Posted March 1, 2014

By KASSANDRA MEYER

Miami has been described as the “Istanbul of the Americas” where cultures cross paths, exchange traditional values and contemporary ideas. A restaurant named The District Miami captures the city’s Pan-American spirit in its cuisine and atmosphere.

The District Miami’s cozy interior.

Located in Buena Vista, The District Miami brings together a diverse mix of cultures and tastes for South Florida’s most distinctive, new dining destination.

Each dish creates a true contemporary Pan-American cuisine, embodying the best dishes of North, South and Central America and the Caribbean.

The restaurant made its debut last fall in a historic home in the unique, up-and-coming Buena Vista neighborhood, just blocks away from the posh Design District.

The beverage of choice is its signature Cream Soda – described, as “The best you will ever have” on the menu.  The rich vanilla flavored soda with hints of honey and caramel certainly lives up to its reputation. The bottle, made in the Wisconsin Sprecher Brewery, is large and could be shared between two people. The beverage is priced at $5 and they even offer to make it a float for an additional $2.

For an appetizer, the Tuna Tacos are a refreshing choice.  The dish is comprised of three taro-shelled tacos filled with tuna tartar, avocado, scallions, and yuzu mayo. Priced at $8, the taste is citrusy and the presentation, attractive to the eye. The tacos are placed on a thick wooden board, which complements the restaurant’s rustic aesthetic.

The converted 1950s home has been transformed into a warm setting with contemporary and sophisticated features, housing countless new world and old world details. The look has been completed with paisley Westchester style leather couches and industrial loft-inspired touches of metal, wood and exposed brick.

The rustic walls are juxtaposed with the large canvases of colorful contemporary art.  The ceiling features a monochrome design, hand painted by renowned local artist Juan Rozas.  The metal light fixtures are modern in design, but again, are juxtaposed with industrial, old-fashion light bulbs.

The décor is very detailed, as well as the service.  The staff is friendly, approachable, and they never leave your water glass empty.

If you like a burger with some spice, try The District Burger. The dish is made with Prime Angus, Benton’s bacon, grilled red onions, heirloom tomatoes, Vermont Brie cheese, chipotle mayo and your choice of homemade potato fries or the house salad.

The District Burger.

Just like the Tuna Tacos, The District Burger is also served on a wooden platform, however this piece of wood has the side finishing of a tree trunk.

The burger is delicious, but at $15, The District Miami could be more creative with the sides to continue the cohesive Pan-American theme.

Yet, the most creative dish on the menu would be the “4 Leches Parfait” – Macadamia nuts, vanilla caramelized pineapples, and Italian merengue.

The $8 dessert is piña colada spin-off that may have had a touch of rum. The pieces of pineapple may throw some people off, but the macadamia nuts are a creative and delicious touch.

The 4 Leches Parfait.

A full bar is located in the back-left corner of the restaurant. The shelves are filled with old-fashioned jugs and lanterns.  There are stools that resemble those found in a western saloon, along with the industrial beer taps.

One point of critique would be the restrooms. The doors are part of the wooden wall, which may be hard to find.

You may want to ask a staff member where they are located. Also, the outside view is of a parking lot, however the restaurant’s interior makes up for it in their eye-catching paintings, décor and cuisine.

The District Miami is a great place for special occasions.  From intimate dates to larger birthday groups, this place caters to both.  Outdoors there are long wooden tables that fit up to 10 people.  The restaurant is warm, inviting and offers a pathway to experience different cultures.

• Restaurant: The District Miami
• Address: 190 NE 46th St., Miami, Fla., 33137
• Telephone: 305-573-4199.
• Hours of Operation: Noon-11p.m., Mondays-Thursdays, noon-midnight Fridays, 10 a.m.- midnight Saturdays and Sundays.
• Parking: $3 valet and street parking.
• Wheelchair access.
• Full bar.
• Prices: Appetizers and salads $8-$12, entrees $15-$46, sides $6, desserts $8.
• Credit/debit cards and cash accepted.
• Rating: three out of four stars.