There are three times of year Miami foodies come together: Miami Spice, Thanksgiving, and the Godfather of them all, the Food Network & Cooking Channel South Beach Wine & Food Festival (SOBEWFF®). Taking place from February 22 to 26, 2017, the 16th edition of this event will include 90+ celebrity events, unusual dinners, tastings, chef lectures, late-night parties, bar events, beach soirées, the ever-popular Taste of Fort Lauderdale Series, and more in both Miami and Fort Lauderdale. Special to South Florida, this is one of the nation’s most celebrated foodie weekends–and while most foodies have already gotten their tickets, there are still a few left. Get your tickets now before it’s too late!
As it does every year, SOBEWFF 2017 will include popular annual events like the Goya Foods’ Grand Tasting Village featuring Mastercard Grand Tasting Tents & KitchenAid® Culinary Demonstrations, the Heineken Light Burger Bash® presented by Schweid & Sons hosted by Rachael Ray, Wine Spectator’s Best of the Best, Southern Kitchen Brunch by Trisha Yearwood, Tacos After Dark, and Barilla’s Italian Bites on the Beach. For the 16th time, the festival will also host its annual Tribute Dinner presented by Bank of America part of The NYT Cooking Dinner Series at Loews Miami Beach Hotel, which will be guided by Master of Ceremonies Anthony Bourdain, and this year, pay homage to none other than award-winning chef José Andrés, who was recently awarded the National Humanities Medal at The White House by President Obama. In addition to these exciting events and more, here are a handful of new surprises you can get excited about at SOBEWFF this year:
The David Grutman Experience
For the first time, the festival has partnered with hospitality and nightlife guru David Grutman. Taking place at the Goya Foods’ Grand Tasting Village on Sunday, February 26, Grutman will bring his signature over-the-top nightlife experiences straight to the sands of Miami Beach.
Craft-y Happy Hour
Who doesn’t love a good craft cocktail? Join Miami’s Craft Spirits Fest and SOBEWFF at Bodega Taqueria y Tequila for a cocktail-filled happy hour.
Burnt Ends: A Kosher BBQ Dinner Hosted by Alon Shaya
For a one-of-a-kind BBQ, head to this Kosher dinner hosted by Alon Shaya, of Shaya in New Orleans; Zak Stern, of Zak the Baker; and a few other chosen chefs. To make sure it stays true to its name, the whole event will be overseen by Rabbi Chaim Lipskar of the Rok Family Shul in Downtown Miami.
Heart of New Orleans Dinner Hosted by Nina Compton, David Kinch, Donald Link, and Julia Doyne
Come get a real taste of NOLA with a dinner by James Beard Award winner Donald Link and hot, New Orleans-based chefs David Morgan and Nina Compton.
10 Years of Genuine: Dinner Hosted by Michael Schwartz, Marc Vetri, and Jonathan Waxman
In honor of the 10th anniversary of his flagship restaurant, Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink, Michael Schwartz will co-host an intimate dinner with veteran chefs Marc Vetri and Jonathan Waxman.
Salty, Sweet & Savory Treats: A Late-Night Party Featuring Bar Lab, the Salty Donut, and Sarsaparilla Club
What’s better than late-night fried chicken, doughnuts, and cocktails? Nothing. Find out why at this event, co-hosted by The Salty Donut, Sarsaparilla Club, and Bar Lab.
Food Fight Hosted by Guy Fieri
Taking place at Monty’s Sunset, celebrity chef Guy Fieri will host a live game show that pits your favorite celebrity chefs against each other–all while you sip cocktails and enjoy priceless views.
Noodling Around: A Late-Night Party Hosted by Dale Talde
Top Chef alum Dale Talde, of Talde Miami Beach, will host a late-night noodle party that fuses pan-Asian bites, good drinks, and in true Talde fashion, hip-hop.
A Taste of Brickell City Centre After Dark hosted by Michael & Liz Symon
Brickell City Centre is undeniably Miami’s hottest addition of 2016, and for the first time, it’s participating in SOBEWFF. Hosted by Symon, an Iron Chef and host of Burgers, Brew and ‘Que on Food Network, this exclusive late-night look at Brickell City Centre will feature live DJs and tastings of specially-curated menu items from the venue’s in-house restaurants: like Pubbelly Sushi, Tacology, and more. Guests will also get a sneak peek at the centre’s exciting new Italian Food Hall coming Fall 2017.
Fusing good food with a good cause, proceeds from this weekend will benefit the Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management at Florida International University. For more information about dates and prices, or to buy your tickets for SOBEWFF 2017, click here or call 877.762.3933. But hurry up–they’re going fast.
Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor

Looking to start 2017 with a delicious brunch? Look no further than some of our favorite restaurants in Miami, listed below:
Bakehouse Brasserie: Just this year, Menin Hospitality launched a new brunch concept, Bakehouse Brasserie {808 1st Street, Miami Beach; 305.434.8249}, that serves brunch daily. And on New Year’s Day 2017 (otherwise known as “National Hangover Day”) it can cure your’s with bottomless mimosas and an à la carte menu of brunch favorites: like Croissant French Toast, Country Benedict, Avocado Toast, Crawfish Beignets, and more. Bottomless mimosas are priced at $25.
Jaya at The Setai: There’s nothing like a meal at Miami’s most stunning, Asian-inspired hotel, The Setai, Miami Beach, and on January 1, you can indulge in everyone’s favorite meal (brunch!) at Jaya at The Setai {2001 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 855.923.7899}. Start off 2017 right with the restaurant’s popular Jazz Sunday Brunch, in the hotel’s zen-filled courtyard, with live jazz, a delicious buffet, and bottomless Louis Roederer Champagne and Bloody Mary’s. Reservations for brunch can be made between 11:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. This buffet-style meal is priced at $125 per person.
The Biltmore Hotel: Coral Gables’ most luxurious hotel, The Biltmore Hotel {1200 Anastasia Avenue, Coral Gables; 855.311.6903}, has become known for its Biltmore Signature Champagne Brunch, and there’s no better time to enjoy it than on the first day of the year. This lavish buffet brunch takes place in the courtyard, and includes endless caviar, smoked salmon, shellfish, carved meats, fresh omelets, pastas, sushi, an entire wall of desserts, bottomless champagne and bellinis, and as if that weren’t enough already, live entertainment. Happy New Year, from The Biltmore!
Seaspice: To pair your first-of-the-year brunch with beautiful views, head to Seaspice {422 NW North River Drive, Miami; 305.440.4200}. Here, you can feast on menu items like Seaspice Lobster Benedict, Alaskan King Crab Florentine, different types of caviar, Whole Roasted Suckling Pig, braised kale Pizzetta, and if you didn’t have enough the night before, champagne.
Bagatelle Miami: Nobody brunches like Bagatelle Miami {220 21st Street, Miami Beach; 305.704.3900}. Come for the Le St. Tropez seafood platter with oysters, Little Neck clams, mussels, tuna tartare, shrimp, and ceviche; the Spicy Crab Bénédict; Steak à Cheval; and Bagatelle Burger with Hudson Valley Foie Gras, and stay for the party. Literally. There is endless champagne, sparklers, dancers, DJs, costumes, weekly themes, and more.
Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor

As if Downtown Miami’s dazzling Brickell City Centre wasn’t exciting enough already, now, it has a new restaurant that Miami’s finest have been eager to try. Big Easy Winebar & Grill by Ernie Els {701 South Miami Avenue #339, Brickell; 786.814.5955}, Miami’s only option for haute, authentic South African cuisine, opened to the public right before Christmas, marking the first project in Downtown Miami by Grove Bay Hospitality Group–the restaurant firm behind both Big Easy and earlier this year, Giorgio Rapicavoli’s acclaimed Coconut Grove spot, Glass & Vine.
Named after Ernie Els, a restaurant partner, golf icon and winemaker affectionately known as “The Big Easy,” this casual and sophisticated spot focuses on the flavors of the Western Cape region of South Africa. And staying true to its theme, Grove Bay Hospitality Group even tapped Executive Chef Maryna Frederiksen, a native South African with more than two decades of experience as a chef at AAA Five Diamond and James Beard Award-winning restaurants, to lead the kitchen.
Under Frederiksen, diners will find a menu of prime cuts of meat, comfort food favorites, and seafood fresh from the South Atlantic and Indian oceans. If meat is what you crave, choose from a menu of shareable plates like Peri-Peri Chicken Liver with African chili sauce, Boerie Bites with farmers sausage in a soft roll, Chili-Coffee Rubbed Pork Flatbread with seasonal apples, and “braai” (BBQ) dishes like  Prime Dry Aged Kansas City Strip, Bison Ribeye, or The Big Easy Braai, a mixed grill feast for up to four with South African farmer’s sausage, a 12 oz. top sirloin, double lamb chops, Nigerian prawns and a choice of two sides. All of them can be topped with a menu of housemade sauces and butters sure to elevate any cut of meat: like Peri-Peri Cream, Madagascar Pepper Sauce, Braai “BBQ” Sauce, Malaysia Spice, and Durban Spice. If seafood is more your style, there are plenty of options for that, too; like Grilled Nigerian Prawns with garlic butter and the Cape Malay Seafood Pot with P.E.I mussels, Nigerian prawns, and the day’s fresh catch in a coconut-curry broth.
Finally, what would a place named after “The Big Easy” be without some hearty comfort food and good wine? Eat like the Hall of Famer himself with a part of the menu called Ernie’s Favorites, featuring plates like Angry Duck Curry or Durban Bunny Chow with slow-roasted lamb shank. For the cherry on top of your lunch, dinner or Sunday brunch, pair it all with South African wines and vintages from Ernie Els’ own vineyards, handpicked by Louis Strydom, an esteemed winemaker with immeasurable knowledge of South African wines.
Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor

Here is this week’s Miami food news:

Your NYE Dinner
Still haven’t made your NYE plans yet? Start with dinner at one of Miami’s hottest restaurants. We’ve listed our favorites here.
Brickell City Centre Presents: Big Easy Winebar & Grill by Ernie Els
For the first time ever, Miami’s foodies can feast on the flavors of the Western Cape region of South Africa at Big Easy Winebar & Grill by Ernie Els {701 South Miami Avenue, Suite 339, Brickell; 786.814.5955}, the latest addition to Miami’s newest hotspot, Brickell City Centre. The brainchild of Coconut Grove-based restaurant firm Grove Bay Hospitality Group, this cozy, upscale soon-to-be staple is helmed by Executive Chef and South African native Maryna Frederiksen. On the menu? Find authentic South African meat dishes like Peri-Peri Chicken Liver, sausage Boerie Bites, Chili-Coffee Rubbed Pork Flatbread, Bison Ribeye, Angry Duck Curry, and slow-roasted lamb Durban Bunny Chow. If seafood is what you’re craving, feast on fresh-from-the-Indian-Sea favorites like Grilled Nigerian Prawns with  peri-peri chili sauce, or the Cape Malay Seafood Pot with coconut-curry broth. Whatever you choose, one thing’s for sure: it’s going to be delicious.
American Harvest Comes to Brickell City Centre
Brought to you by the same restaurant firm behind Big Easy Winebar & Grill, Grove Bay Hospitality Group, American Harvest {701 South Miami Avenue, Suite 340, Brickell; 786.814.6968} is a fast-casual dining option that serves up affordable, made-from-scratch food that’s sustainable, simple and good-for-you “clean.” Perfect for lunch, dinner, or a shopping break, grab a table at this modern twist on a farmhouse and fill up on an all-natural, grass-fed short rib and brisket American Harvest Burger, Blue’s Steak Tacos, a hydroponic Spicy Thai Salad, Curry Roasted Vegetable Bowls, or the vegetarian-friendly Pesto Harvest Skillet.
The Brick Opens in Downtown Dadeland
If you’re looking for something new in town, look no further than Downtown Dadeland, where owner Corey Bousquet has opened The Brick: a cozy, sustainable watering hole serving up some of the best comfort food in Kendall. Adding to its allure, the menu—which has options like roasted Cauliflower Mac ‘n’ Cheese, Crispy Calamari with sriracha aioli, Grass-fed Ribeye with red potatoes and “maple mash,” crispy Brussels Sprouts, Fried Chicken Sliders, and more—was the joint work of  Executive Chef Evan Broomer and renowned restaurant consultant and James Beard Award-winning chef, Allen Susser. To wash it all down, belly up to The Brick bar for “Cocktails with a Conscious,” a menu of drinks made with organic spirits, bitters, and simple syrups. Don’t know which one to choose? Go for the Sustainable Sangria. Made with Organic Rose wine, peach schnapps, Organic Purely grapefruit simple syrup, raspberries, and mint picked fresh from The Brick’s very own garden, it’s definitely one of our favorites.
Villa Azur For Her
Listen up, ladies! Starting Monday, January 9, Villa Azur {309 23rd Street, Miami Beach; 305.763.8688} is inviting Miami’s finest to its one-of-a-kind Villa Azur for Her. Taking place every Monday night, this weekly event offers 50% off all food and drink all night long—for ladies only, that is. See you there!
Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor

Dating back to early 20th-century Florence—when Count Camillo Negroni asked an Italian bartender to make him a stronger version of the “Americano” cocktail, replacing club soda with gin—today, Negronis are a staple on cocktail menus all over the world. And to pay homage to this classic drink, Miami Beach’s own Italian mainstay, La Moderna {1874 Bay Road, Miami Beach; 786.717.7274}, just launched its own Negroni menu with three creative twists on this Campari, vermouth, and gin cocktail, plus the original itself.

Here’s what you’ll find on La Moderna’s new Negroni menu:

Vintage Negroni: Designed for the brave hearted, this not-so-standard standard recreates the iconic recipe of one part Campari, one part Red Vermouth and one part Gin. Using carefully preserved and aged bottles, this Negroni reaches a combined age of almost 200 years: Negroni Gordon`s Gin 1970, Bitter Campari 1970, and Cinzano Sweet Vermouth 1970.

Aged Negroni: This is La Moderna’s signature Negroni, and is a mix of Martin Miller Gin, Cocchi Torino Sweet Vermouth and Bitter Gancia Americano. The concoction is blended and aged in an American Oak barrel for six months, and comes out smooth and smokey, with just a little hint of sweetness. 

Greetings From Italy: This twist on a classic Negroni takes you on a tour of Italy, with a few surprises. The ingredients: Rutte Celery Gin, Campari Bitters, 20 year old Porto Reduction, “Gaeta” Black Olive Foam, and a Parma Ham Breadstick.

Caramel Salted Boulevardier: Originally making an appearance in Harry’s 1927 bar guide, the Boulevardier was the signature drink of Erskine Gwynne, an expatriate New York writer in Paris. Go back to the 1920s with this riveting combination: Bourbon Whisky, Antica Formula Vermouth, Bitter Campari, and Homemade Salted Caramel Syrup.

Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor

Recently celebrating its 17th anniversary, Mark Soyka’s restaurant, Soyka, continues to be a mainstay of the Miami Beach scene. What seems like an impossible feat for a restaurant seems to be a running theme for Soyka; many of his operations have withstood the test of time. His first concept, the News Café, has been open for 25 years (serving patrons 24 hours a day, seven days a week), while the historic Van Dyke Café soared for 19 years on Lincoln Street before it shuttered in 2003. Truly a visionary of South Beach, Soyka’s ventures played a key role in reviving South Beach. Seemingly, each of his concepts started a ripple effect, prompting the rise of high-quality restaurants in the area—an area that is now our bustling dining scene.
Of course, Soyka could’ve rested easy on his laurels, but instead, the restaurateur has been quietly brewing a new concept. For years, he had his eye set on a building dating back to the 1920s, the Coral House. Made of native-coral rock and wood, the building was initially a pump house, which provided fresh tap water to the Morningside neighborhood. After years of changing owners, the building eventually landed in Soyka’s hands—seeing new life as Café Roval. Emitting an almost speakeasy feel, Café Roval’s cavernous interior is entirely made of coral rock, creating perfect acoustics for the live jazz inside. The dimly lit chandeliers pave the way to a warm and inviting bar, which deliver an impressive view of an expansive two-level patio, encompassed by a lush landscape of palm trees and two lagoons. Executive Chef Nuno Grullon has crafted a true farm-to-table experience here, drawing on influences from around the world. Grullon not only sources ingredients locally, but he pulls from the restaurant’s own edible garden of herbs, vegetables, and tomatoes, which he integrates into dishes such as the vegan dish of the day. Playing off a menu driven by the seasons, starters include Seasonal Oysters with a litany of sauces—including mignonette and habanero leche de tigre—and Fresh Yellowfin Tuna Crudo with toast, quail yolk, red onion, capers, tempura crisp, and ponzu dressing. Patrons can dive into larger offerings such as the Grass-Fed Filet Mignon Skewers with tri-color fingerling potatoes, romanesco, confit cipollini, and tarragon mustard, while ending the night with Fondue de Cacao for two finished with a bottle of sparkling wine. Undersocred by an extensive wine list of over 80 varietals and a full cocktail list including housemade sangrías from mixologist Douglas Beedoo, the bar is definitely a spot to linger. With an enchanting environment and chef-driven cuisine, Mark Soyka’s latest creation deserves a standing ovation. {786.953.7850; caferoval.com}
By DiningOut Miami 

When accomplished restaurateur John Kunkel introduced Yardbird Southern Table & Bar in 2011, Miami was hooked. With a foundation of “shared meals and shared laughs,” the Southern-inspired concept was a boon to a city awash in trend, glitz, and glamour. For Kunkel, a proud Southern native, there was more to life: tradition, culture, hospitality, and farm-fresh ingredients, sewn together by the unmistakable lure of cornbread, made-from-scratch biscuits, and 27-hour-brined fried chicken.
While Yardbird undeniably hits the mark—dishing up the likes of Shrimp ‘n’ Grits to unceasing crowds—Kunkel wasn’t finished. He wanted something that championed a more masculine, man cave-esque side of Southern culture and cuisine—something rich, something indulgent, something porcine. He wanted Swine—in his own words, “a house of worship to porcine pursuits.”
Two years later, Coral Gables welcomed Swine Southern Table & Bar as its newest culinary addition—a pork-centric, Southern-arced concept leaning unabashedly on strong flavors, fresh, local ingredients, and a bluesy vibe. Since day one, Swine’s décor has oozed Southern-style charm, including an exposed wall of reclaimed Chicago brick, refurbished wood from a farm in North Carolina, Edison bulb lighting fixtures, black-and-white photographs, and mason jars filled with an eclectic mix of flowers on every table. There’s even blues music serenading above. But the stacks of pecan and cherry wood are more than a decorative touch; they feed the insatiable smoker in the kitchen. The second floor—fitted with its own bar and ample seating overlooking the bustle below—has long been coveted as one of the city’s prime private dining spots.
Then there’s the menu—an undeniably pork-centric program introduced by 50 Eggs’ Corporate Chef Patrick Rebholz. In every dish, the culinary roots remain as Southern as sweet iced tea: Starters range from the Pimento Cheese Jar topped with bacon marmalade, to The King, which pairs house-cured and smoked bacon with peanut butter, spiced apple pie jelly, and banana caramel. This Elvis Presley-inspired plate features thick slabs of bacon with peanut butter and jelly accents for a savory-sweet concoction. A whimsical spin on this dish—dubbed The King’s Tall Stack—continues to draw devotees for brunch with its sweet tooth-plying buttermilk pancakes, banana caramel, peanut butter mousse, and spiced apple pie jelly. And, yes, the bacon pancakes are as decadent and flavorful as they sound.
Newcomers should be aware of a few signature and new dishes that top the do-not-miss list. Among them are the Craft Sausage Board with Swinearoni, chicken andouille, and fennel sausage, accompanied by Jai Alai mustard, Tabasco mayonnaise, and green tomato kimchee; and the Swine Burger, with two thin patties composed of brisket, short rib, and smoked pork blend piled high with thick-cut smoked bacon, dill pickles, lettuce, tomatoes, American cheese, and Swine’s special sauce. It’s important guests know how celebrated this updated American classic is; the restaurant’s eponymous burger has earned countless awards—including Best Burger in Miami—satisfied grins, and publication praise throughout Miami. It’s been such a hit, in fact, that Kunkel decided to add it to Yardbird’s menu as a main feature.
But there are other flavors of the South at play here, too. Given Chef Rebholz’s penchant for culinary mashups, it’s little surprise that his French Onion Filet Mignon is a favorite, blending French onion soup with six ounces of filet mignon for a rich and complex flavor profile. The tender beef practically falls apart when prodded by a fork, and the caramelized onions, beech mushrooms, thyme-steeped demi-glace, and aged provolone cheese enhance the depth of flavor. Introduced to sate the steak-lovers who dine at Swine, the Filet has become a star in its own right.
For the wow factor, there is the shareable, interactive, and Instagrammable Crispy Pig Head. “It’s crazy enough to work,” laughs Kunkel. A whole pig head is braised for nine hours, crisped, and served with Charleston Fire Fly Sweet Tea Vodka sauce and butter buns with Maldon salt. It is so crispy in fact, that, according to Rebholz, the “ear just shatters in your mouth.”
But the menu features more than pork delights; shared plates allow for a cornucopia of flavors and fresh ingredients: Buttermilk Fried Gulf Oysters are light, briny, and creamy, and perfectly complemented by a dollop of garden herb dressing, while the Southern Caprese is a river of melt-in-your-mouth stracciatella cheese topped with heirloom tomatoes from nearby Swank Farm in Loxahatchee, sprigs of micro-basil, and dehydrated black garlic, playing proxy for edgy black pepper. Reduced muscadine vinegar offers a punchy acidic note, to boot. Fresh from the sea, the Everything Crusted Local Snapper Sandwich is another playful nod to a classic, evoking a bagel and lox with sophistication and style. Oh, and don’t skip out on a side of Roasted Brussels Sprouts coated in Tupelo honey and hot sauce—it’s an inventive re-creation with an umami finish.
In the South, a meal isn’t complete without dessert, so save room—especially for the to-die-for Swine Sticky Bun. The rolled-up, cinnamon scented pastry is served warm, nestled next to two scoops of salted caramel ice cream and topped with toffee sauce. The Bourbon Pecan Crème Brûlée is another winner, crusted with a burnt sugary shell, smacking of vanilla bean and roasted pecans.
Open for lunch during the week and dinner every day (as well as bottomless Bloody Mary and mimosa brunch on Saturdays and Sundays), Swine has become a local hangout. Guests congregate at the bar on the first floor, noshing on salty snacks like Chicken Liver Mousse Jar while swirling unique cocktails. Speaking of, the uninitiated are obliged to try the bar’s incomparable wares; The Blackberry Bourbon Smash, for example, is a standout with citrus, mint, and bourbon notes, while the Rosita boasts a strong floral bouquet with rose water, cucumber, guava juice, and Absolut vodka. Our pick this season is the Swine Old Fashioned, prominently featuring two universal favorites: bacon and whiskey. And for those inclined to drink neat, Kunkel is particularly proud of Swine’s offerings in the whiskey and bourbon department; over 100 unique and rare selections are offered, translating to one of the largest brown spirits offerings in South Florida.
From bar to burger, Swine is unquestionably its own decadent treat, but diners should stretch their appetites further afield and experience 50 Eggs’ other culinary concepts throughout greater Miami. First on the list must be Yardbird—the group’s proud flagship—with locations in Miami Beach and Las Vegas (and coming soon to Beverly Hills, Dubai, and Singapore), while another must-try is Spring Chicken, the company’s fast casual eatery with three stores in South Florida and more to come. What do they all have in common? An emphasis on warm vibes, hospitality, and home-style flair blended with a refined take on Southern classics.
“Our dishes are made with love and pride with farm-fresh ingredients, classic cooking techniques, and a sense of culture,” Kunkel affirms. “Our goal is to continually put forth the freshest, most inventive takes on regional Southern fare in an elevated yet approachable setting, while creating a new standard for service and hospitality.”
By Jacquelynn Powers Maurice | Contributor

Celebrate NYE 2016 in style at these Miami restaurants:
SEASPICE
This NYE, pop bottles at Seaspice {422 NW North River Drive, Miami; 305.440.4200}, where you can pair your haute meal, champagne, and A-list people watching with live entertainment, dancing, and of course, fireworks over the water. The music will be performed by Grammy Award Winner, Motiff & Friends, and dancers will strut their stuff to hits from the 70’s all the way to today. As for the food, guests will be able to order from both the a la carte menu and a special NYE menu. There is no entrance fee, but there is a required $250 spend per person starting at 8:30 p.m.
LT STEAK & SEAFOOD
Celebrate NYE 2016 with a delicious feast and a Laurent Perrier toast at midnight at Ocean Drive’s LT Steak & Seafood {1440 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach; 305.673.0044}. Start with an amuse bouche of Kumamoto Oyster and citrus rocoto granita, Fennel-Crusted Lamb Loin, and Pistachio Baklava, and move on to appetizers, where you’ll find options like Pan Roasted Scallops with piquillo pepper or Duck Breast Salad. For the main event, indulge in hearty plates like a 14-ounce Himalayan Salt Cured NY Strip Steak with chanterelle mushroom mojo, truffle poached eggs, charred corn, and more. Finally, end 2016 on a sweet note with Gingerbread Rum Cake, a Chocolate Tart, and if you’re still hungry, Petit Fours. This dinner costs $295 per person.
STRIPSTEAK BY MICHAEL MINA
The Fontainebleau always knows how to celebrate. This year, ring in the New Year at the hotel’s modern American steakhouse, StripSteak by Michael Mina {4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 877.326.7412}, and munch on a four-course, prix-fixe menu during one of two seatings. Reserve a table between 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and enjoy a menu of succulent plates like Belgian Endive with green apple, fingerling potato, Parmesan crisp, walnuts, and lemon shallot vinaigrette; Pan Seared Scallops with kabocha squash gnocchi, parsnip, ginger, chive, and mimolette cappuccino; Wood-Grilled 6 oz. Filet Mignon with polenta, wild mushrooms, shishito pepper, and green peppercorn sauce; and Manjari Chocolate Mousse with rum-ginger cremeux and yuzu sorbet. Seatings between 8:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. will feature a slightly elevated menu, throwing in elements like foie gras, black truffle, and Maine lobster. The first seating is priced at $195 and the second seating is priced at $295. Vegetarian menus are available upon request for both seatings.
SCARPETTA
Another Fontainbleau spot, Scott Conant’s AAA Four Diamond Award-winning restaurant, Scarpetta {4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.674.4660}, will also have a special dinner to celebrate NYE 2016. With two seatings, one between 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and the other between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m., this four-course prix-fixe menu will feature plates like Smoked Tuna Tartare, Duck and Foie Gras Ravioli, Olive Oil Poached Halibut, Filet of Beef, Chocolate Caramel Mousse, and Vanilla Panna Cotta with Meyer lemon confit. The latter of the two seatings has a slightly elevated menu, throwing in haute elements like Osetra caviar. The first seating is priced at $195 and the second seating is priced at $295. Vegetarian menus are available upon request for both seatings.
HAKKASAN
For the final Fontainebleau option, head to the hotel’s award-winning modern Chinese restaurant for a four-course prix-fixe menu. Like the other two hotel restaurants, Hakkasan {4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 877.326.7412} also has two seatings, between 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. Expect plates like Roasted Duck, Seared Scallops, family-style Dim Sum Platter, Charcoal Grill Honey Wine Chilean Sea Bass, Stir-Fry Waygu Beef, Stir-Fry Florida Lobster, Royal Fried Rice, Chocolate Coconut Mousse, and more. During the second seating, enjoy an elevated menu with add-ons like golden leaf, Peking Duck, and caviar. The first seating is priced at $195 and the second seating is priced at $295. Vegetarian menus are available upon request for both seatings.
MATADOR ROOM
Toast to the New Year at Jean-Georges’ iconic Matador Room {2901 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 786.257.4600}, where guests can enjoy a five-star feast created by Top Chef winner and Executive Chef, Jeremy Ford, and Michelin star chef, Jean-Georges Vongerichten. This NYE, choose one of four seatings and enjoy a hors d’oeuvres (like Roasted Main Lobster with black truffle and garlic-ginger butter and caviar, perhaps?) and a customized five-course dinner menu. During this elegant feast, enjoy haute dishes like Spanish Olives, Fall Spiced Squash Soup, Florida Stone Crab, Foie Gras Mousse, Roasted Main Lobster, Herb Ravioli, Seared Wagyu Beef, and more.
Reservations are required, and five-course seatings are available on Saturday, December 31, 2016, at 7:30 p.m., 8:30 p.m., 9:30 p.m., and 10:30 p.m. Vegetarian and children’s course offerings and seatings are available, and must be requested with reservation. A series of prix-fixe champagne and wine packages can be purchased through Eventbrite. There are various pricing models for this dinner: Four-course dinners at 6 p.m. or 6:30 p.m. only are priced at $115 per person and do not include drinks. Five-course dinner menus without drinks are priced at $295 per person. Five-course dinner menus with one bottle or champagne or wine per couple are priced at $395 per person. Finally, five-course dinner menus with one bottle of Dom Perignon 2006 or special wines are priced at $495 per person. For the last two options, a minimum purchase of two tickets is required.    
BULLA GASTROBAR
Ring in the new year with a Spanish Flair at Bulla Gastrobar {2500 Ponce de Leon Boulevard, Coral Gables; 305.441.0107}: where you’ll find tempting tapas, savory Spanish cuisine, and of course, a champagne toast.
VAGABOND KITCHEN AND BAR
On December 31, Vagabond Kitchen and Bar {7301 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami; 786.409.5635} is hosting a masquerade-themed event with two dinner seatings: a three-course meal between 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. and a four-course meal between 9 p.m. and 11 p.m. When the seatings are finished, the restaurant and bar will open up to the public, where there will be a standing open bar a midnight champagne toast as guests listen to good music and watch the ball drop. The three-course menu and the standing open bar are both priced at $75 per person. The four-course menu is priced at either $115 per person, which includes a champagne toast, or $165 per person, which includes a champagne bottle per couple.
BILTMORE HOTEL
Ring in 2017 at the legendary Biltmore Hotel {1200 Anastasia Avenue, Coral Gables; 305.913.3246}, in Coral Gables, which will host a grand New Year’s Eve Gala with a “Roaring Twenties” theme; paying homage to the hotel’s 90th Anniversary this year. During this event, gala-goers will be able to enjoy a four-course dinner, a premium open bar, a lavish dessert buffet, live music from local bands and a hot DJ, cigar-rolling, champagne, fireworks, and more. This elegant event will start at 8:30 p.m. on December 31. For information about the event and pricing, or to buy a ticket for yourself, call 305.913.3246.
QUATTRO GASTRONOMIA ITALIANA
At Quattro Gastronomia Italiana {1014 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach; 305.531.4833}, diners can indulge in both the original menu and a range of NYE specials. Munch on antipasti like Antipasto Misto Di Pesce con Salsa Rosa or Tartare Di Filetto All’Albese Al Tartufo Bianco, and move on to primi piatti plates like Tagliolini Delle Langhe Al Burro Montato con Tartufo Bianco, Risotto con Toma Ossolana con Tartufo Bianco, or Gnochetti con Astice e Caviale. Mains like Robespierre Di Filetto con Porcini con Tartufo Bianco and Filetto di Rombo con Carciofi e Patate are sure to get you celebrating, and the Cotechino con Lenticchie, a traditional NYE Italian sausage with lentils, will start your 2017 off right. The New Year’s Eve menu is available from Noon to 11:45 p.m. on December 31. Reservations are required, and dishes are priced individually.   
Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor