Earl’s Kitchen and Bar at Dadeland Mall Launches New Summer Menu
I rarely make it out to Dadeland Mall, but when an invite from Earl’s Kitchen and Bar pops into my mailbox I am always willing to make the trip. This Dadeland gem is so homey and comfy. It is an upscale franchise chain of restaurants that started in Vancouver as a family owned burger and beer joint. Earl has taken its lil restaurant to the stratosphere and now has over 65 restaurants across the continent. This is not a typical franchise though, all of the ingredients are baked in house, menus vary according to regions and they have contracted some impressive chefs and mixologists from around the world to create an impressive menu.
Earls Kitchen + Bar is introducing a number of lighter, seasonal dishes just in time for summer. Celebrated for its made-from-scratch cuisine and world-class beverage program, guests can enjoy an array of new palate-pleasing dishes and refreshing libations through September.
Spanish Gin & Tonic
We like to always start with the luscious libations and Earl has rolled out some new babies. Made with 100% fresh squeezed in-house juices, new to Earls’ seasonal craft cocktail menu are the Paper Plane made with Buffalo Trace bourbon, Montenegro Amaro, Aperol and fresh lemon and the Spanish Gin & Tonic made with Aviation Gin, Fentiman’s tonic water and cucumber bitters.
Absinthe Minded
If you want to feel a bit European the Absinthe Minded is made with Bombay Gin, Tio Pepe Fino Sherry, Martini Bianco Vermouth, Lucid Absinthe and fresh lime.
West Coast Ahi Tuna Salad
The menu launches its Summer menu with a focus on fresh, authentic global plates, with the addition of the satisfying and crunchy Quinoa + Avocado Powerbowl with roasted squash, beet, pumpkin seeds, and crispy chickpeas, topped with green goddess dressing. As well as fresh and in-season tuna offerings include the West Coast Ahi Tuna Salad with a sesame crust, avocado, mango, toasted almond, romaine, and soy ginger vinaigrette; Ahi Tuna Tataki with pickled red onion, cucumber, carrot, chili, and yuzu vinaigrette; and Traditional Ahi Tuna Sashimi with wasabi, pickled ginger and lemon.
Also new on the sushi menu is the ample and solid Dragon Roll – hand rolled with marinated ahi tuna, avocado, yam, tamago, sriracha mayo and tobiko; and Salmon + Sushi – ponzu-seared Atlantic Salmon with a spicy citrus soy, pickled red onion, carrot, cucumber, accompanied by a Dynamite Roll topped with unagi maple and Sriracha mayo.
The highlight of the new menu for me was the heavenly Coconut Cream Pie. Even though I was stuffed I pounded 2 slices of this momentous pie. Soft and creamy with an addictive cake like crust. This pie will make you do a happy dance at the table.
Happy Hour takes it up a notch at Earls with twice daily sessions Monday through Friday – from 4PM to 7PM and every day from 10PM to midnight offering specials on wine, beer, cocktails and appetizers. And just in time for summer, Earls is introducing a new monthly adult beverage special. For June, the focus is on margaritas! All month enjoy all day long $5 margaritas with four flavors to choose from: lime, strawberry, raspberry and mango. Check back to see what the $5 featured cocktail will be for July!
Earls Kitchen + Bar is located in Dadeland Mall’s two-story Terrace Dining wing at 7535 North Kendall Drive. The restaurant offers lunch and dinner daily beginning at 11:30AM and brunch on Saturdays from 11AM to 3PM and Sundays from 10AM to 3PM. Ample parking and valet are available. Telephone: (305) 667-1786; www.earlsrestaurants.com.
