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Home / 2015 / October

2:04 pm
Restaurant Features
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Halloween is creeping up on us faster than you can say “trick or treat” five times fast. Here’s a breakdown of this weekend’s top events.

Friday, October 30

biltmore halloweenFrom 8pm-midnight, the Biltmore Hotel {1200 Anastasia Avenue, Coral Gables; 305.913.3230} hosts its annual Halloween party featuring an open bar, buffet dinner, and entertainment. Don’t miss out on the costume contest with great prizes for most creative (must be handmade), spookiest, and best couple. Members $100; nonmembers $125; RSVP required.

Starting at 8pm, Piripi {320 San Lorenzo Avenue, Coral Gables; 305.448.2423} will shut down San Lorenzo Avenue for its Noche de Duende Masquerade Bash featuring flamenco, tapas, cocktails, live music, and more. The night will also include cocktail specials and a bewitching hour-inspired prix-fixe dinner menu. Tickets: General admission $25; VIP $50; click here to purchase.

STK HalloweenFrom 7-10pm, STK Miami {2311 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.604.6988} will host a themed night featuring a two-hour open bar “Boos and Booze” package for just $50. Engage in the enchanting magic of Halloween and dress to impress, with prizes awarded to the best costumes and a special performance by Nu Deco Ensemble’s Peter White.

Saturday, October 31

From 11am-5pm, join Brasserie Azur {3252 Northeast First Avenue, Midtown; 786.800.9993} for Halloween brunch, featuring $25 unlimited mimosas for two hours. Bring the kids from for games, face-painting, balloons, cotton candy, a live magic show, and more. Then, head over to sister restaurant Villa Azur {309 23rd Street, Miami Beach; 305.763.8688} for an adults-only Halloween party featuring music by DJ Stephan M.

12087214_673408396128529_2116532048617010515_oGet ready for a night of DJs, drinks, food trunks, and $500 costume contest at Hallowyn, Wynwood’s FREE Halloween block party. The event kicks off at 7pm at the Mana Production Lot {318 Northwest 23rd Street}. Throughout the night, a 240-inch jumbo screen LED TV will be playing  the best Halloween videos of all time, including a special screening of ”The Rocky Horror Picture Show” at 10pm.

Segafredo HalloweenFrom 5pm-2am, Lenox Avenue will be closed for Segafredo Espresso l’Originale’s {1040 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach; 305.673.0047} 15th annual Halloween party. Two remote bars will be set up in addition to Segafredo’s permanent inside bar, and a fantastic lineup of DJs is scheduled to play. A limited food menu will also be available.

Also on Lincoln Road, Quattro Gastronomia Italiana {1014 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach; 305.531.4833} will offer a special four-course prix-fixe dinner, where guests can delight in a selection of the restaurant’s finest dishes while admiring the costumes, trick-or-treaters, and holiday fanfare along Lincoln Road. Outdoor tables are $110 per person; inside tables $65 per person.

Hyde Beach HalloweenFrom 7pm-midnight Hyde Beach Kitchen + Cocktails {111 South Surf Road, Hallandale Beach; 954.699.0901} is getting into the Halloween spirit by offering guests FREE access to its Haunted Beach Bar, located on the first floor. Enjoy ghoulish sounds by DJ YSL while watching scary movies right on the sand. A popcorn cart, massive candy bar, and specialty drinks will also be available all night long.

Morton’s The Steakhouse {multiple locations} is offering a three-course dinner for just $35 featuring entrée selections such as 6oz Filet Mignon, Honey-Chile Glazed Salmon, and Chicken Bianco. The restaurant will also offer an extended happy hour from 5pm-close.

The Oceanaire Seafood Room {900 South Miami Avenue, Brickell; 305.372.8862} is offering a three-course dinner for two PLUS a bottle of wine for just $60. They are also serving happy hour all night in the bar.

basement halloween 2015Starting at 11pm, Basement at the Miami Beach EDITION {2901 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 786.641.7119} will host its first-annual Halloween party, “Into the Jungle,” featuring DJs Cosmo Baker, Brett Sylvia, and DJ Spiff. Tickets are $20; click here to purchase.

Seaspice {422 Northwest North River Drive, Miami; 305.440.4200} gears up to celebrate Halloween with a two-day event around the theme “Dia de los Muertos.” On Saturday, the hot spot will transform into a goulish haven on the river for its invitation-only Day of the Dead Halloween Ball, with Modern Garden serving as an offering altar filled with flowers to honor those who have passed. Guests will indulge in Champagne, specialty cocktails, and delicious bites throughout the evening.

Sunday, November 1

But the Halloween fun doesn’t stop there! On Sunday, November 1, from noon-6pm the celebration continues at Seaspice with LVMH and Veuve Cliquot for Dia de los Muertos Sunday brunch, featuring live music, photo booths, makeup artists, models, Champagne, giveaways, and more.

By Sherri Balefsky | Online Editor

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9:04 am
Restaurant Features
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Tiramesu

The latest news from Miami Beach’s exploding South of Fifth neighborhood is the reopening of TiramesU {101 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.532.4538}, a South Beach staple for over 25 years. The restaurant debuted in 1988 on Ocean Drive and later moved to a prime location on Lincoln Road, where it reigned for 17 years. The Italian restaurant caused a stir when it closed its doors in April of last year, announcing that it would soon reopen in the SoFi district. And now, after a seemingly endless hiatus, the restaurant has finally reemerged under the new managing ownership of Valeria Longoni.

tiramesu

The brand-new location, situated on the unassuming corner of First Street and Washington Avenue, is an open space featuring a bustling bar adjacent to an intimate dining area. Italian interior designer Francesco Fregonese pays homage to the old setting in subtle details while infusing the new space with contemporary touches. A horizontal window along the back wall gives diners a peek into the inner workings of the kitchen. Cool blues, beige walls, and a dark-gray quartz bar create a slightly nautical feel, while elegant chandeliers and candelabras create a warm and cozy ambience.

Tiramesu

For the new and improved space, Italian-born and trained Chef Fabrizio Pintus introduces a new and improved modern Italian menu featuring traditional dishes with unexpected (albeit very much welcomed) twists. We started with the Burrata, which instead of being served with sliced tomatoes, was served atop a bed of pappa al pomodoro, a thick tomato paste prepared with finely chopped tomatoes.

Tiramesu

Burrata

Although the pastas are labeled under “primi piatti,” they are large and hearty enough to enjoy as a main course. We settled on the Rigatoni, served with eggplant, tomato sauce, pine nuts, and dry ricotta cheese, and the Fettuccini, which is actually kale fettuccini served with a rabbit ragoût.

rigatoni

Rigatoni

tiramesu

Fettuccini

Standout second piatti include the Filetto di Manzo, an ounce sterling beef tenderloin with smoked eggplant and rosemary jus; and the Branzino, Mediterranean sea bass with saffron cauliflower and asparagus.

Tiramesu_0926152966

Filetto di Manzo

Beautifully presented, each plate constituted a surprising kaleidoscope of colors and textures, yielding simple yet astoundingly flavorful dishes. Be sure to pair any dish with a glass of fine wine from the extensive wine list or a specialty drink from the creative cocktail menu.

tiramesu

And, of course, no visit to TiramesU would be complete without trying the restaurant’s namesake dessert. We recommend the Tiramisù Sampler trio featuring a selection of both unique and traditional flavors, including chocolate, espresso, strawberry, red pepper, and mixed berries.

By Sherri Balefsky | Miami Editor

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8:25 am
Restaurant Features
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bagatelle miami

Get ready Miami for an incredible meal of cuisine française at an unbeatable price.

From October 29 through November 5, Bagatelle {220 21st Street, Miami Beach; 305.704.3900} will be participating in French Taste 2015, a weeklong Miami Spice-esque event that’s part of French Weeks Miami, which showcases more than 20 events aimed at strengthening ties between many local and international partners such as restaurants, universities, and art galleries. For French Taste, Bagatelle is offering a special $39 three-course dinner menu by Chef Matthieu Godard. Choose from the following:

Appetizer:
Les Escargots d’Olivier (Snail fricassee, chicken oysters, spaetzle, hazelnut, and parsley coulis)
OR
Assiette Lyonnaise (Assortment of terrine and cured meat, whole grain mustard, and country bread)

Main Course:
Traditional Coq au Vin (Pearl onion, wild mushroom, and farfalle pasta)
OR
Truite aux Amandes (Pan-seared trout, cauliflower, almond brown butter, and capers)

Dessert:
Profiterole
OR
Crème Brûlée

Bon appétit!

By Sherri Balefsky | Miami Editor

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8:22 am
Restaurant Features
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South Beach Seafood Festival

The time has come for the third-annual South Beach Seafood Festival, presented by Hess Wines and hosted by Coca-Cola.

While events are happening throughout the week to showcase the great culinary talent of Miami and kick off stone crab season (tonight is a Hess Select Wine-Pairing Evening; tomorrow night is the GOYA Foods’ Cooking & Cocktails Interactive Dinner; Friday is the Chef Showdown); and Saturday is when things kick it up a notch with the all-day main festival on the sand, from 1-9pm at Seventh Street and Ocean Drive.

Chefs from some of Miami’s top restaurants, including Joe’s Stone Crab, A Fish Called Avalon, The Oceanaire Seafood Room, and CIBO, are creating a culinary paradise on the sand with over 50 menu items from which to choose. (Think: stone crabs, lobster waffle cones, steak and lobster skewers, shrimp tacos, oysters, shrimp cocktails, crab cakes, lobster mac and cheese, and more.) There will also be live music, culinary and mixology demos, a kids’ zone, and VIP benefits for the all-access guests, including the all-day Heineken Light College Football Sports Bar, the Land Rover Hospitality Village, and GOYA Culinary Pavilion featuring an all-day party. Oh, not to mention that an open bar is included in the ticket price.

The event benefits the Community Initiatives Foundation in support of the Eat Smart Campaign to fight against childhood hunger, childhood obesity, and assisting the community to find the perfect balance through nutritional awareness and individual development in Miami-Dade County.

Tickets start at $35; all food is available for purchase between $5-$10. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit sobeseafoodfest.com.

By Sherri Balefsky | Miami Editor

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10:53 am
Culinary Personalities
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Daniel Boulud courtesy Daniel Krieger

Tomorrow, October 21, from 7-10pm, acclaimed celebrity Chef Daniel Boulud will be making a special appearance at db Bistro Moderne {255 Biscayne Boulevard Way, Downtown;
 305.421.8800} in celebration of the restaurant’s fifth anniversary in Miami.

The evening will be a “Tour de France” extravaganza, featuring all-inclusive food and drinks from five different regions in France. Live music will carry guests through the restaurant as they explore Chef Boulud’s favorite dishes from his hometown of Lyon (housemade charcuterie, Daniel Boulud Stuffed Pumpkin, and Salade Lyonnaise), plus from the areas of Alsace (Baeckeoffe, Suckling Pig, and Tart Flambée); Normandy (Assortiment de Fromages, Fresh Oysters, and Scallop Sauce Normande); Provence (Grand Aïoli, Grilled Loup de Mer, Roasted Leg of Lamb); and the Basque region (Pintxos, Fresh Sliced Ibérico Ham, and Bacalao Croquettes).

Sommelier Alan Feldman will pour regional wines and offer signature drinks to complete the French feast.

Tickets are $100 and can be purchased by clicking here. Don’t miss your chance to rub elbows with Miami’s culinary elite and Daniel Boulud himself.

For those who cannot attend the party on October 21, the anniversary celebration continues through November with a “Tour de France” five-course prix-fixe dinner menu in the dining room and “Daniel Boulud’s Top 5 Bar Bites” in the bar and lounge.

By Sherri Balefsky | Miami Editor

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8:54 am
Restaurant Features
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biltmore hotel

The sprawling Biltmore Hotel in the heart of Coral Gables has long been an iconic landmark for the City Beautiful, wowing locals and visitors alike with its classic Mediterranean charm and unapologetic Old-World opulence. It comes as no surprise then that the hotel’s signature restaurant, Palme d’Or {1200 Anastasia Avenue, Coral Gables; 305.913.3201}, is equally esteemed and mesmerizing.

Palme d’Or is Miami’s longest-running fine French restaurant; and in a city like Miami where restaurants come and go faster than rush hour traffic on I-95, it’s comforting to know that there exists a tried-and-true establishment of impeccable quality that consistently disproves the idea that “newer equals better.”

palme dor biltmore

But just because this AAA Five-Diamond award-winning gem has been around for more than 15 years doesn’t mean that the food, service, or ambience is outdated. Michelin-starred French-born Chef Gregory Pugin, who was trained in France, says that although he likes to prepare classic dishes, he always adds a twist of modernity to them.

Chef Gregory Pugin

Chef Gregory Pugin

Be forewarned: There is no à la carte menu at Palme d’Or; tables instead must agree on a tasting menu. Four, six, and eight-course prix-fixe options are available, and the selections available within each menu differ slightly and change by season. And don’t come if you’re in a hurry. The point is to sit back, relax, and embark on a culinary journey of pure French elegance. Perfect for a celebration or a romantic evening for two, this is elaborate gourmet dining at its finest, so come with an open mind and be prepared to have your senses reawakened.

On a recent visit to the restaurant, DiningOut was treated to the eight-course menu, specially selected by Chef Pugin himself. The sensory experience that unfolded from beginning to end was nothing short of magical. Here’s a look at Chef Pugin’s dishes.

The succession of courses began with L’Oursin et Langoustine (sea urchin custard and poached langoustine with golden osetra caviar and Granny Smith apple gelée).

sea urchin

L’Oursin et Langoustine

Next up: La Terrine de Foie Gras (red wine-poached foie gras terrine with Sauternes marinated grapes and red wine apple purée, served with fresh cranberry bread), followed by Le Crab Royale d’Alaska (Champagne-poached king crab with fennel purée and bouillabaisse) and Le Ris de Veau (sweetbread with saffron pasta, carbonara sauce, and veal jus).

Foie Gras

La Terrine de Foie Gras

king crab biltmore palme d'or

Le Crab Royale d’Alaska

At this point, we’d lost count as to which course we were on, but the extravagance continued with Le Cabillaud d’Alaska (curcuma oil-infused Alaskan black cod with compressed purple potatoes, baby leeks, and a lemongrass coconut sauce) and Le Selle de Chevreuil (chartreuse-marinated venison with red wine pears, nuts, cranberries, and blue cheese with a Grand-Veneur sauce served with a side of spätzle).

black cod biltmore palme d'or

Le Cabillaud d’Alaska

As we headed for the home stretch, we enjoyed a small cheese selection, which was followed by dessert: Le Kir Royal à la Framboise (raspberry kir royal, Champagne, raspberry sorbet, and joconde) and Le Citron Surprise (a tart lemon-shaped concoction of lemon mousse, lemon sorbet, crispy yogurt, and white chocolate).

dessert palme d'or

Le Kir Royal a la Framboise

And just when we thought things were winding down, we were presented with an enormous chocolate selection to seal the deal.

chocolates

Two hours, eight courses, and eight paired glasses of wine later (don’t worry, not every glass was finished), we left Palme d’Or with a feeling of utter euphoria. Our servers were friendly, knowledgeable, and on-point from beginning to end. Never once did we have to ask for anything, and the courses were perfectly timed down to a science–just enough time to enjoy and digest each course but never lagging in tempo.

In conclusion: Palme d’Or exceeded all of our expectations, upholding the culinary excellence for which it is known. And it’s here for the long haul.

By Sherri Balefsky | Miami Editor

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9:28 am
Restaurant Features
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diningout miami

DiningOut Miami is currently seeking interns! We are small, dedicated team in Miami looking for enthusiastic individuals who can work independently and professionally.

Responsibilities will include writing, compiling contacts, emailing and mailing, distribution, and more.

This is a great opportunity for those interesting in magazine publishing, sales, editorial, and/or the restaurant industry.

College credit available.

To apply, please contact [email protected].

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8:29 am
Restaurant Features
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Sparky's Roadside Barbecue

What if we told you there was a casual, homegrown, no-fuss barbecue joint where you could sit back, relax with friends, sip on craft beers, and nosh on what have been named the best ribs in the city? You may shake your head and say that kind of place doesn’t exist in Miami. But it does!

Situated in the heart of Downtown, just across the street from the First Street Metromover Station, you’ll find Sparky’s Roadside Barbecue {204 Northeast First Street; 305.377.2877}, your new favorite neighborhood hangout.

Sparky's Roadside Barbecue

Sparky’s is the brainchild of Hans Seitz and Kevin Kehoe, two chefs who met back in 1987 while working under Chef Michael Moran at a restaurant called Who’s in the Grove. The two friends parted ways for a while before meeting up again in Miami to open up their barbecue venture—and adventure—in 2010.

Five years later, Sparky’s is still going strong, staying true to its philosophy: to make the best barbecue out of the best ingredients. “We make everything in-house—except for the fries and the ketchup!” Hans says.

Sparky's Roadside Barbecue

The décor is cool and casual, with various tchotchkes covering the walls. Dozens of craft beers (both bottled and draft) are on offer, and Sparky’s prides itself on only serving American varieties.

Of course, the ribs are a must-order, though we also recommend the Pulled Pork Plate and the Jerk Chicken, both of which were absolutely fantastic. The signature homemade rubs and sauces add to the one-of-a-kind dining experience, not to mention the fresh-daily desserts—the pecan pie is a personal fave. You can’t go wrong when choosing sides, but our top choices had to be the Macaroni and Cheese and the Sweet Potato Mash.

Sparky's Roadside Barbecue

The “Beat the Clock” Happy Hour is particularly popular, as young professionals gather here for a drink or two after work during the weekdays. Drafts start at just $4 at 4pm, and go up one dollar each hour until 7pm. They also offer half-off wings and hush puppies.

No visit to Sparky’s is complete without starting off with a piece of perfectly textured, freshly made cornbread, served warm and with butter—exactly as it should be.

By Sherri Balefsky | Miami Editor

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10:10 am
Culinary Personalities
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Chef Cindy Hutson

We always love when local chefs are recognized, and we couldn’t be happier for Chef Cindy Hutson of Ortanique on the Mile {278 Miracle Mile, Coral Gabels; 305.446.7710}, who is being honored tomorrow evening during Les Dames d’Escoffier Miami’s annual gala at the Mandarin Oriental Miami {500 Brickell Key Drive, Brickell}.

For over 16 years, Hutson has dazzled diners with her creative and inspired “cuisine of the sun,” which fuses tropical ingredients and classic culinary techniques into a flavorful and innovative modern cuisine.

Hosted by FOX Channel 7 newscaster Belkys Nerey, the event will not only honor Huston, but will also celebrate the Miami chapter’s 15th anniversary. The evening will include Champagne, canapés, an elegant three-course meal, entertainment, and auction items.

All profits go to Les Dames d’Escoffier, a service organization comprised of distinguished women leaders in food, wine, hospitality, and farming that is dedicated improving nutrition, education, and quality of life in local communities.

Tickets for the event still available and can be purchased by clicking here. For more information, visit LesDamesDinner.com.

By Sherri Balefsky | Online Editor 

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1:59 pm
Restaurant Features
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pink building 2

For the seventh year in a row, the iconic Fontainebleau Miami Beach {4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach} is partnering with Susan G. Komen of Miami/Fort Lauderdale for the Bleau Goes Pink campaign, a month-long event in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

On October 1, Fontainebleau President and COO Philip Goldfarb initiated the pink illumination of the hotel’s Chateau Tower, which will remain pink from dusk until 10pm nightly throughout October. The hotel is also featuring special spa treatments at Lapis Spa, specialty merchandise from its retail locations, and—our favorite part—delicious prix-fixe menus at its signature restaurants.

Here’s how you can help:

Dine for the Cure
Enjoy specialty prix-fixe menus for $55 a person at Hakkasan, Scarpetta, Michael Mina 74, and StripSteak by Michael Mina; $5 from every cover will be donated to Susan G. Komen Miami/Fort Lauderdale. Click here to view the complete prix-fixe menus. Chez Bon Bon is also offering pink desserts and treats, including strawberry éclairs, raspberry macaroon tarts, pink cotton candy, strawberry gelato, and pink velvet cupcakes.

Chez Bon Bon 3

Spa for the Cure
Reserve a Bleau Ocean Luxury treatment and Lapis Spa will donate $10 for every treatment to Susan G. Komen Miami/Fort Lauderdale.

Shop for the Cure
Purchase a limited-edition pink Lokai bracelet for $18 at Morris & Co.; $1 from each bracelet sold will be donated to Susan G. Komen Miami/Fort Lauderdale. Or, stop the Lapis spa retail shop to purchase a breast cancer awareness braider bracelet by Lisa Schwartz Jewelry for $30, $10 of which will be donated to the charity.

By Sherri Balefsky | Miami Editor

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