Amid generally lackluster vegan and vegetarian entrée options at “normie” restaurants, the whole roasted cauliflower at Faena Hotel in Miami Beach stands heads and shoulders above the rest. It is nice to see vegetable entrées finally getting the shine they deserve.
Visiting Los Fuegos
Faena Hotel was on my Miami list due to the opulent, maximalist decor. After deciding to visit Faena for the #vibes, I reviewed the menu at the hotel’s Los Fuegos restaurant to get a sense of what I could order. I saw a fairly simple-looking cauliflower dish listed at $28 dollars. I was a bit taken aback but I figured there must be more to it for the price. The Insta-friendly seashell-encrusted walls and golden mastodon statue brought me in the door. However, the whole roasted cauliflower dish will be why I return.
Growing up vegetarian (and in the American South), I learned to have very low expectations for vegetarian options at most restaurants. If I was lucky, there was some sort of pasta option. Of course, there were also various protein-devoid salads to choose from. And if you were vegan. . . good luck.
Cauliflower can be tricky to execute well. If cooked incorrectly, it can come out tough or watery. Most cauliflower dishes I have had bypass the vegetable’s delicate flavor. The cauliflower is smothered in sauce or transformed in to a mash or a pizza crust. These are all yummy options. However, they seek to transform rather than enhance.
The Main Attraction: The Whole Roasted Cauliflower
What came out from the kitchen was what could only be described as a show-stopping centerpiece. Initially, I was in awe at the sheer scale of it. Creamy dollops of puréed cauliflower surrounded a beautiful whole roasted cauliflower. The cauliflower was nestled atop a bed of crispy pan-fried rice. Capers, Marcona almonds and fresh herbs were sprinkled generously throughout.
What impressed me most about the dish was the love and respect that was evident in every aspect. The cauliflower was evenly cooked on the inside and roasted to a golden brown across the entire surface. Add to this the bed of perfectly crunchy rice, the generous sprinkle of Maldon salt to finish. . . it was enough to bring a tear to my eye.
Everything about this dish made me feel seen. I felt like my dietary needs mattered and were being celebrated. Of course, I must credit the amazing plant-based and vegetarian restaurants that have been producing dishes like these for years. I also credit the international cuisines that already include many veggie options. It is so nice to now have more options at “traditional” restaurants, as well.
Cauliflower is King
If it sounds like I am fangirling, its because I am. I can’t wait to go back to have it again. Also, I am hoping to get up early enough one of these mornings to have the amazing-sounding vegan truffled hash.
Want some delicious cauliflower goodness for yourself? Check out this recipe for roasted cauliflower “steaks” with turmeric cashew cream that I created this past fall. It is a great option for a plant-based cauliflower dish you can make at home. No ticket to Miami required.
Have you had a great cauliflower dish recently? Or another plant-based meal that really knocked your socks off? Let us know in the comments!
