KYU :: Wynwood, Miami
In Shanea Savours
So excited about the opening of Kyu in Wynwood at 251 NW 25th st. It is off of NW 2nd Avenue, and is in the former Shikany space.
Chef Michael Lewis who was the executive chef at Zuma for seven years and his partner and GM Steven Haigh also formerly of Zuma in London and Miami bring their fabulous concept to Miami. It has only been open a few weeks and it already surpasses so many other places. We have a winner here! This contemporary Asian restaurant is my favourite new opening of 2016. Chef Lewis told me he travelled extensively and lived for a while in Asia. His food is inspired by Korean, Thai and Japanese foods.
The space is very cool looking, industrial chic with raw concrete, local art, beautiful wooden chairs, and metal accents. The bar is on one side of the room and an open kitchen with a grill as its centrepiece on the other side. There is also a small, lovely outdoor space out back.
We only went for lunch but I can’t wait to go back for dinner later next week to try the American Southern barbecue technique of slow cooking, and smoking. We saw the chef select some wood that was piled on the side so he can start smoking some meat – he said takes up to 14 hours.
The cocktail list had clever Asian twists to it. I had the Puppy Love which had belvedere, lychee, watermelon and yuzu. It was sweet and flavourful. My partner in crime had a Wynwood Mule consisting of Ketel One, roasted pineapple, lime and ginger beer. Also a great choice.