Taste of the Town: Bazaar Mar Brings The Ocean To Brickell

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MIAMI (CBSMiami) – Named one of Time Magazine's "100 Most Influential People" and awarded "Outstanding Chef" by the James Beard Foundation, José Andrés is an internationally recognized chef, author, TV personality and humanitarian.

He is also known for his groundbreaking avant-garde cuisine with an award-winning group of restaurants from DC to LA, Las Vegas to Mexico City and more.

He has two here in South Florida – one at SLS South Beach and his newest, Bazaar Mar, at the SLS Brickell Hotel and Residences.

The key, he says, is to make each one different.

"So Miami is Bazaar Latinos. This one is Bazaar Mar, it's about the ocean and the sea. Vegas is Bazaar Meat. I love the challenge that every Bazaar is something new to discover," Andrés said.

Designed by world renowned designer Philippe Starck, Bazaar Mar is a piece of art in itself.

"It has massive blue tiles, that in any other mind it would be a terrible fiasco," he said. "But in the mind of Philippe Starck, it becomes an amazing place."

Check out Lisa's entire interview with Chef Andrés in this video:

The Spanish-born lover of food and life never takes a minute for granted and appreciates what his job brings to the table – literally.

"The best part is nobody eats like José Andrés. You want to be my friend. I eat like no other chef on earth," he said laughing.

But eating well daily, he says, does have drawbacks.

"Quite frankly for some people who would say I'm slightly overweight. Or as my wife would say, very overweight," he explained.

"I say, 'No way, José!' The way I eat?  No, I'm actually you!" he said pointing and laughing at CBS4's Lisa Petrillo.

Before Petrillo knew it, he was feeding her a giant clam with a soy rice vinegar sauce.

"Now your tongue is tickling and saying, 'Why is this so sweet?'" Andrés said.  "And your crunching in between your teeth and you taste something chewy and then your brain is saying, 'I want more.  I want more !'" he yelled.

"This is perfect. I don't have to describe the food, you just did it for me," Petrillo said laughing.

Next, a fancy oyster with caviar with a name Petrillo can't pronounce.

"Your life is going to change in so many ways!" Andrés said. "Don't kiss me and thank me, don't kiss me!" he said joking.

"By the way, its gentle, tasty and delicious," Petrillo said. "And I'm not a big oyster fan, but I am now."

And a José Andrés fan as well.

Bazaar Mar is opened seven days a week for dinner only.  For more info, visit sbe.com/restaurants/bazaarmar.