June 28 is National Ceviche Day, and there’s nowhere better to enjoy this popular dish in Miami than at Pisco y Nazca Ceviche Gastrobar {8405 Mills Drive #260, Kendall; 305.630.3844}. And to celebrate, this Peruvian hotspot has come up with a little game! On National Ceviche Day 2017, Miami locals can head to the restaurant’s Kendall or Doral location and experience a blind tasting of one ceviche dish from the a la carte menu.
How will it work, exactly? From 5 to 7 p.m., guests who go to Pisco y Nazca will have the option to taste one of seven of the restaurant’s house-made ceviches… blindfolded! Guess correctly, and you’ll get a free alcoholic beverage of your choosing, from sangria or shandy, to one of the menu’s regular cocktails or a glass of wine. The seven ceviches on the menu include: Passion Fruit, Nikkei (Japanese), Tradicional, Ají Amarillo, Cremoso, Rocoto, and Jalapeño/Huacatay.
This National Ceviche Day special will take place on June 28, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor

National Lobster Day is Thursday, June 15th! To make sure you celebrate, here’s where to eat (and what to order) at some of our favorite restaurants in the Magic City.
TACOLOGY
What you’re getting: Lobster Tacos
What it costs: $14
Available at Brickell City Centre’s newest Mexican restaurant, Tacology {701 South Miami Avenue, Brickell; 786.347.5368}, these tacos are made with butter-poached lobster, and served with black beans, yellow rice, and creamy Chipotle sauce.
VILLA AZUR
What you’re getting: Lobster Rolls
What it costs: MP
At this see-and-be-seen spot, Villa Azur {309 23 Street, Miami Beach; 305.763.8688}, Chef Erwin Mallet will whip up shareable pillows of Lobster Rolls made with scallions, shallots, chives, diced radish, mayonnaise, and yuzu sauce, all topped with Kaluga caviar.

DB BISTRO MODERNE
What you’re getting: Caribbean Lobster Salad
What it costs: $26
Head to db Bistro Moderne {255 Biscayne Boulevard Way, Downtown Miami; 305.421.8800} for lunch, and get Chef Clark Bowen’s healthy-meets-delicious Caribbean Lobster Salad—a mix of fresh lobster, avocado, hearts of palm, basil, and avocado.

LIDO BAYSIDE GRILL
What you’re getting: Lido Bayside Grill Mix + Match
What it costs: $35
This mix-and-match deal at Lido Bayside Grill {40 Island Avenue, Miami Beach; 786.245.0880} lets you pick one main protein, one side, and one condiment from a list of meats, seafood, vegetables, and sauces. In honor of National Lobster Day, order the Caribbean Lobster Tail and pair it with the asparagus with crumbled feta—it’s a restaurant favorite.
JOE’S STONE CRAB
What you’re getting: 2-Pound Maine Lobster
What it costs: MP
Joe’s Stone Crab {11 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.673.0365} is a classic when it comes to seafood in Miami, so go there for 2-pound Maine Lobster, steamed or broiled to your liking, with Lobster Ritz Cracker stuffing.
DILIDO BEACH CLUB
What you’re getting: Half Maine Lobster
What it costs: $21
On June 15, head to the Ritz-Carlton South Beach, at DiLido Beach Club {1 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach; 786.276.4000}, and indulge in fresh, Half Maine Lobster with drawn butter.
Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor

Taking place TONIGHT, June 14, foodies and sustainability-minded individuals alike can head to everyone’s favorite Wynwood restaurant, R House {2727 NW 2 Avenue, Wynwood; 305.576.0201}, for the first “Snail Social” of the summer. This monthly event, which will be hosted by different Snail of Approval chefs in Miami throughout the summer, will take place on the second Tuesday of every month. In addition to offering complimentary bites and drink specials to all who attend, a part of the proceeds from Snail Social will benefit Slow Food Miami, a non-profit organization that raises money to support good, clean, and fair food for all.
In order to get their “Snail of Approval,” chefs have to fit a specific criteria. Much like the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval, it was created to let South Floridians and visitors know when chefs produce food that is good, clean and fair. Similarly, it identifies those producers, purveyors and artisans who actively source local produce and ingredients within the farming community, and contribute to the overall quality, authenticity, and sustainability of food and drinks in Miami. At R House, Chef Rocco Carulli has earned his Snail of Approval and has become known in the Magic City for his ingredient-driven menu of flavorful dishes made with good, clean produce. 
All those who attend tonight’s event will get to enjoy complimentary bites of Chef Rocco’s new summer menu, like these American farm-to-table dishes listed below:
Ciabatta Crostini with Slow-Roasted Heirloom Tomatoes, House-Made Ricotta, Black Olive Tapenade
Red Beet-Arugula Pesto Bites
Mini Braised Short Rib Pizzas
House-Made Ricotta Pizzas
Grass-Fed Brisket and Short Rib Meatballs with Chef Rocco’s Heirloom Marinara
Porcini Mushroom-Rubbed Braised Lamb Shank with Israeli Couscous
Along with those bites, happy hour drink specials will be available, and should any guest want to stay for dinner, he or she will receive 20% off his or her meal.
This event will take place TONIGHT, June 14, from 6 to 8 p.m. The event is free and open to the public, and guests can RSVP here.
Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor

We’ve all heard of “Taco Tuesday”—but now at Pisco Y Nazca Ceviche Gastrobar {8551 NW 53 Street, #A101, Doral; 786.805.4344}, we can get this weekly food holiday with a Peruvian-inspired twist. At the restaurant’s brand-new “Tacu Tacu Tuesdays,” guests can head to either of Pisco Y Nazca’s two locations, Kendall or Doral, and get a taste of Executive Chef Miguel Gomez’ heightened twist on the classic Peruvian rice and bean dish, Tacu Tacu. Offering flavors for every type of palate, Pisco Y Nazca has four different kinds of tacu tacu, and each comes with a recommended wine pairing from in-house Mixologist Joel Mesa.
Available every Tuesday during dinner, here is what guests can expect to find on Tuesday’s Tacu Tacu menu:
Shrimp and Cream Tacu Tacu (Suggested pairing: Smoketree Chardonnay)
Thai Salmon Tacu Tacu (Suggested pairing: Mildbrandt Riesling)
Ribs and Seco Tacu Tacu (Suggested pairing: Susana Balbo Cabernet)
A Lo Mechado Tacu Tacu (Suggested pairing: Negra Modelo)
This menu will be available every Tuesday during dinner service, starting June 20. Each dish is priced a la carte, and ranges from $12 to $15 apiece.
Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor

Those who visit Brickell’s newest gem, Brickell City Centre, will get a taste of great Mexican food—and that’s all thanks to a little spot called Tacology {701 South Miami Avenue, Brickell; 786.347.5368}. Helmed by Executive Chef Santiago Gomez, this restaurant fuses authentic Mexican fare with a little fun… so pick up a tablet, order your Mercado-style food and drinks right to your table, and let the fiesta begin.
Fortunately for guests, the flavor party starts right from the beginning, with appetizers. Chicharron, which comes with an oversized crispy pork skin hanging on a clothes pin line, is a popular dish; as is the made-for-sharing Queso Fundido, which includes four different types of queso: traditional, chorizo, Huitlacoche, and mushroom.
There are six different types of ceviche at the ceviche station, including Red Snapper with quinoa-bulgur and red onion marinated in Aji Amarillo, Heirloom and Farro with yuzu and shrimp, and Hamachi with celery-habanero, red onion, and truffle oil. Wash it all down with fresh juices, top-shelf tequila and mezcal, or one of its inspired cocktails, like Paletas, which are made with boozy popsicles soaked in Prosecco.  
And of course, for any Mexican restaurant to be good, it’s going to need some top-notch tacos—and lucky for Brickell diners, Tacology has 26. (Yes, you read that right.) Committed to serving them all on the best, made-from-scratch tortillas, the culinary team at Tacology sources corn directly from Mexico. These handmade tortillas are then stuffed with some of the best meats, seafood, vegan, or vegetarian cuisine, as well as housemade sauces laced with imported Mexican chiles. Ranging from the traditional to the weird, the taco menu includes everything from Tacos al Pastor with roasted pork and marinated in Chile Guajillo, and the Special Ribeye with Mexican chorizo and crispy Chicharron, to Shrimp Tacos with shrimp-quinoa and Agave-Chipotle, and Lobster Tacos with butter-poached lobster, black beans, and creamy Chipotle sauce, and more.
Tacology is open Sunday through Thursday, from Noon to 11 p.m., Fridays from Noon to Midnight, and Saturdays from Noon to 1 a.m. Happy Hour is available Monday through Thursday, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. There is an all-day Taco Tuesday promotion every week, as well as Ladies Night every Wednesday from 7 p.m. to close. Finally, there is live entertainment every Thursday starting at 8 p.m.
Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor

Perfect for summer, the Biltmore Hotel’s award-winning, signature French restaurant, Palme d’Or {1200 Anastasia Avenue, Coral Gables; 305.913.3200}, has come up with a roster of tasty menus and events that are sure to leave guests’ mouths watering. Expertly curated by Michelin-star Executive Chef Gregory Pugin, here are the delicious offerings you can experience at Palme d’Or in Summer 2017:
Taittinger Champagne Dinner
On June 15, join Chef Pugin and Taittinger Champagne House’s expert sommeliers for a five-course wine-pairing dinner that fuses the fresh flavors of a Palme d’Or menu with the revered Taittinger collection. Dinner will begin at 7 p.m. It is priced at $65 per Biltmore Member and $75 per non-member.
Fourth of July
Who’s ready to celebrate the good ole’ U.S. of A? This July, Palme d’Or goes all-American with a special one-night-only, three-course American gourmet tasting menu with a French twist. Priced at $55 per person, guests will be able to feast on everything from Hamachi Tartar, Caramelized Pork Belly, and Grilled Octopus, to Black Tiger Shrimp, Coffee Braised Short Rib, Kobe Beef Burgers, homemade gelato, and more. Dinner will be priced at $55 per person.
Bastille Day
When France’s Independence Day comes around in Miami, Palme d’Or is the only place to celebrate. On July 14, indulge in Chef Pugin’s six-course menu, where each dish represents a different part of France. On the menu, guests can expect La Salade de Niçoise, La Tarte Flambée, Le Turbot, Sauce Bariguole, La Queque de Beuf en Parmentier Façon Bourguignone, Le Comté sa Salade d’Endive, and Gateau Basque á la Cerise, Glace Izara. Dinner is priced at $85 per person.
Biltmore Summer Tasting Menu
And finally, to celebrate all that summer has to offer, try Palme d’Or’s Biltmore Summer Tasting Menu. Every Tuesday and Wednesday this summer, Chef Pugin will unveil a very special four-course tasting menu for hotel guests, Biltmore Members, and the general public alike. The Biltmore Summer Tasting Menu is priced at $52 per Biltmore Member and $65 per non-member.
Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor

Pretend you’re in Italy next week with Tour Italia! Hosted by wine and spirits distributor Breakthru Beverage Florida and Wilson Daniels, this event will give the public an opportunity to preview the brand’s latest Italian wine collection.
Taking place Wednesday, June 14, at Tuyo Restaurant, Tour Italia! was designed to give trade and consumers the opportunity to experience wines from Italy’s most prestigious wine-growing regions. Throughout the afternoon and evening, winemakers and winery principals from Wilson Daniels will be on hand to showcase both the newest additions to their portfolio—like Bisol, Jeio by Bisol, Dal Forno Romano, Maeli, and Venissa—and the classics: Arnaldo Caprai, Buglioni, Castello di Volpaia, Elvio Cogno, Tenuta Sette Cieli, and Villa Russiz.
With a trade-only event from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., followed by an event for the general public from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., this day of mingling, education, tastings and more will have you living “la dolce vita” in no time.
This event is free and open to the public. To RSVP, contact [email protected]. Tuyo Restaurant is located at 415 NE 2 Avenue, 8th Floor.
Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor

Who’s ready for some pasta? Starting this Sunday, you can head to Lincoln Road’s Italian gem, Quattro Gastronomia Italiana {1014 Lincoln Road, 305.531.4833}, for a classic Roman creation with a tasty new twist: tableside Cacio, Pepe, and Bolliccine.
Led by Executive Chef Luciano Sautto, this traditional pasta dish (which is made with cheese and pepper) won’t be anything like what you’d expect. While Chef flambés house-made spaghetti for two on a giant Parmesan wheel, right in front of you, you’ll get to relax, sip on Prosecco, and enjoy a beautiful night out on Lincoln Road.
This special dish will only be available on Sundays, during restaurant hours, from Noon to 11 p.m. The dish is priced at $30 per pair, $45 with one glass of Prosecco per person, and $60 with a bottle of Prosecco for the table.
Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor

If you’re looking for a way to cool down during this hot Miami summer, The Setai, Miami Beach {2001 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.520.6000} has just the thing. Instantly get in vacation mode with one (or more!) of the hotel’s famed coconut cocktails during its brand new Coco Setai Happy Hour, where you can $25 Coco Setai cocktails for just $16 each. Available at The Setai’s dedicated outdoor restaurant and lounge, The Ocean Grill at The Setai, drinkers can sip on these cocktails just steps from the sand, while enjoying idyllic views of Miami’s tropical surroundings and the hotel’s three infinity pools.
Served in a whole coconut and branded with The Setai’s signature palm tree logo, these Coco Setai cocktails are one of the hotel’s most recognizable drinks. And depending what your poison of choice is, you can pick from four different concoctions: Coco Walker (whiskey, Coco Lopez, and coconut water), Coco Melon (coconut rum and fresh watermelon juice), Coco Vanilla (vanilla vodka and fresh pineapple juice), or Coco Tequila (tequila, coconut cream, and tequila). There with the family? Get your little sipper a non-alcoholic coconut, which is made with pure 100% coconut water, for just $11.
This new happy hour is available at The Ocean Grill at The Setai, Miami Beach from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. daily.
Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor

One of many reasons why the Faena Miami Beach is viewed as Miami’s most glamorous hotel, PAO by Paul Qui {3201 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 786.655.5600}, a modern Asian concept, has taken the city’s foodies by storm. Known for its Filipino cuisine with Spanish and Japanese influences—and of course, the $6M golf-leafed Damien Hirst unicorn sculpture that’s hard to miss—this unbelievable spot is as magical as it is delicious. And thanks to some stellar summer programming, guests can experience it for themselves with fabulous chef-driven events set to take place over the next few months.
Here are just a couple nights you can get excited about at PAO by Paul Qui:
“The Perfect Bite” Omakase Dining Experience
When you can get it: Tuesday, June 20, at 7 p.m.

This June, PAO’s Executive Chef, the James Beard Award–winning Paul Qui, is bringing a new concept to the Magic City: Omakases. Inspired by the Japanese tradition of letting go and trusting the chef to choose your order, this intimate communal dinner will feature Chef Qui’s “perfect bites”—a series of unpredictable flavor combinations that foodies across the globe have come to love. The second Omasake dinner of the year, this special June 20 dinner will center around Paul Qui’s passion for and training in Japanese cuisine. Couple that with the restaurant’s over-the-top Faena Miami Beach setting, and guests can expect extravagant dishes, bold Japanese flavors, and as with anything Chef Qui whips up, pure perfection. Tickets to this dinner are priced at $95+ per person, excluding tax and gratuity charges, and can be purchased here. Reservations are recommended, as seating is limited.
Chef Collective with Daniel Burns
When you can get it: Tuesday, July 25, at 7 p.m.
As part of its Chef Collective Series, a gastronomic event where chefs from around the world join together to create an innovative menu of unpredictable flavors, PAO by Paul Qui is excited to welcome renowned chef Daniel Burns to the kitchen. Known for being the chef behind Luksus, a seasonal tasting menu restaurant in New York City that’s recognized as being the first Michelin-star spot that only pairs its food with beer, Chef Burns now helms the Brooklyn-based tørst, a craft beer bar. During this magical evening, Burns will join Executive Chef Paul Qui at PAO as the two take guests on an epicurean adventure. Tickets to this dinner are priced at $95+ per person, excluding tax and gratuity charges, and can be purchased here. Reservations are recommended, as seating is limited.
Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor