The Covid-19 pandemic has been coined “The Restaurant Apocalypse” because of the hundreds of food and beverage based businesses of all sizes shutting their doors. Thankfully in Miami, a few culinary innovators found their swagger during the pandemic by churning out amazing socially distant dining experiences.
I met Chef Akino West and his fiancée Ms. Jamila Ross years back, when they created Miami’s only Black-owned Bed & Breakfast, the Copper Door in the historic Overtown neighborhood. The good Lord used me to prophesize to this couple that they would open a restaurant because chef’s food was way too delectable to only be served to hotel guests. Folks everywhere needed to have chef’s cuisine, so I am thrilled that two years later they have opened Rosie’s, a Thursday – Sunday brunch experience that has become a bi-monthly ritual.
Our culinary journey began with their artisanal beverages because I was thirsty as hell running out of my car trying to avoid being seen by someone I don’t like. But I digress. After catching my breath, I immediately ordered their unique seasonal and totally refreshing lemonade. The botanical and sour notes stimulated salivation while the welcomed acidity masked the less-refreshing “too sugary” taste I loathe (you know that too sweet crap so many of our establishments serve. I hate that crap). Your palate could pick up the citrus along with the herbs and other botanicals used in constructing this amazing beverage. After gulping down two of these babies, I happily ordered just about EVERYTHING off the menu. Yep, I was hungry and nobody was going to stop me.
We started with the most ubiquitous of brunch options – the Fried Chicken and Biscuit plate. The chicken had a nice crunch and mild heat flavor that sort of hinted at a New Orleans style that welcomed the addition of hot sauce, so don’t be afraid to ask. The biscuit was tasty and made in the fashion of an Angel Biscuit which usually features yeast that rises before the baking process begins. The combo was perfect pairing.
Now, if you want to keep it classic, order the chicken with waffles. This plate is accompanied with a beautiful brown butter reduction sauce that I smothered over the damn chicken, biscuit, and the waffle along with hot sauce. Listen, I went in. I created my own chicken biscuit sandwich only to find out they have an incredible one on the menu. And yes, I ordered that, too. Both the chicken sandwich and fried chicken entrée come with homemade pickles that creates an added value to truly be appreciated. You may want to order additional pickles because eating the chicken and pickle together is the way winners eat and I’m sure you don’t want to be a loser and all.
Next up was a vegan grits and mushroom creation that was delicious. This dish is awesome as a side because it’s lite and tasty without all the heaviness of some of the other options. The mushrooms are amazingly seasoned and add a meatiness to this meatless dish. The dish actually comes with an egg and cheese, but simply remove these two for a truly rewarding vegan experience.
Following the vegan dish, we went for the Shrimp and Grits served with a roasted tomato and smoked sausage sauce that had me close my eyes for a second to process the goodness. The smokiness of the sausage and rich buttery flavor of the grits coupled with a slightly heated Cajun inspired shrimp took my palate on an evolving taste voyage that honestly left me wanting more.
It could be because I’m greedy, but I can never order only one thing at Rosie’s. With that truth in mind, I enjoyed my last entrée of their short stack Lemon Ricotta Pancakes served with caramelized berries, toasted pistachios and extra brown-butter syrup. The pancakes were unique with a more European texture that’s slightly different from the fluffy and dense pancakes I’m used to. Additionally, these pancakes are really sweet, so ordering them with a savory companion such as their Breakfast Plate that comes with eggs, grits, and sausage gives may be a good idea for balance.
I am so proud of this duo and look forward to seeing them expand as I continue to enjoy my twice monthly brunch visits. Check them out at 439 NW 4th Ave, Miami, FL 33128 or give them a call at (305) 454-9065. Make sure you follow us @thehungryblackman or subscribe below for the nation’s best of the best Black Owned!
I am looking to book, a private chef for dinner parties.