R House Wynwood Drag Brunch

On my birthday, I was surrounded by sequins, feathers, and crazy joy. My daughters, filled with anticipation, had planned a surprise visit to a drag queen show. The show unfolded not on a distant stage but right next to us, on the floor among the tables. The dancers, radiant in their flamboyant outfits, weaved through the crowd, their performances a riotous blend of boldness and artistry. The restaurant was alive with energy, the audience’s cheers and laughter punctuating the pulsating music as they showered the performers with wads of one-dollar bills. It was a celebration of life and expression that amazed and awestruck me.

The dancers moved with mesmerizing grace and confidence, blending their dances with humor, talent, and sheer audacity. They shook every part of their bodies, their movements fierce and unapologetic, their joy infectious. The audience caught up in the spectacle, responded with cheers and applause, their enthusiasm adding to the electric atmosphere. As I watched the performers weave their magic, I was struck by the sheer talent on display, the joy they brought to the audience, and the palpable sense of community and acceptance.

Amidst all the excitement, the food was a delightful surprise – I was not expecting anything fantastic. The flavors were as vibrant and exciting as the show itself. As I ate with pleasure, I couldn’t help but reflect on the event. It was a birthday like no other, a celebration of life, love, and the joy of being in a place like this. As I looked around at my daughters and their friends, their faces lit up with happiness, I couldn’t help but feel profound gratitude. This was more than just a birthday celebration; it was a reminder of the joy and beauty in the world, a celebration of diversity and acceptance that I would cherish forever.

Brunch salad, quinoa, hearts of palm, cucumber, red onion, baby heirloom tomatoes

This was my favorite dish – picture a salad as refreshing as the morning dew, a party of nature’s bounty in a bowl. The foundation was quinoa, each grain a tiny pearl, cooked to just the right side of softness, its nutty flavor a gentle backdrop to the vibrant chorus of ingredients it supported. Sliced hearts of palm lent a tender crunch. Cucumber added a cool crispness. Thinly sliced red onion brought a sharpness, its pungency mellowed by the different flavors, while baby heirloom tomatoes, each one a jewel, burst with sweet, tangy juice. Each mouthful was a harmony of textures and flavors, a light yet satisfying salad, simple yet sophisticated.

Arroz moro – rice and black beans

Consider Arroz Moro, a humble yet soulful dish full of savory goodness. At its heart was the rice, each grain plump and tender. The black beans were simmered until soft, velvety, and rich, bringing a deep, earthy, comforting flavor. The rice and beans balanced textures and tastes, a dance of the simple and the profound. Each spoonful was an affirmation of the beauty of minimalist cooking, where each ingredient was allowed to shine, and their individual characters were respected and honored.

Cayenne fried chicken, spicy cilantro sauce

This dish celebrated heat and flavor – Cayenne fried chicken with spicy cilantro sauce. The chicken, marinated and then fried to a golden crisp, was a triumph of textures. Its exterior was a crackling delight, while the inside remained succulently tender. The cayenne pepper gave a fiery warmth that permeated each bite, a heat that was both invigorating and addictive. Accompanying this was the spicy cilantro sauce, a lively emerald concoction that was a riot of flavors – the fresh, herbaceous notes of the cilantro blended beautifully with the heat of the spices, creating a sauce that was as complex as it was delicious.

Chimichurri cheeseburger slider

Envision a Chimichurri Cheeseburger slider, a miniature marvel that packed a punch far beyond its size. The heart of this delight was a little juicy, perfectly seared burger. Blanketing the meat was a layer of cheese melted to gooey perfection, its rich creaminess a decadent contrast to the robust burger. But the true star was the chimichurri – a vibrant green drizzle of parsley, garlic, oil, vinegar, and chili. It was a sauce that complemented and elevated the burger – its bright, tangy, and slightly spicy notes cut through the richness and added complexity. All this was cradled within a slider bun, soft yet sturdy, its slight sweetness a perfect vessel for the savory fillings. Each bite was a journey of flavors and textures, a small but mighty gastronomic bomb.

R Cuban breakfast croissant with mojo pork, serrano ham, swiss cheese, scrambled egg

The Cuban croissant emerged as a symphony of flavors, a testament to the art of culinary fusion. The heart of the dish was the mojo pork, marinated in a vibrant blend of citrus and garlic, its tender, juicy strands offering a melody of sweet and zesty notes. Layered atop this, the Serrano ham added a whisper of saltiness, its smoky undertones a perfect counterpoint to the pork. The Swiss cheese melted to a state of creamy bliss, wrapped the meat in a blanket of mild, nutty richness – its quiet sweetness a harmonious echo of the pork. And then, the scrambled egg, softly set and buttery, a comforting presence that tied the ensemble together. Each ingredient was encased within the flaky, golden layers of the croissant, its buttery crispness yielding to a soft, airy interior. It was a breakfast not just to eat, but to experience, a dish that turned your tongue into a playground.

Cinnamon sweet French toast, guava syrup, cream cheese, tropical fruit, coconut flakes

This was our “dessert.” Imagine an indulgence that transports you to a tropical paradise. The show’s star was the cinnamon French toast, its golden edges crisp and caramelized, the inside soft and custardy, carrying the warm, comforting whisper of cinnamon. Drizzled generously over this was a syrup made of guava, its exotic sweetness seeping into the toast, a captivating blend of tart and sweet that teased the tongue. Dollops of cream cheese added a luscious creaminess, an incredible contrast to the warm toast. Scattered over this were pieces of tropical fruit, their spirited flavors bursting forth with each bite, a medley of sunshine and sweetness. The final embellishment was a sprinkle of coconut flakes, their subtle crunch and slight sweetness adding an extra layer of texture and flavor.