LEKU Fish and Garden Redefines Miami's Dining Scene with Innovative Seafood-Forward Concept
In the continued exploration of Miami’s culinary scene, LEKU will transform into LEKU Fish & Garden with a fresh approach, new chef and creative menu inspired by one of the world’s best sea food destinations.
Miami, FL–April 2, 2024– On April 5, 2024, LEKU Fish and Garden will debut its new identity, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of Miami's culinary scene. Nestled with in the enchanting garden setting of the Rubell Museum, this innovative concept invites diners to embark on a gastronomic journey unlike any other.
Renowned restaurateur Jeffery Chodorow, in collaboration with world acclaimed chef Carlos Garcia and business partner Terry Zarikian, proudly announce the evolution of LEKU into "LEKU Fish and Garden." Situated within the verdant oasis of the Rubell Museum in Allapattah, this exciting venture promises to elevate Miami's seafood experience to unprecedented heights. Despite Miami's coastal location and abundant fishing opportunities, there is a surprising lack of fine seafood restaurants in the city.
"At LEKU Fish and Garden, we're embarking on a journey of evolution and reinvention," said Jeffery Chodorow. "Our vision is to create more than just a restaurant – we're concocting an immersive seafood destination where guests can savor the essence of the sea amidst the lush surroundings of the Rubell Museum, without abandoning the wonderful meat dishes for which Leku has become known.
The genesis of LEKU Fish and Garden stems from Chodorow's unwavering pursuit of culinary excellence and Garcia's passion for innovation. Inspired by Chodorow's quest for the perfect seafood dining experience in Miami, the duo recognized an opportunity to address a notable gap in the city's culinary landscape. Thus, LEKU Fish and Garden was born – a culmination of Basque culinary tradition, Miami's vibrant flavors, and a commitment to culinary artistry.
Chef Carlos Garcia's menu at LEKU Fish and Garden showcases his culinary expertise and commitment to quality. Drawing inspiration from the renowned seafood restaurants by the shores of the Basque region of Spain, such as Elkano and Kaia Kaipe in Getaria, Garcia showcases both composed dishes inspired by Basque tradition and customizable options that allow guests to tailor their fish experience to their preferences.
The menu boasts an array of options that highlight the freshest seafood and locally sourced ingredients. Start with the artisanal “conservas,” the finest tinned seafoods showcasing flavors from the Basque and Catalonia regions of Spain – such as Tender Pulpo en Aceite de Oliva, Sardinas en Escabeche, Berberechos al Natural, and Ventresca de Bonito del Norte – plus additional house-made selections includinng Emperador en Escabeche, Pickled Swordfish, and Charcutería de Mariscos.
Then explore the signature small plates like Rillete de Cangrejo, Crab Rillette with Kaluga Caviar and buttered house made brioche; Tartar de Viera, with Hokkaido Scallops, Tobiko, Green Apples, Crispy Onions and fresh Uni; Pargo Marinado, Snapper Crudo with Piparak, Green Olives, and Cucumber; and Fondant de Calabaza y Foie Gras made with Pumpkin, Pedro Ximenez Reduction & Foie Gras. Each dish is meticulously prepared with creativity and precision.
‘Fish our Way’ offers standout dishes such as Lubina Asada, Roasted Branzino with Florida Citrus Butter; Roncador Asado con Mojo Canario, Crisped Grunt with “Red & Green Mojo Canario”; and Ventresca, Cabrales y Piñones, Tuna Loin with Coffee, Cabrales Cheese and Pine nut Sauce, showcasing Garcia's innovative approach to seafood preparation. Other fish standouts include Rodaballo al Ajillo, Turbot in Garlic Sauce; and Arroz Caldoso de Langosta, Lobster & Fresh Herbs in Brothy Rice.
Working with local farms, chef Carlos has also created a “Garden Menu” with dishes such as Arroz de Setas, Wild Mushroom Rice; Coliflor de Colores, Orange, Green and Purple Cauliflowers with dehydrated tomatoes, Pistachio Pesto, Basil, Mint and Spinach; and Tartar de Hongos Ahumados, smoked Mushrooms Tartare-Style with Chive & Mushroom Emulsion, Peppers in Crisp Phyllo, offer enticing options for vegetarians and seafood enthusiasts alike.
“Our products and their possibilities are the excuse to interpret and communicate a territory through elevated cuisine, assumed as the language and means of expression of myself,” adds Chef Carlos Garcia.
Non-fish entrees like Picana de Wagyu Australiano, 16 oz. Australian Wagyu Picanha; Cochinillo, Crispy Confit Suckling Pig, and Estofado de Rabo de Vaca Gallega, Oxtail Stew, Pine nuts and Chickpeas, provide additional culinary delights, rounding out the menu with something for every palate. For a truly unforgettable dining experience, guests can explore the daily board of available catch with ‘Fish Your Way’ or indulge in the Whole-Fish Carlito's Way, where Chef Carlos creates multiple preparations of a single chosen whole fish. (30-45 minute preparation time once fish is selected)
During a recent tasting session, Chodorow and his team were captivated by the creativity and excellence displayed in Garcia's creations. From tantalizing Tuna Loin with Coffee, Cabrales Cheese and Pine Nuts sauce, to the groundbreaking "Carlito's Way" concept offering four unique preparations of fresh whole fish, each dish exemplifies the restaurant's dedication to culinary innovation.
Seasonal Cocktails inspired by our latin and Iberian influence include the Yerba Buena, with Nordes Gin, Green Chartreuse, Lime, Lemongrass, Cucumber and Basil Oil; Casi Casi, Banana infused Redemption Rye Caribbean Cask, Plantation Dark Rum, Banane du Bresil, Benedictine, Pedro Ximenes, smoked. The Allison, is a tribute to Allison Zucherman’s mural adorning the Leku Fish & Garden bar, a refreshing and colorful creation of Raspberry-Kiwi infused Tanqueray 10, George Raspberry, Lemon juice, Egg White and Mint, with a floating rice paper imprinted piece of art.
LEKU Fish & Garden remains a destination for friends and families to create cherished memories over Miami's finest dishes. This new evolution will inspire a moment of new adventure for outstanding fans of LEKU and create a new opportunity for people to fall in love with LEKU Fish & Garden for the first time.