When Mark Soyka first opened his pump house restaurant concept, Café Roval {5808 NE 4th Court, MiMo; 786.953.7850}, in November 2016, Miamians everywhere couldn’t wait to see what the famed restaurateur had in store. Previously known for top dining locations like News Café, Van Dyke Café, and his namesake restaurant, Soyka–all of which have received rave reviews–Mark Soyka opened his latest project with one thing in mind: enchantment. Praised for its farm-to-table (in many ways, healthy) dishes, high wood beam ceilings, beautiful coral rock walls, and urban Shangri-La gardens with lush greenery, praying Buddha statues, and natural stone pools, Café Roval is where good food meets good ambiance.
And to find out more about why everyone loves it, we took a few minutes to speak with the man behind Café Roval’s standout cuisine, Executive Chef Peter Fred. Here’s what he had to say:
What’s your favorite ingredient to cook with?
I don’t have a specific one! I like to mix and match all the flavors you have on your tongue–whether it’s sweet, salty, or spicy–to make my dishes as well-balanced as possible.
Let’s talk about the menu. What can we expect this spring?
Moving forward, I think we’re going to be using more fresh, local, and farm-to-table fare as much as possible. We like to keep the menu fresh and healthy, but with more flavor, so that everybody can enjoy it. I like to make food that’s approachable and really good, but maybe just a little bit different from what you’re used to. We do have vegan specials on our regular menu, and to keep pleasing those customers, we’re going to be introducing some grains in the form of salads.
Everyone has been raving about everything about Café Roval since the day it opened, from the ambiance to the food itself. Why do you think that is?
The ambiance, in general, is a huge factor; I think the view is one thing that people can’t compare, especially when you sit outside. When you sit down, hear the music playing, see how friendly the staff is, checkout the views and get into the romantic, family-like setting, you’re just blown away. Also, everybody here is very approachable–if you ask for substitutions, we can accommodate. You just feel at home when you’re here. It’s a very comfortable setting.
What’s your favorite seasonal dish on the restaurant’s current menu?
Pompano, with a purée of cucumber and peas. It’s very fresh. I finish it off with some farro, do braised Swiss chard leaves, and pickle the Swiss chard stems to add a little acidity to the dish. I throw in roasted Spring onions and add some fresh chamomile to it, as well.
Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor
Stone Crabs at Joe’s Stone Crab
One of the best things about living in South Florida (aside from, well, everything) is our constant access to unbelievably fresh seafood. And this Thursday, March 9, we get to celebrate some of that seafood with National Crab Day.
Here are our favorite places to eat crab this Thursday:
Joe’s Stone Crab
Obviously, when you think of eating crab in Miami, there’s nowhere more iconic than Joe’s Stone Crab {11 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.673.0365}. While the locale’s fresh and famous Florida Stone Crabs are the main draw, Joe’s also has Stone Crab Bisque ($9.95), Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes ($26.95), King Crab Claws ($69.95), King Crab Legs ($71.95), different Crab Cake-topped salads ($20.50+), a Crab Cake Sandwich ($15.50), a Crab Roll ($13.95), Crab & Onion Dip with house-made chips ($12.95), and a Cold Seafood Platter with Stone Crabs, shrimp, oysters, and a ½ cold lobster ($34.95). So yeah… there’s plenty of crab dishes to choose from at the famed Joe’s Stone Crab. Joe’s Stone Crab will be open on Thursday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
NAKED CRAB
At Fort Lauderdale’s NAKED CRAB, in B Ocean Resort in Fort Lauderdale, guests can celebrate the food holiday in style… with champagne! All day long, guests who order any crab dish will get a complimentary split of Piper-Heidsieck Brut champagne, and those who order the restaurant’s popular Crabster–a 2 lb. Dutch Harbor Red King Crab stuffed with shrimp, crab, and lobster for three–will get a full bottle of Piper-Heidsieck Brut. NAKED CRAB is open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.
