Tantra- "A Sensory Delight"

by Liza M. Santana
When walking into Tantra the very first thing one will notice is the grass. After all, how often does one feel the earthiness of being outside while inside? Tantra is not one of the new flashy temporary hotspots to hit Miami but an established favorite. With its Middle-eastern décor, this beautiful gem was created around the concept of appealing to all five senses. In following through with that theme, the venue boasts five distinct areas including an intimate private space some tag the "VIP room." This hidden nook is commonly used for corporate and social events as well as after dinner drinks and "Hookah" smoking. The venue has hosted some of the most renowned celebrities and A-listers featured in popular media today. From guests including Jennifer Lopez and Leonardo Di Caprio if Tantra's walls could speak, many interesting stories would be told.

Situated in the heart of South Beach the restaurant has served thousands since opening its doors years ago. About a decade later, as all things must be altered to appeal to the market, the concept venue has recently undergone a bit of a facelift. Loyal patrons need not worry; one will still see familiar elements such as the aforementioned grass, dim lighting, and soft lounge music, original artwork gracing the walls, beautiful "hookahs," and Kama Sutra playing on a screen in the main dining room. New additions include new custom barstools at bars, upholstered crushed velvet booths, updated restrooms, plush outdoor seating and updated menu.

The menu created by Tantra's newly appointed Chef Jeffrey Beauchamps is a unique blend of some of the original dishes with his signature creations. With such staple favorites as the salmon in a coffee glaze and cocktails such as the "Tantra Kiss," Beauchamps added dishes that truly represent the word "fusion" to be paired with a new cocktail list that includes an array of martinis and after dinner drinks. Originally from the Dominican Republic, Beauchamps is an accomplished culinary professional has been with the restaurant for the last several years working in conjunction with Chef Sandee Birdsong.

When the opportunity of being on Bravo's Top Chef came along, Beauchamp's took the reins and added his special Latin flair. Some of the new dishes include: Sea bass Tartare, Lobster Napoleon (which features champagne vinaigrette), and Tuna Tatake sitting on a block of Himalayan sea salt taken from a volcano, Lobster Won Ton soup, and Gnocchi with oxtail. For dessert, a must is the "Tantra Pavlova" a sinful combination of passion fruit, mango and goat cheese. All of the dishes come served with amazing presentation, including garnishes such as fresh orchids and herbs by an ever-so-friendly wait staff.

Tantra's general manager, Sinisa Mihajlovic stated it best: "with the state of today's economy even the wealthiest people are looking more closely at every detail from price to presentation and ambiance. We are in a different time than when Tantra first opened. That's why we have to keep it fresh and constantly adding elements such as live entertainment, signature drinks and unique dishes on our menu."

Undeniably, Tantra still remains one of the "must-go-to" restaurants in South Florida. Possessing the flare one expects from a Miami venue without pretentiousness, the new and improved Tantra will continue to be a sensory delight. Bon appétit!

Tantra is located at: 1445 Pennsylvania Ave. Miami Beach, Fl 33139
305.672.4765. Price ranges: Appetizers between $12 & $57, Entrees between $24 & $97 and Desserts in the teens.

Dress code is casual to dressy. Live entertainment on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, Mondays and special events. For more info: http://www.tantrarestaurant.com.