Home / 2017 / November

LT Steak & Seafood


If seafood is what your tastebuds are longing for, Miami has just the place. Try one of our favorite Miami seafood spots—five of them are below!
LT Steak & Seafood
Sitting right on Ocean Drive, LT Steak & Seafood {1440 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach; 305.673.0044} is the brainchild of famed Executive Chef Laurent Tourondel. Sitting in the historic The Betsy-South Beach, this restaurant serves a seasonally-inspired American menu with an emphasis on what’s fresh and local. In addition to a curated wine program, guests can expect a mix of light and hearty dishes, like Lemon Poached Lobster Salad with grapefruit oil, Grilled Red Snapper with smashed fresh peas and lime-shiitake ginger vinaigrette, a 36-ounce U.S.D.A prime Porterhouse with a jalapeño chimichurri, and even impressive sushi dishes like Crunchy Curried Peekytoe Crab.
Lobster Bar Sea Grille
Dazzling South of Fifth diners, Lobster Bar Sea Grille {404 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.377.2675} is the award-winning Buckhead Life Restaurant Group’s haute new addition to Miami Beach’s seafood scene. In a setting that includes an ice display made of white Thassos marble imported from Greece, this restaurant sources its seafood from all over the world: namely Europe (especially Greece and Spain!), New Zealand, Japan, and other parts of the United States. The menu is broken down into four parts, from a “Live Lobster Experience” with Canadian hard shell lobsters from Nova Scotia and a “Whole Fish Experience” with whole European and local fish prepared in the Mediterranean style, to “USDA Prime Signature Steaks” and “Unique Seafood Specialties & Appetizers,” the latter of which has a menu of shareable appetizers like crudo of pristine fish, sashimi, ceviche, tartares, buttery French tartes with house-cured salmon, and more.
A Fish Called Avalon
Perched on the corner of Ocean Drive and 7th for almost 30 years, A Fish Called Avalon {700 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach; 305.532.1727} is a South Beach staple. Hidden in the Avalon Hotel, this indoor-outdoor spot uniquely sits right in the heart of Ocean Drive’s action, without making you feel like you’re on Ocean Drive at all. Grab a seat inside, and feast on Spanish Octopus, Seared Diver Scallops with an artichoke potato mash, Wild Salmon Tartufata Crusted with Panko and horseradish, and more in an intimate, demure setting. Get a table outside on the open-air terrace, which has direct views of the Atlantic coast, and you can get some people-watching while you eat, too. Pro tip: Wherever you sit, order a mojito. They’re legendary here.
The River Seafood & Oyster Bar
This Brickell dining destination is not to be missed. Known for its popular happy hour and top-notch seafood, The River Seafood & Oyster Bar {650 South Miami Avenue, Brickell; 305.530.1915} serves up a modern twist on classic seafood. The setting is comfortable—you feel like you’re eating in your friend’s living room—but the menu makes you feel like you’re traveling the world. When you go here, expect ice-packed, hand-shucked cold water oysters (with daily deals!), fresh cold-water fish brought in from Alaska, organic salmon and bronzini from Ireland, sardines from Spain, and much more.
Seaspice
When it comes to good seafood in Miami, it’s hard to ignore Seaspice {422 NW North River Drive, Miami; 305.440.4200}, which combines good seafood and a beautiful setting. Sitting right on the Miami River, this sexy restaurant and lounge serves a high-end, globally inspired seafood menu that has everything from a haute raw bar to Seaspice Scampi with Wild Nigerian jumbo prawns and a tomato confit, Chilean Sea Bass with a truffle porchi crust and Yukon gold potatoes, and a Maine lobster Risotto. While there, try Modern Garden, a lounge within the Seaspice restaurant, and you can get raw fish crudo paired with upmarket meats cooked on 850-degree volcanic stone slabs. Show up by car or yacht (both are welcome!), order a Blossom Martini with Ketel One, St. Germain and a fresh Orchid from Seaspice’s bespoke cocktail menu, and take it all in: here, you’re guaranteed delicious food… and a good time.
Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor

Sundae with Salted Caramel Ice Cream, Candied Peanuts & Popcorn at Market at EDITION


The holiday season is all about indulging. So why not indulge in one (or 10) of Miami’s tastiest desserts? Try these sugary treats listed belowthey’re sure to sweeten up your winter.

Warm Peach & Apricot Cobbler
With toasted coconut streusel and vanilla gelato
Where you’ll find it: Pizza & Burger by Michael Mina {4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.674.4636

Profiteroles Bianca
Cream puffs, chocolate pastry cream, and white chocolate sauce
Where you’ll find it: Segafredo Espresso L’Originale {1040 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach; 305.673.0047}

Brûleed Lemon Tart
With roasted fig, hazelnut, and vanilla frozen yogurt
Where you’ll find it: Scarpetta {4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 877.326.7412}
Key Lime Pie
With homemade “schlag”  
Where you’ll find it: Wolfgang’s Steakhouse {315 South Biscayne Boulevard, Downtown Miami; 305.487.7130}
Sundae with Salted Caramel Ice Cream, Candied Peanuts & Popcorn
With whipped cream and chocolate sauce
Where you’ll find it: Market at EDITION {2901 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 786.257.4500}
Dessert Sampler
Dulce de Leche Spring Roll, Sweet & Sinful Soufflé, Coconut Panna Cotta, Baklava, and Pistachio Ice Cream
Where you’ll find it: Sawa Restaurant & Lounge {360 San Lorenzo Avenue, Coral Gables; 305.447.6555} 
Keylime S’mores
With graham cracker, black berry pudding, and marshmallow
Where you’ll find it: Artisan Beach House {10295 Collins Avenue, Bal Harbour; 305.455.5460}
Pudim Português com Vinho do Porto
Cream Caramel flavored with port wine
Where you’ll find it: Old Lisbon {1698 SW 22 Street, Miami; 305.854.0039}

Coconut Cake with Dulce de Leche Ice Cream
Where you’ll find it: Soyka Restaurant {5556 NE 4 Court, Upper East Side; 305.759.3117}

Leche Frita
Deep-fried custard
Where you’ll find it: Casa Juancho {2436 SW 8 Street, Miami; 305.642.2452}
Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor

BarMeli69

Here is this week’s Miami food news:

Monday, November 27: Happy Hour at BarMeli69
A long day at the office should always end on a happy note… a happy hour note, to be exact. At BarMeli69 {6927 Biscayne Boulevard, Downtown Miami; 305.754.5558}, you can get “happy price” select glasses of wine or sangria for $6 each, select bottles or carafes for $22 each, and $5 snacks. Happy Hour is available Monday through Friday, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Cheers!
Wednesday, November 29: Coastal Grand Opening Party
Sitting inside the Atlantic Hotel & Spa, Coastal is the hotel’s new flagship restaurant; and if the name doesn’t give it away, it features an American menu that’s largely about the sea. This Wednesday night, the restaurant will officially open with drinks, bites, oceanfront view and a ribbon cutting ceremony with Mayor Jack Seiler, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Welcome to the neighborhood, Coastal!
Thursday, November 30: Drink Wine at Sawa Restaurant & Lounge
Had a rough day? Looking for an excuse to start the weekend early? Head to Sawa Restaurant & Lounge {360 San Lorenzo Avenue, Coral Gables; 305.447.6555} every Thursday night, from 7 p.m. to Midnight, and you can get 50% off all bottles of wine.

Friday, December 1: Brunch at Grove Bay Hospitality Group’s New Stiltsville Fish Bar
We’ve all heard of Sunday brunch, but now you can get brunch on Friday, too! Jeff McInnis and Janine Booth opened Stiltsville Fish Bar in Sunset Harbour just last week, and with it, a weekend a la carte brunch every Friday through Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. On the menu, expect a modern take on classic seafood dishes: like Pork Belly Bacon and Sweet Corn Pancakes with pickled green tomato chow-chow, a Baby Kale and Pimento Cheese Omelet, Shrimp N’ Grits, Green Eggs and Ham, a Butter Lettuce and Avocado Salad, Chilled Watermelon and Pickles, Smoky Plantain Hash, Sugar Dusted Beignets, and a Hummingbird Waffle with rum caramel and charred pineapple. Is your mouth watering yet?
Sunday, December 2: Asado Brunch at Los Fuegos
Head to Los Fuegos by Francis Mallmann {3201 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 786.655.5610} every Sunday, from Noon to 4 p.m., and experience a major social event in Argentina: the asado, or an open-fire barbecue typically shared by family and friends. During this weekly Asado Brunch, expect a four-course feast of family-style plates like Empanadas stuffed with hand-cut prime filet mignon and llajua sauce, Pink Grapefruit Salad with avocado, Chorizo with garlic aioli and potato salad, Dulce de Leche Pancakes, and more. Sunday Asado Brunch runs from Noon to 4 p.m. every week. Brunch is priced at $75 per adult and $35 per child. Bottomless mimosas and Bloody Marys are available for an additional $25 per adult.
Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor


When we think of those sexy, Miami dinner parties, no place comes to mind quite as much as Villa Azur {309 23 Street, Miami Beach; 305.763.8688}. Sitting right in the heart of Miami Beach, this Mediterranean restaurant and lounge is a favorite of A-list diners like Alec Monopoly, Martha Stewart, Leonardo di Caprio, Karolina Kurkova, and Cristiano Ronaldo, to name a few. And during Art Basel, it’s a hotspot that shouldn’t be missed.
Kicking off the weekend in style, this year’s Art Basel festivities at Villa Azur will start on Wednesday, December 6, with the haunt’s own pop up of L’ARC PARIS—the iconic nightclub and celebrity jetsetter hangout-of-choice sitting at the top of the Champs-Elysees, in Paris. Then, the next night, international DJ Jack-e will hit the turntables for the spot’s weekly Thursday Night Dinner Party, undeniably the hottest dinner party in town. As if that weren’t enough partying for one week, once Friday hits, the fun has only just begun. Starting Friday, December 8, Villa Azur will host a pop up of POSH BRAZIL, the most famous nightclub in Brazil; and then keep the party going with DJ Michael Canitrot on Saturday, December 9.
No matter which night you go, one thing’s for sure: you’re guaranteed beautiful people-watching, glasses overflowing with Armand de Brignac and Louis Roederer Champagne, works of art by Catherine L’Empereur and fashion photographer Antoine Verglas, and of course, delicious, Mediterranean-inspired cuisine by new Executive Chef Philippe Ruiz.
During Art Basel 2017, Villa Azur will be open from December 6 – 9, from 6:30 p.m. to 3 a.m.
Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor


Swine Southern Table & Bar {2415 Ponce De Leon Boulevard, Coral Gables; 786.360.6433} is known for its Sunday brunch Bloody Mary’s, and now, you can make a pitcher of one of the Southern-inspired restaurant’s special “Mary” mixes at home. Craving a Bloody Mary with a kick? Try this Southern Twist Bloody Mary, below. It’s sure to get you in a Southern state o’ mind.
Mix three cups tomato juice, one tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, one tablespoon lime juice, one tablespoon olive juice, two tablespoons Tabasco, 1/2 bunch finely-chopped cilantro, 1/2 teaspoon salt, three tablespoons prepared horseradish, and two tablespoons molasses BBQ sauce (or A-1 sauce!) in a large pitcher. Let the mixture chill overnight. Fill each glass with ice and add one ounce vodka. Fill the rest of each glass with the chilled Bloody Mary mixture. Garnish with candied bacon.
Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor



Cauliflower Pizza from Malibu Farm

serves three to six

Ingredients
Lavash bread
4 oz log goat cheese
3 Tbsp creme fraiche
1 egg
1 c three-cheese blend (Monterey, Jack, and Cheddar)
1 c cauliflower, raw and thinly-sliced
Olive oil
Kosher salt
Method
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. In a processor, mix together goat cheese, creme fraiche, and egg, until smooth and spreadable. Lay a slice of lavash bread onto a baking sheet that has been lightly-brushed with olive oil. Spread a thin layer of the goat cheese spread onto the lavash bread. (You may have leftover spread since you just want a thin coat.) Top the lavash with the three-cheese blend, followed by the cauliflower. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Bake at 400 degrees F for 8 to 10 minutes, until the pizza is brown and crispy around the edges.
To serve: Slice the pizza.
Enjoy!


In the mood for a warm holiday drink? Villa Azur {309 23 Street, Miami Beach; 305.763.8688} has just the thing! Perfect for the rum lover in you, this foamy cocktail, appropriately coined The Doctor, is warm, flavored with cinnamon and coffee, and comes with the “kick” your holiday season needs. Find out how to make it, below!
Mix two ounces Barceló Imperial Rum, 1/2 ounce Licor 43, 1/2 ounce Ginger Licor, and one espresso shot in a mug. Top with cinnamon and coffee foam, to taste. Garnish with cinnamon sticks and golden chocolate flakes.
Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor


This holiday season, celebrate with a classic… a Brazilian classic. At Fogo de Chão {836 1 Street, Miami Beach; 305.672.0011}, sip on a well-made version of one of South America’s best-known cocktails, the Caipirinha, and then use the recipe below to go home and make it for yourself.
Here’s how you do it:
Cut one whole lime in half and remove the core. Slice the lime thinly against the direction of the core. Place the sliced lime in a rocks glass and add two tablespoons of white sugar. Muddle the lime and sugar together to extract the natural juice of the lime. Fill glass to the brim with ice, and add two ounces Cachaça. Cap the glass with a bar shaker and shake thoroughly to make sure the sugar dissolves evenly. Pour the mixture back into the rocks glass. Garnish the Caipirinha with a lime wheel or stick of sugar cane—whichever you prefer.
Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor


Art Week 2017 is just days away! And The Mandarin Oriental, Miami can’t wait to take part. In honor of Miami’s hottest week-long celebration of the season, this Brickell Key hotel will host a special event—Voices, He[ARTS] + Brilliance—on Wednesday, December 6. In partnership with everyone’s favorite diamond company, Harry Winston, Land Rover, and Desmond Mason (a NBA athlete-turned-artist!) this charity event will feature the culinary stylings of Executive Chef Diego Oka of La Mar by Gastón Acurio {500 Brickell Key Drive, Brickell Key; 305.913.8358}, who will team up with Michelin-Star Chef Curtis Duffy and Award-Winning Chef Clay Conley, previously of Azul.
So… what can guests expect? The evening will kick-off at 7 p.m. with a two-hour cocktail party, and endless Patron Silver Tequila and Taittinger Champagne, at MO Bar + Lounge. While you sip, sway to the tunes by live jazz duo, The Fox Brothers, and peruse and bid on Desmond Mason’s latest art collection during an exclusive preview. Adding to the evening, Desmond will also conduct a live art installation on a 2018 Range Rover Velar, which guests can bid on while he works. After the cocktail party has ended, guests will hit the Miami Bayfront Dining Room for a five-course, wine-pairing feast with wine pairings specially-created by Executive Chef Diego Oka and Chef Clay Conley.
Tickets for this event are priced at $175 per person for the cocktail party, and $350 per person for the cocktail party and dinner. All proceeds will benefit the Voices For Children Foundation, a non-profit organization that raises money to help ensure that abused, abandoned, and neglected children in Miami-Dade County get the appropriate court-appointed Guardian ad Litem, financial assistance, and other resources that meet their health, education, and social needs. All tickets for the event can be purchased here.
Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor

Kinilaw from Pao by Paul Qui

serves 5
Ingredients
Coconut dressing:
100 g Maeploy coconut milk
35 g coconut vinegar
7.5 g ginger, grated
Salt, Baleine fine sea salt
Extra virgin olive oil, Valderrama arbequina
Kinilaw:
Kampachi (yellowtail)
Red onion, rinsed and sliced
Thai chilies, fresh and sliced
Cilantro, with stems and sliced
Murray River sea salt
Black Pepper, fresh cracked
5.6 oz Yuzu Juice
6 oz olive oil
Green onion thinly sliced
Method
For the coconut dressing: Add coconut vinegar to the coconut milk, a little at a time. Add ginger little by little, making sure it’s distributed evenly. Add salt and olive oil to taste.

To serve: In a small mixing bowl, add red onions, Thai chili, yuzu juice, and coconut milk dressing. Mix. Place on the bottom of the bowl. Arrange the kampachi slices on top of the dressing and season with sea salt, cilantro stems, Thai chili, black pepper, and red and green onions. Serve chilled. 
Enjoy!