On its own, a good meal is worth celebrating—but couple it with a good cause and our stomachs and our hearts are full. Starting next week, The Lido Bayside Grille at The Standard Spa, Miami Beach {40 Island Avenue, Miami Beach; 786.245.0880} is giving us a reason to indulge in both with its inaugural “Chefs Stand Up” series, a three-part event where chefs from New York City and Los Angeles will host sit-down dinners at Lido Lounge. The best part? There’s a feel-good element: 100% of the proceeds from each dinner will benefit a charity of the chef’s choice.
Kicking-off July 19 with Nina Clemente, of The Standard Plaza in NYC and The Smile’s Di Alba in LA, these three one-night only events won’t disappoint. The first dinner will raise money for No Kid Hungry, a campaign that connects children in need with nutritious food, teaches families how to cook healthy and affordable meals at home, and advocates an end to child hunger. Following that, Sara Kramer and Sarah Hymanson, both from Kismet in LA and both added to Food & Wine’s “Best New Chef 2017” list, will come to town on Wednesday, August 23, to benefit Planned Parenthood. Finally, on Thursday, September 21, Angela Dimayuga, a James Beard Rising Star Chef Nominee in 2016 who comes from Mission Chinese Food in NYC, will be in town; and she’s hosting a feast for the ages to benefit National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum.
Of course, getting an all-star lineup like this was no accident. In fact, when the team at The Standard first came up with the idea, they deliberately sought out chefs they knew would aid their effort to make a difference in the world.  
“As a hotel group, one of our big themes this year is MOBILIZE.  For us, that means getting our message out there about the issues facing us that endanger our right to freedom and equality,” says Darryl Gibson, Regional Director of Programming & Culture for Standard Hotels. “We had several idea sharing sessions about doing a guest chef series, but in the end, we found ourselves asking what we were doing to make ours different than the series that other restaurants and hotels are doing. We wanted to make it special and impactful in a way that spoke to the core values of The Standard brand, and that led us back to our theme of MOBILIZE.”
Each installation of the Chefs Stand Up series will start with welcome cocktails from Moët & Chandon Champagne at 8 p.m., and follow with a sit-down dinner. Tickets for the July event are priced at $135 per person (including food, drinks, tax and gratuity), and the August and September dinners are priced at $95 each for the same. Tickets can be purchased here.
Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor

Let Summer ’17 be all about cool cocktails on hot summer days! To make sure it is, we’ve rounded up our favorite summertime sips in Miami—and where to find them—below.
“Spicy Mango Martini”
GK Bistronomie
Spice up Summer ‘17 with this combination of Beefeater Gin, Cinzano Dry Spicy Mango Thai Chili, and Yuzu.
“Kiwi Something Or Other”
NaiYaRa
Take a sip of this cocktail, and you’ll taste the flavors of tart summer kiwi, lemon, Bombay Dry Gin, St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur, and sparkling wine.
“Bikini Bottom”
Sawa Restaurant & Lounge
So appropriately named for summer in Miami, this martini is made with Van Gogh Pineapple Vodka and Malibu Coconut, and (like the best bikini-wearers) comes with no top.
“Tropical Dream”
Segafredo L’Originale
Living in the M-I-A is a tropical dream… and so is this Caribbean cocktail. It’s made with Bacardi White Rum, Malibu Black Rum, Bacardi 151, Cremé de Banana, passion fruit, mango, raspberry, orange, pineapple, coconut sugar, and fresh banana.
“Culantro Martini”
R House Wynwood
Cool down with a Culantro Martini, which mixes cucumber-infused Lucky Player Vodka with St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur, cilantro, and lemon juice.
“Sunset Sangria”
The Lido Bayside Grille
When the sun goes down over Biscayne Bay, sip this tasty concoction and see the colors reflected right in your glass. This wine cocktail fuses rosé, St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur, lemon white wine, muscat, grapefruit red wine, and blood orange.
“The Night Is Young”
Soyka Restaurant
…and so it is every night in Miami. Sip on this cocktail and let that mantra ring true: it has a mix of bourbon, fresh-squeezed watermelon juice, and fresh sour mix, mint, and jalapeño.
“Drift Into Summer”
Pizza & Burger by Michael Mina
Drift into the warmer months with this refreshing swirl of Bombay Gin, watermelon-infused Dolin Vermouth, and lemon.
“Frenchie”
Bakehouse Brasserie
Do as the French do and slip into la “joie de vivre.” Grab this Frenchie cocktail on the way—it’s a mix of G’vine Gin, St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur, Lillet Rose, Pamplemousse, and citrus.
“Summer Time”
The River Seafood Oyster Bar
The name of this cocktail says it all! Perfect for summer, it combines Elyx Vodka, pineapple, Cocchi Americano, jasmine tea, and passion fruit.
Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor

Today, July 6, is National Fried Chicken Day! And to make sure you get to celebrate with some fried bird, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite fried chicken dishes in Miami that you just have to try. Here they are:
The Sarsaparilla Club
What you’re getting: Sarsaparilla’s Fried Chicken
Created by Top Chef alums Jeff McInnis and Janine Booth, this American classic takes fried chicken to another (mouthwatering) level, pairing green curry-fried chicken with kaffir lime powder, cilantro, lime, and toasted coconut.
Swine Southern Table & Bar
What you’re getting: Lewellyn’s Fried Chicken ‘n Grits
This pork-centric restaurant took one chicken dish from Yardbird, its sister restaurant, which slathers fried chicken with jalapeño cheddar grits and red eye panther gravy.
Pizza & Burger by Michael Mina
What you’re getting: Chicken & Waffles
In a place known for its pizzas and burgers, you might not think to order anything else. But in this case, get the Chicken & Waffles. It comes with a Corn Flake crust, a country-style waffle, pickled Fresno purée, maple gastrique, corn espuma, pickled shallots, and arugula.
Joe’s Stone Crab
What you’re getting: ½ Fried Chicken
Everyone goes to Joe’s for the Stone Crabs, but if you want a good deal, there’s nothing better than the ½ Fried Chicken for just $6.95.
Hakkasan
What you’re getting: Crispy Orange Chicken
Think: delicate pieces of crispy glazed chicken, separated by actual orange slices.
Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor

Looking for some delicious food and guaranteed fun to go with your July 4 fireworks? Checkout our favorite Miami restaurants and hotels where you can celebrate—we’ve listed them for you, below:
Big Easy Winebar & Grill: Celebrate American Independence Day South African-style, at Big Easy Winebar & Grill {701 South Miami Avenue, Suite 339, Brickell; 786.814.5955}. Sitting in Brickell City Centre, here, you can give this classic, outdoor holiday the respect it deserves with all the makings of a backyard BBQ. Think: specials like the Braai Platter with South African farmer’s sausage, 12 oz. top sirloin, double lamb chops, Nigerian prawns and two sides for just $75 (normally $110), and $5 beers all day long. The full menu will also be available, so guests can nosh on other popular dishes like the Out of Africa Chop Chop with peri-peri chicken breast, Toasted Couscous Risotto, Grilled Nigerian Prawns, and Durban Bunny Chow, a sharing plate that serves slow-roasted lamb shank and rice in an artisan bread bowl. Lunch will be available from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., and dinner will be served from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.
The Biltmore Hotel: When it comes to the Fourth of July in Miami, it doesn’t get more classic than at The Biltmore Hotel {1200 Anastasia Avenue, Coral Gables; 855.311.6903}. Head there on Independence Day for its famed Fireworks Spectacular, open bar, and “stars and stripes” BBQ dinner. Not in the mood for BBQ? Before the fireworks, go to Palme d’Or for a three-course feast by famed Chef Gregory Pugin. The BBQ will start at 5 p.m. and the fireworks will start at 9 p.m. If you want to attend the full BBQ/fireworks festivities, tickets are priced at $180 per adult, $50 per child age 12 and under, and $1,700 for VIP tables of up to 10. Dinner at Palme d’Or will be priced at $55++ per person.
Villa Azur: This July 4, head to the Mediterranean-inspired Villa Azur {309 23 Street, Miami Beach; 305.763.8688} and you’ll immediately be transported to 1960’s America. Picture this: an old school diner with rollerblading greeters, live entertainment, beats by DJ Yez, classic American food (sliders and hot dogs, anyone?), and special Independence Day-inspired cocktails. This celebration will start at 6:30 p.m.
Seaspice: For a haute Independence Day, Seaspice {422 NW North River Drive, Miami; 305.440.4200} will honor July 4 with nautical decorations, live entertainment, lounge beats, Moet & Chandon, and bites from its new summer menu. Making it a real holiday treat, surprise performances will pop up throughout the night, and diners will get to revel in a dazzling fireworks show over the Miami River, making Seaspice’s classic views even more magical than usual. This celebration will start at 6:30 p.m.
Faena Miami Beach: Who’s ready for an Independence Day BBQ?! If you’re in Miami, get yours at Faena Miami Beach {3201 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.534.8800}. Here, guests will get to eat from a Hot Dog & Burger Cart, drink beer and cocktails, listen to live music from Sarah Packiam, indulge in the limited open Bar Package, or should they decide to book it, revel in the BBQ & Beach Package: which includes gourmet hot dogs and burgers, reserved beachfront lounge chairs all day, and in true Miami fashion, bottle service! This BBQ will run from Noon to 7 p.m.
Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor

Here is this week’s Miami food news:

Summer Champagne Splash
Wednesday, June 28
Now that summer is officially in full swing, Villa Azur {309 23 Street, Miami Beach; 305.763.8688} is celebrating it with something special: bubbles. Available for three hours each Wednesday, this happy hour will now offer two hours of endless Moët & Chandon and a two-hour luxury tasting of Dom Pérignon, Cristal, Ruinart, and Moet Rosé. Both come paired with free canapés, and in true Villa Azur fashion, a fabulously-good time. This special happy hour runs from 5 to 8 p.m. every Wednesday. Two hours of bottomless Moët & Chandon is available for $35 per person, and the luxury tasting is available for $55 per person.
National Ceviche Day
Wednesday, June 28
This Wednesday is National Ceviche Day! Find out how you can celebrate here.
954 in the 305
Wednesday, June 28
On June 28, Burlock Coast at The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale will join forces with Wynwood’s Beaker & Gray for a one-night-only event: “954 in the 305.” Head to this dinner for a four-course meal by the head chefs of both restaurants, Chef/Owner Brian Nasajon (Beaker & Gray) and Chef de Cuisine Gavin Pera (Burlock Coast), and drinks by bartenders Ben Potts (Beaker & Gray) and JP (Burlock Coast). Cocktails will start at 7 p.m., and dinner will follow at 7:30 p.m. Seats for this event are priced at $70 per person, and include two complimentary welcome cocktails in addition to the four-course meal. As part of Beaker & Gray’s year-long, monthly “Instant Karma” philanthropy program, a portion of the proceeds will benefit Best Buddies South Florida. Seating is limited, and reservations can be made by contacting Beaker & Gray at [email protected]

R House Drag Brunch
Sunday, July 2
This Sunday, head to R House Wynwood {2727 NW 2 Avenue, Wynwood; 305.576.0201} for its popular Drag Brunch! While you enjoy a tasty bottomless brunch by Chef/Owner Rocco Carulli, you’ll also get show-stopping performances by drag divas Elishaly Diwiches, Asheeria Pryce, and Teresita La Caliente, and music by DJ Jody McDonald. This brunch is hosted by South Florida Sweetheart Athena Dion, and if you sit at the bar, you can get $5 specialty drinks, too. Brunch runs from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., and costs $60 per person with bottomless mimosas and sangria. Reservations are recommended.
Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor

Hidden behind The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach, DiLido Beach Club {1 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach; 786.276.4000} is one sophisticated spot that every beach-goer will love. Fusing quality food with reasonable South Beach prices, five-star service, and of course, those beautiful Atlantic Ocean views, this laidback restaurant comes with a haute twist. Need more reasons to go? We’ve got six… but once you visit, you’ll probably come back with more.
Here are just some of the things we love about DiLido Beach Club:
This is one luxury locale that lets anyone join in the fun.
Unlike most hotel restaurants in South Beach (which usually only reserves this perk for hotel guests), this trendy spot gives all diners open access to and from the beach! So after you dine and drink, throw on your suit and hit the sand. In South Beach, and at DiLido, it’s all about “fun in the sun.”
It has that Ritz-level service.
Is there any hotel with better service than the Ritz? Powered by the motto “We are Ladies and Gentlemen serving Ladies and Gentlemen,” exemplary levels of service are literally written into the Ritz-Carlton DNA. There are 12 service values, which are essentially rules for good customer service that every employee pledges to follow, from “immediately resolving guests problems” to always “building strong relationships with Ritz-Carlton guests for life.” As a Ritz-Carlton restaurant, these same pillars of service exist at DiLido Beach Club, and it’s obvious as soon as the hostess greets you at the door.
The menu is divine.
Farro Grain & Smoked Salmon Salad. The Chorizo Frita with spicy mayo. Grilled Salmon with lime caper olive oil. Mediterranean Salad with couscous, feta, Kalamata olives, wine-macerated cranberries, and grilled stone fruit. Hungry yet?
On Sundays, there’s $20 bottomless rosé.
Every Sunday, from Noon to 8 p.m., there’s live music, an a la carte menu, and for just $20 (a steal on South Beach!) girls can drink bottomless rosé.
You can sip your way through sunset at the daily Di Social Hour.
Everyday, DiLido Beach Club offers discounted drinks and food from 5 to 7 p.m. During that time, you’ll get reduced-priced house beers, signature cocktails, and Lolea Sangria, like $8 frozen drinks and bites.
Every Saturday, celebrate the weekend with Bubbles & BBQ.
On Saturdays, DiLido hosts “Bubbles & BBQ” from 1 to 5 p.m. At this weekly party, you can get oceanside mojitos, champagne splits, cigar pairings, BBQ, and more.
Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor

This Sunday is all about Dad—so celebrate at one of the amazing restaurants listed below.
VILLA AZUR
If dad likes cigars and cocktails, then take him to Villa Azur {309 23rd Street, Miami Beach; 305.763.8688}! On Sunday, June 18th, guests will get to sip on Leather Cocktails and Vieux Azur cocktails, and a cigar rolling table will be there to offer every dad a hand-rolled cigar. On top of that, every entrée was made with Dad in mind—like 10 Hours Shorts Ribs slowly cooked with Coca Cola sauce, Lobster Spaghetti with half lobster, Chateaubriand, and Colorado Lamb Chop with apricot sauce. These dishes and drinks will be available on Sunday, June 18th, starting at 6:30 p.m.
SEASPICE
This Sunday, celebrate Dad with a hearty meal at Seaspice {422 NW North River Drive, Miami; 305.440.4200}. On the menu? A 32-ounce Wagyu Tomahawk Steak and foie gras with herb-roasted new potatoes and truffle bordelaise, Power Waffles made with quinoa and topped with fruit and honey, Serrano Benedict with crispy serrano ham and poached eggs, and a Backed Black Truffle Egg Tart with gruyere cheese. Plus, there will be beautiful views and live music to make the day a great one. These dishes will be available during brunch on Sunday, June 18th, from Noon to 3 p.m.
LOS FUEGOS
For a delicious brunch with an Argentine flair, go to the “Father’s Day Asado Brunch” at Los Fuegos by Francis Mallmann {3201 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 786.655.5610}. During this open-fire BBQ, there will be unlimited mimosas and beer cocktails for dads, and a feast with slow-cooked ribeye, wild salmon, and suckling pig over a wood-fired grill. Finally, all dads will get a complimentary hand-rolled cigar to enjoy on the hotel’s poolside Veranda terrace. This brunch will run from Noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday,  June 18th. It costs $95 per adult and $45 per child (age 5 – 12).
QUATTRO GASTRONOMIA ITALIANA
Sitting on Lincoln Road, Quattro Gastronomia Italiana {1014 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach; 305.531.4833} is an upscale Northern Italian eatery right here on our South Florida shores. And this Father’s Day, celebrate Dad at Quattro with a four-course, a la carte feast. Start with antipasti like Selezione di Formaggi e Affettati Misti or Polpette in Umido, and move on to primi like Paccheri Frutti Di Mare, which is paccheri seafood and cherry tomatoes. For the Secondi course, choose from Scampi  Alla Griglia or Bistecca Alla Fiorentina, the latter of which is a 24-ounce, aged T-bone steak with roasted potatoes. End the meal on a sweet note with baked-to-order Italian pastries, and la dolce vita will come to you. This spot will be open on Father’s Day from Noon to 11 p.m.
GLASS AND VINE
Grab your families and head to Glass and Vine {2820 McFarlane Road, Coconut Grove; 305.200.5268}, in Peacock Park, and indulge in a delicious brunch just for Dad. To celebrate the occasion, every dad will get a complimentary draft beer. As for food, guests can indulge in tasty brunch favorites, like the Breakfast Sandwich with sunny side up eggs and applewood smoked bacon, the Broccoli- Cheeseburger on a brioche bun, or Huevos Rotos with fried eggs and home-style potatoes. Brunch will be available all weekend, on Saturday and Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
BAKEHOUSE BRASSERIE
Take Dad to brunch at Bakehouse Brasserie {808 First Street, Miami Beach; 305.434.8249}, in South of Fifth, for a Parisian-inspired twist on classic brunch favorites. While live jazz and bottomless Bloody Mary’s will keep Dad entertained, tasty plates like Croissant French Toast, Avocado Toast, and Multigrain Pancakes with bananas foster and a cream cheese glaze will keep him full and happy. Bon appétit! This brunch will run from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
JAYA AT THE SETAI
This Sunday, head to Jaya at the Setai {2001 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 855.923.7899} for an over-the-top brunch with whiskey cocktails, cigars, grilled meats, and complimentary glasses of free-flowing Louis Roederer Champagne. Adding to the ambiance, Vinyl Blvd will be on hand performing live jazz. Brunch will run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is priced at $110 per adult and $55 per child aged 5 to 12.
AMERICAN HARVEST
Is your dad a health nut? If so, treat him to an a la carte meal at American Harvest {701 South Miami Avenue, Suite 339B; 786.814.6968}. Known for its fresh, farm-to-table cuisine, this fast-casual spot only serves organic, locally-sourced meats, fish, and vegetables, and infuses bold flavors to make good-for-you-good food that’s to die for. Some favorites include: the American Harvest Burger, the Cuban Hipster Bowl, and the Blue’s Steak Tacos. Want to indulge? Pair it with a selection from the craft beer and wine menu. This spot will be open on Father’s Day from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
PAO BY PAUL QUI
This Father’s Day, celebrate Dad with an Asian-inspired epicurean adventure at Pao by Paul Qui {3201 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 786.655.5630}. In addition to a complimentary hand-rolled cigar, all dads will be able to indulge in the restaurant’s Summer Prix-Fixe Menu, which has delicious plates like Octopus Aguachile, East Side King Fried Chicken, Florida Snapper, Tender Aged Beef, and more. This spot will be open for dinner on Father’s Day from 7 to 11 p.m. The Summer Prix-Fixe Menu is priced at $55 per person.
Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor

We’re halfway through June, so that means we have just 15 days to celebrate National Steakhouse Month! Don’t know where to go to get your favorite cuts of meat? Try these five Miami hotspots, below. They’re just that delicious.
Big Easy Winebar & Grill
Sitting in Brickell City Centre, Big Easy Winebar & Grill {701 South Miami Avenue, Suite 339, Brickell; 786.814.5955}, is where you can get hearty steaks with a sophisticated, South African flair. For the rest of this month, head here to order different cuts of steak off The Grill menu: like Prime Dry Aged Kansas City Strip, Bison Ribeye, or for a real treat, get The Big Easy Braai. Designed for two to four people, the latter of the three is a mixed-grill feast made of South African farmer’s sausage, a 12-ounce top sirloin, double lamb chops, Nigerian prawns, and a choice of two sides. (Try the Duck Fat Roasted Fingerling Potatoes or Sliced Heirloom Tomatoes—they’re our favorites!) Lunch is served from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Dinner is served Sunday through Thursday from 5 to 11 p.m., and on Friday and Saturday, from 5 p.m. to Midnight.
StripSteak by Michael Mina
Located in the glamorous Fontainebleau Miami Beach, Michael Mina’s famed StripSteak by Michael Mina {4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 877.326.7412} is one of the Magic City’s classic steakhouses. Go this month and order rare cuts of steak, like the 50-ounce Australian Tomahawk or the Japanese Miyazaki Prefecture A4 Rib Eye, along with some of the classics: like the 8 oz. Filet Mignon. Pair it all with seasonal sides, like Truffle Mac & Cheese or a Loaded Baked Potato, and you’ll have one heck of a celebration. Dinner is served Sunday through Thursday, from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., and on Fridays and Saturdays, from 6 p.m. to Midnight.
Morton’s The Steakhouse
When it comes to the classic steakhouse experience, it doesn’t get much better than Morton’s The Steakhouse {1200 Brickell Avenue, Brickell; 305.400.9990}. And at such a place, there are plenty of steaks to choose from: like Prime Steak & Chops, Center-Cut Filet Mignon, Porterhouse Steak, Signature Cut Prime New York Strip, Center-Cut Prime Ribeye, Double Porterhouse for Two, Chicago Style Prime Bone-In Ribeye, Double-Cut Prime Pork Chop, Rack of Lamb, Bone-In Veal Chop, Cajun Ribeye Steak, and Five Peppercorn Rubbed Prime Strip Steak… to name just a few. The restaurant is open Monday through Friday, from 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.; on Saturday, from 5:30 to 11 p.m.; and on Sunday, from 5 to 10 p.m.
Wolfgang’s Steakhouse
Wolfgang Zwiener has become known for his namesake steakhouses, and lucky for us, we have a Wolfgang’s Steakhouse {315 South Biscayne Boulevard, Downtown Miami; 305.487.7130} right here in Miami. At the center of it all, is his impressive menu of 28-day, dry-aged USDA Prime steaks: like the ever-popular Porterhouse for Two or More, Prime NY Sirloin Steak, Rib Eye Steak, and Regular and Petite Filet Mignon. And while the meat is enough to fill you up, spruce it up with Lobster Mac N’ Cheese or German Potatoes (and of course, a glass of Merlot), and let the happy food coma begin. The restaurant is open Monday through Thursday, from Noon to 11:30 p.m.; on Fridays, from Noon to Midnight; on Saturdays, from 5 p.m. to Midnight; and on Sunday, from 5 to 10:30 p.m.
Shula’s 347 Grill
Named for Hall of Fame Coach Don Shula, who led his teams to 347 victories, Shula’s 347 Grill {6915 Red Road, Coral Gables; 305.665.9661} has become known for The SHULA CUT® steak. Sitting in Coral Gables, it has some of the best cuts of Premium Black Angus meat money can buy. Served with a potato and seasonal vegetables, meat lovers can feast on Filet Mignon, New York Strip, Ribeye, and Cowboy Ribeye.
Happy dining!

By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor