Sunset Harbour locals and Miamians alike are raving about NaiYaRa {1854 Bay Road, Miami Beach; 786.275.6005}, and for good reason. Led by the famed Chef Bee, this retro-contemporary spot has become wildly popular for its bevy of Thai-meets-Japanese cuisine.

Next time you’re at NaiYaRa, be on the lookout for these new menu items:

• Dumpling Soup with chicken wonton, bean sprouts, snow peas, white pepper, crisp garlic, and cilantro ($8)
• Vegan Stir Fry made with wheat noodles, cabbage, bok choi, cauliflower, mushrooms, garlic chives, and bahmi sau sauce ($18)
• Stone Crab served with watermelon, Asian pear, tomatoes, mint, and lemongrass aioli ($18)
• E11even on Lenox with mixed tuna, yellowtail, salmon, cucumber, and spicy mayonnaise, topped with tempura flakes ($20)
• Boot Camp Burn with marinated steak, spicy Thai siracha, chimichurri, asparagus, tuna, yellowtail, salmon, and yuzu lemon ($25)

Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor

Happy Thanksgiving!

Here are all of the food events in Miami you can get excited about this week:

Bakehouse Brasserie Opens This Week
The newest Menin Hospitality concept, Bakehouse Brasserie, is finally here! Opening Wednesday, November 23^rd, this all-day brunch spot in South of Fifth will serve signature items like Stuffed Croissant French Toast, house-made Gravlox Benedict and the Royale with cheese and certified organic grass-fed Angus beef, Escargot Puffs, Crawfish Beignets, and Steak Frites served four ways.

Happy Thanksgiving!
It’s Thanksgiving week – meaning we all need a little taste of turkey. Don’t want to cook? Make a reservation at one of Miami’s top restaurants. For last-minute ideas, checkout our Thanksgiving restaurant suggestions here.

StripSteak by Michael Mina Wants to Help You “Break Even”
Now at StripSteak by Michael Mina {4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 877.326.7412}, guests can head to the bar area and enjoy a limited edition spirit at the restaurant’s “break-even price.” Highlighting one bottle at a time until it runs out, StripSteak by Michael Mina is currently selling 1oz pours for just $3.55. This deal is limited to one 1oz pour per customer, per visit.

New 10-Course Tasting Menu at The Sarsaparilla Club
Offering a culinary tour of their greatest hits, Chefs Jeff McInnis and Janine Booth, of The Sarsaparilla Club, have created a 10-course tasting menu of their top American Dim Sum and unique entrées. On the menu, guests will find dishes like Braised Short Rib Dumplings, Pork Belly Steamed Buns, Drunken Deviled Eggs, Carrot & Beet Tartare, Beet & Goat Cheese Dumplings, Heirloom Tomato Toast, Mushroom & Onion Sticky Buns, Corn 4 Ways and more. This 10-course tasting menu is priced at $39, and cocktails, wines, and draft beer pairings are also available for $20.

Try Mark Soyka’s New Café Roval
Mark Soyka is a leading restaurateur in Miami, and lucky for us, he’s opened a new restaurant in beautiful Morningside. Now occupying a charming coral rock house, Café Roval {5808 NE 4th Court, Morningside; 786.953.7850} boasts an intimate ambiance, one marked by tall cathedral ceilings, warmly lit chandeliers, vintage posters, and jazz music always playing in the background. Book a table inside or on the two-story patio, overlooking lush gardens and sparkling lagoons, and order from Chef Nuno’s farm-to-table menu. Try the Yellowfin Tuna Crudo with toast, quail yolk, red onion, capers, tempura crisp, and ponzu dressing; Caviar Service of Kaluga and Hackleback with blini, crème fraiche, eggs, chives, red onion, and capers; or the Grass-Fed Filet Mignon Skewers with tri-color fingerling potatoes, Romanesco, confit Cipollini, and tarragon mustard. Top it all off with sparkling wine, and consider your night fabulous.

Happy dining!

By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor

Pumpkin Agnolotti at db Bistro Moderne

Don’t know where to celebrate Thanksgiving this year? Head to some of Miami’s top restaurants for a Thanksgiving feast like you’ve never had before.

Quattro Gastronomia Italiana: This Thanksgiving, opt for an Italian spread at Quattro Gastronomia Italiana {1014 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach; 305.531.4833}, right on Lincoln Road. Start with antipasti like Crema di Zucca, or pumpkin soup with Mascarpone mousse, and follow it up with a savory main — like Braised Turkey Breast stuffed with focaccia, ground beef, ricotta cheese, and pistachio. For a sweet ending, go for the Torta di Noci Pecan. It’s a butter pecan pie topped with a heaping scoop of sweet vanilla ice cream.

Paris 6: Paris 6 {2200 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.363.6806}, Miami’s own 24-hour French bistro, is celebrating its first Thanksgiving, and it wants you to celebrate with them! Make your reservation for Thanksgiving Day, and be the first to taste some of the restaurant’s signature dishes that have yet to debut, like the Gnocchi de Brie et Crevettes a “Bruno Gissoni.” Perfect for a cozy fall holiday, Paris 6 features a beautiful decor, French trimmings and an intimate ambiance, making it the ideal setting for a quiet “getaway” with your closest family and friends.

Seaspice: This Thanksgiving, head to Seaspice {422 NW North River Drive, Miami; 305.440.4200}, one of the Miami River’s hottest restaurants and lounges, for a luxe fall feast. In addition to special dishes on the menu—like the fall-inspired Autumn Soup, Turkey Roulade and Molten Dulce de Leche Cake—Seaspice’s beloved a la carte menu will also be available for guests to order from.

Palme D’Or: Looking for a haute holiday celebration? Look no further than Palme D’Or {1200 Anastasia Avenue, Coral Gables; 305.913.3200}. Priced at $125+ per person, this five-course tasting menu includes Chef Gregory Pugin’s indulgent French cuisine, like smoked salmon with potatoes and Osetra Caviar, Poached Alaska King Crab with cauliflower and curry sauce, and Seared Alaskan Black Cod. For the cherry on top of it all, order a dessert that’s perfect for the fall season. The La Noix de Peccan, creamy pecan pie topped with vanilla pumpkin ice cream, is just that dish.

Fontana at the Biltmore: For an Italian option in mainland Miami, The Biltmore Hotel’s Fontana {1200 Anastasia Avenue, Coral Gables; 305.913.3200} is offering an $85 four-course meal befitting a lavish Thanksgiving. Start with dishes like Burratina with porcini, fresh figs, chestnut honey, Italian San Daniele prosciutto, and Spanish Iberico ham, and move on to a haute twist on Italian classics, like Veal Tortellini in fontina cheese fondue. Of course, a more traditional Thanksgiving dish is on the menu, so guests craving turkey can order the herb-marinated, slow-roasted organic turkey with sweet potato soufflé, sausage stuffing wrapped in savory cabbage, French beans, cranberry sauce, and pan gravy. And because no celebration is complete without dessert, Fontana has plenty to choose from. Get in the fall spirit with the Torta di Ricotta e Zucca, Crema alla Canella e Semi Tostati, which tops a pumpkin cheesecake with cinnamon Chantilly and toasted pumpkin seed.

Vagabond Kitchen and Bar: Head to Vagabond Kitchen and Bar {7301 Biscayne Boulevard, MiMo; 786.409.5635}, on November 24, and for just $45 per person, you can enjoy Chef Roberto Dubois’ prix-fixe Thanksgiving dinner. Start with butternut squash soup with crispy bacon and goat cheese, and move on to dishes like seared diver scallops with sweet potato purée and roasted almonds, and deep-fried turkey breast with dark meat confit and traditional stuffing. Pair these mains with sides like rose petal baby carrots with crispy shallots and bacon and Brussels sprouts with cranberries and butternut squash, and follow it all with either pumpkin cheesecake or pecan pie. It’ll be a Thanksgiving feast in MiMo like you’ve never had before.

Azul: This Thanksgiving, reserve your spot at Azul for a taste of Chef Benjamin Murray’s four-course prix-fixe menu. In line with the flavors of the season, guests can expect fall favorites like Sweet Potato Ravioli with roasted chestnut, pedro ximenez, and brown butter, and a confit fried turkey leg. This meal is priced at $105 per adult and $70 per child age 12 and under.

