In a city where every corner seems designed for social media, Miami has taken experiential dining to new heights.
The latest collaboration between Cadillac and Cote, a Michelin-starred Korean steakhouse, offers diners an extraordinary opportunity: to enjoy gourmet cuisine from the comfort of a luxury vehicle.
On June 20 and 21, food enthusiasts were invited to step inside the plush backseat of a seven-seater Escalade IQ and indulge in Cote’s acclaimed flavors.
The Escalade IQ is not just a mode of transportation; it features pull-out dining trays in the second row, turning the vehicle into a mobile dining room.
To many, the thought of dining in a car might seem unusual, akin to opting for a cramped economy seat instead of the luxurious ambience at a high-end restaurant.
Yet against my own backdrop of driving a 2016 Honda Civic, I couldn’t resist the invitation to experience this unique culinary event.
The evening commenced at Cote’s stylish, dimly lit bar where we were greeted with a welcome drink.
Although it appeared to be grapefruit juice, each sip revealed a robust Paloma-like flavor—sweet, citrusy, and lightly alcoholic—which made the idea of dining in a car feel less intimidating.
One caveat, however: no alcohol was permitted in the Escalade.
As our server explained, “It’s a problem with the optics of serving alcohol in a car.”
If a glass of wine paired with the exquisite A5 wagyu was on your wish list, you’d have to head back for a more traditional dining experience.
After our drinks, we ventured outside to NE 39th Street, where the Cadillac Escalade IQ awaited, shimmering under the bright Miami lights.
With massive doors that opened to unveil a luxurious interior, the vehicle felt less like a car and more like a lavish retreat.
The hands-free driving capabilities and impressive 460-mile range on a single charge were mentioned—but we were clearly going to remain parked for the night.
Nestling into the car’s soft leather seats, I found myself letting go of my earlier skepticism, eagerly anticipating the meal that was about to unfold.
Our dining experience kicked off with a five-course meal, thoughtfully arranged over an hour and executed by the talented Cote team.
As they set up the red-checkered cloth tray tables, I couldn’t help but feel the charm of a Korean dosirak picnic—a boxed lunch experience elevated to a fine dining setting.
On the center console, next to the driver and passenger seats, sat a small bouquet and a placard introducing each course, enhancing the ambiance further.
We began with a choice of mocktails to start the evening.
Finesse, a concoction of coconut water, Earl Grey, raspberry, and lemon, and Downtime, which combined Aplos Calm with orange and hibiscus, were served with grace.
As we sipped our drinks, servers ventured into our automotive alcove, gently announcing their presence with an “Excuse my reach” before leaving us to enjoy the atmosphere.
Our first dish, gogi cha, showcased a rich broth crafted from USDA Prime short ribs simmered overnight, elegantly served in small cups from a stainless steel thermos.
As we savored the warm broth, the curious eyes of onlookers began to gather, intrigued by the spectacle of fine dining within a vehicle.
Next came a charming Hello Kitty bento box, unveiling steak and eggs.
Inside, a doll-sized portion of steak tartare adorned with caviar was presented alongside two rectangles of buttery, crispy milk toast.
With each successive dish, I found the plush comforts of the Escalade enhancing my dining experience beyond anything my Civic could provide.
Next, the course titled “Nostalgia In Motion” featured beef bulgogi gimbap and yubuchobap.
The gimbap comprised ribeye marinated in galbi sauce, rolled with egg and julienned vegetables, while the yubuchobap presented rice-stuffed tofu-skin bundles.
Arriving in yet another adorable Hello Kitty container, this course was both whimsical and satisfying.
The following offering, branded as “The Butcher’s Bowl,” showcased a selection of filet mignon, 45-day dry-aged ribeye cap, Japanese A5 wagyu, and galbi, accompanied by an array of banchan—all neatly presented in a bear-shaped bento box.
Dessert brought an unexpected high note: a delightful swirl of strawberry soft serve generously sprinkled with dehydrated strawberries.
The combination of the cool air conditioning and the sheer novelty of the event made this simple cone taste distinctly extraordinary.
Who knew that dining in a vehicle could turn out to be such a memorable experience?
This unique venture, titled the “Cadillac of Reservations,” offered complimentary seating, with reservations opening on Resy at 10 a.m. on June 16, capturing the instant interest of food lovers eager for this unforgettable combination of luxury and gastronomy.
image source from：miami
