MANDRAKE REOPENS WITH HIGHLY REGARDED CHEF JESUS GONZALEZ UNIQUE NEW JAPANESE/ASIAN FUSION MENU
After two years during the pandemic, top rated Restaurant Mandrake has reopened on South Beach. Under the superb guidance of respected chef Jesus Gonzalez, Mandrake’s Japanese/Asian fusion menu will bring unique taste sensations to South Florida. Mandrake is located at 210 23rdStreet on Miami Beach.
“Mandrake was taking off as a great South Beach dining destination before the pandemic caused us to temporarily cease operations,” stated Partner Nahim Jorge Bonilla. “Now we feel the time is right to bring our exciting new flavors to South Florida once again.”
Chef Gonzalez was raised in a humble family in the countryside of Puerto Rico helping his grandmother make traditional recipes. Watching her cook for more than 20 people at a time was the spark that made him follow his culinary path. A graduate of Johnson & Wales University he began his career working with Chef Emeril Lagasse on Miami Beach where he learned an International flare. Returning to Puerto Rico, he had the opportunity to work in one of the Top Sushi Restaurants Ikebana which began his fascination with Japanese cuisine.
Chef Gonzalez returned to South Florida to work with Celebrity Chef Makoto Okuwa in his restaurant at Bal Harbour Shops. Chef Jesús learned all the traditional Japanese skills while working side by side and hand by hand with Chef Makoto and his team. With honor, love, and passion he pursued his culinary path in Japanese Cuisine.
Now as Executive Chef at Mandrake he has the opportunity to take his cuisine to the next level. Combining the styles of Japanese and Asian flavors he is creating new taste sensations for South Florida audiences and adding a little feel of Miami to the mix.
Start off with a Raspberry Green Tea Ceviche or a Tuna Tataki Wrap with Apple Wasabi. Hot Appetizers include eggroll empanadas or Baked Truffle Kani (crab). There is also an excellent selection of Sushi, Sashimi and Maki to choose from as well as a variety of fried rice including Duck, Lobster and Wagu Beef. Then it’s onto the Entrees which feature Grilled Octopus and Prime Steaks with a Wasabi Chimicurri.
But make sure to leave room for dessert! Chef Gonzalez is planning for a wide variety highlighted by a Macha Green Tea Pistachio Panna Cotta and a Cheesecake with Yamamomo (Japanese Mountain Peach) Jam.
It’s a total culinary taste treat sensation as Mandrake reopens its doors now. The restaurant is located at 210 23rd Street on Miami Beach just off Collins Avenue. Hours of operation are Monday through Saturday from 6:30PM to 2AM. Closed on Sundays. Valet Parking is available. For reservations call: (305) 397-8036.