We celebrated the Chinese New Year of the Monkey at Bází. I am a Tiger, arch-enemy of the Monkey, so I thought that honoring the monkey would bring me the extra good luck I need in 2016.

Bází is a contemporary, Asian-inspired restaurant located in Miami Beach. Chef Michael Pirolo creates Asian classic dishes and walks them down a new path without losing the intrinsic spirit of the food he presents on the plate.

No wonder Eleanor Hoh, our famous Wok Star, decided to celebrate the Year of the Monkey Hoh Wok Club gathering at Bází this time.

The restaurant was sexy, decorated in black, red and gold. The menu was very enticing, especially designed to welcome the new year in a tasty way.

The food was presented family-style, for all sitting at the table to share. Every single morsel was marvelous.

1^st COURSE

Braised Mustard Green Salad

Creamy ginger dressing | crispy shallots

Sweet Potato Dumplings

Chicken | fermented black bean | chives

2^nd COURSE

Longevity Noodles

Snow Peas | chicken | red peppers

Whole Snapper served with braised cabbage

DESSERT

Chocolate Bowl

Fresh passion fruit | Thai basil anglaise

Pan Dan Rice Pudding

Fried banana | candied cashew | lemongrass caramel

My favorites were the sweet potato dumplings (I could have eaten a bucket of those all by myself) and the pan dan rice pudding. I am not a dessert person but this rice pudding was spectacular. Bananas are not a favorite either but fried these bananas? Wow, they were so good that they had my head spinning.

We can’t wait to celebrate Chinese New Year with Hoh Wok Club in 2017, that is, if the monkey gives this tiger a break in 2016 🙂

Bazi Restaurant at the Marlin Hotel

1200 Collins Avenue

Miami Beach, Fl 33139

(305) 695-0101

http://bazimiami.com