Delight The Senses With Food & Fun At Ted's At YoungArts
Follow CBSMIAMI.COM: Facebook | Twitter
MIAMI (CBSMiami) – What do you get when you pair delicious fare with an intimate performance lounge? Ted's at YoungArts, located on the 7th floor of the YoungArts tower building on Biscayne Boulevard in Miami.
Named in honor of YoungArts co-founder and philanthropist Ted Arison, Ted's is a lounge which flawlessly combines the experience of Starr restaurants catering and the artistry and vision of the YoungArts programming.
"They wanted an outlet for the students who went through the YoungArts program to perform and have a place to really display what they've learned and what they can achieve," said General Manager Emily Burster.
For a sneak peak before opening, Mel Bryant, the 2013 YoungArts winner in voice, treated CBS4's Lisa Petrillo to a preview of the tunes she sings to please diners ears.
"Most of the musicians are alumni but we are getting a good mix of local acts as well so it's a community atmosphere," said Burster. "It's like having a concert in your living room."
Visual artists aren't left out of the mix—images of student works are also displayed on large video installations.
So as the music and art pair to satisfy the visual and auditory senses, there's also food to delight the palate with international flavors.
"The concept of food is really global dishes…it's really a wide array," Emily said.
Back in the kitchen, Chef Nicolas prepares Petrillo's first taste dish, homemade hummus made fresh in the blender.
"All of those ingredients we saw go into the blender are in here. It feels like I'm in The Greek islands, and with Mel singing behind me—it's extra special," Petrillo said.
Next up for tasting is a Tuna Tartar with a lime avocado salad and crispy rice on top.
"The tuna is cold and fresh and there is heat a kick and it's softened by the avocado underneath," Petrillo said.
Up next is Chef's Nicolas' special dish, Smoked Duck Breast with Bomba Rice.
"There's a sweetness with the glaze on top and smoky flavor together with a bit of a kick. It's so tender and the rice is flavorful. This is beautiful duck," she said.
Lisa's taste ends with a dangerously delicious Chocolate Cheese Cake that's actually a work of art in itself.
"I died and went to chocolate cheesecake heaven," said Petrillo.
Ted's at YoungArts is quite the blend of art, entertainment and impeccable flavors--the perfect ingredients for a jazzy night out on the town.
Ted's at YoungArts is opens Wednesday through Saturday for dinner only. Cocktail hour begins at 6 pm and music starts at 8 pm.
For more information, click here.
