Juniper on the Water Hallandale Beach – North Miami Brunch Review

On a recent Sunday with spectacular weather, I had the opportunity to visit Juniper on the Water in Hallandale Beach, and invite a busy friend to join me there for brunch. We were seated on the outdoor terrace overlooking the intracoastal waterway, listening to live acoustic guitar music and toasting to ‘FundaySunday’ with bottomless mimosas.

Excited about the eggs selections on Juniper on the Water’s brunch menu, we opted to first try the Lobster Eggs Benedict –Lobster Salad perched on two thick, moist Polenta Cakes the size of silver dollars, alongside two Poached Eggs. The dish was topped fabulously with grilled Asparagus and Hollandaise Sauce, then, garnished with Green Chives. We were very pleased that the Salad was loaded with sweet Maine Lobster, instead of Mayonnaise, and plenty of crunch from minced Celery.

My favorite dish was the Shrimp and Grits –perfectly grilled Key West Shrimp in a bowl of warm Polenta with a rich and eggy flavor, liberally sprinkled with crispy Bacon and Chives.

We also enjoyed the huge Cheddar Chorizo Frittata. The Italian egg dish, similar to an open-faced omelette, was thick from the sharp Cheese and chunks of the Spanish Pork Sausage, and served with Salad Greens with Sherry Vinaigrette.

The charming Chef Sezar Deniz stopped for a nice chat, has did Juniper on the Water’s new sommelier, Barry Sharpe. Barry is quite eager to enliven the taste buds of life-long wine drinkers as well as develop the palate to those new to the ‘grape’.  He has already added new and unique selections to Juniper on Water’s wine list, and offered us an impromptu tasting.

As I am now into Red Blends, I enjoyed the 2012 Saved Red Wine with an eclectic blend of grapes, including Zinfandel, Carignane, Petite Sirah, Malbec, and Merlot, to name a few. My glass had a strong aroma of Blackberries, Vanilla and a bit of Oak, and on the palate, it was slightly sweet and smooth.

Of the Whites, I preffered the 2013 Truchard Vineyards Roussanne (Carneros). The golden-colored wine had notes of Herbal Tea, Honey and Pear, and tasted a bit like Pineapple and Apricot, with a slightly spicy finish.

We had such a lovely day, and beautiful view. Juniper on the Water would definitely be a great romantic destination, especially for upcoming Valentine’s Day.

Out of curiousity, I perused their Valentine’s menu that offers both a four course ($55/person) and a three course ($45/person) dinner, with tempting options such as Salmon Croquettes, Braised Short Ribs, and a Crème Brulee made with Bailey’s Irish Cream, White Chocolate, Berries, and Mint.

Juniper on the Water is located at 1975 S. Ocean Drive, Hallandale Beach, FL 33009. Sunday brunch is served between 11AM and 3PM. For reservations or more information, visit: juniperonthewater.com

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