” To eat is a necessity, but to eat intelligently is an art. ”

On Tuesday Dec 21, 2014 , I dined at Basil Park located at 17608 Collins Ave Sunny Isles, FL.

As stated on the menu : “Basil Park is built on the belief that oir bodies thrive when we eat the foods that nature intended. Unprocessed. Unadulterated. Uncompromising.”

The words mouthwatering and healthy usually are mutually exclusive. Not in the case of Basil Park

It’s website states that it “..focuses on healthy, nutrient rich cuisine, featuring rotisserie pasture raised natural chicken, grass-fed meats a la plancha, sustainable seafood and a juice bar offering raw organic cold pressed juices, organic almond milk, organic wines, organic beer and sake”.

This is chef Tim Andriola’s follow up to his popular spot called Timo. This restaurant has a concept of using only the freshest and if possible locally sourced herbs, proteins, grains and veggies. Even their siracha sauce is made in house. Vegan and vegetarian choices are on the menu, but let me be clear, this is no vegan restaurant. Meaty choices like Rotisserie Chicken, filet mignon and yellowtail snapper are also superstars here. They have an extensive wine and craft beer list. Since the restaurant is only 6 mos old they are still in the process of finalizing an official cocktail menu.

My waiter suggested a Jasmine Tea Blueberry cocktail. Delish. My friend had one of their craft beers. Ok now that our thirst was quenched I started off with Parmesean Kale Chips. The “parmesean ” is actually sea salt and crushed cashews. Perfect . Lettuce Cups were up next. Grass fed beef , mushroom confit and topped w/homemade siracha sauce. Uniquely awesome. She had the small plate of seared scallops.

They have four speciality seasoned versions of their rotisserie chicken. Kosher, Peruvian, Teriyaki and Mediterranean. We opted to split a half of the Mediterranean which had oregano, parsley, lemon and olive oil. The skin was the perfect crispyness. The meat was super moist and tender. We both agreed that this was one of the best birds we had ever had. Sided with Sweet Potato wedges baked with coconut palm sugar and cayenne made this entree meal superb.

I had no room for dessert but my dining companion ordered the Raw Chocolate Pate. It is one of their favorite vegan desserts !

Looking for a stylish place to have a healthy gourmet dinner in Sunny Isles? Check out Basil Park. I think you’ll like it..no..LOVE IT !!