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TripleSol Segafredo

Shake off the summer heat with this cool new libation at Segafredo Espresso L’Originale {1040 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach; 305.673.0047}. This sweet cocktail is made with Solbeso, the world’s first spirit distilled from cacao fruit and the first to create a new category of spirits in the last 200 years. Naturally organic and 100-percent pure, Solbeso features a breezy floral aroma and light citrus taste that’s distinctive yet versatile.

Visit Segafredo to try the Solbesito for yourself, or follow the steps below to create your own:

Muddle a bunch of cilantro. Add 2-1/2 ounces Solbeso, 1/2 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice, 1/2 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice, and 1/2 ounce freshly squeezed orange juice. Shake once and strain over ice. Add lime wedge and orange wedge. Serve.

By Sherri Balefsky | Miami Editor

The Dog Days of Summer are here, and we’re certainly feeling it! But good news: Miami Spice is here as well. Check out ilovemiamispice.com to see the full list of nearly 200 restaurants throughout Miami that are offering special lunch and dinner prix-fixe menus from now through September 30. We also put together two previews of some of our favorite Miami Spice menus–check those out here and here. In addition to Miami Spice specials, here are our top Miami August events to help keep your mind off all this heat and humidity.

MO Bar + Lounge

Bar Spice at MO Bar + Lounge
When:
Through September 30
Where: MO Bar + Lounge at Mandarin Oriental, Miami {500 Brickell Key Drive, Brickell; 305.913.8288}
What: Miami Spice is in full swing, which means that Mandarin Oriental, Miami’s signature restaurants will be offering unbeatable prix-fixe menus (La Mar by Gastón Acurio for lunch and dinner; Azul for dinner only). But that’s not all. The five-star resort’s MO Bar + Lounge is getting in on the action by adding a twist to three signature cocktails: the Aji Rocoto and Pineapple “Margarita” with tequila reposado, rocoto-pineapple marmalade, house citrus cordial, lime, and a tajin rim; the Ancho Chile and Chocolate “Manhattan” with ron añejo, Chinato vermouth, Ancho Reyes, crème de cacao, and orange bitters; and the Jalapeño and Tamarind “Pisco Sour” with pisco acholado, tamarind falernum syrup, lemon, and muddled jalapeño.

stripsteak

New Sunday Brunch at StripSteak
When: Every Sunday, 11:30am-3pm
Where: StripSteak at Fontainebleau {4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 877.326.7412}
What: Fontainebleau Miami Beach’s newest signature restaurant from celebrity chef Michael Mina has recently introduced an unbeatable Sunday brunch. For just $68 per person, enjoy a fabulous two-course plated menu (your choice of appetizer and entrée), a delicious signature cocktail, unlimited shellfish, charcuterie, and cheeses, freshly baked breads, breakfast pastries, and desserts, a Greek yogurt parfait bar, and complimentary valet parking. Unlimited mimosas, Bellinis, and Fizzy Bellboys (the restaurant’s signature cocktail) are an additional $25 per person.

Sardinia enoteca

Wine Tuesdays at Sardinia Enoteca
When:
Every Tuesday
Where: Sardinia Enoteca Ristorante {1801 Purdy Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.531.2228}
What: Every Tuesday from noon to midnight, guests at Sardinia enjoy 40-percent off select wines. It’s a vintage special you won’t want to miss. But that’s not all. Through September, Sardinia is offering Miami Spice menus for both lunch (everyday) and dinner (Sunday-Thursday).

seafood bahia four seasons

SPF Saturdays (Seafood + Pool + Four Seasons)
When: Saturdays, 1-3pm, through September 5
Where: Four Seasons Hotel Miami {1435 Brickell Avenue, Brickell; 305.381.3030}
What: On Saturdays at 1:30pm sharp, Bahia, the Four Seasons Hotel Miami’s seventh-floor poolside restaurant and bar, is offering a Southern-style Seafood Boil featuring family-style servings of lobster, pink shrimp, Florida clams, mussels, and crawfish simmered in Cajun-style spices, accompanied by sweet corn on the cob, golden potatoes, and housemade smoked sausage. Tickets are required ($65 per person) and include access to the hotel’s two resort-style pools.

Those not wanting to purchase tickets can still join in the fun. From 1-3pm, Bahia is also offering what it calls The RAWBar, a special à la carte seafood menu featuring Freshly Shucked East Coast Oysters and Florida Clams, Peel-and-Eat Key West Pink Shrimp, Corvina Crudo, Lobster and Shrimp Ceviche, and an East Coast Mussel Salad.

Marc Irwin Piano concert in The Betsy Lobby

(mostly jazz) with Marc Irwin at The Betsy
When: August 19, 8-11pm
Where: The Betsy–South Beach {1440 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach; 305.673.0044}
What: On Wednesday and Thursday evenings, The Betsy hotel’s Lobby Salon welcomes some of the greatest live musicians for intimate performances. Dr. Marc Irwin is a pianist, composer, arranger, and recording artist who has played for and with a variety of top musicians across the country. He currently acts as musical director for The Capitol Steps, performing political satire throughout the United States and Canada. No cover; no drink minimum!

An added bonus: Adjacent to the Lobby Salon is the award-winning BLT Steak, which will be serving its unbeatable Miami Spice menu. Choose one appetizer (Roasted Peach Salad, Vadouvan Lamb “Porchetta,” or Local Cobia Tataki Sushi Roll), one entrée (10oz CAB Delmonico Steak or Local Seafood Bouillabaisse), and one dessert (Valrhona Chocolate-Strawberry Cake or Coconut-Lime Cheesecake) for just $39. And yes, the restaurant’s famed popovers are included.

db Miami Wine Cellar by B. Milne

Châteauneuf-du-Pape Wine Dinner at db Bistro
When:
August 19
Where: db Bistro Moderne Miami {255 Biscayne Boulevard Way, Downtown; 305.421.8800}
What: Join Chef Jason Pringle and Sommelier Alan Feldman for a special dining event featuring wines from France’s Châteauneuf-du-Pape region in the Southern Rhône Valley. Chef Pringle will prepare a sophisticated meal paired with a unique selection of rare vintages from one of the most traditional winemaking appellations in France. The night will begin with a wine reception and light appetizers in The Lounge followed by a five-course dinner in the main dining room. Can’t make it to the dinner? The restaurant will be offering Miami Spice menus for both lunch and dinner Monday-Saturday all month long.

By Sherri Balefsky | Miami Editor

Just before the official kick-off of Miami’s favorite foodie event, Miami Spice, we were invited for a sneak-peak preview of the featured menu at Seaspice {422 NW North River Drive, Miami; 304.440.4200}.

It was a rainy Friday night, but the trendy riverfront spot still drew quite a crowd. We were seated at a romantic window table for two and thrilled to be handed the official Miami Spice Menu. Our experience exceeded expectations, and the chef came out to explain the dishes and make suggestions.

The menu consisted of three choices for a first course, four choices for the second course, and a choice of three desserts, all for $39 per person.

Hamachi Crudo

For the first course, we opted for the Hamachi Crudo, which surprised us with delightful textures and flavors tickling the tongue. A habanero vinaigrette gave the fresh fish a little kick, while fried garlic added crunch and unexpected flavor. This dish stole the show for the first act.

Beet Salad

We also ordered the Beet Salad, which was beautiful and fresh, on a bed of spinach served with creamy Burrata and thinly sliced radishes.

Grouper

The second course may have been a tie between the Pan-Seared Black Grouper, served with calabazo and oven-dried tomatoes, and the Braised Short Ribs nestled on a bed of taro root purée. The latter was definitely the more decadent of the two, but both were perfectly balanced and beautiful dishes.

Chocolate Cremoso

Finally, and last but not least, was the dessert. Though the Orange Almond Butter Cake with apricot marmalade and orange blossom ice cream was a feast for the eyes, the Guanaja Chocolate Cremoso was dangerously delicious. The dish was a composition of subtle consistencies oozing with chocolatey goodness in cocoa nib crumbles, seaweed snow, and toasted rice mousse.

Want a taste of these dishes? Put Seaspice on your priority list for Miami Spice restaurant destinations.

By Erin Lavan | Contributor

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Roasted Peach Gazpacho Atrio Restaurant

Looking for the perfect dish to beat the heat? Try Atrio Restaurant & Wine Room’s Peach Gazpacho, made with ripe peaches and other fresh ingredients. Stop by the restaurant at the Conrad Miami hotel to try it for yourself, or make your own at home using this super-simple recipe.

Peach Gazpacho from Executive Chef Virgile Brandel of Atrio Restaurant & Wine Room
serves four

Ingredients

Gazpacho:
5 Roma tomatoes, quartered
3 ripe, fresh peaches, quartered and seeded
2 cucumbers, peeled and seeded
1/2 red onion, sliced
3 garlic cloves
1 red bell pepper
2 basil springs
1 c tomato juice
1/4 c red wine vinegar
1/4 c olive oil
salt and pepper

Garnish:
6 slices of roasted peaches
1/4 c of chopped Marcona almonds
micro-herbs

Method

In a container, place all the prepared ingredients together. Refrigerate and let marinate overnight.

In a blender, place the ingredients and blend until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve chilled in a bowl and garnish with the peaches, almonds and micro-herbs.

By Sherri Balefsky | Photo by Jessica Gonzalez

Because we can’t get enough of Miami Spice, our original Top 5 list of restaurants new to the program somehow seemed to be lacking. So, here are five additional restaurants making their Spice debuts that are giving classic establishments a run for their money.

Market at Edition

1. Market at EDITION {2901 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 786.257.4600}
Spice menu available for lunch and dinner daily
The Miami Beach EDITION is South Beach’s newest spot to see and be seen, and its two dining options by Jean-Georges Vongerichten ensure that things will stay this way. The more casual of the two, Market at EDITION is a reinvention of a gourmet marketplace. The chic open space just steps from the hotel’s lobby features a series of bustling stations, including a raw bar, a charcuterie station, a sushi bar, and a gourmet pastry station featuring freshly baked treats and a create-your-own sundae bar.
Our Appetizer Pick: Three-Piece Charcuterie—chef’s selection of three gourmet cured meats and imported cheeses
Our Entrée Pick: Florida Snapper with bok choy and ginger dressing
Our Dessert Pick: Salted Caramel Sundae—salted caramel ice cream with candied peanuts and popcorn, whipped cream, and chocolate sauce

Red Ginger

Miso Sea Bass

2. Red Ginger {736 First Street, Miami Beach; 305.433.6876}
Spice menu available for dinner Tuesday-Sunday
This Southeast Asian concept from Menin Hospitality opened less than two months ago and it’s already making its Miami Spice debut with a three-course Japanese-inspired dinner menu. For an additional $10, pair your meal with a glass of Pinot Grigio, Pinot Noir, or Cava.
Our Appetizer Pick: El Mar Ceviche (tuna, salmon, octopus, wahoo, and aji limo)—it’s an extra $10, but well worth it
Our Entrée Pick: Miso Sea Bass with saikyo, miso, spinach, coconut foam, and garlic confit
Our Dessert Pick: There’s only one option here, and it’s the Mochi, a deliciously sweet Japanese rice cake

tamarina

Spinach Ravioli

3. Tamarina {600 Brickell Avenue, Brickell; 305.579.1888}
Spice menu available for lunch Monday-Friday and Dinner nightly
Join Tamarina for a tour of Italy’s best coastal dishes while enjoying views of bustling Brickell Avenue on the cozy wraparound terrace. While dinner menus are often the highlight of most Spice menus, due to its proximity the many office buildings in Downtown and Brickell, we suggest trying Tamarina for lunch. It’s the perfect spot for a lunch with colleagues or clients to break up the busy work week.
Our Appetizer Pick: Arugula Salad with caramelized pears, candied walnuts, pecorino, speck, and apples
Our Entrée Pick: Spinach Ravioli with ricotta cheese in a sage-butter sauce
Our Dessert Pick: Any flavor of gelato is good by us

9beach miami

4. 9Beach Miami {1628 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 786.208.1988}
Spice menu available for lunch and dinner daily
Just two weeks after its official grand opening, 9Beach Miami may very well be the newest restaurant to make its first Miami Spice appearance. The fusion kitchen and lounge concept is the first U.S. outpost from 9beach Group, whose successful establishments can be found throughout Israel and in London. At the helm is Executive Chef Tal Aboav from the original 9beach in Tel Aviv, who places emphasis on top-quality ingredients, Mediterranean flavors, and artful presentations.
Our Appetizer Pick: Dorade Capriccio topped with garden vegetables, tomato seeds, and chile lime sauce
Our Entrée Pick: Frutti di Mare Fritto with Mediterranean red mullet, shrimp, and calamari served with ginger-cucumber aïoli and a creamy tzatziki sauce
Our Dessert Pick: Halvah Parfait—dark chocolate shells served on a sweet crumble with fresh berries

Tantalize

Lamb Foie Gras Meatballs

5. Tantalize {330 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach; 305.695.1401}
Spice Menu available for dinner Tuesday-Saturday
If you still haven’t been to Tantalize, you’re in for a treat. Why not indulge your senses for the first time during Miami Spice, when can enjoy the restaurant’s signature dishes at prices up to 50-percent off.
Our Appetizer Pick: Lamb Foie Gras Meatballs with Sherry foie gras sauce, pistachio chimichurri, mushroom chicharrón, and everything crouton
Our Entrée Pick: Cuban Boxer—braised pork shoulder with yuca, black-bean purée, and pickled cabbage salad
Our Dessert Pick: Quinoa Coconut Pudding—lucuma ice cream and toasted coconut

By Sherri Balefsky | Miami Editor

Midtown Oyster BarMidtown Oyster Bar {3301 Northeast First Avenue, Suite 103-1, Midtown; 786-220-2070} is teaming up with Blue Moon Brewing Company to offer a week of beer and oyster specials in honor of the blue moon (July 31) and National Oyster Day (August 5).

The celebration kicks off this Friday, July 31, from 6-9pm, with a special event featuring Blue Moon samples, special happy hour deals such as a four-beer bucket paired with six complimentary oysters, and real telescopes to view the blue moon astronomical phenomenon (whether permitting).

The specials continue throughout the week with $6 Blue Moon bottles paired with their very own complimentary oyster—offered all day every day through August 7. Choose from three pairings: Blue Moon Summer Hop with Massachusetts’ Island Creek oyster; Blue Moon IPA with Washington’s Maple Point oyster; and Blue Moon Belgium with Connecticut’s Blue Point oyster.

It’s a chic summer event you won’t want to miss!

The event is free to attend. To RSVP, click here.

By Sherri Balefsky | Miami Editor

Miami Spice is less than a week away, and we can hardly contain our excitement! Throughout August and September, over 200 restaurants throughout Miami-Dade are participating in Spice by offering special prix-fixe lunch and/or dinner menus at discounted prices (lunch: $23; dinner: $39). This is the 14th year that Miami Spice has been in effect, so there are plenty of tried-and-true favorites on the list. But there are also some 50 restaurants entirely new to the program this year. Here, we’ve selected five of our favorite newcomers—and our Spice menu recommendations for each.

brasserie azur

1. Brasserie Azur {3252 Northeast First Avenue, Midtown; 786.800.9993}
Spice menus available for lunch and dinner Monday-Friday
Azur Hospitality Group (the same group behind Miami Beach’s upscale Villa Azur) recently debuted Brasserie Azur in the former Mercadito space in Midtown Miami. From the rotisserie station to the raw bar to the fresh charcuterie, there’s always a boatload of sensational flavors to try from the Mediterranean-inspired menu.
Our Appetizer Pick: West and East Coast Shooters with bloody-mary granite
Our Entrée Pick: Butter-Poached Lobster with fava bean ragoût and European cucumber foam
Our Dessert Pick: Warm Banana Pithivier with rum anglaise and caramelized banana chips—there’s only one dessert option available, but we’re confident that this would be our top pick either way.

Quality Meats

2. Quality Meats {1501 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.340.3333}
Spice menu available every evening for dinner
Manhattan’s award-winning steakhouse recently opened its second outpost in South Beach, and it’s been bustling ever since. Partner and Executive Chef Craig Koketsu has concocted a meat-centric Spice menu featuring variations on only the best quality beefs, all cured, aged, and smoked onsite.
Our Appetizer Pick: Kale and Manchego Salad with chorizo vinaigrette
Our Entrée Pick: Grilled Bavette Steak with cured orange salad
Our Dessert Pick: Coffee and Doughnuts—coffee ice cream swirled with chocolate doughnuts

SOHO Bay

3. SOHO Bay {520 West Avenue, Miami Beach; 786.618.2788}
Spice menu available for dinner Tuesday-Sunday
Although it’s relatively new to the Miami dining scene, SOHO Bay has been a success in Brazil for over 15 years, with eight locations throughout the country. Executive Chef Ricardo Sauri, formerly of Nobu fame, has devised a tempting Spice menu that can be optimally enjoyed on the breezy patio overlooking the bay.
Our Appetizer Pick: Sushi Tasting (a combination of house rolls)
Our Entrée Pick: Braised Oxtail Donburi served with rice cakes, eggs, scallions, nori, corn, and gochujang
Our Dessert Pick: Coffee-Coated Miso Mousse with dulce de leche, caramel pistachio, and praline

The Gang

4. The Gang {3500 North Miami Avenue, Midtown; 305.570.9430}
Spice menu available for dinner Sunday-Thursday
This eclectic gastropub on the border of Midtown and Wynwood has already proven itself to be one of Miami’s coolest dining spots. The cuisine is a blend of Thai and Vietnamese cuisine staples with a modern twist, while the inside feels like a hip postmodern gallery with distressed wooden floorboards, exposed piping, and vintage washing machines that make up the base of the bar.
Our Appetizer Pick: Vietnamese Pork Rolls—rice paper, lettuce, and fresh tenderloin pork meat with homemade ginger and mint sauce on the side
Our Entrée Pick: Thai Wok Chicken served with traditional homemade egg noodles, mixed vegetables, and lemongrass
Our Dessert Pick: Cheesecake or Key Lime Pie? You’ll be satisfied no matter which one you choose.

StripSteak

5. StripSteak {4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 877.326.7412}
Spice menu available for dinner Sunday-Thursday
All four of Fontainebleau’s signature restaurants are participating in Miami Spice this year, but this is the first time that Michael Mina’s StripSteak is around for it. There’s just two options for each course, but considering that the regular menu can be a bit pricey, this is a Spice deal that can’t be beat.
Our Appetizer Pick: Ricotta Cavatelli with English pea purée, sugar snap peas, basil, and ricotta salata
Our Entrée Pick: Red Wine-Braised Short Rib with mascarpone-whipped potatoes and bordelaise
Our Dessert Pick: Chocolate Orange Cream Cake with chocolate Chantilly cream and orange anglaise

By Sherri Balefsky | Miami Editor

La Mar Anticucho Bar LR

Although we celebrated our nation’s independence earlier this month, Peruvians are getting ready to celebrate theirs on July 28. And Miami’s leading Peruvian restaurant La Mar by Gastón Acurio {Mandarin Oriental Miami, 500 Brickell Key Drive, Brickell; 305.913.8358} is celebrating in style with a weeklong roster of culinary events and specials.

The festivities begin this Sunday, July 26, from noon until 3:30pm, with a special Paella Brunch featuring live Peruvian music; a live-action paella station of Arroz con Pato, made with confit duck, black beer, squash, corn cider, and cilantro; a Cebiche Bar with a delicious selection of seafood cebiches, causas, tiraditos, and Peruvian-style sushi rolls; and an Anticucho Bar that will offer hot specialties such as Grilled Anticucho Skewers, empanadas, sliders, and whole fish. Guests will also enjoy their choice of one Peruvian entrée specialty, Chaufa Aeropuerto for the table, unlimited brunch cocktails, and decadent desserts.

La Mar Cebiche Bar Chefs

For the rest of the week, diners can order off of Chef Diego Oka’s exclusive dinner menu that pays homage to traditional Andean cooking and the centuries of culinary fusion that have influenced modern Peruvian cuisine. Through August 1, Chef Oka will present festive family-style platters that will include Piqueo Frio with Cebiche Mixto, Causa Cangrejo, and Seafood Jalea, and Piqueo Caliente with Anticucho de Corazon, Aji de Gallina Empanadas, and Yuca with Ocopa Sauce.

La Mar Piqueo Frio

The flavorful dishes can be paired with La Mar’s special Peruvian Independence Day cocktails: the cucumber-basil Albahaca Pisco, the refreshing Eucalyptus Mule, and the Tiki Limeño with spicy-infused Pisco, rum, gin, passionfruit, fresh citrus, Falernum liqueur, and nutmeg.

On July 28, the live band will return, providing a fun, celebratory atmosphere all in honor the country’s 194 years of independence.

By Sherri Balefsky | Miami Editor

Chef Angelina Bastidas

The Village of Merrick Park’s newest eatery Piripi {320 San Lorenzo Avenue, Coral Gables; 305.448.2423} opened its doors in March with a bang. Already, it’s stirring the pot by introducing a brand-new executive chef: Angelina Bastidas.

At only 25 years old, Bastidas has had more than her fair share of culinary experience. She was still a student at Le Cordon Bleu when she began her career at Wish with Marco Ferraro (a Jean-Georges protégée). She then honed her skills in a number of Miami’s top dining destinations before taking on the position of chef de cuisine at South Beach’s popular Tongue & Cheek, where she was selected by Zagat Miami as one of the 30 Under 30 Miami Rock Stars Redefining the Industry.

Just weeks into her new position at Piripi, we had the opportunity to talk with Chef Bastidas about her background, her inspiration, what changes she has in store for the new menus, and even her guilty pleasures.

1. Tell us a bit about your history.
I am originally from the Bronx, but I was raised in Miami and my background is Dominican-Colombian. I have been interested in food since I was a young girl—I grew up with it as part of our family culture. As soon as I graduated high school, I enrolled at Le Cordon Bleu, and after two weeks, I started working in the kitchen at Wish. I’ve also worked at Area 31, The Bazaar by José Andrés, The Biltmore Palme d’Or, and Tongue & Cheek.

2. What drew you to Piripi?
As soon as I heard there was a restaurant opening named Piripi, I was intrigued. To me, it’s a word that perfectly describes Miami (“piripi” is Spanish for “tipsy”). I remember the first time I walked into the restaurant; I was really impressed with the space itself—it’s beautiful and immense—and I guess I felt a little “piripi” myself just walking in the door.

3. Tell us about the new menus. What are some changes you’re making?
We are introducing new brunch, lunch, and kids’ menus, and at some point, a happy hour menu. We have such a great bar, I’d love to see some dishes suited just for dining there. I am also restructuring the dinner menu; there will be a mix of new dishes, plus re-creations of some that are already on the menu. New dishes that I’m excited about are the Chistorra Piripi, the Roasted Beet Salad, and the classic Shrimp al Ajillo. In the future, I also plan on expanding the charcuterie menu, where we can feature housemade meats, torchons, terrines, etc.

4. What is your personal favorite menu item?
My personal favorite has to be the Chistorra Piripi. It’s probably going to be the biggest hit for Piripi yet. It has crispy potatoes, poached egg, and pan-fried chistorra with a Manchego espuma that melts in your mouth!

5. What might surprise visitors about Pirpi if they are coming in for the first time?
I think the first thing guests notice when they walk in has to be the extravagant artwork over the bar. I also think that some of the new dishes and composed plates we are presenting will surprise visitors—even those who are regulars. We are not changing the cuisine, we are reinventing it. At our core, we are still a Spanish restaurant, but we are ready to have fun with our food, with different textures and flavors.

6. How does Miami play a part when creating menu items, selecting ingredients, etc.?
Our location in Miami always defines my menus. I love to embrace what’s local and in season—that’s key to how I create my menus.

7. What Miami chefs or celebrity chefs do you admire?
Florida chefs I admire would have to be Norman Van Aken, Lindsay Autry, and Jeremy Ford. Celebrity chefs I admire are Curtis Duffy, Emeril Lagasse, and Daniel Barber.

8. Do you have a favorite cooking show on TV?
If I had to pick, it would probably have to be “Kitchen Nightmares.” Although it gives me major anxiety, it helps me improve on “cleanliness!”

9. Do you have a favorite food or guilty food pleasure?
My go-to has to be Hershey’s Pie. It relieves me from all the stress I deal with at work.

10. What do you love most about working at Piripi so far?
Working with the Piripi family has been a pleasure. Everyone is committed to doing their best and working as a team. When you’re around great energy, the workflow is just so much smoother.

By Sherri Balefsky | Online Editor

Courtesy of Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau – MiamiandBeaches.com

It’s hard to believe that it’s already more than halfway through July. Time sure does fly! But that means it’s almost time for one of our favorite times of the year: Miami Spice. During August and September, nearly 200 restaurants throughout Miami will be offering special three-course prix-fixe menus at unbeatable prices (lunch is $23 per person; dinner is $39 per person). We’ll be posting some of our favorite participating restaurants in the upcoming weeks, so be sure to check back regularly. Can’t wait ’til August? The following three events are kicking off the two-month Spice a tad early.

Miami Spice Mash-Up Series
When:
Thursday, July 23, 7pm
Where: Dolce Italian {The Gale Miami Beach, 1690 Collins Avenue}
What: Chefs Paolo Dorigato and Cesar Zapata from Bravo’s “Best New Restaurant” will team up to create an exclusive dinner featuring two of the summer’s most popular Spice destinations: Dolce Italian and The Federal Miami. Dinner includes a complimentary pour of Stella Artois and one complimentary glass each of Terrazas Reserva Chardonnay and Terrazas Reserva Malbec
Cost: $65 per person. Click here to reserve seats.

South of Spice
When:
Tuesday, July 28, 6pm
Where: South of Fifth. Participating restaurants include Cibo Wine Bar {200 South Pointe Drive}, TiramesU {101 Washington Avenue}, Red Ginger {736 First Street}, and more.
What: Miami Beach’s bourgeoning SoFi neighborhood kicks off Miami Spice with a cool “restaurant-hopping” event featuring the area’s top dining destinations. Ticket holders can venture between participating eateries for a sneak taste of their Miami Spice menus, which will be paired with various wines and cocktails.
Cost: $45 per person. Click here for tickets.

Iron Fork Miami Spice Kickoff Event
When:
Thursday, July 30, 7pm
Where: Hyatt Regency Downtown Miami {400 Southeast Second Avenue}
What: The annual Iron Fork kickoff event features two of Miami’s finest chefs—Eileen Andrade of FINKA Table & Tap and Dena Marino of MC Kitchen—will go “pot-to-pot” in a culinary showdown overseen by famed Chef Allen Susser. Each competitor will receive a basket of ingredients to create an innovative dish to be judged by a panel of local celebrity chefs. In addition, Midtown Oyster Bar will present a Shuck It Oyster Competition, where chefs from select Miami Spice restaurants will be timed to see who can shuck a dozen oysters the fastest.
Cost: $50 per person; $85 for VIP. Click here for tickets.

By Sherri Balefsky | Miami Editor