There are some dinners that are simply about the food, and then there are those evenings when the setting, the company and every plate arriving at the table somehow come together to create an experience.
That was our evening at Bulla Gastrobar in Aventura.
Sebastian and I arrived ready for a a taste of Miami Spice, and we were immediately taken by the energy of the restaurant.
Stylish and contemporary yet warm, Bulla has that lively spirit of a Spanish gastrobar, the kind of place where you want to order a cocktail, settle in and stay awhile. And then, of course, there is the food.
The $50 Miami Spice dinner is a three-course experience that even includes a beverage, with choices such as Sangría Roja, Sangría Blanca, a Lavender Margarita, Bulla Mule or a non-alcoholic Mango Mule.
The first course alone makes choosing difficult. There are Croquetas de Jamón with Serrano ham and fig jelly, Gambas al Ajillo with sautéed shrimp, garlic and brandy, Tartar de Atún with mango and avocado, and the signature Huevos “Bulla,” layered with homemade potato chips, Serrano ham, potato foam and truffle oil.
For the main course, the Spanish flavors continue with Truffle Carbonara with wild mushrooms and bacon; Solomillo con Queso Azul, a pork tenderloin with blue cheese sauce and shishito peppers; Pollo al Chilindrón with Serrano ham and red pepper stew; Salmón with chickpeas and lemon cream; and seafood-filled Arroz Caldoso.
And because Sebastian and I firmly believe a great night at a restaurant should end with something sweet, the Miami Spice dessert menu offers two very tempting choices: Churros con Chocolate with dulce de leche or creamy Flan de Coco paired with passion fruit sorbet.
What floored us most, though, was how the entire evening felt like a little escape. Between the Spanish flavors, beautiful plates, cocktails and conversation, Bulla turned a night in Aventura into something memorable.
Miami Spice brought us through the doors, but Bulla gave us plenty of reasons to come back.
Bulla Gastrobar Aventura is located at 2747 NE 193rd Street, Unit 10, in Aventura,FL. The Miami Spice dinner is $50 per person. For more information call 786-206-6539 or visit bullagastrobar.com/.
