Dining With Rafa: Kendall's New Seafood and Steak Dining Destination
Photos provided by Devon Seafood + Steak By Rafa Carvajal
When I first moved to Miami to work for Telefónica, I lived in my family’s townhouse in Kendall for six months while I found an apartment to purchase in Miami. It was then that I learned to appreciate what south Miami has to offer and the many dining alternatives in the area. So this week I decided to venture south to try Devon Seafood + Steak, a new boutique seafood restaurant and steakhouse in Kendall. I love both steak and seafood, so I relish any opportunity to taste both in one night.
Devon Seafood + Steak is helmed by Executive Chef Scott Barrow, who took care of his loyal guests at Devon Seafood + Steak in Chicago for 12 years before opening the new location in Miami. Chicago is well known for having some great steakhouses and Devon serves up a very nice combination of prime steaks and fresh ocean fare in a beautiful, spacious dining room that features luxurious walls lined with reclaimed wood, accentuated by soft tones of nautical-inspired grays and blues, and comfy leather booths and chairs; plus a very nice outdoor patio with striking waterfront views of the canal adjacent to the restaurant.
I started my dinner with the Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes with creole remoulade and mango tartar sauce. For my entrée, I selected the 16-ounce USDA Prime Kansas City Strip accompanied by Lobster Mac N’ Cheese and the Zucchini, Corn, Tomato, and Basil Ragout. For dessert, I had to follow our waiter’s recommendation and try the Carrot Cake with pecan praline filling, sweet cream cheese, toasted coconut, and crème anglaise – it was to die for! If you enjoy seafood or steak, Devon Seafood + Steak has many mouth-watering alternatives that will certainly please your palate. I also liked the fact that, in contrast with most upscale seafood restaurant and steakhouses, your entrées at Devon always include side dishes – providing you better value for your dining experience.
Devon Seafood + Steak also offers a nice happy hour on the patio and indoor bar Monday through Friday, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. – a perfect opportunity to enjoy some of their handcrafted cocktails, such as the Pink Pops made with Domaine St. Michelle Brut and X-Rated Fusion Liqueur (premium French vodka, rich blood oranges, and Brazilian passion fruit); and their signature Devon Margarita crafted with Sauza Hornitos tequila, Agave nectar, Courvoisier VS, triple sec and margarita foam – which you can complement with raw bar selections such as $1 oysters and $3 lobster claws.
On Tuesday, September 24 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., Devon will be paying homage to craft beers with a special Craft Brews and Bites four-course beer pairing dinner on its waterfront outdoor patio for just $30 per person, excluding tax and gratuity. This is part of Devon’s monthly tasting series that hosts a different themed event with a carefully selected prix-fixe menu showcasing a variety of menu offerings paired with unique libations. This Tuesday, your first course will consist of the Smoked Salmon Salad with blood orange and fennel cilantro and Bells Oberon beer. Your second course will be the Pork Belly Banh Mi with celery root, carrot, watercress, pea shoots and chili aioli and Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA beer. Your third course will be the Seared Scallops with squash risotto, Mascarpone walnuts and roasted Brussels sprout leaves and Cigar City Maduro Brown Ale beer; followed by a fourth course of Stout Crème Brûlée with maple oatmeal cookie and Hoppin’ Frog BORIS the Crusher Imperial Oatmeal Stout beer. Enjoy!
Devon Seafood + Steak. 11715 Sherri Lane. The Palms at Town & Country Mall, Kendall
This article was originally published in Wire Magazine Issue #37, 2013