Miami diners will be transported to Paris when chef Olivia Ostrow launches her namesake Ostrow Brasserie on August 9.
Located in the trendy Buena Vista neighborhood, two minutes north of the Design District, the restaurant will highlight the best of French cuisine with a twist—it’s kosher.
Throughout her three-decade career, Chef Olivia has successfully pushed the boundaries of gastronomy.
This latest venture, created with partner Eli Dadon, aims to go even further by elevating kosher dining into an unforgettable culinary adventure.
The innovative brasserie will feature traditional French dishes, a sophisticated design, open kitchen and a tropical oasis back patio.
Classic French dishes have been reinterpreted under the lens of kosher cooking, which bans meat and dairy being eaten together as well as proteins like pork and shellfish, resulting in lighter fare that focuses on quality ingredients and French flavors versus heavy cream sauces.
This daring approach to French cuisine will appeal to everyone, regardless if they keep kosher or not.
Guests are invited to indulge in a delightful culinary journey, highlighted a symphony of sophisticated flavors.
From tantalizing appetizers to exquisite main courses, every dish is meticulously crafted to bring a taste of Paris to Miami.
Standout dishes include Lyonnaise Salad with Poached Egg, Frisée, Beef “Bacon,” Croutons and Tarragon Vinaigrette; Crab Cakes served with Truffle Beet Mousse; Trout Amandine with Almonds and Green Beans; Orange Duck Confit served with Braised Caramelized Endive, Potatoes Sarladaises; and Beef Bourguignon with Carrots and Shallots.
Diners will not want to miss Chef Olivia’s signature specialties, especially the intricate French delicacy called Lamb Paupiette, which features Chicken Scallopini stuffed with Ground Lamb and Prunes, wrapped with Bresaola and served with Truffle Pommes Puree.
Ostrow Bistro will debut its dinner menu first, followed by lunch and brunch offerings in the fall.
There will also be a crudo sushi bar with a mashup of French and Japanese flavors.
A dedicated children’s menu will be available to accommodate petit foodies.
During the afternoon, from 3:30-6 pm, Ostrow Bistro will host a cheerful Happy Hour with reasonably priced drink and food specials.
It’s an opportunity for diners to get an insider’s look into Chef Olivia’s cooking style as she preps for the night right in front of them.
Like all certified Glatt Kosher restaurants, Ostrow Bistro will be under the supervision of a mashgiach to ensure kosher standards are being upheld.
Chef Olivia has successfully modified French favorites into kosher-style items with creative substitutions like vegan cheese from Israel.
Chef Olivia is uniquely qualified to pull this off. Her culinary journey began in her native France, where she learned to cook as a teenager.
Weekends were spent in the countryside in Périgord, where Olivia was taught how to stuff geese and make foie gras.
In the ‘90s, after a move to Greensboro, North Carolina, she opened her first restaurant with her father, Le Rendez-Vous.
Next, Chef Olivia honed her craft by traveling the world and acquiring new cooking techniques in every country she visited, including a stint in Israel.
In the 2010s, back in America, she launched “O’s Gourmet Catering,” an international catering company situated on Florida’s Treasure Coast.
Finding success in Jensen Beach, she debuted two restaurants, O’s Café and O’cean Café, which were immediate hits.
And while she had to close due to Covid, it allowed the chef to polish her management and front-of-house skills while working with prodigious restaurateur Stephen Starr in Miami and as the Food and Beverage Director at the prestigious Savoy Hotel in South Beach.
Ostrow Bistro is the culmination of all these experiences.
The design of the 2,400-square-foot Ostrow Brasserie was inspired by Chef Olivia’s childhood in France, complemented by Miami’s tropical influences.
A whimsical art wall highlights over 40 pieces from Chef Olivia’s personal collection, while the signature Art Nouveau mural, a replica of one of artist Alphonse Mucha’s famous beer posters, at the restaurant’s entrance pays tribute to France’s storied past.
Stunning coral countertops speckled with opalescent “river rocks” set the tone for the beautifully designed 150-seat restaurant.
Adorning the two bars at the entrance, the coral and rock theme is also incorporated in the expansive counter fronting the exhibition kitchen, where guests can watch the art of cooking as it occurs.
Dark green leather-backed stools allow for a birds-eye view of the culinary theatrics.
Hanging copper bubble lights are suggestive of France’s favorite drink, Champagne, while the natural wood tables bring a lighter look to the space.
The white leather rounded chairs had a former life at the iconic Delano hotel and have been recovered and restored for this new venture.
Toward the back of the restaurant, past two glass doors, is a secret garden.
This lush and verdant space will be open for regular dining, as well as for private parties and events.
It’s also dog friendly for guests accompanied by their pets.
This buzzed-about Buena Vista hotspot will feature a lively ambiance with guest DJs and international playlists. Drinks will span a curated menu of fine kosher wine, beer, Champagne and sake.
Ostrow Brasserie is located at 4850 NW 2nd Ave; and will be open for dinner from Sunday to Thursday every week.
For further information about Ostrow Brasserie, please visit www.ostrowbrasserie.com and follow @ostrowbrasserie.