Karma Cafe and Carwash

Karma Cafe and Car Wash - North Biscayne, Morningside

Funky. A small rectangular building in the heart of north Biscayne's Morningside wonderfully seedy motel district. Karma Café, an understated two story building painted subtle blue and grey, is uniquely tasteful amongst flickering neon signs for places like "The Starlight Motel". Karma is an interesting business concept. A high quality hand car wash is the mainattraction here during the day. The outdoor courtyard is paved with brick and scattered with armchairs and umbrellas. While customers wait for their cars, they are invited inside the airy café to enjoy a selection of tapas, pastries, espresso blend coffees, wines, and specialty ale. There is music playing inside and on the courtyard. During the day it is a softer jazzy or classical play list, one which is light, ambient, and agreeable. In the evenings the atmosphere changes. The music shifts to a more trendy electric sound, a series of pastel colored ground lights shine around the café. The design is edgy and minimal, the facade is a large square window that opens up so that food and drinks may be passed through. This is an open space that would excel with social gatherings, parties, or a night club in it's repertoire.

The coffees are good here. So is the wine. The simple tapas that don't require much preparation are refreshingly original. The antipasto, goat cheese mushrooms, and honey drizzled brie plate are all worthwhile. Some of the more inventive and complicated recipes attempted, ones which are served hot and require more preparation, are not as nice. The effort at exotic cuisine is appreciated, however these experimental dishes need refinement. The flavors do not always blend well. A great place for a drink in the evening or a coffee and light snack. The surroundings are stimulating, the setting is interesting due to the variety of people and funky buildings in the neighborhood. Karma has succeeded in creating an atmosphere gushing with authentic yet trendy Miami character.

Posted on Tue, 14 Nov 2006 by Danieli | Add Comment | Email | Link