A Fish Called Avalon
In the mood for an elegant feast? Look no further than one of Ocean Drive’s classic spots, A Fish Called Avalon {700 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach; 305.532.1727}. For the straightforward real deal, get Jumbo Stone Crab Claws served over crushed ice ($20). For a twist on the traditional crab dish, opt for the Crab Crusted Grouper with steamed spinach, giant white beans, teardrop heirloom tomatoes, and madeira beurre blanc ($40), or the Jumbo Lump Crab Cake with haricot verts, microgreens, and spicy sriracha rémoulade ($18).
Coya Miami
Coya Miami {999 Brickell Avenue, Brickell; 305.415.9990} is our favorite Peruvian spot in South Florida. If you’re in the Brickell area, stop for a couple crab dishes. The Causa Tradicional with snow crab, yukon gold potato, apple, and Peruvian olives is a restaurant favorite, as is the Rollo de Cangrejo with snow crab, yuzu rocoto aioli, and avocado. Coya Miami will be open on Thursday for lunch and dinner, from Noon to 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.
River Seafood Oyster Bar
If crab is what you’re craving, take your pick. River Seafood Oyster Bar {650 S. Miami Avenue, Brickell; 305.530.1915} has plenty of crab dishes to choose from: like Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes with horseradish aioli, corn relish, and mache ($18); Gnocchi & Jumbo Lump Blue Crab with shaved black truffle, Parmesan, and basil ($30); and Crab Fried Brown Rice ($15). River Seafood Oyster Bar will be open on Thursday from Noon to 10:30 p.m.
LT Steak & Seafood
The Betsy Hotel is as adorable as its in-house restaurant, Laurent Tourondel’s LT Steak & Seafood {1440 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach; 305.673.0044}, is delicious. While there, celebrate the crab-filled day with Crunchy Curried Lump Crab sushi with mango and cilantro ($16), a starter of Grilled Alaskan King Crab poached in yuzu butter ($26), or a Seafood Platter from the raw bar ($47). The latter comes with three oysters, three clams, two tiger shrimp, one King crab leg, and two Taylor Bay scallops. LT Steak & Seafood will be open on Thursday from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor
House Cured Salmon Gravlax
Sommelier Haunah Klein, the newly-appointed Head Sommelier at db Bistro Moderne Miami {255 Biscayne Boulevard Way, Downtown Miami; 305.421.8800}, will pay homage to the restaurant’s 2017 wine dinner series with her very first pairing event: a Champagne Pommery Dinner. Taking place on Wednesday, March 15, this elegant evening of bubbles and dinner will feature not only Haunah’s exquisite taste in wine, but also Executive Chef Clark Bowden and Pastry Chef Saeko Nemoto’s impressive skills in the kitchen. Start with a lavish cocktail reception and move on to a three-course dinner. With its delicious food and drink pairings, immaculate Downtown Miami views, and striking setting, this champagne-powered night will be nothing less than delightful, just as db Bistro Moderne always is.
Here’s what’s on the menu at db Bistro’s first wine dinner series event of 2017:
Escargot Vol au Vent, Caviar Belini, and Kumamoto Oyster
paired with Pommery Brut NV
House Cured Gravlax, Radish, Quail Egg, and Sorrel
paired with Pommery Apanage NV
Osso Buco, Risotto, Braised Leeks, and Gremolata
paired with Pommery Brut Rosé NV
Religieuse, Raspberry, Yuzu, and White Chocolate
paired with Pommery Brut Apanage Rosé NV
This event will start at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 15, in db Bistro’s Persimmon Room. Tickets are priced at $95 per person and can be purchased here.
Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor
Via Kon Tiki from Rhum Barbancourt at The Art of Tiki: A Cocktail Showdown
It’s been a week since the South Beach Wine and Food Festival made its triumphant return back to sunny South Florida for the 16th year, and if we’re honest, we’re still a little full. But as we settle back into normal life here in the Magic City, we’re still dreaming about all the delicious eats and drinks we had at last weekend’s A-list foodie fest… like these crave-worthy bites, listed below.
Ricotta Toast with Roasted Tomatoes, Herb Pesto & Saba
from Butter Restaurant, NYC
The brainchild of the event’s co-host, Chopped judge Alex Guarnaschelli, this bite topped olive oil-toasted sourdough bread with saba, oven-dried cherry tomatoes, herb pesto, and grated Parmesan cheese.
Where we had it: Barilla Italian Bites on the Beach hosted by Valerie Bertinelli and Alex Guarnaschelli
Exclusive SOBEWFF Donut!
from The Salty Donut, Miami
The Salty Donut is undeniably Miami’s most popular artisanal donut shop. Special for this late-night fête, the shop made this 24-hour raised brioche donut with dark chocolate ganache, milk chocolate crémeux, passion fruit gel, salted caramel, and for yet another impressive Salty Dog presentation, a Swank Farms Micro Blossom.
Where we had it: Salty, Sweet & Savory Treats: A Late-Night Party presented by Thrillist
Jacmel Jet Pilot
from Broken Shaker & Bar Lab
This tiki cocktail was a cunning concoction of Rhum Barbancourt 3-Star (aged four years), Rhum Barbancourt White Rum, housemade falernum, lime and grapefruit juices, cinnamon syrup, Absinthe Refined™ and a mint sprig, Parachuting Cinnamon, and a bamboo straw.
Where we had it: The Art of Tiki: A Cocktail Showdown hosted by Robert Irvine
Via Kon Tiki
from Rhum Barbancourt
The event sponsor, Rhum Barbancourt, made this tasty little sipper: a mix of coconut rooibos tea-infused Rhum Barbancourt White Rum, Long Hot Coconut Cream, Don’s Spices and pineapple, orange and lemon juices.
Where we had it: The Art of Tiki: A Cocktail Showdown hosted by Robert Irvine
Coccoli
from Prime Italian, Miami Beach
This out-of-the-box sandwich stuffed fried dough with a pile of prosciutto, covered it in creamy stracchino cheese, and doused the whole thing in truffle-laced honey.
Where we had it: Barilla Italian Bites on the Beach hosted by Valerie Bertinelli and Alex Guarnaschelli
Porchetta & Pasta
from Louie Bossi’s Ristorante Bar & Pizza, Fort Lauderdale
Is there anything more indulgent than hot, melted cheese? How about a hot, cheesy pasta… made in a wheel of cheese? At this year’s SOBEWFF Barilla Italian Bites on the Beach event, the famed Louie Bossi’s Ristorante Bar & Pizza hollowed out a wheel of Parmesan, filled it with hot pasta, tossed said pasta with a mushroom-based sauce, let the surrounding Parmesan melt all over it, and served the pasta with pieces of crispy-skinned porchetta carved right onsite.
Where we had it: Barilla Italian Bites on the Beach hosted by Valerie Bertinelli and Alex Guarnaschelli
That Guy’s Burger
from Jr’s Gourmet Burgers, Miami Springs
The people have spoken, and the winner of Burger Bash’s Heineken Light People’s Choice Award was none other than this burger from Miami Springs-based Jr’s Gourmet Burgers. More like a patty melt than a burger, this bacon-wrapped bite was made with a guava ketchup and a guava cream cheese.
Where we had it: Heineken Light Burger Bash presented by Schweid & Sons hosted by Rachael Ray
Bacon PB&JJ Burger
from Quality Meats, Miami Beach
Quality Meats Bacon PB&JJ Burger was equal parts spicy and sweet, thanks to its jalapeno jelly, crunchy peanut butter, and salty bacon, all in (you read that right)… a burger.
