Whisk
Reviews
Name: Gina Jeffries
Occupation: Business Owner
Lives In: Miami
Restaurant Pick: Whisk
Reviewed: Whisk
The limited parking outside of Whisk along with its partially hidden location don’t seem that promising, but approaching the restaurant immediately changes your mind. You realize you’ve stumbled on a neighborhood gem when you walk in and see the clean, modern décor and smell what’s emanating from the open kitchen. The hostess was smiling and friendly, and escorted us directly to our reserved table; which was prepared and waiting for us when we arrived. The menu was one page and concise and offered many different choices within the theme without being confusing or complicated.
The complexity instead is saved for dishes such as the Bacon-wrapped Gorgonzola Stuffed Figs which is a balancing act of flavors. This particular bite comes on a long toothpick and is salty, sweet, with the sharp flavors of the Gorgonzola and each note harmonizes without overpowering the other flavors. Surprises include the level of accountability the chefs seem to pride themselves in, from the open kitchen to the printing of farm sources on the menu. I knew my chicken’s origin, as well as where the quail special had come from before they cooked it and served it on a plate. The Fried Chicken, some of the best in South Florida, had a wonderful crispy exterior behind which was hidden the white juicy flesh filled with flavor and expertly combined with creamy gravy and lying on a bed of home-style mashed potatoes, huge lumps authenticating the freshness and preparation of the food. Other notable offerings include the Fried Green Tomatoes, Balsamic Marinated Skirt Steak Salad with goat cheese fritter, Cornbread, Brussels Sprouts, and whatever dessert the pastry chef has conjured from her imagination that day.
The service was attentive and friendly. My glass was never empty. I was never waiting an exorbitant amount of time for any particular request. There is a confidence in the quality of food and integrity of the ingredients used by the chef that trickles down throughout the working environment of the restaurant. If everyone, from the diner to the servers to the hostess, believes in the product being presented it not only provides for a pleasant dining experience, it provides for a comfortable and intimate experience. The standard of dining out should be fresh, delicious food at a reasonable price and that is exactly what Whisk offers.
Name: Tony Andre
Occupation: Attorney
Lives In: Miami Beach
Restaurant Pick: Kabobji
Reviewed: Whisk
Whisk is a really great restaurant. If I were to sum up my experience chronologically I’d start with finding Whisk. Whisk is tucked in a small street right off Sunset Drive and Red Road. The only negative thing I will say about Whisk is that parking is a little tricky as Whisk’s lot is rather small. In the evening you can find metered parking on Sunset Drive though, and that’s what we did.When you step into Whisk you are greeted to a warm and inviting restaurant. The décor is clean and modern but not cold. We were really surprised how busy it was on a Wednesday night. You can tell that the restaurant is a true neighborhood hangout.
There was an eclectic mix of folks who were all thoroughly enjoying their food.
We were promptly seated and the server offered the menu and the specials menu. The specials menu in addition to having special dishes also had special beers. I was delighted to find out they were offering a selection from Prairie Artisan Ales out of Oklahoma. I have been looking for this beer in Miami forever and just found it hanging out at Whisk, like it was no big deal. It really set the stage for a really great dining experience. The service was also exceptional. The waiter was helpful and attentive, and the food came out very quickly, despite the fact the restaurant was full.
We started with the Fried Green Tomatoes and the Shrimp and Grits. Both dishes were outstanding. The Fried Green Tomatoes were piping hot and served with a ranch sauce. The Shrimp and Grits was very decadent, served with Anson Mills Grits, crispy bacon, and perfectly cooked shrimp. Really can’t complain about either dish.The entrees were both very solid. My wife had the Spicy Seared Beef and I had the Beer Braised Baby Back Ribs. Both dishes were simple and delicious. The molasses barbecue sauce that came on the ribs would make and old boot taste good, so needless to say the perfectly tender baby back ribs were good. The seared beef was a seared skirt steak that was very flavorful. Again both dishes were simple, but very good.By the time dessert arrived we were absolutely stuffed, but we powered through and shared the Toasted Coconut Bread Pudding. It was delicious and surprisingly light, served with a mound of toasted coconut and lightly drizzled with a vanilla sauce. It was a real treat.
Whisk really delivers just about the ideal dining experience. The restaurant is clean, warm, and inviting. The service was exceptional and it’s pretty apparent why this place is so popular with South Miami locals. I wish they were located closer to me in Miami Beach, but Whisk is definitely worth the drive.
Name: Evi Kalus
Occupation: Land Planner
Lives In: Wilton Manors
Restaurant Pick: Old Heidelberg
Reviewed: Whisk
I arrived after 2 p.m. to meet my cousin for lunch. I had to drive around the block several times until I found a parking space in the adjacent neighborhood in front of a house under construction. My cousin ran late and I waited at the bar till she arrived, we were seated at around 2:30pm. I had a glass of Malbec at the bar while I waited and another with my meal. They only had three reds by the glass on the menu. The waitress took our drink orders right away and wanted to take our meal orders too, but we needed time to decide. Hostess motioned to waitress to keep things moving. I think they try to rush you a little because it is such a small place.
We ordered the Pimiento Cheese for an appetizer. They had “Fried Green Tomatoes” and “Shrimp and Grits” also as appetizers/small plates. I could have just ordered several appetizers. They all looked interesting. The menu reminded me of the selection at a restaurant at a winery in Virginia I go to a few times a year. The pimiento cheese was good and had a little zip to it. Good taste, a little mushy, could have been thicker and a few extra toast points would have been good. I couldn’t decide between the “Shrimp Succotash Risotto” and the “Balsamic Steak Salad” as an entrée. Waitress said the salad portion was larger. She seemed to recommend the salad and most patrons were having either salad or sandwiches. I did notice there were several vegetarian dishes. They also have several daily specials. I went with the Steak Salad it was good and I took some steak home. It had a goat cheese fritter, cherry tomatoes, just blanched green beans, and the steak was very tender all with a very light balsamic dressing.
My cousin had the “Roasted Turkey with Brie and Cranberry Mayo” sandwich. It was very large. She took half home; she said it was good. And said she was going to come back and bring her husband for dinner. I asked for a dessert menu. They had a cake of the day, but I chose the “Bread Pudding with Chocolate Chips and Vanilla Sauce.” It was good, not too sweet, just right. There was a little wait for dessert. Our tab was closed out before the dessert came. I thought it seemed a little rushed. We left at around 4 p.m. The check was $74 with tip and that included one glass of wine.
Restaurant Information
Location: 7382 SW 56th Ave., South Miami
Parking: 12 spots on-site. Public parking nearby.
Phone: 786 -268- 8350
Website: www.whiskgourmet.com
Restaurant Owners: Kristin & Brendan Connor (siblings)
Executive Chef: Brendan Connor
Pastry Chef: Lorena Inostroza
Type of Cuisine: Contemporary Southern American
Signature Dishes: Buttermilk Fried Chicken, Shrimp and Grits, Fried Green Tomatoes, BBQ Pork Chop
Vegetarian Options: Daily Vegetable Plate, Salads, Vegetable Sides
Alcohol Served: Beer & Wine
Corkage Fee: $15.00 per bottle
Bottle Limit: N/A
Restaurant Hours:
Monday – 11:00am – 10:00 pm
Tuesday – 11:00am – 10:00 pm
Wednesday – 11:00am – 10:00 pm
Thursday – 11:00am – 10:00 pm
Friday – 11:00am – 11:00 am
Saturday – 11:00am – 11:00 am
Sunday – 10:30am – 4:00pm (brunch)
Meals Served: Lunch & Dinner (Mon-Sat) / Brunch (Sundays)
Prix Fix Menu: N/A
Take-Out: Yes
Delivery: No
Average Dinner Price Range (per person, full meal, tax, 18% gratuity, w/o alcohol): $27
Average Lunch Price Range (per person, full meal, tax, 18% gratuity, w/o alcohol): $20
Payment Options: do you accept credit cards and if so, which ones? Visa, MasterCard, American Express
Accept Reservations: Limited for groups of 6 people or more.
Need Reservations: No
How far in advance do you require reservations be made: N/A
Accommodations for Children: high chairs available, accept strollers
Dining Style: casual
Disabled Access: Yes
Restaurant Size: 74 seats
Accommodate Groups: Yes - 20 people max.
Private Dining Room: N/A
Tables with Scenic Views: N/A
Outdoor Dining: N/A
Entertainment: N/A