Hello my dear friends, I hope that all is well! There are the rare times in life where people and food... (oh my god, I love it) touch our lives, and this restaurant my friends has done just that!! But before I share the glorious details let me tell you how this awesome experience ( of many I might add!) came to be.
For my birthday this year, my gorgeous and talented sister Felicia Ch'i ,C.E.O of FeliciChi Designs www.FeliciChi.com surprised me with a birthday celebration in Miami, South Beach!
This was my first time visiting Miami, such a beautiful place with a very exotic feel to it. I at one point forgot that I was still in the states. We toured Millionaires Row via a yacht, shopped, ate, sight saw etc. We had a blast, a great time! But the highlight of my stay was the dinner at this restaurant my sister had make reservations for on the night of my birthday. She didn't tell me much about the cuisine, as she wanted it to remain a surprise. At the very last minute she informed me that the name of this place was Marfil Bistro, where Mediterranean meets modern.
Also with us was my oldest daughter and our girlfriend Aisha. When we first entered, I noticed and loved the lay out and ambiance. The host was very welcoming. We were seated, and promptly given menus. My posse quickly informed the host and waiter, Homberto, that it was my birthday. They wished me a cheerful and sincere happy birthday. I had a glass of champagne with a heart shaped strawberry..... beautiful presentation. After examining the menu, my sister and I decided on the 48 hour braised short rib with manchego cheese risotto smoked with malbec barrels. My mouth is watering as I'm typing this! My friend Aisha decided on the lobster ravioli in saffron sauce, peppers drop with asparagus. My daughter the Sea Bass a lo macho, with seared sea scallops, jumbo shrimp, black mussels, squid, with aji Amarillo sauce and cilantro rice. The waiter brought my dish out covered with a glass lid. He gently lifted it up several times to release the oak aroma. It smelled incredible. My mouth started to water. When I tasted my short ribs....oh my god..it was out of this world for lack of better word. The flavor was so awesome, the meat was the tender I have ever tasted. Chef has perfected his technique like none other (including me, lol). Chef Mariano is a superb cook! He also came from the kitchen to wish me a happy birthday, asked if I was enjoying my dish and informed me that he was making a birthday cake especially for me!! This was the kindest gesture I have ever received in my time as an international foodie! If you're reading this chef, thank you once again from the bottom of my heart, the food you cooked was the best I've had thus far from any restaurant! Muy Delicioso!! Shortly after dinner, Homberto and additional staff brought out my cake made from scratch by chef. They all gathered around and sung me happy birthday....wow just wow!! I have a picture of my delicious cake for you to see. Pictured with me is the front manager. He told me his name, unfortunately I forgot to write it down but like Chef and Homberto , this man was just as pleasant, attentive and kind as the others. He and Homberto even went as far as to walk us to our taxi with umbrellas as it had started to rain heavily. God bless you two!! My readers know that I'm not a food blogger, but this food and experience was so exceptional I had to speak on it. I promise that you will love the impeccable food cooked by Chef Mariano. As well as the attentive, professional and exceptional service offered by Homberto and the remaining staff. I truly felt like a queen this day! A unforgettable birthday thanks to my family and my new friends at Marfil Bistro in Doral, Florida...each time I visit Miami I certainly will be there.....ready to eat and have a merry time.
Peace Always~ Shakira
For my birthday this year, my gorgeous and talented sister Felicia Ch'i ,C.E.O of FeliciChi Designs www.FeliciChi.com surprised me with a birthday celebration in Miami, South Beach!
This was my first time visiting Miami, such a beautiful place with a very exotic feel to it. I at one point forgot that I was still in the states. We toured Millionaires Row via a yacht, shopped, ate, sight saw etc. We had a blast, a great time! But the highlight of my stay was the dinner at this restaurant my sister had make reservations for on the night of my birthday. She didn't tell me much about the cuisine, as she wanted it to remain a surprise. At the very last minute she informed me that the name of this place was Marfil Bistro, where Mediterranean meets modern.
Also with us was my oldest daughter and our girlfriend Aisha. When we first entered, I noticed and loved the lay out and ambiance. The host was very welcoming. We were seated, and promptly given menus. My posse quickly informed the host and waiter, Homberto, that it was my birthday. They wished me a cheerful and sincere happy birthday. I had a glass of champagne with a heart shaped strawberry..... beautiful presentation. After examining the menu, my sister and I decided on the 48 hour braised short rib with manchego cheese risotto smoked with malbec barrels. My mouth is watering as I'm typing this! My friend Aisha decided on the lobster ravioli in saffron sauce, peppers drop with asparagus. My daughter the Sea Bass a lo macho, with seared sea scallops, jumbo shrimp, black mussels, squid, with aji Amarillo sauce and cilantro rice. The waiter brought my dish out covered with a glass lid. He gently lifted it up several times to release the oak aroma. It smelled incredible. My mouth started to water. When I tasted my short ribs....oh my god..it was out of this world for lack of better word. The flavor was so awesome, the meat was the tender I have ever tasted. Chef has perfected his technique like none other (including me, lol). Chef Mariano is a superb cook! He also came from the kitchen to wish me a happy birthday, asked if I was enjoying my dish and informed me that he was making a birthday cake especially for me!! This was the kindest gesture I have ever received in my time as an international foodie! If you're reading this chef, thank you once again from the bottom of my heart, the food you cooked was the best I've had thus far from any restaurant! Muy Delicioso!! Shortly after dinner, Homberto and additional staff brought out my cake made from scratch by chef. They all gathered around and sung me happy birthday....wow just wow!! I have a picture of my delicious cake for you to see. Pictured with me is the front manager. He told me his name, unfortunately I forgot to write it down but like Chef and Homberto , this man was just as pleasant, attentive and kind as the others. He and Homberto even went as far as to walk us to our taxi with umbrellas as it had started to rain heavily. God bless you two!! My readers know that I'm not a food blogger, but this food and experience was so exceptional I had to speak on it. I promise that you will love the impeccable food cooked by Chef Mariano. As well as the attentive, professional and exceptional service offered by Homberto and the remaining staff. I truly felt like a queen this day! A unforgettable birthday thanks to my family and my new friends at Marfil Bistro in Doral, Florida...each time I visit Miami I certainly will be there.....ready to eat and have a merry time.
Peace Always~ Shakira
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