Here’s what’s going on in Miami this week:

Monday, January 22: Mezze Mondays at Café Roval
Every Monday, head to Café Roval {5808 NE 4 Court, Miami, Morningside; 786.953.7850} and get the Mezze Platter for half-off the original price. This delicious, Mediterranean-fueled platter includes: Falafel with Israeli salad, Fava Bean Hummus & Tahini with smoked pimenton, Fried Cauliflower with capers and lemon, Babaganoush with pomegranate, and House Pickles & Olives with warm pita bread. This deal is available as soon as the restaurant opens at 5 p.m.
Tuesday, January 23: USBG “Make It Exotico” Cocktail Competition at Plomo Taco & Tequila Bar
Head to Plomo Taco and Tequila this Tuesday, and you can watch an all-out cocktail battle between some of the best bartenders in Miami. The kicker? Every cocktail needs to be made with Exotico Tequila! Sponsored by the United States Bartenders’ Guild (USBG) and Exotico Tequila, this event will feature 10 bartenders, all of whom have been narrowed down from hundreds of entrants by a panel of expert USBG judges. Tomorrow night, each of the 10 semi-finalists will compete in front of the public as four judges—a mix of USBG professionals, tequila and cocktail experts, and local media personalities, including our Dining Out Miami City Editor, Jennifer Agress!—determine a winner. Each cocktail will be evaluated based on appearance, aroma, creativity, taste, and overall impression, and a final “crowd favorite” will be determined by the public. The winner the judges choose will get an all-expense paid trip to Tales of the Cocktail in New Orleans to compete in the final, national round of the competition! Everyone who attends tomorrow night’s event will get complementary Exotico Tequila cocktails before and after the event, as well as samples of each cocktail entered into the competition. Plomo Taco and Tequila is located at 230 Miracle Mile. This event will start at 5:30 p.m. 
Every Saturday and Sunday: Dim Sum Lunch at Hakkasan
Every Saturday and Sunday, between Noon and 3 p.m., go to Hakkasan {4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 786.276.1388} and indulge in the dim sum lunch of your dreams. Priced at just $45 per guest (based on at least two guests per table), hungry diners will start with two Hakkasan classics: the Classic Dim Sum Basket with black truffle chicken shumai, scallop and snow pea tips dumplings, teochew fun gor pork dumplings, and squid and carrot dumplings; and Fried Dim Sum with pan-fried foie gras Shanghai dumplings, Chilean sea bass kataifi rolls, and crispy shrimp bean curd rolls. In addition to that, each guest will get to choose one main plate, either the BBQ Platter with smoked ribs and char siu or the Crispy Lemon Chicken, as well as dessert. Want to step it up a notch and add a wine pairing? Two wine flights are available, starting at $25 per three-wine flight.
Everyday: Late-Night Happy Hour at American English Kitchen + Bar
Need an after-dinner drink? Head to American English Kitchen + Bar {1900 Harrison Street, Hollywood; 954.589.0200} every night of the week except Monday, and take advantage of its late-night happy hour! Food like Potato ‘Beignets’ with bacon, Pork Belly on Sourdough Biscuits with a maple-mustard glaze, and even U.S.D.A. PRIME Flat Iron Steak ‘Frites’ are priced between $3 and $12. On top of that, red sangria, wine by the glass, and classic cocktails are priced at $4, $5, and $6, respectively. This deal is available on Sundays and Tuesdays through Thursdays, from 9 p.m. to close, and on Fridays and Saturdays, from 10 p.m. to close.
Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor

Here’s what’s going on in Miami this week:

Wednesday, January 17: Spirit Training at Sakura 736
Head to South of Fifth every Wednesday night, specifically to Sakura 736 {736 1 Street, Miami Beach; 786.607.0199}, and you’ll find the best weekly drink deal in town! Starting at 4 p.m., guests can attend a free, hour-long spirit training on a different beverage each week—this Wednesday, you’ll create a drink with Remy Martin 1738. When you go, benefit from free glasses of the featured drink of the week for up to $500. Use it all up? (First, we salute you.) Second, don’t worry; Sakura 736’s daily happy hour starts right after! Get more details about these Wednesday nights here.
Thursday, January 18: Third Thursdays
This Thursday, Surfside is kicking-off the return of its popular “Miami’s Uptown Beachtown” Third Thursdays. This is a block party for all ages with exciting festivities, live music by the popular rock and roll band Brothers of Others, Worldwide Bistro and Needa Pita food trucks, sweet treats from Serendipity Creamery, sangria and mimosa cocktail tastings from Miami Cocktail Company, wellness activities, and plenty of activities for kids. Like its name implies, this is a monthly event that will return to Surfside on the third Thursday of every month. Third Thursdays will take place on 95 Street, between Harding and Collins Avenue. It will kick-off this Thursday, January 18, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Admission is free for all guests.
Thursday, January 18: Pizza & Pineapples at Matador Bar
This mouthwatering monthly series is once again returning to Matador Bar {2901 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 786.257.4600}, and with it, it’s bringing Miami diners another irresistible, off-menu pizza and boozy Pineapple cocktail pairing. Go this Thursday and munch on the pizza of choice, a Fresh Ricotta & Broccoli Rabe Pizza topped with spicy chorizo, and sip on the refreshing The Pineapple cocktail. Bring your friends, and while you eat and drink, jam out to live music by J.M. and The Sweets, a soulful South Florida band, from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Saturday, January 20:  Saturday Dinner Party at DÔA
Head to this Collins Avenue LatAsian restaurant this (and every) Saturday for an innovative dinner party like you’ve never had before! While there, indulge in special dishes like the Japanese Wagyu 4oz with truffle ponzu, Hamachi Crispy Rice with huacatay mayo, Kalbi Short Rib with a kalbi marinade, and an Egg Fried Rice “Chaufa” hot pot with jasmine rice. Wash it all down with cocktails like the Nikkei Lemonade, which is made with Pisco 100, wasabi, cilantro, yuzu, lime, and ginger; or the Shade of DÔA, which fuses Suntory Whisky Toki with cinnamon syrup, lemon, Frangelico, egg whites, and chocolate bitters. DÔA is located at 2000 Collins Avenue. The Saturday Dinner Party runs from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. every Saturday.
Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor

We all remember that sad day, at the end of September 2017, when we learned that Downtown Miami’s haute French-inspired spot, db Bistro Moderne, would be closing. Lucky for us Miamians, the honorable Chef Daniel Boulud didn’t keep us waiting for his return to Miami too long—and in its place, we got Boulud Sud {255 Biscayne Boulevard Way, Downtown Miami; 305.421.8800} earlier this month. 
Now open in the JW Marriott Marquis, this new Daniel Boulud restaurant, which models the original Boulud Sud on New York City’s Upper West Side, took a turn from French to Mediterranean. And when it did, it brought a taste of Côte d’Azur Spain, Italy, Greece, Morocco, Tunisia, Lebanon, and Turkey to South Florida that no one is complaining about. In fact, before you even sit down to eat, the Mediterranean flair is palpable; the setting is a fusion of off-white shades mixed with Moroccan-inspired tile floors, lattice wall accents, brass touches, warm natural woods, and even live plants cascading down from its high, airy ceiling.

A celebration of all things sea and sun, the new, coastal menu at Boulud Sud is anything but your typical Mediterranean fix. Go with a group and start with shared plates like Mezze with spicy Moroccan hummus, baba ganoush, and herb falafel, or Lamb Flatbread with eggplant, pine nuts, and labneh. For the main course, the Seared Mediterranean Branzino with freekeh, apricot, and artichoke is as fresh as can be; while the spiced flavors of the Chicken Tagine with couscous, cauliflower, and turnips will take you straight to the Middle East. Craving a pasta dish? The Agnolotti with pumpkin, sage, and ricotta salata will make your palate feel like it’s fall all year long. Pair any of the above with one of the perfectly-proportioned side dishes—be it Patatas Bravas with crispy potatoes and garlic aïoli; Cauliflower Tabbouleh with Za’tar, mint, and fig; or Charred Broccoli Rabe with pepperoncini and crispy shallots—and you won’t be disappointed. 

Of course, a feast like this isn’t complete without a sweet ending, and Boulud Sud has just the treat. While the Coffee and Chocolate Cube with black cardamom cremeux, praline feuilletine, and baklava ice cream won’t disappoint, the real gem of the dessert menu is the Grapefruit Givré. Brought to Miami from the original Boulud Sud in NYC, it’s made with sesame halva, rose loukoum, and grapefruit sorbet. 
Even though the look and flavor of Boulud Sud might differ from what us locals were used to at db Bistro Moderne Miami, the talent behind this soon-to-be-Miami-favorite are all the same. In addition to Daniel Boulud’s name on the door, the new Boulud Sud still has Executive Chef Clark Bowen, Pastry Chef Saeko Nemoto, and Sommelier Haunah Klein running the show behind the scenes—and that alone should be enough to tell you it’s great. 
Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor

When Coco Bambu {955 Alton Road, Miami Beach; 786.348.0770} opened its first U.S. location on Alton Road just last summer, it brought with it the largest seafood concept destination on Miami Beach. Established by founding partners and couple Afranio and Daniela Barreira in Brazil in 2001, Coco Bambu was created with the idea of offering affordable, shared, international seafood dishes backed by impeccable service and an elegant atmosphere. And considering that the Miami Beach location is the 29th Coco Bambu opened in the world, we think it’s safe to say that Afranio and Daniela have accomplished all they set out to do.
In a Michael Wolk-designed setting that reflects the look and feel of Brazil, complete with copper and gold metallics, avocado green accents, and burnt orange everywhere you turn, your dinner at Coco Bambu captures your attention from the moment you walk in. Here, get family-style dining at its finest; featuring 100+ shareable plates like Crispy Savory Pastries with shrimp or lobster, Coco Bambu Gratins of beef and bananas, breaded Eggplant Lasagna baked in a fresh tomato sauce, Coco Bambu Lobster Tails with mozzarella au gratin shoestring fries, Whole Roasted Snapper with fresh vegetables and garlic, grilled Skirt Steak salad with Anna potatoes and a lemon Dijon, or Paella Coco Bambu with shrimp, calamari, fish, and mussels. Drinks like the signature Frozen Caipi Coco with frozen coconut and Grey Goose are not to be missed, nor are some of the restaurant’s sweet endings: like Baked Cocada, Lime Pie, and Lava Cake with Vanilla Ice Cream, to name a few.
And now, in addition to its extensive menu of sharing plates, Coco Bambu is offering guests special individual portions of both new and its most popular, classic dishes. Here are just some you can get excited about on the new menu:

• Grilled Filet & Lobster Risotto with white truffle oil
• Herb Crusted Salmon with sautéed vegetables
• Miso Seabass with kimchee fried rice
• Shrimp Moqueca for One with stew with peppers, herbs, coconut milk, palm oil, coconut fried rice, and cassava flour
• Shrimp Provençal with fettuccine, garlic, white wine, herbs, tomato sauce, cream, and lemon
• Mango Mahi with mango sauce, cashew pesto, broccoli rice, and butternut squash purée au gratin

Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor

BLT Steak Miami {1610 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 786.605.0819} opened at the Iberostar Berkeley Hotel, in the heart of South Beach, this past fall. And with its Miami Beach debut, it kicked off an enticing new blackboard special: “The Perfect Pair!” Courtesy of Chef Carlos Torres and General Manager David Weis’ impressive knowledge of food and drink pairings, this daily-changing menu will combine one highlighted item from the food menu with a select glass of wine, beer, or a specialty cocktail. As an added bonus, when you get this pairing, the drink will be 50% off—meaning you can drink twice as many. 
Don’t know what we’re talking about? Take a look at some of the restaurant’s past pairings below and head to BLT Steak Miami to see what’s on tap.

• Porterhouse Steak for 2 with a bottle of Aienda Agricola COS Maldafrica (wine priced at $60, instead of $120)
• Cowboy Ribeye with a Sazerac cocktail (Sazerac priced at $8.50, instead of $17)
• Steak Tartare Tacos with a Cold Rogue Brew IPA (IPA priced at $4, instead of $8)
• Kansas City Strip Steak with a 1/2 bottle of Clos La Coutale Cahors (wine priced at $15, instead of $30)
• Ora King Salmon with a 1/2 bottle of Chateau Carbonnieux White Bordeaux (wine priced at $27.50, instead of $55)
• Peanut Butter Chocolate Mousse with a glass of Malamado Malbec Port (wine priced at $6.50, instead of $13)

Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor