Who’s ready to get a little UGLY? This Friday, December 16, don your worst fashions for a good cause at the first-annual “Ugly Sweater Party” at Pizza & Burger by Michael Mina {4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.674.4636}. And you’ll want to get into it, too—the person with the most creative ugly sweater will win a one-day pool experience in an Ultra or Arkadia Cabana for up to ten guests, a bottle of tequila for their pool party, and as if that’s not enough, a $300 dinner credit at Pizza & Burger.

As the newest addition to the Fontainebleau family, Pizza & Burger by Michael Mina is award-winning chef Michael Mina’s version of a backyard bash. With its impressive, made-from-scratch pizzas and burgers—like The Surf pizza with butter poached lobster, chanterelle, cauliflower, and truffle; or the classic MM74 with a dry-aged steak burger, double-smoked bacon, American cheese sauce, and a special “secret sauce”—as well as hearty snacks, mouthwatering craft cocktails, lively vibes, good music, and fun games, this Fontainebleau hotspot is the perfect place to hangout, nosh, and drink with good family and friends. 

During this Friday’s event, party-goers will get food and drink specials, and $1 from every beer on tap purchased will benefit the Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Foundation. And that aside, the real excitement of the evening will be choosing the winner. Who’s doing the honors, you ask? None other than NBC6 reporter Kelly Blanco, Brickell Living Editor-in-Chief Amber Love Bond, and your very own DiningOut Miami Editor, Jennifer Agress.

Come out this Friday, December 16, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., and support a good cause, good food, your DiningOut Miami team, and of course, a good time. 

Happy dining!

By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor

Jack Frost Happy Hour at the Conrad Miami

Here is this week’s Miami food news:

Jack Frost Happy Hour
From now until December 30th, head to the Bar at LvL 25 at Conrad Miami {1395 Brickell Avenue, Brickell; 305.503.6500}, and experience what we’re sure will be Miami’s only “snowfall” this Christmas. Taking place from 4 – 7 p.m. on weekdays, this hotel hangout invites you come sit in igloos, eat appetizers out of personal snowglobes, sip on holiday-inspired cocktails, and every 30 minutes, stand under a snowfall—an indoor snowfall, that is.  

EDGE’s 5 YEAR Anniversary Celebration
EDGE Steak & Bar is turning five, and this Friday, December 9th, the restaurant wants you to come and celebrate the occasion. Taking place at EDGE itself, from 6:30 to 9 p.m., this event will feature drinks and bites from the restaurant’s closest friends: Taquiza Miami, Ghee Indian Kitchen, Izzy’s Fish & Oyster, PINCH, J. Wakefield Brewing, and The Tank Brewing Co., as well as a pop-up punch bowl station by Chat Chow TV and a whiskey hot chocolate bar by Exquisito Fine Chocolates.

Centro Storico Opens in South Beach
Owned by famed Atlanta restaurateur Giovanni Di Palma, Centro Storico is finally opening on Miami Beach this week—giving the Magic City it’s own mini Italian Food District. Open seven days a week, from 7 a.m. to late night, Centro Storico boasts various stations with made-to-order pizza, Neapolitan cuisine, an intimate cocktail lounge and a “pasticceria” with homemade gelatos, espressos and fresh Italian pastries. Can’t wait to try it? Head there today! Centro Storico is located at 1058 Collins Avenue.

Arjun Waney Presents: DÔA
Arjun Waney, the mastermind behind haute Miami restaurants Coya and Zuma, now has a new spot on Miami Beach that fuses the flavors of both: DÔA. Serving what Waney calls “LatAsian” cuisine—a mix of Nikkei and Chifa, the Asian-influenced cuisine born in Latin  America—this restaurant is essentially an Asian Cantina concept. With a name that serves as the Japanese word for “door,” the team behind DÔA believes that the new concept is a gateway to incredible food, drinks, fantastic service, and an electric ambiance. Now open to the public, go there for shared seafood plates and signature robata grill dishes with a Nikkei, Chifa and Peruvian flair, like ceviches, makis, skewers, steamed buns, Dim Sum, “hot pots,” and more.  

