CHEF DANIEL SERFER OPENS SECOND RESTAURANT IN MIAMI’S EDGEWATER NEIGHBORHOOD
Old Florida Meets New Orleans at Casual Yet Classy Oyster Bar Mignonette Opening August 15th
The Workshop is proud to announce its representation of Mignonette, an oyster bar by Blue Collar’s Daniel Serfer and Miami Rankings blogger Ryan Roman slated to open Friday, August 15th in Miami’s Edgewater neighborhood. Already receiving much buzz from food blogs and press, Mignonette is the perfect spot for those seeking a dozen oysters and a brew or even a glass of champagne and an ounce of caviar.
The lovechild of chef-owner Daniel Serfer and first-time restaurateur Ryan Roman, Mignonette is an oyster bar with an approachable, fun environment where patrons can also enjoy classic seafood preparations like Oysters Rockefeller and Clams Casino, slow-roasted prime rib and a wide array of vegetable sides to please any appetite. The 1,600 square foot restaurant is located in a refurbished gas station from the 1930s, with all the fixings one would expect from these two friends and Miami natives entrenched in the Miami food scene.
The menu at Serfer’s first restaurant, Blue Collar, indulges in rich comfort food, while remaining diverse enough to please every diner, from carnivore to vegetarian. And it’s no longer just a Miami secret; Blue Collar’s Big Ragout dish was recently featured on the comfort food episode of The Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” with Guy Fieri, sharing with the rest of the country why Blue Collar is a local favorite. After enjoying the success of delivering contemporary comfort food attached to a historic motel, Serfer wanted to build on the success and vibe he established with Blue Collar, and bring another new concept to Miami’s table. Serfer was running high on a two-year track record; the only thing missing was the creative spark from a familiar friend.
The idea of Mignonette originated from a conversation between two friends over ramen. Miami natives Serfer and Roman have a bond rooted in food, laughter and fate. With his own site (Miami’s Restaurant Power Rankings) and guest columns in Edible South Florida, Roman first met Serfer after becoming a regular at Blue Collar, but only after several missed connections. The two finally connected on a basis of mutual admiration and respect, with Serfer dreaming of a restaurant that objectively earned its spot on the Rankings list, and Roman seeking quality spots with friendly staff. The two have grown so close that Roman served as best man at Serfer’s wedding, and is godfather to Serfer’s son, who the two lovingly refer to as “Steak.”
Once again driven to create the kind of restaurant he enjoys, Serfer is excited to bring a unique oyster bar experience to the guests who have made Blue Collar so popular. “Ryan and I wanted to open a classic oyster bar and create a fun, unpretentious and unfussy environment,” says Serfer. “Sharing the same DNA as Blue Collar, Mignonette will be casual yet classy. Plain and fancy, as we like to say.”
Named after the vinegar-based sauce that traditionally accompanies oysters, Mignonette carries a healthy selection of east and west coast oysters. Serfer will be on-site shucking for patrons, and alludes that there may even be guest shuckers. Lunch and dinner items include a rotating chowder, bisque or gumbo, fresh catches, mussels, shrimp and more. A few cooked oyster dishes (Serfer’s favorites) will include Oysters Rockefeller and Oysters Bienville, and honoring the founders’ penchant for home cooking, there will be po' boys, prime rib and Thanksgiving chicken (served with stuffing and cranberry sauce).
With attention to how music affects the overall vibe of the restaurant, Serfer and Roman have enlisted the help of Lolo Reskin from Sweat Records and Imagesound Americas to create the playlists for the restaurant. By teaming up with the preeminent independent record store and music authority in Miami, visitors can expect a hip collection of tunes that balance Coltrane and Miles Davis with hip hop and rap. Mignonette’s selection of drinks provide perfect complements to the tastes and flavors of the oyster bar, with the wine list being curated by Allegra Angelo, a Level III Advanced Sommelier, and draft and bottle beer selections curated by Certified Cicerone Josh Hubner (one of just three in Miami-Dade).
Mignonette’s design will feature elements of New Orleans, with Bevolo copper lanterns that are synonymous with the French Quarter and exposed brick, along with touches of Old Florida, including vintage wallpaper and unique wood paneling. The 60-seat restaurant has two dining rooms and a bar area, including space for private events. The oyster bar will also feature contemporary, custom-designed artwork and a marquee display with the daily selection of oysters.
With a solid friendship backing one of the most talked-about restaurants in Miami, Mignonette is a cultural and culinary vision developed by two besties: Blue Collar’s Daniel Serfer and Miami Rankings’ Ryan Roman. Committed to delectable oysters, cool music, and a unique Old Florida meets New Orleans vibe, Mignonette will be the much-needed breath of fresh air for those seeking a truly unique and fun night out in Miami’s Edgewater neighborhood.
About Mignonette Mignonette is an oyster bar with an approachable, fun environment where patrons can enjoy a dozen oysters, a bottle of champagne, classic seafood preparations like Oysters Rockefeller and Clams Casino, and slow-roasted prime rib. Sharing the same DNA as Blue Collar, Mignonette will be casual yet classy. Plain and fancy, as we like to say. Mignonette is located at 210 NE 18th Street, Miami, FL 33132. For reservations call 305.374.4635 or book on OpenTable. Mignonette will be open for lunch 12–3pm daily and dinner 5:30–10pm Sunday-Thursday, 5:30–11pm Friday and Saturday. Free parking lot located on NE 2nd Court between 18th Street and 17th Terrace. Metered street parking is also available. Website: mignonettemiami.com | Facebook: www.facebook.com/mignonettemia Twitter: @MignonetteMIA | Instagram:@MignonetteMIA
