I think Yardbird is going to be a huge success. The whole cozy feel of Southern cooking and atmosphere is just what’s needed in the heart of South Beach! There’s even a wood deck with outdoor seating for people watching.
Chef Jeff McInnis looking very calm on his first night’s opening at Yardbird Southern Table & Bar. I so enjoyed hanging with my foodie friends and thanks to Gretchen for inviting me. We sat at the high table with comfy bar stools so you can watch the chefs cook! Best seats in the house. Even though it was ridiculously busy, the wait staff were all very well trained and friendly. I can’t wait to try Cast Iron Chicken because as you know, I’m a HUGE cast iron wok advocate. Produce and meat are all sourced locally here and proudly stated on their website here.
I remember watching Jeff as a contestant on Top Chef. Soon after, I went to see him “grill” Chef Tom Colicchio in an amusing interview session at Arsht Center in Miami. Next, Jeff was the chef who helped open up popular Gigi’s and asked if I wanted to ‘work’ one of the wok stations there when he found out I teach wok cooking! He actually remembered our conversation last night.
Left: Meatloaf Slow Braised Short Ribs, melt-in-your-mouth tender & tasty bite!
Right: Ham wrapped peach, didn’t get to try this.
Very fresh & perfectly fried Catfish. Deviled Eggs
Left: Smores, cupcakes, cookies. Right: Smoked Drumsticks were juicy, yummy!
Left: the crowd didn’t slow down at the bar!
Right: Paul Newman, Cool Hand Luke photo slides to go with theme of Southern cooking!
Left: Chef plating my fav: Meatloaf made of Slow Braised Short Ribs!
Right: Mama’s Fried Chicken Biscuit (ID by Yardbird, thx!) with pepper jelly.
Didn’t get to try this.
All the details at the bar with the fixings were beautiful. Showing all the wonderful food canning along the wall.
Goodie bag of Moon pie, pickled onions, bourbon and a calculator?
I love Jeff’s mission and what he’s trying to do with his restaurant! You can read more about Yardbird here, here and here. And here’s Gretchen’s writeup. Last but not least from one of my fav writers.
Well, good luck to Jeff’s first night (yeah, I got this up before he opens to the public tonight.) I’m all about supporting chefs who have the guts to open their own restaurant, it’s a tough business.
I was very honored Jeff’s mom emailed to say, “It was great to live it through your eyes!”
Like to hear what you ate?
