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dolce-italian-pasta

Located inside The Gale Hotel, in Miami Beach, Dolce Italian {1690 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 786.975.2550} has become synonymous with sexy vibes, snazzy décor, made-to-order mozzarella dishes, and of course, fabulous Italian cuisine. And now, Miami’s finest foodies have two more reasons to visit this Italian hotspot: “Mangia Mondays” and “Wine Down Wednesdays.”

Starting tomorrow, October 10, Dolce Italian fans can head to the restaurant every Monday and get a plate of Dolce Italian’s signature, authentic pasta for just $10. As if that weren’t enough, they can then return on Wednesday, every Wednesday, pick their favorite wine sold by the glass, and get the whole bottle for 50% off.

Offering a taste of la dolce vita right here in Miami Beach, Dolce Italian channels Fellini’s Rome of the 1960s.  With its mid-century dining room, romantic veranda, and fresh take on Italian classics—like homemade pastas, Neapolitan pizzas, seasonal salads, and “secondi” plates like Veal Milanese—a night at Dolce Vita promises to make any guest feel like they’re in Italy in no time.

Happy dining!

By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor

spris-pizza

October is National Pizza Month, and as it happens, it’s also the month when one of Lincoln Road’s longest-running pizza spots, Spris {21 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach; 305.673.2020}, turns 18. To celebrate both occasions, this Graspa Group favorite has come out with three new types of dough—each with more health benefits and fun colors to keep pizza-lovers coming back for more.

To join the birthday-and-Pizza-Month party, head to Spris this month and order one (or five) of its mouthwatering, thin-crust pies using one of these hot new doughs:

NERA
Dating back to 18th century Apulia, “Nera,” which means “black” in Italian, is believed to have started when peasants made flour for their families from charred grains they found in the soil. Today, this same flour is made by carefully toasting the grains, a much more sanitary process that creates the same result: black dough. The Spris version of Nera dough is made with a combination of regular and black flours, as well as activated vegetable charcoal, the latter of which adds healthy benefits and aids digestion.

TURMERIC
Turmeric alone is known for reducing cholesterol and blood pressure, and is a powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antidepressant. When added to pizza dough, it also gives it a yellowish color—which means it’s fun AND makes you happy.

HEMP
As a superfood, hemp four is a great source of protein, fiber, amino acids, minerals and vitamins, and it’s the main ingredient in this tasty new dough. Adding to its allure, it has various health benefits, from reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and lowering blood pressure, to regulating metabolism, increasing brain function and more.

In addition to its flagship Lincoln Road location, Spris also has two locations in Midtown {3201 North Miami Avenue, Midtown; 305.576.0999} and Downtown Miami {200 South Biscayne Boulevard, Suite 500-A, Downtown Miami; 305.400.6667}. Visit the restaurant’s website for the hours associated with each location.

Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor

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Baby Iceberg Wedge at StripSteak by Michael Mina

In honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Fontainebleau Miami Beach {4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.538.2000} is teaming up with the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine for its eighth annual “Bleau Goes Pink” campaign. To raise both awareness and funds for the cause, the iconic Miami Beach property is offering dining promotions at Scarpetta and StripSteak by Michael Mina throughout the month of October, part of the proceeds of which will benefit Sylvester’s efforts. Priced at just $55 each, these three course, prix-fixe dinner menus will include an appetizer, entrée, dessert and a glass of Conde de Valdemar Rosé, and $5 of every menu purchased will go towards breast cancer research.

Hungry already? We are, too. Eat while aiding a good cause with the following menus at Scarpetta and StripSteak by Michael Mina this month:

SCARPETTA

Appetizers (Choose One)
Burrata: pesto, heirloom tomatoes, basil, and arugula
Creamy Polenta: fricassee of truffled mushrooms
Mediterranean Octopus: potatoes, capers, olives, and smoked crema

Entrée (Choose One)
Duck & Foie Gras Ravioli: marsala reduction
Roasted Branzino: artichoke, olive, anchovy, and tomato dressing
Long Island Duck: beet, carrot, and cherry

Dessert
Chef’s Choice!

STRIPSTEAK BY MICHAEL MINA

Appetizers (Choose One)
Yellowtail Sashimi: shaved cucumber and ponzu dressing
Duck Duck Soup: duck consommé, duck ravioli, and black truffle
Baby Iceberg Wedge: smoked blue cheese, house bacon, and pickled shallots

Entrée (Choose One)
Scottish Salmon: peas and carrots with a ginger-carrot emulsion
Roasted Petite Chicken: asparagus, chanterelles, and lemon sage jus
Moyer Farms Angus 8 oz Filet Mignon

Dessert
Chef’s Choice! 

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Long Island Duck at Scarpetta

Adding to the excitement, as part of the 2016 Bleau Goes Pink initiative, Chez Bon Bon, Fontainebleau’s coffee and patisserie shop, will have pink pastries and specialty sweets like raspberry eclairs, mille feuille and rose lychee macaroons ready to eat all month long.

For more information about Bleau Goes Pink, visit fontainebleau.com/bleaugoespink. 

Happy dining!

By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor

la-moderna

Giving pasta lovers authentic Italian cuisine with a modern twist, La Moderna {1874 Bay Road, Miami Beach; 786.717.7274} has become one of Sunset Harbor’s most popular gems. The sister restaurant to Fratelli La Bufala, in Miami Beach, and the famed Splendor Parthenopes in Italy, this restaurant and one-of-a-kind cocktail lounge is offering a new dining and cocktail menu that truly represents the flavors of every corner of the country it pays homage to, from fashionable Milan all the way to the southern Amalfi Coast.

Taking diners on a journey, La Moderna uses only the best, seasonal ingredients to make sure its patrons always have new and innovative flavors, the majority of which center around seafood. Working with the executive chef from Splendor Parthenopes to create a menu guests will love, La Moderna’s newest dishes include: the Tagliolino All’ Astice, a savory combination of house-made Tagliolini with half a lobster, cherry tomatoes, thyme and shallots, and Sea Bass Al Cartoccio, a seared Chilean sea bass paired with complimenting flavors of capers, olives and fresh vegetables.

Head to the bar, and you’ll find another modern twist, a cocktail list inspired by different bar patrons and infused with Italian ingredients, giving each that extra Italian flair. Adding to its allure, the oversized bar area is set to host guest bartender series where, for a short time only, famed bartenders from all over the world can come and teach cocktail classes and whip up their carefully-crafted cocktails.

Dinner is served Monday through Thursday, from 5 to 11p.m.; Friday and Saturday, from 5 to 11:30 p.m.; and on Sunday, from 5 to 10 p.m. Happy Hour runs from 5 to 7 p.m.  

Happy dining!

By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor

pescado-frito-como-en-isla-larga

Here is all of the food news you can get excited about in Miami this week:

Breast Cancer Awareness Month at the Fontainebleau
In honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Fontainebleau Miami Beach {4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.538.2000} is teaming up with the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center for its eighth annual “Bleau Goes Pink” campaign. To raise both awareness and funds for the cause, the iconic Miami Beach property is offering dining promotions at StripSteak by Michael Mina and Scarpetta throughout the month of October, with part of the proceeds benefiting breast cancer research at Sylvester. Priced at $55 each, these three course, prix-fixe dinner menus will include an appetizer, entrée, dessert and a glass of Conde de Valdemar Rosé. For every dinner ordered, five dollars will be donated to Sylvester.

Quattro Gastronomia Italiana Introduces “Pranzando Al Quattro”
This October 1 to 28, Quattro Gastronomia Italiana {1014 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach; 305.531.4833}, on Lincoln Road, will offer “Cenando Al Quattro” – a special dining promotion that includes three-course lunch and dinner menus for $25 and $39, respectively. At lunch, order the Caprese Salad or Penne Alla Norma, which is penne served with fresh tomato sauce and eggplant topped with salted ricotta cheese. At dinner, opt for choices like the Insalata Di Quinoa – a quinoa and lentil salad served with cherry tomatoes, kale and goat cheese – or the Pappardelle with diced tuna, tomato, zucchini and fresh mint, all followed by Quattro’s homemade ice cream for dessert.

DIRT Supports Breast Cancer Awareness Month
This month, Miami Beach’s favorite “fine food fast” wellness bar and eatery, DIRT {232 5th Street, Miami Beach; 305.763.8548} is working closely with Susan G. Komen to raise money to support Breast Cancer Awareness Month. To do so, $1 from each Rosewater Greek Yogurt Parfait and BLUSH juice sold will benefit breast cancer research.

Bulla Gastrobar Doral Launches Venezuelan Market Menu
There’s no denying Doral has a strong Venezuelan influence, and for a short time only, Bulla Gastrobar {5335 NW 87th Avenue C102, Doral; 305.260.6543} is inviting guests to celebrate that influence with special Spanish menu items created by Chef Miguel Rebolledo. Available during dinner for the next two weeks, guests can indulge in signature items like Arepitas Ibéricas, Bocata Recuerdos de Hallaca, Tequeños, Tagliatelle Que Quiso ser Hallaca, Arroz en Coco, Nuestro Vuelve a la Vida and even a Spanish-inspired cocktail, Paso Fino.

Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor

Steak & Eggs at Wynwood Kitchen & Bar

Steak & Eggs at Wynwood Kitchen & Bar

Here is all of the food news you can get excited about in Miami this week:

Last Week of Miami Spice!
You only have until the end of September to take advantage of Miami’s most raved-about foodie season, Miami Spice. From now through September 30, checkout your favorite restaurants—like StripSteak by Michael Mina, db Bistro Moderne, Tamarina and 200+ more—for lunch or dinner, and get three-course prix-fixe meals for $23 and $39, respectively. For a real treat, head to one of our favorites, GK Bistronomie {218 NW 25th Street, Wynwood; 786.477.5151} and find modern Peruvian plates, like lobster empanadas and crispy pork belly with sundried potato “stew,” on the Spice menu.

Barley an American Brasserie Opens Its Doors
A new restaurant, Barley an American Brasserie {8945 SW 72 Place, Miami; 786.623.6733}, the latest culinary venture by Chef Jorgie Ramos, opened its doors this week. Located in Downtown Dadeland, this haute gastropub will serve rustic Americana comfort food with Latin and Asian influences: from charred octopus with seaweed, miso aioli, and a farro salad, to braised beef tongue with yucca mofongo and sofrito salad, lamb neck filet doused in a horseradish tzatziki, and the Latin burger topped with chorizo cantimpalo, sweet plantains, manchego, and a chimichurri aioli. Go there for its daily mac ‘n’ cheese rotation and specialty craft beer, cocktail and boutique wine menu, and stay for the relaxed vibes and hearty, creative cuisine. 

National Pizza Month Starts Saturday, October 1st
This Saturday is the start of an entire month dedicated to pizza – and that’s something we believe everyone should celebrate. Don’t know where to go? Try Dolce Italian {1690 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 786.975.2550}, on Miami Beach. It has a Tartufata Pizza that puts a unique twist on the classic cheese variety with savory blanca cheese, speck, spicy salami and truffle. Another delicious option is La Moderna {1874 Bay Road, Miami Beach; 786.717.7274}, where you can enjoy their traditional, but unparalleled, Margherita Pizza in a casual-chic setting. 

Ocio Launches New Happy Hour
Miami’s favorite new escape, Ocio {3399 NW 72nd Avenue, Doral; 786.360.4468} is unveiling a happy hour at its secluded and chic retreat. Tucked away in Doral, this Italian-driven locale invites guests to come on Thursday and Friday nights, from 5 to 7:30 p.m., and get a complimentary appetizer with the purchase of a glass of wine or beer. With your glass, delight in plates like fried mozzarella with homemade marinara sauce, Antipasto (salami, capicola, prosciutto, parmesan cheese, artichoke hearts and roasted red peppers), or the Octopus Carpaccio, thinly-sliced octopus with capers and steeped in an aromatic lemon vinaigrette.

Sunday Brunch at Wynwood Kitchen & Bar
Between 11:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. on Sundays, there’s nowhere better to be than brunch at Wynwood Kitchen & Bar {2550 NW 2nd Avenue, Wynwood; 305.722.8959}. Order Latin-inspired dishes like the Wynwood Benedict with poached egg, crabmeat, chipotle hollandaise sauce and polenta, or the Tostada with a sunny side-up egg, tomato puree, black beans, cojita cheese and crema. You can never go wrong with the locale’s Steak & Eggs, a grilled skirt steak served with a fried egg and yucca frita, and whatever you do, pair it with a breakfast cocktail. Our personal favorites are the Prosecco cocktails—you get a nice glass of Prosecco flavored with your choice of Hibiscus, Palomimosa, Applish or Blue Pisco.

By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor

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Mark your calendars! It’s time for beer.

For a feast like no other, beer lovers are invited to join Chef Clark Bowen, of Downtown Miami’s db Bistro Moderne {255 Biscayne Boulevard Way, Downtown Miami; 305.421.8800}, as he teams up with Wynwood Brewing Company for a one-time-only four-course beer pairing dinner. Taking place on Tuesday, October 18, at Daniel Boulud’s Miami outpost, fans of Chef Bowen can indulge in the following menu:

RECEPTION

Fried Green Tomatoes
Shrimp Ceviche
Mushroom Arancini
Beer Pairing: La Rubia, American Blonde Ale

DINNER

Course 1: Florida Figs with Burrata, rocket coulis, and focaccia tuile
Beer Pairing: Guava the Hut, Berliner Weiss

Course 2: Local Pompano with confit fennel, blistered tomatoes, and lemon
Beer Pairing: Wyntoberfest, Märzen

Course 3: Pork Tasting with roasted shoulder, beer sausage, and baby carrots
Beer Pairing: Wynwood Fox, Imperial Red Ale

Course 4: Chocolate Opera Cake with a chocolate biscuit, coffee cream, and vanilla ice cream
Beer Pairing: Pop’s Porter, Robust Porter

This event will kick-off with a reception at 7pm, followed by dinner at 7:30pm. The cost is $60 per person. For more information about this event, or to make a reservation, contact Leah Polinski at [email protected].

Happy dining!

By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor

jaya-at-setai-sake-cart

Now on Miami Beach, everyone’s favorite upscale Asian hotel, The Setai, Miami Beach, has added a tableside Japanese Beer and Sake Cart to its signature restaurant, Jaya at The Setai {2001 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.520.6000}.

Along with the restaurant’s modern Asian cuisine by Chopped winner and Executive Chef Matthew Gervais, Jaya diners can now choose from special Japanese and imported beers–like Echigo Koshihikari Rice BeerOze No Yukidoke IPA and Singha–as well as local Miami favorites, like Funky Buddha and The Floridian. As for Sake, the cart has plenty of handpicked options: including Flying Pegasus Daiginjo Koshu, Soto Junmai Daiginjo, Minato Harbor Yamahai Nama Genshu, or Dewatsuru Sakura Emaki Rose.

Rolling right up to the table, Jaya’s Japanese Beer and Sake Cart is available both indoors and in the hotel’s enchanting courtyard during lunch, dinner or Sunday brunch. To try it for yourself, head to Jaya at The Setai during the following hours:

Monday – Saturday Lunch
11:30am – 3pm

Monday – Thursday & Sunday Dinner
7 – 11pm

Friday and Saturday Dinner
7pm – Midnight

Sunday Brunch
11:30am – 3pm

Happy dining!

By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor

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Don’t let the location fool you. Situated in an outdoor shopping center in southwest Kendall—a good 40-minute drive from trendy South Beach—and in Doral, Pisco Y Nazca Ceviche Gastrobar features some of the tastiest morsels in South Florida. Tops on their menu are the ceviches, blends of traditional yet modern ingredients that call on the flavors of Peru.
It’s no surprise that this lust-worthy concept was created by the Centurion Restaurant Group, the same visionaries behind Bulla Gastrobar in Coral Gables. After all, this is a group known for bright flavors and the bold use of Spanish ingredients. But instead of touring Spain for menu inspiration at Pisco Y Nazca, Owner Carlos Centurion and VP/Partner Juan Carlos Marchan traveled to Peru. The result: the highly acclaimed debut of Pisco Y Nazca in late 2015.
Although he originally hails from Ecuador, Marchan is in love with Peruvian cuisine and culture. It only makes sense, then, that he would imbue his newest restaurant with the spirit and soul of Peru—from the innovative menu to the friendly, approachable service and earth tone-rich design. It helps that Executive Chef Miguel Antonio Gomez Fernandez was born and raised in Peru, and understands the straightforward flavors of the cuisine. Central to this tradition is the edgy, ineluctable, inimitable Peruvian heat.
“Peruvians love their spice,” Marchan says. “The country has hundreds of different type of peppers, many of which are native to Peru.” To showcase that variety, Pisco Y Naza features a piquant punch in many of their signature ceviches, where freshly caught seafood is marinated in a blend of citrus, chile peppers, and tropical fruits. The Cremoso Ceviche, for example, combines mahi and shrimp with habanero peppers, creamy leche de tigre, celery, and sweet potato. Another spicy choice: the Jalapeño Huacatay, which bathes salmon and shrimp in a creamy jalapeño leche de tigre sauce.
The most popular ceviche on Pisco Y Nazca’s menu, however, is the Rocoto—a meaty mix of mahi, shrimp, octopus, fried calamari, rocoto leche de tigre, cancha, and sweet potato.
For fish lovers unsure of the raw seafood in ceviche, dishes like the Pargo Crocante might be a better pick—fried whole snapper served over a spicy Asian sauce—or the Salmon Andino—seared salmon served over a bed of quinoa salad and avocado with huacatay sauce. And don’t miss the Choros Mariners, a pound of steamed mussels swimming in ají amarillo, chico de jora, and cream served with a stack of crostini to soak up the leftover broth.
With its focus on fresh fish, often served raw, Pisco Y Nazca is intent on sourcing only the highest quality seafood. An impressive feat, considering that its under-the-sea stars hail from all over the Americas, including Peru, Ecuador, and Mexico. That variety is what yields a rainbow of flavors on the menu, however—a signature tack of which Chef Miguel is particularly proud.
If you’re not a fan of seafood, don’t fret; carnivores are not forgotten at Pisco Y Nazca. Just as central to Peruvian cuisine are dishes like Lomo Saltado (stir-fried tenderloin), Churrascazo (grilled aged Angus skirt steak), and Anticucho Corazón (grilled beef heart skewers). There’s even a twist on the classic burger—dubbed the Que Bestia Burger—which features a charred eight-ounce Angus beef patty, accompanied by tomato-panca chutney, rocoto pepper aïoli, and shoestring fries.
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Alongside these perennial favorites are rustic, flaky empanadas filled with chicken stew or mushrooms, classic Pollo Asado (crispy roasted half chicken with french fries and green salad), and hearty Chaufa (fried rice with shrimp and calamari).
For dessert, there’s only one option that commends itself: the Chocolate Dome. This decadent gustatory valediction is composed of a sphere of dark chocolate filled with sweet potato custard and warm ganache. “It’s been a tremendous success,” enthuses Marchan. “I cannot tell you how many times our guests whip out their phones to see this dessert unveiled tableside.” The inspiration came, not surprisingly, from a restaurant in Lima. Marchan’s culinary team simply customized the concept for an American clientele.
Food, however, is only half of the culinary equation; drink is an absolute must in Peruvian culture. The country’s national drink, Pisco Sour, is naturally foremost on the menu. “It’s a classic cocktail, and you don’t really want to mess with it,” Marchan notes. To wit, Pisco Y Nazca’s rendition is stiff and strong, just as it is served in Peru—made with three ounces of Pisco Cuatro Gallos to awaken all of the senses.
Beer is a fixture in Peru, too; Peruvian labels like Cristal and Cusqueña are offered at Pisco Y Nazca, alongside Miami craft bews like MIA Weisse, Wynwood La Rubia, and Pop’s Porter. If the prospect of a full Peruvian meal is a bit daunting, Marchan encourages guests to sip and sample at happy hour, stretching from 4-7pm daily. There are even soccer games broadcast on flatscreen TVs for obsessed footballers.
Whoever you are, you likely have a place at Pisco Y Nazca. “Our crowd is comprised of adventurous foodies, social butterflies, and generally awesome people,” quips Marchan. “Kendall is a growing area and has welcomed us with open arms. In turn, we welcome everyone.”
So what’s next for Pisco Y Nazca? A second location is already open in Doral, not to mention an expanded menu and updated design. The restaurant’s expansion will roll out from there, with planned spin-offs in Sunrise and Tampa, Florida; Washington, DC; and Houston.
“We want to continue sharing our love for Peruvian cuisine,” says Marchan. “We’ve had multiple requests from travelers all over the country to bring this gem to their home cities. That’s exactly what we plan to do.”
By Jacquelynn Powers Maurice | Print Contributor

izzy-s-fish-and-oyster

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

Miami Spice Month
You only have until the end of September to take advantage of Miami’s most raved-about foodie season, Miami Spice. From now through September 30, checkout your favorite restaurants—like StripSteak by Michael Mina, db Bistro Moderne, Tamarina and 200+ more—for lunch or dinner, and get three-course prix-fixe meals for $23 and $39, respectively.

$1 Breakfast at Mondrian South Beach
This month, breakfast lovers can head to Mondrian Caffé {1100 West Avenue, South Beach; 305.514.1500} and enjoy a continental breakfast for two people for just $1. Prepared by Executive Chef Dustin Atiogue, the continental breakfast options include: gourmet coffee, fresh fruit, homemade pastries, bagels, toast and cereal. Then, when you’re done, head to the pool and take in the Mondrian’s perfect views of beautiful Biscayne Bay.

Argiano Wine Dinner at Toscano Divino
On Saturday, September 24, guests can head to Toscano Divino {900 South Miami Avenue, Brickell; 305.930.8052} for a spectacular evening of charcuterie, cheese and glasses overflowing with Argiano Wine. The event costs $35 per person, and includes tastings of six of the winery’s offerings paired with delectable Tuscan bites. That evening, cases of Argiano Wine will be on sale for a discounted price, and throughout September, any customer who purchases $300+ of Argiano wine will be entered in a raffle to win a three-day stay at the Castle of Argiano Winery in Tuscany.

Izzy’s Fish & Oyster Celebrates One-Year
It’s no coincidence that Izzy’s Fish & Oyster {423 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.397.8843} is celebrating its first anniversary on National Lobster Day. To honor this exciting day, the restaurant is offering all-you-can-eat lobster rolls and Narragansett beer for just $25 all day on Sunday, September 25.

Baby Got Bao Buns at TALDE
Starting September 22, TALDE Miami Beach {4041 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 786.605.4094} will turn-up the old-school hip-hop and throw in a mouthwatering menu of bao buns and beer with its new standing Thursday night event: Baby Got Bao Buns. From 6 pm to midnight, guests can indulge in three bao buns—like the Cuban Bao (roasted pork, swiss cheese, mustard, and cilantro), the Pork Belly Bánh Mi Bao (hoisin, cucumber, pickled daikon, and carrot and chili mayo) and even an Avocado Bao (pickled squash, cilantro and chili mayo)—for $20, or get each of them a la carte for just $8 per bun. For an extra $7, throw in a beer from Wynwood Brewing Company. And then get ready for Friday.

National Key Lime Pie Day
Who in South Florida doesn’t love Key Lime Pie? This Friday, September 23, celebrate National Key Lime Pie Day at some of Miami’s best restaurants. Our personal favorite is the Key Lime Tartlet from StripSteak by Michael Mina {4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 877.326.7412}, in the Fontainebleau Miami Beach, which is semi-deconstructed, flavored with caramelized honey and lemongrass sorbet, and served cut up in pieces, making it perfect for sharing.

By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor