Bad Bunny and David Grutman’s Gekko Japanese Steakhouse in Miami.Photo:Michael Stavaridis
Michael Stavaridis
The Vibe:Bad Bunnyand restaurateur David Grutman’s sultry and modern restaurant features a U-shaped sushi bar, velvet draped booths and dramatic art installations — including a dragon mural overlooking the dining room.
The Crowd:It’s celebrity spotting at its starriest, with guests includingDavid Beckham,Eva Longoria,Kaia Gerber,Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner,J Balvin, Lil Wayne, Derek Jeter, Aaron Paul and Bryan Cranston, andBad Bunny’s rumored girlfriend Kendall Jenner. On July 22,Kim Kardashian and Tristan Thompsonwere seen at the restaurant together after attendingLionel Messi’s debutmatch for Inter Miami.
The Menu:The restaurant blends elements of a traditional steakhouse with Japanese cuisine, including raw offerings of sushi and sashimi.
The Details:Located in the Brickell neighborhood of Miami.(8 SE 8th St, Miami, FL; 305-423-8884,gekko.comfor reservations)
Bad Bunny at opening party for Gekko in Miami.Alexander Tamargo/Getty
Everything you need to know aboutBad Bunnyand restaurateur David Grutman’s Miami steakhouse is in the name:Gekkō, which means “moonlight” in Japanese.
Bad Bunny’s Gekko restaurant in Miami.Michael Stavaridis
Bad Bunny’s Gekko Japanese Steakhouse in Miami.Michael Stavaridis
Dinner guests can start the evening with cocktails — like the Cafecito con Leche, an intoxicating and invigorating mixture of vodka, cuban coffee and Puerto Rican coquito — and shared plates of crispy rice with wagyu beef, lobster dumplings, “Lava and Ice” oysters topped with watermelon granita and spicy fresno chiles, and a wedge salad with yuzu buttermilk ranch dressing.
Selections from the sushi and sashimi menu include hamachi crudo, spicy blue fin tuna and a luxe 24k Otoro — fatty tuna topped with a layer of 24k gold leaf.
For the main event, diners can choose from decadent options like olive-fed filet mignon, 30-day dry-aged tomahawk steak, dover sole with brown butter, and lobster fried rice (see below), which is one of theGrammy-winning musician’s favorite dishes on the menu.
The Puerto Rican star says he chose Miami as the spot to open his first restaurant because “the culture reminds me of home.” Grutman also partnered withPharrell Williams to open Strawberry Moon, a Mediterranean restaurantwithin Miami’s Goodtime Hotel, andSwan restaurantin the city’s design district.
Jennifer Causey
Lobster Fried Rice
½ cup vegetable oil
6 large garlic cloves, thinly sliced
1 cup fresh snow peas
½ cup shelled frozen edamame, thawed
1 large (5-oz.) carrot, finely chopped
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
4 cups cold cooked white long-grain rice
3 Tbsp. light soy sauce
2 Tbsp. XO sauce or hoisin sauce
6 oz. cooked lobster (from 3 [4-oz.] uncooked lobster tails), chopped
½ cup fresh bean sprouts
½ cup thinly sliced scallions
Chile oil or chile crisp
1.Heat oil in a small skillet over medium. Carefully add garlic, spreading slices into an even layer. Reduce heat to medium low, and cook, stirring constantly, until garlic is golden brown and crisp, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove skillet from heat, and transfer garlic to a paper-towel-lined plate using a slotted spoon. Carefully pour garlic oil into a heatproof container.
2.Heat 1 tablespoon garlic oil in a large skillet or wok over medium high. Add snow peas, edamame and carrot; cook, stirring constantly, until vegetables are warm but still have a bite, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer vegetables to a plate.
3.Add 1 tablespoon garlic oil to skillet. Add beaten eggs; cook, stirring constantly, until eggs are scrambled, about 1 minute. Transfer eggs to a separate bowl.
4.Add 2 tablespoons garlic oil to skillet. Add cold rice; using a wooden spoon to separate grains, cook until heated through, 1 to 2 minutes. Add cooked eggs and vegetables to skillet; stir to combine. Add soy sauce and XO sauce, stirring to coat; cook until heated through, about 1 minute. Add lobster and bean sprouts; stir until warmed through, 1 to 2 minutes.
5.Transfer fried rice to a large platter. Sprinkle with crispy garlic slices and scallions. Serve immediately with chile oil or chile crisp.
Serves:4Active time:30 minutesTotal time:30 minutes
source: people.com
