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Home / 2019 / September

2:54 pm
Tips and Trends
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Visit these posh Miami restaurants if you regularly crave exquisite Italian food and jaw-dropping elegance

Authentic Italian at Cibo Wine Bar

Cibo Wine Bar in Coral Gables has no problem consistently pleasing the crowds. Be it the rustic exposed brick ambience, the large wine menu boasting both Italian regions and global varieties, lobster specials on Tuesdays, or brunches full of Italian bubbles on Sunday, Cibo has something for everyone, and it’s always authentically Italian. Take their Neapolitan-style pizzas: cooked to perfection in a wood-burning oven and complete with over a dozen varieties, including a whole wheat dough option. We like to order the simple but always perfect Mozzarella di Bufala, with buffalo cheese, fresh basil, and extra virgin olive oil. Another great is the Funghi, with wild mushrooms, fontini cream, and white truffle oil, because…well, truffle. Or you can kick things up with toppings like prosciutto, spicy soppressatta, Italian sausage, or even a variety of seafood in the Frutte di Mare. Now that’s authentic.

A Tasty Slice of Italy at Amare Ristorante

If you’re craving a trip to the iconic Italian coast, Amare Ristorante has you covered. Located in the South of Fifth neighborhood, Amare is ready to transport you to the beautiful Amalfi Coast by way of elevated Italian cuisine and equally romantic furnishings. A concept by Gino Iovino in collaboration with Michelin-starred Chef Cosimo Cassano, the expert team here prepares classic dishes made in-house with seasonal ingredients flown directly from Italy. Indulge in award-winning favorites such as the Risotto Tartufato, Costata Di Manzo, Tartare Tasting Trio, or the Spaghetti Vesuvio (Spaghetti al Nero di Sepia). Whether sitting indoors or on the outdoor terrace, the combination of the classic Italian cuisine along with the imported décor that includes hand-painted ceramic tiles, pottery, and sculptures, you’ll feel as though you’re on a luxurious Italian vacation. Benvenuto!



Dreamy Cocktail Infusions at Scarpetta

Sure, house-infused spirits, bespoke cold-brew cocktails, and tantalizing Italian dishes by none other than celebrity chef Scott Conant are reasons aplenty to stop in for a meal at Scarpetta (or at its cocktail lab and infusion bar, Sorso). But this summer, there’s one item on the menu we can’t stop thinking about. It’s called the True Bleau, and it’s a heavenly blend of Barr Hill gin and grapefruit soda served with a pea flower-infused ice cube. True to its name, this jewel-toned indigo stunner is just as Instagrammable as it is utterly delicious.

By DiningOut Staff

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11:34 am
Tips and Trends
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Crisp, local, or right out of the water, it doesn’t get fresher than this

Prized Picks from Plant Miami

Known for organic, plant-based, vegan, and kosher cuisine, Plant Miami at Sacred Space just debuted a slew of new seasonal dishes. One of our favorite recent additions to the menu is the Forbidden Roll. Inspired by the traditional Japanese Bagel Roll, this delightful bite features avocado, black rice (or forbidden rice), almond cream cheese, nori, smoked carrot, and wasabi mayo. Plant Miami’s chefs Horacio Rivadero and Veronica Manolizi said they “really wanted to take something very familiar and transform it into something plant-based.” For the Forbidden Roll, the duo chose to highlight the carrot, because they say it is often seen as the underdog in plant-based cooking. The result, lucky for us, is an elevated and refreshing treat perfect for any time of year.

Honest, Fresh Fish at The River Oyster Bar

There are two words that cannot exist without the other: fish and fresh. And, according to executive chef and owner of The River Oyster Bar, David Bracha, the key to fresh success is a rare and often uncommon secret—whole fish and in-house slicing. Results of this best-kept practice are evident at The River Oyster Bar where freshness is second to none, bringing delicious and sustainable seafood right to the heart of Brickell. For 17 years, The River has held a reputation of top quality food offered at fair prices. Look if you must, but you won’t find local, honest seafood like this anywhere but The River.

Nobu Miami’s Cocktail Stars of the Month

Nobu Miami, a culinary destination notorious for their imaginative blend of Peruvian and Japanese cuisine has become the benchmark for everything fusion. Known for its amazing food, hip crowds, and a large celebrity following, the boldness and fusion extend beyond the signature dishes and into the delicious cocktails. While some say there’s a cocktail suited for every season, Nobu has a cocktail for every month. How’s that for keeping it fresh? The “cocktail of the month” program has featured fan favorites such as the Sensei, a tequila-based cocktail with açai purée, Banane du Brésil, lemon juice, and basil seeds with a touch of agave. Another month featured the Hermosos Pisco, a perfect meld of Tulsi Hibiscus tea, thyme, monkfruit syrup, and lime juice to complement the Caravedo Pisco. In everything it does, Nobu embodies simple, yet extraordinary, and the cocktail of the month is certainly no exception.


A Fresh Facelift for The Biltmore Palme d’Or

A favorite among world leaders and celebrities since its opening in 1926, the recently renovated Biltmore Hotel is offering its patrons a fresh new culinary journey at the hotel’s stunning signature French restaurant, Palme d’Or—one of the only AAA Five Diamond restaurants in Florida. Now, guests can enjoy a new four-course, à la carte menu that includes perfectly paired flavors, as well as personally curated elaborate dishes that fuse the authentic tradition of French cuisine with modern flavors and ingredients that are fresh, local, and sustainable. Palme d’Or is committed to transporting guests through the ultimate sensory dining experience that will keep them coming back for more.

By DiningOut Staff

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2:41 pm
Restaurant Features
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When the occasion calls for something special, think pink.

New Year’s Eve, birthdays, weddings, anniversaries and more–what do these momentous occasions have in common? They all call for popping bottles of Champagne and memorable toasts. But here’s something to consider: why do we choose Champagne as a celebratory drink when there are other options that are just as–if not more–sophisticated?

Instead, imagine popping bottles of rosé on joyous occasions. A blend that’s elegantly crafted and celebrates life. It’s called Clos du Temple.

This is the vision of Gérard Bertrand, a man who grew up in the South of France balancing a professional rugby career while helping manage his father’s wine business. Now, Bertrand is the largest biodynamic wine producer in the world with 15 family-owned estates and is the second-largest importer of French wines into the United States.

“My father used to say that wine is made from a thousand and one details,” Bertrand told writer Katherine Cole in a book entitled “Rosé All Day.”

He added, “If you want to make the best wine possible, you need to have the best grapes. You need a balanced, healthy vineyard. You need to respect nature. You need to reinforce the vitality of the vine.”

This is where biodynamics come into play. What does that mean? Well, for experts and sommeliers it’s not just about the wine, but rather the earth and environment. Under Bertrand’s practices, it became apparent that biodynamic farming produces a higher quality product as well as reinforces the terroir.

The release of Clos du Temple, Bertrand’s ground-breaking wine from the Cabrières appellation in the South of France, is his assertion that rosé can be as sophisticated as the finest whites and reds.

Why Cabrières? Well, careful research of the history of Languedoc wine-making led Bertrand to Cabrières. It is one of the region’s smallest appellations and in the 17th century supplied the favored rosé wines for the Sun King, Louis XIV.

You could say Bertrand was ahead of the rosé trends. The brawny former rugby player has embraced the pink drink and broken the stigma that rosé is a lady’s delight. In fact, with a suggested retail price of $190, and already awarded the highest score for a still rosé from Decanter Magazine in Britain, he’s raising the status of rosé.

And remember when we mentioned this rosé is a celebration of life? Not only does Gérard Bertrand carefully craft the contents of the inside of the bottle, but also the bottle itself.

At first glance it may look like your ordinary bottle, but with its square base and pyramidical punt rising to a circular shoulder, the bottle itself symbolizes the cosmos and the principles of biodynamics. Making Clos du Temple “the most iconic rosé on earth.”

By Loren Gutentag, Contributing Writer

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3:30 pm
Tips and Trends
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You’ve got two more weeks to dine like royalty. Make it count.

Los Fuegos Kitchen Prep

The annual restaurant extravaganza known as Miami Spice is quickly coming a close, so we’ve gathered our top picks for the best Spice menus in town. From celebrity chefs to neighborhood spots, there’s plenty to keep even the most discerning foodie happy.

Los Fuegos {3201 Collins Ave, Miami Beach; 786.655.5600}

Lamb Ribs

Argentine super chef Francis Mallmann is the mastermind behind this gaucho-inspired restaurant at the posh Faena Miami Beach. As such, expect rustic Argentine and Patagonian specialities like Oxtail Croquettes or Octopus A La Plancha for appetizers. For mains, we loved the Lamb Ribs with peach chutney, while the Local Snapper comes with an intriguing grilled polenta and tomato mayonnaise. Dessert keeps things simple with a Mascarpone Cheesecake with red berry sorbet.

Octopus A La Plancha

Boulud Sud {255 Biscayne Blvd Way, Miami; 305.421.8800}

Boulud Sud Dining Room

The plush downtown outpost of celeb chef Daniel Boulud’s homage to Mediterranean delights is a sophisticated spot to do a fancy Miami Spice lunch. The menu changes regularly, so there’s plenty of reason to keep coming back throughout the Spice promotion. We started with the Babaganoush appetizer and a “Horiatiki” Greek Salad, both of which were fresh and flavorful. For mains, we opted for the Branzino A La Plancha with freekah and apricot and the Lamb “Frita” with harissa aïoli, crispy potato, and onion compote. Desserts were showstoppers and included a Lavender-Peach Zalabia (a Tunisian donut filled with labneh mousse) and Chocolate Profitroles. And don’t forget to save room for those special warm madeleine cookies that are always served gratis!

Market at Edition {2901 Collins Ave, Miami Beach; 786.257.4600}

Crispy Salmon Sushi

Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s Market at Edition’s global cafe/patisserie/salumeria is one of our favorite spots, simply because there’s so much tempting food on display—from the crisp pizzas to the insane charcuterie. For our Spice lunch, we started with the Crispy Salmon Sushi and Summer Squash and Arugula Salad—both refreshing and light starters. The Roasted Beef Tenderloin is a solid choice for an entrée, complimented by goldbar squash, Parmesan cheese and a buttery hot sauce, while the Mushroom and Farm Egg Pizza will please any carb lover. For dessert, choose between the Strawberry Sundae or the Passion Fruit Cheesecake (or splurge for a slice of the Carrot Cake—one of the best in town).

Scarpetta {4441 Collins Ave, Miami; 305.674.4660}

Branzino

The Italian restaurant at the Fontainebleau is always a winner for Spice, if not solely for the fact that they consistently offer their legendary Spaghetti Pomodoro as a Spice entrée and it is consistently, delectably, life-changing. That said, we were a tad disappointed that their Creamy Polenta with Mushrooms was not offered on this year’s Spice menu, but we understand the need to innovate—in its place, we loved the Mediterranean Octopus with capers and olives. For mains, there’s the classic Spaghetti, a beautifully crisped-skin Branzino, the Duck and Foie Gras Ravioli, or Chicken Breast with Pancetta. Desserts selections of Coconut Tapioca and Chocolate Amedei Bar with hazelnut crunch were lovely.

Chocolate Amedei Bar with Hazelnut Crunch

Maska {3252 NE 1st Ave Suite 109, Miami; 786.971.9100}

Crab Tadka Dumplings

Chef Hemant Mathur, the first Indian Chef in the U.S. to receive a Michelin Star, has opened a high-end homage to Indian cooking in midtown.  The dining room is an opulent space with crystal chandeliers, plush blue chairs, an open kitchen and a lounge and wine cellar. Be prepared to eat modern Indian dishes with creative spins like the Maska Chicken, the restaurant’s version of a butter chicken, Khoya Mushroom (paneer stuffed portobello mushroom), Crab Tadka Dumplings, and a variety of Kulcha (stuffed bread). Maska’s Miami Spice offering includes a complimentary cocktail—the Aam-Chi Martini—a gin-based cocktail topped with mango lassi foam. Next door to Maska, Mathur has also opened Cho:Tu, which focuses on Indian street food with a more casual atmosphere.

