Don’t know where to celebrate Cinco de Mayo 2018 in Miami? Try one of these five celebrations and you’ll be livin’ “la vida loca” in no time.
Seaspice
Pay homage to this tequila-filled day at Seaspice {422 NW North River Drive, Miami; 305.440.4200}, where guests will get specials on tequila shots, a curated margarita menu, and live music, entertainment, and a mariachi band. The restaurant will be decked out in the colors of the Mexican flag, and to help guests remember how much fun they had, a photo station will be set up with themed props. This celebration will run from Noon to Midnight.  
Lolo’s Surf Cantina
Head to Lolo’s Surf Cantina {161 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach; 305.735.6973} for its “All Day Fiesta!” To get the party started, there will be $8 margaritas and other tequila cocktails, $4 Mexican beers, and food specials like Chilled Shrimp Mexican Cocktail, Jumbo Lump Crab and Guacamole Salad, and Lolo’s Tres Leche starting at just $9. This celebration will run from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m.  
Cantina La Veinte
Cantina La Veinte {495 Brickell Avenue, Brickell; 786.623.6135} is known for its Cinco de Mayo fiesta, and this year, it will be bigger and better than ever. To get in the spirit, the staff will don festive mustaches and sombreros, and guests will be treated to one Coronita and one shot of Revolución Silver tequila for the combine price of $10. On top of that, there will be a mariachi band and DJs, both of which will keep partygoers dancing downstairs all night long. This celebration will run from Noon to close.  
Pizza & Burger by Michael Mina
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo at Pizza & Burger by Michael Mina {4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.674.4636}, and you’ll get tacos and tequila all night long! Starting at 5 p.m., pay $45 and you can enjoy a selection of tacos, tamales, and nachos, along with one-ounce pours of Revolucion Silver, Reposado, Añejo, or Extra Añejo American Cask tequila. This celebration will run from 5 p.m. to Midnight.
Tacology
Did someone say margaritas?! Head to Tacology {701 South Miami Avenue, Brickell; 786.347.5368}, and from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. you’ll get FREE Oaxaqueña and Classic margaritas, select shots of mezcal and tequila, and Dos Equis. There will be two extra bars on the patio just for the occasion, both of which will be sponsored by Maestrol Dobel and Ilegal Mezcal. When the free drinks end, the deals begin—guests will be able to keep the party going with $5 Dos Equis all day long, a special lineup of DJs, and (from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.) even a mariachi band. This celebration will run from 1 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor

With 60+ locations across the globe, Tanuki {1080 Alton Road, Miami Beach; 305.615.1055} has already gained a name for its tasty modern-Asian cuisine. But here in South Florida, the brand opened a more upscale version of the restaurant and put it right in the heart of Miami Beach.
Sitting on the corner of Alton Road and 11th Street, Tanuki serves up 150 menu items, from classic sushi, sashimi, specialty rolls, and dim sum, to its signature spin on Peking Duck, a modern take on Japanese tea service, cocktails, and even a nightly “shisha” experience. And considering its name was inspired by a mythical Japanese dog that’s said to bring good luck, we think it’s magically good place for lunch, dinner, weekend brunch, and yes, happy hour.
Here are five reasons we love Tanuki:
You can get a “Sushi Party Box.”
The best parties have sushi, and Tanuki’s Sushi Party Box gives you everything you need. Perfect for small or large groups, choose from two boxes, the Tanoshi or Sugoi box, or make your own. The Tanoshi box costs $110 and comes with eight rolls (California, Crunchy Tuna, Crispy Tom Yum, Philadelphia, Cucumber, Eel, Avocado, and Yellowtail & Scallion), each with six pieces. The Sugoi box costs $165 and comes with six rolls (Crunchy Tuna, Avocado, Salmon, Toro, Spicy Scallop, and Truffle Yellowtail), each with six pieces, and four nigiri (Tuna, Yellowtail, Eel, and Salmon), each with three pieces. Boxes can be ordered through Uber Eats. Custom boxes come with an extra fee. All boxes can be ordered at a discounted rate through the Tanuki Miami website.
It has dim sum just for Spring.
In addition to its regular dim sum menu, Tanuki just debuted two new seafood dim sum options for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch. They include the $15 Scallop Dumpling with scallop, shrimp, and tobiko, and the $8 Fat Xiao, a juicy soup dumpling filled with pork and crab.
There is happy hour seven days a week.
Yes, you read that right! Head to the restaurant’s patio and bar area every night of the week for $5 sake and beer, $6 well drinks and wines by the glass, $5 to $7 appetizers, and $10 specialty cocktails.
You can have it delivered, too.
Don’t want to leave the comfort of your living room couch? Have your Tanuki brought to you. Either call the restaurant or order online, and you can get your sushi fix in minutes. Delivery is only available on Miami Beach.
…BRUNCH.
It’s the best meal of the week. This a la carte version features an Asian twist on classic brunch dishes, including a Spicy Tuna Poke Bowl and Crispy BBQ Pork Belly Benedict. On top of that, there’s a dim sum rolling cart, $20 bottomless Prosecco, and $25 bottomless mimosas or Bellinis.
Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor

We have good news: It’s almost summer! And as you and your family look for things to do, make sure satisfying your appetite for good food and drink is on the agenda. Lucky for you, Miami’s most iconic hotel, the Fontainebleau Miami Beach, has launched a lineup of foodie programming just for Summer 2018. Better than that? They promise fun in the kitchen, at the table, and even behind the bar for Miamians of all ages.
Here’s what’s going on at the Fontainebleau this summer:
Every Monday
Bubbles 101 at La Côte: Mondays are hard, so make it good again by throwing a little bubbly into the mix! Take in the sunset views from La Côte {4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.674.4710} while you enjoy a selection of Champagne, Prosecco, and sparkling wine tastings and tapas. This event runs from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., and is priced at $25++ per person.
Every Tuesday
Sorso Cocktail Class: Sitting in the lobby of Scarpetta {4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 877.326.7412}, Sorso by Scott Conant is the Fontainebleau’s own cocktail lab and infusion bar, where cocktails are infused in a cold drip cocktail tower. During this weekly installment, guests can make their own bespoke cocktail using house-infused spirits, shrubs, and syrups, and get to taste bites from the spot’s innovative bar menu while they do. Cheers! This event runs from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., and is priced at $25++ per person. Reservations are required.
Every Wednesday
Family Pastry Classes & Tour: Designed for kids and parents alike, take a tour of the Fontainebleau pastry kitchen and work side by side with a pastry chef as you whip up something sweet. Here, families will learn fun baking techniques and get to enjoy the dessert masterpieces they’ve made together. This class runs from 11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m., and is priced at $20++ per person. Reservations are required.
Every Thursday
Rosé and Paint Night: Get creative with some rosé in hand! At this weekly event, guests can pair their panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean with a wine and painting class at La Côte. Perfect for artists of all skill levels, the night will include painting supplies, step-by-step instructions from a talented artist, and light bites. This event runs from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., and is priced at $50++ per person. Reservations are required.
Cigar Social: You should be familiar with this classic event by now! Head to the outdoor terrace of StripSteak by Michael Mina {4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.674.4780}, and enjoy a quiet night of perfectly-paired cigars and spirits. This event runs from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., and is priced at $25++ per person.
Every Saturday
Sushi 101: Get rolling! Visit the hotel’s own sushi spot, Blade {4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.695.2495}, and learn how to make sushi straight from the master: Master Sushi Chef Deden Bandi. During this demonstration, Chef Bandi will show sushi lovers how to make their favorite rolls using the freshest fish, vegetables, and flavor combinations, and even let them try a hand at it themselves. Of course, no cooking class is complete without a little tasting—so participants will be able to try their sushi, too. This class runs from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m., and is priced at $35++ per person.
Family Pastry Classes & Tour: Because this class is so popular, the hotel offers it twice! Designed for kids and parents alike, take a tour of the Fontainebleau pastry kitchen and work side by side with a pastry chef as you whip up something sweet. Here, families will learn fun baking techniques and get to enjoy the dessert masterpieces they’ve made together. This class runs from 11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m., and is priced at $20++ per person. Reservations are required. 
Every Night
Social Hour at Pizza & Burger by Michael Mina: Sip and mingle at Michael Mina’s relaxed-casual Pizza & Burger {4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.674.4636} with specially-priced cocktails, half-priced beer on tap, and savings on a Sommelier’s selection of wines. This deal runs from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., and again during a special “Reverse Hour” from 11 p.m. to Midnight. Drinks and food are priced a la carte.
For more information about any of these events, click here.
Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor

Cinco de Mayo is just around the corner, and in true Miami style, we’re starting the party a little early. This Saturday, April 28, Magic City tequila lovers (so basically, all of us) can get excited for a new kind of night out in the 305: a Margarita Rumble.
Presented by Don Julio Tequila, this famous competition has already made its mark worldwide, having been hosted in cities like London, San Francisco, and New York. This year, it will expand even further with a Margarita Rumble in four cities on the same day as the South Florida event: New York, San Francisco, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C.
Showcasing 15 of the best restaurants and bars in Miami—like R House {2727 NW 2 Avenue, Wynwood; 305.576.0201} and Tacology {701 South Miami Avenue, Brickell; 786.347.5368}, for example—mixologists from each restaurant will whip up their own Don Julio margarita recipe and get the chance to claim the title of having the “Best Margarita in Miami.” As an added bonus, those Miamians who come to check out the event will not only get to try every cocktail made; they’ll get to help decide the winner, too!
To make sure no one gets hungry or bored, top Miami food vendors, like DOUGH Miami and its famous edible cookie dough, will be onsite, and DJ Hans will keep the tunes going all afternoon. With a day of food, drink, and fun like this, this inaugural event is sure to be a hit amongst Miami drinkers. The best part? They’ll get to find out where to find the best margarita just in time for Cinco de Mayo. 
This event will take place in the heart of Wynwood at MAPS Backlot, which is located at 342 NW 24 Street. Tickets start at $45+ per person and can be purchased here. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the USBG National Charity Foundation, which seeks to advance the health and well-being of service professionals nationwide. You must be 21+ to attend.
Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor

Sit down for dinner at Michael Mina’s StripSteak, inside Fontainebleau Miami Beach {4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 800.548.8886}, and after one bite you may ponder, ‘this is the best rib-eye I’ve ever had.’ Tempted to ask the waiter about the beef’s origin, you hesitate; you don’t want to be like the lunatic couple in “Portlandia” who travels to a local farm to investigate the provenance of a chicken on the menu. If curiosity gets the best of you, DiningOut Miami is here to dish all the secrets.

Located underground Fontainebleau, stretching four miles of pathways, is a culinary city that buzzes 24-hours a day, seven days a week. Housing a complete butchery to a full service bakery operation, countless chefs venture down to the underground hub to source goods for Fontainebleau’s 12 restaurants and banquets. After a $1 billion expansion and renovation in 2008, the beachfront marvel that once entertained Hollywood’s silver screen legends and served as Elvis Presley’s rollicking playground reopened with a flourish, determined to be a modern resort with Old World culinary values.

Vice President of Culinary Operations, Thomas Connell, is quick to point out that all seven kitchens have a dedicated saucier—a chef who prepares delectable sauces.

“Every kitchen has a kettle that may have 200 pounds of veal knuckles deglazing, cooking, and reducing for a total of 36 hours to get one liter of demi-glace,” he explains. This mouthwatering demi-glace is the rich brown sauce that accompanies steaks.

Let’s talk about steaks. You’d have to travel to Pennsylvania and introduce yourself to the Amish farmhands to find the cows that Connell selects. Sourcing strictly from Moyer Farms—a collection of family farms that dates back to 1877—Connell credits the region, lack of pesticides and hormones, the soil’s nitrogen cycle, and Amish traditions for producing a natural product unlike any other on the planet.

“I’ve never seen this kind of quality anywhere,” he admits.

Neither have the trained butchers, who age 250-pound quarters of beef for 60-days for the hotel’s burgers alone. New York strip steaks and rib-eyes age between 28 and 45 days in Locker 28, the hotel’s meat locker and market where restaurant chefs come daily to select special cuts for Michael Mina, Scarpetta, Hakkasan, Pizza and Burger, and the rest of the hotel’s stellar eateries.

For the butchers, the meat locker is their domain. It is overseen by Chef Carlos Ladinas, who has been there since the reopening (as have the masters of each of the hotel’s individual culinary ateliers). The seasoned, tight-knit group of five butchers have a combined 30 years of experience together and dedicate themselves to carving quality cuts in the 50-degree butcher shop. Like true masters, they also experiment. Currently, Locker 28 has a stash of New York strips wrapped in cheesecloth that they baste with whiskey every two weeks during the aging process. If successful, this experiment could lead to a new menu item.

Another vast point of differentiation in meats is the cut. The New York strip, for example, usually has a nerve running through the end.

“Most restaurants cut and serve that piece, which is chewy. We cut off the last two bones from every New York strip before it is dry-aged, which means everyone essentially gets a center cut when they order that steak,” Connell elaborates.

Adjacent to Locker 28—also under the tutelage of Chef Ladinas—is Water World, an extraordinary 2,000-gallon collection of six saltwater tanks that hold a bounty of Maine lobster, Norwegian king crab, Spanish bluefin tuna, and local fish from the resort’s own 44-foot BleauFish commercial fishing vessel. Created by Fontainebleau Owner Jeff Soffer and boat captain, Mike Henry, the operation is owned by the resort. It is the only one of its kind in Miami hospitality, and may even be exclusive in the United States, according to Connell.

“There are people who have relationships with fisherman,” he says, “But no one goes out on their own vessel.”

Daily, the BleauFish ventures into Florida waters and returns with an average of 500 pounds of line-caught fish, including mutton and cubera snapper, yellowtail, tilefish, mahi mahi, grouper, and pompano. Every August, the four-man crew drops 2,500 lobster traps near Marathon, Florida. In November, they will release 2,500 stone crab traps. Everything is returned to the mammoth Water World and kept in temperatures that are set to the comfort levels of each species. Every week, a truck transports 3,000 gallons of ocean water from Haulover near Bal Harbour. Chefs Connell and Ladinas change filters daily, adjust the UV lighting that kills bacteria, and monitor the highly complex filtration system. An independent biologist checks on the fish twice a month.

The chefs have become marine experts and troubleshoot everything in Water World’s six high-tech aquariums. The aquariums are circular, because, as Connell explains, wild fish will swim in a circle but don’t understand the mechanics of back-and-forth swimming and would die in square tanks. Oddly, the fish know where they are to a certain extent.

“When they see a white chef coat, they all swim to the other side,” Connell says. “They know one of their buddies is leaving.”

And when they leave, they, along with the crustaceans, head straight for one of Fontainebleau’s restaurants. Surprisingly, it is not just chefs who gather around every morning to select the fish for daily menus.

“We had a customer in the middle of Boat Show who came into Water World and picked out his crab,” Connell adds, “He asked for it to be presented to his table later with a bottle of Cristal. Another customer found out when the king crab was arriving from Norway and reserved two in advance.”

For a sweet finish, follow your nose to the heavenly-scented 10,000 square-foot pastry kitchen. Helmed by French Pastry master Simon Brigardis and his team of artisans, the pastry wing is key to any and all things sweet at Fontainebleau. Within this buzzing, 24-hour operation, bakers make 48 different types of bread; glacier Jose Martinez creates 28 flavors of gelato; pastry chefs produce 15,000 delectable sweets daily; and chocolatiers craft 5,000 pieces of sweet decorations. French chocolate is made here every two weeks—4,000 pounds of it, that is. Brigardis regularly makes 14 different flavors of bonbons using the finest Valrhona and Cacao-Barry chocolate. These chocolates are completed with delectable fillings like salty caramel, coconut, guava cream cheese, and imported French passion fruit purée. A modest seven tons of chocolate is made each year in this kitchen. (Repeat: seven tons.) It is an underground metropolis that people rarely get to experience. But, oftentimes, the best things are the ones left unseen.

“They do what they love in an environment that supports it,” says Chef Connell. “And that’s where the magic happens.”

By Michelle Payer | DiningOut Miami

Ready to eat for a good cause? On Friday, April 27, you can! Perfect for Magic City diners, the 30th Annual Taste of the Nation for No Kid Hungry will once again invite South Florida’s finest to taste and sip their way through more than 80 of the hottest restaurants, chefs, sommeliers, and mixologists from Miami-Dade and Broward County. And in true Miami fashion, everyone who’s everyone will be there.
Taking place at Ice Palace Films Studios, this premier culinary event is designed to fuse food and fun with a cause—raising money to further No Kid Hungry’s efforts to end childhood hunger in America by ensuring that kids start their day with a nutritious breakfast, and that struggling families have the skills they need to shop and cook on a budget. Throughout the night, Chef Timon Balloo, of SUGARCANE raw bar grill, will lead the charge as Chef Chairman, while attendees swirl around endless tables of bite-sized fare, handcrafted cocktails, and tasty desserts.
Adding to the night’s allure, there will be a Giving Tree, culinary-themed prizes and packages, and these (fabulous) South Florida restaurants: 
3030 Ocean, 4 Rivers Smokehouse, Alter, American Social Brickell, Area 31, Bar Collins at Loews Miami Beach Hotel, Bazaar By Jose Andres, Beaker & Gray, Bird & Bone at The Confidante Miami Beach, Biscayne Bay Brewing, BLT Prime, Boulud Sud Miami, Bourbon Steak, Bubbles + Pearls, Bowls + Buns, Burlock Coast, Byblos, Chef Adrianne’s Vineyard Restaurant and Wine Bar, Concrete Beach Brewery, Corsair Kitchen & Bar, COYO Taco, EDGE Steak & Bar, Finka Table & Tap, Fooq’s, Glass & Vine, Gold Marquess Fine Chinese Cuisine, Habitat, Itamae, J. Wakefield Brewing, Kuro at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, KYU, Lure Fishbar, Macchialina, Mason, Meat Market Miami Beach, NaiYaRa, Paulie Gee’s Miami, Per’La Specialty Roasters, Phuc Yea, PLANT Miami, R House Wynwood, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Stiltsville Fish Bar, StripSteak by Michael Mina, Stubborn Seed, SUGARCANE raw bar grill, SuViche, Tanuki, Temple Street Eatery, The Cafe at Books & Books, The Salty Donut, The Strand Bar & Grill, The Tank Brewing Co., Three Wynwood, No. 3 Social, Whisk Gourmet Food + Catering, and Wynwood Brewing Company

While the event only runs from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., the fun doesn’t have to stop there. In addition to getting early admission at 6 p.m., VIP ticket holders can keep the party going late into the night with participating chefs at R House {2727 Northwest Second Avenue, Wynwood; 305.576.0201}. Running from 10 p.m. to Midnight, this late-night soirée will be hosted by media personality, Roberto “Kiko” Suarez, and will feature fun outdoor activations and food by Taquiza, Ms. Cheezious, Tropical Fluff, and MadLab Creamery.
General admission tickets for the 30th Annual Taste of the Nation will start at $150 per person, and can be purchased here. All proceeds will benefit No Kid Hungry.

Sponsors of South Florida’s Taste of the Nation for No Kid Hungry include: national co-presenting sponsors Citi and Sysco®, national media sponsor Food Network, national sponsor OpenTable, and local sponsors: Mike Sipe Entertainment, Events on the Loose, Breakthru Beverage, Loews Miami Beach Hotel, Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau, Estrella Damm, CBS4, iHeartRadio, Social Thinkking, Secret Sauce, Staff Squad and Brustman Carrino Public Relations.
Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor

Breakfast is an American tradition, and in a real American breakfast, few dishes are as classic as eggs Benedict. In honor of “National Eggs Benedict Day” this Monday, we’ve rounded up the six best “bennies” in town. Read below to find out what they are!
Florida Benedict
This sunshine state-inspired Benedict is topped with roasted turkey, avocado, and hollandaise, and served with a side of breakfast potatoes.
Where you’ll find it: Artisan Beach House {10295 Collins Avenue, Bal Harbor; 305.455.5460}
When you can get it: Sunday brunch, from Noon to 3 p.m.
Crispy Oyster Benedict 
Get this Benedict with a creamed spinach, dill hollandaise, and oyster twist.
Where you’ll find it: Seaspice {422 NW North River Drive, Miami; 305.440.4200}
When you can get it: Saturday and Sunday brunch, from Noon to 3 p.m. 
Eggs Benedict
In true Biltmore fashion, this version is as indulgent as it gets—there are two farm-fresh poached eggs, sliced Canadian bacon, and black truffle hollandaise on a toasted English muffin.
Where you’ll find it: Fontana at The Biltmore {1200 Anastasia Avenue, Coral Gables; 855.969.3219
When you can get it: Monday through Saturday, from 7 a.m. to Noon; and Sundays, from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Eggs Benedict
Enjoy this Benedict your own way by adding spinach, ham, or even smoked salmon, and eat it all up with patatas bravas, tomato, and arugula salad.
Where you’ll find it: Market at EDITION {2901 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 786.257.4500}
When you can get it: Everyday, from 7 a.m. to Noon
Brunch Bruschetta Benedict
Served on Zack’s bread, this breakfast delight comes with a Venezuelan twist: with avocado, pico de gallo, poached eggs, and olive oil.
Where you’ll find it: Artisan Kitchen & Bar {658 Crandon Boulevard, Key Biscayne; 305.365.6003}
When you can get it: Sunday brunch, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Traditional Eggs Benedict
Poached eggs, ham, and hollandaise sauce covers this traditional dish, which sits atop True Loaf Bakery ciabatta bread and is served with either a Sarda salad, roasted potatoes, or avocado.
Where you’ll find it: Sardinia Enoteca Ristorante {1801 Purdy Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.531.2228}
When you can get it: Saturday and Sunday brunch, from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor