This was recently posted on www.AltArtProjects.com, an online arts and cultures magazine that I staff write for. Check it out on the site (with tons of beautiful pictures) or below.
If you’re looking for a great place to eat in Miami, check out the Lost & Found Saloon on NW 36th Street. Lost & Found Saloon has been Zagat’s rated from 2008-2011 and is more than just a restaurant- it’s a destination. The place is a hole in the wall smooshed between two other restaurants on a random street not far from Bakehouse Art Complex (BAC). You’re lost in time the moment you enter the restaurant, from the wagon wheels hanging from the ceiling to the wooden bar stools, tables, and chairs. The atmosphere is subdued and chill with dim lighting and a candle on every table. Widescreens show surfing videos behind the bar as mellow music plays in the background. Even the bathrooms take part in the theme, complete with a saloon style sliding wooden door.
They have three beers on tap. Sea Dog Blueberry Wheat Ale (a refreshing and crisp light brew with a subtle hint of blueberry), Monk in the Trunk Belgian Amber (which was unfortunately tapped that night, but I’ve only heard yummy descriptions of it), and Rogue Hazelnut Brown Nectar (a dark beer, slightly bitter but smooth, with underlying notes of hazelnut and coffee.)
We ordered the Fish Dip as a starter, whitefish salad seasoned to perfection with carrot sticks and tri-colored chips. Yum! We also tried two soups, the Chicken Enchilada (a creamy, flavorful soup, with a hint of parsley and a kick of sour cream) and the Gazpacho (which can only be described as “oh so fresh”), and the Crab Stuffed Endives (sweet crab seasoned with cilantro, corn, and chipotle on an endive leaf to give it the perfect crisp crunch.) So good!
Next up we had a taste of the Hot Pulled Pork on Sourdough. This sandwich was delicious! Smothered in BBQ with just the right amount of smoky flavor. What I liked most about the sandwich is that the taste was not overpowering, it just left you wanting more. Not to mention the side of coleslaw that added a refreshing crunch- it seemed homemade with long strips of thick cut cabbage (oh man!).
On to the Cheeseburger, 8oz., cooked medium rare, with a side of coleslaw and a pickle. This Burger looked amazing and smelled just as good, but was a little greasy for my taste. (After all, it is a cheeseburger… if there isn’t a good amount of grease it’s usually being made incorrectly. If you want a mouthful of warm, greasy goodness, then this is for you! I have to mention that the boys at my table did love it, after all. It’s just not my thing… moving on!)
Now came my menu choice: Marinated Mega Mushrooms with Sundried Tomatoes. Grilled portabella mushrooms, saffron rice, avocado, Lost & Found Saloon’s secret recipe eggplant, and baby asparagus with pico de gallo and red pepper pesto. This was a flavor explosion! This chipotle red pepper pesto was made with a combination of three different peppers and the recipe was, of course, a house secret. It was so tasty! It lent a good balance of spice and flavor to the grilled mushrooms, asparagus, and eggplant. The saffron rice had a subtler flavor, and as rice by its nature is dry, complimented the meal perfectly. If you’re a vegetarian, it happens to be Meatless Monday, or you’re just looking for something light, flavorful and exciting, then I highly recommend this meal.
To end the meal KB, the owner, came over with a slice of both Berry Pie and Apple Pie a la mode. The Apple Pie is made with a Maple Crust. It’s earthy and full of seasonal spices. It was definitely gratifying. Now, this Berry Pie was sweet and tart, and the lemon crust made the flavors pop! This was by far the best berry pie I’ve had so far. One word of advice when checking out the Lost & Found Saloon: definitely save room for dessert. It’s worth it. Trust me.
KB has been running the restaurant for 6 years now. The Lost & Found Saloon brings his idea of the cowboy to Miami. His culinary skills were learned through experience and he wrote all of the recipes himself. The challenge was to keep each item different but to taste just as enjoyable as the rest of the menu. Everything is high quality and exceptional, made so it can’t be duplicated at home. He buys local whenever he can and looks to buy things that are in-season.
Happy Hour, known endearingly as the Giddy Up Hour, is Monday through Saturday from 3 to 7 pm and Sunday from 3 to 10 pm. They have different specials that run Monday through Thursday and it’s open from 11 am to 3 am everyday.
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