Upgrade alert: Aventura is getting an outpost of this Michelin-starred chef’s New York restaurant

Aventura is trading the Michelin Man at Sears for a restaurant by a Michelin-starred chef.

The Esplanade at Aventura just announced plans for the opening of The Loyal by Michelin-starred chef John Fraser, an outpost of his Bleeker Street spot in NYC that serves upscale American fare. Fraser’s other highly regarded hot spots include the now-closed Dovetail, farm-to-table Narcissa, just opened French, Asian and Latin-inspired 710 West, and vegetable-focused Nix.

The Esplanade location marks Fraser’s first foray out of Manhattan.

Comfort food highlights include appetizers such as Black Bass Ceviche and Wagyu Steak Tartare; pastas include truffle polenta and spicy pork rigatoni; and entrees from Long Island Duck to his signature Piedmontese burger featuring the mysteriously named 22-step tomato, which the New York Times says “helps the burger so much that it becomes the whole point.” The burger, however, does come with duck tots, which are a whole lot less mysterious.

“The Loyal plays on my nostalgia for the American brasseries and taverns I worked at during the beginning of my career, but re-invented for today’s diners,” said Fraser. “Esplanade at Aventura felt like the perfect fit because they’re creating a unique and approachable upscale culinary experience that not only captures the essence of what I try to do, but also allows me to present my craft to an entirely new audience.”

Think of duck tots the next time you’re sitting in mall traffic.

This story was originally published March 14, 2019 at 2:02 PM.