Pao at Faena Hotel Review – Dining Among Unicorns

Photo Credit Faena Hotel & @Brittblue

It had been awhile since I had a truly regal meal in Miami until I visited the new hyper hot spot Faena Hotel. I had visited before to be mesmerized by the show C’est Rouge in its sultry theater. You can see the review here. Pao by Paul Qui at the Dome is a a bit of an enchanting culinary experience. Pao is the James Beard Foundation Award winner’s first foray outside of Texas. He brings Philippine influenced cuisine to Miami and it feels as if I were dining in a exquisite Unicorn mosque.

Pao by Paul Qui at the Dome offers an extensive menu with dishes influenced by Chef Qui’s wide-ranging inspirations, and is a uniting of international styles including Filipino, Spanish, Japanese and French. Designed by Alan Faena, the restaurant is located in The Dome, which is avant-garde in its design, a highly modern sphere with ocean views overlooking the courtyard of the hotel.   The interior of the restaurant features gold leaf walls and a patterned gold leaf design on the ceiling of the dome, while the floors feature a herringbone wood pattern surrounded by white marble.

Providing contrast to the sleek space will be organic materials and natural elements— including walnut wood tables, dark brown leather banquettes and mid-century style chairs with black leather seats.    Chef Qui’s dishes are served on custom designed hand-thrown stoneware plates by Jono Pandolfi, as well as gold flatware and wood service ware.

Paul Qui is one of the most formidable young talents in the North American culinary world. Born in Manila, Philippines, Paul was trained in classic French and Japanese cuisine. His approach is modernist and he is a master at marrying classical technique with local flavors and influence. Qui is the chef/owner of his flagship restaurant, qui, as well as the co-founder and chef/owner of East Side King, a group of Asian-inspired street food trailers and restaurants in Austin, Texas.

If you can ask to be seated in Omar’s section. He was one of the best waiters in Miami. A sweet, astute and endearing soul who heightened the entire experience with his recommendations and warm smile.

Start with the sweet & precious and libation in a sexy copper unicorn. She’s adorable, delectable and you won’t be able stop staring at her. Please note: You are NOT allowed to take the Unicorn home! A shameful only in Miami move that has been attempted at least twice in less than a year. Come on Miami, buy it on Amazon if you want it that badly! Another opening drink option is the Graham beck South African sparking rose, which is so much smoother than champagne

While the Unicorn Sea Urchin with Grilled Sweet Corn Pudding, Kalamansi, Chile de Árbol & Sake Aiol is a feast for the eyes, we loved the East Side King Fried Chicken – Sweet Chili Sauce, Roasted & Banana Ketchup. The crispy chick is tenderly juicy & perfectly paired with a stellar sauce called banana ketchup. I urged you take a whiff before you pop in your mouth and pair with the Somm recommended Riesling for an extra gasm.

The 8oz Smoked Shortrib Asado 72-Hour Wagyu Beef, Atchara, Seasonal Pickles, Japanese Sweet Potato Purée was very very good. The meat is so suave from the 3 day smoke bath it takes and has a crisp black crust for added texture. One of the best shortribs I have had in a long time.

The best bite of the night for me was the Japanese Sweet Potato Puree!  Upon lucky occasions you sample something that just captivates your mouth and this was one for me. So creamy and smooth with a profound deepness that made me purr. I had it plain, with the short rib, which it greatly enhanced and kept savoring this dish until the very last iota was coating my palate.

Do not skip the artistic desserts!