Retro Revival

If you allow yourself just one phenomenal culinary splurge this year, make it The Surf Club Restaurant in Surfside.

Created by storied Chef Thomas Keller of French Laundry fame, this unparalleled dining experience is located on the site of the revamped, iconic Surf Club and connected to the Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club.

The restaurant's ambiance evokes the glamour of the former high-society private club. On arrival, you feel transported back to a time when the Rat Pack partied, the jet set dined and tycoons hosted elaborate galas. The décor is modern but with a clear respect for tradition, the service is impeccable and the cuisine is classically continental. Be sure to make your reservation weeks in advance for The Surf Club - one of Miami's most expensive restaurants. And it's worth every penny.

You'll find a rare selection of vintage 1950s spirits and will want to keep the champagne cart close at hand. It has a thoughtfully curated collection of bubbly, served in retro champagne bowls.

The menu pays tribute to continental classics, elevating each snack, appetizer, entrée and dessert to its highest level with the freshest ingredients, flawless execution and impeccable presentation. The Classic Caesar Salad is prepared tableside, the Steak Tartare is hand-cut, the Dover Sole Meunière melts in your mouth and the delicate Oysters Rockefeller abound with fresh spinach.

The choice of steaks and chops is impressive and of exemplary quality, and we saw many enjoying the Prime Beef Short Rib Wellington, served for two with sauce perigourdine.

Sides at The Surf Club Restaurant are on the same level of excellence. Don't miss the dreamy Buttermilk Whipped Potatoes, and try the Blistered Cauliflower Polonaise and the Madeira Glazed Mushrooms, too. And we couldn't resist adding the luscious Hobbs' Applewood Smoked Candied Bacon for good measure.

Fine dessert wines pair well with cave-aged cheeses as well as sweet treats. The Coconut Chiffon and Dark Chocolate Layer cakes were both satisfyingly rich and light at the same time.

I'm already saving my pennies for my next amazing meal at The Surf Club Restaurant. Compliments to Chef Keller on yet another culinary coup. O

The Surf Club Restaurant is located at 9011 Collins Ave., Surfside. For more information, call 305-768-9440 or visit surfclubrestaurant.com.