When BLT Prime {4400 NW 87 Avenue, Doral; 305.591.6606} opened a location in Miami in 2014, it set the standard for dining in Doral. And now, not long after Negroni Week, this modern steakhouse has crafted a special menu of seven Negroni cocktails for drinkers to sip all summer long.
Traditionally made with one-part gin, one-part vermouth rosso, and one-part Campari, and garnished with an orange peel, this classic cocktail is the perfect drink to end your summer day. Appealing to all palates, negronis are both sweet and bitter, and are the ideal drink for socializing. (They’re best served with a salty snack or charcuterie.) Find both classic versions and inventive twists on the historic sipper on BLT Prime’s new Negroni Board:

• Classic with Hendrick’s Gin, Carpano Antica, and Campari
• Smoked with Fords Gin, Cinzano Rosso, Luxardo Bitter, and Cedar Smoke
• Piccante with St. George Green Chile Vodka, Punt e Mes, and Galliano Bitter
• Albino with Nolet’s Gin, Gancia Vermouth Bianco, and Luxardo Bitter Bianco
• Double Dutch with Bols Genever, Lillet Rouge Aperitif, and Gran Classico
• Spritz with Caposaldo Prosecco, Aperol, and seltzer water
• Karui with Rock Sake, Carpano Antica, and Cynar

Craving one already? We don’t blame you. Go to BLT Prime any day, between 6 p.m. and 11 p.m., and pair your negroni with appetizers like Grilled Bacon with garlic and sherry vinaigrette, or the Caddie burger with a garlic pork patty, white cheddar, and crispy pancetta.
BLT Prime is located at Trump National Doral Miami®. Discounted valet parking is available for $5 with restaurant validation.
Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor

Here is this week’s Miami food news:

Thursday, July 19: 50%-Off Wine Bottles at Sawa Restaurant & Lounge
Stop by Sawa Restaurant & Lounge {360 San Lorenzo Avenue #1500, Coral Gables; 305.447.6555} every Thursday, between 7 p.m. and Midnight, and you can get any bottle of wine for half the menu price.
Saturday, July 21: Morning en Blanc at Faena Forum
Skip brunch this Saturday and head to Faena Forum {3300 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.534.8800} for a DAYBREAKER breakfast with yoga, live music, dancing, feel-good disco, and more! The first-ever “Morning en Blanc” will start with a yoga class by Tim Feldmann (from the Miami Life Center), from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., and move on to a dance party (with music by Dude Skywalker), 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wear all white, and in between all of the morning movement, refuel with healthy bites, juices, coffee, and more. It’ll be a breakfast to remember! Tickets for this event start at $15 per person. Click here to find out more.

Sunday, July 22: Miami Spice Brunch Mash-Up at Phuc Yea
For the first time ever, the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau’s Miami Spice Restaurant Program will kick-off with a brunch mash-up featuring some of South Florida’s fan-favorite chefs. Taking place on Sunday, July 22, at 12:30 p.m., this one-time-only brunch will feature tasty creations by both Chef Gordon Maybury, of Corsair kitchen + bar at Turnberry Isle Miami, and Chef Cesar Zapata, of Phuc Yea. The event will include complimentary pours from select Miami Spice sponsors: Chandon California, Fiji Water, Terrazas de los Andes, and Stella Artois. Tickets are priced at $50 per person, which includes tax, tip, and three drink tokens.

ALL WEEK LONG: Negroni Board at BLT Prime
Negroni fans, listen up! As of Monday, July 16, BLT Prime {4400 NW 87 Avenue, Doral; 305.591.6606} has launched a “Negroni Board” with seven versions of the classic cocktail—perfect for a different negroni every night of the week. Peek the menu here to start planning out your drink order. Negronis start at $15.
Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor

Looking for something to eat or drink the next time you’re in Brickell? Read below to find out our favorite spots to curb every craving.
For tacos: Tacology
Sitting on the fourth floor of bustling Brickell City Centre, this trendy Mexican mercado-style hangout has some of the best tacos in town. Helmed by Executive Chef Santiago Gomez, the electric blue-and-purple space is filled with stations for salads, ceviches, coffees, sweets, and more, but nearly half the menu is tacos. If we were you, we’d order the following: The El Volcan on a crispy grilled tortilla with melted cheese and chargrilled ribeye, or for something a little different, the Scrambled Egg taco with pico de gallo and blackbean sauce.
701 South Miami Avenue, Brickell; 786.347.5368
For five different kinds of margaritas: Cantina La Veinte
The much fancier, sister restaurant to Tacology, Cantina La Veinte, is where classic Mexican meets Miami-Art-Deco chic. Here, standout margaritas come in flavors like classic, coconut, passionfruit, tamarind, strawberry, spicy jalapeño, and even a mezcal-infused version. Here’s a deal you can’t beat: Every Wednesday, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m, ladies get to drink margaritas for FREE at the bar.
495 Brickell Avenue, Brickell; 786.623.6136
For a hearty steak: Morton’s The Steakhouse
You’ve heard of this international steak great—and here in Miami, we have two locations to drool over. Whether you’re having a business dinner with the boys or just want to treat yourself to one of the most consistently-great steaks in the nation, Morton’s The Steakhouse is where you want to go. Start with its classic Salted Roll, and pair your Prime Bone-In Ribeye or Cold Water Lobster Tail with sides like Creamed Spinach or a Jumbo Baked Potato. If you’re there with another meat lover, get the 48-ounce Porterhouse for Two. It’s the most popular dish on the menu.
1200 Brickell Avenue, Brickell; 305.400.9990
For the best ceviche in town: La Mar by Gastón Acurio
With Chef Diego Oka at the helm, you can’t go wrong. Start your night with a pisco sour, and move on to the restaurant’s menu of 15 ceviches. Two of the most popular styles of ceviche are the Clásico with fluke, cilantro, aji limo, red onions, choclo, and leche de tigre, and Nikkei with tuna, red onion, nori, avocado, daikon, cucumber, and tamarind leche de tigre.
500 Brickell Key Drive, Brickell; 305.913.8358
For tapas and wine: Casa Juancho
Casa Juancho is a Spanish landmark in Miami, and for good reason. It’s the longest-standing Spanish restaurant in Miami, and it’s know for its tapas, cozy ambiance, excellent wine list, and traditional Spanish fare. For a real taste of Spain, try the Morcilla or the Croquetas de Abuela with grouper, and choose from four different kinds of paella: Paella Valenciana with seafood and chicken, Fideuà Gandiense with angel hair pasta and fish, Paella Marinera, or Paella Vegetariana with artichokes, garbanzo and lima beans, roasted peppers, and sweet peas. Guitarists will serenade your party the entire time, while waiters keep the wine and bread baskets flowing all night long. Olé!
2436 SW 8 Street, Miami; 305.642.2452
Because you love all things Daniel Boulud: Boulud Sud
And who doesn’t? Replacing another Boulud standout, the old DB Bistro Moderne (sitting where Brickell Avenue turns into Downtown Miami), Boulud Sud is all about life on the Mediterranean Sea. Coming from NYC, this restaurant is inspired by the coastal flavors of the Côte d’Azur, pulling influences from Spain, Italy, Greece, Morocco, Tunisia, Lebanon, Turkey, and beyond. Here, mezze-style shared plates reign supreme. Go for lunch or dinner, and try some of our favorite plates: like Arabic Lamb Flatbread, Moroccan Chicken Tagine, or the Mezze with spicy Moroccan hummus, babaganoush, and herb falafel. Whatever you do, don’t leave without ordering Boulud’s classic Warm Basket of Madeleines. Yum!
255 Biscayne Boulevard Way, Downtown Miami; 305.421.8800
For really yummy seafood: The River Seafood & Oyster Bar
This Brickell haunt is both a top happy hour destination and a hot spot for oysters. (And it has daily deals on both!) Join the Brickell professional crowd and munch on modern seafood in a sleek, but comfortable, setting. As an added benefit, dining here takes your taste buds on a journey around the world—expect fresh cold-water fish from Alaska, organic salmon and bronzini from Ireland, sardines from Spain, and more.
650 South Miami Avenue, Brickell; 305.530.1915
Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor

If you haven’t been to the cute Upper East Side wine bar and hangout that is BarMeli69 {6927 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami; 305.754.5558}—which, aside from its location, makes you feel like you’ve taken a trip to the Mediterranean—you’re missing out. Helmed by none other than the Liza Meli (the bar’s cute, spunky owner), at BarMeli69, you’re not just a customer; you’re part of the family. The perfect place to grab a glass of vino and Mediterranean tapas after work, come with your girlfriends, a date, your family, or even a coworker, and settle in as Liza makes you feel right at home.
To find out more about the MiMo gem we love, we sat down with Liza herself and let her explain what makes her haunt so charming. We’ll give you a hint: it’s passion.
Read below to find out what she had to say.
What made you decide to open BarMeli69? Was it new for you in any way?
After owning several Greek or Mediterranean restaurants, BarMeli was my first that focused on the wine more than the food. I wanted to introduce to Miami eclectic, unknown grape varietals from the Mediterranean region that are made as naturally as possible and come from small-production, family-owned wineries.
How did you choose your location?
I love my ‘hood! I have been living and doing business in this neighborhood for 10 years and had already established a customer following, so I didn’t want to stray too far. Uber wasn’t around yet, and I was hoping to attract serious wine drinkers.
What’s your favorite bottle of wine on the BarMeli menu? What do you love to eat with it?
My favorite wines are from the volcanic regions, like Santorini, Greece and Sicily. They have high minerality and little or no fruit. I love pairing them with salty, briny foods like anchovies, sardines or sea urchin. That said, wine is alive and complex; so there is a time and a place for all varietals to be enjoyed. It’s all about the mood you’re in at the moment.

What makes BarMeli special?
BarMeli has become a very local hangout. Everyone that enters is happy and this happiness is contagious. I often hear people say they feel they are walking into my home, and not a restaurant. The vibe is relaxed and not pretentious; we even have live music four nights a week. Dining at BarMeli is a memorable occasion—it’s not just a place to eat and go. I feel like that’s why I have so many returning customers. We offer the whole package, from healthy food, interesting wines, and friendly service, to a charming ambiance and affordable prices.
You’re all about atmosphere. What makes BarMeli so charming?
Things happen naturally at BarMeli; but when I’m in the mood and the room is full of energy, I break a plate or two. This really gets the crowd going. It’s a Greek thing! I did this at all my prior restaurants, too. It just feels good.
What’s the first thing you do when you get there everyday?
The first thing I do is stock up the wine fridge from the night before and see what the most popular wine of the night was.
What (or who) keeps you inspired?
Hmmmmm. Inspiration? It’s a very important emotion for the “creative” and “artistic” side of the business. I think it’s too easy to get caught up in the “American way” of life with too much technology, stress and politics, feeling overworked, and unfortunately, watching too much gun violence. I take a yearly trip to Greece—alone. There, I’m able to switch off and absorb the natural beauty and live the way we were meant to be living. I also feel inspired when I have the ability to inspire others, especially young people seeking to be entrepreneurs. As a female restaurant owner (there are only a few of us in this city), growing up in the 1980s without the #MeToo movement was very challenging. Sexual harassment in the workplace was the norm! But we overcome and embrace change. I have zero tolerance for any kind of abuse in the workplace; work should be a safe haven enjoyed by all.
If you weren’t running BarMeli, what would you be doing?
I would be running another restaurant. It’s in my blood, it defines who I am, it gives me pleasure and pain, it is what I love to do. There is no other profession I would rather be doing.
Fast forward five years from now. What will BarMeli be like then?
Five years from now?! I can’t say. I just live, enjoy and am grateful for the moment.
Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor

Here is this week’s Miami food news:

Monday, July 9: Monday Social Hour
Head to the bar area at BarMeli69 {6927 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami; 305.754.5558} for complimentary cheese and wine. This deal is available every Monday, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Tuesday, July 10: Snail Social
Slow Food Miami’s “Snail Social” roaming Happy Hour is back, and this month, it’s taking place at Miami’s first vegan gastropub, Soul Tavern. Hosted by restaurateur and healer, Jason Gordon, and Chef de Cuisine, Kinsler Josaime, guests who attend will be treated to cocktails and specially-created bites, like Hearts of Palm Cakes, Hemp Encrusted Edamame Cakes, and Crunchy Forest Maki. While this monthly event used to be free and open to the public, since Hurricane Irma, guests have been asked to make a $15 donation, which goes straight to South Florida farms affected by Hurricane Irma. As an added benefit, guests will also be able to enjoy the Happy Hour menu from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., and get a 15% discount off their check if they stay for dinner after. This event will run from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Soul Tavern is located at 1801 West Avenue. Tickets are required and can be purchased here. To receive the 15% discount off dinner, Snail Social attendees must show their purchased Snail Social ticket.
Tuesday, July 10 + Wednesday, July 11: The Semifinals
Watch the World Cup Semifinals at Artisan Beach House {10295 Collins Avenue, Bal Harbor; 305.455.5460}, and you’ll get the chance to eat and drink for free! During the game, guests wearing a jersey from a team playing in the semifinals will get a complimentary Artisan Beach House cocktail paired with the chef’s “tapa of the game.” Along with that, a special a la carte menu will feature house favorites at reduced prices, like Grilled Octopus, Pimento Cheese Croquette, Shishito Peppers, Brussels Sprouts, Gambas al Ajillo, and Cobia Ceviche. This deal is available on Tuesday and Wednesday, starting at 2 p.m.
Friday, July 13: Ladies Love R House
C’mon, ladies! Head to R House Wynwood {2727 NW 2 Avenue, Wynwood; 305.576.0201} on Friday for its weekly “Ladies Night,” where DJ EFX will keep the party going until the wee hours of the morning. Here, the drink deals don’t disappoint, either: happy hour runs from 10 p.m. to Midnight, ladies get $1 glasses of Champagne all night long, margaritas are priced at $6 for everyone who goes, and girls who come with at least four friends will get a FREE bottle of Champagne. This deal is available every Friday, from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. Reservations are required for groups and can be made by contacting the restaurant at [email protected].
Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor

Haven’t made your Fourth of July plans yet? If you’re thinking about going to some of Miami’s biggest fireworks shows, we know just the places to eat and drink. Read below!
DOWNTOWN MIAMI
It’s hard to miss America’s Birthday Bash—it takes place every year at Bayfront Park; has a free all-day event with a kid’s play zone, food and beverages, giveaways, a Sam Adams Beer Garden, and live music; and is undeniably one of the largest holiday fireworks displays in South Florida. Plan to get there early, before it fills up! The beer garden and live music will start at 2 p.m. and the Kids Zone will be open from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Watching these fireworks? In between all the fun, plan to get food and drinks here:
Cipriani
Cantina La Veinte
Boulud Sud Miami
The River Seafood & Oyster Bar
Wolfgang’s Steakhouse by Wolfgang Zwiener
NORTH MIAMI BEACH
Every year, throngs of beach-goers head to North Shore Park Bandshell for the “Fire on the Fourth Festival!” This Fourth of July celebration has an all-day schedule of yoga, fireworks, live music, food trucks, and more, and all of it right on the sand. Like most events on this holiday, bring your beach chair or blanket and plan to find a spot early. We can’t always promise good weather in South Florida; but we can guarantee a crowd!
Watching these fireworks? Here’s where you can eat and drink before the fun:
Nobu
Scarpetta by Scott Conant
The Strand Bar & Grill
OCEAN DRIVE
There are always Fourth of July fireworks on Ocean Drive. They’re set off right over the Atlantic Ocean! To get the best view of them, plan to dine at one of Ocean Drive’s streetside cafés or rooftop bars, and once the clock strikes 9 p.m., let that (firework) freedom ring.
Watching these fireworks? Reserve a table at one of the restaurants below and enjoy dinner and drinks with a (patriotic) view:
A Fish Called Avalon
Azabu
Cibo Wine Bar South Beach
Lolo’s Surf Cantina
KEY BISCAYNE
A Fourth of July event doesn’t get more cliché than the Key Biscayne Fourth of July Celebration, but we love it too much to knock it. There are marching bands, decorated golf carts, red-white-and-blue floats, live music and even jets flying overhead. The parade starts at 11 a.m. and the fireworks start at 9 p.m., and in between, there’s a Kiwanis Picnic on the Village Green and plenty of open space to relax, let your kids run around, and take in Key Biscayne’s beautiful views.
Watching these fireworks? Here’s where we love to eat and drink in Key Biscayne:  
Artisan Kitchen & Bar
Costa Med Bistro + Wine
Kazumi
CORAL GABLES
Like it does every Fourth, the Biltmore Hotel will once again throw one of Miami’s most popular fireworks shows. If you’re going to this event, grab your picnic blanket or lawn chair and plan to arrive at 5 p.m. (when the gates open!) to snag a spot on the grass. Fireworks will begin promptly at 9 p.m., with a 7 p.m. concert beforehand. This event is free and open to the public, so when we tell you to get there early… get there early.
Watching these fireworks? Plan to get food and drinks at one of the places below:

The Biltmore Fontana
The Biltmore Palme d’Or
Sawa Restaurant & Lounge
Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor