Only a place like Miami can make something scary look sexy. Looking for somewhere to celebrate Halloween 2018? Read below for five spooky celebrations in the Magic City you don’t want to miss:
Get “Behind the Mask” at Seaspice.
One of South Florida’s sexiest watering holes is Seaspice {422 NW North River Drive, Miami; 305.440.4200}, and this Halloween, it’s throwing a mystic celebration for the ages: Behind the Mask. Hosted in partnership with Elyx Vodka, Perrier-Jouët, and Avion Tequila, this waterfront setting will become a bone-chilling backdrop for an extravagant night of mystery, serendipity, and fright. Running from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. on Sunday, October 28, this sexy soirée will feature hypnotizing live music and performances, cunning cocktails, and a costume competition. You’ll want to enter! The winner gets a chilled magnum of Perrier-Jouët Champagne. Guests are welcome to attend Seaspice’s usual Sunday Funday brunch, which will be offered from Noon to 3 p.m. that same day. RSVPs for Behind the Mask are recommended and can be done by calling 305.440.4200.
See The Glam Dead at The Living Room at Faena Miami Beach.
On Saturday, October 27, head to the Faena Miami Beach {3201 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.534.8800} for Night of The Glam Dead, a Jane Austen-meets-zombie fête at Miami’s most lavish hotel. Starting at 9 p.m. in the Faena Theater, this party—presented by Avion Tequila—invites guests to throw on Victorian garb, bring out their gothic side, sip on cryptic cocktails and watch live performances by Patrick & The Swayzees and resident DJs. Adding some extra spook to the night, there will be palm and tarot card readers, candlelit altars and Miami’s sexiest renditions of the most beloved (dead) characters. Reservations are required and can be made by sending an email to [email protected].
Spend your weekend in the basement at The Miami Beach EDITION.
The Miami Beach EDITION {2901 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 786.257.4600} is always a good place for good nightlife, and in honor of Halloween, it’s throwing quite the party at Basement Miami. Right before Halloween, dance the weekend away with a killer lineup: Four Color Zack + Silent Addy, Skitty, RELIC Sunday, Fiin + Friends, and Myke Dilla + Tillery James. The party will start on Friday, October 26, and take place every night through Sunday, October 28. Visit the Basement Miami website for performance times.
Party with Flo Rida at Kiki on the River.
On October 28, turn your Halloween weekend “right ‘round” with a live performance by Flo Rida at Kiki on the River {50 NW North River Drive, Miami; 786.502.3243}. This special edition of Sunday Funday will feature a concert by one of the nation’s most popular rappers, singers, songwriters and composers—who just happens to be from South Florida! Get there early and order Kiki’s featured Halloween cocktail, How ‘Bout Them Apples, and then come home and make it for yourself. We already have the recipe! Kiki on the River will open at Noon as usual, but the performance will run from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. The seasonal How ‘Bout Them Apples cocktail is priced at $16.
Get in the spooky spirit at Villa Azur.
Anyone who’s been to Villa Azur {309 23 Street, Miami Beach; 305.763.8688} knows it throws a good party. This Halloween won’t be any different! Dress like your darkest spirit and come ready to be frighteningly seduced; there will be Mediterranean cuisine from Executive Chef Philippe Ruiz, music and beats by Stephan M & guest DJ Indigo, and as always, Miami’s sexiest partygoers. This party will take place on Wednesday, October 31. The dinner party will run from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. Dinner reservations are recommended and should be made by calling 305.763.8688 or sending an email to [email protected]. Guests who just want to drink should RSVP here.
Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor

Here is this week’s Miami food news:

Tuesday, October 23: Taco Tuesdays at Tacology
Brickell City Centre’s gourmet taco spot, Tacology {701 South Miami Avenue, Brickell; 786.347.5368}, has everything you need for a solid Taco Tuesday—from good food and good drinks, to fun vibes and big-screen TVs playing whatever sports are on. Get two tacos for just $5 all day long, and if you go during happy hour, pair that with half-priced beer, wine, and classic margaritas from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Wednesday, October 24: Live Music at BarMeli69
This and every Wednesday, head to BarMeli69 {6927 Biscayne Boulevard, MIMO; 305.754.5558} and pair your wine and tapas with live Flamenco rumba from musical duo Anabel & Mounny. Live music begins at 8 p.m.

Wednesday, October 24: Wine, Women & Food with Chef Daniel Boulud
Set during the International Women’s Forum, this event is all about women! Guests are invited to join Chef Daniel Boulud at Boulud Sud Miami {255 Biscayne Boulevard Way, Downtown Miami; 305.421.8800} for an evening of decadent Mediterranean cuisine and beautiful wines. Benefitting the Susan G. Komen Foundation for breast cancer awareness and research, the four-course, wine-pairing dinner will showcase the talent of some of South Florida and New York’s top chefs and sommeliers, like: Pastry Chef Saeko Nemoto of Boulud Sud Miami, Chef Christina D’Angelo of Boulud Sud NY, Chef Nicole Thomas of Daniel Boulud’s Dinex Group, Chef Gabriella Valls of Bar Boulud NY, and Sommeliers Amanda Fraga of Genuine Hospitality Group, Kirsta Grauberger of Progress Wine Group, Jen Schmitt of Zuma Miami, and Mariya Kovacheva of Pernod Ricard USA. This event will run from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tickets are priced at $175 per person, excluding tax and gratuity, and can be purchased here. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

Friday, October 26: Sexta Feira Party at Villa Azur
This Friday, dance the night away at Villa Azur {309 23 Street, Miami Beach; 305.763.8688}, as this Brazilian fête turns up the heat with live DJs, dancers, and special themed decor. This party will run from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. Entrance is free and open to the public. All those planning to attend should register here. Dinner reservations can be made online ahead of time here.
Happy dining!

By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor

November 2018 is a big month for one big-name Miami restaurant, Scarpetta by Scott Conant {4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 877.326.7412}. In fact, next month will mark the 10-year anniversary of the reopening and total renovation of the Fontainebleau Miami Beach—likely the most popular hotel in all of the Magic City—which brought with it the debut of this star-studded Italian haunt. Now one of the most popular and widely-praised restaurants in town, Scarpetta will celebrate its 10th birthday with a series of unbeatable dining experiences and deals. Here they are:
“A Taste of 10” Prix Fixe
Every night, toast to a decade of indulgent Italian cuisine with a four-course, prix fixe menu featuring 10 of the restaurant’s most iconic signature dishes. Here, guests can get excited to taste plates like: Creamy Polenta with a fricassee of truffled mushrooms, Scarpetta’s famous Spaghetti with tomato and basil, Duck and Foie Gras Ravioli with marsala reduction, and more. This dinner is priced at $55 per person, excluding tax and gratuity.
$10 Pours
Drink up, Miami! All November long, Scarpetta will offer select red, white, and sparkling Italian wines by the glass for just $10 each.
Anniversary Dinner with Scott
Plan to dine at Scarpetta on Wednesday, November 7, and you can eat with the man himself—Scott Conant. This immersive terrace dinner, which will showcase the famed chef’s favorite dishes from the past decade, will feature a family-style prix fixe menu and wine tasting. This dinner is priced at $55 per person, excluding tax and gratuity. The wine tasting is priced separately.
Sunday Supper
Every weekend this November, head to Scarpetta and do “family dinner” their way! Honoring the Italian-style tradition, this Sunday night feast requires a minimum of three guests per table and includes plates like: Insalata Caprese with heirloom tomatoes, basil, balsamic, and arugula; Sunday Sauce Pappardelle with meat ragu, pecorino, and herbed breadcrumbs; Roasted Branzino with cauliflower, a salsify purée, and dehydrated grapes; Osso Bucco with a parsnip purée, charred carrots, and salsa verde; and Zeppole with cannoli cream, pomegranate, and pistachio gelato. This dinner is priced at $45 per person, excluding tax and gratuity. Every table gets the full menu, served family-style.
Reservations for Scarpetta are recommended and can be made here.
Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor

A new season calls for a new menu, and the team at Jaya at The Setai {2001 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 855.923.7899} does it with flair. In the spirit of fall, this modern-Asian restaurant is welcoming autumn with a special Fall Fixe menu: a three-course, prix-fixe dinner experience featuring select Asian-inspired dishes curated by Executive Chef Vijayudu Veena himself. Available nightly—from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays, and 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. on weekends—this fall feast for the senses is priced at just $55 per guest.
To make it even more special, pregame your feast at the bar with one of the hotel’s popular Chili Passion Martinis, and if the weather is nice (as it often is during fall in South Florida), eat by the zen pond in the hotel’s famed courtyard.
Here’s what you can get excited about on Jaya’s Fall Fixe menu:

FIRST COURSE
Choose one of the following:

Thai Seafood Salad
Corvina, shrimp, octopus, mango, shallots, fresh herbs, tomatoes, and chili-lime dressing
Citrus Cured Salmon
Cilantro- and ginger-cured salmon with pickled mushrooms, cucumbers, radishes, scallions, spiced soy broth, and lime zest
Shrimp Siew Mai
Steamed, open-faced shrimp dumplings with a ginger-scallion cilantro slaw

SECOND COURSE
Choose one of the following:
Kurobuta Pork Chop
With Chinese barbecue sauce, Kimchi, buckwheat noodles, scallions, and cilantro
Thai Duck Curry
With red curry, Thai eggplant, duck leg, lychee, green beans, Thai basil, and Jasmine rice
Black Pepper Beef
Wagyu eye round with bell peppers, shishito peppers, asparagus, onions, bean sprouts, and oyster sauce

THIRD COURSE
Choose one of the following: 
Coconut Sticky Rice
Coconut-infused Thai sticky rice with textures of mango and sesame crunch
Cheesecake
Brown butter graham cracker, honey passion cream, and blueberry three ways

Chocolate
Double-chocolate espresso brownie, whipped white chocolate crémeux, chocolate malt ice cream, and crisp pearls

Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor

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