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The Speck-Tacular Now


September is National Bourbon Heritage Month—and we’re not just saying that. (The U.S. Government says it, too.) In fact, in 2007, the U.S. Senate declared it, turning every September thereafter, across the nation, into a celebration of bourbon as America’s “Native Spirit.”
With September just days away, we’ve rounded up seven bourbon cocktails in Miami you can toast to the month with. Read below to find out what they are, why we love them, and of course, where you can find them.
Play Thyme
From: NaiYaRa {1854 Bay Road, Miami Beach; 786.275.6005}
Why we love it: Light and refreshing, this Rebel Yell bourbon cocktail is flavored with freshly-juiced pineapple and two sprigs of thyme.
Lawn Flamingo
From: Matador Bar {2901 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 786.257.4600}
Why we love it: It’s mixes Buffalo Trace Bourbon with Torres Spanish Brandy, Aperol, grapefruit, guava, lime, and Peychaud’s Bitters.
The Speck-Tacular Now
From: Macchialina {820 Alton Road, Miami Beach; 305.534.2124}
Why we love it: This oddly-delicious concoction mixes speck-infused Old forester with honey clove syrup and Jamaican #1.

Tanuki Old Fashioned
From: Tanuki {1080 Alton Road, Miami Beach; 305.615.1055}
Why we love it: Here, Evan Williams is infused with ginger and caraway, while aromatic bitters punch up the drink a notch.

Berry Infused Bourbon
From: R House {2727 NW 2 Avenue, Wynwood; 305.576.0201}
Why we love it: Together, Evan Williams, berry purée, and lime juice make a perfectly-sweet sipper.

Boulevardier
From: Morton’s The Steakhouse {1200 Brickell Avenue, Brickell; 305.400.9990}
Why we love it: Woodford Reserve Bourbon, Campari Bitter, and Carpano Antica Formula Sweet Vermouth are strained over the restaurant’s Proprietary Ice Cube—and it tastes delicious with a juicy steak.

Whiskey Rye Manhattan
From: The River Seafood Oyster Bar {650 South Miami Avenue, Brickell; 305.530.1915}
Why we love it: It combines Russell’s Reserve 6-Year Rye, Carpano Antica, and brandied cherries.
Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor

Labor Day Weekend marks the end of summer here in America, and as every Miamian knows, it needs to go out with a bang. Here are three places where you can kiss summer goodbye in Miami during Labor Day Weekend 2018:
SATURDAY
End of Summer Labor Day Soirée at La Côte

This Saturday, head to La Côte {4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.674.4710}—Fontainebleau Miami Beach’s swank, two-story Mediterranean oceanfront restaurant and bar—for a September soirée. From 1 p.m. to 9 p.m., guests will get to party the day away with good food, haute drinks, a live DJ, dancers, and a saxophonist. Complimentary tastings of Moet & Chandon will also be available, forming the perfect pairing for those fabulous Atlantic Ocean and Fontainebleau pool views.
SUNDAY
Labor Day Celebration at Seaspice

To leave summer in style, Seaspice {422 NW North River Drive, Miami; 305.440.4200} is throwing a Sunday Funday bash with Moët & Chandon, DJs, live music, entertainers, and signature brunch plates like Seaspice Lobster Benedict, Power Waffle & Acai Berry, and its popular Wagyu Burger. The riverside, Seaspice-style party will start at Noon and continue through Midnight, and there will be Champagne specials all day (and night) long.
MONDAY
Drink Specials at Lolo’s Surf Cantina

From Friday, September 1, to Monday, September 3, Lolo’s Surf Cantina {161 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach; 305.735.6973} will celebrate hard-working Americans with special pricing on American beers and spirits. After you hop around the other parties, end the long weekend at Lolo’s on Monday for $6 Bud Light, MIA Weiss, La Rubia, and Funky Buddha Hop Gun beers, and $10 specials on Jack Daniels. 
Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor


Miami Spice is a great way enjoy the Magic City’s best restaurants and not break your bank. For an added benefit this season, “spice” it up at the five spots listed below. In addition to three-course lunch, brunch, and/or dinner menus, they all throw in something extra for diners, too!
AZABU Miami Beach
This newly-opened Michelin concept on Miami Beach has a hidden sushi den, a bar with an impressive sake list and 40+ imported whiskies, and a traditional izakaya menu.

Yuzu Key Lime Pie


Dishes to get excited about: Japanese Wagyu Tataki Truffle Ponzu, Branzino with Umami Butter, Chirashi Sushi Bowl, Matcha Cheesecake, and Yuzu Key Lime Pie
Extra perk: Start your three-course meal with a complimentary “starter of the day” of the chef’s choosing.
When to go: During dinner, every night of the week
Bird & Bone
Chef Richard Hales runs this restaurant concept, which serves southern-inspired fair with a twist.

Roasted Pork Shank


Dishes to get excited about: Skillet Heirloom Cornbread, Black Eyed Pea Soup, Roasted Pork Shank, Bird & Bone Burger, and Fried Apple Hand Pies
Extra perk: Get a complimentary glass of house red wine, house white wine, or one of the restaurant’s signature cocktails.
When to go: During dinner, Monday through Friday
Boulud Sud Miami
Less than a year old, this Daniel Boulud spot in Downtown Miami draws culinary inspiration from France’s Côte d’Azur, Spain, Italy, Greece, Morocco, Tunisia, Lebanon, Israel, and Turkey.

Grilled Skirt Steak


Dishes to get excited about: Moroccan Shakshuka, Summer Chicken Tagine, Grilled Skirt Steak, Manakish Flatbread, and Citrus Sundae
Extra perk: For its inaugural Miami Spice, the menu will change every two weeks, giving diners a new experience every time. A wine and cheese pairing will also available for $15.
When to go: During lunch (Monday through Friday) and dinner (Monday through Saturday)
Bulla Gastrobar Doral and Coral Gables
This trendy neighborhood restaurant has a menu centered around all things Spain: tapas, comfort food, wine, and sangria.

Sangria


Dishes to get excited about: Croquetas de Pollo, Ceviche de Jalapeño, Huevos Cabreados, Peas & Ham, Branzino con Kale, and Crema Catalina
Extra perk: Get a complimentary glass of sangria when you do Miami Spice at any Bulla Gastrobar location.
When to go: During lunch or dinner, every day of the week
Jaya at The Setai
The signature restaurant at The Setai, Miami Beach is known for its modern Asian cuisine with Indian influences.

Thai Ceviche


Dishes to get excited about: Truffle Dumplings, Thai Ceviche, Wagyu Bao Buns, Vegetarian Red Curry, and Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding
Extra perk: To go with its delectable dinner menu, Jaya is offering a special Miami Spice sake menu with four sake bottles—Joto Hou Hou Shu Sparkling & Sparkling Pink, Marborshi Junmai Ginjo, Joto Daiginjo and Joto Nigori—priced at $24 each.
When to go: During dinner, every night of the week
Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor

Grilled Bacon from BLT Prime

serves many, as an appetizer
Ingredients
1 lb thick-cut bacon, smoked and at least 1/8-inch thick
1 c parsley, chopped
1 Tbsp garlic, chopped
1 Tbsp shallots, chopped
1 c Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Fine sea salt, to taste
Black pepper, freshly-cracked, to taste
Sherry vinegar, for garnish
Method
Whisk together everything except the bacon and the sherry vinegar. Set aside. Grill bacon on both sides, until done.
To serve: Serve with bacon dressing mixture. Drizzle with sherry vinegar.
BLT Prime is located at 4400 NW 87 Avenue.

Spris

Here is this week’s Miami food news:

Everyday: Bubbly & Lobster at A Fish Called Avalon
Head to the bar at A Fish Called Avalon {700 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach; 305.532.1727} any day of the week, between 6 p.m.and 11 p.m., and you’ll get a half-bottle of Champagne and your choice of a one-pound Maine lobster or a half-dozen oysters.
Wednesday, August 29: Ladies Night at Spris
Ladies who head to Spris {731 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach; 305.673.2020} on Wednesday, from 5 p.m. to close, will get 50% off their entire bill.
Thursday, August 30: Pasta Thursday at Macchialina
During Pasta Thursdays at Macchialina {820 Alton Road, Miami Beach; 305.534.2124}, guests can get any of the restaurant’s house-made pasta dishes (like Cavatelli Macchialina with baby meatballs, porchetta, and pecorino!) for just $10 all night long.
Saturday, September 1: All-You-Can-Eat Feijoada at Coco Bambu
Feijoada is a delicious beef, bean, and pork stew, and it’s considered a national dish in Brazil. Every Saturday at Coco Bambu {955 Alton Road, Miami Beach; 786.348.0770}, from Noon to 3 p.m., you can get all-you-can-eat Feijoada for $27 per person.
Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor


In the short time it’s been open, AZABU Miami Beach {161 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach; 786.276.0520} has made a huge splash—both at dinner and behind the bar. About the latter of the two, there’s no better way to start a haute night in South of Fifth than with a Bubu San cocktail. Try it at AZABU, and then go home and make one for yourself! We’ve got the recipe, below.

Here’s how it’s made:
Pour three ounces of Louis Roederer Champagne into a coupe glass and add a splash of spicy umeshu. Garnish with a dry chili string


Looking for a twist on a Moscow Mule? Try the Dark Mule from Palat {4702 NE 2 Avenue, Miami; 786.953.7577}. We’ve got the recipe, below!
Here’s how it’s made:
Mix two ounces of rum, one ounce of Limoncello, a half-ounce of lemon juice, and four ounces of dark ginger beer in a rocks glass. Enjoy!

German Potatoes from Wolfgang’s Steakhouse

serves four
Ingredients
2 large Idaho potatoes
1 large Spanish onions
1/2 c of clarified butter, salted
1 Tbsp salt
1 tsp white pepper
Method
Boil salted water in a pot. Add whole potatoes with skin on. Cook until soft, but not overcooked; for about 30 minutes. When done, set aside to cool and refrigerate until cold. Peel the German Potatoes, then cut them in half lengthwise and quarter them. Now, slice each quarter about 1/4-inch in diameter. Next, cut the Spanish onion in half and chop it roughly.
Heat a pan until it begins to smoke. Add onion and 1/4 cup of melted clarified butter. Sauté the onion until it begins to soften. Add the sliced potatoes and season with salt and pepper. Mix well. Add the rest of the butter. Gently stir the potatoes for several minutes until they are a crispy golden brown. Drain the butter. Heap the potatoes onto an oven-safe plate. Finish in the oven at 350 degrees for about 15 minutes, until it’s crispy and a deeper golden brown.
To serve: Serve with a nice juicy steak and a hearty red wine. For the best flavor, the chef recommends pairing it with a Cabernet Sauvignon Chateau St. Jean.
Wolfgang’s Steakhouse is located at 315 South Biscayne Boulevard.

Cookies from Mason Eatery

Here is this week’s Miami food news:

Every Sunday – Thursday: Late-Night Happy Hour at Mason Eatery
Go to Midtown’s new spot, Mason Eatery {3470 North Miami Avenue, Midtown; 786.618.5150}, from 11 p.m. to 2 a.m., for great food and drink at a great deal. Think: $6 Parmesan Fries and Latkes and $7 Mac n’ Cheese, as well as $7 handcrafted cocktails and wines by the glass and beer starting at $5. The best part? You get those decadent cookies at two for $2. Chunky Peanut Butter, anyone?
Every Monday – Friday: Countdown to Happy Hour at Boulud Sud
Head to the the bar and lounge of Boulud Sud {255 Biscayne Boulevard Way, Downtown Miami; 305.421.8800}, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. for $9 cocktails, $8 wines by-the-glass, $7 well drinks, $6 frozen drinks, $5 beer, and $4 tapas. We’ll drink to that!
Thursday, August 23: The Lux Hour at Lobster Bar Sea Grille
Go to Lobster Bar Sea Grille Miami Beach {404 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.377.2675} for a special Live Miami event that celebrates all things luxury living. Starting at 5:30 p.m., there will be handcrafted cocktails, gourmet light bites, and music for all who attend.
Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor

Chef’s Board + Wine Combo at BLT Prime


Happy hour is the happiest of hours, and we’ve rounded up our favorites in Miami. Check them out, below!
The Strand Bar & Grill
The deal: $4 beers, $6 wines, and $7 cocktails
When to get it: Daily, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Pubbelly Sushi
The deal: $4 beers, $6 wine and sake, $8 cocktails, and bar bites from $4 to $11.50
When to get it: Daily, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.; plus Sunday through Thursday, from 10 p.m. to close
Hosteria Romana
The deal: $5 beer and wine; $7.50 mojitos, margaritas, and sangria; and $9 appetizers
When to get it: Every Wednesday, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Artisan Beach House
The deal: $5 draft and bottled beers, $6 bar bites, $8 house wines, and $10 well spirits
When to get it: Daily, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Boulud Sud Miami
The deal: $5 bar bites by Executive Chef Clark Bowen, $6 frosé, $8 wines, and $9 signature craft cocktails
When to get it: Monday through Friday, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. (in the bar and lounge only)
Cantina La 20
The deal: 50% off select drinks and free margaritas for ladies
When to get it: Get half-priced drinks Monday through Friday, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.; and complimentary margaritas for ladies every Wednesday, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. (in the bar area only)
Tacology
The deal: 50% off select drinks
When to get it: Monday through Thursday, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Market at EDITION
The deal: $10 glasses of rosé and $2 premium east and west coast oysters
When to get it: Daily, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
BLT Prime
The deal: $5, $10, and $15 cocktails; $5, $10, and $15 bar bites; and $15 wine/bubbly and food pairings
When to get it: Monday through Friday, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor