J&C Oyster Opens in Hollywood
Plus a Cheesy BOGO and Tequila Will Intoxicate You
J&C Oyster Brings Miami Style to Hollywood
Living in Hollywood for the past five-plus years has had its ups and downs.
On a positive note, the Broadwalk is a delightful place to go for a run or walk and Downtown Holywood has a few places for a decent burger and beer situation. But, if you’re looking for a good cocktail or refined dining, the choices are pretty slim.
So, when I saw the signs go up for J&C Oyster, I was intrigued. I’ve watched the area gain momentum with new boutiques and coffee shops, and J&C looked like another fine addition to the Hollywood landscape. After months of watching its progress, J&C opened this past week and it’s, frankly, wonderful.
The restaurant is owned by CMA Hospitality, which also owns next-door restaurant, Oaxaca, serving a hybrid Mexican/Japanese menu.
The kitchen is helmed by chef Raheem Sealey, best known for turning out exemplary food at the original Kyu, Zuma, and Drinking Pig BBQ; along with chef Monika Dominguez, whose resume includes Kyu, Zuma, Chug’s Diner, and Dale Street Food. That is some duo for Hollywood. I spoke with Sealey and was happy to learn that he lives just two blocks from the restaurant and was eager to elevate dining in his own neighborhood.
Last Friday evening, at about 7:30 p.m., the restaurant was extremely lively, but I found a seat at the bar. J&C is beautiful — its blue and white decor is accented with gold touches giving it a very modern-meets-deco look. Again, for Hollywood, it’s an absolute stunner of a restaurant. The large bar is at the center of the dining room and has seats on all four sides — perfect for casual dining.
My bartender, Maria, explained some basic house rules: the fare is Asian-inspired seafood, the oysters are (right now) East Coast, all food is requested to be ordered at the same time, and there’s a 20 percent auto-gratuity.
The menu isn’t large (thank goodness) but practically everything sounded great. I have a soft spot for fish dip, so I needed to start with that. The dip arrives in a circular metal dish that looks almost like a springform cake pan. It’s heavenly with the texture of a mousse and a touch of spice.
I also loved the mussels with xo butter and togarashi, served with slices of toasted sourdough. But by far, my favorites were the hamachi crudo bathed in the most sublime ponzu and serrano marinade; and the roasted cauliflower, drizzled with chili butter and topped with bleu cheese crumbles.
The restaurant is also more Miami in its price point, but it’s worth it. With what seems like dozens of high-rise rentals and condos going up in the Downtown Hollywood area, it’s time for the restaurants to level up. I always said that Hollywood has the potential to be a lovely walkable area filled with bars, restaurants, and shops. I’m hoping this is the start of the town’s renaissance, much like Coconut Grove reinvented itself.
Starting this week, J&C will host a Wednesday happy hour with discounted drinks and some menu items (TBA). I’ll see you at the bar! Welcome to Hollywood!
Fresh seafood at J&C Oyster Bar; 2035 Harrison St., Hollywood; jandcoyster.com.
Ms. Cheezious BOGO for National Grilled Cheese Day
If there’s one thing that everyone can agree on, it’s grilled cheese. Nothing on earth is more comforting or satisfying than warm, melty cheese. And, of course, Ms. Cheezious is Miami’s standard bearer when it comes to grilled cheese. So this April 12 grab your buddy and head over to Ms. Cheezious to celebrate National Grilled Cheese Day with BOGO grilled cheese sandwiches. The offer is good from noon to 8 p.m. for dine-in only. Cheesy!
Get cheesy from noon to 8 p.m. on April 12 at Ms. Cheezious; 7418 Biscayne Blvd., Miami; mscheezious.com.
This Tequila is Intoxicating
Are you feeling a little lightheaded and buzzy just by looking at this picture? Well, if you haven’t had anything to drink, you’re just intoxicated by love. This is Tequila and she’s a gorgeous, perfect little girl — this seven-year-old is the perfect pocket pet and can accompany you on all your Miami adventures — take Tequila to brunch, parties, and the beach. And this is the one Tequila you can safely drive around with — in fact driving this Tequila around is highly encouraged! Tequila’s number is A1882265 and she’s currently in receiving. Drunk in love!
Batch Gastropub is the sponsor of our dog adoption section. If you adopt one of these guys (or any dog because of Miami Checklist), Batch will supply you with a gift card for the amount of the adoption from MDAS. So get a dog, get a burger…or something like that. Contact me for details.
Tequila is one of hundreds of dogs available at Miami-Dade Animal Services. If you’re looking to bring a new best friend into the family, this is the place to start your search. Adoptions are only done in person, and you should bring a current picture ID and proof of current address. Dogs older than four months carry a $65 adoption fee and puppies are $85 — all dogs come home fully vaccinated, are dewormed, and have been spayed/neutered. In other words, adopting a dog is the best deal in Miami.
Get Tequila at Miami-Dade Animal Services. 3599 NW 79 Ave., Doral; 305-884-1101; miamidade.gov/animals
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