Where we had it: Heineken Light Burger Bash presented by Schweid & Sons hosted by Rachael Ray
Cuban Frita
from Pizza & Burger by Michael Mina, Miami Beach
Pizza & Burger by Michael Mina is already a favorite of ours, and its Cuban Frita is just one example why: it tops a beef and chorizo patty with smoked paprika aïoli, crispy potatoes, and spicy chicharrones.
Where we had it: Heineken Light Burger Bash presented by Schweid & Sons hosted by Rachael Ray
Old Fashion Spiked
from Salty Donut
Yep, we’re calling out The Salty Donut twice. At the festival’s main event, it served a slew of donuts, including this Old Fashion Spiked donut hole. It covers a 24-hour brioche donut hole with Angostura sugar and stuffs it with a shooter of a simple syrup, orange zest, and bourbon redux.
Where we had it: Goya Foods’ Grand Tasting Village
Braised Lamb Shank
from R House
There’s a reason R House is one of our favorite Miami restaurants, and this Braised Lamb Shank bite is just one reason why. In it? A porcini-mushroom-coriander-cinnamon rub, Israeli couscous, arugula pesto, glazed baby carrots, and a port reduction.
Where we had it: Goya Foods’ Grand Tasting Village
Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor
Chicken N’ Waffles N’ Watermelon at Yardbird Southern Table & Bar
Here is this week’s Miami food news:
The Raleigh Miami Beach Hosts Martini Shake Off
Who’s ready for a martini?! This Friday, March 3, head to Martini Bar at the iconic The Raleigh Miami Beach for its monthly cocktail competition. During this week’s event, skilled mixologists will use Suntory Whisky Toki, a timeless Japanese blend, to make four delicious cocktails: the Green Tea Highball (Suntory Whisky Toki, green tea, club soda), The Wodges Special (Suntory Whisky Toki, orgeat, lemon, ginger syrup, hellfire bitters), The Eastern Bouquet (Suntory Whisky Toki, elderflower, liqueur, lemon), and Sweep the Leg (Suntory Whisky Toki, pear cider, spiced pear liqueur, lemon). From 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., guests will get to sip on samples of these cocktails for free, and if they want more, they can buy a full glass for just $10. And as with any competition, the best drink will get a special prize: It will be dubbed the signature cocktail at The Raleigh for the entire month of March. Let the games begin! Martini Bar at The Raleigh Miami Beach is located at 1775 Collins Avenue. This event will take place on Friday, March 3, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Cigars and Spirits Tasting at The Biltmore Hotel
If you love cigars and you love bourbon, then this Friday’s event at The Biltmore Hotel {1200 Anastasia Avenue, Coral Gables; 855.311.6903} was made with you in mind. Taking place on The Biltmore golf course, behind Cascade restaurant, this Bulleit Bourbon and Davidoff Cigars event invites cigar and bourbon aficionados to pair the two at the world-famous Bullet Bourbon Woody trailer, which will be onsite. This event will take place on Friday, March 3, from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The price is $30 for Biltmore Club members and $35 for non-members. Reservations are required.
Try Yardbird Southern Table & Bar’s New $25 Lunch Menu
Now at Miami’s best southern-style restaurant, Yardbird Southern Table & Bar {1600 Lenox Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.538.5220}, weekday diners can find a new pre-fixe lunch menu priced at just $25. Designed with locals, tourists, stay-at-home moms, and business professionals in mind, this special menu gives chicken lovers an easy way to feast on the restaurant’s famous Llewellyn’s fried chicken, which takes 27 hours to prepare. This pre-fixe lunch will be available at Yardbird Southern Table & Bar Monday through Friday, and will start as early as 11 a.m.
Coral Gables Welcomes New Italian Restaurant, ZUCCA
There’s a new Italian ristorante and bar in town, and on Monday, March 6, Miami’s finest foodies will get to try it for themselves. Located on the bottom level of the historic Hotel St. Michel, ZUCCA will serve up authentic Italian cuisine. This restaurant is the brainchild of Da Silva Hospitality, a prominent Latin American company that has opened and runs 30+ hotels and restaurants, and marks the company’s first U.S. venture. ZUCCA is located at 162 Alcazar Avenue.
Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor
Gardner’s Margarita
It’s National Margarita Day! And that means, if you’re not out in Miami’s fabulous bar and restaurant scene, you should be at home whipping up one of these classic tequila cocktails of your own.
To help you behind the bar, we snagged this award-winning margarita recipe using Herradura Reposado tequila. Don’t want to make it? Head to SoCal Cantina—they’re the bar geniuses that came up with it.
In a glass, muddle 3 slices red bell pepper, 1 cucumber slice, and 1 Serrano chili pepper slice. Combine with 1.5 ounces Herradura Reposado tequila, 1 ounce fresh lime juice, 3/4 ounces simple syrup, and ½ ounce Cointreau. Serve in a salted, sugar-rimmed rocks glass and garnish with a red bell pepper flower. Enjoy!
Goya Foods’ Swine & Wine 2016, presented by The National Pork Board
What’s happening at SOBEWFF 2017? Lots of things. Here are the ones you definitely shouldn’t miss:
Wednesday, February 22, 2017
7 p.m.: Seaside Eats hosted by Anne Burrell
Part of the Taste Fort Lauderdale Series
Kicking off the Taste Fort Lauderdale Series, the vibrant Anne Burrell is bringing her amped-up flair to the historic Bonnet House Museum & Gardens, where she will join 15+ of Broward County’s best eateries serving up their iconic bites.
Find out more about this event here. This event will take place at Bonnet House Museum & Gardens, at 900 Birch Road, Fort Lauderdale.
Thursday, February 23, 2017
7 p.m.: Barilla’s Italian Bites on the Beach hosted by Valerie Bertinelli & Alex Guarnaschelli
Sponsored by HCP Media and the Miami Herald Media Company
Two-time Golden Globe Award-winning Valerie Bertinelli and Michelin-star-trained Alex Guarnaschelli are hosting a tasting event with more than 30 of the nation’s top chefs; all of whom will take you on a culinary tour of Italy. Presented by Magic City Casino, Little River Band, one of Australia’s most popular rock bands (with 10 “top 20” songs on U.S. Billboard charts), will perform.
Find out more about this event here. This event will take place beachside at Delano, the entrance for which is at 1 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach.
Friday, February 24, 2017
7:30 p.m.: Heineken Light Burger Bash hosted by Rachael Ray
Presented by Schweid & Sons
During this event, the following awards will be announced: Heineken Light People’s Choice Award, Schweid & Sons Very Best Burger Award, and Red Robin’s Best of the Bash Award. Burgers for the Schweid & Sons Very Best Burger Award will be judged by Ayesha Curry, Emilio Estefan, Jill Martin, David Bromstad, Adam Richman, and Rev Run.
Find out more about this event here. This event will take place beachside at The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach, the entrance for which is at 1 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach.
10 p.m.: The Art of Tiki: A Cocktail Showdown hosted by Robert Irvine
Famed chef and restaurateur Robert Irvine will join an esteemed panel of judges as the nation’s best bartenders and highly-regarded Tiki joints face-off and compete to be crowned “Tiki-King” or “Tiki-Queen.” Every contestant will need to make a cocktail with Rhum Barbancourt, which guests will get to try while they nosh on light Polynesian-inspired bites. The People’s Choice and Judge’s Choice award-winners will be announced at Midnight.
Find out more about this event here. This event will take place at Surfcomber, A Kimpton Hotel, at 1717 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach.
Saturday, February 25, 2017
Noon: Goya Foods’ Grand Tasting Village featuring Mastercard Grand Tasting Tents & KitchenAid Culinary Demonstrations
While you nosh on bites from 50 top restaurants and wines and drinks from Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, don’t forget to checkout the KitchenAid Culinary Demonstration with Guy Fieri and Tanqueray brand ambassador, Snoop Dogg, at 3:30 p.m.! Immediately following, Snoop Dogg will take to the tables in the courtyard, right on the sand, for a short spin on the ones and twos to close-out the day.
Find out more about this event here. This event will take place at the Grand Tasting Village, which will sit on the sand at 13th Street and Ocean Drive, Miami Beach.
9 p.m.: BACARDÍ On The Beach with Beats by Rev Run & DJ Ruckus
This first-annual night of beats, bites, and your favorite cocktails will have beats by Rev Run and DJ Ruckus, drinks, and late-night bites by some of Miami’s hottest chefs.
Find out more about this event here. This event will take place beachside at Delano, the entrance for which is at 1 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach.
10 p.m.: Food Fight hosted by Guy Fieri
Part Jeopardy, part Family Feud for the culinary world, Guy Fieri will pit two teams of top chefs against each other in a game like you’ve never seen before. The teams? Valerie Bertinelli, Scott Conant, Ayesha Curry, Robert Irvine, and Michael White against Josh Capon, Todd English, Alex Guarnaschelli, Aaron May, and Marc Murphy. May the best chef(s) win.
Find out more about this event here. This event will take place at Monty’s Sunset on South Beach, at 300 Alton Road, Miami Beach.
Sunday, February 26, 2017
Noon: Goya Foods’ Grand Tasting Village featuring Mastercard Grand Tasting Tents & KitchenAid Culinary Demonstrations
While you nosh on bites from 50 top restaurants and wines and drinks from Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, head to the courtyard between the Mastercard Grand Tasting Tents to see the brand new David Grutman Experience. Then, at 3 p.m., catch the David Grutman Experience featuring sounds by INGROSSO.
Find out more about this event here. This event will take place at the Grand Tasting Village, which will sit on the sand at 13th Street and Ocean Drive, Miami Beach.
5:30 p.m.: Goya Foods’ Swine & Wine
Presented by The National Pork Board hosted by Cindy Hutson
Reigning Goya Foods’ People’s Choice Award-winner for best whole roasted pig, Cindy Hutson will return to the Biltmore Hotel with some of the best pig-roasters in the country. At 7:45 p.m., the winners of the Goya Foods People’s Choice Award and National Pork Board Critic’s Choice Award will be announced.
Find out more about this event here. This event will take place at the Biltmore Hotel, at 1200 Anastasia Avenue, Coral Gables.
Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor
Looking for a new brunch? Starting Sunday, March 5, head to NaiYaRa {1854 Bay Road, Miami Beach; 786.275.6005}, Chef Bee’s raved-about restaurant in Sunset Harbor, for Miami’s only Thai-inspired brunch.
Taking place from Noon to 3 p.m. every Sunday, this a la carte brunch will include items like Yam Kai Dao, a traditional Thai fried egg salad; Chiang Rai Fried Chicken and Biscuits; Udon Pad Thai; Korean Steak and Eggs; the Banh Mi Sandwich, a Vietnamese sandwich filled with pork belly and pickled vegetables; and Rottii, a customary Indian-style sweet pancake served with coffee. Created to comfort the weekend soul, any of these dishes pair perfectly with one of NaiYaRa’s specialty cocktails. Try a personal favorite, the Mekhong Mule—it’s a mix of Absolut Elyx, lemongrass, ginger, and MIO Sparkling Sake.
Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor
SOBEWFF 2016
Here is this week’s Miami food news:
SOBEWFF® is Back!
Get ready, foodies! The biggest dining event of the year, Food Network & Cooking Channel South Beach Wine & Food Festival (SOBEWFF®), will kick off today, February 22, for its 16th year. Buy tickets here while you still can.
La Petite Maison: Bienvenue a Miami
Brought to you by Arjun Waney, the same man behind Zuma and Coya, Nice-born restaurant, La Petite Maison, opened in Brickell on Tuesday, February 21. Helmed by three Michelin-star Chef Duntoye, the restaurant serves up a menu of dishes from the original La Petite Maison, Chef Duntoye’s own recipes, and a few Nicoise specials, like Crevettes Tièdes à l’Huile d’Olive, Carpaccio de Coquilles St Jacques, Salade Niçoise, and much, much more. The opening of its Miami location marks the restaurant’s third under Waney’s ownership—his other two are in London and Dubai—and its first U.S. location ever. La Petite Maison is located at 1300 Brickell Bay Drive. It is open Monday through Friday, from Noon to 2:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., and on Saturdays, from Noon to 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Toscana Divino Hosts Wine and Caviar Dinner
Sitting in Mary Brickell Village, Toscana Divino will join forces with two of Italy’s most renowned brands, Ca’ del Bosco Franciacorta wines and Calvisius Caviar, for an exquisite seven-course wine and caviar dinner on Wednesday, February 22. During this dinner, Toscana’s Executive Chef Andrea Marchesin will delight guests with courses of White Sturgeon Caviar, Russian Sturgeon Oscietra Royal Caviar, The Oyster with Siberian royal caviar and dosage zero air, Smoked Rose salmon with white sturgeon tradition caviar and herbs, “Carbonara” with house made fresh tagliolini, Fish and Roe with sturgeon and Russian sturgeon caviar, and a Pearls and Cuvee Prestige Rosé dessert. Each course will be paired with an exquisite vintage from Ca’ del Bosco Franciacorta. Toscana Divino is located at 900 S. Miami Avenue. This pairing dinner will start at 7:30 p.m. and is priced at $160 per person.
1st-Annual Moonlight Grooves
In the spirit of SOBEWFF 2017, Downtown Miami’s Arts + Entertainment District is throwing a foodie event of its own. Head to Moonlight Grooves this Thursday, February 23, and watch as CANVAS Miami is transformed into a vintage wine cavern. While there, guests can wine and dine to the tunes of local Latin powerhouse, Elastic Bond, and get bites and drinks at area hotspots like ACME Lounge, Vice City Bean, The Lobsta Guy, DoggyStyle Miami Hot Dogs, Box of Chacos, and more. This event will take place at CANVAS Miami, which is located at 90 NE 17th Street. It will run from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. RSVP to this FREE event here.
Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor
YAKU Punch at YAKU by La Mar
We all love La Mar by Gastón Acurio at the Mandarin Hotel, Miami, and now, we can love YAKU by La Mar {500 Brickell Key Drive, Brickell; 305.913.8358}: the hotel’s own waterfront bar and lounge. Officially opening to the public today, this swanky hangout, which is named after the word for ‘water’ in Quechua (an ancestral language dating back to the Incan Empire), now sits on the north terrace of La Mar. Both inspired by the panoramic water views La Mar has become famous for and brought to life by the bustling Brickell skyline, this sexy spot is an oasis of teak wood furniture, bronze elements, and sleek high-top communal tables.
Open every Thursday through Saturday, from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., YAKU by La Mar blends international ingredients with a Peruvian-inspired cocktail program, light bites, and live DJs. The drink menu has handcrafted punch cocktails, La Mar’s existing cocktail program, and beers, wines, and champagne by the glass. Try the YAKU Punch, a mix of rum, mango puree, lime juice, chicha morada, or the Sexy Bombon Punch with bourbon, orange juice, cinnamon and orange bitters. Pair it all with and Peruvian small plates from La Mar’s Executive Chef Diego Oka–like Cebiche Tostado with tuna tartare and chipotle aioli, KFC Pop Corn with Korean fried chicken with Peruvian Chilies, and Yuccas Estrelladas with hash yuccas and queso fresco–and you’ve got a night that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Pescao at YAKU by La Mar
Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor