• Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Wok Star Eleanor Hoh

Be a Wok Star!

  • Home
  • About
    • Press
    • Partners/Sponsors
  • Shop
    • Wok Star Amazon Store
    • Wok-Set
  • Experiences
    • Wok Star Supper Club
  • Blog/Reviews
  • Resources
    • Tips
    • Asian Markets in Miami
    • Asian Markets in Broward
    • Videos
  • Contact
  • Subscribe

restaurant review

Hakkasan, Only At Fall Menu

November 9, 2016 By Eleanor Hoh Leave a Comment

Visualize an angled crispy noodle nest spilling out with Crispy Beef Tenderloin that’s battered and so tender, you only need to pop it in your mouth without even chewing. This enchanting dish was a crowd pleaser and part of a collection of 8 small bites, main dishes and dessert with cocktail pairings from the Only At Fontainebleau Menu.  This Fall Menu was launched to celebrate Hakkasan’s 15th anniversary with sister restaurants simultaneously showcasing their individual local culture and cuisine at 11 locations globally.  Each location will use seasonal ingredients and Hakkasan’s signature modern approach to traditional Cantonese cuisine.  The Only At Menu will change twice a year and judging from this tasting, I can’t wait to see what they’ll offer for the next one.

Crispy Beef Tenderloin spilling out of angled noodle nest was quite the crowd pleaser!
Crispy Beef Tenderloin spilling out of angled noodle nest was quite the crowd pleaser! Photos: Eleanor Hoh
I was honored to be invited to a media tasting to experience this luscious Chinese banquet style cuisine which I miss so much now I live in the US. If you’re lucky enough to experience dining at Hakkasan, this is a food experience that will elevate your perception of Chinese food.  I was so pleased to read Wall Street Journal’s article, “Chinese Food in New Translations” and how chefs are putting their takes on one of the most complex cuisines and not pandering to American palates. I think Hakkasan succeeds in both.
Chef de Cuisine Jian Heng Loo put his spin on a traditional Stir Fry French Beans usually made with dried shrimp but he used preserved olives so it’s vegetarian, how thoughtful and still gives that umami flavor. His artistry extends beyond food, his playful use of two noodle nests and lobster shell to present his dishes engage and entice you before you even taste the dish. Seafood was featured in 4 dishes and I’m thrilled because Asians excel in preparing them.  To top it all, Hakkasan’s mixologist paired each course with cocktails like Serpent’s Tongue and Old Cuban.
As if 8 dishes weren’t enough, we ended with a very creative dessert which was very light even though there was cream involved!  Do not take your eyes off the Chocolate Raspberry Sphere in this video.
My Chinese New Year was hosted by Hakkasan and they put on a scrumptious 13 item Yum Cha (dim sum with tea) that we still talk about a year later. You can read about it here.
Hakkasan-LingLingRoom
Ling Ling Room is just one of many divided areas that creates intimacy with beautiful carved panels that exude glamor and style. Photo credit: Geraldine Ramirez
Hakkasan-lobsterdumplings-crispybeef
Small Eats: Steamed Crystal Lobster Dumplings; Crispy Shredded Beef in Chinese Honey served with Mandarin Pancakes. Cocktail pairing: Old Cuban.
Hakkasan-lobster-shrimp
First course: Stir Fry South Florida Spiny Lobster in XO sauce with lotus root and sugar snap. I love this playful lobster shell presentation and banana leaf. Behind, Stir-Fry Tiger Prawns with Sweet Walnuts in a crispy noodle nest. Cocktail pairing: Serpent’s Tongue.
Hakkasan-Snapper
First Course: Seared Snapper with Supreme Homemade Soya Sauce presented on banana leaf and topped with crispy noodle strands.
Hakkasan-lamb-beef
Second Course: Crispy Beef Tenderloin with Tangerine Peel on the right, spilling out of noodle nest was crowd pleaser, tender morsels that didn’t even need chewing; Stir-Fry Spicy Lamb with Baby Bamboo Shoots on left, sitting on a bed of crispy bean noodles was another winner; Stir-Fry French Beans with Preserved Olives so it’s vegetarian but had a wonderful umami flavor. Cocktail pairing with Amburana. All were an excellent combination.
Amburana cocktail
Amburana cocktail
Hakkasan-kitchen
I had to take a little “behind the scenes” kitchen action. That’s Chef Jian Heng Loo on the left. Look at all the woks!
Hakkasan-ChocolateRaspberrySphere
Chocolate Raspberry Sphere was surprisingly not that sweet which I really liked. I may look small but I polished this off!
Hakkasan-OnlyAt-Menu
Only At Fontainebleau 8 course Tasting Menu
 

Filed Under: blog, Chinese food, Miami restaurant, restaurant review Tagged With: 'restaurant review', "Chinese food", "Dinebleau", "Fontainebleau Miami", "Hakkasan Miami", "Miami restaurant", Miami events

Hakkasan, Only At Fall Menu

November 9, 2016 By Eleanor Hoh Leave a Comment

Visualize an angled crispy noodle nest spilling out with Crispy Beef Tenderloin that’s battered and so tender, you only need to pop it in your mouth without even chewing. This enchanting dish was a crowd pleaser and part of a collection of 8 small bites, main dishes and dessert with cocktail pairings from the Only At Fontainebleau Menu.  This Fall Menu was launched to celebrate Hakkasan’s 15th anniversary with sister restaurants simultaneously showcasing their individual local culture and cuisine at 11 locations globally.  Each location will use seasonal ingredients and Hakkasan’s signature modern approach to traditional Cantonese cuisine.  The Only At Menu will change twice a year and judging from this tasting, I can’t wait to see what they’ll offer for the next one.

Crispy Beef Tenderloin spilling out of angled noodle nest was quite the crowd pleaser!
Crispy Beef Tenderloin spilling out of angled noodle nest was quite the crowd pleaser! Photos: Eleanor Hoh
I was honored to be invited to a media tasting to experience this luscious Chinese banquet style cuisine which I miss so much now I live in the US. If you’re lucky enough to experience dining at Hakkasan, this is a food experience that will elevate your perception of Chinese food.  I was so pleased to read Wall Street Journal’s article, “Chinese Food in New Translations” and how chefs are putting their takes on one of the most complex cuisines and not pandering to American palates. I think Hakkasan succeeds in both.
Chef de Cuisine Jian Heng Loo put his spin on a traditional Stir Fry French Beans usually made with dried shrimp but he used preserved olives so it’s vegetarian, how thoughtful and still gives that umami flavor. His artistry extends beyond food, his playful use of two noodle nests and lobster shell to present his dishes engage and entice you before you even taste the dish. Seafood was featured in 4 dishes and I’m thrilled because Asians excel in preparing them.  To top it all, Hakkasan’s mixologist paired each course with cocktails like Serpent’s Tongue and Old Cuban.
As if 8 dishes weren’t enough, we ended with a very creative dessert which was very light even though there was cream involved!  Do not take your eyes off the Chocolate Raspberry Sphere in this video.
My Chinese New Year was hosted by Hakkasan and they put on a scrumptious 13 item Yum Cha (dim sum with tea) that we still talk about a year later. You can read about it here.
Hakkasan-LingLingRoom
Ling Ling Room is just one of many divided areas that creates intimacy with beautiful carved panels that exude glamor and style. Photo credit: Geraldine Ramirez
Hakkasan-lobsterdumplings-crispybeef
Small Eats: Steamed Crystal Lobster Dumplings; Crispy Shredded Beef in Chinese Honey served with Mandarin Pancakes. Cocktail pairing: Old Cuban.
Hakkasan-lobster-shrimp
First course: Stir Fry South Florida Spiny Lobster in XO sauce with lotus root and sugar snap. I love this playful lobster shell presentation and banana leaf. Behind, Stir-Fry Tiger Prawns with Sweet Walnuts in a crispy noodle nest. Cocktail pairing: Serpent’s Tongue.
Hakkasan-Snapper
First Course: Seared Snapper with Supreme Homemade Soya Sauce presented on banana leaf and topped with crispy noodle strands.
Hakkasan-lamb-beef
Second Course: Crispy Beef Tenderloin with Tangerine Peel on the right, spilling out of noodle nest was crowd pleaser, tender morsels that didn’t even need chewing; Stir-Fry Spicy Lamb with Baby Bamboo Shoots on left, sitting on a bed of crispy bean noodles was another winner; Stir-Fry French Beans with Preserved Olives so it’s vegetarian but had a wonderful umami flavor. Cocktail pairing with Amburana. All were an excellent combination.
Amburana cocktail
Amburana cocktail
Hakkasan-kitchen
I had to take a little “behind the scenes” kitchen action. That’s Chef Jian Heng Loo on the left. Look at all the woks!
Hakkasan-ChocolateRaspberrySphere
Chocolate Raspberry Sphere was surprisingly not that sweet which I really liked. I may look small but I polished this off!
Hakkasan-OnlyAt-Menu
Only At Fontainebleau 8 course Tasting Menu
 

Filed Under: blog, Chinese food, Miami restaurant, restaurant review Tagged With: 'restaurant review', "Chinese food", "Dinebleau", "Fontainebleau Miami", "Hakkasan Miami", "Miami restaurant", Miami events

Antica Mare, authentic Tuscan cuisine with waterviews

March 20, 2016 By Eleanor Hoh Leave a Comment

With very few waterfront restaurants in Miami, Antica Mare is a very welcome addition to our dining options!  Authentic Tuscan food and water views, how can you go wrong?  Let’s get straight to the food which is no pretensions or pomp, just cozy, home cooking is what you’ll get at Antica Mare on the Bay.  It’s inside the new luxury ShoreCrest Club complex with a huge indoor and outdoor dining area with 224 seats, oh my!  There’s also a private room for 60 if you want to hold social or business events.

1 Antica Mare Interior_Photo Credit Alissa Dragun
Antica Mare Interior-Photo Credit Alissa Dragun
Antica Mare Exterior Horizontal_Photo Credit Alissa Dragun
Antica Mare Exterior – Photo Credit Alissa Dragun
Marco Betti, the chef/owner started this Miami restaurant based on recipes from his mom, with a flagship, award winning restaurant, Antica Posta in Atlanta run by his brother, Chef Sandro.  I enjoyed hearing Marco’s stories about how the three brothers grew up working in their Dad’s butcher shop in Reggello, Italy. There’s nothing more endearing than a chef who wants to be a part of the community he lives and works in and I love to support these kinds of restaurants.
AnticaMare-appetizers
4 appetizers started off the evening! The patio light, the breeze and the views were stunning!
My favorite appetizer was of course the Octopus, so tender and pure heaven, I’m a huge fan. I helped polish that one off, no problem.
AnticaMare-4appetizers
Our media tasting started with four appetizers, clockwise: Marco salad; meatballs in tomato sauce; the Best Octopus in the World garnished with arugula; Brushetta with fresh tomatoes and basil.
Many of the servers were Italian who really knew how to make you feel right at home, you might even hear some singing if you’re lucky, it’ll make you feel like you’re in Italy!
AnticaMare-MarcoBetti
If you get a chance to meet Marco, please notice his beautiful, crisp linen shirt!
We all agreed we’d never have ordered the chicken dish, Chef Marco Pollo arrosto alla toscana but it was very tasty and tender, and the roast potatoes were crispy and flavored with the chicken juices, yummy.  Marco mentioned this is one of the restaurant’s signature dishes. Everyone’s favorite main was Filetti di maiale alla mostarda, tender pork medallions with the creamiest, tastiest lentils ever.  Even the carnivores in our group couldn’t stop eating those lentils.  And the sauteed veggies of broccoli and what looked and tasted like mustard greens were fantastic.  For me, I would have preferred no tomato sauce on the salmon.
AnticaMare-Seafood-pasta
Special Seafood pasta with olives.
Chef Marco Pollo arrosto alla toscana - Chef Marco slow roast free range chicken with Tuscan herbs and roast potatoes.
Chef Marco slow roast free range chicken with Tuscan herbs and roast potatoes.
Salmone alla Livornese - salmon sauteed with cherry tomatoes, olives & capers with asparagus.
Salmon sauteed with cherry tomatoes, olives & capers with asparagus.
Ravioli al ragu toscano - spinach and ricotta cheese ravioli with traditional Tuscan meat sauce
Spinach and ricotta cheese ravioli with traditional Tuscan meat sauce.
Pork filet medallions sauteed with whole grain mustard sauce, lentils and sauteed broccoli.
Pork filet medallions sauteed with whole grain mustard sauce, lentils and sauteed broccoli.
Of course, you’ve got to end your dinner with Italian desserts which are some of the most wicked around…tiramisu, layers of Marscapone cream and Pavesini cookies dipped in expresso coffee; panacotta with wild berry sauce; cannoli stuffed with house made chantilly cream.

AnticaMare-tiramisuAnticaMare-panacottaAnticaMare-cannoli

So, go, enjoy and support Antica Mare, this wonderful new waterfront restaurant with a constant breeze! If you live in Normandy Isle and North Miami, it’s a nice walk there to work up your appetite and then to work it off after you’ve eaten!
AnticaMare-patio
Antica Mare
7999 Northeast Bayshore Court
serves dinner Tuesday through Sunday, from 4PM  to 11PM
On ground level of the Shorecrest Club high rise apartment complex on the Northeast corner of 80th and Bayshore.  From 79th Street heading east, make U-turn before bridge and take right on Bayshore Court. Discounted valet parking.
Telephone: (305) 398-1001

Filed Under: blog, Italian, restaurant review Tagged With: "Antica Mare", "Italian cuisine", "Marco Betti", Tuscan

  • « Go to Previous Page
  • Go to page 1
  • Go to page 2
  • Go to page 3
  • Go to page 4
  • Go to page 5
  • Go to page 6
  • Go to Next Page »

Primary Sidebar

Blog/Reviews

  • Secret Door to Unique Experience inside Xino Modern Chinese
  • Miami Asian Spice 2026 by Wok Star Eleanor Hoh!
  • JULY NEWS

Join Wok Star’s Community

FacebookInstagramPinterestRSSTwitterYouTube
Click here to SUBSCRIBE to Wok Star Newsletter! Get first dibs to attend Wok Star Supper Club events, latest news for Asian events, Asian Eats, Restaurant Reviews & Cook With What You Have! I NEVER SELL your email!

Footer

Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2026 Wok Star Eleanor Hoh. All rights reserved.