Whether it’s a spa day, lunch at Lido Bayside Grille, a pool day, a jazzy happy hour, or pretty much any excuse to share those hypnotic bayside views, The Standard, Miami Beach {40 Island Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.673.1717} is always finding ways to brighten up our social calendars. And just next week, it will do it again with a Daily/Nightly Daiquiri Café pop-up and three-night partnership with Ali Alvarez and Christopher Delvin, the geniuses behind Palabar.
Paying a nod to the Cuban “paladar,” or a self-run restaurant, Daily/Nightly began as chef-run dinners for up to 25 people in the home of Ali Alvarez and Chris Devlin. These dinners were packed with fresh juices, homemade syrups, healthy pours, and family-style plates based on the regional flavors of their Miami surroundings.
And at The Standard, Miami Beach, the duo’s daiquiri pop-up will bring the same South Florida flavors to the hotel’s juice bar and terrace. Running from November 16 to 18, between the hours of 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. nightly, this collaboration will result in shaken daiquiris (built on the classic trifecta of lime, Florida cane sugar, and of course, rum) all specially-flavored with local, Florida fruits.
Here are the daiquiris guests can expect:
Classic with lime, simple syrup, and rum
Pineapple Daiquiri with pineapple, lime, simple syrup, and rum
La Finca: with Gables Delight’s Passion Mango Jam, dragon fruit, pineapple, lime, and rum
Hemingway in Tallahassee with Florida pomelo (instead of the more traditional grapefruit), lime, Maraschino cherries, simple syrup, and rum
Daily/Nightly Daq with D/N Falernum, D/N Orgeat, lime, orange, and rum
Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor
Part of the three-course menu at Café Roval for Estrella Damm Chef’s Choice
Here is this week’s Miami food news:
Tuesday, November 7: Taco Tuesday Throwdown
The first-ever Taco Tuesday Throwdown, hosted by Miami’s Arts + Entertainment District (A+E), is happening tomorrow! During this event, Miami’s top taco spots will finally compete to see who makes the best tacos in the MIA. Read about it here.
Wednesday, November 8: Babes, Braids and Booze
Babes, Braids and Booze is back! Once a month, Tacology {701 South Miami Avenue, Brickell; 786.347.5368} teams up with Drybar, both in Brickell City Centre, for a girls-only event that fuses beauty, style, and of course… tacos. In true girly fashion, ladies are invited to enjoy a dry style at Drybar, followed by discounted pink margaritas at Tacology. Braids and dry styles will be available at Drybar from 6 to 7 p.m., and $6 Pink Margaritas will be available at Tacology from 7 p.m. to close. This event is open to the public. For more information about this monthly event, or to RSVP for Drybar, please e-mail [email protected].
Thursday, November 9: Cigar Social at StripSteak by Michael Mina
Head to the outdoor terrace of StripSteak by Michael Mina {4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 877.326.7412}, at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach, and you can sip on Widow Jane 10-Year Bourbon while enjoying a thoughtfully-paired Monte Cristo cigar, all for just $25+ per person. This special runs from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. every Thursday.
Thursday, November 9: Thursday Night Dinner Party at Villa Azur
Every Thursday, go to Villa Azur {309 23 Street, Miami Beach; 305.763.8688} for Miami’s fanciest, sexiest dinner fête. While you’re there, indulge in Executive Chef Philippe Ruiz’ new menu of grilled Red Bell Pepper & Ricotta with basil dressing and eggplant caviar, pan-seared Jumbo Prawn with tomato persillade and grilled vegetables, Lobster Spaghetti, and more. There are live musicians, dolled-up dancers, champagne parades, music by resident DJ Stephan M, and Miami’s finest donning their finest—all until the wee hours of Friday morning. This dinner party starts at 6:30 p.m. every Thursday. Reservations are required.
All Month Long: Estrella Damm Chef’s Choice
Go to participating restaurants (there are 50) and you can get a special, three-course meal where every course is paired with one of Estrella Damm’s Mediterranean lager beers. These dinners are priced between $30 and $70 per person, depending where you dine. Read more about it here.
Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor
Tacology
Who doesn’t love Taco Tuesday?! Next week, 11 of Miami’s hottest taco spots will come together for the biggest #TacoTuesday the city has ever seen.
