By CAMERON O’CONNOR
Living the life of a jet-setting foodie is a passion that many people pursue. While we all wish we could devour a $50 steak, we know that’s not going to happen. Enter the new restaurant genre known as “fast casual” These new hole-in-the-walls are popping up all over, offering amazing food for incredible deals.
One of these soon-to-be-famous joints is
American Noodle Bar, 6730 Biscayne Blvd., in Miami’s Upper East Side district.
Founded by Executive Chef and Proprietor Michael Bloise, American Noodle Bar is a hip, quick service restaurant that offers delicious American-Asian inspired noodle dishes and street foods as well as beer and wine. Bloise is the former executive chef at South Beach hotspots Tantra and Wish, and is a local product of the culinary school at Johnson & Wales University.
Located adjacent to a somewhat seedy motel, the main feature at American Noodle Bar is the $7 noodle bowl. Patrons choose the saucy broth the noodles are cooked in (choices include: basil butter; bacon sauce; roasted shallot; smoked lobster sauce; lemongrass; beef broth; vegetable broth; sriracha butter; or brown sugar ginger) and get their pick of one protein mix (pork shoulder; braised oxtail; shrimp; Chinese sausage; smoked duck; pulled chicken; garlicky pork meatballs; deep fried egg; or BBQ tofu).
Besides the unique flavors and interesting mix-in’s offered, American Noodle Bar boasts a staff that is not only knowledgeable about the Asian-fusion dishes, but offer smiling faces and great service with indoor and outdoor seating.
Besides the namesake noodles, American Noodle Bar also offers a unique selection of aperitifs. The fried cheeseburger dumplings ($5) cannot be found anywhere else in town, while the hush puppies ($4) have a new flavor inside of them every day. The grilled short ribs ($9) and chicken wings ($6) bring out the BBQ side of the orient while Big Mama’s pork egg rolls ($3) seem to be a tribute to the matriarchal figure that first got Bloise into the kitchen as a child.
For something a little bit on the lighter side, check out the miso Caesar salad ($7); a mixed greens, tomatoes, onions, jalapeño vinaigrette & pork belly croutons salad ($7) or the BBQ pork roll with zesty slaw ($6). Beer and wine selections change on a daily basis.
For more information visit, www.americannoodlebar.com
