Q&A: Time Out Market presents LUR

Photography by Alejandro Chavarria on February 9th, 2022 in Editorials, Food, Lifestyle

Time Out Market Presents LUR from World Red Eye Films on Vimeo.

Miami Beach, FL – February 9, 2022 – From Spanish classics to elevated tapas, the nouvelle cuisine derived all the way from The Basque Country, takes the conventional food hall concept to another level at LUR.

Launching February 2022, Time Out Market Miami reimagines the traditional food hall experience with a new prix-fixe dinner menu service by Michelin-vet and former Leku Head Chef, Chef Aitor Garate Berasaluze. Available in the fully transformed space in front of Lur, guests will enjoy a 3-course tasting menu of Basque country hallmarks like Ensalada a la Parrilla, Queso Idiazabal & Anchoa (Grilled Salad, Idiazabal Cheese and Anchovy); Branzino Macerado en Aji Mirasol Beurre Blanc & Topinambur (Branzino Marinated in Aji Mirasol, Beurre Blanc and Sunchokes), and Tarta de Queso Vasca (Basque- style creamy cheese tart).

Using the freshest, local Miami produce and imported goods from Spanish purveyors, guests will enjoy one of the most authentic Basque dining experience in all of Miami Beach. The new dinner menu experience is by reservation only on Resy or by walk-in. Perfect for couples or small groups, dinner seatings will begin from 6:30 p.m.to 9 p.m. Menu changes seasonally and starts at $39pp with optional wine pairings for $20 from Vinya, Time Out Market Miami’s new natural wine bar.

Public reservations will begin Wednesday, Feb. 9 with seatings from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., and can be booked via Resy; walk-ins are also welcomed.

World Red Eye met up with the creators of LUR and discussed the tradition behind the unique Basque culture and it’s delicious offerings to the Time Out Market food hall experience. Read the full Q&A below.

Anisley Quintero & Aitor Garate Berasaluze

WRE: Chef Aitor Garate Berasaluze, what was your inspiration behind the new menu?

Aitor Garate Berasaluze: I moved to Miami in January 2020 and did not return to the Basque Country to see my family up until early 2022. Being back home was somehow magical; spending time with my family at the Caserio fulfilled me in ways I thought I’d forgotten. One of the greatest moments was when I walked into my 87-year-old grandmother’s kitchen, sitting down cleaning farm leeks. Two years is a long time to be away from your loved ones. The connection with my roots and my people deeply inspired me in the creation of this menu.

Anisley Quintero & Aitor Garate Berasaluze

WRE: Why do a tasting menu in a traditional food hall?

AGB: Time Out Market is always seeking out new ways to expand, innovate and target new audiences into our Markets. With the success of Lur’s 8-course experience, and together with Chef Aitor, we sought to extend this concept to something more frequent and with table service. We’ve also transformed the area in front of Lur to be more intimate. Guests will arrive at table seatings, walled off by accent greenery, lanterns, and formal table seating. The new experience will also have waiter service, which will be different from the dine-in, takeaway/open seating we have in place for all other Market concessions.

WRE: How can guests try the new dining experience?

AGB: Tables can be booked by via Resy or by walk-in based on availability. Perfect for couples or small groups, dinner seatings will begin, Wednesday-Sunday starting Feb. 9, from 6:30 p.m.to 9 p.m.

Aitor Garate Berasaluze

The connection with my roots and my people deeply inspired me in the creation of this menu.

Aitor Garate Berasaluze

Aitor Garate Berasaluze

WRE: How would you describe Basque cuisine?

AGB: Basque cuisine reflects the unique culture, geography and heritage of the Basque Country located in the northern part of Spain. It’s known for its wide range of fragrant and seasonal dishes ranging from grilled seafood and meats, stews, paprika spices, and fresh products from local purveyors.

WRE: Tell us about the concept behind Lur’s new Prix-Fixe menu experience?

AGB: The new Lur experience features a 3-course tasting menu of Basque country hallmarks. Using the freshest, local Miami produce and imported goods from Spanish purveyors, guests can expect the most authentic Basque dining experience in all of Miami Beach.

Aitor Garate Berasaluze

WRE: What are some of the signature dishes guests can expect?

AGB: Signature menu items include the: Ensalada a la Parrilla, Queso Idiazabal & Anchoa (Grilled Salad, Idiazabal Cheese and Anchovy); Branzino Macerado en Aji Mirasol Beurre Blanc & Topinambur (Branzino Marinated in Aji Mirasol, Beurre Blanc and Sunchokes), and Tarta de Queso Vasca (Basque-style creamy cheese tart). The menu is expected to change seasonally as well.

WRE: Is there a wine pairing program?

AGB: Yes, the menu will feature an add-on wine pairing for $20 from Vinya, Time Out Market’s new natural wine bar.