Though “cheffy” touches are certainly on the menu (cauliflower panna cotta with uni and caviar, anyone?), Tongue & Cheek ” the new 150-seat restaurant owned by Chef Jamie DeRosa and Michael Reginbogin ” promises to be much more than just a foodie haven. Located in South Beach’s more residential “south of Fifth” neighborhood on South Beach at 431 Washington Avenue, Tongue & Cheek is now open. Positioned to be Miami’s next savory sensation, Tongue & Cheek features approachable, ingredient-driven, American fare with just the right amount of whimsy. Inspired by DeRosa’s travels and multi-ethnic gastronomic obsessions, the menu is diverse without being unwieldy or unfocused.
The restaurant’s interior design, decor and ambiance reflects the concept’s sensibilities, with art commissioned by DeRosa and Reginbogin and an eclectic playlist rich with old school hip hop, classic and alternative rock. Design wise, think rustic yet polished. The cozy bar, comprised of rich woods, an internally lit marble top and gleaming subway tile, features a fabulous signature cocktail list as well as two large televisions, camouflaged behind mirrors. Seating 15, the bar also features the restaurant’s “snack bar,” a live action station from which most of the items from the Snacks menu originate. Gorgeous, modernist lighting will play off the charm of comfortable, simply set tables of solid wood. Seating is broken up by a central, two-sided banquette, a private dining room (seating 14) and intimate patio. All artwork is original by local artist Claudio Picasso, including a haunting pastoral mural in the private dining room and impressionistic aerial views of the Miami skyline in the main dining room.
Prior to Tongue and Cheek, Reginbogin served as General Manager of Estiatorio Milos, also on Miami Beach, and Regional Director of Operations at Sugarcane Raw Bar Grill. Most recently, DeRosa served as executive chef of Tudor House at Dream South Beach hotel. It was there that the two met and forged the friendship that would lead to the formation of the Social Dining Concepts LLC banner in 2012, under which Tongue & Cheek operates.
Posted by Lauren Harrity 10/07/13
