DOUCHE FREE DATE NIGHT at THE DINING ROOM

Posted by Lisa C. on May 13, 2012 in EATING OUT, FOOD N DRINK | 2 comments

I recently shared a table with several of Miami’s hottest most on-point foodie bloggers and video content gurus. The venue was The Dining Room and the celebration was FoodieChats 1 year Anniversary. You can join the foodiechats conversation on Monday nights at 8pm eastern on twitter. If you like to chat about food in 146 characters or less this is the night to do it.

I love The Dining Room. It reminds me of the kind of place you would find in New York along a neighborhood street. It’s small, there’s zero attitude but the food is excellent. There are a few tables inside, a few more outside, wine bottles in a wall rack a small kitchen in plain sight which means the smells of heavenly cooking is constantly teasing you. As soon as you are seated you get a bread basket and this delicious serving of pickled cucumbers with a bit of spicy kick to it. Instantly you’re thinking that if this is the freebee they put down at the table, imagine the food.

If you’re from New York, Chicago, Boston (pretty much anywhere beyond South Florida) and don’t want to deal with the scene of Prime 112 and the other mega scene steak houses, this is a great place to grab perfectly prepared steak minus the Douche Lord 50 year olds in button down shirts, True Religion Jeans and Gucci loafers with their harem of 24 year old strippers mooching a meal. Please… spare yourself the shit show and come to The Dining Room. Oh and here’s a tip come MID WEEK!! The street is far less crowded weeknights which means less traffic which lends to a more quiet experience. I’m a huge fan of the mid week dates. First you can dodge the sex because most people (although not so much in South Beach) work the next day so weekday dates means you can be home in bed (alone) by 11pm or earlier. Now if you are in some form of a relationship, there’s trust, you know you’re ONLY hanging out with one another, THEN, by all means, do your thing. But if you are in something new with someone you think can turn into something special this is a great spot to add to your dating spots.

First, guys will love THE DINING ROOM because they can wear jeans with a polo shirt or a nice t-shirt and enjoy a top notch quality meal. If you are a guy who is about quality and are confident enough not to need the bullshit scene and actually want to capture the attention of the person seated across from you without distraction then THIS is the spot for you. Guys, if you want to weed out a quality woman from the common trash bags found in this town, steer clear from the ones who think being seen at a certain restaurant matters more than the food they are eating, take her to THE DINING ROOM. Conversely, ladies if you appreciate great food, cozy atmosphere and want to wear a simple sundress or some linen shorts and sandals, and want to have a great time bonding with the guy across from you as opposed to looking towards the door or bar for something better, then you’ll welcome a date at The Dining Room. The Dining Room isn’t by any means cheap. Dinner for two will easily be in the $80-$120 range depending on what and how much you drink. But the vibe is so chill and so neighborhoodie that you can’t help but relax and chill on your date.

 

What to eat. Ok when I’m dining with a gentleman I’m all about the two appetizer one entre with room for dessert approach to eating. First, I need to watch the portions and second, I like to eat and I like to try different things. Start off with the Serrano Ham, Arugula and Fig salad. DELICIOUS!! Also get either the Cobia Ceviche or the Serrano Ham wrapped Scallops. INSANE!! For the main dish I’m a HUGE FAN of the Filet Mignon Churrasco. They butterfly it and add malbec chimmichuri and serve it with heirloom tomatoes. ON POINT! Another option is the Branzino. Seasoned perfectly, not boney AT ALL and served on creamy mashed potatoes. This is what I had this time around and I ate half and gave the other half to this homeless lady I often see around town. She likes my dog. I saw her as I was walking home and figured I was blessed to have such an amazing meal with lovely company why not share the blessing?

 

THE DINING ROOM is on my list of spots I love here in South Beach. I take pride in making solid recommendations for like-minded people. Try THE DINING ROOM and then post a comment. Let me know what you ate on your date. ENJOY!  Here’s a link to their menu and website. http://www.diningroommiami.com/menu/