Hola! Sra. Martinez
An Ode to Michelle
Bernstein’s Hispanic Roots
Story by Frances Albán
Photos by Simon Hare
Further proof that the Design District is
fast-becoming a dining mecca is culinary celebrity Michelle Bernstein’s
newest restaurant venture, Sra. Martinez (pronounced Señora Martinez).
Located in the old post office building that recently housed the
short-lived Domo Japones, the two-story bistro is colorful and charming
with Spanish accents interwoven throughout the cozy environment.
Almodóvar posters grace yellow-colored walls, bright pop-out red chairs
surround the upper deck communal table, while dark modern wooden seating
arrangements and 20-foot high ceilings make up the main dining area. The
open food bar, where patrons can catch a glimpse of Chef Berenice de
Arujo, also commands attention. The meticulous interiors were created by
Michelle Bernstein’s sister, designer Nikki Bernstein.
The expert service, courtesy of knowledgeable wait staff and manager
Jorge Anaya-Lopez will undoubtedly become a trademark. Your every need
is attended to: when you finish your drink, your glass is immediately
refilled; finished plates are quickly swept away; and the
recommendations are spot-on.
The Menu
Here small plates offer big food.
There’s a myriad of tapas to choose from infused with Argentinean,
Mediterranean and even Asian notes. The menu is split into
two: Frio and Caliente. From the cold
bar (Frio), you can sample cured meats,
cheeses, salads and seafood. Try the gazpacho,
Shrimp Tiradito with Madagascar prawns, soy, ginger and
aji
amarillo
aioli and the Heirloom
Tomatoes with
murcia
al vino (oil),
caperberries, cerignola olives and
pedro ximenez. |
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There’s plenty of variety on the
Caliente menu. Delicacies include
Rabo Encendido,
braised oxtail and roasted tomato on a warm baguette;
Sweetbreads,
crispy sweetbreads, tangerine and fennel;
Lamb Pinchos, a
lamb chop served with eggplant and
zalouk, a
Moroccan salad; and
Galbi Pinchos, a Korean-style marinated short rib with
green tomato slaw.
It’s not all red meat. Of the 27 items under Caliente, 12
feature chicken, seafood or vegetarian items. Mind-blowing
highlights from this group include
Croquetas with
wild mushrooms, melting Manchego and a fig marmalade dip;
seared scallops
with spinach gomase,
sugar snap peas and
dashi nage; crispy eggplant
with mile
(honey); crispy artichokes with a lemon-corriander dipping
sauce; and a Pompano filet with roasted cauliflower, golden
raisins and Marcona almonds.
The drinks menu is sensational
— from the traditional Sangria to the
wines (which are 100 percent Spanish and mostly rare
Iberians) to an innovative cocktail selection. Some of the
unusual concoctions include basil, jalapeno syrup, boutique
liquors, homemade bitters and egg whites. For those tired of
getting beverages laden with ice, Sra. Martinez makes it a
point to serve drinks with four ice cubes max.
And finally, the desert menu
features a wonderful selection. Try the
churros served
with a spicy chocolate dip or the
torrejas (Spanish
French toast), rum-sautéed bananas and figs served with
butter pecan ice cream. Although serving size permits
sharing, the glutton within may take over after one rich
bite.
Sra. Martinez is located at
4000 NE 2nd Ave. The bistro is
open Monday through Thursday, from
6 to 11 pm; Friday and Saturday, 6 pm to 2 am. |
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