The Best Thing I Ate This Week

Philly bao buns, a soup surprise, and a whole fish (w/o July 2)

Philly Cheesesteak Bao Buns at Double Knot

Pioneering what I’m sure will be the next hot food trend of South Philly-Asian fusion, this beautiful dumpling is the culinary blend I never knew I needed. While it’s sure to infuriate both cheesesteak and Chinese food purists, Double Knot’s Philly Cheesesteak Bao Buns take chopped ribeye, onions, and provolone and tucks it inside a bao bun to create the greatest Asian dumpling you’ll ever have. The flavor profiles work seamlessly, since beef-and-onion bao are really nothing new. The provolone adds a little creaminess to the equation, and I’m grateful Double Knot stopped before offering a version wit wiz. —MM

@doubleknot_mia // 2250 NW 2nd Ave., Wynwood

Zucchini Soup at Aguasal

My friend had been to Aguasal enough times to have strong opinions, and when she insisted on ordering the zucchini soup as her own personal bowl—no sharing allowed—I knew we were onto something. Soup isn't usually my go-to move at dinner, but one spoonful and I got it: this wasn't your typical heavy, stick-to-your-ribs soup situation.

The zucchini base was light and clean, almost refreshing, but with enough creaminess to feel substantial. What really made it work were the toppings—toasted sesame seeds that added this nutty warmth, a massive dolp of cheese espuma that melted into a creamy cloud, and croutons that weren't just thrown on top but actually gave each bite some satisfying crunch. I honestly can't remember the last time I had zucchini soup, maybe never, but this one had me rethinking my whole stance on soup as a dinner option. Now I get why my friend wasn't sharing. —OF

@aguasalmiamibeach // 4041 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach

Branzino at Mutra

Having discovered Mutra on the Miami Herald’s Instagram account thanks to the reporting by the legendary Connie Ogle, I knew that Mutra Miami and I were be meant to be….once I actually made it in. Which thankfully occurred last week. Considering that Middle Eastern food is my jam (after all, I lived in Israel and Lebanon), who would be better to judge than yours truly. Opting to sit at the bar where I was able watch the culinary action unfold, after trying whats referred to as a ‘Mediterranean Sea Bass’ entree, I realized that my world stopped. Prepared in their brick oven, it’s a whole fish lightly seasoned in the best of ways and skin-in topped off with an arugula and sliced fennel salad, making each bite a journey into a heavenly far away land. Lightly smoky and fluffy, it’s bone-free and melts on your tongue. It also is served with a side of couscous that boasts a non-spicy red zhug —EMN

@mutra_miami // 2188 NE 123rd St. North Miami