Award winning chef Michelle Bernstein has reaped many well deserved accolades for her culinary work. A local talent, Bernstein and her husband David Martinez opened Michy’s in an attempt to bring luxurious comfort food dishes to Miami’s newly coined “Upper East Side.”
I first became acquainted with the chef through her guest appearances on Bravo’s Top Chef. Excited to have what her colleagues have described as some of the best soul/latin food Miami has to offer, I eagerly made dining arrangements.
One Monday, after work, I inveigled a friend of mine to meet at the restaurant. We got there around 430 to find it was more Little Haiti, than it was Upper East Side. On top of that, the restaurant was closed. Apparently the establishment’s hours don’t extend beyond 6 days. Still, we decided to try again a few days later. Upon arriving, we both had a very hard time finding parking. Michy’s does have some shared parking behind the restaurant but there are no overt signs to indicate this. In addition, it’s valet only and will cost you $5. While that’s not expensive, the valet person isn’t the most presentable. I opted to park the car myself but still had to pay.
Upon entering the restaurant, the eclectically designed setting that appeared très chic online was small and uncomfortably dark in person. The restaurant had a slight smell of wet carpet and at first glance didn’t appear at all inviting. I honestly began to speculate if the place was a front for money laundering. It just didn’t make sense that someone who is chosen to judge the talent of budding restaurateurs would keep her establishment in such poor state. Along the walls are desilvering mirrors and orange padded benches with stained seats. The food was equally disappointing. Our entrees were cold and poorly flavored, and the plating left much to be desired.
I will not be making it back to Michy’s.
Recommended Course:
None are worthy of recommendation.
Select images © 2013-2014 Donnatilda Tabana.