Nestled in the heart of Miami Beach, A Drexel is a culinary gem effortlessly combining the charm of a bygone era with vibrant Mediterranean flavors.
As you step into a sophisticated yet quaint establishment within Miami Beach’s famed Spanish-inspired Española Way, you are immediately transported to coastal towns that dot the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. The Drexel captures the essence of these picturesque locales, offering a menu that celebrates simplicity and elevates your dining experience to new heights.
Under the guidance of culinary mastermind Chef Nano Crespo, Drexel emerges as a testament to his unwavering dedication and passion for cooking. Additionally, Drexel’s manager, Tamara Magalhaes, collaborated with the founders of Mandolin to bring this exceptional establishment to life.
With a focus on rustic, straight-forward flavors, Chef Crespo has crafted a menu that tantalizes taste buds and satisfies souls. Drawing inspiration from a charcoal grill and wood oven, each dish showcases clean, locally sourced ingredients.
Millennial was privileged to spend an evening with Chef Crespo, enjoying his acclaimed menu and traversing the globe one bite at a time.
Masterful Libations & Decadent Creations
We began our evening with a Greek Goddess cocktail, a harmonious blend of Sipsmith gin, jasmine tea, lavender, rosemary, juniper, and sparkling wine. This refreshing libation set the tone for what was to come—a symphony of flavors that would transport us to sun-kissed shores of the Mediterranean, from Spain to Israel.
Each appetizer arrived as a work of art. Local tuna carpaccio, delicately sliced and adorned with an herb salad and caper vinaigrette, was a testament to the restaurant’s commitment to sourcing the freshest seafood.
Baked kefolagraviera with tomato compote showcased harmony between traditional Greek flavors and modern techniques, resulting in a dish that was both comforting and exciting.
Wood-roasted eggplant pesto provided a nice contrast between creamy and bright flavors, as mint and lemon gave it nice robustness. And let us not forget freshly baked bread, accompanied by a tarragon-infused butter that elevated the simplest of pleasures to new heights and provided that much-needed dip for what came next!
For the main course, we savored handmade pappardelle, lovingly crafted in-house and served with Italian sausage in a rich porcini mushroom cream sauce. Each bite was a revelation, with pasta perfectly cooked and flavors melding together in a symphony of indulgence.
Crispy flat-iron organic chicken, delicately seasoned with Espelette pepper and complemented by a velvety maître d’butter, was a testament to Chef Crespo’s skill in creating dishes that are simultaneously comforting and refined.
To accompany our main course, we indulged in heirloom tomato avocado salad, a vibrant medley of flavors and textures that celebrated such bountiful produce of this region. An addition of hearts of palm and kalamata olives added a touch of sophistication to this refreshing dish.
Grilled asparagus, dressed in a citrus vinaigrette and adorned with olive tapenade, provided a perfect balance of acidity and earthiness, showcasing the restaurant’s commitment to highlighting the natural flavors of each ingredient.
Timeless Meets Modern at The Drexel
As our culinary journey came to an end with a simple but picture-perfect Affogato, we couldn’t help but be in awe of a Drexel’s ability to marry new recipes with old techniques. That restaurant pays homage to those timeless traditions of Mediterranean cuisine while infusing a modern twist. Each dish showcased such skill and dedication of that kitchen team, who presented a menu that was both familiar and exciting.
A Timeless Culinary Journey
Dining is an experience that goes beyond a mere act of nourishment. It is a celebration of flavors, a journey through time and taste that leaves you with a profound appreciation for culinary arts.
Whether you’re a local seeking a taste of the Mediterranean or a visitor looking for a truly unforgettable dining experience, The Drexel is a destination that should not be missed. Immerse yourself in ambiance, savor flavors, and allow yourself to be transported to a time when simplicity and craftsmanship reigned supreme.
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