FBdfdsDJHBsdfdgHSBGHSFSBFhbdhfbdshfbdsfvghfhsbfsv!!! OMG IT'S THAT GOOD.
I remember coming to Stanton Social when I was literally 17 years old. I know I don't look 100 years old, but I'm a lot older than 17. This place is like an ancient gold-mine for Manhattan standards. I have some really fond memories here as this place was such a huge "scene" to go to over the years. I've been here for literally any type of event that you could think of.
Ambiance: Trendy. Great music (all were Kygo remixes).
I like to go to these trendy type places a few times in a short span of time as I know how these type of restaurants can be hit or miss sometimes. I went to Stanton Social as I was getting my hair done near the restaurant and it popped up on Yelp as being close by. We opted for the tasting menu which they offer on some days (can't remember which days but I assume weekdays?)
Tasting menu: +++ Crispy Barrio-Style Chicken Taquitos with roasted guajillo sauce, avocado, creme - I was confused by the description as to exactly what this dish is but it's basically these balls filled with chicken, sauce that's a bit spicy, and avocado (drizzled with some creme). These are gherbfhjsbfbfhjbhbsdd good! So so so so so tasty. One of the best things on the menu, for sure. +++ Chicken and waffles - I don't think I've ever had grilled chicken with waffles. I've only had the fried stuff which makes me feel like I'm going to have a heart attack shortly after. I believe that Stanton Social used to offer this dish fried but times are changing my friends! They offer chicken and waffles with brick GRILLED chicken. They don't overdo it on the sauce (maple syrup with a hint of balsamic) and this dish is absolute perfection. If you plan on having this dish,
BE PREPARED.
You will literally come back two more times within the same week to eat this heavenly dish again (true story, happened to me). I literally ate at Stanton Social three times in one week because I was so obsessed with this dish (and I'm going there this week again). I just can't get enough of it!!!! Someone please help me! Is there a chicken and waffles Stanton Social rehab? +++ Warm donuts with various dipping sauces - Self explanatory. If you need me to explain how good this dish is, please stop reading Yelp reviews.
+++ Lobster roll - Amazing. Usually lobster rolls are drenched with tartar sauce and/or mayo. Yuck. Who wants anything drenched in sauce? Not me. This is a perfect blend of lobster and sauce. It's seriously delish! + Red snapper tacos - I've tried these before and thought they were meh. I've had some pretty awesome tacos in the same style before and I just didn't feel like this was a really strong dish on the menu. It's not that these aren't good, it's just that they aren't the best thing on the menu.
Service: Hit or miss. I came here the first two times and the service was great. On the third time it was absolutely terrible. My only suggestion would be for them to just get their service together a bit more.
All & all, a solid place. Definitely also a place that I would recommend to people visiting from out of town. While it's not specifically a tourist infested place, it's a great place for locals as well as tourists to go.
It's almost painful for me to write this. Why you ask? Because it forces me to reflect upon the fact that Miami has an absolutely awful culinary scene and that the people of Miami don't comprehend what excellent cuisine should entail. People will read this and say NO way! Miami has an awesome culinary scene. Uhhh...no. I'm sorry. Compared to Manhattan and even LA, Miami is pretty far behind but has so much potential.
Why are there not restaurants like Alter on every block?
Why do people flock to Prime 112 and the like? Where the portion size is so big it sends you into cardiac arrest.
I don't get it.
My favorite little gem used to be Shikany. That is now long gone and I've had quite the bone to pick with Miami residents for not supporting such a truly unique culinary experience. What went wrong? Who knows...but Alter seems to have it all together.
Ambiance: Alter has an artistic yet rustic down to earth vibe. I feel as if the food does't really fit with the ambiance but I think that for Miami you have to play it down because Miami isn't ready for the total package (amazingly high-end decor as well as food). You kind of have to pick one or the other. I get it.
My friend Tim who is a local sommelier recommended that I try Alter and I didn't waste much time. I went for lunch the very next day. I love that Alter offers a prix-fixe menu even for lunch. For $48, I felt like we were getting a deal actually.
Food: IF YOU DON'T GET THE TASTING MENU, SHAME ON YOU!!!!
+++ Local Crudo with hibiscus ponzu, key lime curd, raw tomato, green apple - Started the meal off on an excellent foot. Extremely light and refreshing but bursting with flavor. I absolutely loved this dish. The plating was SPECTACULAR. Extremely creative and really well done. +++ Blue crab shumai - with thai green curry, cilantro relish, kumquat, rice crisps - Again another really well plated dish. I seriously didn't want to eat it. So delicious. It melted in my mouth. +++ Risotto with royal shrimp, dill, boursin, preserved lemon - I've never had risotto with boursin cheese. Have you? If you haven't, what are you waiting for? I have stomach issues. Without going into much detail, I love risotto... BUT it literally destroys my stomach. It will hurt for like years. Boursin cheese? Light as air. It was so light and definitely the best risotto I've ever had. +++ Duck confit with pearl onion kimchi, young cabbage, cashew condiment, black garlic - I personally don't enjoy duck but I still tried it and it was pretty good although I cannot be an accurate judge of this. My friend tried it and loved it/ate my portion and loved it. +++ Chocolate mousse with mint ice cream, chocolate streusel, hibiscus - Holy s#!T Helllllloo! Gosh this was amazing. I'm a huge chocolate lover AND mint ice cream lover. This sent me into bliss.
Service: On point. It was lunch and the restaurant is relatively small so I don't think they will have issues as far as the service goes but I was not disappointed.
For Miami, the food presentation of Alter is literally in its own class/category. There is not one restaurant that has this type of cuisine. None. Not only that, but the food is actually really delicious. The prices are extremely low for what this restaurant delivers and I just truly hope that Miami people will get their acts together and realize this!