Brasserie Azur Launches “Latin Nights”
Head to Brasserie Azur {3252 NE 1st Avenue, Midtown; 786.800.9993} this Friday, December 9th, and experience the debut of its new Friday night event, “Latin Nights.” During this weekly event, guests can indulge in Latin-inspired dishes, dance to beats by sexy DJ Yez, and get two-for-one drink specials on select exotic mixed cocktails.

Happy dining!

By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor

R House

Starting tomorrow, it’s time for Basel-hopping! When checking out Art Basel and all of its satellite fairs this year, make sure you take a minute to refuel with a hot cup of coffee, a delicious lunch, and of course, a cocktail or two. Don’t know where to go? Read our fair-by-fair guide below–we’ve mapped out all the best places.

Art Basel + Design Miami
For a little fuel to start your day, grab a quick cup of coffee at PAUL, on Lincoln Road, or hop over to the brand new Bakehouse Brasserie for all-day breakfast and brunch. When it’s time for lunch, indulge in French cuisine at Paris 6. Enjoy a dinner of Gnocchi Al Pomodoro Con Mozzarella Di Bufala or Penne All’ Arrabbiata at Quattro Gastronomia Italiana, and follow it all up with a glass of wine or a martini at Segafredo.

SCOPE Miami Beach
Start your day with a Pumpkin Almond smoothie and Avocado Toast from Chef Nicole Votano’s DIRT, and then go to Joe’s Stone Crab for its famous ½ Fried Chicken lunch. For dinner, order The Betsy Crab Cakes, Short Rib Bao Buns, or one of many certified Black Angus steaks at Chef Laurent Tourondel’s LT Steak & Seafood, located in The Betsy Hotel. Grab a glass of wine at Cibo Wine Bar, in South of Fifth, and end your day as relaxed as you started it.

PULSE Miami Beach
When at nearby PULSE, make your day a Fontainebleau day! Grab a quick cup of coffee and a pastry at Chez Bon Bon, and for some fresh air after a morning indoors, indulge in a poolside lunch at La Cote. If it’s raining, head inside for haute dim sum at Hakkasan, and for dinner, order an organic Market Salad or The MM74, a dry-aged steak burger with double-smoked bacon, American cheese Sauce and a special “secret sauce” from Pizza & Burger: Michael’s Backyard Kitchen. Craving an after-diner drink? Belly up to the Bleau Bar.

ART Miami + CONTEXT Miami
Before you wander through countless art exhibits, start your day with a quick cup of coffee, fresh juice, or a pastry at Angelina’s Coffee & Juice. When you need that midday break, grab pizza at Spris Artisan Pizza, or perhaps a charcuterie and cheese plate at Salumeria 104. For dinner, order oysters and other fresh seafood at Midtown Oyster Bar, and follow it up with a haute martini at Brasserie Azur.

Spectrum Miami + Red Dot Miami
Enjoy a full breakfast at Wynwood Cafe or Wynwood Diner, then go to Ironside Pizza for classic Neopolitan pizzas like Margherita, Formaggi, or the Diavola with 
salami, “pepperoncino” oil tomato, and mozzarella fiordilatte. GK Bistronomie has different kinds of ceviche and tasty seafood and meat plates, like Seafood Chaufa or Duck with arborio rice, peppers, and cilantro mascarpone cheese. Another option for dinner or drinks is R House, where you can get everything from braised short ribs with a coffee-chili powder rub and jalapeño scalloped potatoes, to the restaurant’s R Signature Infused Martinis, made with fruit-infused vodka, house made sour mix, and triple sec.

Happy dining!

By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor

PAO by Paul Qui

Here are some one-time-only food events you can get excited about during Art Basel Miami this week:

L’Eden by Perrier-Jouët: An Enchanted Experience
On Tuesday, November 29, the over-the-top Casa Faena will host a very special, invite-only Perrier-Jouët party for Miami’s hottest Basel-goers. This invite-only party will run from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Iconic Basel Sagamore Brunch
This Saturday, December 3, the Sagamore Hotel will host their annual Saturday Brunch. At this haute affair, guests can enjoy live music and art, performances by famed pianist, Ji, live poetry, and of course, a delicious brunch. This invite-only brunch will run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Golden Cristal Ube Donut Shop
Donuts, anyone? NYC donut shop, Manila Social Club, is in town for the week, and they’re bringing their famous Golden Cristal Ube Donuts. Priced at $100 per donut or $1,000 for a dozen, these treats are made with Ube, a naturally purple sweet yam found in the Philippines, as well as Ube mousse, Cristal gelée, Cristal icing, 24K gold dust and a hand-gilded 24K gold leaf. Pre-order your 24K Golden Crystal Ube Donuts here, and schedule a pick up between December 1 and December 5 at the shop’s pop-up location. The pop-up shop is located at the new CCool Rudilf Budja art gallery in Miami Beach, at 1330 18th Street.

Night Market at PAO by Paul Qui
From Wednesday, November 30 to Saturday, December 3, PAO by Paul Qui {3201 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 786.655.5600} will host an illuminated indoor-outdoor experience called Night Market at PAO by Paul Qui. Inspired by electrifying night markets in Southeast Asia, this event will feature nightly changing collaborative 4-course menus between James Beard Award-winning Chef Paul Qui and other notable chefs: like Edward Lee of 610 Magnolia, Chef Christopher Haatuft of Lysverket in Norway, and Erik Bruner-Yang of Washington D.C.’s Toki Underground. Each course will be paired with a Bombay Sapphire cocktail, created by the brand’s North American Brand Ambassador, Gary Hayward, and Faena’s own mixologist, Marko Tomovic. Tickets for this event are priced at $175 per person, per dinner.

The EDITION Presents: A Little Bird Told Me
Running from Wednesday, November 30 to Saturday, December 3, this Elyx pop-up will give attendees an interactive cocktail experience set in a faux Nordic jungle. Taking place at The Miami Beach EDITION {2901 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 786.257.4500}, guests can expect a 45-minute cocktail tasting, all paired with Nordic cuisine. This pop-up will be open from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., this Wednesday through Saturday. Reservations are required, and can be made through the hotel itself.

Michelle Bernstein’s Garden Cafe Pop-Up Returns to Basel
Every year, Michelle Bernstein does something for Basel — and this year, she’s bringing back her ever-popular Garden Café. Located at the Miami Beach Botanical Garden, this pop-up will run from November 28 to December 4, and will serve a range of sandwiches, salads, pastries and more. This pop-up will be located at 2000 Convention Center Drive.

Get $100 Waffles at #GOLDBASEL
WaffleWaffle is known for its twist on traditional Liege-style Belgian waffles, and during this year’s Miami Art Week, it’s giving us a taste of $100 golden waffles. Buy these golden treats and the brand’s original waffles at #GOLDBASEL, a gold-themed event taking place this Friday, December 2. This event starts at 7 p.m., and will take place at 2916 North Miami Avenue. Tickets start at $25 per person and can be bought here.

Art Escape Dinner at Coya
This Saturday, December 3, pair delicious Peruvian cuisine with a little art, as NYC artist Flore sets up his gallery right in the heart of Coya {999 Brickell Avenue, Brickell; 305.415.9990}. This evening includes a tour of the gallery by the artist, plus a three-course dinner. The tour starts at 6 p.m. and the dinner seating is at 8 p.m. Reservations are required.

Happy dining!

By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor

Lunch at DIRT

If you’re still in a Thanksgiving food coma, that means you did Thanksgiving 2016 right. But now that the feast is over, what do you eat?

While Thanksgiving leftovers are hands down the best thing to eat after this food-centric holiday, we understand if your body is in need of something a little lighter. For a light lunch guaranteed to get your holiday season diet back on track, order these tantalizing dishes from the hot Miami restaurants listed below. Bonus: every dish is as satisfying as your T-giving leftovers, with the added satisfaction of not having to clean it all up. Enjoy!

DIRT {232 5th Street, Miami Beach; , Florida; 305.763.8548}

What to order: DIRT Autumn Plate
What’s in it: Caramelized Brussels sprouts, roasted sweet potato-banana mash, shaved vegetables, and pomegranate molasses, all topped with your choice free-range grilled lemongrass chicken, lentils, chickpeas, eggs or egg whites, butcher’s cut steak, or smoky fish salad
Price: $16

La Côte {4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.674.4710}

What to order: Roasted Mahi Sandwich
What’s in it: Roasted mahi-mahi and saffron aioli on a marinated tomato Viennese roll
Price: $20

Glass & Vine {2820 McFarlane Road, Coconut Grove; 305.200.5268}

What to order: Shrimp ‘Al Ajillo’
What’s in it: Shrimp “Al Ajillo” with red pepper romesco, a parsley salad, and olive oil toast
Price: $14

Oishi Thai {14841 Biscayne Boulevard, North Miami; 305.947.4338}

What to order: Daimyo Maki Roll
What’s in it: A large roll of tuna, Hamachi, salmon, scallion, avocado, asparagus, and I/O masago, topped with sesame seeds
Price: $12.50 

Paris 6 Bistro {2200 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.363.6806}

What to order: Grande Salade de Salmon Sauvuage et Fruits Grillés
What’s in it: Sesame-crusted wild salmon served over a bed of mixed greens and paired with pineapple, tomato, hearts of palm, and mango; all dressed with a homemade honey and olive oil vinaigrette
Price: $21

Seaspice {422 NW North River Drive, Miami; 305.440.4200}

What to order: Market Fish Sandwich
What’s in it: Local catch, tarragon remoulade, cucumber slaw, and butter lettuce on a ciabatta loaf; served with a salad
Price: Market Price

Happy dining!

By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor

Brunch at Bagatelle Miami

At this time of year, we all like to take a moment to think about what we’re really thankful for. And while the list could go on and on, we’ll start with one thing we all can appreciate—brunch.

Here are four Miami brunches we’re thankful for this holiday season:

Matador Terrace at the Matador Room: Designed by Michelin Star Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten and “Top Chef” winner and Executive Chef Jeremy Ford, guests of the Matador Room {2901 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 786.257.4600} can delight in a new alfresco weekend brunch on the restaurant’s terrace. Known for its modern spin on a Latin menu—one with Spanish, Caribbean and South American influences—this restaurant will offer savory brunch items just perfect for the season. On the menu, expect to find local dishes like coconut pancakes with lavender maple syrup, and the Matador Breakfast with Huevos Rancheros made of farm egg, fresh corn tortilla, and fire roasted salsa, to name a few. Bottomless Bloody Mary’s, bellinis, and mimosas are also available, as are sangria concoctions, like the Red Apple Tempranillo with Laird’s Applejack Brandy lemon, apple, and hibiscus. This brunch will take place every Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

STK Miami: Located in the ME Miami hotel, Miami’s own fine dining, high-energy restaurant and lounge, STK Miami, is launching an à la carte brunch just in time for Art Basel. Order whatever you want from the STK menu, and pair it with bottomless mimosas and Belvedere Bloody Mary’s for just $21.99 or bottomless Veuve Cliquot mimosas for $50. Add in its beautiful Magic City views and live DJs, and you’re in for quite a treat. Kicking off December 4, this brunch will take place every Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Bagatelle Miami: This brunch has been around for over a year now, but we love it so much that it’s still on our list of favorites. Led by famed Chef Matthieu Godard, Bagatelle Miami {220 21st Street, Miami Beach; 305.704.3900} doesn’t just serve brunch—it throws weekly over-the-top themed brunch parties. While you munch on signature favorites like Smoked Fish Rosti, Buttermilk Pancakes with caramelized bananas, or ice cream sundaes topped with sparklers, expect live DJs, dancing and costumed bartenders, and $10,000 Magnums and Jeroboams of Champagne. This brunch takes place every Sunday from Noon to 6 p.m.

Quinto La Huella: Brickell City Centre is the hot new thing to come to Miami this fall, and with its opening, came a hot new South American restaurant. The first-ever outpost of the award-winning beachfront concept Parador La Huella, which is located in Uruguay, “Quinto” boasts a unique fire cooking  method, a parrilla in the heart of its kitchen, wood fire ovens fueled with local red and white  oak, and a sushi  counter highlighting Florida’s coastal cuisine. Adding to its allure, this hotspot just launched a Sunday brunch buffet with great food, good music and of course, good vibes, proving yet again that it’s one place you definitely want to be. 

Happy dining!

By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor