Our dinner at Tâm Tâm can be summed up with two words: FLAVOR BOMB!…read more
But you know I can't stop at two words.
Tâm Tâm was at the top of my list for Miami Spice foodie adventures, and with the annual event winding down* it was high time to get our fix in. I've had this Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant on my radar for quite sometime, but the dining stars hadn't quite aligned yet. However, last night was the night!
This intimate lowkey dining spot was all a buzz on hump day. A reservation was a no-go for any civilized eating hour, but we managed to score a great table outside within 15 minutes of showing up during primetime.
They do not have a liquor license but do have a comprehensive wine menu and some low/no-ABV cocktails. Unfortunately, the one I had my heart set on (Pathfinder with a Calamansi foam) was no longer on the menu, and our server said he did not recommend the Aplos Spicy Margarita which was the only other thing I was considering, and hubby is an Old Fashioned drinker, so we stuck with water.
We both opted for the Miami Spice menu. They've priced it at $50 for dinner, but portions are notably smaller (halved) for at least the entrees (not sure about the apps and dessert). I started with the Scallop Pomelo Crudo. This light and refreshing dish had my tastebuds dancing with every bite. Hubby went for the Lotus Root Salad which I snagged a few bites of. If we return for a regular menu night, this will be a resounding yes. So bright and flavorful with a nice mix of textures. With the Miami Spice menu Tâm Tâm was also offering a complimentary duo of their signature house wings. I don't eat chicken so instead they brought me the shimeji mushrooms which I destroyed! No man mushroom left behind. I'm generally not a fan of dill but it works in this dish, playing up the seafood notes of the La Vong sauce.
As for the wings? Hubby was in heaven. He said they were the best chicken wings he's ever had, and getting him to give more than a "good" or "okay" on a dish is a tall order, so that my friends is a rave review. I tried a little dip of the sauce and it was delicious.
For entrees, my man went for the Lamb Wrap Situation, and I opted for the Grilled Sea Bass. The fish was cooked and deboned expertly. The fish sauce and citrus notes of the nuoc cham were at times a little overpowering, but I also was trying to avoid the carb hit of the white rice which would probably mellow it a bit. Other than that, the dish was great. The lamb wrap received a resounding thumbs up from my other half as he devoured the whole plate.
For dessert we picked one of each, the cashew passionfruit cheesecake, and the seasonal dessert, a guava ice cream. The cheesecake was much thinner/smaller than I expected, but the flavors are so pronounced that a little goes a long way. It's not intended to be eaten together, but the sweetness of the guava ice cream pairs perfectly with the tartness of the passion fruit. We could have easily polished off a second round of the desserts, but this was a good stopping point.
Overall, Tâm Tâm is as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the stomach and tastebuds. The plating is beautiful and thoughtful, and each ingredient is carefully considered to create a symphony of flavors on the tongue. Based on food alone, this is one of the best meals I've had in a long time, hence the 5 stars. But, if I'm being honest, the service? More of a 3 or 4 star. Getting water refills was hit or miss. The time between courses was sometimes awkwardly long. And we were never offered any tea or coffee (perphaps they don't make it?). Instead the server just dropped the check off. They were very busy that night, so it's likely a lack of time thing, but those little details are what really takes a meal to the next level. I'm still keeping the review at 5 stars though because the food is really the star of the show and the reason people are lining up to dine here in the middle of the week.
*Miami Spice has officially been extended thru October this year however Tâm Tâm has yet to confirm if they'll continue participating.