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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

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

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

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

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

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].

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

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 

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

march of dimes signature chefs

2014 Miami Signature Chefs Auction

October is a month for giving back, and we can’t be more thrilled to once again be supporting the March of Dimes and its premier fundraising event of the year: the Miami Signature Chefs Auction.

On Thursday, October 29, elite corporate and social leaders from the Greater Miami area will gather at the Westin Colonnade in Coral Gables for a fabulous culinary soiree in support of the March of Dimes, the largest and most respected maternal-child health organization in the world.

Did you know that every year, more than 15 million babies are born prematurely, and as a result, a million will die before their first birthday? Through generous donations, the March of Dimes is able to improve the health of babies by preventing premature birth, infant mortality, and birth defects through research, advocacy, and community programs on the local, state, and national levels.

March of Dimes Signature Chefs

2014 Miami Signature Chefs Auction

For the 18th-annual Miami Signature Chefs Auction presented by GOYA, 17 chefs from some of Miami’s top restaurants will serve up tastes of their favorite dishes as guests mingle and bid on exclusive items in a silent auction. This will be followed by a sit-down dessert and live auction, where guests can also bid on additional dining experiences, travel, and more.

Along with Ambassador Culinary Chair David Sears of SushiSamba, this year’s participating chefs include: Brad Kilgore of Alter, David Blonsky of Apeiro, Wolfgang Birk of Area 31, Tim Andriola of Basil Park, Brian Nasajon of Beaker & Gray, Diego Solano of Bulla Gastrobar, Santiago Gomez of Cantina La Veinte, Rod Chitikov of Devon Seafood + Steak, Aaron Brooks of EDGE Steak & Bar, Fernando Desa of GOYA, Phil Bryant of The Local Craft Food and Drink, Sean Brasel of Meat Market, Kareem Anguin of The Oceanaire Seafood Room, Angelina Bastidas of Piripi, Adonay Tafur of The Dutch, and Eric Do of Toro Toro.

March of Dimes Signature Chefs

2014 Miami Signature Chefs Auction

“People love the Signature Chefs Auction because they get to enjoy a variety of delicious dishes from our signature chefs,” says Event Chair J.C. de Ona, senior vice president at Stonegate Bank. “And at the same time, they have the satisfaction of knowing that they’re helping the March of Dimes in its mission to ensure that all babies are born stronger, healthier, and full term.”

March of Dimes Signature Chefs

NBC 6’s Jackie Nespral at the 2014 Miami Signature Chefs Auction

Additional community leaders in support of the event include: celebrity spokesperson and emcee Jackie Nespral of NBC 6, Auction Chair Rafael Feliz Jr. of Premier Worldwide Marketing, Larry Carrino of Brustman Carrino Public Relations, Alexis C. Knapp of Rockaway PR, Erin Knight of Stonegate Bank, and Aubrey Swanson of AUBOOM Media.

March of Dimes Signature Chefs

2014 Miami Signature Chefs Auction

Other event sponsors include: Florida Yachts International, the Latin American Agribusiness Development Corporation (LAAD), Marjorie Raines, MSP Recovery, Bank of America, BankUnited, Cherry Bekaert, Karisma Hotels & Resorts, Leader Global Solutions, MacMillan Oil Company, Prestige Companies, Stonegate Bank, Trujillo & Sons, Turner Construction, Wells Fargo, Future Energy Solutions, National Health TransportMercedes-Benz of Coral Gables, NBC 6, Telemundo 51, and, yours truly, DiningOut Miami.

Another important component of the Signature Chefs Auction is Fund the Mission, an opportunity for everyone to make a donation to the March of Dimes. Each gift is 100-percent tax-deductible and helps the foundation carry out its mission. Those interested in making a Fund the Mission donation can give online here or mail a check to the March of Dimes Miami Office: {8323 Northwest 12th Street, Suite 208, Miami, FL 33126}.

march of dimes signature chefs

The 18th-annual Miami Signature Chefs Auction presented by GOYA will take place on Thursday, October 29, from 6:30-9:30pm at the Westin Colonnade Coral Gables {180 Aragon Avenue}. Click here for more information.

By Sherri Balefsky | Miami Editor