One of the Design District’s most iconic restaurants, Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink, has reopened after a four-month renovation. The refresh came after 14 years, and the remodeled space is larger, brighter and more cohesive. New menu items from James Beard Award-winning chef-restaurateur Michael Schwartz also elevate the culinary experience.
The inviting space features high ceilings, floating wood pendant lights, cozy banquette seating and lush greenery intended to bring the outside in. In fact, the main dining area flows into the outside terrace via sliding doors that lead to a chic, enticing and breezy spot for guests to sip and dine. The terrace offers a multitude of seating options, and a retractable roof makes outdoor dining possible every day of the year. However, accents from the past endure including the bolero red accented walls and Carl Myers coin mosaic. The décor was a collaboration between Schwartz and designer Marcela Lombana.
The Chef’s table, which is located in the middle of the dining room, boasts views into the bustling kitchen, which has also been expanded. Foodies will want to try new dishes like whole roasted tuna collar prepared “Sicilian style;” wood-roasted camembert with golden chanterelle mushrooms and garlic toast; long-cooked squash with harissa, tomato, caraway and basil crispy garlic and lamb massaman curry with Thai fried egg salad and jasmine rice. Longtime diners need not worry though, classic plates like wood-oven pizza, stracciatella, wood-oven roasted octopus and pan-roasted poulet rouge are still on the menu.
“Every restaurant needs to evolve, and after 14 years we felt it was time for Michael’s Genuine to undergo a refresh and expansion,” Schwartz said. “We doubled the size of our kitchen to accommodate a growing team that will create the dishes that have kept our guests coming back time and time again. It was essential to keep the spirit of Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink alive in all aspects. We’re excited to provide an even more genuine experience to our guests just in time to celebrate our 15th anniversary.”
Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink is open for lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday from 11:30 a.m. until 11 p.m.; Friday & Saturdays from 11:30 a.m. until 12 a.m. It is open for brunch and dinner on Sundays from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. Don’t miss the restaurant’s fantastic happy hour (Monday through Friday from 4:30 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.) with half off wines by the glass, beers, specialty cocktails and several snack items to be enjoyed at the bar and high-top tables.
Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink is located at 130 NE 40th St. Reservations can be made via Opentable, by email at reservations@michaelsgenuine.com or by phone, 305-573-5550. www.michaelsgenuine.com
