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Into Africa
Madiba Restaurant and
Lounge Is a Cultural Experience
African and world beat grooves suffuse the place from 10 p.m.
until late on the appointed day of rest.
Madiba’s 80-seat eatery looks to be modeled after a shebeen, or
township social hall.
By Rayme Samuels
For a truly
authentic South African dining experience, hunt out one of Miami
Beach’s treasures: Madiba Restaurant and Lounge. Warhol-esque images
of Nelson Mandela, grassy plains and colonial relics plaster the
walls at the only South African restaurant in the city.
If you are ready to
experience new tastes and aromas, Madiba’s menu will not disappoint.
An extensive beverage menu boasts imported South African wine and
beer. Cozy wooden tables, comfortable chaise lounges, kitschy gourds
and watering cans adorn the downstairs bar and dining area, while
the upstairs space is reminiscent of a Dutch lunchroom.
Enjoy seafood
imported all the way from the South African Tristan Islands by
sampling the Tristan Lobster Tail appetizer ($16). Drizzled in a
lemon butter sauce and surrounded with green and red peppers on a
bed of yellow rice and raisins, it will aptly prime your taste buds
for the main course.
The Durban Chicken
Bunny Chow, a tantalizing blend of curried chicken and potatoes
served in a quarter loaf of white bread, comes accompanied by a
variety of chutneys and sauces on the side for $16.
The dessert menu
displays a blend of familiar favorites and South African delicacies.
Jenny’s Malva Pudding is exquisite, a traditional bread pudding
served with vanilla ice cream for $8.
And to work off all
that culinary indulgence, Sankofa Sundays at Madiba provide an
alternative for the lounge lover. African and world beat grooves
suffuse the place from 10 p.m. until late on the appointed day of
rest. The attached lounge area is stuffed with comfortable seating
and tea-light candles to set the mood for many special evenings
including this reggae bash.
For expats or those
wishing for deeper cultural immersion, the restaurant also sells
hand-made South African clothing, artifacts, crafts, toys and food
products under their “Homesick” brand.
Madiba Restaurant
and Lounge is located at 1766 Bay Road, Miami Beach. Hours of
operation are noon to midnight Monday to Thursday, until 1 a.m.
Friday, 10:30 a.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday, and 10:30 a.m. to midnight
Sunday. Call 305-695-1566 or visit www.madibarestaurant.com. All
major credit cards are accepted. Metered street parking is
available.
Comments? E-mail
letters@miamisunpost.com.
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