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Home / 2016 (Page 15)

7:22 am
Restaurant Features
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Scarpetta at Fontainebleau

This Wednesday, February 10 at 8pm, Fontainebleau’s signature Italian restaurant Scarpetta {4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 877.326.7412} will host the next edition of the popular Cellar 1954 Wine & Dinner Series, which pairs the cuisine of the hotel’s award-winning restaurants with some of the most prestigious wines and winemakers.

This week, diners will enjoy a decadent five-course meal prepared by Scarpetta’s new Chef de Cuisine Neil O’Connell complemented by wines from Napa Valley winery Odette Estate and its sister wineries Cade and PlumpJack, presented by winemaker Jeff Owens.

Menu items include a trio of canapés—Roast Chicken Arancini, Hamachi Crudo, and Crispy Polenta—followed by Caramelized Veal Sweetbread, Truffle Raviolini, and Herb-Crumbed Loin of Lamb, topped off with a Walnut Financier for dessert.

Cost is $225 per person. Reservations are required and can be made by clicking here.

—Sherri Balefsky | Miami Editor

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6:40 am
Restaurant Features
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In just a few weeks (February 24-28), the 15th-annual South Beach Wine & Food Festival, one of the most anticipated foodie events of the year, will welcome thousands of visitors, culinary personalities, chefs, celebrities, and more to Miami for five full days of food and wine fun. With over 75 special events, parties, dinners, cooking demonstrations, and more, it’s hard to decide which events you may want to attend. Here are five signature events you need to know about:

Giada de Laurentiis

1. Barilla’s Italian Bites on the Beach hosted by Giada De Laurentiis
When: Thursday, February 25, 6:15-10pm
Where: PMG North Venue (Beachside at Delano)
Tickets: $150
What: Join Emmy Award-winning Food Network personality, best-selling author, and restaurateur Giada De Laurentiis on a culinary tour of authentic Italian fare as she hosts 30 of the nation’s best chefs serving up dishes originating from various regions of Italy. Expect delicious samples from Massimo Giannattasio of Cibo Wine Bar, Loris Navone of Tamarina Restaurants; Michael Pirolo of Macchialina; Todd Zimmer of Prime One Twelve and Prime Italian, and many, many more.

Amstel Light Burger Bash Presented By Schweid & Sons Hosted By Rachael Ray - 2015 Food Network & Cooking Channel South Beach Wine & Food Festival

2. Amstel Light Burger Bash hosted by Rachael Ray
When: Friday, February 26, 7:30-10:30pm
Where: PMG North Venue (Beachside at The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach)
Tickets: $250
What: Don’t miss out on celebrating the 10th anniversary of one of SOBEFEST’s most anticipated events: the Amstel Light Burger Bash. Presented by Schweid & Sons and hosted by TV personality Rachael Ray, this year’s event will bring together the country’s leading burger maestros to compete for top honors in front of an esteemed panel of judges—David Burtka, Neil Patrick Harris, Natalie Morales, George Motz, and Marcus Samuelsson—who will decide which chef will receive the coveted Very Best Burger Award. Attendees can also cast their vote for the Amstel Light People’s Choice Award.

Fontainebleau Miami Beach Presents Wine Spectator's Best Of The Best Sponsored By Bank Of America And Merrill Lynch - 2015 Food Network & Cooking Channel South Beach Wine & Food

3. Wine Spectator’s Best of the Best
When: Friday, February 26, 7:30-10:30pm
Where: Fontainebleau Miami Beach
Tickets: $350
What: Nearly 60 acclaimed chefs gather at the iconic Fontainebleau hotel to showcase their most gourmet samplings, which are paired with over 100 wines rated 90 points or higher on Wine Spectator’s scale. Only proprietors and winemakers from each winery are invited to pour their top varietals, so you can hear about how the world’s greatest vino makes it from their vineyards to your glass. Notable chefs featured include Scott Conant of Scarpetta; Jeremy Ford of Matador Room; Benjamin Murray of Azul and Diego Oka of La Mar by Gastón Acurio, both at the Mandarin Oriental, Miami; Gregory Pugin of Palme D’Or at the Biltmore Hotel; Laurent Tourondel of BLT Steak; and Mark Zeitouni of Lido Restaurant at the Standard Spa, Miami Beach.

Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino's Meatopia: The Q Revolution Presented By Creekstone Farms Hosted By Guy Fieri Curated By Josh Ozersky - 2015 Food Network & Cooking Channel South Beach Wine & Food Festival

4. Meatopia hosted by Michael Symon
When: Saturday, February 27, 7-10pm
Where: PMG North Venue (Beachside at Delano)
Tickets: $250
What: Meatopia, presented by Creekstone Farms, was the brainchild by the late carnivorous visionary Josh Ozersky, a James Beard Award-winning food writer and longtime friend of the festival. For its second edition, the event will feature from more than 25 of the country’s greatest chefs to cook their best meat dishes low and slow over open fires, using only wood or charcoal as a base. The King of Carnivores, Michael Symon, will host this marquee affair as guests enjoy a live musical performance by Gregg Allman while sipping on cold beer and an array of brown spirits.

KitchenAid® Culinary Demonstrations - STAGES/BOOK SIGNINGS - 2015 Food Network & Cooking Channel South Beach Wine & Food Festival

5 . Goya Foods Grand Tasting Village
When: Saturday, February 27 and Sunday, February 28, noon-5pm
Where: Grand Tasting Village (13th Street and Ocean Drive)
Tickets: $225 per day
What: Last, but not least, the all-day tasting extravaganzas—a culmination of SOBEFEST’s participating chefs, restaurants, beverage sponsors, and more under the MasterCard Grand Tasting Tents on the sand. In addition to sampling bold cuisine, stylish wines, and creative spirits, witness KitchenAid culinary demonstrations, your favorite cooking personalities competing on the culinary demo stages, and even a new interactive trivia game hosted by Guy Fieri. Pace yourself as you stroll through a never-ending celebration of the senses. And for the fourth year, guests will be able to vote for their favorite dishes and decide which restaurant will win the Miami New Times’ Best Bite on the Beach Award.

Don’t forget, there are dozens of other events are taking place throughout the city during the festival, so be sure to visit sobefest.com for a complete list. We hope to see you there!

—Sherri Balefsky | Miami Editor

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9:38 am
Restaurant Features
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Azul Chirashi Don Izakaya Nights

“Chirashi Don”

Starting this Thursday, February 4, Azul at Mandarin Oriental, Miami {500 Brickell Key Drive, Brickell; 305.913.8358} will be celebrating the Japanese roots of its chef, Benjamin Murray, with a new series called “Izakaya Nights.”

Every Thursday through March 31, Chef Murray will offer a special menu inspired by the shareable cuisine found at traditional Izakaya restaurants in Japan, complemented by a full selection of cocktails featuring Asian spirits and ingredients.

The weekly rotating menu will fuse Japanese fare with Murray’s contemporary techniques. Highlights include Gyoza Dumplings with short rib, miso, shrimp, scallion, and togarashi; Branzino served with kabocha squash, kalamansi, eggplant katsu, and shiso, a Japanese mint-like herb; Chirashi Don, a Japanese rice bowl served with yellowfin tuna, avocado, sushi rice, furikake, and ponzu; and Croquettes of Okinawa Sweet Potato, which are lightly fried and served with piquant “Bulldog Sauce.” A dessert sampler will include Japanese-style Cotton Cheesecake, Wolfberry Coconut Mochi, and Green Tea Ice Cream Sandwiches.

Azul’s “Izakaya Nights” menu is $55 per person, exclusive of tax and gratuity. Includes four shareable plates plus dessert. Themed cocktails and sake pairings are available for $30 (two cocktails) or $25 for sake.

—Sherri Balefsky | Miami Editor

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12:21 pm
Restaurant Features
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Valentine’s Day is less than two weeks away. Do you know where you’re spending it? Below, we offer the most complete roundup of V-Day offerings Miami has to offer. Here’s how to spend Valentine’s Day in Miami.

Downtown and Brickell

Valentine's Day in Miami

Atrio’s Raspberry Mille-Feuille

Atrio Restaurant & Wine Room {Conrad Miami, 1395 Brickell Avenue, Brickell; 305.503.6529}
Spoil your sweetheart with a three-course meal with choices such as Poached Oysters and Beef Tenderloin, and decadent Raspberry Mille-Feuille, all with a side of skyline backdrop from 25 stories up. Price is $65 per person; includes one glass of prosecco and complimentary valet parking.

Azul {Mandarin Oriental, Miami, 500 Brickell Key Drive, Brickell; 305.913.8358}
A five-course meal will be served Feb. 12-14 for $350 per couple. Includes bottle of Piper-Heidsieck Champagne, a box of handmade chocolates, and a rose petal decorated table. Menu items include Yellowfin Tuna, Whipped Foie Gras, Sea Scallops, Hibiscus Braised Short Rib, and a Couples Dessert.

Scampi al forno

Langoustine Scampi al Forno from Cipriani

Cipriani {465 Brickell Avenue, Brickell; 786.329.4090}
Celebrate V-Day Cipriani-style with an authentic three-course Italian dinner for $95 per person. Includes signature welcome Bellini; choice of appetizer; choice of entrée from Gnocchi al Pomodoro, Roasted Rack of Veal, or Langoustine Scampi al Forno; and choice of dessert. Click here for full menu.

db Bistro Moderne {255 Biscayne Boulevard Way, Downtown; 305.421.8800}
February 13-14, Daniel Boulud’s French bistro is offering a four-course menu for $155 per person, featuring choice of Peekytoe Crab Salad or Guinea Hen Terrine, followed by Black Truffle Risotto and your choice of a Duo of Beef or Butter-Poached Lobster. Sommelier Alan Feldman will offer wine selections to highlight the dishes. Click here for full menu.

La Mar by Gastón Acurio {Mandarin Oriental, Miami, 500 Brickell Key Drive, Brickell; 305.913.8358}
A trio of special dishes will be available 11:30am-11pm February 12-13 and 6-11pm February 14. Also on V-Day, indulge in a Peruvian-style brunch with cebiches, specialty entrées, and decadent desserts, plus unlimited Champagne and brunch cocktails for $85 per person.

Seaspice valentines

Seaspice’s Seafood Carnival

Seaspice {422 Northwest North River Drive, Miami; 305.440.4200}
Enjoy the Seafood Carnival, market priced from $600-$750, which includes two two-pound lobsters, eight jumbo prawns, 24 oysters, Alaskan king crab, Florida stone crab, tuna sashimi, salmon sashimi, hamachi sashimi, salmon coconut ceviche, and 2oz Sevruga caviar. Tip: Ask for Table 85, a dimly lit riverside table overlooking the downtown skyline.

Tamarina {600 Brickell Avenue, Brickell; 305.579.1888}
February 12-14, enjoy the chef’s special tasting menu for $180 per couple. On February 13, there will be a free open-air movie, “The Book of Life,” at the Brickell World Plaza, where Tamarina will be serving Valentine’s sweets and gelato. On Sunday, the restaurant hosts its “Lovers Brunch,” featuring a live jazz band performing in the plaza.

The Trapiche Room {JW Marriott Miami, 1109 Brickell Avenue, Brickell; 305.329.3500}
Share a romantic dining experience with a four-course menu for $80 per person (or $105 per person with featured wine pairings). Includes amuse bouche, Chef’s Creek Oyster, and entrée selection of Chocolate-Dusted Prime Filet or Coho Salmon. Click here for full menu.

Miami Beach

Bagatelle {221 21st Street, Miami Beach; 305.704.3900}
Order the $185 Le Sobe, which includes 16 market oysters, half an Alaskan king crab, stone crab claws, one Maine lobster, eight littleneck clams, 12 mussels, 12 shrimps, seafood ceviche, yellowfin tuna tartare, and Scottish salmon tartare. Tip: Ask for Table 203, the restaurant’s most romantic table.

Bazi

Bazi Dining Room

Bazi {1200 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.695.010}
Chef Michael Pirolo is offering a five-course menu for $75 per person. Start with Dressed Oysters, followed by Sweet Potato Dumplings, Shrimp and Crab Udon, and a choice of Miso-Marinated Grouper or Grass-Fed NY Strip Steak. Cap off the evening with a Molten Chocolate Bowl with passionfruit and Thai basil anglaise.

BLT Steak {The Betsy-South Beach, 1440 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach; 305.673.0044}
February 12-14, BLT Steak is featuring a three-course menu for $70 per person, with enticing selections such as Royal Red Shrimp Ceviche, Seared Yellowfin Tuna, Meyer Lemon Quinoa Risotto, and Raspberry Chocolate Cake. Click here for full menu.

Café des Arts {22 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.534.2555}
South of Fifth’s new Mediterranean café will offer a $75 menu featuring Maine Lobster Salad; a choice of Dorade Fillet or Tender Wagyu; and choice of dessert. Also includes a Love Kiss Shot (a cold shot of red beet and gin) and glass of Piper-Heidsieck Champagne. Click here for full menu.

Cleo {The Redbury Hotel, 1776 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.534.2536}
Enjoy a prix-fixe menu for $85 per person featuring choice of dip (hummus with tahini, cucumbers and yogurt, labneh with feta, or baba ghanoush); classic items such as the Brussels Sprouts, Spicy Cigars, Grilled Branzino, and chef’s selection of gourmet desserts. Click here for full menu.

Miami Beach Edition

Movie under the stars at the Miami Beach EDITION

EDITION Miami Beach {2901 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 786.257.4600}
Spend a romantic evening under the stars while enjoying a picnic basket for two and watching “Casablanca.” Baskets are $100 and include cheese and charcuterie, freshly baked bread, tuna tartare, gourmet popcorn, house-baked cookies, and a bottle of rosé. Movie begins at 7pm.

Jaya {The Setai, 2001 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 855.923.7899}
The Setai’s new restaurant will offer two five-course menus, one February 12-13 for $98 per person, and one on February 14 for $125 per person. Wine pairings are available for an additional $110 per person. Ladies receive a complimentary glass of rosé and delectable macarons. Click here for Friday and Saturday menu; click here for Sunday menu.

Katsuya {1701 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.455.2995}
Take a culinary journey with Chef Jose Icardi’s special family-style menu, offered Feb. 13-14 for $85 per person. Menu items include Toro Tartare, Wagyu Foie, Whole Lobster, chef’s dessert selection, and a complimentary glass of Champagne. Click here for full menu.

Standard Valentine's Day drink

2 Hearts R Better Than 1 from the Standard

Lido Restaurant at The Standard {40 Island Avenue, Miami Beach; 786.425.0990}
Be sure to order Beverage Director Amy Demoga’s specialty Champagne cocktail, 2 Hearts R Better Than 1: Veuve Clicquot Rich over ice with red pepper hearts.

Macchialina {820 Alton Road, Miami Beach; 305.534.2124}
Miami Beach’s beloved rustic Italian eatery will offer a five-course menu for $75 per person featuring dishes such as Dressed Oysters, Yellowfin Tuna Crudo, Truffled Risotto, Veal Cheek Crepinette, and Molten Chocolate Cake.

Michael Mina 74 {Fontainebleau, 4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.674.4636}
Spoil your loved one at the Fontainebleau’s contemporary American bistro with a lavish four-course menu for $250 per couple (add wine pairings for an additional $100). The menu can also be served in a romantic private cabana for $500 per couple. Click here for full menu.

Quattro Gastronomia Italiana {1014 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach; 305.531.4833}
Lincoln Road’s upscale Northern Italian eatery is offering several à la carte dinner specials, including Tuna Carpaccio, Creamy Truffle Polenta, Gnocchi Pesto with Shrimp, and Rack of Lamb with beech mushroom sauce. Click here for full menu.

TiramesU {101 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.532.4538}
South of Fifth’s quaint Italian eatery is offering an à la carte dinner menu. “Each dish is meant to awaken passion, through your palette,” says Chef Fabrizio Pintus. A specialty cocktail appropriately named “Valentino” includes strawberries, basil, balsamic, and Effen vodka. Click here for full menu.

Coral Gables

The Biltmore {1200 Anastasia Avenue, Coral Gables; 305.445.8066 ext. 2373}
Let Executive Chef David Hackett personalize and prepare a custom menu for you within a private cabana nestled alongside the Biltmore’s world-famous pool. Four-course dinners start at $200 per person. Let the Biltmore Design Team enhance your cabana experience with flowers, live music, or special décor.

Bulla Cordonices

Bulla Cordonices con Rosas

Bulla Gastrobar {2500 Ponce de Leon Blvd, Coral Gables; 305.316.3631}
The Gables’ favorite gastrobar will offer a weekly à la carte Valentine’s-themed menu; highlights include Pargo a La Sal, Florida red snapper baked in salt; Codornices con Rosas, grilled semi-boneless quails; Carrilleras de Ternera Lechal, veal cheek fricassee; and Brazo Helado de Mango y Vainilla, Mango gelée roll filled with vanilla ice cream and yogurt.

Ortanique on the Mile {278 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables; 305.446.7710}
Chef Cindy Hutson will host a themed cooking class on February 13 from 11:30am-2:30pm for $108 per person. Dishes include: Hearts on Fire, steamed artichoke hearts, crisp greens in a pink peppercorn Caesar, and shaved Grana Padano; Sweet Cheeks, Niman Ranch braised pork cheeks and sweet corn polenta in a cherry chipotle agave glaze; and Making Whoopie, red velvet cookie cake filled with white chocolate cream cheese icing.

And Beyond

Hyde Beach Kitchen + Cocktails {111 South Surf Road, Hallandale; 954.699.0901}
From 11am-3pm, couples can revel in a $50 brunch buffet that includes dishes such as Fried Chicken and Waffles, Blueberry Pancakes, and thick-cut bacon topped off with $30 bottomless rosé. For dinner, there will be a $75 prix-fixe menu with plates such as the Pumpkin Brioche, Wasabi Tuna Tartare, Mushroom Gnocchi, and a selection of desserts. Click here for full menu.

Mortons valentines

Morton’s Valentine’s Day Surf ‘n’ Turf Special

Morton’s The Steakhouse {Locations in Brickell, Coral Gables, and North Miami Beach}
February 12-14, Morton’s is offering a taste of the good life by offering diners the chance to order a succulent steak AND a cold water lobster tail with drawn butter for only $55.

Riviera Focacceria Italiana {3252 Northeast Buena Vista Boulevard, Suite 110, Midtown; 786.220.6251}
For a quiet evening at home, order Riviera’s take-home basket for a Valentine’s dinner that you and your loved one can prepare together. Baskets are $45 and include Red Shrimp Ravioli with a creamy pink peppercorn sauce, chef’s choice of dessert, and a bottle of Syltbar Rosé.

Pisco y Nazca {The Palms at Town & Country, 8405 Mills Drive, Kendall; 305.630.3844}
Treat your love to a seat at the bar to share one of the special Valentine’s Day menu items. And don’t forget to order the Noche de Pasion cocktail, a mixture of Ron Cartavio Black, passionfruit purée, vanilla cinnamon syrup, lemon juice, Garnish black cherry, and sprinkled cinnamon.

—Sherri Balefsky | Miami Editor

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8:55 am
Restaurant Features
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Spris Pizza

This Friday, February 5, Spris Artisan Pizza’s Downtown location {200 South Biscayne Boulevard, Miami; 305.400.6667} is launching its new “Beat the Clock” deal with a special Piñata Pizza Party on the plaza of the Southeast Financial Center. The event will take place from 5-8pm and will benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

The happy hour celebration will include complimentary Peroni beer, food tastings, and a chance to “beat” the six-foot clock-shaped piñata to win $500 worth of gift certificates and more. A suggested donation of $20 will include full access to the event and a raffle ticket.

Offered weekdays from 5:30-7pm, Spris’s famous and patented Beat the Clock deal, where the price of a specific dish corresponds to the time it’s ordered (you order at 5:35pm, you pay $5.35), now has a new format with daily specials and more, plus half-off pitchers of beer and bottles of wine. New specials include:

Monday: Margherita Pizza
Tuesday: Prosciutto e Mozzarella
Wednesday: Diavola Pizzas
Thursday: Meatballs
Friday: Calamari Fritti

Spris’s unmatched pizzas are made with organic flour and olive oil imported from Italy. Specialty toppings like prosciutto are also imported from Italy.

Additional activities for Friday’s event include a live DJ, a photo contest, and a fun step and repeat with pizza and Italian props. Click here to register.

—Sherri Balefsky | Miami Editor

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12:30 pm
Restaurant Features
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Bazi Interior

On Friday, February 5, South Beach’s new modern Asian-inspired restaurant, Bazi {1200 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.695.0101}, will introduce its special Champagne and Caviar Happy Hour, which takes place in the bar and lounge on the first Friday of every month from 5-8pm.

Diners can treat themselves to high-quality caviars without breaking the bank. Examples include rich and savory varieties of Russian Black Osetra (two ounces for $100) and Golden Osetra (two ounces for $110). The indulgent caviar is served with a selection of delicacies, including Bazi’s housemade scallion pancakes, nori sabayon, red onion, grated egg whites, grated egg yolks, lime crème fraîche, corn fritters, and chives.

Liven up the evening with a complimentary shot of Buddha’s Hand Infused Vodka with every caviar order. You can also take advantage of Champagne specials or sample a craft cocktail such as the Xiao Qungxin Fashion (lemongrass-infused Bulleit bourbon with kalamansi honey and five-spice bitters). Cheers!

—Sherri Balefsky | Miami Editor

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12:22 pm
Restaurant Features
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Double rib steak for two quality meats

On Monday, February 1 at 7pm, Quality Meats Miami Beach {1501 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.340.3333} will host an exclusive dinner featuring the acclaimed wines of Napa Valley’s Paul Hobbs Winery. Guests will be joined by owner and winemaker Paul Hobbs himself, who has been named “Wine Personality of the Year” two times by leading U.S. wine critic Robert J. Parker and was dubbed the “Steve Jobs of Wine” by Forbes.

Quality Meats Chef de Cuisine Patrick Rebholz has created a very special menu for the evening designed to pair perfectly with Hobbs’ stellar 90 point plus vintages:

To Start
Assorted QM Canapés: Caviar Cones, Black Truffle Croquettes, Foie Gras Mousse, House-Cured Slab Bacon Peanut Butter and Jelly, and Iberico Ham Station

First Course
Fruit de Mer: Assortment of raw, smoked, and fried seafood

Second Course
Charcuterie Bouquets: House-cured salamis, terrines, and hams

Third Course
Bacon-Braised Long Bone Short Ribs

Fourth Course
Artisanal Cheeses

The dinner is priced at $165 per person, including tax and gratuity. Seating is limited and reservations are required. Email [email protected] to make your reservation today.

—Sherri Balefsky | Miami Editor

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1:48 pm
Restaurant Features
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A lot of changes are happening in Brickell, where seemingly a new skyscraper or real estate project is sprouting up daily. But rest assured, there’s one local favorite that’s not being engulfed by the construction chaos: The River Seafood & Oyster Bar {650 South Miami Avenue, Brickell; 305.530.1915}.

Since 2003, The River has been welcoming Brickell residents and nearby office workers with its laid-back, no-fuss ambience, outrageous happy hour, and fresh-from-the-sea menu options. It almost seemed inevitable that the restaurant would have to close due to the construction of the massive Brickell City Centre, the same project that forced Miami’s oldest bar, Tobacco Road, to shutter in late-2014. Instead, The River used the time to give itself a facelift, expanding its bar area and adding a new oyster-shucking station featuring its already-famous daily selection of oysters from around the country.

River Oyster

Tuna Poke

DiningOut recently had the chance to check out the updated digs, and we couldn’t have been more impressed. The place was hopping as usual, especially around the bar area and the new communal table. And the food tasted better than ever. For our appetizers, we tried the Tuna Poke, the Grilled Octopus, and the Thai Barbecued Ribs. Everything served was fresh from the kitchen, perfectly cooked and presented with extra attention to detail.

River Oyster

Grilled Octopus

For our main courses, we split the NY Strip Steak, served on a piping hot plate (a great option for non-seafood fans), and the extremely delicate Snapper Fillet, a highlight of the evening.

river oyster

Snapper Fillet

The River is already known for having a reasonably priced menu, and now, it has stepped up its game on Tuesdays with its $20 Lobster Night. Now, you can treat yourself to five lobster dish specials for only $20 each. Choose from Lobster-Foie Gras Spring Rolls; Lobster Udon Noodles with pork belly and spicy crab-lobster broth; rich Pappardelle and Lobster; the classic Lobster Bun with crème fraîche and lemon on a brioche bun; or the savory Lobster Bake in parchment paper with artichokes, cream, and corn.

lobster river oyster

Lobster Udon Noodles

And more good news! Although we encourage you to check out the restaurant’s updated interior, The River has now partnered with GrubHub to offer delivery for both lunch and dinner. Simply place your order online or through the GrubHub app and within one hour, you’ll have your pick of The River favorites.

—Sherri Balefsky | Miami Editor

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2:21 pm
Culinary Personalities
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Katsuya Chef Jose Icardi

Those in-the-know understand that when it comes to fresh and innovative sushi, very few places compare to Katsuya {1701 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.455.2995}. And now, the South Beach location of the SBE group restaurant is spicing things up by adding some brand-new dishes to its already popular menu that won’t disappoint. DiningOut recently had the chance to interview Katsuya’s Executive Chef Jose Icardi to discuss the new items, his background, and how Miami reflects the menu as a whole.

1. Tell us about your background. Where are you originally from and how did you end up in Miami?
I grew up in the Ramos Mejía neighborhood of Buenos Aires, Argentina. I moved to Spain in 1997 after graduating from culinary school to work and learn from the rich Spanish food culture. After a year of living abroad, I decided Miami would be an amazing place to live. I came here in 1998 and immediately fell in love with the city!

2. What was your experience with food like growing up? What made you decide to be a chef?
I grew up in a big family and almost every night of the week, my dad was cooking a great asado, which is an Argentine barbecue, or we were visiting friends and family for a party or dinner. Even though I moved out of the city and studied to be a lifeguard on the coast of Argentina, I found myself attracted to the amazing food culture we have in the country and I decided to go to culinary school to sharpen my skills.

3. How did you end up working with SBE, specifically Katsuya?
I was working with Starr Restaurants and Chef Makoto Okuwa in Bal Harbour for about five years when I decided to take a leave of absence to be with my family in Buenos Aires. When I returned to the States, SBE and Katsuya reached out to me to lead their kitchen operations. I was more than happy to become part of such a great team.

4. How does the menu at the South Beach location differ from other Katsuya locations?
The Katsuyas all differ to an extent. We like to incorporate the flavors of Latin America and Miami into the menu, which gives us a unique edge. One of my favorite dishes is our Katsuya Ceviche, which is popular throughout Latin America. Our version is an Asian fusion with a fresh yuzu citrus ponzu and a dash of truffle oil.

5. Does Miami itself play a part when creating menu items, selecting ingredients, etc.?
It definitely does! We have beautiful weather year-round, which makes it ideal to promote locally grown and farm-to-table ingredients. We are very lucky to buy both locally sourced fish, produce, and meat, such as the natural Wagyu beef from Jackman Farms in Central Florida. We also to buy directly from Tsukiji Fish Market in Japan.

katsuya Chicken karaage

6. Tell us about some of the newer menu items. How do these items reflect Katsuya as an evolving culinary destination?
We strive to maintain a balance between classic and contemporary cuisine, and one example of that is our Salmon Tartare with paddlefish caviar. We use salmon rather than a traditional whitefish and drizzle it in ponzu with crispy salmon skin for texture and a dash of caviar on top. Another favorite of mine is our Chicken Karaage [pictured above], which is cooked low and slow with aromatics and served on top of a cold potato salad with Key limes. We like to keep our menu new and fresh, so that even if you have visited our location or any other Katsuya before, it will always be a unique experience.

7. What is a must-try for first-timers?
For first timers—even those who do not eat sushi—our menu is perfect because it is so diverse. While we pride ourselves on having high-quality and creative sushi, sashimi, and maki, Katsuya also has my favorite, the Robata Grill. Everything there is tapas-style, so it’s great for sharing and really embodies the izakaya dining experience of Japan. I recommend trying the Wagyu Filet and Foie Gras, or the grilled Maitake Mushrooms.

8. What can we expect in the future for Katsuya?
Our most important goal is to continue to offer consistent, yet creative dishes that will reflect the high standard that we hold for ourselves. We want to be ever-evolving as well, so we like to have weekly additions to the menu based on the seasons.

9. What local or celebrity chefs do you admire?
I admire Chef Susur Lee; not only is he a great friend, but he is talented and creative. I’d love for him to visit Miami more often so we could collaborate.

10. Do you have a favorite food or food guilty pleasure?
I really stick to my roots and try make everyone in my house happy. On the weekends, I’m always cooking up an asado dinner just as if we were back in Argentina. I bring back all my favorite spices and rubs from Argentina for the meat, and I make a lot of the same recipes my dad taught me when I was a kid. It’s a win-win situation!

—Sherri Balefsky | Miami Editor

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4:30 am
Restaurant Features
0

tamarina brunch

When it comes to Sunday brunch, we’ve always struggled to find a place that can please everyone. Until Now.

Tamarina {600 Brickell Avenue, Brickell; 305.579.1888}, a little slice of Italy in the heart of Brickell that’s known for its authentic Italian and Mediterranean dishes, fresh ingredients, and exceptional crudo bar, recently introduced its Sunday brunch, a carefully planned buffet experience that, no matter your dining companions, is sure to satisfy.

When we say buffet, we hope you’re not picturing a cruise ship-style smorgasbord of endless gluttony. Tamarina’s buffet is more in the style of a royal banquet, featuring the best of the best breakfast and lunch offerings designed to wow your senses—and taste buds. This is sophisticated brunching, but without the fussiness.

tamarina brunch

Everything on offer has been prepared that day, with chefs on hand waiting to replenish the second supply looks low.

tamarina brunch

Start off at the eggs and waffle station, where you can choose your own fresh ingredients to have an omelette prepared the way you like or have your waffle iron-pressed on the spot, served with powdered sugar, maple syrup, and your choice of berries.

tamarina brunch

Next, make your way to the opposite end of the dining room for Italian station, featuring a salad bar with garden-fresh leafy greens and veggies, an assortment of fresh-from-the-oven breads, and a selection of artisanal charcuterie meats and cheeses.

tamarina brunch

Be sure to leave room on your plate for more of the main event: dozens of seafood delicacies like freshly shucked oysters, tuna tartare, cured salmon, and more. There’s also a carving station and standard breakfast meats like bacon and sausage. Oh, and let’s not forget the “Pasta a la Minute”: two types of homemade pasta prepared to order upon request. (The day we dined, the pastas were two types of ravioli, both equally satisfying.)

tamarina brunch

At the center of it all is the decadent dessert table, featuring mounds of pastries, from scones to muffins to croissants to brownie-type concoctions of chocolaty goodness and Italian staples such as tiramisù and panna cotta. But the highlight here was hands-down the bomboloni, traditional Italian doughnuts filled with Nutella and topped with powdered sugar.

tamarina

Don’t worry if you can’t fit everything on your plate at once. You can revisit the buffet as many times as you’d like. Friendly servers are on-hand to take your drink orders and to make sure that  your water and said drinks are adequately replenished. For just $35 per person, have your choice of bottomless bubbles (whether in the form of Champagne or mimosas or Bellinis, both mixed with homemade Italian sorbet of juice—addictively refreshing).

tamarina brunch

Bloody Marys are also a specialty, as is the sangría, which is served in a 1-1/2-liter punch bowl. Cold-pressed juices and coffee drinks are also available à la carte.

Brunch can be enjoyed in the dining room or on the covered patio (our recommendation), where large tables and comfy couches make for a nice alfresco lounge space. This is also where the band, the French Horn Collective, a five-man folk/jazz ensemble, serenades guests with catchy acoustic tunes that are sung mostly in French.

So Sit back. Relax. Listen. Indulge. Savor. Imbibe. This is Sunday brunch is everything you could ever want—and much, much more.

—Sherri Balefsky | Miami Editor

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