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Don’t know where to celebrate America’s birthday? Don’t worry. We do! This weekend, head to the restaurants below and pay homage to Uncle Sam with some fun, tasty drinks–and like all of our favorite events here at DiningOut Miami–lots of delicious food.

The Restaurant at The Raleigh/The Raleigh Hotel: On July 3 and 4, SBE’s iconic The Raleigh Hotel {1775 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.534.6300} will host an All-American Cookout with American-style grub like: grilled oysters with charred scallion and yuzu vinaigrette; Alaskan king crab legs with a lemon garlic aïoli; grilled St Louis ribs with kimchee barbecue, pickled coleslaw, and grilled sweet corn; and a Wagyu beef “Hot Dog ‘Everything’ Bun” with sauerkraut relish, beer mustard, and dirty chips. The party will continue for two full days, and will include family games like giant Jenga, giant Connect Four, ping pong, and corn hole, all with poolside ‘Americana’ tunes playing in the background. Adding to the festivities, $25 beer buckets and Red Bull + Ketel One buckets will be available, along with a live raw bar sitting right next to the grill. If that’s not freedom, we don’t know what is.

SOHO Bay Restaurant: On Sunday, July 3 from 11am-4pm, celebrate Fourth of July one day early with a brunch day party at SOHO Bay Restaurant {520 West Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.498.4644}. For just $29 per person, guests can feast on all-you-can-eat West Indian curries, Escovich fish, jerk chicken, jerk and roast pork, Ackee and saltfish, Callaoo, salt fish fritters, balmy, fried dumplings, soups, salads, and much more. Drinks aren’t included, but bottomless mimosas are available for just another $25 per person. The magical Biscayne Bay views and beats by Jazzy T? Those luxuries are free.

A Fish Called Avalon: On Monday, July 4, A Fish Called Avalon {700 Ocean Drive, South Beach; 305.532.1727} invites patrons to drink to America with a special wine deal: five glasses of select American wines for just $35. Taking place from 6-11pm, guests can pair their wine with tasty finger foods, all while watching the fireworks over the beach.

Bagatelle Miami Beach: At Bagatelle Miami Beach {220 21st Street, Miami Beach; 305.704.3900}, celebrate Independence Day like the French do–early and with a boozy brunch. To toast to the (American) red, white, and blue, enjoy French favorites like le pain perdu, a barbecue pulled pork “The Piggy” sandwich, spicy crab Benedict, Chateaubriand for two or three, a truffle-oil pizza, and more; all while being entertained by DJ Gotta.

Rusty Pelican: Want fireworks with a view? The Rusty Pelican {3201 Rickenbacker Causeway, Key Biscayne; 305.361.3818} has got it. To celebrate the day, this iconic Key Biscayne spot will have an American-style buffet with hearty entrées like brisket barbecue sliders, chicken wings, hot dogs, its signature mac ‘n’ cheese, potato salad, and more; all for $52.70.

KLIMA Restaurant and Bar: The brainchild of duo Pablo Fernández-Valdés and Yago Giner, KLIMA Restaurant and Bar {210 23rd Street, Miami Beach; 786.453.2779} gives diners near and far a taste of authentic Barcelona. Sitting in the heart of the historic district in Miami Beach, head there on the Fourth for a tasty, three-course American-inspired menu of dishes like pork ribs with a pimenton glaze, a prime beef burger, Key lime pie, and more. A vegetarian prix-fixe menu is also available, and the whole meal costs just $39 per person.

By Jennifer Agress

La Mar Arroz con Mariscos (1)

Just in time for summer, Miami’s innovative, waterfront Peruvian favorite La Mar by Gastón Acurio {500 Brickell Key Drive, Brickell; 305.913.8358} has launched a new menu by Executive Chef Diego Oka–and trust us, you don’t want to miss it. Inspired by his travels from all over the world, this acclaimed chef has come up with 20 new dishes designed to delight almost any palate.

To kick-off your meal, start with one of La Mar’s Cebiches, Tiraditos and Causas, like the Lujoso ceviche with lobster, sunchoke leche de tigre, aji amarillo, avocado, and green olive oil; or the Bachiche tiradito made with fresh catch, 22-month aged Parmesan cheese, leche de tigre, colatura, garlic chips, and basil. For a dish that really impresses, try the new Flor causa: it has a ball of Maine Lobster tartare completely covered in squid ink-infused potatoes, all garnished with caviar, avocado, and wait for it—gold.

If you need to spice up your meal even more, spring for one of La Mar’s Anticuchos, where you’ll find grilled skewers like Swordfish with miso anticuchera, grilled broccolini, and sesame. Then, waste no time getting to the mains: La Mar has Peruvian Specialties and Arroces y Pastas like the Chinese-inspired Tallarin Taypa–pan-fried egg noodles served with scallops, char siu, quail egg, and XO sauce–or Rocoto Relleno, a rocoto pepper filled with velvety seafood stew and cheese, all of which is torched tableside.

Finally, since you’re taking a mini-escape to Peru, the Tamal is a definite must-try. Inspired by a menu Chef Oka recently won awards for, it features pork jaw and quinoa, grilled fish, seco stew sauce, and mint chalaca salsa.

As would be the case with any restaurant at Mandarin Oriental, Miami, the delights don’t stop there. To make sure you get to experience it for yourself, head to La Mar today and start ordering. Whatever you choose, one thing’s for sure: you won’t regret it.

By Jennifer Agress

DIRT MIAMI - Food

Want to get social? Do it at DIRT {232 Fifth Street, Miami Beach; 305.763.8548}! On Tuesday, July 12, everyone’s favorite Miami Beach-based health-conscious haunt will host the next “Snail Social” happy hour by Slow Food Miami–a nonprofit organization dedicated to furthering awareness of good, clean, sustainable, and fair food in South Florida. This happy hour will take place from 6pm to 8pm, and is open to the public.

Helmed by Chef Nicole Votano, DIRT’s delicious, seasonal vegan, vegetarian, paleo, and gluten-free menus make it the perfect spot to host one of the ever-popular Snail Socials. DIRT is committed to sustainable food practices and environmentalism–with locally sourced produce from Sun Fresh Farm & Ranch, Seed to Sprout, Harpke Family Farms, Zak the Baker, Local Roots, and Jojo Tea–proving time and time again that amazing food can actually be healthy.

So, what’s on the menu at this Snail Social? Available during happy hour, DIRT invites attendees to feast on the following farm-to-table Snail of Approval small bites:

Tortilla Española made with Florida potatoes, melted leeks, and velvety Sun Fresh Farm & Ranch eggs, sided by a smoky aioli.

Local Roots Melon Salad with sugar cube muskmelon, crimson watermelon, nuoc mam, and toasted peanuts, all topped with freshly picked cilantro and mint

Jojo Tea Matcha Mango Cakes 

Mini Blueberry and Peach Crostatas

Taking place the second Tuesday of every month, Slow Food Miami’s “Snail Social” events consistently feature different guest chefs and restaurants in the greater Miami area. To celebrate the cause, on July 12, DIRT invites all guests who attend to stay after the event has ended, and enjoy 20-percent off their meal.

Want to eat clean? See you at DIRT!

By Jennifer Agress

Talladega days 6This summer in Miami, go a little “Ricky Bobby” with the new Talladega Days cocktail at Hakkasan {4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 877.326.7412}. Located in the Fontainebleau Miami Beach, Hakkasan is a Cantonese-inspired spot with the reputation of being one sexy, scrumptious Miami must-try.

As for the cocktail, it’s sure to add a little “kick” to your summer in South Florida. Order one at Hakkasan, and then go home and make it for yourself. Trust us… you’ll want to!

In a shaker, mix 2 ounces Corzo tequila silver, 3/4 ounces Cointreau, 3/4 ounces orange juice, 1/2 ounce pineapple juice, and 1/2 ounce guava purée. Shake well and strain into a coupe glass. Garnish with a Filthy Cherry and an orchid.

Tamarina Miami

Did someone say wine? We’re listening.

Tonight only, head to the elegant-and-enticing Tamarina Restaurant {600 Brickell Avenue, Brickell; 305.579.1888} for the next installment of its popular Wine Dinner Series: Wines of Sicily and Coastal Italian Cuisine. Featuring select wines from Firriato Winery and a four-course tasting dinner for just $65 per person, this evening promises great food, delicious vintages, and of course, the five-star service and luxury that fans of Tamarina have come to expect from this Brickell Avenue gem.

Here’s a taste of the evening’s menu:

Branzino Carpaccio with strawberry gel, orange foam, pistachio dust, and lime zest (Pairing: Charme Rosato 2015) 

Ravioli with asparagus and ricotta, butter, and sage sauce (Pairing: Le Sabbie dell’Etna, Etna Blanco DOC 2014)

Pork Belly with balsamic rosemary glaze, ruby beets purée, and Brussels sprouts (Pairing: Harmonium, Nero D’Avola, Sicilia DOC 2013)

Snickers made with chocolate cake, roasted peanut caramel, and milk chocolate; served with chantilly and vanilla ice cream (Pairing: Passito, Sicilia IGT 2014)

To join in the fun, contact [email protected] and make a reservation. See you there!

Bulla CG - Father's Day - Pulpo

Don’t know where to take dear-old-dependable dad for Father’s Day this Sunday? Fear not! Read below for our top five Miami spots to celebrate everyone’s favorite guy.

Bulla Gastrobar

With two locations, Bulla Coral Gables {2500 Ponce de Leon Boulevard, Coral Gables; 305.441.0107} and a newer Bulla Doral {5335 Northwest 87 Avenue, #C102, Doral; 305.260.6543}, this Spanish tapas-style gastropub is the perfect place to treat dad this Father’s Day. Order the locale’s special Father’s Day cocktail—the Mariposa Negra, a mix of Bulleit bourbon, St. Germain, Butterfly flower syrup, and lemon juice—and choose from a choice menu of delicious plates like Pulpo a Feira, Nuestro Fish and Chips, Ensaladilla de Pata Rusa, Chuletón Como en un Asador, Merluza en Salsa Verde, and for dessert, Infusión de Frutos Rojos. For a real treat, every dad will leave with a $20 gift card to Bulla Gastrobar, which they can then use towards a later visit. Olé!

TALDE

Ringing in Father’s Day a day early this year, TALDE {4041 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 786.605.4094} will host a special holiday-inspired installment of its Brunch Life series, appropriately called “Daddy Issues,” this Saturday. Taking place from 1pm to 4pm, and priced at just $40 per person, this brunch will feature beats by DJ Coco Hara and serve some of the most indulgent brunch options around: like Filipino Pork Chop with eggs and potatoes; the TALDE Burger with a house-ground chuck and brisket patty, maple miso bacon, kimchee pickles, and spicy mayo; Kung Pao Cauliflower; Doughnut French Toast; and more. Adding to the allure, guests will be able to take their pick of a beer, mimosa, or shot of Evan Williams whiskey, or get all-you-can-drink PBRs, mimosas, and the day’s specialty cocktail–“Daddy’s Little Helper”–for just $25. You’re welcome, dad.

660

Located in the Angler’s Hotel on Washington Avenue, 660 {660 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.534.9600} is celebrating Father’s Day with an à la carte brunch like no other. Start with the Chicken Biscuit, which has a housemade biscuit, buttermilk fried chicken breast, and Sriracha honey, and move on to classic 660 favorites like Chicken and Waffles with whipped guava butter; Crispy Chorizo Benedict with shaved Cantimpalo chorizo on a brioche roll; the 660 Burrito  with scrambled eggs, pork sausage, bacon, cheddar, tater tots, and spicy ketchup; and the Challah French Toast drizzled with a vanilla bourbon condensed milk glaze. Plus, joining the festivities this Sunday is a special Father’s Day dish: The B&B, which takes 660’s raved-about breakfast burger, tops it with tater tots, jalapeño, and avocado, and pairs it with a bacon-infused bourbon shot. Happy Father’s Day, indeed!

American Social

This Sunday, head to American Social Brickell {690 Southwest First Court, Miami; 305.570.4468} or American Social Las Olas {721 East Las Olas Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale; 954.715.1134} for special brunch options just for your favorite dad. From 11am to 4pm at the Brickell location, guests can indulge in an à-la-carte brunch (Chicken and Waffles, anyone?), Miami River views, and endless Belvedere Bloody Marys or Moet Mimosas for just $39.95 per person, and choose a cigar from the complimentary cigar rolling station. The Fort Lauderdale outpost of this chic, American favorite, on the other hand, is offering a buffet brunch of favorites like made-to-order omelettes, fresh-pressed Belgian waffles, salt and pepper prime rib, fried chicken, chilled snow crab legs, house-smoked Atlantic salmon, baked goods, and more; all for just $26.95 per person. No matter which location you choose, one thing’s for sure: dad will be pleased.

Area 31

Tucked in the 16th floor of the EPIC Hotel, Area 31 {270 Biscayne Boulevard Way, Miami; 305.424.5234} is known for its ocean-to-table cuisine and impeccable views. This Sunday, June 19 between noon and 4pm, grab dad and head there for à la carte brunch options like Buttermilk Pancakes with Barbancourt rum caramel, banana, and chocolate shavings; the signature Area 31 Breakfast Sandwich with porchetta, fried egg, and Emmenthal cheese; Fried Jerked Chicken served on a crispy buttermilk waffle; raw crudo platters of crab claws, prawns, and chilled lobster tail; charcuterie boards; and more. Plus, just for Father’s Day, Area 31 is offering a one-time-only dish, Smoked Beef Ribs with tamarind barbecue and confit sweet potato, for dads. Is there any better way to show the leading man in your life just how much you love him? We think not.

By Jennifer Agress

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Palm D'Or - Chef

This July, join The Biltmore Hotel as it celebrates its milestone 90th birthday with a special $90 nine-course menu at its award-winning, signature French restaurant: Palme d’Or {1200 Anastasia Avenue, Coral Gables; 305.913.3200}. Led by Michelin-starred Executive Chef Gregory Pugin, both the restaurant and the menu promise to take diners on a culinary journey through the delectable, and authentic, cuisine that France has become known for.

As one of only three Five Diamond restaurants in all of Florida, Palme d’Or is inarguably one of South Florida’s most sought-after restaurants. Here is what patrons of the locale can expect when they try the delicious, limited-edition menu, available at the restaurant from July 1-31: 

First Course: Le Crabe Royal D’Alaska – King crab, carrots, English peas, cipollini onions, and grissini

Second Course: L’Oursin Et Langoustine – Sea urchin custard, poached langoustine, golden osetra caviar, and Granny Smith apple gelee

Third Course: Le Poulpe Et  L’Escargots de Bourgogne – Spanish octopus, Burgundy snails, wild mushroom, and spring onions emulsion

Fourth Course: Foie Gras Poele – Seared foie gras, strawberries, madeleine, duck jus, and elderberry emulsion

Fifth Course: Le Cabillaud D’Alaska – Alaskan black cod poached in coconut milk, sweet potato degustation, and curry sauce

Sixth Course: La Caille – Quail, tri-colored cauliflower, quail egg, dates, and quail jus

Seventh Course: Le Citron – Citron cream, limoncello, meringue, and lime tequila sorbet

Eighth Course: La Degustation de Chocolats Valrhona – Caramelia and Dulcey Valrhona chocolate tasting

Ninth Course: Petit Fours Cart

By Jennifer Agress

Bulla Gastrobar - TOTN

This Friday, June 17, one of South Florida’s most raved-about charitable events, Taste of the Nation for No Kid Hungry, is back for its 28th year–and top chefs from the area are coming out to take part.

Hosted by Y100 radio celebrity, Froggy, and CBS4’s Emmy-nominated anchor Marybel Rodriguez, this annual event invites South Florida’s finest to taste and sip their way through more than 80 of the hottest restaurants, top chefs, sommeliers, and mixologists from Miami-Dade and Broward counties.

With general admission tickets priced at just $125 per person, guests of the evening will be able to pair their tasty bites and libations with fun-filled events like a silent auction, a mystery wine grab, an interactive Citi lounge with handcrafted cocktails, an LG Farm-to-Table Kitchen activation and “Urban Beer Garden,” and more. Those who want a more extravagant experience can purchase a VIP ticket for $250, which will get them in one hour before the crowds, as well as access to an exclusive after party even after the event has shut down.

Taking place at Wynwood’s Soho Studios {2136 Northwest First Avenue, Wynwood; 305.600.4785}, this premier culinary event is designed to fuse food and fun with a cause–raising money to further No Kid Hungry’s efforts to end childhood hunger in America by ensuring that kids start their day with a nutritious breakfast, and that families have the skills they need to shop and cook on a budget. This event will run from 7pm to 10pm, with special VIP attendees getting in at 6pm, and continue late in the night with an after party for VIP ticket-holders and chef participants at R House {2727 Northwest Second Avenue, Wynwood; 305.576.0201}, from 10:30pm to midnight.

So, who can South Florida’s foodies expect to see at Taste of the Nation? Only the best. Read below to see the full list of participants, and then purchase your tickets here.

Participants: 3030 Ocean, Afrohead Rum, Area 31, August Wine Group, Bakehouse, Barefoot Wine, Beaker & Gray, Biscayne Bay Brewing Company, BLT Prime, BOCCE, BOURBON Steak by Michael Mina, Brown-Forman, Bulla Gastrobar, Burlock Coast, Byblos, Chatham Imports Inc., Concrete Beach Brewery, CORSAIR Kitchen & Bar, DIRT, Disaronno International, E&J Gallo Winery, EDGE Steak & Bar, Fetzer, Finka Table & Tap, FIOL Prosecco, Folio Fine Wine, Fooq’s, Funky Buddha Brewery, Glass and Vine, Guarachi Wine Partners, Hatfield & McCoy, Haven Kitchen + Lounge, Hill Family Estate, Hiro Sake, Izzy’s Fish & Oyster, J Wakefield Brewing, Jackson Family Wines, JWB Prime Steak and Seafood by Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort, Kuro at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, KYU, Le Zoo, Louie Bossi’s Ristorante Bar & Pizzeria, Lure Fishbar, M.I.A. Beer Company, Macchialina, Matador Room & Market at EDITION, Meat Market, Nespresso, Nunshen, O’Neill Vintners & Distillers, Orvino Wine Imports, PB Station at The Langford Hotel, Pincho Factory, Preston’s Market at Loews Miami Beach Hotel, Proof Pizza & Pasta, Quality Meats, R House Wynwood, Red, the Steakhouse, Rhum Clément, Shake Shack, STK Miami Beach, StripSteak by Michael Mina, SUGARCANE raw bar grill, SUSHISAMBA, Susie’s Scrumptious Sweets, SuViche, TALDE Miami Beach, Temple Street Eatery, Testa Wines, The Café at Books & Books, Arsht Center, The Dutch Miami, The Fed, The Forge, The Salty Donut, The Sarsaparilla Club, The Social Club, Truluck’s Seafood, Steak & Crab House, Vineyard Brands, VOSS Artesian Water from Norway, Whisk Gourmet, Wild Sea Oyster Bar & Grille, Wynwood Brewing Company, Wynwood Kitchen and Bar, Zest / Ortanique on the Mile, Zuuk Mediterranean Kitchen.

By Jennifer Agress

Katsuya - Sushi

With Father’s Day just around the corner, everyone is gearing up for a day filled with brunch, bourbon, and a good, old-fashioned barbecue. But before we get there, there’s one other holiday Miami’s “foodies” are preparing their stomachs for: International Sushi Day. This Saturday, June 18, get your fill of fish from some of Miami’s best sushi spots–including our favorites below.

NaiYaRa

Everyone who’s anyone has tasted Chef Bee’s delectable Asian cuisine. This Saturday, head to his haute Sunset Harbor haunt, NaiYaRa {1854 Bay Road, Miami Beach; 786.275.6005}, for exotic sushi rolls inspired by the chef’s Thai background and his worldwide travels. Of course, since you’re in the Magic City, we recommend you try the “Miami Heat Roll”–it’s a combination of hamachi, jalapeño, kimchee, sour cream, black caviar, and yuzu soy.

Katsuya

Sitting in the stylish SLS Hotel on South Beach, there’s nothing like a sexy sushi dinner at Katsuya {1701 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.455.2995}. Led by Master Sushi Chef Katsuya Uechi, this namesake spot puts an American spin on traditional Japanese sushi and robata dishes. If you’re there on Saturday, try his signature “Special Katsuya Roll.” A unique fusion of tuna, yellowtail, salmon, scallop, crab, and avocado, this delicious roll comes wrapped in rice, soy paper, and cucumber, and served with a side of wasabi ponzu.

SOHO Bay

Drive over MacArthur Causeway from mainland Miami, and as you reach the beach, look to your left to find SOHO Bay {520 West Ave, Miami Beach; 786.618.2788}. The brainchild of Executive Chef Ricardo Sauri, who has worked everywhere from Nobu and Touch and Bloom, to NYC’s famous Lotus, this modern Japanese restaurant serves up innovative sushi and sashimi in a sexy, waterfront setting. Head there this Saturday and ask for one of its most inventive rolls–the Vegan Serori–which combines grilled zucchini, chives, shiitake mushrooms, cucumber, kampyo, bell pepper, and shiso, and tops it all with fried hearts of palm.

Kona Grill

If you live near Doral, there’s no place you’d rather be this Saturday than Dolphin Mall’s hottest new restaurant addition, Kona Grill {11401 Northwest 12th Street, Doral; 305.515.2633}. With its award-winning sushi program of lunch and dinner favorites–including tried-and-true favorites like the California Roll and Spicy Tuna Roll, and more exotic options, like the Picasso Roll with spicy yellowtail and yuzu ponzu–Kona Grill is the place to ring in International Sushi Day right.
By Jennifer Agress

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Scarpetta - Signature Spaghetti

A Magic City staple since 1954, the Fontainebleau Miami Beach has been impressing A-list guests with its timeless glamour, celebrity parties, iconic nightlife, and award-winning restaurants for decades. And to celebrate summer, one such restaurant, Scarpetta {4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 877.326.7412}, is kicking-off the season with some new menu items sure to impress.

Named for the Italian expression that means “little shoe”–or the shape bread takes when used to soak up those last few bites in your most delicious dish–Scarpetta embodies the essence of savoring a meal to the very last bite. And when you consider the restaurant is the brainchild of celebrity chef Scott Conant, you have to ask yourself: Would you go and do anything less?

Head to Scarpetta this summer, and be sure to look out for these hot new menu items:

Primi piatti (small plates)

Crispy Fritto Misto with seafood, vegetables, herbs, and lemon

Paste (pasta dishes)

Ricotta Raviolini with sweet corn, hazelnuts, and honshimeji mushrooms

Squid Ink Tagliolini with seafood ragu, lemon, and parsley

Pici with Maine lobster, tomatoes, and tarragon

Piatta, or entrées

Fennel Dusted Black Cod with concentrated tomato, fennel, and mantecato

Roasted Branzino with artichoke, sea beans, anchovy, and tomato dressing

Pancetta Wrapped Atlantic Halibut with cauliflower, asparagus, Barolo grapes, and hazelnut

Herb Crumbed Lamb Loin with fresh chickpeas, fennel, and semi-dried tomatoes

Contorni, or side dishes

Roasted Corn with piquillo, scallion, Parmesan, and breadcrumbs

Marble Potatoes with guanciale and herb crumbs

Seared Wild Mushrooms with lemon and herbs

And of course, new menu items or not, don’t forget some of Conant’s signature dishes, like his Spaghetti with tomato and basil and Creamy Polenta with fricassee of truffled mushrooms. Those alone are worth a visit.

By Jennifer Agress