Whiskey is an American pastime, and now, Miami’s most opulent Asian hotel experience is adding the rare whisky of its homeland to the mix. With the introduction of its new Asian Spirits Program, The Setai, Miami Beach {2001 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.520.6000} has invested in exclusive Japanese spirits (some aged as long as 21 years!) with 20+ unique Asian whiskies and vodkas at The Bar and The Courtyard, alone. As part of the program, The Setai, Miami Beach will have Japanese whisky-based drinks, cocktails, and a special whisky flight on its new menu.The latter is the star of the show; it’s priced at only $33 and includes two rare single malts, Yoichi and Miyagikyo, and a rare blended whiskey, Taketsuru Pure Malt. The whiskies are incredibly hard to obtain, and even harder to price affordably, which makes this bar program truly special.
With its warm shades, Asian decor, and upscale accents, The Bar at The Setai makes patrons feel like they’ve been transported to the haute hangouts of China or Japan. Add that to the fact that the whiskies are served through traditional Japanese methods, where the alcohol is taken straight from the fine-grained wood barrel where it was aged, and you’ll start to believe you’re actually there. Adding to its allure, this dazzling Collins Avenue hotel is actually home to one of the largest Japanese whisky collections in South Florida, and with vintages like Hibiki 17 and 21 years, Yamazaki 12 and 18 years, and Nikki Pure Malt 17 and 21 years, it’s not hard to imagine.
Heading to The Setai, Miami Beach? Belly up to the bar or grab a lounge seat in the idyllic courtyard and experience the Asian Spirits Program for yourself. A picture of true Asian elegance, this is one drinking experience you’ll be happy is in South Florida… and not Asia.
The Bar and The Courtyard at The Setai are open Sunday through Thursday, from 3 p.m. to Midnight, and on Friday and Saturday, from 3 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Happy Dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor

While db Bistro Moderne {255 Biscayne Boulevard Way, Downtown Miami; 305.421.8800}, in Brickell’s JW Marriott Marquis, has been a staple here in Miami, the celebrity chef and food guru behind its name is ready for a change. Much like he did with db Bistro Moderne, Daniel Boulud is opening another location of one of his NY dining institutions in its place: Boulud Sud.
Perfect for Brickell Avenue’s buzzing business crowd, Boulud Sud will serve as both an intimate lounge and a stylish dining destination. Grab a seat underneath soft lighting, and while you eat, take in your surroundings: creamy, linen seating and modern Moroccan-inspired tile floors are juxtaposed against a backdrop of lattice wall accents, brass hardware fixtures, natural wood, and for a touch of “Miami Beach,” live plants.
And speaking of the food, Daniel Boulud is tapping his Executive Chef from db Bistro Moderne Miami, Clark Bowen, to helm the kitchen. Together, the pair will collaborate to come up with a menu that combines existing Boulud Sud favorites with new dishes that highlight local South Florida ingredients—and all with the original restaurant’s characteristic Mediterranean flair. From the NY location, expect plates like Octopus à la Plancha, Arabic Lamb Flatbread, Taramasalata, Sicilian Grilled Swordfish and Moroccan Chicken Tagine; and for dessert, whatever db Bistro Pastry Chef Saeko Nemoto, who will also be part of the venture, whips up. At Boulud Sud, Nemoto will create a menu of both original desserts and twists on the NY location’s classics: like the much-beloved Grapefruit Givré, a delicate fusion of sesame halva, rose loukoum, and grapefruit sorbet.
With this exciting new addition to the Miami food scene, however, comes the sad ending of another chapter. From its beautiful surroundings and upscale service, to its popular “Oyster Happy Hours,” executive lunches, wine pairing dinners, and delicious daily menu, db Bistro Moderne has long been a haute French favorite in the Magic City. This Saturday, September 30, will be its final dinner service here in Miami, so reserve a table now and say “au revoir” in anticipation of the equally-mesmerizing Boulud Sud.
Happy Dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor

People all over the United States, especially those here in sunny South Florida, have witnessed the horrific destruction that came from Hurricane Irma and Maria. And in response, we’ve seen the beauty of America rise up from the chaos. as countless relief organizations (both longstanding charities and grassroots efforts) have joined the movement to ensure victims get the help they need. Now, you can add South Florida chefs to that list of heroes.
On Wednesday, October 11, 15+ chefs will host a collaborative culinary benefit at The National Hotel to raise funds for recovery and rebuilding efforts in South Florida and Puerto Rico. Made possible by a partnership between The National Hotel and Neighbors4Neighbors—a national nonprofit created after Hurricane Andrew to bring relief efforts to different parts of the United States, the Caribbean, and the Bahamas—this night of food and fun is appropriately named “Chefs 4 Neighbors.”
Of course, with a dream like this, the chefs are who bring it to life. Donating their time, talent, and passion, the participating chefs include: Chef Matthew McDonald (National Hotel), Chef Dewey LoSasso (The Forge), Chef Michael Shultz (Sea Level at Harbor Beach Marriott), Chef Martin Liz (Lost Kitchen Supper Club), Bobby and Michelle Mongelli (HogFish Bar and Grill), Chef Chris Lee (Barcelona Wine Bars), Chef Adrienne Grenier (3030 Ocean), Chef Paul Menta (The Stoned Crab & Thee Hands Fish), Chef Cindy Hutson (Ortanique & Zest), and Chef Gordon Maybury (Turnberry Isle). Alex Bulnes, Erick Jones, Rene Lopez, Felix Munoz, and Javier Peuser will act as supporting chefs, and Chef Paul Menta, who owns Key West Rum Distillery, will generously donate the rum served in the event’s private seating area, “Eite Neighbor.”
In the spirit of Key West, Chefs 4 Neighbors will be a night filled with live music, indulgent cuisine, and free-flowing drinks. Proceeds will go towards rebuilding the Florida Keys and Puerto Rico, both of which were hit hard during the recent hurricanes.
The party will run from 8 to 10 p.m. on Wednesday, October 11, in the hotel lobby bar, Blues Bar. The National Hotel is located at 1677 Collins Avenue. Tickets to this event run between $75 and $200, and can be purchased here.
Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor

‘Tis the season in Miami—event season, that is. Head to Doral on Saturday and Sunday, November 4 and November 5, respectively, and you’ll get to experience one designed with South Florida’s foodies in mind. That’s right! The second-annual Doral Food and Wine Festival is coming back, and it’s coming back bigger and better than ever.
Co-produced by Events Marketing Network USA and Brew N Motion, this festival will put some of South Florida’s most popular chefs and restaurants under the spotlight. Through a grand tasting pavilion, wine and spirits pavilion, culinary and mixology demonstrations, cooking competitions, live music, interactive retail displays, and a kids zone, food-lovers will be able to taste bites from places like Wynwood Kitchen & Bar, BRIO Tuscan Grille, Kona Grill, Olivos, Mangia L’Italia, BLT Prime, and much, much more. Of course, every good plate needs a good drink to wash it down with, and the Doral Food and Wine Festival 2017 will have just the thing. From brands like Ojala Wine and Rum Diplomatico, to Fashion Vodka and Prosecco, Real Sangria, Don Benedicto, and more, you’ll have plenty of reasons to lift your glass and “cheers” to this second-annual event.
While last year’s inaugural festival attracted 1,000+ food lovers, the 2017 installation is expected to attract even more. And to keep all those guests entertained, there will be live music, DJs, and a even a way to “give back”—part of the proceeds from this food-and-wine weekend will benefit research and educational programming at St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
Ready to eat and drink your way through Doral? We are, too. To make sure you don’t miss all the fun, buy presale tickets for the festival here.
Tickets for this event run between $30 and $85. Admission for children is FREE. The festival will take place at Doral Central Park, which is located at 3000 NW 87 Avenue.
Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor

From now until October 22, head to Hakkasan {4441 Collins Avenue, Fontainebleau Miami Beach; 877.326.7412}, at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach, to celebrate China’s biggest annual holiday: Golden Week! This celebration, which officially takes place between October 1 and 7, marks the founding of the Republic of China. While the revered holiday only lasts for a week, Hakkasan will actually honor it for an entire month—offering a special limited-edition menu filled with brand new dishes designed to mimic an upscale Chinese feast.  
Fusing Cantonese and Spanish dishes (because it is a Chinese feast in Miami, after all), this set menu will start with “Small Eats” like Lamb Dumpling with chocolate and shredded mint, Chili Crab Dumpling with black sesame sponge and soft-shell crab, and Tortilla Dim Sum with truffle and quail egg. After that, guests can move on to a Hot and Sour Soup appetizer with foie gras, followed by entrées like Stir-fry Ribeye Beef with gnocchi and lily bulb, Chinese Black Laksa Sea Bass, and Three Ways Crispy Egg Fried Rice. To end the meal on a sweet note, Hakkasan’s talented pastry team has created the one-of-a-kind Naranja Chang dish, an intriguing dessert made with calamanasi curd and orange tarragon sorbet.
Hakkasan’s Golden Week menu will run through October 22, 2017. It is priced at $138 per person, with a required minimum of at least two participating diners per reservation. The Dynasty wine pairing is also available for an additional $62 per person, and includes three-ounce pours of Champagne and premium white, red, and dessert wines.
Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor