Fresh American Bistro Puts A French Twist On Classics

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MIAMI (CBSMiami) - It's hard to miss chef Phillipe Ruiz's charming French accent while he's describing one of the many wonderful dishes he prepares.

What's ironic is this Paris born Michelin chef is at the helm at the all new Fresh American Bistro (FAB) in Sunny Isles Beach.

Yes, yes, oui, oui, it's all American - sort of.

"Miami is nice because you have many cultures here. I don't know if people will see if I'm French or American. The idea is to have fresh food and please the pallet for the guests," chef Ruiz.

FAB is located inside Sole on the Ocean Hotel in Sunny Isles Beach. The dining room, which overlooks the ocean, is outfitted "Americana" style with subtle nautical references. Guests can dine outside on the balcony or down in the beach dunes dining area.

"We have a nice dune on the beach. People can eat family style or just have cocktails and appetizers," said chef Ruiz.

On the day CBS4's Lisa Petrillo visited, Ruiz prepared fresh soft shell crabs that had arrived that alive from Costa Rica. They were bathed in tempura, deep fried, drained, sliced and plated on top of a colorful salad dressed in beets vinaigrette.

"I'm going to emphasize the fresh . The crab meat is seasoned perfectly and just falls apart in your mouth it so delicious," said Petrillo after tasting the crab. "There's a little French and American happening in this soft shell crab."

Next, it was braised short ribs with three different purees.

"This is a warm tender comfort food surrounded by beautiful mashed and sweet potatoes and crunchy salad on top," said Petrillo.

Next up, pan seared prawns with fingerling potatoes.

"This is perfectly cooked, seasoned wonderfully and a little lemony," said Petrillo after taking a bite. "It's a bigger shrimp that's delicious."

To bring it home, a star spangled dessert. Chef Ruiz presented caramel popcorn over chocolate and vanilla ice cream and gelato.

Fresh American Bistro is a tribute to the good ole USA with a twist that says "Viva la France!"

FAB is opened 7 days a week, breakfast lunch and dinner. Click Here for more information.