Grass Lounge, how we loved it so. This urban oasis was always a perfect place to escape to, relax in — all while savoring the delectable cuisine. When Grass had closed, our getaway was lost and we never found anywhere to escape to until now. Say hello to Seven Lounge, an elegant and al fresco restaurant and bar (located in the former Grass location). While most of the restaurant is outdoors, Seven has a covered bar area and pergola-shuttered table seating — and starting at 9:00 p.m., Latin music permeates the night air. If you’re feeling the beat and want to dance your way into the night, head on over to Seven’s sister lounge’s dance floor – Gavanna Club
We were recently invited in to check out the restaurant — and indulge in some of their decadent dishes — and as soon as we opened up the menu, our eyes lit up. Seven’s menu verbiage plays on “gluttony” of the Seven Deadly sins – and for good reason. With a variety of temptations, it was difficult to limit ourselves to just one dish. So, the Mediterranean-style (smaller and healthier) serving portions were perfect.
On our first visit, we dined on a three-course dinner. Our server, and fellow foodie, helped us navigate the menu and we selected the Tuna Tartare to start, Petit Filet for main, and Granny Apple Bread Pudding to finish.
The fresh Tuna Tartare served atop lime-tarted guacamole melted in our mouths instantly. The tender medium-rare Bacon-wrapped Petit Filet, with a rich Port Demi Sauce, was topped with the best grilled Asparagus ever! This course was immediately dissected, and carried away in forkfuls of Mashed Potatoes. Both were excellent choices. The Bread Pudding, which was unexpectedly dense, was the least favorite of the three. However, the generous scoop of Caramel-drizzled Vanilla Ice Cream softened the dessert to my preference.
Returning on a Saturday night with friends, we sampled from the bar menu’s seven specialty cocktails and three “bubbles” or sparkling cocktails. Seven also offers a full selection of eclectic wines and uncommon beers, such as Fox Barrel Pacific’s Pear Cider (California) and Chimay Bleue (Blue Cap), an aromatic Grand Reserve dark Trappist Ale from Belgium – but the handcrafted cocktail were the stars here.
Most are re-imagined favorites – and each is spiced to instantly change a typically overly-sweet drink into a sip of exotic deliciousness. We tried the Lust For Life (Vodka, Watermelon, Basil), the bolder Heaven On Earth (Rum, Fresh Lime, Coconut Reduction, Nutmeg), the Forbidden Fruit (Tequila, Fresh Strawberries, Mint, Citrus Salt Rim) and Seed Of Creation (St. Germaine, Aperol, Champagne) — all were enjoyed to the last sip.
Chef Nicholas Caiset, the Executive Chef at Seven, suggested a few small plates. These included generously-sized and lightly breaded Goat Cheese Croquettes served atop fresh Strawberry Compote; Tuna Tartare with its amazing Guacamole; and the Salmon Tartare lightly mixed with a rich and tangy classic French Mayonnaise. He even prepared a special dish for the vegan in our group. Think – marinated Portobello mushrooms sauteed with Swiss chard and figs. Chef had a multi-cultural upbringing (born in Colombia, raised in Miami and trained in Europe) and perfectly melds international flavors into his cuisine.
Seven Lounge is located at 28 NE 40 Street in Miami’s Design District. For reservations or more information, call 305-456-3041. Hours are Thursday through Saturday from 5:00 p.m. until 3:00 a.m.