La Mar by Gastón Acurio: For a Peruvian twist on this American holiday, go to La Mar by Gastón Acurio {500 Brickell Key Drive, Brickell; 305.913.8358} for Executive Chef Diego Oka’s inventive cuisine. In addition to its a la carte menu, this Peruvian staple will offer four special dishes for just $32 each, like Arroz con Pato with cilantro rice, pan seared duck breast, kobocha squash, criolla, avocado, and seco sauce. 

StripSteak by Michael Mina: The brainchild of celebrity chef and restaurateur Michael Mina, acclaimed modern American steakhouse, StripSteak by Michael Mina {4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 877.326.7412}, is serving a Thanksgiving dinner fit for its A-list guests. Priced at $75 per person, this family-style feast includes haricot vert salad with frisée, smoked bacon, truffle sherry vinaigrette, crispy shallots, and Fuji apple; a traditional slow-roasted and apricot-raisin stuffed turkey leg; and sides like mashed potatoes, glazed carrots, fennel sausage stuffing, Brussels sprouts, and giblet gravy. For dessert, indulge in a chocolate pecan tart with vanilla ice cream. Reservations are required, and are available between 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day.

db Bistro Moderne: On November 24, go to db Bistro Moderne {255 Biscayne Boulevard Way, Downtown Miami; 305.421.8800}, in the JW Marriott Marquis, for a lavish holiday feast. Highlighting Executive Chef Clark Bowen and Chef Pâtisserie Saeko Nemoto’s twist on local flavors, this menu lets guests choose from both a la carte and prix-fixe options. From the a la carte menu, choose between oysters, Red Alaskan King Crab, shrimp cocktail, charcuterie and artisanal cheese boards, and sides designed to share, like cranberry chutney and whipped sweet potatoes. On the prix-fixe menu, you’ll find seasonal dishes like pumpkin agnolotti with chestnuts, sage, and Brussels sprouts; pumpkin soup with caramelized apple and spiced crème fraîche; and for something more traditional, a roasted Thanksgiving Turkey with chestnut dressing, cranberry chutney Brussels sprouts, whipped sweet potato, and gravy. To keep the party going the next day, Chef Clark will even send you home with a complimentary turkey sandwich to go. The prix-fixe menu is priced at $65 per person, and a kids menu is also available for $35 per child.

Jaya at The Setai: This Thanksgiving, Jaya at The Setai {2001 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 855.923.7899} will host both a brunch and a dinner. Taking place from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., the Thanksgiving Brunch with include traditional options like turkey, ham and a roasted honey glaze leg of lamb, coupled with Jaya’s famous Chinese Dim Sum menu, Indonesian Beef Rendang and Traditional Pad Thai. Come back later that night, from 7 p.m. – 10:30 p.m., and guests can get a four-course dinner that puts an Asian-inspired twist on your typical American Thanksgiving. Jaya at The Setai’s Thanksgiving Brunch is priced at $125 per person and $63 per child, and dinner is priced at $125 per person and $63 per child.

LT Steak & Seafood: Sitting right in the heart of Ocean Drive, The Betsy Hotel is an Art Deco staple. This Thanksgiving, its in-house restaurant, LT Steak & Seafood, is offering a three-course, prix-fixe dinner for just $80. Choose from options like Roasted Pumpkin Soup with hazelnut whipped cream, Joyce Farms Roasted Turkey with a turkey leg roulade, Sweet Potato Mash with crispy shiitake, Cornbread Chorizo Stuffing, Spiced Pumpkin Flan, and Dark Rum Pecan Pie.

Paris 6: Celebrating its first Thanksgiving, head to this 24-hour French Bistro to get a first taste of the restaurant’s yet-to-be-debuted signature dishes, like Gnocchi de Brie et Crevettes a “Bruno Gissoni.” Equal parts cozy and beautiful, Paris 6 {2200 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.363.6806} is the perfect “getaway” spot for those wishing to celebrate in Miami, in a not-so-Miami setting.

Seaspice: Head to Seaspice {422 NW North River Drive, Miami; 305.440.4200}, on the Miami River, for an indulgent thanksgiving-inspired feast. Order from the restaurant’s popular a la carte menu, or opt for a few Thanksgiving-only specials: like Autumn Soup, Turkey Roulade and Molten Dulce de Leche Cake, to name a few.

Happy dining!

By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor

Complimentary miniature pizzas at La Moderna

The best work days end with happy hour, and here in Miami, we have plenty of great ones to choose from. With so many options for happy hour, however, it’s hard to know exactly where to go. 

Read below for our favorite happy hour deals in the Magic City—we promise they’re as delicious as they are fun.

La Moderna: La Moderna {1874 Bay Road, Miami Beach; 786.717.7274}, Sunset Harbour’s own Italian restaurant and craft cocktail lounge, has come up with a Happy Hour bites menu that’s guaranteed to take patrons on a culinary tour of Italy. All happy hour drinks, like a chocolate negroni or Aperol spritz, come with two complimentary mini pizzas. Other bites on the menu include: Rissoto Porcini, Stracciatella and Salmon, miniature pizzas like Pizza Margherita and Pizza Fiori Di Zucca, and more. This happy hour is available from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday.

The Bar @ LvL25 at Conrad Miami: Taking place Monday through Friday, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., The Bar @ LvL25 {1395 Brickell Avenue, Brickell; 305.503.6500} hosts a happy hour with 50% off all drinks and bar bites. On the menu, guests will find $7 well drinks, $5 domestic beers, $6 and $7 wines by the glass, and food like Avocado Fries, Hummus, Chicken Drumettes, and Tomato, Mozzarella, and Arugula Flatbread.

The Bar @ LvL25

El Gran Inka: If you live in Aventura, look no further than El Gran Inka {3155 NE 163 Street, Aventura; 305.940.4910}. Its “Crazy Happy Hour” takes place all day, Sunday through Friday, and is available at the bar or on the terrazza only. This happy hour includes 50% off all house cocktails and domestic beers, as well as $7 and $8 bites like Ceviche, Smoked Salmon Ravioli, a Tapas Sampler, and Pork Belly Buns.

StripSteak by Michael Mina: For a masculine twist on traditional happy hour, head to StripSteak by Michael Mina {4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 877.326.7412} for its weekly Cigar Social. Taking place every Thursday, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., this terrace event raises the bar by pairing two Zafra rum beverages with a hand-selected Oliva Cigar. It is priced at $25+ per person.

Pisco Y Nazca: During “Hora Loca” happy hour at Pisco Y Nazca {8405 Mills Drive #260, Kendall; 305.630.3844}, guests can indulge in $6 cocktails and half-off wine and beer. Sangria pitchers are also available, and pair well with the menu’s Hora Loca bar bites—like Que Bestia Sliders, Cueritos, Jaleita, and Chupetín de Pollo, or chicken lollipops with chi jau kai sauce and napa cabbage.

Happy dining!

By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor

Visa O1

In Miami, holiday season isn’t just a time to celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas—it’s also time for Art Basel. And with all the chaos that comes with this art-focused, party-all-night week, art lovers and foodies alike will need a place to rest and refuel with good food and drink.

Spread across Wynwood, Miami Beach, and even parts of Brickell and Downtown, here are all of our favorite places to grab a bite to eat during Art Week Miami:

Visa O1: What is still regarded as the best pizza joint in South Beach—or if we’re being honest, all of Miami—now has a hot new location in Brickell. Having opened its metropolitan Miami location earlier this fall, Visa O1 {1000 South Miami Avenue, Miami; 786.332.6868} is a cozy Italian pizzeria that serves thin-crusted pizzas topped with only the freshest ingredients. While the menu includes traditional pies like Margherita, guests can order more creative versions: like a Nutella dessert pizza; the Federica with San Marzano sauce, mozzarella, ham, artichokes, fresh mushrooms, and black olives; or the star-shaped Star Luca, which is topped with flavorful, spicy salami.

Wynwood Kitchen & Bar: A perfect watering hole during Art Basel, Wynwood Kitchen & Bar {2550 NW 2nd Avenue, Wynwood; 305.722.8959} is a hub for good food, good drinks, and beautiful art. While you munch on delectable dishes — like Ropa Vieja Empanadas, the WKB Hamburguesita, Queso Fundido, or Roasted Cauliflower with Applewood smoked bacon — look around. The bar is covered with red and black graphics by artist Shepard Fairey, while paintings by Christian Awe, Os Gêmeos, and Kenny Scharf adorn the main room. Adding to its artistic allure, Wynwood Kitchen & Bar actually sits on the edge of Wynwood Walls, so after you eat, feel free to explore them.

GK Bistronomie: Also in Wynwood, GK Bistronomie {218 NW 25th Street, Wynwood; 786.477.5151} serves up a creative menu of globally-inspired Peruvian cuisine. Perfect for a haute meal before you venture out to the week’s events, head to GK Bistronomie for a Pisco cocktail, like the Cocosour, and flavorful plates like foie gras empanadas, Maine lobster carpaccio, grilled octopus, black grouper, cornish hen, or anticuchos. The latter tops boiled potatoes and spicy huancaína sauce — a Peruvian blend of cheese, ají amarillo pepper, saltines, milk, and garlic — with hearty pieces of Black Angus skirt steak, chimichurri, and cilantro.

Ironside Pizza: Pizza is always a good idea. Brought to you by the team behind Toscana Divino, Little River District’s Ironside Pizza {7580 NE 4th Court, Miami; 305.902.5153} serves thick, bubbling Napoli pizza pies that can only be eaten with a fork and knife. While the thin-crusted Margherita is always a good option, the Quattro Stagioni — topped with with tomatoes, fiordilatte, salami, mushrooms, ham, artichokes, and olives — and the Diavola, which has tomato, fiordilatte, salami, and pepperoncini oil, cannot be beat.

Market at EDITION: The South Beach version of a traditional Spanish boquería, Market at EDITION {2901 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 786.257.4600} is made up of various food stations, including a raw bar, a cheese and charcuterie station, a dessert area, and the hot station with a built-in pizza oven. Started by celebrity chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, this casual-meets-trendy spot is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Order a glass of wine from the extensive wine list, and pair it with plates like Butternut Soup with oyster mushrooms, Florida Red Snapper Ceviche, Prosciutto and Gruyere Pizza, Parmesan Crusted Organic Chicken, Crunchy Polenta Nuggets, Fresh Corn Pudding, and more. When you’re done, head downstairs to Basement at EDITION — as one of the hottest hangouts in Miami, it always hosts the best Basel parties in town.

Coya: Sitting right on Brickell Avenue, Coya {999 Brickell Avenue, Brickell; 305.415.9990} puts a modern, upscale spin on traditional Peruvian cuisine. Helmed by Executive Chef Sanjay Dwivedi, this raved-about spot has a menu that includes Ensalada de Maiz with Josper corn, crispy corn, sweet corn, and red chillies; Arroz Nikkei with Chilean sea bass, rice, lime, and chili; and Causa Tradicional with Josper octopus, Yukon gold potato, and Botija olive purée. Considering it’s one of Miami’s most exclusive restaurants, go there for dinner and get a much-deserved respite from Art Basel’s craziness.

Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor

Crispy Apple Confit at db Bistro Moderne

Fall is here! And while the leaves might not be changing here in Miami, the Magic City’s top restaurant menus definitely are.

At Daniel Boulud’s Miami outpost, db Bistro Moderne {255 Biscayne Boulevard Way, Downtown Miami; 305.421.8800}, Executive Chef Clark Bowen and Chef Pâtisserie Saeko Nemoto have launched brand new dinner, dessert, and cocktail menus inspired by the flavors of the season. And because we know your taste buds are already excited, here’s a sneak peek of what you can expect:

Seasonal dishes from Chef Clark Bowen

Mushroom Arancini with smoked mozzarella
Roasted Beets with pears, walnuts, and blue cheese
Quail Ballotine with foie gras, porcinis, and sweet potatoes
Pumpkin Agnolotti with chestnuts, sage, and Brussels sprouts
Diver Scallops with fall succotash, parsley, and bacon jus
Lamb Cavatelli with Pecorino, tomatoes, and braising jus
Grouper Moqueca with coconut, Fregola, and hearts of palm
Pork Loin with mofongo, crispy pig ears, and black beans

Seasonal desserts from Chef Pâtisserie Saeko Nemoto

Crispy Apple Confit with phyllo, apricot jam, brown sugar crumble, and Granny Smith apple sorbet
Arroz con Leche with rice pudding, caramelized bananas, roasted pecans, and dulce de leche ice cream

Seasonal Cocktails from the DB Bar Team

Pomegranate Caipirinha: Leblon Cachaça, pomegranate seeds, and lime
Polynesian Punch: AFROHEAD Briland 07 Rum, Kalamansi, and ginger
Lemon Grove: Ketel Citroen, long peppercorns, and limoncello
Pins and Needles: Bourbon, Barolo Chinato, and Stone Pine Liquor

Slushy Drinks

Frosé: Rosé wine, Lillet Blanc, and Lillet Rouge
Autumn Chill: Bourbon, apple cider, and chai tea

Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor

Sunday Brunch at Zest

Here are all of the food events in Miami you can get excited about this week:

Nikki Beach Hosts 28th-Annual Festival of Chefs
On Wednesday, November 9 at 6:30 p.m., Nikki Beach will host the “28th Annual Festival of Chefs” presented by Easter Seals South Florida. This event will feature top chefs from more than 26 South Florida restaurants—like Chef Nicole Votano of DIRT, Chef Rocco Carulli of R House, and Chef Pedro Lopez of Soyka Restaurant & Bar—all of whom will offer samples of their best dishes. This event will feature a silent auction with fine art, jewelry, fabulous wines, and getaways. All proceeds from the Festival of Chefs will benefit Easter Seals South Florida’s Culinary Arts High School, a vocational training program for students, ages 14 to 22, with autism and other disabilities. General Admission is $125 per person beforehand, $100 per person online (with a PROMO code), or $150 per person at the door.

Fooq’s & Friends Presents “OLLA” by Chef Scott Linquist
Scott Linquist, of COYO Taco, is opening his much-anticipated modern Mexican concept, OLLA (pronounced “oi-ya”), this weekend. And to get a first bite of all the delicious food diners can expect, head to Fooq’s & Friends on Wednesday, November 9, for an inspired Mexican feast like you’ve never had in Miami before. Start with an amuse of Island Creek Oysters, and move on to four distinctly different preparations of mole and a dessert of Pistachio Crepes and spiced Mexican coffee, Café de Olla. Each seating is priced at $60 per person, and for an additional $35, you can pair each course with wine and cocktails, like sangrita verde and a shot of Illegal Mezcal Joven. Reservations are recommended, and can be made between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. by calling 786.536.2749.

Zest Brings Back Sunday Brunch
This Sunday, November 13, Chef Cindy Hutson’s latest restaurant, Zest, will bring back its popular Sunday brunch. Priced at $45 per person, this four-course menu features menu items like a Huevos Rancheros Skillet with chorizo potato hash or Stuffed French Toast with almond orange cream cheese. Get bottomless bellini’s, Bloody Mary’s and mojitos for just $25, or order from an a la carte menu just for kids. Reservations for brunch are recommended, and can be made between 11:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. every Sunday.

9th-Annual “Taste of Design” Returns on Saturday, November 12
This Saturday, November 12, Miami’s Design and  Architecture Senior High (DASH) welcomes back its annual fundraising event, “Taste of Design.” This year’s edition is themed “Dare to be DASHing” and will feature a silent auction, music, art, and food from celebrated Miami chefs. Guests can enjoy food from renowned Chef Dewey Lossaso of Bill Hansen Catering, eclectic cocktails from Southern Wine & Spirits, and tastings from Soyka, Crepe Maker, Divieto’s, and Enchanting Creations. Throughout the night, works from the school’s promising students, including visual art, industrial design, film, graphics and fashion, will be on display. This event will take place in the historic Moore Building from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m., and all proceeds will benefit DASH. 

Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor

DIRT

The Miami restaurant scene is changing, and by now, it’s safe to say that the Magic City has embraced a health-focused food culture with creative options for vegetarians and vegans alike. All this week, Miami has come together to celebrate that culture with the Seed Food & Wine Festival 2016, presented by Whole Foods, the premier celebration of plant-based food and wine in the nation. With so many events having already taken over Wynwood and Miami Beach – like a plant-based burger battle and a meditation- and workshop-focused “Seed Summit” at Nobu Hotel Eden Roc and Eden Roc Miami Beach Resort, to a kick-off dinner at 27 Restaurant and Bar – there’s still so much to come this weekend.

Here are more events you can look forward to from the Seed Food & Wine Festival 2016 through Sunday:

• “Best of the West Dinner” (November 4, 2016): This four-course wine-pairing dinner is prepared by three top West Coast chefs and will take place at The Palms Hotel and Spa from 7:30 – 10:30 p.m. Tickets cost $125 each.
• “Best of the East Dinner” (November 4, 2016): This four-course wine-pairing dinner is prepared by three top East Coast chefs and will take place at The Sacred Space Miami from 7:30 – 10:30 p.m. Tickets cost $125 each.
• Seed 5K Fun Run, Yoga and Meditation (November 5, 2016): Wake up and go for a run with celebrity athletes like Rich Roll, Ella Magers, Dominick Thompson, Marco Borges, Nicole Mejia, and John Lewis. After that, relax with a downward dog (or five!) and meditation in a class led by Dawn B, Paige Held, Kelly Green, and Chira Cassel. This event is free and open to the public, and will take place at MANA Wynwood from 8 – 10:30 a.m.
• Seed Festival Day Tasting Village (November 5, 2016): The undeniable main event of this plant-food-focused week, this is an all-day sampling of plant-based health, wellness conscious, and sustainable foods. There is a beer garden, live music, and Chef Demonstrations, as well as a Speaker Stage, yoga lounge, fitness zone, crafts, apparel, edible garden demonstrations, an organic cruelty-free beauty bar, and more than 80 restaurants, bakeries, brands, wines, spirits, and juice brands sampling delicious plant-based treats all day. The tasting village runs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at MANA Wynwood. Tickets are $20 for kids, $45 for General Admission, and $85 for VIP entrance, which gets you in one hour early.
• Made in Miami Farm-to-Table Dinner (November 5, 2016): During this anticipated event, some of Miami’s best chefs will come together to whip up plant-based dishes that highlight local organic farms in South Florida. Lookout for dishes from Nicole Votano (Dirt), Brad Kilgore (Alter), Brian Nasajon (Beaker & Gray), Cesar Zapata (The Fed/Phuc Yea), and Blair Wilson (Surfcomber Social Club), and enjoy five courses paired with local craft cocktails and organic wines from Cerda, Llanos y Cia. This event will take place at the Surfcomber from 7:30 – 10:30 p.m. Tickets cost $145 each.
• Mantra Yoga + Meditation + Brunch (November 6, 2016): Wake up and celebrate mindfulness with a yoga class led by Eoin Finn and Yana Guseva, followed by guided meditation led by Jennifer Grace. Then, enjoy a delicious, plant-based brunch by A-list chefs like Allen Susser, Amber Antonelli, Scott Winegard, Steve Santana, Dewey Losasso, and Max Santiago. Adding to its allure, every dish is paired with refreshing juices, cocktails, and bellinis. This event will take place at The Sacred Space from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Tickets cost $55 each.

It is important to note that all food served during the festival is plant-based or vegan, and whenever possible, organic and non-GMO certified. Tickets for all of the different events range from FREE to $559 per person, and can be reserved here.

Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor

Fonduta Tartufata con Crostini at Quattro Gastronomia Italiana

It’s fall, and for foodies all over the world, that only means one thing: truffle season. To get you in the truffle spirit, Miami’s own Quattro Gastronomia Italiana {1014 Lincoln Road, South Beach; 305.531.4833} is introducing a limited-time-only a la carte menu flavored with Alba’s coveted white truffles. Available now through the end of December, these tasty and aromatic dishes are sure to give Magic City diners a taste of Italy like they’ve never had before.

Here is what you can expect on Quattro Gastronomia Italiana’s delicious truffle menu:

ANTIPASTI
Fonduta Tartufata con Crostini ($40): Fontina cheese fondue with poached egg yolk and toasted Biova croutons

Tartare Di Filetto All’Albese ($45): Tartar of Filet Mignon with artichoke salad and crispy Parmigiano Reggiano

PRIMI PIATTI
Tagliolini Delle Langhe Al Burro Montato ($85): “Langhe” Tagliolini in an Italian butter sauce

Risotto con Toma Ossolana ($85): Risotto with Piemontese Toma cheese

SECONDI PIATTI
Scaloppina  Di Vitello ($95): Veal scaloppini in a truffle wine sauce with spinach flan and truffle shoestring fries

Robespierre Di Filetto Con Porcini ($95): Thinly-sliced beef tenderloin with sautéed porcini mushrooms 

Antipasti dishes come with two grams of Alba white truffles shaved on top, while Primi and Secondi Piatti dishes come with three grams. Additional white truffle shavings are available at market price.

Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor

Cocktails at Segafredo L’Originale

Here are five restaurants we just can’t get enough of right now:

The River Seafood & Oyster Bar: The brainchild of Chef David Bracha, The River Seafood & Oyster Bar {650 South Miami Avenue, Brickell; 305.530.1915} first opened in 2003, and has been a staple in Miami ever since. Using only local seafood, farmers, and vendors, The River Seafood & Oyster Bar puts a modern twist on classic seafood cuisine. Go for its prime Brickell location and extensive wine list, but stay for the top-shelf oysters, daily happy hour, and Smoked cocktail with High West Campfire, Zignum Mezcal, agave, and orange bitters.

Pisco y Nazca Ceviche Gastrobar: Peru is known for its food, and here in Miami, we can get the best of it at Pisco y Nazca Ceviche Gastrobar {8551 NW 53rd Street, Doral; 786.805.4344}. Opened by the same team behind Coral Gables’ Bulla Gastrobar, Pisco y Nazca—which is named after two Peruvian cities known for their production of pisco—serves up traditional Peruvian fare with an innovative twist. When you’re there, pair a Proper Rum & Coke with options like Passion Fruit Ceviche, Mushroom Empanadas, a Que Bestia burger, or a Plancha Pulpo with potato cakes and chimichurri. Whatever you choose, it’s guaranteed to be delicious.

R House: In an artsy haven like Wynwood, R House {2727 NW 2nd Avenue, Wynwood; 305.576.0201} fuses art with food. Part restaurant, part lounge, and part art space, R House is an intimate restaurant with an exhibition kitchen, an outdoor terrace, and a lounge with rotating DJs and live music. If you’re there for dinner, indulge in the Braised Lamb Shank with a porcini mushroom-coriander-cinnamon rub, Israeli couscous, arugula pesto, glazed baby carrots, and a port wine reduction. If it’s brunch you crave, go to the Sunday Sauce Brunch Party at R House, where for just $60, you’ll get unlimited brunch appetizers, one main entree, and bottomless mimosas, “Bye Joe” sangrias, and more.

Segafredo L’Originale: An Italian café by day, and a sexy lounge by night, Segafredo L’Originale {1040 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach; 305.673.0047} is always a good place to be. Go there for trendy DJs and beautiful people-watching, and stay for the long menu of espresso drinks, tapas, wine, cocktails, pizza, and more.

Berries in the Grove: Located in Coconut Grove, Berries in the Grove {2884 SW 27th Avenue, Coconut Grove; 305.448.2111} is a hip, friendly café filled with hanging lanterns, a tree planted in the center of the dining room, and Bohemian vibes. Start your feast with large appetizers like the Brie & Fruit Plate or the thinly-seared Tuna Tataki, and move on to Pumpkin Ravioli, Firenze Pizza, Rio de Janeiro Panini, and the Chocolate Pizza with Nutella and frozen yogurt. At Berries, nothing disappoints!

Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor