, that also won’t hurt your wallet, try LHardy.
Until next bite!
FOODNOIZE 