Yes, I decided to break local Miami code and actually have dinner on South Beach! Looking for a ‘People of Color” friendly restaurant on South Beach can be challenging, but here at the Hungry Black Man, we will provide you with some great suggestions, if you so happen to find yourself on SOBE for whatever reason. Our cravings for oysters and great cocktails took us to none other than Lure Fish Bar located inside of the Lowe’s Hotel—1601 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139. Heading toward the entrance of the restaurant you pass a heavily walkway leading to the ocean that at night looked romantic and inviting. There is valet service only, so make sure you come prepared to pay or you can participate in the 21st Century’s gift of convenient mass transit and catch a damn Uber.
The interior of the restaurant looks like an old rustic New England seafood spot on the bay somewhere with Stephen King in the corner writing another masterpiece. There is plenty of dining room space available for large groups and a lively bar with smiling faces throughout. The night started with a couple of Blue Point New York Oysters at ($3.50) each. I’ve recently began eating oysters yet again, because many of my friends love gobbling these bivalves at any given opportunity. My first tip to anyone trying oysters, and even veterans is to bring them to your nose and inhale before slurping them down. The aroma should be super-fresh, instantly transporting you to the sea. Slurp the meat with its “liquor” and give it two or three good chews. Salt or brine hits first–ranging from subtle to bold. Next you might detect a creamy or buttery flavor (of varying intensities) and finally sweetness. The Blue Point New York Oysters here had a more briny taste and acceptable salinity levels. I know I shouldn’t have, but I needed Hillary Clinton yet again with her Hot Sauce. Hot Sauce on oysters is the $%#@! These are definitely a MUST HAVE.
With the oysters, we ordered two cocktails that turned out to be the BEST COCKTAILS I’VE HAVE HAD ON SOUTH BEACH! Now, I know that’s a bold statement, but it’s true because I rarely eat on South Beach. However, after the experience at LURE, I may need to uber my ass down here a little more for the cocktails. As many of my readers know, Hendricks Gin is my favorite spirit ever! So you can only imagine my joy when I saw the AUXILIARY SHIP ($16) made with Hendrick’s Gin, Chareau Aloe, St. Germain Cucumber, Lemon, Boston Bitters, and Egg White. Sweet Jesus, this cocktail was OFF THE CHAIN! Or should I say Fabulous, because I’m on the beach? I digress. The drink had everything you could wish for in a craft cocktail. My only request would be if they could take the egg white and turn it into a meringue. The egg white may be a little off putting for some folk, but it should NOT detour you from ordering this cocktail, it is an absolute MUST HAVE!
Next, the server suggested a drink that he thought I would absolutely love! It was none other than the CATCH & RELEASE ($16) with EG Vodka, Dolin Blanc, Fresh Pressed Watermelon Lemon, Orange Bitters, Watermelon Radish! I can only hope he being from outside of the U.S. is unaware of the stereotyping of our people and watermelon love. So, I went ahead and allowed him to bring it out, and I must say that I unfortunately played right into that stereotype. I gulped that drink down like it was $@#%$ water. That is the only watermelon inspired drink within the entire menu and it is definitely worth it. There is a huge piece of watermelon juice ice that melts and continues to provide your cocktail with fresh cold watermelon juice. Lord Have Mercy, that drink was the truth!
Drinking both cocktails gave me a slight buzz, and I began to get energetic and happy perusing through the menu. We decided that Sushi would be the name of the game tonight! Their raw bar already had us impressed with the oysters, so I was expecting a continuation of satisfaction and fortunately, they did not disappoint. Our first order was the LURE HOUSE ROLL made with shrimp tempura topped w/ spicy tuna for ($21). The sushi program at LURE is ON POINT. Freshness is the name of the game and they are winning. I can go on and on about the sushi, but they were all pretty good. Fresh fish taste with bold flavors and in house made sauces! My other selections were the DYNAMITE ROLL ($19) made with spicy scallop topped w/ spicy tuna, yellowtail, tobiko and finally the KENAI ROLL($19) which came with spicy wild king salmon, cucumber, scallions, topped with salmon,
Ending our lovely culinary experience, we left room for dessert. The cheesecake was not of this world. The Cheesecake Factory, Junior’s in New York and anybody else can’t lay one finger on this damn cake. Now I’m sitting here thirsty for this cake? Goddamn, I don’t feel like ubering my ass back to SOBE, but this cake will make you do it. If you don’t order anything from LURE, get this cake.
From ambiance to seafood quality, I think LURE is a perfect date night when you and bae want to be a bit bougie. I didn’t get that anti-black people feeling that I usually get at SOBE restaurants, which was great. If you aren’t black, do not COME FOR ME, just keep reading. I was treated with respect and the servers were extremely knowledgeable of the menus, but was a bit challenged when it came to attentiveness in which I gauge my water level refills. For the prices at SOBE restaurants, my glass of water should never be empty…NEVER! The prices are high as hell, but what the #%@#% do you expect, you’re on SOBE and inside the damn Lowe’s Hotel. For me, the best value for the restaurant is to stick to the raw bar, their amazing sushi program, and of course, what I consider world class craft cocktails! If you do that, you will definitely get your money’s worth. You can experience a great meal and simply walk towards the back and literally chill on the actual beach shore. I give this place a 8 out of 10. LURE Fish Bar receives The Hungry Black Man Approval. You can reach LURE at (305) 695-4550.
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