Mutra: Upgrading Kosher Dining in North Miami with Chef Raz Shabtai

Mutra Elevates Miami’s Kosher Dining Scene

Miami’s kosher dining landscape is set to experience a significant upgrade with the grand opening of Mutra, a high-end eatery crafted by award-winning Chef Raz Shabtai. Opening its doors this Thursday, February 13, Mutra blends Mediterranean and Middle Eastern culinary traditions with a stringent farm-to-table approach. This unique dining establishment aims to redefine kosher cuisine by preserving authentic flavors while embracing modern culinary techniques.

Chef Raz Shabtai’s Vision

Chef Raz Shabtai envisions Mutra as an homage to his cultural roots, recalling the heritage recipes he learned from his grandmother in Jerusalem. He describes the cuisine as “Heritage cuisine,” blending traditional flavors with innovative culinary practices. This approach aims to honor historical recipes while injecting freshness and creativity into each dish.

Chef Raz Shabtai’s Background

Born in Israel, Chef Raz Shabtai has built a reputation for excellence in modern kosher cuisine. His career path reflects a journey through various culinary milestones. At Nur, Chef Raz honed his skills under renowned chef Meir Adoni, learning the intricacies of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines. This experience laid the foundation for his future endeavors.

In 2018, he launched Basta, a kosher Mediterranean dairy restaurant in Midtown Manhattan. Drawing inspiration from Jerusalem’s bustling Machane Yehuda market, Basta offered a diverse menu featuring organic salads, pastas, traditional Middle Eastern dishes, and modern interpretations like shakshuka and khachapuri.

Following Basta, Chef Shabtai’s expertise in kosher cuisine continued to flourish. He worked at Alenbi in Crown Heights, further enriching his culinary repertoire. Today, as a private chef in Miami, he crafts elevated dining experiences for exclusive clientele, setting the stage for his latest venture, Mutra.

Farm-to-Table Philosophy

At the heart of Mutra’s culinary philosophy is a commitment to sustainability and fresh ingredients. Collaboration with over a dozen local farms ensures that every dish at Mutra reflects the finest produce and flavors Florida has to offer. These partnerships include Alderman Farms, Gratitude Garden Farm, Hammock Greens, Pero Family Farms, Goodness Gardens, B & W Quality Growers, Ark Foods Farms, and Tomato Thyme. The farm-to-table model is not just a trend; it’s a statement that supports local agriculture and emphasizes quality and freshness.

Menu Highlights

Mutra’s menu showcases a blend of traditional Middle Eastern dishes elevated by modern techniques. Standout dishes include:
For Appetizers:

• Chicken Liver Dreaming of Becoming Foie Gras: A refined chicken liver pâté with silan, crunchy shallots, pistachio crumble, caper berries, and grilled bread.
• A Fisherman and a Farmer Walk Into the Kitchen: A creative dish featuring hamachi sashimi, fava bean tartar, jalapeño, shaved radish, house-made dukkah, and smoked olive oil.
• Hamotze: House-baked bread served with an assortment of dips.

For Main Courses:

• One Perfect Falafel: A falafel croquette accompanied by tahini amba, tomato gel, shaved cucumber, za’atar, pickled red onion, shifka pepper, and micro cilantro.
• Plate of Hummus – Like Hummus Should Be: Fresh, warm hummus with ful medames, a cooked brown egg, onion, and grilled pita.
• 1000 Layer Steak: Tahini amba, open flame vegetable salsa, grilled red onion, Anaheim hot pepper, and grilled pita.

For Entrées:

• Uzbeki Seniya: Lamb kebab with Har Bracha tahini paste, roasted red onion, sweet harissa, amba, tomato foam, and an Uzbeki apricot salad.
• Omtza: Prime beef filet mignon, Israeli stuffed onion kebab, royal corona bean mssabbha, tomato seeds, olive oil, lemon zest, and lamb stock.
• Chriyme-San: A comforting Moroccan yellow tomato “bisque” with branzini al la plancha, Tunisian couscous, and smoked carrot salad.

For Desserts:

• Frishmen Beach Sorbet: Arak limonana sorbet with blood orange and clementine supreme compote, sumac meringue crumble.
• Espresso Baharat Ice Cream, Basbousa Cake, Halvah Cream: A rich blend of spiced espresso ice cream, traditional basbousa cake, and halvah cream.

To explore the full menu, visit the official Mutra website.

Opening Details

Mutra is set to open with a soft launch on Thursday, February 13. The restaurant’s hours are as follows:

• Sunday to Thursday: Noon to 8:00 PM
• Friday: 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM

Reservations can be made by calling 786.860.1213 or visiting the Resy booking site. Located at 2188 NE 123rd St, North Miami, FL, Mutra is conveniently situated near Surfside, Bal Harbour, and Aventura.

Kosher Supervision and Location

Mutra operates under the kosher supervision of the_km, ensuring that all dishes meet the highest standards of kosher certification. Its location in North Miami makes it easily accessible, inviting both locals and tourists to experience this culinary gem.

Experience Mutra: A Culinary Journey

Mutra offers an unparalleled dining experience that combines the rich flavors of the Middle East with innovative culinary techniques. Under the masterful direction of Chef Raz Shabtai, Mutra stands as a testament to the possibilities of kosher cuisine. Whether you’re a discerning foodie or someone looking to explore new culinary horizons, Mutra in North Miami is an experience you won’t want to miss.

So, prepare yourself for a味觉 adventure. Join Chef Raz Shabtai and his team at Mutra for a gastronomic journey that fuses tradition and innovation. Reserve your spot today and be part of Mutra’s grand opening celebration.