Taking place on November 7, Miami’s Arts + Entertainment District (A+E) will host “Taco Tuesday Throwdown,” and will feature tacos from each restaurant’s regular menus plus one special taco from each spot on sale for just $2. And because you can’t have tacos without something to wash it down with (and a sweet ending!), handcrafted tequila and mescal cocktails will be on tap, as will delectable desserts from 32 Bubbles and Wynwood Parlor. A panel of judges will determine South Florida’s Best Taco, and considering they’re well-known food critics like Chloe Herring (Miami.com), Dianne Rubin (Miami Food Pug), Giovanny Gutierrez (Chat Chow TV), and Victoria Certain (The Hungry Post)… you can bet they know what they’re talking about.
This event will be both tasty and entertaining, as it will feature live music by Afrobeta, a Miami electro-pop duo. The restaurants participating include: Bodega, Box of Chacos, Cabo Flats, Caja Caliente, Cilantro 27, Doce Provisions, Doggy Style Miami, La Santa Taqueria, Tacology, Taquiza, and Twice Butter.
This event will run from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. It will take place at CANVAS, which is located at 90 NE 17 Street. Event admission is free, although guests are encouraged to make a donation at the event to Fondo Unido México’s Earthquake Disaster Fund, to help victims and families impacted by the recent earthquake in Mexico City. For more information about the event, or to register to attend, click here.
Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor
Farofa from Fogo de Chão
serves many, as a seasoning
Ingredients
1/4 c vegetable oil
3 strips bacon, cut into small pieces
1 small Brazilian sausage, cut into small pieces
3/4 c finely diced white onion
2 tbsp butter
1/4 c green olives, finely-chopped
1/2 tbsp kosher salt
2 1/2 c yuca flour
1/4 c fresh parsley, chopped
Method
Pour oil into a heavy skillet and heat. Add the chopped bacon and sausage, and cook for eight to ten minutes, or until golden brown. Add in diced onions and cook for four to five minutes, until translucent. Add butter, green olives, and salt, and mix until butter starts to melt. Turn heat to low. Throw in yuca flour and mix all ingredients. Cook, stirring constantly, for four to five minutes, or until toasted. Remove the mixture from heat and mix in chopped parsley. Let it all cool at room temperature.
To serve: Spoon onto rice and beans or churrasco as a heavy, flavorful seasoning.
LuckyRice Miami Feast is coming back to Miami next week! And foodies all over Miami can’t wait to see what’s in store. Taking place at locations across North America, from Chicago and New York to Houston, L.A., Toronto, and more, this celebration of Asian-inspired food was created to share a taste of Asian culture through the lens of food and drink. And on Friday, November 3, we Miamians get to bask in that culture, too.
Here are five reasons to go to this year’s LuckyRice Miami Feast:
It’s for a good cause. This year, all of the night’s proceeds will go towards Feeding South Florida, LuckyRice 2017’s charitable sponsor and the leading domestic hunger-relief organization in South Florida. Adding to the cause, the event’s presenting sponsor, Suntory Whisky, will follow by matching all proceeds from the evening’s festivities, therefore doubling the total donation. The money raised will directly benefit Hurricane Irma relief efforts.
There are so many amazing restaurants participating. And by “so many,” we mean it. More than 20 of Miami’s hottest Asian and Asian-inspired restaurants and bars will be featured, and even popular restaurants with just a few Asian-inspired dishes. Guests can look forward to a walk-around tasting with hotspots like Pao by Paul Qui {3201 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 786.655.5600}, Hakkasan {4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 786.276.1388}, Market at EDITION {2901 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 786.257.4600}, and more.
The food. Almond Crusted Shrimp Satay with Sweet & Sour Glaze. Cold Potato Noodles with Cucumber & Ginger. Chinese Pork Belly on Tostones with a Fruit Compote. Lucky Lantern Dumplings filled with Alaskan Crab Meat, Shrimp Paste, Yam Bean Root, Celery, Beetroot Wrapper, and Gold Powder Garnish. A Banana Cake with Miso Butterscotch and Cashew Brittle. Drooling yet?
Drink up! You have to wash down your food with something, and it might as well have alcohol in it. Thanks to presenting sponsor Suntory Whisky Toki, guests can get Asian-inspired cocktails, plus Asahi Beer, Bruce Cost Ginger Ale, and wine. Because of this, you actually must be 21+ to attend this event.
You’ll get a taste of Miami, too. As with any LuckyRice Feast, the culinary fabric of the host city (in this case, Miami) must shine through. For that reason, expect classic Asian favorites with a creative Latin twist. Dale!
This event will take place at the Kimpton Surfcomber Hotel, which is located at 1717 Collins Avenue. Tickets to this year’s LuckyRice Miami Feast are priced at $88 per person for General Admission and $150 per person for VIP Access. Tickets can be purchased here. General Admission tickets grant entrance to the festival from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m., and VIP Access grants entrance from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor
Shula Slider from Shula’s 347 Grill at Burgerliscious 2016
Calling all burger fiends!
Back for the seventh year in a row, Burgerliscious 2017 will once again hit Coral Gables next Thursday, November 2, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. During this one-of-a-kind burger event, which will take place at Fred B. Hartnett/Ponce Circle Park, 20+ Miami restaurants will compete in an all-out battle for “Best in Bun” and “People’s Choice Award,” as they serve up some of their most mouthwatering, creative, and meaty burgers. The winners will be chosen by Nick Pena, of Y-100; Gio Gutierrez, of Chat Chow TV; Paola Mendez, of Coral Gables Love; and two mystery judges.
And to kick-off the evening, guests can get excited for some live entertainment that doesn’t fit in a bun. Thanks to a partnership with the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau, the host of this event—Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce—will start Miami Live Month with a performance by Mad World Orchestra, which has a long legacy as Miami’s hottest 80’s cover band, and DJ Mayner, who will rock the turntables.
As for the food, well, that’s in it’s own category. When you go, expect meaty sensations from stellar Miami restaurants like 320 Gastrolounge, Blue Martini Brickell, BrickTop’s, BULLA Gastrobar, BurgerFi Coral Gables, Café at Books & Books, Christy’s Restaurant, Doctors Hospital, Fetes & Events, John Martin’s Irish Pub & Restaurant, Miller’s Ale House, Off the Mile Restaurant, Pisco y Nazca, PizzaRev Coral Gables, Son Cubano, Tarpon Bend Raw Bar & Grill, and of course, some of our favorites: Shula’s 347 Grill {6915 Red Road, Coral Gables; 305.665.9661}, Big Easy Winebar & Grill {701 South Miami Avenue #339, Brickell; 786.814.5955}, and Glass & Vine {2820 McFarlane Road, Coconut Grove; 305.200.5268}. To complement all those burgers with a sweet treat, guests can end their night by noshing on sugary desserts from Frice Cream, Night Owl Cookie Co., and Seasons 52.
Glass & Vine
Tickets to this tasty event start at $60 for General Admission, which gets you six burgers and your choice of two Samuel Adams beverages, and $125 for VIP Admission, which gets you unlimited burgers and Samuel Adams, plus access to the Jack Daniel’s VIP area. All tickets to the event can be purchased here.
Fred B. Hartnett/Ponce Circle Park is located at 2800 Ponce de Leon Boulevard. It is sponsored by South Motors BMW, the Business Improvement District of Coral Gables, Samuel Adams, the City of Coral Gables, Brown Forman Beverages, Clear Channel Outdoor, Evolution Payments, Florida Blue, G-Force Waterproofing & Restoration, LLC, thumbprint and Intermedia Touch, Inc.
Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor
When the fall season sweeps through town, anything “pumpkin” becomes the norm. This year, Villa Azur is stepping it up a notch with the Pumpkin Spiced Dominican Coffee. Made with Ron Barceló Añejo rum, this is one warm cocktail that will have you slipping into fall with just one sip. Check out the recipe, below!
One by one, add 1 1/2 ounces Ron Barceló Añejo, a 1/2 ounce Demerara syrup, a 1/2 ounce pumpkin purée, and four ounces hot coffee in an Irish coffee glass. Top is all with unsweetened whipped cream and garnish with star anise.
Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor
Executive Chef Philippe Ruiz
Coming to Miami all the way from France, Philippe Ruiz has been crowned the new Executive Chef of Villa Azur {309 23 Street, Miami Beach; 305.763.8688}. Bringing his stellar “French nouvelle” style of cooking, which earned him the title of Chevalier de l’Ordre Du Mérite Agricole from the French government, Philippe Ruiz is taking Villa Azur from delicious to délicieux.
And while he’s new to the Villa Azur kitchen, Chef Philippe is actually not new to Miami at all. Before this, he was one of the top chefs at Palme d’Or {1200 Anastasia Avenue, Coral Gables; 305.913.3200}, in The Biltmore Hotel. Prior to that, he worked stints at three, two-star Michelin restaurants: Château de Divonne, in Divonne-les-Bains France; Le Chat Botté at the Hôtel Beau Rivage in Geneva, Switzerland; and another Geneva spot, Le Vieux Moulin. Here at Villa Azur, Chef Philippe is turning the see-and-be-seen, French restaurant and lounge into a sexy dining destination—one complemented by an in-house sommelier, Miami’s most beautiful people, and a menu of French cuisine you might not find this side of, well, France.
Now that he’s on the scene, we caught up with Chef Philippe to find out about his favorite chefs, dishes, must-have kitchen tools, and more. Here’s what he had to say:
Must-have kitchen tool: Fish decal tongs.
Favorite dish on the Villa Azur menu: Lobster fricassee, Sauternes wine, and seasonal vegetables.
Guilty pleasure meal: Pasta in a creamy sauce… and of course, some cheese on the top.
Go-to restaurant on your day off: Pisco y Nazca, Semilla, or Brasserie Central.
Best piece of chef advice you ever received: Always be consistent and proud of what you do, and never ever forget to taste everything—even the most simple of preparations.
When you first realized you wanted to be a chef: During a training in a family restaurant, I was 13 years old and the chef taught so many things with so much passion. I was fascinated. He gave me the pleasure of taste.
The chef(s) you look up to: Daniel Boulud and Jean-George Vongerichten. They built French culinary empires in the U.S. and all over the world.
If you could cook any other style of food, it would be: Spanish.
Favorite ingredient to cook with: Wild-cut fine fish.
Must-have fall food: Wild mushroom, venison, and root vegetables.
Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor
The Dark Side Cocktail from Tacology
Looking for some spooky, spectacular food and fun this Hallow’s Eve? See how some of our favorite Miami restaurants, lounges, and hotspots are celebrating, below. (It’s scary how tasty Halloween can be.)
Villa Azur
Taking place on Saturday, October 28 and Sunday, October 29, “Haunted Villa” at Villa Azur {309 23 Street, Miami Beach; 305.763.8688} is one pre-Halloween dinner party you won’t want to miss. That night will feature a saxophonist and a live DJ, and on actual Halloween night, an “In the Shadow” fête will continue the fun with costumes, Made in Russia, and Veuve Clicquot. The guest that wears the best costume will win the coveted Veuve Clicquot grand prize. Villa Azur’s Haunted Villa will start at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 28. The In the Shadow party, will start at 8 p.m on Halloween night.
Tacology
On Saturday, October 28, head to Tacology {701 South Miami Avenue, 4 Floor; 786.347.5368} for a Halloween costume contest and a chance to win a bottle of Golden Tequila and a $300 gift card (first place) or a bottle of Silver Tequila and a $150 gift card (second place). Come for the $12 Halloween, tequila-tinged The Dark Side cocktails, and stay for the all-night DJ, the mouthwatering Mexican food, and the photo booth. For an added bit of fun, come back on Halloween day and find The Dark Side cocktail on the menu again—but just for a limited-time only. The Halloween party and costume contest at Tacology will start at 8 p.m. on Saturday, October 28.
The Biltmore Hotel
Sitting in the heart of Coral Gables, the Biltmore Hotel {1200 Anastasia Avenue, Coral Gables; 855.311.6903} throws an annual Halloween party like no other. It will have an open bar, live entertainment, a buffet, and a contest for the most creative costumes. Costumes must be handcrafted, and prizes will be given to both the individual with the most creative costume, and the couple with the same. This event will take place on Friday, October 27, from 8 p.m. to Midnight. Tickets will be priced at $110 per person for members and $130 per person for non-members. Tickets must be purchased in advance, and all guests must be 21+ to attend. For more information, or to register to attend, please click here.
Seaspice
Looking for a haute way to welcome Halloween? At Seaspice {422 NW North River Drive, Miami; 305.440.4200}, the Miami River’s sexy, enchanting global restaurant and lounge, Miami’s finest will be out in their Hallow’s Eve best. Taking place on Sunday, October 29, “A Hauntingly Beautiful Halloween Bash” will have scrumptious food, live entertainment, cunning cocktails, and like the best of Halloween celebrations… a few scares. Pro tip: Stick with the theme and wear all black and white. (All the cool kids are doing it!) This event will start at 5 p.m. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 305.440.4200.
Cantina La Veinte
If you’re craving a meal so tasty it scares you, Cantina La Veinte {485 Brickell Avenue, Brickell; 786.623.6135} is just where you want to be this Halloween. On Saturday, October 28, have dinner amidst a live DJ, eerie decorations, and spooky Love Potion cocktails with mezcal, lime juice, Crème de Violette and house-made butterfly pea flower syrup. When you do, put on your scariest costume and you just might win an eerily-cool prize. Reservations for dinner are required and can be made by calling 786.623.6135.
R House Wynwood
Head to R House {2727 NW 2 Avenue, Wynwood; 305.576.0201} on Halloween night, and indulge in its third-annual Bacardi Halloween bash. The party will be hosted by Revolution 93.5 Radio’s Kelly Rajzjberry, and involves a costume contest and $250 and $150 cash prizes for first- and second-place winners, respectively. Start with happy hour at 6 p.m., and keep the party going until 3 a.m. All winners will be announced at Midnight! This party will take place on Tuesday, October 31, from 6 p.m. to 3 a.m.
StripSteak by Michael Mina
From now through the end of October, head to StripSteak by Michael Mina {4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.674.4780} and get the $15 Adult Candy Corn cocktail. Perfect for Whiskey lovers, it’s made with Widow Jane Apple Wood Rye, Cointreau Noir, apple cider reduction, lemon juice, allspice dram, egg white, “liquid candy corn” sprays, and candy corn garnish. Lucky for you, we’ve got the recipe. Get it here! StripSteak by Michael Mina is open Sunday through Thursday, from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., and on Fridays and Saturdays, from 6 p.m. to Midnight.
Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor
R HOUSE
There’s no denying that a hot day with a cold beer is a sacred moment—and this month, Estrella Damm is giving beer drinkers an extra excuse to drink one every single day. Running from November 1 through November 30, 2017, Estrella Damm Chef’s Choice will highlight both the Spanish and Mediterranean beer and 50 of the Magic City’s best restaurants with a series of limited-time-only menus priced at $30 to $70 apiece.
The purpose of this series is simple. Using the same, classic recipe it’s used since 1876, Estrella Damm is now encouraging chefs to get more creative by coming up with a three-course meal where every dish pairs perfectly with one of the brand’s Mediterranean lager beers. Adding to its creativity, every entrée needs to use one secret Mediterranean ingredient. This year, that ingredient is garbanzo beans.
Offered at different restaurants across Miami, every three-course menu will have an appetizer, an entrée, and a dessert, and all will be paired with an Estrella Damm beer. Some of our favorite restaurants will be participating—like Café Roval {5808 NE 4 Court, Miami, Morningside; 786.953.7850}, GK Bistronomie {218 Northwest 25 Street, Miami; 786.477.5151}, The Lido Bayside Grill {40 Island Avenue, Miami Beach; 786.245.0880}, LT Steak & Seafood {1440 Ocean Drive, South Beach; 844.862.3157}, Market at EDITION {2901 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 786.257.4600}, R HOUSE {2727 NW 2 Avenue, Wynwood; 305.576.0201}, and Wynwood Kitchen & Bar {2550 Northwest 2 Avenue, Wynwood; 305.722.8959}, to name a few.
Café Roval
Here are all of the restaurants participating in this year’s Estrella Damm Chef’s Choice promotion:
1111 Peruvian Bistro
320 Bistro
Akashi
Barceloneta
Bocas House Coral Gables
Bocas House Doral
Bocas House Weston
Bolivar Restaurant Bar
Bulla Gastrobar Coral Gables
Bulla Gastrobar Doral
Byblos Miami
Café Roval
Chef Adrianne’s Vineyard Restaurant & Wine Bar
Cleo South Beach
Coral Café
Divieto Ristorante
El Cielo Miami
Finka Table & Tap
Fiorito
Fontana Italian
GKBistronomie
Graziano’s in Bird Road
Graziano’s in Coral Gables
Jimmy’z Kitchen Wynwood
Kaori By Walter Martino
Kebo Restaurant
La Loggia Ristorante & Lounge
The Lido Bayside Grill
LT Steak & Seafood
The Lunchbox
Market at EDITION
Mina’s Mediterraneo
Neme Gastro Bar
PAON Eatery
Paulie Gee’s Miami
Perricone’s Marketplace & Café
Phuc Yea
Pisco y Nazca Ceviche Gastrobar Doral
Pisco y Nazca Ceviche Gastrobar Kendall
PM Buenos Aires
Ponte Vecchio Ristorante e Pizzeria
R HOUSE
Segafredo Brickell
Son Cubano
Spaghettino
Tapas y Tintos
Tapelia
TUYO Restaurant
Wynwood Kitchen & Bar
Xixón Spanish Restaurant
For more information about Chef’s Choice 2017, click here.
Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor