A true Miami gem, Brickell Key is one of the Magic City’s floating treasures. A quiet island, one connected to bustling Brickell Avenue by a small, walkable bridge, Brickell Key is home to some of the best views in South Florida. Walk around its entirety (it will take you less than a half hour!), and you’ll see everything from beautiful Biscayne Bay and Miami Beach, to the sparkling high-rises along Brickell Avenue and Downtown Miami. And at the core of it all, there’s the majestic Mandarin Oriental, Miami… and in it, the new YAKU by La Mar, a Peruvian-inspired bar with some of the best views in Miami. 
Having opened just this past February on the north terrace of La Mar by Gastón Acurio {500 Brickell Key Drive, Brickell Key; 305.913.8358}, this swanky, alfresco hangout is launching a new happy hour that Miami’s finest need to try. Starting this Friday, May 12, this weekly Friday night Happy Pisco Hour will serve up $6 Pisco punches, flavored Pisco sours, and $5 bites. Add that to live music by resident and guest DJs, panoramic water views, and a prized location in one of Miami’s hottest hotels, and starting this Friday… you’re in Pisco paradise.
This Happy Pisco Hour will take place every Friday night from 6 to 8 p.m. at YAKU by La Mar.
Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor

Here in the Magic City, we already love celebrity chef and restaurateur Scott Conant for bringing his award-winning Scarpetta {4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 877.326.7412}—and its magically-perfect Spaghetti—to the Fontainebleau Miami Beach. But now we have a second reason to love him: his own pop-up cocktail lab and infusion bar in his famed Italian restaurant. Originally unveiled during the 2017 Food Network and Cooking Channel South Beach Wine and Food Festival, today, Sorso by Scott Conant sits inside Scarpetta’s lounge and on its terrace. It serves cold-brew infusion cocktails and sodas made with house-infused spirits, shrubs, and syrups, all brewed in two large glass cold-brew towers that look like they came straight from a fancy chemistry lab.
Named after the Italian word for “sip,” Sorso isn’t just any place to grab a drink. It serves craft cocktails and Italian bites you want to take your time to enjoy. For one, its chefs and bartenders use only the highest-quality, seasonal herbs, flowers, fruits, nuts, spices, and more to make sure the flavor of their creations really shines. Second, you can choose from a menu of their own expert creations, or ask one of Scarpetta’s skilled bartenders to make a bespoke alcoholic or non-alcoholic infusion just for you… like pineapple-vanilla infused Bacardi rum, orange-infused Campari, or raspberry-grapefruit soda, to name a few.
After a long day, belly up to the bar and order a Garden High Ball, which infuses Stoli vodka with cucumbers, basil, and tomato and adds Yuzu tonic, and is one of only two carefully-crafted drinks made in the infusion towers themselves. Other cold-brew infused cocktails include the True Bleau, a mix of Barr Hill gin, grapefruit soda, and a pea flower-infused ice cube, or for something with a kick, get the En Fuego. It combines jalapeno-infused Corazón tequila with sauvignon blanc, St. Germain, lemon, and agave. For me, Crave—a watermelon-infused Russian Standard vodka cocktail with Aperol, cranberry, lime, and mint—was the standout of my night there. Pair it with bites like Scarpetta Stromboli with caponata, an Antipasti Board, or Wild Mushroom Arancini with a truffle aïoli, throw in Scarpetta’s dazzling Fontainebleau pool views, and you’ll be living la dolce vita in no time.
Sorso by Scott Conant is open from 6 p.m. to close everyday. Get $12 cocktails during Social Hour, which runs from 6 to 7 p.m. daily.
Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor

Who doesn’t love pizza? (Answer: Nobody.) To get your fix, here are five pizzas in Miami that you should try right now.

What: This dessert pizza, Pizza Nutella, is made with (wait for it…) Nutella!
Where: Ironside Kitchen Pizza & Coffee Co. {7580 NE 4 Court, Miami; 305.902.5153}
What: This wood-oven Margherita Pizza keeps it simple, but still packs a punch–it tops a crispy crust with tomato, daily-made mozzarella and basil.
Where: Sardinia Enoteca Ristorante {1801 Purdy Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.531.2228}

What: The Farm is topped with bacon, egg, Yukon Gold potatoes, Bermuda onion, Crimini mushrooms, and smoked mozzarella.
Where: Pizza & Burger by Michael Mina {4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.674.4636}
What: This delicious Ortolana is topped with mozzarella cheese, Old Farmhouse-imported tomato sauce, artichokes, mushrooms, peppers, and Kalamata olives.
Where: Spris {721 Lincoln Road , Miami Beach; 305.673.2020}
What: Love seafood? This Frutte di Mare pizza was made for you. It’s tops a thin-crust pizza with tomato, bocconcini, fresh clams, mussels, calamari, and tiger shrimp.
Where: Cibo Wine Bar Coral Gables {45 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables; 305.442.4925}
Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor

Here is this week’s Miami food news:

National Burger Month
May 1-31, 2017
May is National Burger Month. Celebrate by eating delicious burgers at these Miami spots.
Havana Nights at Bagatelle
Every Wednesday, starting May 3, 2017
Starting this Wednesday, head to Bagatelle Miami Beach and indulge in the ultimate dinner and dance experience. To kick-off this salsa-centric evening, Chef Matthieu Goddard will whip up a dinner of Demi Poulet Rôti à la Truffe or roasted Legine Australe Rôtie. Then, in true Bagatelle style, the real party begins. Guests will get an hour of interactive instruction from salsa pros, 50% off all bottles of wine and champagne, no corkage fee if they want to bring your own wine, and large-format mojitos and Cuba Libres. Reservations are recommended and can be made after 8 p.m.
Arc Broward’s 6th-Annual Delish
May 4, 2017
Taking place at the Gallery of Amazing Things in Dania Beach, Arc Broward’s 6th Annual Delish presented by PNC Bank is a culinary celebration like you’ve never seen before. Designed to break the stigma against those working with disabilities, this event pairs Arc Culinary students with top chefs from 3030 Ocean, The Capital Grille, Valentino, Canyon, Hardy Park Bistro, Wild Sea Oyster Bar, Artisan Beach House, Grille 401, SuViche, and more. Proceeds from the event will benefit Arc Broward, a non-profit organization that provides job training and employment opportunities and other services for individuals with disabilities or other life challenges. Arc Broward’s 6th-Annual Delish will run from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., with a VIP hour starting at 6:15 p.m. General admission tickets are priced at $150 per person, and VIP tickets are priced at $200.
Cinco de Mayo
May 5, 2017
Get out the tequila! Find out where you can celebrate Cinco de Mayo in Miami here.
Watch the Kentucky Derby in Miami
May 6, 2017
The Kentucky Derby is taking place this Saturday, May 6. If you’re in Miami, find out where you can wear a big hat, sip a mint julep, and celebrate in style here.
“Wings Over Pelican Grand” Aviation Celebration & Viewing Party
May 6-7, 2017
The Fort Lauderdale Airshow is back in town this weekend, and to celebrate, one of South Florida’s most haute hotels, Pelican Grand Beach Resort, is throwing a viewing party and celebration. This “Wings Over Pelican Grand” Aviation Celebration & Viewing Party invites anyone and everyone to come watch the action from the OCEAN2000 Verandah, the Atlantic Terrace, or for an upgraded price, VIP rooftop access. Along with the view, attendees will get to sway to live music from DJ DANNY and nosh on an aviation-themed menu with everything from between-the-bun meat sandwiches, to fish, seafood, finger foods, and of course, cocktails—it is a party, after all. This event is priced at $60 per person for access to the OCEAN2000 Veranduh and Atlantic Terrace, and $130 for VIP rooftop access.
Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor

This Saturday, May 6, watch the Kentucky Derby in style at these haute Derby watch parties:

StripSteak by Michael Mina
This Michael Mina steakhouse, which sits on the main level of the Fontainebleau Miami Beach, will host a Kentucky Derby party on Saturday, May 6, from 5 to 7:30 p.m.  During this celebration, StripSteak {4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 877.326.7412} will offer guests $5 Blanton’s Mint Juleps, complimentary canapés, and prizes for both “The Best Big Derby Hat” and “The Best Dressed Man.”
Yardbird Southern Table & Bar
Want to celebrate this Southern occasion in true Southern style? Don your finest hat or your most dapper suit and head to Yardbird Southern Table & Bar {1600 Lenox Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.538.5220} all day long. Guests who do can order off the full menu, sip juleps and smashes made with mint from the restaurant’s 5 x 7-foot live mint wall, and get Maker’s Mark mint juleps for just $6.34—the same number as the race’s post time. There will be gift basket, bowtie, and suspender giveaways, and prizes will be awarded to the guest with the best hat and those who rooted for the winning horse. Finally, there will be a raffle prize for a complimentary brunch party for up to six people, at a value of $1,000.
Artisan Beach House
This Saturday, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., Artisan Beach House {10295 Collins Avenue, Bal Harbour; 305.455.5460} will host a Kentucky Derby party like no other. Head to the bespoke bar and lounge, and you can sip on $10 Mint Juleps, munch on light bites, and watch the races with Bal Harbour’s finest. A prize for the “Best Hat” will be given to the attendee who stands out from the pack.
Swine Southern Table & Bar
If you’re in Coral Gables, celebrate in Southern style. At Swine Southern Table & Bar {2415 Ponce De Leon Boulevard, Coral Gables; 786.360.6433}, guests can wear their finest hats or most dapper suits and stop by for good food, a 5 x 7-foot live mint wall, and Maker’s Mark mint juleps for just $6.34—the same number as the race’s post time. There will be gift basket, bowtie, and suspender giveaways, and prizes will be awarded to the guest with the best hat and those rooting for the winning horse. Finally, there will be a raffle prize for a complimentary brunch party for up to six people, at a value of $1,000.
Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor

Here’s where you can celebrate Cinco de Mayo 2017 in Miami this weekend:

Cantina La Veinte: Head to Cantina La Veinte {465 Brickell Avenue, Brickell; 786.623.6135} for good food, better cocktails, and a live mariachi band. The party will start at 5 p.m. and run until 2 a.m. Admission is free, and you can register to attend here.
Tacology: Located in the new Brickell City Centre, head to Tacology {701 South Miami Avenue, Brickell; 786.347.5368} for the biggest Mexican fiesta of the year. Starting at Noon and running until late, this tequila-fueled Friday will include surprises, tacos, a free tequila shot at the door, rumba music by Umber Bandi-Ville, other surprise musical performances, and of course, Miami’s finest. It’s sponsored by Maestro Dobel, so you know it’s going to be good. Admission is free, and you can register to attend here.
American Social Brickell: At American Social Brickell, fuse Taco Tuesday with Cinco de Mayo. Starting at 5 p.m. on Friday, May 5, attendees will get an all-you-can-eat taco bar for just $15.95 per person, $11.50 bottomless guacamole for two, a complimentary photo booth, a live Mariachi band, and Patron and beer specials—like $7 Patron Roca shots, $10 Patron Roca margaritas, $35 Patron Roca pitchers (48 ounces), $4 Dos Equis and Amber bottles, and $7 Loaded Dos Equis. Olé! Admission is free.
Seaspice: Get a twist on the traditional margarita with this Mexican-inspired martini from Seaspice {422 NW North River Drive, Miami; 305.440.4200}. Named the Persea Martini, it is made with the the holy grail of Mexican ingredients: Baron Tequila, avocado, lemon juice, pineapple juice, fresh black pepper, and simple syrup. Admission is free.
Villa Azur: This Friday, celebrate the iconic Mexican-American holiday at Villa Azur {309 23rd Street, Miami Beach; 305.763.8688}. While there, order the Go Green Margarita, a refreshing mix of Don Julio Blanco, cointreau, cucumber, cantaloupe, lime juice, mint, agave nectar, and black salt.  Admission is free.
Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor
 

It’s May 1, and that can only mean one thing: it’s National Burger Month! Looking for somewhere to get a fabulous patty? Look no further than these restaurants below—even when it’s not National Burger Month, they’re still some of our favorites.
American Harvest
This fast-casual, Brickell City Centre spot is the ultimate shopping break—it serves made-from-scratch lunch, dinner, and afternoon snacks. This month, celebrate National Burger Month with the American Harvest Burger at none other than American Harvest {701 South Miami Avenue, Suite 340, Brickell; 786.814.6968}. It’s an all-natural, grass-fed, free-range burger made with chuck short rib and brisket, and topped with fontina cheese, house mayo, and caramelized shallots on a Martin’s potato bun.
Big Easy Winebar & Grill
This South African restaurant, the brainchild of legendary golfer Ernie Els, sits in the dazzling new Brickell City Centre. This month, head to Big Easy Winebar & Grill {701 South Miami Avenue, Suite 339, Brickell; 786.814.5955} and nosh on The ‘Big Easy’ Burger—it was named for Ernie “The Big Easy” Els himself, and is topped with heirloom tomatoes, onion jam, and braai BBQ sauce, and is served with hand-cut fries.
Glass & Vine
This Coconut Grove spot, which overlooks Peacock Park, is the joint effort of Grove Bay Hospitality Group and the restaurant’s star chef, Giorgio Rapicavoli—Eating House owner, Food Network Chopped champion, FORBES 30 Under 30 list-maker, and a James Beard Award semi-finalist. Head to Glass & Vine {2820 McFarlane Road, Coconut Grove; 305.200.5268} any weekday during lunch, and you can get The Burger with certified Angus beef, cheddar bacon, and charred onion. If you’re there during weekend brunch, get the popular Broccoli Cheeseburger with cheddar, roasted broccoli, and buttermilk ranch on a buttered bun.
R House
Located in Wynwood, this trendy spot is both a popular restaurant and a local hangout. If you’re there during Saturday lunch, get the r burger. It tops an Angus beef burger with shredded braised short rib, BBQ sauce, and sharp cheddar cheese, and puts it all on a brioche bun. Want to make it even tastier? R House {2727 NW 2 Avenue, Wynwood; 305.576.0201} has something for that, too. For just $2 more, you can top this decadent burger with bacon, egg, or both.
Shula’s 347 Grill
Even outside of #NationalBurgerMonth, Shula’s 347 Grill {6915 Red Road, Coral Gables; 305.665.9661} loves burgers so much that it even has its own burger menu. The Shula Burger tops a perfectly-seasoned patty with American cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles, and applewood bacon, while the French Onion Burger tops its patty with caramelized onions, double gruyere cheese, garlic mayo, and crushed garlic croutons. A third of many options is The House of Blues Burger, which comes with blue cheese, red onion jam, and balsamic greens, and is absolutely delicious.
Swine Southern Table & Bar
During the month of May, head to the pork-centric Swine Southern Table & Bar {2415 Ponce de Leon Boulevard, Coral Gables; 786.360.6433} for The Swine Burger. It has a short rib, brisket, and smoked pork patty, all topped with homemade dill pickle, thick-cut, house-smoked bacon, lettuce, tomato, American cheese, and Swine’s “Special Sauce.”
Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor

Throughout the month of May, Magic City diners can celebrate a great American pastime—eating burgers—at one of Miami’s top spots to get one, Pizza & Burger by Michael Mina {4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.674.4636} at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach. And to make it extra special, this restaurant is teaming up with a handful of celebrities to make this month’s burgers as A-list as the names behind them. Each week in May, a different celeb will come up with his or her own specialty burger, each of which will be featured on the Pizza & Burger menu for that week only. As an added benefit, 15% of the proceeds from that burger will benefit the charity of the celebrity’s choice.
And kicking it all off is none other than husband-and-wife duo, Ray and Shannon Allen—two-time NBA champion and his wife, both of whom co-own the South Miami fast-casual restaurant, Grown. Committed to promoting a healthy diet and lifestyle, the duo will celebrate #NationalBurgerMonth with their own restaurant’s menu item: Grown’s Signature Salmon Burger, a 100% organic burger that tops pan-seared salmon with crisp romaine lettuce, sliced Roma tomatoes, juicy caramelized onions, and Dijon aioli, all on a toasted Ezekiel bun.
This burger will be available during the first full week of the month, from Monday, May 1 to Sunday May 7, 2017. All proceeds from this burger will benefit the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation (DRIF).
Pizza & Burger by Michael Mina is open for dinner daily from 5 p.m. to Midnight.  
Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor

Here in the Magic City, we embrace our global dining scene—and the Italy-America Chamber of Commerce Southeast is coming to town to celebrate it with us. On May 2 and 3, this organization will host Miami’s first-ever Italian Culinary Tour, which was created to promote the Italian food tradition in Miami. The project is developed in the frame of “The Extraordinary Italian Taste” program, which is promoted by the Italian government.
Based on the notion of a “mobile meal,” the idea that participants can both try lots of food and wine and follow a “Path of Taste” to other restaurants, this tour tackles sprawling Miami by neighborhood. During each installation, guests will get to discover new flavors, participate in culinary sessions with Italian chefs and sommeliers, and get a guided tour of four of Miami’s most authentic Italian restaurants in one night.
Ready? Here’s what you need to know:
May 2, 2017
Brickell/Downtown Miami  
Stop #1: Toscana Divino
Stop #2: Farfalle
Stop #3: Stanzione 87
Stop #4: Fratelli Milano
Buy your tickets here.
May 3, 2017
Coral Gables/Coconut Grove
Stop #1: Zucca
Stop #2: Cibo Wine Bar
Stop #3: Strada in The Grove
Stop #4: Spasso
Buy your tickets here.
Each tour takes four hours, and all transportation between locations is provided.
Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor