It’s July 24—and that means it’s National Tequila Day! Here are 10 tequila cocktails in Miami to help you celebrate:
Downward Dog Paloma
Tequila, thyme-infused Dolin Blanco, grapefruit soda, and sea salt
Where to get it: The Lido Bayside Grill {40 Island Avenue, Miami Beach; 786.245.0880} 
Price: $14 (Glass), $65 (Pitcher)
Paloma 2.0
Herradura Blanco, lime, and pink grapefruit
Where to get it: Pizza & Burger by Michael Mina {4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.674.4636}
Price: $15
Hibiscus Sangria
Red wine, hibiscus, tequila, St. Germain, orange juice, and lime
Where to get it: Lolo’s Surf Cantina {161 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach; 305.735.6973}
Price: $9 (Glass), $32 (Pitcher)
Dante
Roca Patrón Reposado, Cocchi Americano, yuzu Campari mango liqueur, agave, and “Inferno” Bitters
Where to get it: Hakkasan {4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 786.276.1388}
Price: $16
R House Margarita
Jalapeño-infused tequila, triple sec, fresh pineapple purée, and freshly-squeezed lime juice
Where to get it: R House {2727 NW 2 Avenue, Wynwood; 305.576.0201}
Price: $13
Patron Margatini
Patron Silver and fresh lemon juice, with a sugar rim
Where to get it: Sawa Restaurant & Lounge {360 San Lorenzo Avenue #1500, Coral Gables; 305.447.6555}
Price: $13
Melonade
Maestro Dobel, fresh watermelon, and basil
Where to get it: Seaspice {422 NW North River Drive, Miami;  305.440.4200}
Price: $MP
Spicy Jalapeño
Tanteo Jalapeño, triple sec, jalapeño sugar, and fresh lime juice
Where to get it: Segafredo Espresso L’Originale {1040 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach; 305.673.0047}
Price: $12
Samurai Mule
Cazadores, kaffir lime-infused Tio Pepe Sherry, grilled apple chili jam, and ginger beer
Where to get it: Tanuki {1080 Alton Road, Miami Beach; 305.615.1055}
Price: $12
Margarita di Fragola
Tequila, fresh lime juice, and strawberry purée
Where to get it: Palat {4702 NE 2 Avenue, Miami; 786.953-7577}
Price: $10
Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor

Overlooking Biscayne Bay from dazzling Brickell Avenue, Cantina La Veinte {495 Brickell Avenue, Brickell; 786.623.6135} is one of Miami’s hottest Mexican spots. Helmed by the incomparable Executive Chef Santiago Gomez, this upscale haunt—part Art Deco throwback, part Mexican art gallery—is buzzing with well-dressed waiters sporting bright pink bowties, five different kinds of margaritas, and a menu of gourmet hits like Fideo Seco, Tacos Gobernador, Sopes de Wagyu, Milanesa Mexican Sandwiches, and more.
Giving you another reason to dine there this summer, Cantina La Veinte has a new food or drink promotion almost every day of the week (listed below!) and it’s participating in Miami Spice for the third year in a row. Here are the weekly steals and deals you can get excited about at Cantina La Veinte:
MONDAY: Industry Night
6 p.m. to Close
Those who work in the restaurant industry will get 50% off everything behind the bar. Available at the bar only. Premium liquor not included.
WEDNESDAY: Ladies Night
5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Head to one of the best ladies nights in the city! Every Wednesday night, this chic, Brickell destination gives ladies FREE coconut, passionfruit, tamarind, and even gold margaritas for five hours. In the middle of all the fun, DJ Jeff will get behind the waterfront turntable at 7:30 pm, and ladies can dance under the stars on the downstairs patio. Available at the bar only.
SUNDAY: Brunch
12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Who’s craving a bubbly Brickell brunch? We are! In partnership with Veuve Clicquot, this brunch will feature classic and modern Mexican dishes, as well as $50 bottles of Veuve Clicquot Brut, $60 bottles of Veuve Clicquot Rose, and $70 bottles of Veuve Clicquot Rich. As for the food, Executive Chef Santiago Gomez doesn’t disappoint. For $50 a person, expect a lavish buffet with Chilaquiles, Huevos Rancheros, homemade Enchiladas, Cochinita Sopes, and a taco station with traditional fillings, like Al Pastor off the ‘trompo.’ For an added benefit, the spot’s most popular drink—its margaritas—will be unlimited for just $20 per person. Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling 786.623.6135.
EVERY WEEKDAY: Happy Hour
4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Get classic margaritas, Mexican beers, and select cocktails for 50% off. Available at the bar only.
Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor

Here is this week’s Miami food news:

Tuesday, July 24: Learn How to Make Cacao with Chef Carla Martins at Plant Miami
With your ticket to this one-time-only event at Plant Miami {105 NE 24 Street, Wynwood; 305.814.5365}, you can learn how to make decadent chocolate and cacao from the best. Make treats like Chocolate Truffles, Almond Butter Raspberry Cups, Ganache Tart, and Spirulina Banana Bites, and leave with recipes for each creation and printed educational materials just for you. The event will run from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Plant Culinary will provide all the tools and materials you’ll need to take the class. Tickets are priced at $150 per person and can be purchased here.

Thursday, July 26: 50%-Off Wine Bottles at Coco Bambu
Stop by Coco Bambu {955 Alton Road, Miami Beach; 786.348.0770} every Thursday, during dinner service, and get select bottles of wine for half the menu price—as low as $17 a bottle!

Friday & Saturday, July 27 & 28: Cigars & Cordials at Artisan Beach House
As early as 6 p.m., every Friday and Saturday night, grab a seat by the outdoor fire pit at Artisan Beach House {10295 Collins Avenue, Bal Harbor; 305.455.5460} and curl up with a cigar and a cordial. Your view? The Atlantic Ocean and Haulover Cut.
Sunday, July 29: Champagne Brunch at The Biltmore Fontana
Can you ever go wrong with something called a Champagne Brunch? (Answer: No.) This extravagant brunch buffet occurs every Sunday at The Biltmore Fontana {1200 Anastasia Avenue, Coral Gables; 305.913.3189} and includes delicacies like caviar, smoked salmon, shellfish, carved meats, fresh omelets, house-made pastas, sushi, and more. The brunch runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with the last seating at 2 p.m., and has an entire wall of desserts by Executive Pastry Chef Olivier Rodriguez, live entertainment, and even bottomless Champagne. Brunch is priced at $90 per adult and $45 per child age 5-11, excluding tax and gratuity.

Happy dining!

By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor

As July temperatures creep up to the 100°F mark, cool off and celebrate what’s left of National Ice Cream month with some of the most delectable and refreshing treats Miami has to offer. 
Traditional with a Twist
Celebrate America’s birthday month with two different modern takes on American classics at Artisan Kitchen & Bar {658 Crandon Boulevard, Key Biscayne; 305.365.6003}. Their Tarta Tatin gives good ol’ apple pie a twist with an upside-down caramelized apple tart topped with vanilla ice cream. If you’re more of a hands-on ice cream fanatic, try their Ice Cream Sandwich filled with vanilla ice cream and strawberries. The twist? The ice cream is sandwiched between two decadent options: a brownie or a gooey cookie.
The Dolce Vita
Sample the dolce vita while getting your caffeine fix with a creamy and energizing Affogato from Dolce Italian {1690 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 786.975.2550}. Vanilla ice cream, espresso, and a shot of Frangelico… how can you go wrong?
Instagram-Worthy Pops
Not only will these museum-worthy popsicles satisfy your taste buds, but they are vegan, gluten-free, and made with a variety of nut milks that take the guilt out of treating yourself! With flavors like Almond Strawberry dipped in chocolate and Chocolate Chips and Coconut Spinach, there’s a flavor for everyone at Milk Gone Nuts {1840 Alton Road, Miami Beach; 305.535.5000}.
Spheres of Decadence
Hakkasan {4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 786.276.1388} heats up the night with two decadent takes on ice cream: their palate-teasing Chocolate Raspberry Sphere and their Dulce Panna Cotta. Accompanied by a light almond sponge and a flavorful scoop of lemon verbena ice cream, the first of the two is made to melt on your plate and in your mouth. The warm pistachio frangipane, sour cherries, and tangy blood orange sorbet served with the Dulce Panna Cotta will leave you begging for more.
Happy dining!
By Claudia Da Silva | Contributor

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