THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Acqua

THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Acqua Restaurant Review:

In its roughly half-dozen years, this rather untypically formal (for Miami) Brickell business district restaurant has undergone two complete identity changes---first Italian (fairly traditional, and unsuccessful), then Asian-Latin American (innovative and tasty). Under current executive chef Patrick Boucher, formerly top toque at Four Seasons resorts in Bali and Dubai (not to mention several years at Los Angeles' Beverly Wilshire), Pan-Asian and Latin-influenced creations remain. But Boucher's menu, which aims to keep Four Seasons condo residents stimulated with variety while also pleasing transient hotel visitors, adds Mediterranean and contemporary American fare, and there's now an emphasis on seafood. The food also varies from safe to innovative. Standouts in the latter category: unique lamb chops crusted with dulce de leche and hazelnuts (admittedly an unlikely combination, but trust us: the sweet component is restrained, so the chops don't taste like lamb candy bars) or shrimp-conch lumpia rolls with barbecue carrot slaw and banana ketchup. Sunday brunch is still a standout, with unlimited mojitos and a plethora of buffet stations, including a mind-reeling selection of desserts.