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Whether dad wants to enjoy an elegant sit-down dinner, a hearty steak, or an all-you-can-eat brunch buffet, Miami’s got the perfect place for you and your family to celebrate. Be sure to make reservations soon so that he can spend Father’s Day the way he wants. Here are some of our suggestions:

STK Miami

STK Miami {2311 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.604.4988}
Normally, STK touts itself for being “not your daddy’s steakhouse.” But on Father’s Day, everything changes. From 6-11pm, STK Miami is offering exclusive specials for dads, including a complimentary Black Rye Affair cocktail–a mix of Templeton Rye, lemon juice, blackberries, and mint.

Cleo {Redbury Hotel, 1776 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.534.CLEO}
Sip Shanks and Shawarma! On Father’s Day, Cleo is offering an appetizer, lamb shawarma dish, and beer pairing for just $40 per person.

BLT Steak

BLT Steak at The Betsy {1440 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach; 305.673.0044}
In honor of those dads who like a hearty slab of meat as the basis for their meal, BLT Steak is offering what it calls: WOW! Himalayan sea salt-rubbed, 30-day dry-aged, double-cut, 32oz bone-in, NY Strip Steak for $80. (Try saying that one three times fast!) In addition, the restaurant’s General Manager David Weiss has a created a unique cocktail—the Smoky Martini—just for dads. It’s three ounces Oxley London dry gin, 1/4 ounce of Lagavulin 16-year Scotch whisky, and 1/2 ounce Noilly Prat dry vermouth with a garnish of smoked salmon jerky.

Biltmore Brunch

The Biltmore Hotel {1200 Anastasia Avenue, Coral Gables; 305.913.3200}
Every Sunday, the Biltmore offers an extravagant buffet brunch with delicacies such as caviar, smoked salmon, shellfish, carved meats, fresh omelettes, pasta, sushi, and more. Father’s Day is no exception. The whole family can enjoy this impressive event, which features live entertainment and bottomless Champagne and Bellinis.

Morton’s The Steakhouse {multiple locations}
In honor of Father’s Day, all Morton’s locations are offering a three-course menu for just $59 per person. Includes choice of salad (Morton’s Salad, Caesar or Slice Beefsteak Salad); choice of entrée (8oz Filet Mignon, Double-Cut Prime Pork Chop, Braised Beef Short Rib, Chicken Bianco, or Honey-Chile Glazed Salmon Fillet; choice of vegetable or potato; and choice of dessert (Double Chocolate Mousse, Key Lime Pie, or Individual Soufflé).

Cipriani Miami

Cipriani {465 Brickell Avenue, Brickell; 786.329.4090}
Cipriani Downtown Miami has a prix-fixe Father’s Day menu for just $70 per person. Includes choice of appetizer (Baby Artichoke Salad, Homemade Spinach and Ricotta Ravioli, or Steak Tartare alla Cipriani); choice of main course (Grilled Filet of Beef “Tagliata,” Pan-Roasted Chilean Sea Bass, or Eggplant alla Parmigiana); and individual Saint Honoré for dessert.

Vintro Kitchen {2216 Park Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.674.9200}
Treat dad to “a real man’s” Father’s Day brunch at Vintro Kitchen. From noon-4pm, the restaurant is hosting an exceptional brunch featuring its world-famous grill. After a delicious meal surrounded by family, he can go enjoy a cigar out on the terrace.

Bellmont Spanish Restaurant

Bellmónt Spanish Restaurant {339 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables; 786.502.4684}
From 10am-3pm, Bellmónt is hosting its honorary Father’s Day brunch featuring all-you-can-drink sangrías and mimosas and the restaurant’s specialty: suckling pig roasted on wood-fired oven, “cochinillo a la leña” (pictured above).

Bulla Gastrobar {2500 Ponce de Leon Boulevard, Coral Gables; 305.441.0107}
For the dad who loves Spanish fare, Bulla’s Chef Diego Solano will be serving up a special Father’s Day prix-fixe at $39 per person. Standout dishes include: Montaditos de Pancetta with homemade waffle, mushroom purée, pork belly confit, quail egg, pork reduction, and truffled honey and the NY Strip y Piperrada with roasted bell pepper, wrinkled potatoes, and mojo Canario.L'echon brasserie

L’Echon Brasseri {6261 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 786.483.1611}
If dad wants to sit back, relax, and slowly drink the day away, take him to L’Echon Brasserie, which is offering a number of inventive “Godfather” cocktails: the Godfather I with Dewar’s, Amarula cream, and hazelnut liquor; the Godfather II with sweet vermouth, cherry liquor, and orange juice; and the Godfather III with Bombay Sapphire, cardamom and pineapple shrub, yellow chartreuse, lemon, and pineapple juice. Buckets of Miller Light will also be available for just $15.

Villa Azur {309 23rd Street, Miami Beach; 305.763.8688}
This Father’s Day, show how much you love dad by taking him to Villa Azur, the South of France-inspired eatery located in the heart of South Beach. The Mediterranean cuisine venue is pampering the gents with a complimentary glass of Johnnie Walker Green Label, while offering its usual mouthwatering menu. Acclaimed Pastry Chef Sebastien Feneyrol has also crafted a special Monsieur Liégeois dessert that consists of an indulgent combination of guanaja, coffee Liégeois, and coffee-flavored ice cream and foam.

By Sherri Balefsky | Online Editor

June is not just all about dads and grads. There are plenty of exciting events and specials this month to keep you busy as things heat up outside—and in the Miami restaurant scene.

1. #GlazedAndConfused for National Donut Day
When:
Through June 30
Where: STK Miami {2311 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.604.4988}
What: In celebration of National Donut Day (June 5), STK premieres a trio of boozy flavors infused into bite-sized sugary confections. Crafted by Corporate Pastry Chef Abbie White, these donuts have a deconstructed twist: the Cocoa Bomb (vanilla lemon custard and hazelnut liquor), the Fruity Rebel (cereal custard and raspberry liquor), and the Not Your Daddy’s Donut (cherry bourbon custard and orange liquor).

STK Drunkin Donuts

STK’s Drunkin’ Donuts

2. Coral Gables Restaurant Week
When:
June 8-28
Where: Downtown Coral Gables
What: Coral Gables Restaurant Week is not only a week—it’s three weeks! Over 40 Gables restaurants are offering amazing prix-fixe lunch and dinner menus at incredible prices. Participating restaurants include Anacapri Italian Cuisine & Market, Bellmónt Spanish Restaurant, Bread + Butter, Bulla Gastrobar, Cibo Wine Bar, Morton’s The Steakhouse, Ortanique on the Mile, Uvaggio Wine Bar, and many more!

3. Justin Wine Dinner
When:
June 11 at 7pm
Where: The Biltmore Fontana {1200 Anastasia Avenue, Coral Gables; 305.913.3200}
What: Sip and savor wines from California’s Justin Winery paired with tasty bites from the Biltmore Fontana. The experience includes four signature wines: Land Mark Chardonnay, Justin Sauvignon Blanc, Land Mark Pinot Noir, and Justin Cabernet. Click here for reservations.
Cost: $35 per person

4. Interactive Cooking Class with Chef Cindy Hutson
When:
June 13, 11:30am-2:30pm
Where: Ortanique on the Mile {278 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables; 305.446.7710}
What: Ortanique’s celebrated Chef Cindy Hutson hosts an interactive cooking class to celebrate the coming of mango season. In this hands-on experience, participants learn to create mango-infused recipes such as Burrata Salad, Banana Leaf Steamed Fish, and Floating Island (“Isla Flotantes”). Call to RSVP.
Cost: $108 per person

Chef Cindy Hutson

Chef Cindy Hutson

5. TransArt Festival
When:
June 14-30
Where: The Betsy Hotel {1440 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach; 305.531.6100}
What: In its continuing mission to operate as a PACE (philanthropy, arts, culture, and education) hotel and support underserved communities, the Betsy presents Miami’s first TransArt Festival. The exhibition showcases a number of artists to create awareness, nurture aspiring artists, and enlighten the general population about the many layers of the transgender community.
Cost: Free

TransArt Miai

“Self Portrait” by TransArt Miami artist Kate Weakley

6. Ibérico Ham 101
When:
June 17, 6-8pm
Where: Bellmont Spanish Restaurant {339 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables; 786.502.4684}
What: Discover Spain’s true national treasure: 100-percent Ibérico ham. Learn about Iberian pigs, the curing process, amazing nutritional properties, and other fun facts as you taste hand-sliced 100-percent acorn-fed Cinco Jotas Ibérico ham, delicious cheeses like Manchego, and traditional tomaquet bread. Your experience will be paired with an exquisite glass of a Rioja wine to complete your palate. Call to RSVP.
Cost: $29 per person

iberico ham 101

7. The Lost Art of the Apéritif
When:
June 23, 7-9pm
Where: Uvaggio Wine Bar {70 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables; 305.448.2400}
What: In an effort to revive the lost art of the aperitif (a savoy drink that is meant to open our palate and stimulate our appetite before sitting for dinner later in the evening), Uvaggio Wine Bar hosts fun and informative tasting as it brings new life to that special time before a meal. Space is limited. Click here to RSVP.
Cost: $30 per person

8. BleauLive Presents Capital Cities
When:
June 27
Where: Michael Mina 74 and the BleauLive Stage {Fontainebleau Hotel, 4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 877.326.7412}
What: Witness Capital Cities, the indie pop duo Ryan Merchant and Sebu Simonian, perform their multi-Platinum hit “Safe and Sound” among other favorites. Before the show, fuel up at the hotel’s award-winning Michael Mina 74. Click here to purchase tickets.
Cost: $115 per person; includes performance, two-hour open bar, and dinner at MM74.

BleauLive presents Capital Cities

Capital Cities

9. DBGB Pop Up at db Bistro Moderne
When: Through July 31
Where: db Bistro Modern {JW Marriot Marquis, 255 Biscayne Boulevard Way; 305.421.8800}
What: For the second year, Chef Daniel Boulud’s DBGB Kitchen & Bar pops up at db Bistro Moderne, recreating fan favorites from the star chef’s casual New York and D.C. eateries. Menu highlights include: housemade Thai Sausage, The Piggie Burger, and the Peach Melba Sundae. This year, the pop up also features a tap takeover by J. Wakefield Brewery, which is offering three beers, including the Dragonfruit Passion Fruit, made exclusively for db Bistro Moderne Miami.

DBGB Thai Sausage by B.Milne

DBGB Thai Sausage

10. Hakkasan Summer Tasting
When:
Through August 31
Where: Hakkasan {Fontainebleau Hotel, 4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 877.326.7412}
What: Celebrate summer with a delectable season-long tasting menu at Hakkasan featuring small plates that include Steamed Vegetable Dumplings, Crispy Lobster, and Steamed Soup Dumplings; Traditional Roasted Half Peking Duck appetizer; and Wok-Baked Tiger Prawns, Baked Chilean Sea Bass, Stir-Fried Wagyu Beef, and Seafood Fried Rice as entrées.
Cost: $128 per person; complementary wine pairing for supplemental $68 per guest.

 

Taste of the Nation

Taste of the Nation South Florida founder and chair Allen Susser addresses the crowd at last year’s event.

South Florida’s leading culinary event for a cause is coming up fast—and tickets are selling even faster.

Did you know that one in five children in this country struggles with hunger?; in Florida, it’s one in four. South Florida’s Taste of the Nation for No Kid Hungry, is the region’s premier culinary benefit dedicated to putting an end to these statistics. The event will take place on Thursday, July 16 in the newly renovated Loews Miami Beach {1601 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach}.

For just $125 ($250 for VIP admission), you can participate in silent auctions, sip and sample gourmet creations from over 50 of South Florida’s top chefs, sommeliers, and mixologists. And the best part: all proceeds benefit Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry campaign, which is dedicated to ensuring that all children have daily access to the healthy food they need. You purchase tickets here.

Since the campaign’s launch, No Kid Hungry and its supporters have helped provide over 107 million meals (of which 25 million were distributed here in Florida) to kids struggling with hunger. Last year, the South Florida Taste of the Nation event raised nearly $100,000, which went to helping over 10 million children gain access to healthy meals.

taste of the nation

The culinary affair will be led by distinguished tastemakers, including founding event chair Allen Susser and restaurant chair Timon Balloo of Sugarcane Raw Bar Grill.

Buy your tickets today and be a part of a wonderful event for a very important cause!

-Sherri Balefsky | Online Editor

Vintro Hotel

Did you know that there’s a Park Avenue in South Beach? Until recently, we didn’t either. But it’s here where you’ll find Vintro Hotel & Kitchen {2216 Park Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.674.9200}, a hidden art deco gem just two blocks from Collins Avenue along the river.

Listed as a one of the top 25 hotels by TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards, it’s no wonder that regulars want to keep this place all to themselves. Not to mention, every month, Vintro Hotel & Kitchen offers countless specials and discounted offers. And the best part: You don’t have to be a hotel guest to enjoy them! (Although, we must warn you, you may very likely be tempted to check in for a night—or two!) Here’s a look at what the hotel has going on this month:

Tapas + Unlimited Wine
For a limited time, Vintro Kitchen is offering a special on wine and tapas. For just $25 per person (every day from 7-9pm), you can have two tapas plates of your choice and unlimited house wine. That’s right, we said unlimited. From crispy pork belly and beet tartlets to mini lamb burgers, there really is no wrong way to go.

vintro kitchen

Father’s Day Brunch
Treat dad to “a real man’s” Father’s Day brunch at Vintro Kitchen. On Sunday, June 21, from noon to 4pm, the restaurant is hosting an exceptional brunch featuring its world-famous grill. After a delicious meal surrounded by family, he can go enjoy a cigar out on the terrace. Click here to book your reservation.

Cocktail of the Month: The Fat Tail
You’re in for a treat with this innovative cocktail featuring Grey Goose vodka, Domaine de Canton French ginger liqueur, fresh passion fruit nectar, and red pepper flakes—just to spice things up.

Vintro Kitchen

Vintro After Fillmore
After jamming out at the Fillmore Miami Beach (which is just a 10-minute walk from the hotel), you’ll likely be hungry. Show your concert ticket stub and Vintro will take 10 percent off your table’s tab.

Miami Staycation
Who says you have to leave South Florida for your summer vacation? Avoid the headache of traveling and make it a staycation instead. Florida residents who book their stay at the hotel any time between now and September 30 receive 10 percent off and free valet parking. Here’s to being a local!

–Sherri Balefsky | Online Editor

Lique Miami

A trendy new restaurant and lounge has made its way to North Miami Beach and, within just a few months, it’s already talk of the town. Located on the Intracoastal Waterway, Lique {3957 Northeast 163rd Street, North Miami; 305.705.2425}, offers chic nautical décor, 1,000 feet of docking space, an inventive craft cocktail list, and an eclectic menu featuring seafood-inspired delights such as snow crab claws, oysters, and whole grilled branzino. We had a chance to catch up with Peter Cumplido, director of operations at Trust Hospitality Group, the restaurant group behind Lique, to discuss the concept, the décor, the menu, and more.

How did the concept for Lique come about? What sparked the idea?
The idea was sparked when I joined Alex Podolnyy almost two years ago. But we pushed it aside to create Sweet Nectar (on Las Olas Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale). Then, some of the founding members of Seaspice came to us very interested in the space, which created the spark again. So Alex and I decided to open what we’d always envisioned for the space and its capabilities.

How does the décor of the space reflect this concept?
The décor represents the concept and what we envisioned it to be. It’s a feeling of St. Tropez and the south of France, with rustic and organic textures and colors.

What sets Lique’s location apart from other places in the area?
Lique is a destination, a hidden gem, and one of the few properties in South Florida with waterfront views and water access. The neighborhood has nothing like it. In South Beach, you have many options that are similar to our concept, but our cuisine makes us stand out from other restaurants in South Florida. We brought the touch and feel of South Beach to the fast-growing neighborhood of Sunny Isles and North Miami Beach.

Lique Miami

What does “Lique” mean? Why was this chosen for the name?
We were just playing around with words and thought it was different and funny once we started using it. “I want to lick you.”

Tell us about the overall menu concept.
The menu consists of whole fresh fish from our charcoal grill and raw fish, and contains lots of ingredients from the Mediterranean and Asia. It’s not a typical match, but when you put the two region’s ingredients together, they make sense—great combinations with unique flavors and outcomes.

Lique sushi

What about the drink menu?
Our drink menu consists of lots of fresh fruit and exotic flavors. We have a very rare scotch and Cognac collection and over 80 bottles of hand-selected wines from all regions. It’s a very big rosé venue with Miraval and the only Stoli Elit “Ice Bar” in Miami

How does Miami play a part in the flavors and ingredients on the menu?
It plays a big part; being so close to the Caribbean and South America, we use those exotic flavors, spices, and herbs to enhance all of our food and beverage options.

What might surprise visitors about Lique if they are coming for the first time?
The entire place! The water views, décor, and charcoal grill smell. When you walk in, it’s a shell-shocker because of the plaza it’s in, the entrance itself, and our neighbors.

lique miami

What is your personal favorite item on the menu? What would you recommend to first-timers to try?
The raw fish from our raw bar and anything from the grill. And our housemade Peking duck.

What about Lique are you most proud of so far?
That it’s become so popular so quickly. And that our dedicated team shares the same passion and belief that Alex and myself have for the concept.

taste of the gables

Tickets are now on sale for the Taste of the Gables, a celebration of food and fun to officially kick off Coral Gables Restaurant Week. Presented by Bacardi USA, guests will enjoy drinks, live music, and the chance to sample dishes from 20 restaurants—then vote for their favorite dish!

Taste of the Gables takes place on Thursday, June 4, from 6:30-8:30pm at the Westin Colonnade Hotel {180 Aragon Avenue, Coral Gables). You can purchase advance tickets here.

If you’re not able to make it to the event, be sure to head to downtown Coral Gables from June 8-28—that’s three weeks!—when more than 40 different restaurants are offering amazing prix-fixe lunch and dinner menus at incredible prices.

Participating restaurants include Anacapri Italian Cuisine & Market, Bellmónt Spanish Restaurant, Bread + Butter, Bulla Gastrobar, Cibo Wine Bar, Morton’s The Steakhouse, Ortanique on the Mile, Uvaggio Wine Bar, and many, many more! Visit coralgablesrestaurantweek.com for participating restaurants and prix-fixe menus. We hope to see you there!

-Sherri Balefsky | Online Editor

Soho Bay

Earlier this month, DiningOut had the opportunity to eat at one of South Beach’s newest Japanese restaurants—SOHO Bay {520 West Avenue, Miami Beach; 786.618.2788}

Hidden on a quiet bayfront perch just north of the MacArthur Causeway, this unassuming new restaurant has much to offer relative to its humble surroundings. The restaurant, which held its official grand opening party on April 2, is poised to be one of Miami’s go-to sushi spots, perfect for all occasions, whether it’s a romantic night out, a celebratory group dinner, or a laid-back happy hour spot for after-work drinks. In addition to its dining room and sushi bar (pictured above), SOHO Bay features an intimate covered patio looking out on the Miami skyline and Star Island as well as an outdoor lounge area out front.

Soho Bay Drink

Although new to the Miami scene, SOHO Bay is no stranger to the restaurant biz. In fact, the SOHO Bay brand has been in business for over 15 years in Brazil, boasting eight locations throughout the country. The Miami location (the first outside of Brazil) is helmed by Executive Chef Ricky Sauri, who brings more than 20 years of experience (including stints at Nobu, Touch, Bloom, and Khong River House) to the SOHO Bay team.

Upon being seating on the patio, which features wicker chairs and wooden tables, we were immediately greeted by our friendly server, who presented us with both a food menu and a tempting cocktail list featuring a number of exotic drinks that we were told will rotate with the seasons. The Japanese-inspired menu is designed to share—perfect for those of us who want to taste as many items on the menu as humanly possible.

Soho Bay Sunset

Our appetizers came out just as the sun was setting, creating a gorgeous orange-pink display over the horizon. We dug in to the Shrimp and Vegetable Tempura and the delicious Chicken and Asparagus Skewers from the robata bar. The skewers were some of our favorites, though we wished there were more of them! (An order includes three skewers with just three pieces of chicken on each.)

Soho Bay Sushi

Next came our sushi rolls: the succulent Spicy Tuna Roll, which was served with pickled cucumber and rolled with thin tamago and marinade ikura; and the Soho Ebiten Roll (a personal favorite), an interesting concoction of glazed shrimp tempura and goat cheese rolls with protruding slices of salmon. And for our main dish, we shared the Wagyu Picanha, a juicy beef dish that comes in thinly sliced pieces topped with wild mushroom chimichurri, roasted hearts of palm, and leeks.

Soho Bay Sushi Roll

Though sufficiently satisfied, we couldn’t resist trying the Key Lime Pie for dessert, which was actually served as more of a mousse next to a pile of crumbly graham cracker crust. While covering all the bases expected for your typical high-end sushi lounge, the exceptional atmosphere and amazing vistas combined with the excellent quality of the food, place this property ahead of the pack and at the top of Miami’s must-try list.

-Sherri Balefsky | Online Editor

Fish Fish Chef

For the freshest seafood in town, DiningOut has always been a huge fan of Fish Fish {13488 Biscayne Boulevard, North Miami; 786.732.3124}. But now, we’re borderline obsessed! The restaurant has brought on Chef Peter Cadavieco, a Miami native previously of Red Fish Grill, the Doral Marriott (now the Trump National Doral), and Blue Point Ocean Grill at the Hard Rock in Hollywood. He has created a new and improved menu to go along with the restaurant’s already cool ambience and friendly atmosphere.

We had the chance to sit down with Chef Cadavieco to discuss his background, the new menu, tips for preparing fish, and much more. See below for the conversation that unfolded.

Tell us a bit about your background. Where are you originally from? How did you get started in the food world?
I was born and raised in Miami. It’s pretty rare these days, as most people here are transplants from somewhere else. I started cooking at an early age because my grandmother was a terrible cook. My mother subscribed to Gourmet magazine, and I just started experimenting. My mother actually forbade me to go to culinary school out of high school. So, I went to FIU and tried to do it like everyone else. But eventually, I made it back to the kitchen.

What drew you to Fish Fish?
I was looking for a small, privately owned business that I could team up with and create something special. This was a unique opportunity to do that with a beautiful restaurant with owners that care and a customer base that was eager for a breath of fresh air.

Fish Fish Ceviche

Tell us about the new menu. What changes have you made?
The new menu is a much more modern approach to seafood. It’s simple yet with complex flavors. The focal point is the fresh fish and ingredients that stand out on their own. Some of the new items include Grouper Reuben Sliders and Coconut Curry Mussels. I also introduced an authentic ceviche (pictured above)—bold, tart, and spicy.

How did your background influence these changes?
I am probably in the minority of chefs whose background really doesn’t influence their cooking. I grew up eating simple Cuban food. Honestly, if I never eat arroz con pollo again, I will die a happy man.

What do you hope to expand upon in the future?
As we grow our business, I hope to introduce more fresh catch-of-the-day items. We are also introducing a Burger Night on Sundays that will feature one beef burger and some type of seafood burger each week. The first Burger Night takes place on May 24 and will feature a Shrimp and Pork Belly Burger with watercress and spicy mayo and a Barbecue Bison Burger with housemade barbecue sauce, fried leeks, and fire-roasted poblanos.

shrimp scampi fish fish

Favorite new menu items?
It’s a toss up between the Shrimp Scampi (pictured above) and the Whole Grilled Lobster. The Shrimp Scampi is different in that we serve the whole head-on prawns. It really adds to the flavor of the dish—and the presentation is magnificent. Our Maine Lobster is truly a sight to behold: a two pound lobster split in the middle, brushed with garlic butter, and grilled whole. It’s served with a massive bed of truffle fries and Carolina-style coleslaw. I’m getting hungry just thinking about it!

What tips would you give for someone preparing fish at home?
Preparing fish is all about getting the freshest fish possible. Unfortunately, the major grocery stores are not very good with their handling of fresh fish. For cooking, I always recommend to stay clear of heavy cream sauces. Use vinaigrettes instead. They will enhance the fish’s wonderful flavor.

What do you love most about working at Fish Fish so far?
The fact that it’s a small restaurant and that I have control over the food and have the last say with it. Another great plus is that I get to interact with the guests at their tables and talk food with them. It’s a rewarding experience when you see the smile on guests’ faces after they eat your dish.

Fish Fish Chef

Do you have a favorite food or guilty pleasure?
My favorite food on this earth will always be foie gras. I don’t use it in the traditional sense. I actually use it more like a butter to add fat in my food. Of course, it is an indulgence. I have to say my everyday favorite food is a properly smoked beef brisket sandwich. That and some scratch-made mashed potatoes and I’m a happy guy!

-Sherri Balefsky | Online Editor

Bulla - Miami, Florida

Last month, DiningOut was invited to a special media dinner at Bulla {2500 Ponce de Leon Boulevard, Coral Gables; 305.441.0107}, a unique Spanish-style gastrobar that is consistently cited as one of the best in Miami. Not only were we able to try some amazing dishes, but we learned more about the restaurant’s parent company, Centurion Restaurant Group, and its plans for expansion. There are several projects in the works, including a new Peruvian concept called Pisco y Nazca, slated to open at Town & Country in Kendall this August, along with second locations of both Bulla and Pisco y Nazca at the brand-new Shops at Downtown Doral in 2016.

We had a chance to sit down with Bulla’s Executive Chef Diego Solano, who joined Bulla in June 2014, to talk about the restaurant’s concept, menu, what’s in store for the future, and more.

DiegoSolano2

What drew you to Bulla?
Much like those famous gastrobars in Spain, the bar at Bulla is the center of attention; but the emphasis on quality gastronomic creations is what drew me the most! Bulla (pronounced boo-ya), is slang for “chatter” or what people are talking about. It is devoted to delighting you by serving your favorite Spanish and Catalan dishes.

You went to Spain with Carlos Centurion and Juan Carlos Marchan [the top executives of Centurion Restaurant Group] when you were first hired. How did this change your culinary philosophy or techniques?
It definitely enriched my culinary experience. Spain is known for its inventive dishes that combine various ingredients. I was able to taste a variety of Spanish cuisine staples, from paella to tapas. I was exposed to the best chefs and had the opportunity to observe their cooking techniques, which has helped me create our menu.

How does your Costa Rican background influence your menu and style of cooking?
Tico cuisine incorporates several staples of Latin American cuisine, but differentiates itself by being much healthier with the inclusion of an array of fresh fruits and vegetables. This makes me strive to search for seasonal and quality products to ensure I deliver all of our menu items with excellent flavor and freshness.

Zarzuela de Mariscos Bulla

Tell us about the weekly market menu. How do you come up with the dishes every week?
We want to take our guests on a gastronomic journey that fuses new flavors beyond our daily menu. Our weekly menu focuses on of-the-moment ingredients that revive and rethink classic Spanish dishes for the Miami palate. Every Tuesday, we carefully curate a menu, creating and tasting recipes, and reviewing the balance of the plate, presentation, and flavor. The menu is designed to be creative with the use of fresh elements and food trends, ultimately lending to an outstanding culinary experience.

Diners can expect items such as Zarzuela de Mariscos, a seafood stew with clams, shrimp, mussels, monkfish, calamari sofrito, pine nut, picada, and white wine (pictured above); Solomillo con Polenta with filet mignon, polenta fries, portobello mushrooms, and Port reduction; and Panna Cotta de Miel y Yogurt, a honey and Greek yogurt panna cotta made of citrus sponge cake, lychee foam, and organic honey. Additionally, the house mixologist revs up for a new cocktail each week.

What might surprise new visitors about the menu at Bulla?
We are not your standard restaurant; we are proud to describe ourselves as a gastrobar that features a large variety of tapas and a full bar, allowing us to bring the flavors of Spain to the Coral Gables community. We are proud to be listed in top 10 as one of the most vibrant bars in all of Miami.

Huevos Bulla

What would you recommend to first-timers?
Huevos Bulla (pictured above) is definitely a must for first-time guests. This dish is prepared with homemade potato chips, Serrano ham, potato foam, and truffle oil.

What can you tell us about Centurion Restaurant Group’s new concept, Pisco y Nazca?
Pisco y Nazca Ceviche Gastrobar is a chef-driven concept that will serve authentic Peruvian dishes in a fun and casual setting designed by Celano Design Studio (responsible for Bulla and STK in Las Vegas and Miami). The menu will feature a variety of dishes paired with an innovative beverage program with 100 types of artisanal crafted beers and handcrafted liquor cocktails–the first of its kind in Miami. With Miguel Gomez, one of the best Peruvian chefs in the U.S., at the helm, paired with the expertise of the Bulla Group, we have no doubt this will be a hit.

-Sherri Balefsky | Online Editor

modern garden

By Sherri Balefsky | Online Editor

We couldn’t have been more excited when we were invited for an exclusive dinner at Modern Garden {422 Northwest River Drive, Miami; 305.440.4200}, one of the most innovative culinary concepts to ever hit the Miami River. Just minutes from downtown, this hidden oasis along the water feels worlds away from the bustling city streets.

Modern Garden shares its serene waterfront space with sister restaurant Seaspice (formerly Seasalt & Pepper), both original concepts from Owner Carlos Miranda. Upon entering, we were greeted by our hostess who escorted us to the right, to an intimate, dimly lit room with wood-paneled flooring, comfortable white seating, and rows of white and purple orchids. The interior is anchored by a permanent wooden tree-shaped art installation by Architect Santiago Jose Palaez, which was unveiled in December during Art Basel.

modern garden

Had we been escorted to the left, we would have been led inside Seaspice, though the two all-but overlap one another on the patio. They also share 500-plus feet of dockage—the ultimate VIP parking space for luxury yachts looking to drop anchor.

But unlike Seaspice, which is known for its cooked entrées such as the Prime US Veal Chop and Australian Rack of Lamb, not to mention its unique wood-fired casseroles, Modern Garden sings a different tune. The menu consists of delectable crudos and hot-stone dishes, where meat is served uncooked and diners prepare it to their liking on 850-degree slabs of on the table.

Luckily for us, Chef Angel Leon selected some of his favorite dishes to bring out for us to try, saving us from our initial dilemma of deciding which of the menu’s mouthwatering bites to choose!

modern garden salad

We started off with the color Purple Watercress Salad with green goddess dressing, which was both deliciously tangy and sweet. Then the crudos started coming—and kept coming! The plates were artfully presented, so colorful and decadent that that we were hesitant to dive in for fear of ruining the presentation.

modern garden salmon

Our favorites here were the Salmon Rosettes (pictured above) and the Kimne Dai, which was an interesting take on chips and dip (the chips were actually crispy sunchoke, while the dip—though it looked like guacamole—was a mix of yuzu paste and tangerine mojo and had a texture more similar to hummus.

Next, it was time for the main event, as we were presented with two piping-hot black slabs and wooden chopsticks. One slab was for the Diver Scallops, which were served with a bagna cauda sauce; the other was for the juicy pieces of raw Spinelis (rib-eye). Our attentive server showed us the proper way to prepare each dish, then we were left on our own to finish the process.

modern garden dessert

Sufficiently stuffed, we couldn’t pass on dessert, which we, of course, devoured. Needless to say, it was definitely worth it.

As the night came to a close, we were in a bit of a dreamlike state. With our bellies full and satisfied, we watched as the last of the mega-yachts untied from the dock and sailed away down the river. I’m sure they’ll be back … we definitely will be, too.