Not everyone can look like Burn Notice star Gabrielle Anwar, but you can eat like her. We tapped the honorary local, who’s been living in Miami on and off for seven years, to give us the exclusive lowdown on her favorite healthy eats in her own words.
Cecconi’s Miami Beach
The quinoa salad is light but satisfies the appetite. Add the grilled Mediterranean octopus with lemon, capers, and olives, if you’re so inclined, for a satisfying, salty bite. And they serve Badoit mineral water. 4385 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, 786-507-7902; cecconismiamibeach.com
Choices Vegan Cafe
The creative vegan fare is delicious, and the quesadilla, with spinach, Daiya cheese, onions, mushrooms, chipotle, and soy chorizo, beats any non-vegan version, without the guilt. 379 SW 15th Road, Miami, 305- 400-8895; mychoicescafe.com
The Forge Restaurant | Wine Bar
Kale is the green du jour, and this finely chopped salad at The Forge eliminates the coarseness of the vegetable. The sweet currants are a perfect complement to the bitterness of the leaf. Pine nuts add a hearty, woodsy bite, while lemon zest with the hint of fresh grated Parmesan is an unusual yet harmonious fusion of flavor. The only drawback is having to withstand the desire to order every other irresistible dish on the menu! 432 41st St., Miami Beach, 305-538-8533; theforge.com
JugoFresh
Cold-pressed juices have become a fetish among the health-conscious, and Jugo is no exception. The lithe, damp bodies of the city’s most attractive women after Flywheel, yoga, and Pilates line the ecofriendly reclaimed-wood counter every morning, and the ambience is that much better for it. The “spoons” [of Medicina, with coconut oil, bee pollen, and coconut palm sugar] are positively hedonistic. 1935 West Ave., Ste. 102, Miami Beach, 786-472-2552; jugofresh.com
Katsuya by Starck
If you’re going to have to devour an entire meal of omega-3 fishes, then this really is the only way. The salmon sashimi with caviar placed on a crisp of cucumber is my “Achilles eel.” SLS Hotel South Beach, 1701 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, 305-455-2995; sbe.com
Michy’s
Michelle Bernstein’s squash blossoms with shrimp mousseline, cheesy grits, and Tabasco seafood nage is such a creative way to encourage the consumption of healthful vegetables. To me, it’s the sensual texture of contentment. 6927 Biscayne Blvd., Miami, 305-759-2001; michysmiami.com
Mint Leaf Indian Brasserie
This is Indian cuisine at its American finest. The vegetable korma, a medley of veggies in a mild cashew nut sauce, is a must, and the garlic naan bread is hopelessly preposterous to avoid. 276 Alhambra Cir., Coral Gables, 305-443-3739; mintleafib.com
Paradise Farms
The vegetable source for the better restaurants in Miami, this small, magical farm holds seasonal feasts under the stars. World-famous chefs prepare mouthwatering multiple courses of locally produced, organic meals, paired with fine wines, in an intimate and environmentally reflective setting. And it’s where I met my man [Shareef Malnik]—in paradise. 19801 SW 320th St., Homestead, 305-248-4181; paradisefarms.net
Thrive
A rare vegan spot on the Beach, Thrive offers a throwback to my hippie haute cuisine days. The pesto alfredo, made with spiralized squash in a basil pesto sauce sprinkled with extra-virgin olive oil, is a wonderful alternative when craving a bowl of heavy pasta. And dessert is good, and harmless. 1239 Alton Road, Miami Beach, 305-532-7227; thrivevegan.com
