<strong><a href="http://delacruzcollection.org/restaurant_blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/CYPRESS-ROOM.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-847" title="CYPRESS ROOM" src="http://delacruzcollection.org/restaurant_blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/CYPRESS-ROOM-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" /></a>3620 Northeast 2nd Ave
(305) 520-5197
thecypressroom.com </strong>

This compact, recent opening from Michael Schwartz hits every  comforting note on your palette by extolling the virtues of local;  focusing on fresh, simple ingredients.  Located on a less populated area  of Second Avenue in the Design District, the room sports a clubby  atmosphere,at once cozy and congenial, while a bit retro.  Matching deer  heads line one wall facing a bar on the other.  Toile de jouy wall  covering festooned with animals is further embellished with old Florida  photos and mismatched china of grandma’s era sits atop starched napery.  The decor is offbeat in every sense of the word.   The hostess is warm  and accommodating and the service on several occasions was perfect.

Starters  are all excellent but don’t miss the delicate slivers of royal red Cape  Canaveral shrimp, commingling with coconut milk, lime and puffed rice  added for a bit of crackle and a  touch of humor. The heirloom beet  assortment, smoked, raw and roasted, makes a stunning presentation when  sharing the plate with ribiola and pistachios. Marrow bones, frogs legs  and classic onion soup round out the retro feel and were equally well  prepared.

The Pre-Theatre menu ($49 until 7 pm)  is an excellent way to sample Chef de Cuisine, Roel Alcudia”s risotto  with lump crab and stinging nettle pesto which was offered on one  occasion.The full tasting menu offers five courses at $95 with selected  wine pourings at $155.  On the ala carte, rack of lamb perfectly crisped  at the edges was mouthwatering and every bit a taste sensation. Bean  ragout and eggplant caviar served as perfect accompaniments.
A vegetarian dish of wild mushrooms, asparagus and a napoleon of cheve are also included on the menu.

The  wine list is extensive with a well balanced list of wines by the glass.   Not to be outdone in the resurgence of house made specialty cocktails,  the “Nicknack” with Deaths Door gin, Ardbeg scotch,damson plum, and  herbs or “Calle Ocho”, a mix of Rhum JM Agricole, hibiscis, lime, tonic ,egg white and coconut water are standouts. The  neighborhood is changing for the best thanks to the rapid expansion of  the District, but, prices are high here even though the customers don’t  seem to mind.

<strong>Closed Sunday</strong><strong>
Monday - Friday:  12 - 2:30 pm
Monday - Thursday: 5:30 pm - 11:00 pm
Saturday: 5;30 pm - 12 am
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