"Miami Asian food"

Smart move Como Metropolitan Hotel, Miami Beach! Opening a restaurant with a James Beard award-winning chef, Traymore by Michael Schwartz guarantees immediate success.

The reason for his success? That’s easy…his philosophy has always been to cook what’s local and seasonal and provide a “Genuine” dining experience, LOVE that! He puts so much flavor and panache into his dishes. Schwartz created Genuine Hospitality Group in 2007 with his wife and partner, Tamara and has been dominating the Miami culinary scene with 9 restaurants so far and no end in sight. His pan-Asian fusion dishes fit perfectly with Como’s Asian roots.

Michael, you definitely nailed it. Thank you for giving us uncluttered Asian flavors with an upscale ambience!

I love that they respected the Art Deco curved ceiling inlay details accented with lights and soaring columns flanked with huge pots of greenery giving the dining room a tropical look that’s tropical chic yet casual.

About the decor:

It’s a place where people feel comfortable and cozy and appeals to both hotel guests and locals. Como originated from Singapore, founded by Christina Ong and boasts 9 hotels and resorts in Asia, 3 in Europe. I am so thrilled to hear this because my mom was born in Singapore and it feels good to know this luxury brand has chosen Miami Beach as their first USA location.

Como Metropolitan Hotel, Miami Beach’s Lobby, zen and clean.

Porch setting for those who enjoy a little humidity!

Cute area which can be curtained off for private functions!

Banquettes on the back wall. Thank heavens for this, my hubby has a superstition and likes to sit with the wall behind him.

About the food:

“I have always loved the ingredients and tastes of Asia” says Schwartz. As a long time fan of Chef Michael Schwartz, we were pleased to see his signature Wok Charred Salmon on the menu as well as the inclusion of Black Rice in many dishes, another of his favorites from when he helmed the kitchen at Nemo back in 1995. I’m so happy Chef Michael gets to bring back his love of Asian flavors at Como. His culinary genius is respecting each ingredient and bringing out its best potential with sourcing from excellent purveyors.

Everything we ordered was exquisitely executed, very tasty and well presented. Quite reasonable considering this is Miami Beach. Raw Bar ranged from $17-$29. Market Table were $6-$10. Appetizers, $12-$20. Entrees, $21-$42. Dessert, large $12, small $5.

Miami Spice starts August 1st and continues to September 31, with lunch and dinner menu. It’s a great way to get a sampling. Umm, just saw Pork Belly Ramen and Black sticky rice with mango, I’m so THERE!

About the service:

As this was a media tasting, the Como staff as well as the restaurant managers were there to greet us, we appreciated the attention! Our server ‘knew’ the menu and shared his favs.

Top: Broccolini with Thai peanut sauce and black rice, staff know how to wok it, crispy crunchy. Tuna Sashimi with kaffir lime vinaigrette, very refreshing and light.

Lobster stuffed Zucchini blossoms, preserved lemon dressing. Light and fluffy.

Pan Fried Pork & Kimchi Dumplings with Papaya Mustard. I couldn’t taste the Kimchi though? Otherwise, this crispy disc was genius. Who doesn’t love crispy dumplings?

Wanted to show how each dumpling was underneath!

Grilled Rib Eye, green sambal, chile fried long green beans and black sticky rice in small plate. That was one of the most TENDER and juicy steaks I’ve ever had. It had the perfect temperature for medium rare. Stir Fried Thai Eggplant Curry was also delicious. Of course, so good as leftovers next day.

I loved how a server poured hot water to make the Vietnamese coffee which seeped into Sundae beneath and when she removed it, TA DA, there was our Vietnamese Coffee Sundae!
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Vanilla ice cream, sweetened condensed milk, sesame-hempseed crunch, toffee, whipped cream, house maraschino. With Hemp Seed Balls from the Small Bites section. I’m not sure how we managed to fit this in but we did! Very rich, blame it on my hubby for ordering it, I would have preferred Miso Flan.

Disclosure: this media tasting was complimentary. As a cooking teacher and authority on Asian food, my audience enjoys my reviews and recommendations.

WOK STAR SUPPER CLUB (previously HOH Wok Club)

Wok Star Eleanor Hoh is a Miami food personality, wok cooking teacher, brand spokesperson, blogger, event curator/programmer, producer and influencer at @wokstar

My popular WOK STAR SUPPER CLUB is a series of gatherings held throughout the year in South Florida. Started in 2006, these gatherings are centered around celebrating Asian culture and cuisine, usually held on the LAST SUNDAY of the month.

View list of upcoming as well as past WOK STAR SUPPER CLUB gatherings below.

After a few years hiatus, I have resurrected my WOK STAR SUPPER CLUB gatherings. I’m thrilled to introduce numerous new restaurants focusing on modern Asian eats and Asian Fusion like Peruvian Japanese (Nikkei), Chinese Cuban (Chifa)etc. For me, eating out has to be a complete experience.

GOAL

My goal is to create a tasting sampler at a great value, support chef-owned restaurants while creating an evening filled with camaraderie and good Asian food. Mostly SOLD OUT events from 70 with 13 course dim sum at Hakkasan to 36 for 3 course exotic Indonesian at Krakatoa Cuisine.

Many who’ve attended have gone back to these restaurants to try other dishes and told friends about them, so win win for everyone.

The evening starts off with a meet and mingle with an exotic cocktail, then onto a sit down 3-4 course dinner. Often, mixing people at the same table and best way to meet new people. These gatherings are an excellent way to be introduced to what the restaurant has to offer and gives the chef an opportunity to talk about their philosophy and style of cooking.

SUBSCRIBE
to my newsletter for Asian related news and get first dibs participating!

I like a foodie friend, Joan’s take…”it’s like you’re giving your seal of approval’ when you review their restaurants or bring your Wok Star Supper Club there!”

NOTE:
Please understand, when chefs are dealing with a large number of guests all at once, it’s already difficult. It’s difficult to accommodate any substitutions or diet requests.

If you have food related allergies, strict dietary requirements, religious restrictions; are salt sensitive, vegetarian, pescatarian, or vegan or are pregnant: these gatherings are probably not for you. Please visit on your own.

WOK STAR SUPPER CLUB: upcoming and past gatherings…

UPCOMING: BELLY FISH – Sunday, September 29, 2024, 6pm