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Home / 2016 (Page 8)

10:54 am
Restaurant Features
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Renderings, Coral Gables “Streetscape” Project

As life often teaches us, you’ve got to take the good with the bad. So when beautiful Miracle Mile and Downtown Coral Gables started construction for the highly-anticipated “Streetscape” project—which will renovate Coral Gables’ public works systems, sidewalks, and landscaping and turn it into a destination location—affected restaurants had to face the reality that their streets would be closed-off to cars for weeks. Fortunately, the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce, the City of Coral Gables, and other partnering organizations have come up with a way to support these restaurants while simultaneously indulging in good company and great food: an activation initiative called DineOut!

Launched to get community members to do just that, DineOut! encourages Coral Gables residents and employees to show their love for the affected restaurants by dining at them during their lunch breaks. A re-boot of a successful 2009 program, when the Chamber wanted to stimulate tourism after 9/11 and during the Great Recession, this activation project will not only support the restaurants themselves, but will deter any notion that they’re closed during construction. To bring it to a reality, leaders of the initiative are urging businesspeople to host breakfast meetings and dinner appointments over lunch, move date-nights up to lunchtime, and switch their weekend plans to take friends and family, colleagues, and co-workers out to lunch on Miracle Mile and its surrounding streets.

Having kicked-off on Wednesday, July 13th, and continuing weekly through summer, DineOut! is already off to a great start. And you can do it, too! So where should you go when you join the fun? Some of our favorite spots include: The Local Craft Food and Drink {150 Giralda Avenue, Coral Gables; 305.648.5687}, Bulla {2500 Ponce De Leon Boulevard, Coral Gables; 305.441.0107}, Cibo Restaurant and Wine Bar {45 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables; 305.442.4925}, Ortanique {278 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables; 305.446.7710}, and Talavera Cocina Mexicana {2299 Ponce De Leon Boulevard, Coral Gables; 305.444.2955}.

And when the construction is all over, Coral Gables businesses and residents are excited to see the change and beauty the Streetscape project will inevitably bring. “Miracle Mile is Coral Gables’ ‘Main Street,'” says Mark A. Trowbridge, President and CEO of the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce. “In the end, we’re putting the ‘miracle’ back in Miracle Mile.”

See you there, diners!

By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor

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2:19 pm
Restaurant Features
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The Cuban Frita (1)In the foodie world, anyone who’s anyone has heard of the famous Michael Mina. He’s a James Beard Award-winning chef. He’s a restaurateur with 18 restaurants worldwide. He wrote a best-selling cookbook with all of his famous recipes. He brought us the lobster pot pie, his signature dish.

And this summer only, the legend himself has transformed his namesake Magic City restaurant, the fine-dining Michael Mina 74 {4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.674.4636}, into a laid-back pop-up. Called Pizza & Burger–Michael’s Backyard Kitchen, this summer-centric spot was inspired by Chef Mina’s own fun-filled backyard barbecues with childhood family and friends. And as casual as it is in feel and appeal, like any Michael Mina mainstay, its menu of pizzas, burgers, drinks, salads, and more is anything but ordinary… unless, of course,  you’re talking about its (surprisingly) affordable prices.

The Food:  Turn your sides into starters and kick-off your meal with The Toast—a slice of fresh-baked sourdough bread slathered with house-made ricotta, black pepper honey, toasted pecans, prosciutto, and stone fruit—and The Wings, chicken wings covered in spiced honey gastrique, pickled apple, and popcorn peanuts. Throw in some farm-fresh healthy eating with the Market Salad, where guests can choose their own greens, vegetables, fruits, cheeses, nuts, seeds, croutons, and dressings, and top it off with premium proteins like Gulf prawns, king salmon or grilled skirt steak, to name a few.

The Toast 2

For the main event, order one of the handcrafted burgers, made-from-scratch pizzas, or better yet, both. Inspired by its Miami roots, The Cuban Frita burger boasts a beef and chorizo patty topped with smoked paprika aïoli and crispy potato, while The Hippie Chick was made with veggie-lovers in mind: it’s a layered “burger” of grilled marinated eggplant, tomato jam, crispy zucchini, red onion labneh (Lebanese cream cheese), and Haloumi cheese. Pizzas like The Standard are topped with crushed San Marzano tomato, fresh mozzarella, basil and sea salt, and more indulgent versions, like The Surf, is Mina’s lobster pot pie reincarnated into a delicious, charred corn and butter-poached lobster pie. Whatever you choose, like Mom always taught you, no meal is complete without a sweet ending. Try the Rocky Road Profiteroles, Caramel-Roasted Peaches and Gelato, or the Guilty Pleasure Sundae, and thank us (or rather, Chef Mina) later.

The Drinks: At this seasonal pop-up, even the drinks taste like summer. Local beers from MIA Brewing will always be on tap, while select wines by the glass pair perfectly with any dish on the menu. If you’re craving a more traditional cocktail, the house-made margarita blended or on the rocks is a sure thing, and the $15 Mark It Zero (High West Silver Whiskey, orange, blueberry, and soda) will add a “zing” to your summer spread.

Group Cocktails

The Verdict: Do you even need to ask? It’s a star-studded restaurant turned into your neighborhood barbecue hotspot. It’s at the famed Fontainebleau, and it’s serving up dinner Tuesday through Sunday nights, from 6 p.m. to midnight, through Labor Day. Go. Now.

Happy dining!

By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor

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9:59 am
Restaurant Features
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Havana 1957

It’s time to party… Cuban style!

Havana 1957 has been a staple on South Beach for as long as Miamians can remember, and now it’s opening a brand new location on one of the Magic City’s most iconic streets: Ocean Drive. And while the location might be new, this longstanding locale plans to celebrate like South Beach has for decades; with sexy vibes, flowing drinks, beautiful people, and endless amounts of fun all night long.

To join the party, head to the brand new Havana 1957 {1410 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach; 786.216.7580} TONIGHT, from 6 to 9 p.m., and get ready to be transported back to the glitz and glamour of 1950’s Cuba. You’ll be handed a classic mojito as soon as you walk in, and Bacardi bars will be scattered throughout the restaurant for complimentary cocktails throughout the event. Pair those sippers with complimentary passed bites from Havana 1957, like tostones y vaca frita and empanadas, and be entertained by live music, themed dancers, and even a Cuban cigar expert giving demonstrations on how to craft the perfect Cuban cigar. A raffle will give one lucky winner a dinner for two at any Havana 1957 location, the proceeds from which will benefit Kristi House, a charity organization dedicated to healing and eradicating child sexual abuse. It’s a night flowing with fun and good food, just like one would expect to find in “un dia en la Habana.” 

At all its locations, Havana 1957 combines flavorful Cuban cuisine by renowned Chef Luis Rosales, classic Cuban music, and decades of Cuban culture and nostalgia. And lucky for you, you can go to the latest opening of this Cuban mainstay TONIGHT and get a taste of it all firsthand.

See you there!

By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor

8:55 am
Restaurant Features
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Shiso Plum Mojito

Craving a mojito on this National Mojito Day? We are, too. Here’s where we’re heading:

Ortanique on the Mile + Zest: Thanks to the talented Cindy Hutson, both Ortanique on the Mile {278 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables; 305.446.7710} and Zest {200 South Biscayne Boulevard, Downtown Miami; 305.374.9378} have made a name for themselves on the Miami dining scene. Head to either today and you can order an “Ortanique Mojito”—a mix of Bacardi Superior Rum, mint, soda water, simple syrup and lime—for $8 all day.

Havana 1957: With a new location now open on Ocean Drive, Havana 1957 {405 Espanola Way, Miami Beach; 305.503.3828} has taken the Miami food scene by storm. This Cuban locale has 12 types of mojitos, each with a different flavor: like kiwi, passion fruit, mango, orange, and Red Bull, to name a few. For those trying to watch their calorie intake, there’s even a delicious diet mojito, made with Splenda. Get all of them today for $10.95 each, except for the top-shelf Ultimate Mojito, which costs $11.95.

Jaya, The Setai Miami Beach: The newest addition to the award-winning The Setai, Miami Beach hotel, Jaya {2001 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 855.923.7899} has become known for its authentic, Asian-inspired dishes and cocktails. Today, order their Shiso Plum Mojito; it’s made with Choya Shiso Plum liqueur, mint, soda, and lime, and costs $14 a pop.

Segafredo: This Lincoln Road original boasts three different kinds of mojitos. If you’re at Segafredo {1040 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach; 305.673.0047} today, opt for the Italian version: it’s made with white rum, Campari, lime, orange juice, and mint leaves.

Brasserie Azur: A mojito with a twist? Sounds good to us! For just $11, head to Midtown’s Brasserie Azur {3252 NE 1st Avenue, Midtown; 786.800.9993} and order the Mandarin Mojito: Don Q rum, fresh lime and mint, vanilla syrup, and Napoleon Mandarin Liquor.

12:55 pm
Restaurant Features
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Jaya_Peking Duck 2

One of the best things about summer in Miami is Miami Spice: that glorious time of year where Miami’s hottest restaurants offer affordable, prix-fixe menus of some of the best food in town. Gearing up for the 2016 edition, which will run from August 1 to September 30, Jaya {2001 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 855.923.7899}—located at The Setai Miami Beach—is offering a three-course “Summer Spice” menu that’s only available during the month of July.

Available from July 1-30, and priced at just $39 per person, this limited-time-only offer features Asian-fusion plates from the restaurant’s popular “East Meets West” menu. Head there tonight, and you can choose from appetizers like Pork Belly Bao, Trio of Crudo, Chicken and Coconut Shrimp, Tomato, or Japanese Leaf, and then move on to an entrée, like Pad Thai, Lobster Laksa, Tandoor Chicken Masala, or Peking Duck.

Finally, round off your tasty trip through Asia with one of two desserts: Tempura Chocolate or Chocolate and Caramel. Whatever you choose, you can’t go wrong!

Jaya is open Sunday–Thursday, from 7–11pm, and Friday and Saturday, from 7pm–Midnight.

10:00 am
Restaurant Features
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The Standard_Rose Guide

No matter where you are in the world, one thing’s for sure: there is no season more perfect for rosé than summer. And no place knows that better than the iconic The Standard Spa, Miami Beach {40 Island Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.673.1717}.

New this summer, The Standard Spa, Miami Beach has not only added 20 bottles of the pink vintage to its wine list, but it’s also come up with and released its very own “wine guide,” where in-house wine expert Amy Demoga teaches us which bottles are best for which occasions. Follow her suggestions below, and then go there for yourself and start ordering them one by one.

Rumor has it there’s even some rosé cocktails, including a frozen F’rosé concoction, along with one special rosé you won’t find anywhere else: The Standard’s own Sunset Beach Rosé by André Balazs, served by both the glass and the bottle.

Read below to get The Standard’s standard on the best rosé for every occasion:

Brunching:

  • Sunset Beach Rose, André Balazs Collection, Channing Daughters, Long Island New York ‘15
  • Peuch-Haut, Saint Drezery, Languedoc-Rouissillon ‘15 (Grenache and Syrah)
  • Domaine de Fontsainte Gris de Gris, Corbieres Languedoc-Rouissillon ‘15 (Grenache, Cinsault, Mouvedre, Carignan) 

Poolside:

  • Villa Pereire Provence, Fr ‘15 (Grenache, Cinsault, Rolle (vermentino), Carignan)
  • Whispering Angel, Provence, Fr ‘15 (Grenache, Cinsault, Rolle)     
  • Miraval, Provence Fr. ‘15 (Grenache, Cinsault, Rolle, Syrah)
  • Domaine Ott ‘15 (Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon)

Eating a fancy dinner:

  • Chateau d’Esclans “Garrus” Provence, Fr ‘15 (Grenache, Rolle)
  • Chateau Simone, Pallette, Fr ‘15 (Grenache, Cinsault, Mouvedre, Syrah and others)
  • 
Les Dauphins, Rhone, Fr ‘15 (Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault)

Eating tapas:

  • Chateau La Gordonne, Provence, Fr ‘15  (Grenache and Syrah)
  • Il Rosa di Casonoves, “La Spinetta” Tuscany ‘15 (Sangiovese, Prugnolo Gentile)
  • Marques de Caceres “Excellens” ‘15 (Grenache, Tempranillo, Viura)
  • Muga ’15 (Grenache, Tempranillo, Viura)

By Jennifer Agress

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8:08 am
Restaurant Features
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13268410_10154194905464731_6445833237684643195_o

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Jennifer Agress

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2:56 pm
Restaurant Features
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La Mar Arroz con Mariscos (1)

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

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

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

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

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

By Jennifer Agress

6:16 am
Restaurant Features
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DIRT MIAMI - Food

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

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

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

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

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

Jojo Tea Matcha Mango Cakes 

Mini Blueberry and Peach Crostatas

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

Want to eat clean? See you at DIRT!

By Jennifer Agress

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5:34 am
Recipes Restaurant Features
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Talladega days 6This summer in Miami, go a little “Ricky Bobby” with the new Talladega Days cocktail at Hakkasan {4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 877.326.7412}. Located in the Fontainebleau Miami Beach, Hakkasan is a Cantonese-inspired spot with the reputation of being one sexy, scrumptious Miami must-try.

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

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