MC Kitchen — Restaurant in Miami

We came to MC about 6 months ago (this past summer). We had traveled to Miami from another state, and our luggage was misplaced. So we weren’t wearing “designer clothing”. But we’re not village idiots who didn’t know what establishment we came to. Yet, we were treated as such. When the waitress (Maria?) volunteered the price of the steak we ordered, we didn’t even flinch, but she continued to treat us like second class citizens, below the rest of the clientele in the restaurant at the time. It wasn’t busy. It was fairly quiet, actually. There were only three other tables seated within the restaurant, and a few patrons at the bar. Our waitress even had enough time (a good 18 mins) to chat with the table next to us about her upcoming vacation (I can’t remember exactly now, but Greece and/or Germany were mentioned). We had ordered a fair amount of food, among them bottled water, and truffle fries. The table across from us also had truffle fries, and ketchup. Yet we had to ask and beg for everything: ketchup for the fries. Ice for the water (on a 95 degree day in Miami). Salt. Everything that every other table around us had brought to them without even asking, we had to ask for. Each time, separately. I understand some people don’t like ice with their water. But to us, it wasn’t even offered. We had to ask, twice. We also had to ask twice for ketchup. Every other table that had ordered truffle fries (two other tables) had ketchup brought to them by the very same waitress without being asked. As well as ice. And salt. But we had to ask for everything, and got the sense that we were being “annoying” for even asking. I debated a long time whether or not to write this review, because I don’t want to be “that” person. And at a time when it’s already difficult enough for most establishments (especially restaurants) to find good staff, I don’t want to get anyone in trouble. But the fact that our waitress had time to chit chat about her upcoming vacation with better-dressed patrons while treating us like second class citizens without even knowing us, and that we had to beg for things that all the other patrons didn’t have to ask for, really isn’t sitting well with me. Our meals were somewhere around $350-$400 I think (for two), and I still left a fair tip considering our treatment. I also liked my food (which was a vegetarian selection), but that credit goes to the chef, and hence the two stars. We also had a good laugh about the restroom signs that we’ll always remember fondly. But I decided to write this review after all because maybe next time, the wait staff won’t judge a patron or make assumptions about them based on their appearance. I’d hate for someone else to travel all the way there like we did, only to have a disappointing experience and leave the establishment feeling judged...

My fiancé and I, with two of our friends, decided to try out MC Kitchen during Miami Spice on a Wednesday night. We were all coming from different places so I ended up arriving early and decided on a drink at the bar. The bar, as well as the restaurant, are beautifully decorated. I was helped at the bar by the manager (I didn't know at the time he was the manager though) who knew very well what he was doing behind the bar. Pricing on the drinks was pretty high... like South Beach club prices. As the group arrived we all had a round at the bar and again the service here was exceptional.

After closing out the tab at the bar we seated for our meal. If you're unfamiliar with what Miami Spice is - it's a campaign across all of Miami where a great deal of restaurants offer a slimmed down menu for a lower than normal price which entices locals (and tourists alike) to try new restaurants they may not have normally tried because of the higher prices on main courses. All of us ordered different meals on the Miami Spice menu, each of which included an appetizer, a main course, and a dessert.

It took no less than 25 minutes for the appetizers to arrive and an additional 25-30 minutes before anyone of us saw an entrée. We were all pretty annoyed at the slow (snails-pace is more like it!) service. After entrees it took an additional 20 minutes for the server to bring us our desserts. And that only happened after I flagged someone down - who happened to be the manager (and the person who took care of us at the bar). I caught a glimpse of him delivering food to tables, bartending, really doing a little bit of everything. He saw the annoyed look we all had and immediately went and grabbed a couple servers who all brought out our desserts.

While the service was terrible... the food was WONDERFUL! Just delicious! It's a shame that a restaurant with great decor, great service at their bar, can't have the same wonderful service when you sit down to a meal.

I've been in sales for over 13 years, so I understand stuff happens. I chatted with the manager after we paid the bill and started to leave. We chatted about what I thought could help him avoid the type or problems we experienced that evening. In a normal world I likely wouldn't give them another chance... and would never go back.

But the food is SOO GOOD, that I'll just give them some time to figure it out...

A Saturday Brunch Delight in the Design District!!!

Nestled in the vibrant Design District, our Saturday brunch experience at this charming restaurant was nothing short of exceptional. From the moment we stepped in, the welcoming ambiance set the stage for a relaxing and enjoyable meal with friends.

To kick things off, we started with the octopus served atop a bed of black risotto. This dish was truly incredible—perfectly cooked, the octopus was tender and flavorful, and the black risotto complemented it beautifully. The bacon glaze drizzled over the top elevated the dish, adding a delightful smoky sweetness that made each bite even more mouthwatering.

Moving on to the pasta, the Strozzapreti with mushrooms and Italian sausage was simply outstanding. The pasta was cooked al dente, and the sauce was rich, with the earthy flavors of the mushrooms beautifully marrying with the savory hints of the sausage. It was a hearty dish that left us wanting more.

For pizza lovers, the Molinari Peperoni was a must-try and did not disappoint! The generous slices of pepperoni were perfectly crispy and packed with flavor, sitting on a superbly baked crust that was just the right thickness.

The service throughout our brunch was attentive and friendly, enhancing the overall experience. We indulged in refreshing Bellinis, which were a lovely accompaniment to our meal. As we continued through the brunch menu, we couldn't resist the flat iron steak and eggs, which came served with crispy potatoes and a drizzle of pesto. It was absolutely delicious—a perfect hearty end to our meal.

The location of the restaurant adds to its appeal, combined with a convenient valet service for just five dollars, making it easy to enjoy a day out in the Design District without any parking hassle.

Overall, this restaurant provides an exceptional brunch experience, with delightful food, great service, and a friendly atmosphere. I highly recommend it for anyone looking to enjoy a fantastic meal...