A new classic in the making is the recently opened Michael’s Kitchen, at the Newport Beachside Hotel & Resort, in Sunny Isles.  Chef Michael Blum is looking “to make food fun again” by being creative with his presentation without sacrificing quality, taste and value.

Blum is hoping to translate the success he found with Michael’s Kitchen, Hollywood, by attracting to his latest swanky location people from all walks of life who share a common appreciation for an innovative approach to cooking characterized by innovative food and, indeed, innovative plates. 

Start off your meal with the Newport wedge salad, made of iceberg with red and yellow tomatoes, grilled red onions, candied apples, wood bacon, balsamic syrup, and a thick blue-cheese dressing.  Or go for the filet mignon oversized meatballs with ciabatta garlic toast and herbed impastata cheese, or with the movie theatre-style popcorn rock shrimp, but one example of the “fun” that Blum infuses into his menu.

His generous entrees definitely will have people talking.  His slow-roasted short rib tacos are fast becoming a thing of legend.  Our forks had but to touch the meat to see it melt and reveal the flavors that would come in each bite, thanks to the surrounding roasted corn, peppers and fresh tomatoes.

The southern fried boneless half-chicken served with buttermilk scallion biscuits and home-style thick country gravy was a bit indulgent, but well worth it.  Now that’s a dish for someone who likes to eat.

But the almost-a-given-on-Miami-menus chimichurri skirt steak takes the prize for its fantastic taste and its clever look: It literally skirted around a freshly roasted sweet corn on the cob.

And finally, you should try the deep dish pizza-a Rice Krispie Treat Pizza!-filled with raspberry coulis and topped with white chocolate shavings. It serves four, and was unlike anything we ever saw before. Playful, tasty and “fun.”

Michael’s Kitchen, Newport Beachside Hotel & Resort, is located at 16701 Collins Avenue in Sunny Isles Beach. For reservations, call 305-749-2110.