The more things change, the more they stay the same. As the winds of change blow through South Miami, with new developments popping up everywhere, it seems, it sure is nice to know a cherished part of its past has returned.

For those who remember Town Kitchen & Bar, a longtime fixture of South Miami’s vibrant dining scene, Michael Altman has returned to the very same spot as owner and executive chef of the new Kitchen 57. 

Altman, 50, calls Kitchen 57 a modern American restaurant and a local gathering spot “that’s just as comfortable for a weeknight dinner with family as it is a date night or cocktails with friends on the weekend.”

The City of Pleasant Living has long held a special place in Altman’s heart because it reminds him of Oceanside, Long Island, where he was raised. “It has a local feel, many independently owned businesses, and residents who know each other and the surrounding business owners.” 

Altman says he enjoyed that familiarity for 13 years at Town Kitchen and Bar and wanted to recreate it with Kitchen 57. “In a post-COVID world, we’re all eager to feel a sense of comfort in a local, welcoming gathering place,” says Altman, noting that the pandemic brought him closer to what matters most – family. “It was a difficult time but it allowed me to reflect and reshape my priorities.”

Speaking of family, Kitchen 57 is very much a family affair, says Altman. Depending on when you stop by, you’re likely to find his wife helping out up front, his 17-year-old daughter at the host stand and his 14-year-old son bussing tables.

A mouth-watering menu awaits

Altman’s menu at Kitchen 57 incorporates some familiar favorites as well as new and exciting dishes that he’s been working on the past few years. Longtime customers will remember the Crispy Brussel Sprouts with lemon garlic aioli or the Garbage Salad with cured salami, provolone cheese, red onion, red pepper, chickpeas and iceberg lettuce, tossed in a house ranch dressing. Altman’s “famous” Mac and Cheese is also popular with diners of all ages.

One of Kitchen 57’s most popular starters is the Zucchini Fries, hand-cut, thin strips of fresh zucchini, lightly breaded and fried, and served with a red pepper dipping sauce. “Great for sharing,” Altman says. Also a must-try are the Jumbo Chicken Wings, plump and meaty wings tossed in either a classic Buffalo sauce or Thai chili glaze.

Mains at Kitchen 57 include a flavorful Miso Salmon marinated for 24 hours in a red miso sauce; Baby Back Ribs, “which literally fall off the bone,” Altman says; and Chicken Parmesan, pan-fried, then baked in the pizza oven and topped with ricotta and mozzarella cheese and a red sauce. “I’ve always loved a large portion of Chicken Parmesan and enjoy the delight on diner’s faces when they’re presented with this generous portion,” he says. 

All desserts are made in house, according to Altman, including the decadent Two Chocolate Bread Pudding with vanilla bourbon creme Anglaise, and the Mint Chipwich, a thick slab of mint chocolate chip ice cream sandwiched between two homemade chocolate chip cookies.

Great to be back in South Miami

Kitchen 57 is open for lunch and dinner and Altman expects to add weekend brunch service in the near future. In the meantime, Altman says, the restaurant hosts a popular “Gather Hour” Monday through Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 4 to 6 p.m., as well as a Ladies’ Night on Thursdays from 4 to 7 p.m. 

Altman says it feels great to be back in South Miami. “So many residents and business owners have stopped in to welcome me back or to introduce themselves. I’m trying to do the same. Please make sure to stop in and introduce yourself to me and to my staff. We look forward to being a central part of the South Miami community for years to come.”

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