Chef Olivia Ostrow wants to revolutionize the kosher world, with the goal of changing a niche market that has long been left aside. Seeking to grow a kosher empire built on her credo of real food by a world-renowned chef for a real restaurant experience, Chef Ostrow is already earning high marks with Ostrow Brasserie.
Miami diners are transported to Paris with a visit to Ostrow Brasserie. Located in the trendy Buena Vista neighborhood, two minutes north of the Design District, the restaurant highlights the best of French cuisine with a twist—it’s kosher!
Throughout her three-decade career, Chef Olivia has successfully pushed the boundaries of gastronomy. This latest venture, created with partner Eli Dadon, aims to go even further by elevating kosher dining into an unforgettable culinary adventure. The innovative brasserie features traditional French dishes, a sophisticated design, open kitchen and a tropical oasis back patio.
Classic French dishes have been reinterpreted under the lens of kosher cooking, resulting in lighter fare that focuses on quality ingredients and French flavors versus heavy cream sauces. This daring approach to French cuisine appeals to everyone, regardless if they keep kosher or not.
Guests are invited to indulge in a delightful culinary journey, highlighted by a symphony of sophisticated flavors. From tantalizing appetizers to exquisite main courses, every dish is meticulously crafted to bring a taste of Paris to Miami.
“I am so excited to bring this new concept to Miami,” said Chef Olivia. “I am creating a type of cuisine that doesn’t exist. It’s perfect for the up-and-coming Buena Vista neighborhood, which is just north of Wynwood and the Design District. I am taking a risk opening the first Kosher-French restaurant in Miami, but I’m up for the challenge.”
Standout dishes include Lyonnaise Salad with Poached Egg, Frisée, Beef “Bacon” Croutons and Tarragon Vinaigrette; Lamb Shank & Jardiniere with Port Wine Reduction and Parisienne Carrots; Trout Amandine with Almonds and Yellow String Beans; Duck Confit with Potatoes Sarladaises; and Beef Bourguignon with Carrots and Shallots. Ostrow Brasserie is proud to be the sole restaurant to partner with Grow & Behold, to serve American, Pasture-raised, Kosher, Hormone-free, GMO-free meat.
Diners will not want to miss Chef Olivia’s signature specialties, especially the intricate French delicacy called Lamb Paupiette, which features Chicken Scallopini stuffed with Ground Lamb and Eggplant, wrapped with Bresaola and served with Truffle Pommes Puree.
Like all certified Glatt Kosher restaurants, Ostrow Bistro is under the supervision of a mashgiach to ensure kosher standards are being upheld. Chef Olivia has successfully modified French favorites into kosher-style items with creative substitutions like vegan cheese from Israel.
Most recently, Ostrow introduced a spin on the traditional French raw bar concept, reimagined for upscale kosher dining. Called O’s Raw Bar, this daring gourmet experience highlights innovatively prepared fresh fish in elegant presentations.
While many French restaurants around the world are known for their seafood towers and raw bars, dietary restrictions meant that it was nearly impossible to recreate these culinary delicacies at a kosher restaurant. Crave-worthy selections include Miso Black Cod with Fresh Shaved Truffles; Tomato Gazpacho with Salmon Tartare, Salmon Roe and Croutons; Smoked Trout Tartare, Preserved Lemon Dijonaise and Pickled Radish and Ostrow’s signature Seared Bluefin Tuna served on Toasted Brioche with Black Garlic Truffle Aioli, Tomato & Frisée, Quail Eggs and Caviar.
The latter dish will be served at the Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival at the end of February. Chef Ostrow was invited by Chef Michael Schwartz to participate in his marquee event during SOBEWFF, Farmers Market Brunch. The afternoon is part of the Design District series and highlighted farm-to-table cuisine.
Chef Olivia is uniquely qualified to pull this off. Her culinary journey began in her native France, where she learned to cook as a teenager. Weekends were spent in the countryside in Périgord, where Olivia was taught how to stuff geese and make foie gras. In the ‘90s, after a move to Greensboro, North Carolina, she opened her first restaurant with her father, Le Rendez-Vous.
Next, Chef Olivia honed her craft by traveling the world and acquiring new cooking techniques in every country she visited, including a stint in Israel. In the 2010s, back in America, she launched “O’s Gourmet Catering,” an international catering company situated on Florida’s Treasure Coast. Finding success in Jensen Beach, she debuted two restaurants, O’s Café and O’cean Café, which were immediate hits.
And while she had to close due to Covid, it allowed the chef to polish her management and front of house skills while working with prodigious restaurateur Stephen Starr in Miami and as the Food and Beverage Director at the prestigious Savoy Hotel in South Beach. Ostrow Bistro is the culmination of all these experiences.
The design of the 3,000-square-foot Ostrow Brasserie was inspired by Chef Olivia’s childhood in France, complemented by Miami’s tropical influences. A whimsical art wall highlights over 40 pieces from Chef Olivia’s personal collection, while the signature Art Nouveau mural, a replica of one of artist Alphonse Mucha’s famous beer posters, at the restaurant’s entrance pays tribute to France’s storied past.
A Trompe-l’œil signature décor element features a door cut out of the original Mucha mural leading to the private dining room, with a second, identical mural on the back wall. The optical illusion adds a playful touch to the restaurant’s ambiance.
Stunning coral countertops speckled with opalescent “river rocks” set the tone for the beautifully designed 150-seat restaurant. Adorning the two bars at the entrance, the coral and rock theme is also incorporated in the expansive counter fronting the exhibition kitchen, where guests can watch the art of cooking as it occurs. Dark green leather-backed stools allow for a birds-eye view of the culinary theatrics.
Hanging copper bubble lights are suggestive of France’s favorite drink, Champagne, while the natural wood tables bring a lighter look to the space. The white leather rounded chairs had a former life at the iconic Delano hotel and have been recovered and restored for this new venture.
Toward the back of the restaurant, past two glass doors, is a secret garden. This lush and verdant space will be open for regular dining, as well as for private parties and events. It’s also dog friendly for guests accompanied by their pets.
This buzzed-about Buena Vista hotspot features a lively ambiance with guest DJs and international playlists. Drinks span a curated menu of fine kosher wine, beer, Champagne and sake.
Ostrow Brasserie is located at 4850 NW 2nd Ave; and is open for dinner from Sunday to Thursday every week.
For further information about Ostrow Brasserie, please visit www.OstrowBrasserie.com and follow @ostrowbrasserie.
