LuckyRice Miami Feast is coming back to Miami next week! And foodies all over Miami can’t wait to see what’s in store. Taking place at locations across North America, from Chicago and New York to Houston, L.A., Toronto, and more, this celebration of Asian-inspired food was created to share a taste of Asian culture through the lens of food and drink. And on Friday, November 3, we Miamians get to bask in that culture, too.
Here are five reasons to go to this year’s LuckyRice Miami Feast:
It’s for a good cause. This year, all of the night’s proceeds will go towards Feeding South Florida, LuckyRice 2017’s charitable sponsor and the leading domestic hunger-relief organization in South Florida. Adding to the cause, the event’s presenting sponsor, Suntory Whisky, will follow by matching all proceeds from the evening’s festivities, therefore doubling the total donation. The money raised will directly benefit Hurricane Irma relief efforts.

There are so many amazing restaurants participating. And by “so many,” we mean it. More than 20 of Miami’s hottest Asian and Asian-inspired restaurants and bars will be featured, and even popular restaurants with just a few Asian-inspired dishes. Guests can look forward to a walk-around tasting with hotspots like Pao by Paul Qui {3201 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 786.655.5600}, Hakkasan {4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 786.276.1388}, Market at EDITION {2901 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 786.257.4600}, and more.

The food. Almond Crusted Shrimp Satay with Sweet & Sour Glaze. Cold Potato Noodles with Cucumber & Ginger. Chinese Pork Belly on Tostones with a Fruit Compote. Lucky Lantern Dumplings filled with Alaskan Crab Meat, Shrimp Paste, Yam Bean Root, Celery, Beetroot Wrapper, and Gold Powder Garnish. A Banana Cake with Miso Butterscotch and Cashew Brittle. Drooling yet?

Drink up! You have to wash down your food with something, and it might as well have alcohol in it. Thanks to presenting sponsor Suntory Whisky Toki, guests can get Asian-inspired cocktails, plus Asahi Beer, Bruce Cost Ginger Ale, and wine. Because of this, you actually must be 21+ to attend this event.

You’ll get a taste of Miami, too. As with any LuckyRice Feast, the culinary fabric of the host city (in this case, Miami) must shine through. For that reason, expect classic Asian favorites with a creative Latin twist. Dale!

This event will take place at the Kimpton Surfcomber Hotel, which is located at 1717 Collins Avenue. Tickets to this year’s LuckyRice Miami Feast are priced at $88 per person for General Admission and $150 per person for VIP Access. Tickets can be purchased here. General Admission tickets grant entrance to the festival from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m., and VIP Access grants entrance from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor

Calling all burger fiends!
Back for the seventh year in a row, Burgerliscious 2017 will once again hit Coral Gables next Thursday, November 2, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. During this one-of-a-kind burger event, which will take place at Fred B. Hartnett/Ponce Circle Park, 20+ Miami restaurants will compete in an all-out battle for “Best in Bun” and “People’s Choice Award,” as they serve up some of their most mouthwatering, creative, and meaty burgers. The winners will be chosen by Nick Pena, of Y-100; Gio Gutierrez, of Chat Chow TV; Paola Mendez, of Coral Gables Love; and two mystery judges.
And to kick-off the evening, guests can get excited for some live entertainment that doesn’t fit in a bun. Thanks to a partnership with the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau, the host of this event—Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce—will start Miami Live Month with a performance by Mad World Orchestra, which has a long legacy as Miami’s hottest 80’s cover band, and DJ Mayner, who will rock the turntables.
As for the food, well, that’s in it’s own category. When you go, expect meaty sensations from stellar Miami restaurants like 320 Gastrolounge, Blue Martini Brickell, BrickTop’s, BULLA Gastrobar, BurgerFi Coral Gables, Café at Books & Books, Christy’s Restaurant, Doctors Hospital, Fetes & Events, John Martin’s Irish Pub & Restaurant, Miller’s Ale House, Off the Mile Restaurant, Pisco y Nazca, PizzaRev Coral Gables, Son Cubano, Tarpon Bend Raw Bar & Grill, and of course, some of our favorites: Shula’s 347 Grill {6915 Red Road, Coral Gables; 305.665.9661}, Big Easy Winebar & Grill {701 South Miami Avenue #339, Brickell; 786.814.5955}, and Glass & Vine {2820 McFarlane Road, Coconut Grove; 305.200.5268}. To complement all those burgers with a sweet treat, guests can end their night by noshing on sugary desserts from Frice Cream, Night Owl Cookie Co., and Seasons 52.

