Taste Of The Town: Oolite Dishes Up Florida Fare
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MIAMI BEACH (CBSMiami) -- Just two steps off Lincoln Road on Miami Beach sits Oolite: a 7,000 square foot restaurant featuring everything that's says Florida.
"Everything we do here we locally source, local seafood and my family has been here since 1925. My grandmother had 10 children and they all grew up on the island of Miami Beach, so I am Florida!" said Executive Chef and Oolite owner Kris Wessel.
Aside from creating his award winning recipes back in the kitchen, Wessel is a James Beard nominated chef. He 's also on the frontline.
Wessel actually designed the entire restaurant and knew immediately what he would call it and why.
"Oolite is the foundation rock that the island of Miami Beach was built on. It's pure limestone," said Wessel.
From the solid wood tables and trim to the coral lamps, everything is organic and authentic.
But it's the food that keeps diners coming in back again. It's a concept in food that Wessel has been creating his entire career.
"It's healthy regional food. The menu is segmented to vegetarian protein, animal protein and seafood protein and the entire kitchen is gluten free," said Wessel. "We are the only 100 % gluten free restaurant in Miami."
Back in the kitchen, Wessel prepared his signature three grain salad for CBS4's Lisa Petrillo to taste. It has three different types of grains along with hearts of palm, heirloom tomatoes and fresh arugula.
"It's completely refreshing and so light with a wonderful sherry vinaigrette on top and quinoa. This is a delightful salad," said Petrillo after tasting it.
Next up on the menu was a Florida grouper with white clams in wine and vegetables. A dish Petrillo considers a true seafood lover's dream.
"It's sweet and crunchy and delicious," said Petrillo.
To her, the fresh Florida white water clams hit the mark.
"They're a little salty and tangy, just out of the ocean. I love fresh baby clams." said Petrillo,
Oolite is open seven days a week for lunch, dinner and brunch on Saturday and Sunday.
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