Sizzling New Selections Include Extensive Churrasco Menu
Nestled in Miami Beach’s hip, ever-growing Sunset Harbor neighborhood is Ofa, a chic Brazilian restaurant and bar. Since opening, this hotspot has drawn raves and celebrities, including regulars Matthew McConaughey and his wife Camila Alves, for its authentic yet progressive take on Brazilian gastronomy. On the heels of a successful first year, the team behind Ofa – owners Carmen Rodriguez, Felipe Ortiz and Executive Chef Flavia Carnicelli – have expanded the menu including a mouthwatering array of churrasco (“from the grill”) selections.
“Brazil is incredibly well known for its steak but our cuisine is so much more than that,” notes Rodriguez. “Ofa was designed to celebrate all aspects of Brazilian cuisine but we’ve quickly become a go-to spot for a great steak in Sunset Harbor. With our one-year anniversary coming up we were ready to expand our menu and saw a great opportunity to take our grill selections to the next level.”
At Ofa, the culinary journey through Brazil’s varied regions begins with new Aperitivo – Tulipinha de Frango na cerveja – grilled chicken drumsticks marinated in beer and honey. Additional appetizers that have earned a permanent place on the menu include Coxinha e Frango com Catupiry – croquettes filled with chicken and served with creamy cheese, and the savory Caldinho de feijao – traditional Brazilian black bean soup. New Saladas(salads) reflect the summer season with light flavors and fresh ingredients. These include a vibrant Salada de Abacate – avocado salad served with 7-grain breadcrumbs, feta cheese and hemp oil vinaigrette, and the Salada do Mar – shrimp, calamari, octopus and iceberg lettuce served with citrus dressing. Pratos (entrée) additions include a delectably light Branzinomarinated in olive oil and vinegar. For a hearty new offering, guests can enjoy the Costela Assada Com Gnocchi De Mandioca – 10-hour slow cooked baby back ribs with house-made yucca gnocchi in tomato confit sauce.
Perhaps the biggest addition to the menu is the Churrasco (“from the grill”) section. Prepared with love and careful attention to detail, offerings include the recognized Brazilian cut Picanha – 10 oz. premium top sirloin; Fraldinha– 8 oz. Wagyu skirt steak; Ribeye – 12 oz. USDA certified organic ribeye; Filet Mignon – 8 oz. premium angus filet mignon; Costela de Cordeiro – New Zealand lamb chops; and Frango Atropelado – 10-12 oz. pasture-raised boneless chicken.
To complement, an array of side dishes offers something for everyone and include Mandioca Frita – fried yucca; refreshing Salada Verde – organic kale salad with crunchy chickpeas and sesame aioli dressing; Arroz con Umburana – creamy rice with coconut milk and umburana (cherry aged in cachaça); Abobora Rustica Assada – rustic pumpkin with fresh cream and sunflower seeds; Cogumelo Grellhado ao Pesto – grilled portobello with lemon and mint pesto; and Couscous de Couve Flor – couscous with cauliflower, bacon and spices.
Guests are invited to end their meal on a sweet note with updated dessert selections that include a delectable Cocada com sorvete de crème – warm, creamy coconut pie with vanilla ice cream; Pastel de doce de leite com queijo – traditional Brazilian pastry filled with dulce de leche and creamy canastra cheese; and Torta gelada vegana – seasonal vegan tart.
To imbibe, start with the newly added Summer Mule featuring vodka, ginger syrup, ginger beer, mint, and lemon. Guests are also encouraged to pair their meal with a Caipirinha, Brazil’s national cocktail. Sip on Ofa’s take on this classic cocktail with the CaipirOfa – organic aged Cachaca, lime and sugar. For a refreshing libation, sip on the Cocachaça – made with artisanal organic cachaça, Brasilberg Underberg do Brazil (an herbal liqueur), coconut water, simple syrup, mint leaves and fresh lime juice – it’s the perfect harmony of light flavors and a hint of spice. There is also an extensive wine list and beer menu. For those who prefer non-alcoholic refreshments, a variety of freshly squeezed fruit juices are made to order.
Ofa is located at 1929 Purdy Avenue on Miami Beach. Lunch is served Tuesday through Friday, noon – 3 PM. Dinner is served Tuesday through Saturday, 6 PM – 11 PM; Sunday, noon to 5 PM. Happy Hour is offered Tuesday through Friday, 5 PM – 7PM. Telephone: (305) 763-8766; www.ofarestaurant.com.