Tickets to this tasty event start at $60 for General Admission, which gets you six burgers and your choice of two Samuel Adams beverages, and $125 for VIP Admission, which gets you unlimited burgers and Samuel Adams, plus access to the Jack Daniel’s VIP area. All tickets to the event can be purchased here. 
Fred B. Hartnett/Ponce Circle Park is located at 2800 Ponce de Leon Boulevard. It is sponsored by South Motors BMW, the Business Improvement District of Coral Gables, Samuel Adams, the City of Coral Gables, Brown Forman Beverages, Clear Channel Outdoor, Evolution Payments, Florida Blue, G-Force Waterproofing & Restoration, LLC, thumbprint and Intermedia Touch, Inc.
Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor

Looking for some spooky, spectacular food and fun this Hallow’s Eve? See how some of our favorite Miami restaurants, lounges, and hotspots are celebrating, below. (It’s scary how tasty Halloween can be.)
Villa Azur
Taking place on Saturday, October 28 and Sunday, October 29, “Haunted Villa” at Villa Azur {309 23 Street, Miami Beach; 305.763.8688} is one pre-Halloween dinner party you won’t want to miss. That night will feature a saxophonist and a live DJ, and on actual Halloween night, an “In the Shadow” fête will continue the fun with costumes, Made in Russia, and Veuve Clicquot. The guest that wears the best costume will win the coveted Veuve Clicquot grand prize. Villa Azur’s Haunted Villa will start at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 28. The In the Shadow party, will start at 8 p.m on Halloween night.
Tacology
On Saturday, October 28, head to Tacology {701 South Miami Avenue, 4 Floor; 786.347.5368} for a Halloween costume contest and a chance to win a bottle of Golden Tequila and a $300 gift card (first place) or a bottle of Silver Tequila and a $150 gift card (second place). Come for the $12 Halloween, tequila-tinged The Dark Side cocktails, and stay for the all-night DJ, the mouthwatering Mexican food, and the photo booth. For an added bit of fun, come back on Halloween day and find The Dark Side cocktail on the menu again—but just for a limited-time only. The Halloween party and costume contest at Tacology will start at 8 p.m. on Saturday, October 28.
The Biltmore Hotel
Sitting in the heart of Coral Gables, the Biltmore Hotel {1200 Anastasia Avenue, Coral Gables; 855.311.6903} throws an annual Halloween party like no other. It will have an open bar, live entertainment, a buffet, and a contest for the most creative costumes. Costumes must be handcrafted, and prizes will be given to both the individual with the most creative costume, and the couple with the same. This event will take place on Friday, October 27, from 8 p.m. to Midnight. Tickets will be priced at $110 per person for members and $130 per person for non-members. Tickets must be purchased in advance, and all guests must be 21+ to attend. For more information, or to register to attend, please click here.
Seaspice
Looking for a haute way to welcome Halloween? At Seaspice {422 NW North River Drive, Miami; 305.440.4200}, the Miami River’s sexy, enchanting global restaurant and lounge, Miami’s finest will be out in their Hallow’s Eve best. Taking place on Sunday, October 29, “A Hauntingly Beautiful Halloween Bash” will have scrumptious food, live entertainment, cunning cocktails, and like the best of Halloween celebrations… a few scares. Pro tip: Stick with the theme and wear all black and white. (All the cool kids are doing it!) This event will start at 5 p.m. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 305.440.4200.
Cantina La Veinte
If you’re craving a meal so tasty it scares you, Cantina La Veinte {485 Brickell Avenue, Brickell; 786.623.6135} is just where you want to be this Halloween. On Saturday, October 28, have dinner amidst a live DJ, eerie decorations, and spooky Love Potion cocktails with mezcal, lime juice, Crème de Violette and house-made butterfly pea flower syrup. When you do, put on your scariest costume and you just might win an eerily-cool prize. Reservations for dinner are required and can be made by calling 786.623.6135.
R House Wynwood
Head to R House {2727 NW 2 Avenue, Wynwood; 305.576.0201} on Halloween night, and indulge in its third-annual Bacardi Halloween bash. The party will be hosted by Revolution 93.5 Radio’s Kelly Rajzjberry, and involves a costume contest and $250 and $150 cash prizes for first- and second-place winners, respectively. Start with happy hour at 6 p.m., and keep the party going until 3 a.m. All winners will be announced at Midnight! This party will take place on Tuesday, October 31, from 6 p.m. to 3 a.m.

StripSteak by Michael Mina
From now through the end of October, head to StripSteak by Michael Mina {4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.674.4780} and get the $15 Adult Candy Corn cocktail. Perfect for Whiskey lovers, it’s made with Widow Jane Apple Wood Rye, Cointreau Noir, apple cider reduction, lemon juice, allspice dram, egg white, “liquid candy corn” sprays, and candy corn garnish. Lucky for you, we’ve got the recipe. Get it here! StripSteak by Michael Mina is open Sunday through Thursday, from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., and on Fridays and Saturdays, from 6 p.m. to Midnight.
Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor

There’s no denying that a hot day with a cold beer is a sacred moment—and this month, Estrella Damm is giving beer drinkers an extra excuse to drink one every single day. Running from November 1 through November 30, 2017, Estrella Damm Chef’s Choice will highlight both the Spanish and Mediterranean beer and 50 of the Magic City’s best restaurants with a series of limited-time-only menus priced at $30 to $70 apiece.
The purpose of this series is simple. Using the same, classic recipe it’s used since 1876, Estrella Damm is now encouraging chefs to get more creative by coming up with a three-course meal where every dish pairs perfectly with one of the brand’s Mediterranean lager beers. Adding to its creativity, every entrée needs to use one secret Mediterranean ingredient. This year, that ingredient is garbanzo beans.   
Offered at different restaurants across Miami, every three-course menu will have an appetizer, an entrée, and a dessert, and all will be paired with an Estrella Damm beer. Some of our favorite restaurants will be participating—like Café Roval {5808 NE 4 Court, Miami, Morningside; 786.953.7850}, GK Bistronomie {218 Northwest 25 Street, Miami; 786.477.5151}, The Lido Bayside Grill {40 Island Avenue, Miami Beach; 786.245.0880}, LT Steak & Seafood {1440 Ocean Drive, South Beach; 844.862.3157}, Market at EDITION {2901 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 786.257.4600}, R HOUSE {2727 NW 2 Avenue, Wynwood; 305.576.0201}, and Wynwood Kitchen & Bar {2550 Northwest 2 Avenue, Wynwood; 305.722.8959}, to name a few.

Here are all of the restaurants participating in this year’s Estrella Damm Chef’s Choice promotion:
1111 Peruvian Bistro
320 Bistro
Akashi
Barceloneta
Bocas House Coral Gables
Bocas House Doral
Bocas House Weston
Bolivar Restaurant Bar
Bulla Gastrobar Coral Gables
Bulla Gastrobar Doral
Byblos Miami
Café Roval
Chef Adrianne’s Vineyard Restaurant & Wine Bar
Cleo South Beach
Coral Café
Divieto Ristorante
El Cielo Miami
Finka Table & Tap
Fiorito
Fontana Italian
GKBistronomie
Graziano’s in Bird Road
Graziano’s in Coral Gables
Jimmy’z Kitchen Wynwood
Kaori By Walter Martino
Kebo Restaurant
La Loggia Ristorante & Lounge
The Lido Bayside Grill
LT Steak & Seafood
The Lunchbox
Market at EDITION
Mina’s Mediterraneo
Neme Gastro Bar
PAON Eatery
Paulie Gee’s Miami
Perricone’s Marketplace & Café
Phuc Yea
Pisco y Nazca Ceviche Gastrobar Doral
Pisco y Nazca Ceviche Gastrobar Kendall
PM Buenos Aires
Ponte Vecchio Ristorante e Pizzeria
R HOUSE
Segafredo Brickell
Son Cubano
Spaghettino
Tapas y Tintos
Tapelia
TUYO Restaurant
Wynwood Kitchen & Bar
Xixón Spanish Restaurant
For more information about Chef’s Choice 2017, click here.
Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor

Ready, set… play!
Fuel your day with coffee and a pastry at Chez Bon Bon
When: 8:30 a.m. (Because who doesn’t want to start game day early?)
Located right next to the left of the lobby, go here for your morning espresso and grab a buttery croissant while you’re there.
Hit the pool.
When: 9 a.m.
It’s party time! The game might not start until 1 p.m., but at the Fontainebleau, there’s plenty of fun to be had before then. Join the throngs of beautiful people and tan, take a dip in the pool, and order a mimosa (or three). It is #SundayFunday, after all.
Get that pre-game meal.
When: Noon
You’ve got that 60-minute countdown ‘til kick-off, so order some lunch before it’s too late. With your cabana, you can choose from one of two game day specials for you and up to five friends! The Touchdown Package comes with two buckets of Heineken Light and a platter of 24 chicken wings, and the MVP Package comes with a bottle of Corzo Tequila, and a BBQ platter  with chicken wings, chicken fingers, quesadillas, chips, and salsa. The Touchdown Package is priced at $550 for the group, and the MVP Package is priced at $750 for the group.
GAMETIME.
When: 1 p.m.
Who’s playing? Doesn’t matter. With your 46-inch, flat screen TV, personal butler, and lavish couches, you’ll watch… any game.
Win or lose, we booze.
When: 5 p.m.
The game is over, but you still have one more hour at the pool! If the beer or the tequila is gone, get your butler’s attention and order another round. If you’re still hungry, grab the platter of fresh fruit from your cabana fridge, where you’ll also find 10 sodas and four bottles of water. (You know, in case you need to hydrate after all that beer.)
Let’s eat.
When: 7 p.m.
A good game day calls for a solid meal—and pizza is always a good option. Finish your day at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach with dinner at Pizza & Burger by Michael Mina {4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.674.4636}, where you can snack on a mile-high platter of The Nachos; The Lobster Dogs; The Farm Pizza with bacon, egg, and Yukon Gold Potatoes; The Bleau Burger with Point Reyes blue cheese, truffle aïoli, and crispy prosciutto; and cocktails like Train Wreck, margaritas, or the Patrón tequila-tinged Paloma 2.0. If you’re not ready to go home, keep ordering those Paloma 2.0’s. (Pizza & Burger stays open until late.)
Happy Dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor

Here is this week’s Miami food news:

Tuesday, October 17: South Beach Seafood Festival is BACK!
Read about it here.
Tuesday, October 17: Grower Champagne Tasting at Costa Med Bistro + Wine
All over the world, October 20 is Champagne Day; but here in Miami, we’ve turned it into a whole Champagne Week. In honor of the beloved French bubbly, this Tuesday, diners will get to enjoy a three-course Champagne pairing meal with delectable dishes prepared by the team at Costa Med Bistro + Wine {260 Crandon Boulevard, Suite #46, Key Biscayne; 305.361.7575}. All Champagnes used throughout the evening will be presented by Alessandra Esteves, DipWSET, Director of Wine Education for the Florida Wine Academy. The dinner starts at 7 p.m., and tickets are priced at $95 per person, excluding tax and gratuity. Reservations are required and can be made by calling the restaurant.

Thursday, October 19: Meraki Greek Bistro Benefits Victims of Hurricane Irma
This Thursday, head to Meraki Greek Bistro, in Downtown Miami, and you could help raise money for our neighbors in the Florida Keys who are still recovering from Hurricane Irma! From 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., all beer and wine sales will benefit “Linked by a Dream,” a non-profit foundation devoted to helping deserving individuals near or at the poverty line. During that time, take advantage of happy hour specials, like $3 On Blue Island premium beer; $4 My Big Fat Greek Wine (Savatiano), Kretikos by Boutari (Vilana), Kleoni Greek Rose, and Νemea by Lafkioti (Agiorgitiko); and select appetizers for $5. Remember: The more you eat and drink, the more people you help. 

Friday, October 20 and Saturday, October 21: Live Belly Dancing at Sawa Restaurant & Lounge
Want dinner and a show? At Sawa Restaurant & Lounge {360 San Lorenzo Avenue, Coral Gables; 305.447.6555}, in the Village of Merrick Park, you’ll get it. Every Friday and Saturday night, at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m., diners can nosh on Mediterranean- and Japanese-fusion fare while belly dancers shake their stuff around them. This event gets popular, so dinner reservations are recommended.

Saturday, October 21: Stone Crab Festival at Semilla Eatery & Bar
Stone crab season is officially HERE! This Saturday, head to Semilla Eatery & Bar for its annual Stone Crab Festival, where you can enjoy $4 claws, cool weather, and refreshing cocktails.  

Sunday, October 22: Geoffrey Zakarian Hosts “Stone Crabs for a Cause”
This Sunday, head to Point Royal, at The Diplomat Resort & Spa, and you’ll get to chow down on all-you-can-eat stone crabs for $89 per person. Hosted by celebrity chef, restaurateur, and TV personality Geoffrey Zakarian, this one-time-only event will honor Breast Cancer Awareness Month by donating 25% of its proceeds to the Glam-A-THON™ benefiting the Broward Health Foundation’s Lillian S. Wells Women’s Health Center. Reservations for this event are recommended, and Point Royal dinner guests will receive complimentary valet for up to four hours.

Everyday: “Beat the Clock” Happy Hour at R House Wynwood
Happy hour is a must in the Magic City, and R House Wynwood {2727 NW 2 Avenue, Wynwood; 305.576.0201} does it right. Go between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. daily, and you can “beat the clock” with bar bites, beer, wine, and well drinks for just $3 at 3 p.m., $4 at 4 p.m., and so on and so forth.
Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor