In this month's The Art of the Snack, we made our way down to Miami's South Beach which is known for a number of their iconic eateries that have been included in some of our favorite films. Years ago, we had the pleasure of catching a meal at the iconic A Fish Called Avalon which is located at The Avalon in South Beach's Art Deco Distrct on Ocean Drive. We love the good vibes that are felt here whether you're eating inside of the restaurant or outsideso that you can also take in the sites and sounds that are around you!
Known for their seafood and good vibes, we talked with Giorgio Riccobono, who is the General Manager. He tells us about the Art Deco District, The Avalon, its place in pop culture and of course the kinds of dishes that we should keep in mind when it comes to our next visit!
ATHLEISURE MAG: When did A Fish Called Avalon open?
GIORGIO RICCOBONO: 1989
AM: Tell us about the Art Deco District that it resides?
GR: We are located in the heart of the iconic South Beach Art Deco district. Nestled on the corner of Ocean Drive and 7th St, The Avalon and A Fish Called Avalon are one of the most prominently recognized Hotels and Restaurants on the strip.
AM: The restaurant is located in The Avalon hotel. What can you tell us about this iconic hotel as it has been in films and video games?
GR: The Avalon has made its appearance in Scarface, Miami Vice, Bad Boys for Life and has many references in the video game Grand Theft Auto.
AM: With Harrison Ford, Emilio and Gloria Estefan and Guy Ritchie and more frequenting this hot spot, can you tell us about the recent renovations that have taken place and what can guests expect whether they are eating inside or on your outdoor dining patio?
GR: The Hotel and Restaurant have undergone many recent renovations. All rooms have been updated with new hardwood floors, mattresses, new furniture and larger TVs. All new carpeting within the hallways. The restaurant has been updated with new furniture and dishware.
AM: We love the Oldsmobile that is in front of your patio dining.
GR: Yes, she is our Mascot. The most photographed car in the country.
AM: What kind of cuisine is served here and tell is about the background of Executive Chef Kal Abdalla?
GR: We are a seafood concept with locally sourced fish and shellfish, international flavors and extensive wine list.
Chef Kal Abdalla is the Executive Chef at A Fish Called Avalon. He started his culinary career at the age of 18. He is a native of the Syrian island of Arwad where he grew up with an appreciation of the eastern Mediterranean's bountiful fish, seafood and organically grown fruits and vegetables. He background is in French classical cuisine.
For over 4 decades, he has a vast experience in preparing haute cuisine, is a master of delivering beautifully composed plates that focus on simple, fresh and perfectly prepared ingredients.
Chef Kal offers diners a satisfying range of styles, ingredients and cooking techniques. These reflect his broad experience abroad European and American cruise lines, and the sophisticated techniques and tastes he absorbed during travels to countries including France, Argentina, England, Ireland, Morocco and Japan.
Prior to being here, he was the Executive Chef at The Forge Restaurant in Miami from 1983 to 2003. He has accumulated significant honors including multiple DiRoNA Awards (Distinguished Restaurants of North America), Wine Spectator’s “Best Steak in America” and the Miami chapter of Chaine des Rotisseurs’ “Best Restaurant of the Year” award.
During that period he had the honor of preparing dinners for both of President Ronald Reagan’s inaugural galas, and participated in Johnson & Wales University’s The Distinguished Visiting Chef series. His most recent accolades come from his peers in the culinary industry, who have voted him among the prestigious “Best Chefs America” for the last three years. Under his leadership since 2010, A Fish Called Avalon restaurant continues to be recognized for the superb dining experience that has made it a culinary legend in South Beach for 26 years.
AM: You offer Happy Hour nightly. Are there 3 dishes that are on this menu that you suggest?
GR: Definitely. Bang Bang Shrimp with brown sugar butter, curry & turmeric, cucumber mint yogurt and pepper relish.
North Atlantic Wild Mussels with tarragon, fresh herbs and Pernod.
Burrata with tomato coulis, micro basil and garlic Parmigiano crostini.
AM: What are 3 appetizers that you suggest that we should have when visiting?
GR: Grilled Spanish Octopus with fennel salad and squid ink Madeira.
Bang Bang Shrimp with brown sugar butter, curry & turmeric, cucumber mint yogurt and pepper relish.
Seared Jumbo Sea Scallops with charred leeks and asparagus coulis.
AM: For a main course, what are 3 dishes that you suggest as we know that you have 3 main categories - seafood, meat and poultry as well as vegetarian options.
GR: Our Most famous Seafood dish is the Macadamia Crusted Snapper with spinach risotto and a raspberry Beaujolais Beurre blanc.
Pan seared Filet Mignon with rapini, leek potato mash and a shitake Madeira reduction.
Grilled ½ Chicken with truffle sweet potato mash, garlic ginger haricot verts, gorgonzola cream.
AM: What are 3 desserts that you suggest that we should enjoy when dining?
GR: We are still reigning national Key Lime Pie Champions. Ours is served with a pecan crust and fresh whipped cream.
Our Coconut Crème Brulee with fresh raspberries.
Grand Marnier Chocolate Mousse served in a maple pistachio tuile.
AM: What are 3 cocktails that we should think about enjoying and sharing on our Instagram feeds?
GR: Havana Super 88, a new twist on a negroni and named after our Oldsmobile which combines, Brugal 1888 Dark rum, Aperol and Perfect vermouth. Served in a mini replica of the Oldsmobile.
Maracuya, a passionfruit martini with orange infused vodka, dry curacao, passionfruit juice and pressed pineapple, garnish with a perfect marigold.
Boomshine, a spicy margarita with jalapeno infused tequila, cilantro, agave, and goslings 151 float and jalapeno salt.
AM: For those that are making plans for Easter dinner, do you have a special menu for that?
GR: We will serve our a la carte menu and have some exquisite specials that have yet to be determined.
AM: As we’re moving from the winter and beginning to think about the Spring, are there any live performances that you would like to highlight that are coming up?
GR: We have live music 7 days a week. Our current roster is Salsason, Neo Big Band, The French Horn Collective and Tony Cruz.
PHOTOS COURTESY | A Fish Called Avalon
Read the MAR ISSUE #87 of Athleisure Mag and see THE ART OF THE SNACK | A Fish Called Avalon in mag.
