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Issue link: https://digital.miamilivingmagazine.com/i/62822
FOOD South Florida ups the fab fare ante with Villa Mayfair and Villa Azur A Tale of Two Villas Words by Martin Haro Villa Mayfair For a big city, Miami has been all about the villas lately. The word "villa," by definition, implies retreat, which has the word "treat" in it. You can sorta see what the fascination is all about: villas are imposing and luxurious. And in the case of the two that have been attracting diners to their tables, they can also be tasty. The first to open its doors last fall, Villa Mayfair in Coconut Grove, has a decidedly classic air to it…a certain je ne sais quoi that gives major rich bitch, but, y' know, in the friendliest way. The other, Villa Azur (co-owned by actor Olivier Martinez), feels just as swank, but in a more modern way. Plus, it gives you a peek at what the home sensibility of a jet- setting star might be. Let's start with Villa Mayfair, though. 54 MIAMI LIVING The restaurant's in the Grove, and it…is…sumptuous. The first thing I thought when I walked in was just how much it reminded me of that place that lady from Real Housewives of Beverly Hills owns – it just had that vibe. The inside décor is pure elegance and perfect for a throwdown. I mean, a nice wholesome meal. It really is rather laidback, but in a gilded fashion (the powers that be hired the same designer behind Mansion and The Forge, so think dim lights by chandeliers and lots and lots of romantic whimsy). Perhaps the best way to put it is, opulent —with a matching menu that is a celebration of Mediterranean flavors with fresh, local, and seasonal products that come together to offer guests selections worth of a feast. There's a raw bar that of course includes Florida stone crab ($32 for five claws), Alaskan king crab ($22 for three legs), and a weekly selection of yummy oysters. Appetizers include a grilled octopus with a spicy limoncello vinaigrette ($16), a simply beyond-good Wagyu beef carpaccio served with a spicy tomato tartare and hearts of palm ($14). Sidebar: You should start with Champagne or prosecco. They're chuffed about their selection at this villa. Entrées at Villa Mayfair are heavy on the protein. There's ribeye, a Kobe filet, and a 12 oz. New York Strip all north of 30 bucks, as well as fish dishes ranging from a $29 pan-fried branzino to a bank-breaking $61 Dover sole à la meunière. And, naturally, there are also a number of homemade pasta to choose from, including a delicious-sounding plateful of gnocchi ($16) and a tremendous risotto of Portobello mushrooms, green asparagus, and a lovely espuma ($22). (IMHO, the only thing that coulda make it better? A little bacon on top.)