Here is this week’s Miami food news:

Monday, October 15 to Thursday, October 18: $10 Pasta Week
It’s $10 Pasta Week! For this week only, Macchialina {820 Alton Road, Miami Beach; 305.534.2124} will turn its popular Pasta Thursday promotion into a four-day affair, running from Monday, October 15 to Thursday, October 18. The select $10 menu will have some of the restaurant’s most popular pasta dishes: like Rigatoni con Patate, Cavatelli al Pesto, and Bombolotti alla Norma, to name a few. Mangia! Macchialina will be open from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. 
Tuesday, October 16 to Saturday, October 20: 6th Annual South Beach Seafood Week
At the 6th Annual South Beach Seafood Week, there will be a Jack Daniels Club with live music and a basketball court, beach games, cooking classes from Norman Van Aiken, a week of fancy dinners, Cadillacs on display, open bar, intense chef showdowns, and a VIP area with yoga sessions and a Woodford Reserve speakeasy. The main event is the festival itself, where seafood lovers can hop from booth to booth, right on the sand, and munch on 70+ seafood dishes from 22 of Miami’s best restaurants. General Admission tickets start at $45 per person and VIP tickets start at $150 per person. Both can be purchased here.
Friday, October 19: Rosé Lunch
This Friday, have lunch at NOVIKOV Miami {300 South Biscayne Boulevard, Downtown Miami; 305.489.1000}, and you’ll get bottles of Whispering Angel rosé for just $23 apiece. This deal is offered weekly! NOVIKOV Miami opens for lunch Monday through Friday, starting at Noon.
ALL WEEK LONG: Culinary Voyage
Any night this week (and any day, through the end of October!), head to A Fish Called Avalon {700 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach; 305.532.1727} for this month’s installment of its Culinary Voyage—this time, to France. In addition to the a la carte Mediterranean menu, guests can opt for a $39 prix-fixe menu of Executive Chef Kal Abdalla’s twist on French favorites, like Escargots, Salmon Sorrel, Warm Apple Tart with scotch caramel sauce and vanilla ice cream, and more. A Fish Called Avalon is open nightly, from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor

Here in Miami, we all know what October 15 means! It’s the start of stone crab season—something South Florida is famous for. And to make sure you take advantage of the entire tasty season in style, we’ve rounded up the best spots for the best claws in the Magic City:
Palat Miami: Adding to Upper Buena Vista’s trendy dining scene, Palat Miami {4702 NE 2 Avenue, Miami; 786.953.7577} is celebrating its first-ever stone crab season this year! Known for its tapas and charming plates of modern, Italian-inspired fare—like mixed charcuterie and cheese plates, Peas & Bacon Crostini, Charred Octopus with a rosemary pesto, Sea Urchin Pasta, and more—this trendy spot now has fresh Florida stone crabs on the menu at market price. 
Lobster Bar Sea Grille: Stone crabs are in! Lobster Bar Sea Grille {404 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.377.2675}, South of Fifth’s dazzling seafood restaurant, responsibly sources its stone crabs from Key West, where the warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean are known for making the crabs especially sweet. Here, claws are delivered fresh daily and served over ice with the restaurant’s famous, house-made mustard sauce.
NOVIKOV Miami: Marking the first U.S. location for renowned chef-owner Arkadiy Novikov, his namesake NOVIKOV Miami {300 South Biscayne Boulevard, Downtown Miami; 305.489.1000} is a haute, wholly-unique, Chinese-Japanese concept. Sitting on a lively corner of Downtown Miami, overlooking Biscayne Bay, this Magic City newcomer is kicking off the crabby season with jumbo and colossal claws at market price.
Joe’s Stone Crab: When you think of stone crabs in Miami, it’s nearly impossible for the famous Joe’s Stone Crab {11 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.673.0365} not to come to mind. It’s been around for over 100 years, it’s a Miami icon, and like it does every October, it opens just in time for stone crab season so Miamians can savor its classic sweet stone crab claws, secret Joe’s mustard sauce, and a bevy of succulent sides: like garlic creamed spinach, fried sweet potatoes, coleslaw, hash browns, and more.
A Fish Called Avalon: This Ocean Drive fine-dining staple sits at the bottom of the Avalon Hotel and serves some of the best seafood in town. At A Fish Called Avalon {700 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach; 305.532.1727}, Executive Chef Kal Abdalla whips up mouthwatering-good plates like Bang Bang Shrimp in a curry and mint yogurt sauce, the Mediterranean-tinged Orzo Seafood Paella, Macadamia-Crusted Snapper with a raspberry Beaujolais Beurre Blanc and spinach risotto, and of course, stone crabs.
Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor

Tequila is one of those spirits that just sticks with you. Whether it’s Sunday Funday margaritas by the pool, or that night we danced on a table, we all have had good (and bad?) experiences with tequila. Fortunately, Ambhar Tequila—an award-winning, ultra-premium artisan tequila handmade in small batches in Mexico—is giving spirits-lovers a tequila experience to swear by. On top of that, it’s tapped Golden Globe nominee and SAG Award nominated actor, Chris Noth, as its majority owner.
As co-owner of The Cutting Room, a bar and and rock n’ roll club in New York City, Noth was well-versed in the spirits industry long before teaming up with Ambhar. After trying Ambhar for himself, he reached out to the brand’s founders and the rest is history. Recently, by the idyllic zen pond of The Setai, Miami Beach {2001 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.704.7817}, one of Miami’s most elusive and sought-after hotels, the team and their new majority owner came to Miami to promote Ambhar’s three styles of tequila—Plata, Reposado, and Añejo—and show us why they’re so good. Whether we sipped it straight up or as part of a Paloma, we got it: there’s just nothing like Ambhar.
While he was here in Miami, we sat down with Chris Noth (more affectionately known as Peter Florrick, Mike Logan, or of course, Mr. Big), to chat about his latest venture. Here’s what he had to say:
What made you want to get involved with the brand?
“It really was love at first taste for me. I knew that Jaime Celorio, Founder and CEO of Ambhar Tequila, was a man who has integrity, and I could trust him and I was in good hands. And if I loved it, well… why not?“
What’s your favorite way to drink Ambhar?
“Neat or on the rocks. It doesn’t need anything else.”
What excites you most about working with the brand?
“I’m really excited about the opportunity to help reinvent the perception of tequila and elevate the experience of enjoying this ultra-premium spirit the way it’s supposed to be, one sip at a time.”
When is the best time to sip Ambhar?
“I never think of it as something to drink alone somewhere. I think of it as something good to drink with people; to commune with people. I mean it’s a crazy world out there, right now, and it deserves contemplation. And there’s nothing better than to have something like a good glass of Añejo and contemplate what’s going on… and maybe how to fix it.”
Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor

This Sunday is National Dessert Day! And to make sure you celebrate, we’ve rounded up five delicious desserts in Miami you just have to try. Here they are:
Grapefruit Givré
Restaurant: Boulud Sud Miami {255 Biscayne Boulevard Way, Downtown Miami; 305.421.8800}
This is the restaurant’s signature dessert! It’s made with an almond and halva crumble, grapefruit sorbet, rose loukoum, grapefruit gelee, sesame foam, orange tuile, and Turkish cotton candy.

Raindrop Cake
Restaurant: AZABU Miami Beach {161 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach; 786.276.0520}
This dessert is as Instagrammable as it is interesting. It’s made of only water and sugar, and topped with nothing more than dried soy bean powder and Japanese brown sugar syrup.
Ice Cream Sandwich
Restaurant: Palat Miami {4702 NE 2 Avenue, Miami; 786.953.7577}
You can never go wrong with an ice cream sandwich—especially if you get it at Palat Miami! This version is iconic. It’s made with Executive Chef Pippo Lamberti’s house-made chocolate chip cookies and is stuffed with classic vanilla ice cream.
Tropical Kiro
Restaurant: Novikov Miami {300 South Biscayne Boulevard, Downtown Miami; 305.489.1000}
Matcha is all the rage right now. Try this matcha shortbread with white chocolate and passion fruit ice cream, toasted meringue, fresh mango, and lime zest, and you’ll hop on the trend, too.
Greek Gelato
Restaurant: Kiki on the River {450 NW North River Drive, Miami; 786.502.3243}
This dessert blends European-style chocolate and vanilla gelato, and tops it all off with Baklava crumble, a house-made chocolate sauce, white and dark chocolate swirl sticks, and berries.
Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor

Here is this week’s Miami food news:

Wednesday, October 10: Ladies Night at Cantina La Veinte
Calling all ladies! Head to Brickell’s chic Mexican spot, Cantina La Veinte {495 Brickell Avenue, Brickell; 786.623.6135}, for five hours of FREE coconut, passionfruit, tamarind, and even gold margaritas. Keeping the party going, a live DJ will get behind the waterfront turntable at 7:30 pm, and ladies can dance under the stars on the downstairs patio until close. This deal is available from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the bar only.

