I finally had the opportunity to make it out to Bin no. 18 on Biscayne Blvd and 18th St. Granted I know the place has been open for a while and many others have reviewed the food and restaurant itself but now that I have been able to experience it I have a few comments to make. We decided to go last night for the Chimay beer tasting and then stay for dinner. Upon arrival the place was packed. I didn't expect so many people but with the gay choruses in in Downtown it was understandable that the staff seemed frazzled. After a checking the place out, sipping on Chimay and letting things calm down we were finally able to get a table and begin to appreciate our surroundings.
I personally like the industrial loft look for restaurants, though they could have done without the tacky chandeliers. Also of note was the lack of small two person tables. Many of the tables were set for 4 or more people which leaves very little space for couples going out to eat. Maybe it's me but the more seating the more business right? They need to break up those marble hightop seating into just two person seating and they would solve that problem. I like how they have the wine, cheese and beer type deli thing going on in the back. I can imagine myself going there and buying a plate of cheese and enjoying a fine wine with friends or a date.
We started with the Beet carpaccio which I must admit was fantastic. I had never seen beet carpaccio before so I was intrigued. Sprinkled with blue cheese, walnuts and baby spinach leaves it was very refreshing and delicious. Good start. We then moved to main courses in which the lady I was with had the salmon and I differed to the duck leg. Here is where things get iffy. My Confit de Canard duck leg was sublime, soft and tender. With baby spinach and warm cranberry vinaigrette it was an absolute delight down to the last morsel. My lady friend decided to go with the Roasted Salmon Fillet with roasted asparagus and sweet potato topped with pumpkin. While the sides were very tasty the salmon was rather raw and chewy. I could tell by the look on her face the moment she took her first bite something was wrong. The kinda face you put when you just drizzled down your leg by mistake. Yes that bad. By then end of the meal she had finished the salmon besides the fact it was mildly raw so it couldn't have been all that terrible. Over all a nice evening and a nice place. I'll have to go again when all the gay singers are outta town and the staff is more relaxed. Bin no. 18 is located on Biscayne Blvd and 18st.
Cost cutting tip: You can pretty much always ask for the lunch menu and they'll serve you something off it. The Cobb salad is the best in the biz and their Roast Beef Au Jus sandwich makes anything from The Daily cry in a pool of its own mediocrity.