Long time ago (this is about a year ago) in my quest for the most savory bites in Miami Beach I came across WISH Restaurant at the Hotel (yes, that is the name of the Hotel) which I think it is a bad idea for marketing, how could you have an identity and set yourself apart from the pack if you name your hotel "The Hotel" but maybe I missing something, I have a brain the size of a pea =)
I was doing errands but I stumble upon this place so I went in. Actually now that I remember as I am writing this blog, I stayed at this hotel with my husband one night as our home was getting fumigated for termites (I know, charming). I did not love the room at all, but I remember I ordered room service and there I was all happy with several dishes on my bed and recall thinking "who the hell would have thought that this hotel has this amazing cuisine" - I was wowed, I don't remember exactly what I ordered then, but I remember being completely amazed by the food.
Back to the chimichurri potatoes you are seeing on this image. Chimichurri in Miami is a hit or miss with chefs wanting to do all sorts of strange version of a very simple Argentine marinade, but chef Franco Ferraro, the executive chef at WISH absolutely got it. And yes, Franco Ferraro was the chef when I stayed here before. After I ordered the potatoes I had a mission; I need to see the face of the genius behind this chimichurri sauce, because again, a chimichurri sauce is easy in theory but is all about execution.
I asked the bartender who by the way was so friendly and hooked my MAC that was running out of battery behind the bar ... he called the chef and Franco Ferraro appeared. He is young, super friendly (and you know how chef can be such prima donnas at least in this fricky town), but Chef Ferraro was nice, how refreshing! I even took a photo with him, yep, I am a food-nerd, so what?
801 Collins Ave
Miami Beach, FL 33139
(305) 674-9474
www.wishrestaurant.com
