South Beach classic award winning seafood hotspot A Fish Called Avalon has revealed its recent renovation at the iconic art deco Avalon Hotel, primed to spearhead the revitalization of Ocean Drive. A Fish Called Avalon first opened in 1989 in the glory days of Ocean Drive’s Art Deco District, becoming one of the most identifiable properties on the strip, and after thirty-three years in operation has become an icon on the beach. Today the restaurant offers diners fresh seafood in an upscale setting with live music to enhance the classic Ocean Drive dining experience.
The restaurant is located in the iconic deco Avalon Hotel which opened in 1941 and has served as a backdrop for many cultural happenings, including a shoot of the renowned Scarface, Miami Vice and a location in the Grand Theft Auto Vice City video game. It is also home to a yellow and white 1955 Oldsmobile, which is one of the most photographed cars in America that is parked besides A Fish Called Avalon’s lively outdoor dining patio. Throughout the years, the restaurant has been consistently frequented by celebrities like Harrison Ford, Emilio and Gloria Estefan, and Guy Ritchie.
A Fish Called Avalon offers diners a robust, award winning seafood focused menu. The kitchen is led by Executive Chef Kal Abdalla, who joined the team in 2010 and previously helmed the kitchen at Miami’s The Forge Restaurant from 1984 to 2004. He has been voted among the “Best Chefs America” each of the last three years by his peers in the culinary industry. His cuisine is artistically plated and brings many surprises, using culinary techniques and ingredients informed by his travels throughout France, Argentina, Morocco and Japan.
Twin Whole Maine Lobster
Chef Kal’s seafood-centric menu begins with Appetizers including Jumbo Scallops, pan roasted and served with charred leeks over asparagus coulis; Big Eye Tuna Tartare, a twist on the classic dish, the tuna is seasoned with kimchee, orange, jalapeno, cilantro, sesame oil, and tamari, wrapped in a cucumber ribbon; and Grilled Spanish Octopus, octopus steamed then grilled, served over a Madeira squid ink reduction with a fennel salad and watercress vinaigrette.
Soups and Salads include Avalon Chopped Salad, romaine lettuce, tomato, cucumber, red cabbage garbanzo, crumbled Gorgonzola, and fresh herbs dressed with white balsamic vinaigrette; and Beet and Apple Salad, assorted greens, roasted beets, julienned apple, and apple cider maple vinaigrette.
For the main courses, seafood signatures are highlighted by Macadamia-Crusted Snapper, served with spinach risotto and raspberry Beaujolais beurre blanc; Crab & Herb Crusted Black Grouper, served with gigante beans, wilted spinach, and citrus beurre blanc; and Orzo Seafood Paella, Maine lobster, shrimp, sea scallops, mussels, clams, and calamari with saffron and baby spinach in a roasted tomato broth substituting rice for Orzo.
Paella
Meat and Poultry dishes include Free Range Citrus Chicken served with truffled sweet potato mash, Asian-style haricots verts, and Gorgonzola beurre blanc; a 16-ounce Ribeye served with three-mustard horseradish sauce, and an 8-ounce center cut Filet Mignon, served with spiced rapini, leek potato mash, and shiitake Madeira sauce.
The Vegetarian options are pastas including Capellini with tomato, basil, olive oil, garlic, fresh mozzarella, and balsamic drizzle; and Porcini Fettucine, exotic wild mushrooms, heirloom tomato, wilted spinach, and roasted garlic.
Desserts are headlined by Key Lime Pie Pecan Crust with fresh whipped cream that took first place at the 2019 National Pie Championship, and also include Chef Kal’s Cheesecake with mango, raspberry, and blackberry purees; as well as a daily selection of Gelato served with pistachio maple syrup tuile.
Key Lime Pie
The global Wine Program curated by Patrick Duxbury and General Manager Giorgio Riccobono features selections by the glass and by the bottle from traditional wine producing regions, as well areas less known for their wines like Austria, Macedonia, and Lebanon.
The Instagramable Cocktail Program is composed of beverages that add a South Beach twist to classic cocktails like Maracuya, a tropical twist on a Martini made with Three Olives orange-infused vodka, dry curaçao, fresh passion fruit and pineapple juices; the Havana Super 88, a twist on a negroni that arrives in a model Oldsmobile 88 made with Brugal 1888 rum, Aperol, and Perfect Vermouth.
A Fish Called Avalon has a license to perform live music and features top musical talent seven night a week.
