By The Bay

If you need a good reason to take a drive to Miami, Amara at Paraiso is it. Located in the trendy Edgewater neighborhood just north of downtown Miami, the newest restaurant by James Beard Award-winning Chef Michael Schwartz takes full advantage of its beautiful setting on Biscayne Bay.

Drinks at the bar are magical, served with a snack of crunchy grilled fava beans. Have the Calm Before the Coconut, made with Diplomatico Planas rum, Velvet Falernum, coconut crème, coconut water, pineapple lime, salt and nutmeg, or La Fresa, with strawberry-infused Plantation 3 Stars rum, ginger and lime. Then try the Nikkei Sour, with Macchu Pisco, Suntory Toki Japanese whisky, citrus blend, ginger-turmeric honey, aqua fava and orange chuncho bitters.

That should set you up for brunch or dinner Miami-style, with cuisine that brings together bold Latin American flavors, coastal ingredients and South Florida's diverse food culture.

Start with Empanadas, made with short rib, olive, raisin and chimichurri, baked in a lard crust. Or try the corn and leek version, with roasted poblano, mozzarella and smoked paprika aioli in a fried yuca crust. The Yuca Cheese Puffs are a treat, too, and the Ceviche is served with a twist: grilled sweet potato, avocado, crispy corn and smoked oil. There's also a wide variety of raw bar favorites and tasty House Made Chorizos.

For those who love the smoky aroma and flavor of wood-grilled seafood, meat and vegetables, choose from Amara's grill menu – and make sure to sample the full list of sauces to accompany your choices. The Whole Yellowtail Snapper is a seafood purist's dream. If you're sharing, try the Seafood Parrillada, with cobia, octopus, giant prawns and citrus tamarind scallops, or the Meat Parrillada, with grilled skirt steak, short rib, chorizo, chorizo verde and sweetbreads. The Grilled Escarole, with idiazabal cheese, chilies and lemon, is an exceptional side, along with Charred Snap Peas, made with ancho chili, hazelnuts and almonds.

Do not miss dessert at Amara. The Dulce Flan, with dulce de leche and crema, rocks, especially when you're also sharing the Cashew Chocolate Torte, with passion fruit and smoked maldon salt.

Our compliments to Chef Schwartz for yet another magical Miami meal. O

Amara is located at 3101 N.E. Seventh Ave., Miami. For more information, call 305-702-5528 or visit amaraatparaiso.com.