Thursday, October 11: Cook for Breast Cancer Awareness at Brimstone Woodfire Grill
Head to Brimstone Woodfire Grill {14575 SW 5 Street, 
Pembroke Pines; 954.430.2333} and “go pink” with a special cooking class for Breast Cancer Awareness Month! Led by Brimstone’s head chef, Julio Martinez—and in collaboration with Baptist Health—participants will learn how to make a healthy three-course meal that includes Brimstone’s famous BRG Kale + Chicken Salad, Ratatouille Lentil Penne, and Berry Compote. A certified nutritionist will also be there to answer any questions about the ingredients. This class will run from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased here. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Shops of Pembroke Pines’ “Get Your Pink On” initiative.

Friday, October 12: Ella’s Oyster Bash
Head to Ella’s Oyster Bar {1615 SW 8 Street, Miami; 786.332.4436} for the October edition of its monthly party, and you’ll get freshly-shucked oysters for just $1 each, free shots, live music, hand-rolled cigars, and more, all day long. Ella’s Oyster Bar will be open from Noon to Midnight on Friday.

Sunday, October 14: First-Ever Brunch at Palat Miami
Starting this Sunday, Upper Buena Vista’s favorite neighborhood restaurant, Palat {4702 NE 2 Avenue, Miami; 786.953.7577}, will now offer brunch! Known for its coastal Mediterranean-inspired cuisine and contemporary small plates, guests can expect sweet and savory dishes like Homemade Waffles, Grapefruit Brûlée, Yogurt Parfait with mixed berries and homemade cake crumble, the Palat Burger topped with a sunny-side-up egg, Tortilla Española, Stone Crabs, and more, courtesy of Executive Chef Pippo Lamberti and Sous Chef Dayan Hernandez. Dishes are priced a la carte, and bottomless beverage packages with mimosas, bellinis, red sangria, and rosé can be purchased for an additional $20+. Sunday brunch will be available from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor

Great Italian cuisine deserves delicious Italian wine. Tonight, Monday, October 8, enjoy both with an indulgent feast at Miami Beach’s cozy, authentic Italian restaurant, Macchialina {820 Alton Road, Miami Beach; 305.534.2124}, which will host a collaborative dinner with bespoke Italian winery, Frattoria dei Barbi.
Helmed by talented Chef/Owner Michael Pirolo, Macchialina is a must-try destination for Italian food and wine lovers. Thanks to Director of Operations and Co-Owner Jacqueline Pirolo, who oversees the wine list at Macchialina, the restaurant serves a menu of unique, obscure, and amazing Italian vintages. Tonight’s dinner, where Frattoria dei Barbi export manager Raphaella Guidi Ferderzoni will be available to chat with guests about his product, celebrates Macchialina’s dedication to bringing Italian wines to Miami Beach.  
Starting at 7:30 p.m., the evening will begin with a welcome pour of one of the winery’s most popular vintages and move on to a four-course feast from Chef Pirolo, with each course paired with a different Frattoria dei Barbi wine. Reserve vintages of the winery’s celebrated Brunellos will be poured and all of the wines from the dinner, some of which are on allocation, will be available to pre-order tonight only. For all who attend, it will be a night of fun, food, and (Italian) fervor that your taste buds won’t be able to forget.
This dinner is priced at $85 per person, including tax and gratuity. Seats are limited and should be reserved in advance. Reservations could be made by calling the restaurant at (305) 534-2124. 
Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor

All throughout the month of October, Mandarin Oriental hotels around the world will honor Breast Cancer Awareness Month with a series of promotions and charitable events. Joining in the fun, the Mandarin Oriental, Miami {500 Brickell Key Drive, Brickell Key; 305.913.8288} has partnered with the Susan G. Komen Foundation to offer some initiatives of its own!
In addition to lighting up pink every night during the month of October, serving as a constant beacon of hope and inspiration for breast cancer survivors, Brickell Key’s five-star luxury hotel has curated two promotions, all to raise money and awareness for breast cancer research:
Saturday, October 20: #MOGoesPink Event
From 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., the Mandarin Oriental, Miami will partner with SoulCycle and Lululemon and host three wellness classes: a singing bowl session, an “Off the Mat” class, and a yoga class. These classes are free and open to the public, and at all, refreshments will be offered by Juicera. Attendees must register for the free event here. A donation of $10 to benefit Susan G. Komen Foundation is suggested. 
All Month Long: Drink Pink at MO Bar + Lounge
Craving a tasty cocktail? Throughout the month of October, order The Pink Lady at MO Bar + Lounge, and 50% of your drink will benefit breast cancer research.
Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor

Miami Spice might be over, but at restaurant mogul Arkady Novikov’s NOVIKOV Miami {300 South Biscayne Boulevard, Downtown Miami; 305.489.1000}, the deals don’t have to end. To kick-off the fall season, Miami’s hot new Chinese-Japanese spot has launched a three-course, prix-fixe lunch menu with the city’s business crowd in mind. An added bonus? Every dish comes with the dazzling restaurant’s iconic views of sparkling Biscayne Bay.
Perfectly poised in Downtown Miami, sophisticated NOVIKOV Miami is the perfect place for a business lunch in the Magic City. Offered Monday through Friday, from Noon to 3 p.m., this $23 lunch will start with plates like Miso Soup or Seaweed Salad, and move on to appetizers like Saffron Sweet Corn Dumplings, Broccolini Yuzi Goma Salad, or the Salmon Avocado Roll, to name a few. Entrée options include Szechuan Salmon, Tofu with Seasonal Vegetables, Mango Cashew Chicken, and Chirashi Donburi, a bowl of sushi rice topped with a selection of fresh fish, salmon roe, myoga, shiso, gari, and wasabi. For a sweet ending, diners can choose to indulge in decadent desserts (like its Silk Road Pistachio with Five Spice Ice Cream!) for just $6 more.
Got an extra long workday ahead of you? Those who take advantage of NOVIKOV’s business lunch menu will also get specialty pricing on cocktails. You know, just in case the day calls for it… 
Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor

Pao by Paul Qui {3201 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 786.655.5600} is gearing up for the next installment of its Chef Collective Series—a gastronomic event that brings together chefs from around the world to create an innovative menu of unpredictable flavors right here on Miami Beach. Taking place on Wednesday, October 10, this edition will welcome celebrated chefs Michael Lewis and Raheem Sealy, of Wynwood’s KYU, to Miami’s hottest scene for haute modern-Asian cuisine, resulting in a collaborative dinner that will blow you mind… and your taste buds.
More than a meal, for the culinary geniuses at KYU and Pao by Paul Qui, this event doubles as a reunion. As Executive Chef and Co-Founder of Wynwood’s KYU, a James Beard nominee for “Best New Restaurant,” Michael Lewis has forged an impressive career across some of the world’s most celebrated restaurants: like Jean-George’s Market in Paris, Matador Room in Miami Beach, and Zuma, where he met and mentored rising chef Raheem Sealy. Prior to becoming the Head Chef at KYU, Sealy climbed the ranks in prestigious resorts and popular eateries like Sugarcane and Zuma, and even joined the opening team of Pao by Paul Qui. While there, he worked alongside chefs Paul Qui and Benjamin Murray before reuniting with his mentor to develop KYU’s inventive menu and lead the restaurant’s team of up-and-coming chefs.
During this dinner, both pairs will join forces to present a collection of Asian-inspired dishes fusing KYU’s signature wood-fire cooking with Pao’s inventive ingredient pairings. Making it extra special, the evening’s tasty menu will also include “sneak previews” of new menu offerings at both KYU and Pao by Paul Qui, before they’re debuted to the public. 
Seatings for this dinner are available between 7 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. The prix-fixe menu is priced at $95 per person, excluding tax and gratuity, and includes one welcome cocktail per guest. For more information about this event, or to buy tickets, click here.
Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor