The Flavor Of Fire

The tiny nation of Uruguay is over 4,300 miles away, but a quick drive to Miami’s Quinto La Huella restaurant instantly transports diners to the extraordinary flavors experienced there.

Perched on the 5th floor of Downtown Miami’s sleek East hotel, Quinto La Huella is the urban reinvention of Uruguay’s posh beachfront restaurant, Parador La Huella, beloved for its signature fire cooking method using an expansive wood fire parrilla that represents the heartbeat of Uruguayan food.

Chef Mike Römhild (who began his career working in five-star hotels across Europe), carries this legacy on in the Miami eatery using the utmost skill and expertise. And while most diners are well aware of Argentina’s devotion to the parrilla, few realize that neighboring Uruguay is just as dedicated to the art.

Beyond the excellent cuisine, Quinto La Huella serves as a refuge from the stresses of everyday life. You’ll feel that the minute you enter and are greeted by an inviting bar. Before heading to your table, I highly recommend making a pitstop here to order a specialty cocktail like the Chili Parador (tequila resposado, red wine, Thai chili, fresh lime juice and agave) or La Caracola (Yerba Mate-infused gin, Pinot Grigio syrup, coriander and splash of grapefruit).

The restaurant is steeped in warm lighting and offers an eclectic array of low-back leather sofas, plush pillows and welcoming art. It boasts an expansive 9,700 square feet and seats 300, yet has a surprisingly intimate feel, namely because of the various sitting areas created, including a stunning outdoor courtyard with a view of the restaurant’s signature grill — an enormous wood-fired, coal ember “parrilla” manned by two to three chefs grilling meat, fish and vegetables through glass French-style doors.

Weather permitting, I’d suggest enjoying your meal outdoors, shrouded with lush foliage, surrounded by Miami’s modern cityscape and an endless open sky. Numerous nooks and crannies create pockets securing privacy and trellis structures throughout provide much-needed daytime shade for those headed here for lunch.

Begin with a Uruguayan staple: the Empanada Salteña, a baked empanada stuffed with beef, olives and boiled eggs, served with a salsa criolla dipping sauce that provides just the right amount of tang and heat. Pulpo A La Parilla (grilled octopus) is both tender on the inside and crispy on the outside and bears a slightly smoky flavor — courtesy of the grill — and a thoughtful dusting of paprika. It comes with potatoes confit that are so flavorful they could easily be a separate dish. Do as Uruguayans do and order the Grilled Provolone Cheese. A gooey delight to the senses, it arrives accompanied by thick slices of hearty bread. One could easily make a meal out of all the starters, but my guest and I were set on sampling the meat and made a mental note of returning to try the Tabla de Chorizos (an assortment of grilled sausages), Tarta de Cebolla (goat cheese quiche) and Mollejas (grilled sweetbreads).

Meat consumption is not for the faint-hearted. Offerings include Prime Entrecôte, a 20-ounce bone-in Prime rib steak, Bife Angosto (14-ounce NY strip steak) and Rack de Cordero, a 14-ounce New Zealand rack of lamb, all of which pair nicely with sides like smashed potatoes or roasted Brussels sprouts. Since the original restaurant is in the beachfront town of San Ignacio — and we are in Miami — fish plays a prominent role as well. Opt for the Catch of the Day, Butterflied Branzino (Sea Bass) or Pargo A La Parrilla. There’s also an organic Semi-Boneless Half Chicken on the grill, for those craving poultry. Other dishes include the Asado De Tira Braseado, wood-oven-braised short rib with roasted oyster mushrooms and Gnocchi de Ricotta served with Gulf shrimp, pesto sauce and pecorino cheese.

Everything pairs well with the Sangria (red wine, Cointreau, vodka, green and red apples and orange juice) or a glass of Uruguayan wine, that, no surprise, is as tasty as its celebrated  Argentine neighbor.

You’ll want to end with a bang (of sweetness) and order the Volcan Dulce De Leche Cake, inspired by the molten lava cake, but made with dulce de leche (a staple in Uruguay) and served with a wonderful banana ice cream.

There’s no doubt the meal will make a Uruguayan fan of you, if you weren’t one yet. And while it’s fun to plan a trip to explore what else the country has to offer, it’s nice to know that when your stomach begins to rumble for the county’s quintessential dishes, all you have to do is head to Downtown Miami.

Quinto La Huella is located at 788 Brickell Plaza, Miami. For more information, call 786-805-4646 or visit quintolahuella.com.