Soleá Embarks on a Mediterranean Voyage at the W South Beach with Gilligan and Artiles

Bullfrog and Baum

Solea is Latin for sandal, an appropriate reference to the sole fish's charateristic flatness

Soleá has opened at the W South Beach, featuring a menu influenced by "a variety of cuisines that touch the Mediterranean Sea - Spanish, French, Italian and Greek." 

Commanding this multicultural vessel are helmsmen familiar with the territory: Executive Chef Michael Gillian, formerly behind Atrio's "global cuisine" at the Conrad Hotel, and Chef de Cuisine Arthur Artiles, ex Exec. at Brosia, the now defunct Mediterranean outpost in the Design District.   Such creative forces may be less accustomed to sharing a kitchen, but the press release dubs the menu a "collaboration."

The 180-seat restaurant is done in cream, black and brown by Anna Busta of Studio B Design.  With both indoor and al fresco seating (including a semi-private dining area to accommodate 12,) the space is accented with warm touches like walnut floors, the glow of glass light fixtures and even communal tables crafted from single slabs of fallen maple trees.

Here's what's on the menu for dinner and dessert.

Bullfrog and Baum

Dinner menu

Bullfrog and Baum

Dessert menu