Verde Miami – A Sweet Afternoon at PAMM for Art, Dessert and Mocktail
The opening of the new art exhibit from multi-disciplinary artist Michele Oka Doner at the Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM), was extra incentive to check out the new desserts developed at PAMM’s Verde Miami by Chef Kaytlin Brakefield.
Through September 11, 2016, Michele Oka Doner’s works from the 1960s up through the present, such as her photographic Cyanotype blue print ‘How I Caught a Swallow in Midair’, are on display for reflection and visual pleasure. Other mediums in Oka Doner’s exhibit include works on paper and ceramics inspired by natural forms.
A Miami native, Oka Doner is best known for her expansive design of the floors of the Miami international Airport, inspired by local flora.
The poetic title of the exhibition is taken from a recent cyanotype print. PAMM’s exhibition coincides with the premier of the Miami City Ballet’s presentation of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, with costumes and sets designed by the artist.
After seeing such beauty, I was ready to taste something pretty at PAMM’s Verde restaurant and outdoor cafe.
Behold the Greek Yogurt Panna Cotta! A beautiful composition made of Greek Yogurt and Heavy Cream, topped with a fresh Mango Sauce, and sprinkled with bright red Aleppo Pepper. Chef Brakefield’s rich, but light, artful interpretation of this creamy Italian dessert is a little tangy, spicy, and sweet on the palate.
For chocolate lovers, the dense Chocolate Bread Pudding is made with Baguette bread and a heart-healthy dose of 70% Chocolate that is served with Orange Anglaise and Vanilla Ice Cream.
Verde Miami’s Key Lime in a Jar is a modern twist on a signature Florida flavor. This zesty treat is made with Key Lime Curd, Graham Crumble, and Whipped Cream all served in a jar.
If it’s nowhere near 5 O’Clock, but you want a lively refreshment to toast to your lovely spent afternoon, consider Verde’s Mocktails.
The first of the three I taste-tested was the thirst-quenching Coconut Arnold Palmer – Coconut Water mixed with unsweetened Ice Tea, instead of the usual lemonade.
My favorite was the Strawberry garnished Stevia Lavender Lemonade. The plant-based sugar substitute sweetens the Lemonade, the Lavender Flower infusion gives it an exotic flavor and sparkling Club Soda makes it refreshing.
And, lastly, the spicy Ginger Cooler spiked with House Made Ginger Syrup, fresh Grapefruit Juice, garnished with sprig of Rosemary, -for full strength version, order the Cachaça Aperol Spritz.
Before you leave, check out the new sculptural installation, ‘When Two Are In One’, by Matthew Ronay. Commissioned by PAMM, the installation comprises a series of brightly-colored and playful abstract totems, which fills the window-lined Patricia Papper Project Gallery, adjacent to the museum’s main entrance.
Ronay is known for sculptures and installations that feature psychedelic forms and vivid colors, harkening to surrealism as well as folk art. The forms are meticulously hand-carved out of wood, and steeped in humor.
Verde Miami is located in the Pérez Art Museum Miami, and also accessible through the terrace patio, facing the bay, at 1103 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33132
New operating hours, for Verde and PAMM, began January 2016:
Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday: 10am–6pm
Thursday: 10am–9pm
Wednesday: Closed
For restaurant reservations or more information, call: 786 345 5697, or visit: pamm.org/dining
For more information about the Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM), visit: www.pamm.org