Khoya Mushroom

By Sara Liss, Contributing Writer

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2:44 pm
Tips and Trends
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If a fully tantalizing experience is what you’re looking for, check out these all-inclusive specials from the crème de la crème:

The Seventh Annual South Beach Seafood Festival

Are you ready to put your toes in the sand, get a cocktail in your hand, and enjoy some of the best seafood in Miami? This fall, the South Beach Seafood Festival returns for its seventh consecutive year. Brought to you by William Hill and presented by Jack Daniel’s, City of Miami Beach, GOYA Foods, and Baptist Health South Florida, the South Beach Seafood Festival is taking over Miami from October 22-26 to showcase some of the area’s leading chefs and culinary masterminds. Touted as one of the fastest growing festivals in Miami Beach, the beachfront event—which features over 70 different restaurants and mouthwatering eats from Florida’s freshest seafood hotspots—spans five blocks and welcomes over 14,000 seafoodies for a day of fun in the sun in South Beach style. For $49, guests can enjoy seafood dishes paired with complimentary all-day open bar service. If you choose to splurge on the VIP experience ($150) you can enter to win the Land Rover South Dade VIP Hospitality Village and enjoy VIP access to Joe’s Stone Crab Miami, plus a ton of other awesome perks. The five-day event is the perfect combination of gourmet cuisine, wine pairings, live music at three different stages, chef competitions, and seemingly endless interactive experiences, all to benefit a great cause in Miami Dade County: CI Foundation’s EAT SMART program. The South Beach Seafood Festival has become the number three top recurring event on South Beach behind Art Basel and SOBEWFF. Kick off the fun with exclusive experiences at some of South Beach’s favorite spots, such as Meat Market, The Mondrian, or the Shore Club! Tickets can be purchased for all events at SOBASEAFOODFEST.COM

Miami Spice Specials at Market at EDITION

Looking to spice up your dining options? Look no further than Market at EDITION right in the midst of Miami Spice (August 1-September 30). The EDITION hotel’s signature restaurant is pulling out all the stops for the area’s largest and longest food event of the season. Open for lunch Monday-Friday, and dinner Monday-Sunday, Market at EDITION is including fan favorites on its specialty Miami Spice three-course prix-fixe menu, including the Crispy Salmon Sushi, Angel Hair Pasta with asparagus pesto, and Mushroom and Farm Egg Pizza, just to name a few! And why stop there? Also included are signature cocktails and decadent desserts. Brought to you by Michelin-starred chef, Jean-Georges Vongerichten, Market at EDITION is proud to participate in Miami Spice—the perfect opportunity to enjoy Miami Beach’s finest fare at a reduced price but with the same extraordinary culinary experience. EDITIONHOTELS.COM/MIAMI-BEACH/RESTAURANTS-AND-BARS

Sunday Asado at Los Fuegos by Francis Mallmann

Nothing says “Sunday Funday” more than Sunday Asado at Los Fuegos by Francis Mallmann. Using live fire and traditional Patagonian cooking methods, watch as award-winning chefs prepare a buffet of slow-cooked meats, locally-caught fish, seasonal vegetables, and more—right in front of excited patrons. Priced at $95 per adult, from noon-4pm, pair your brunch with bottomless mimosas, sangría, or Bloody Mary pitchers. If that’s not tempting enough, Sunday Asado guests receive complimentary passes for Faena Beach to finish the morning in total relaxation. And yes, you can bring the whole family! Children are also welcome for $45 per child (ages 10 and younger). FAENA.COM/MIAMI-BEACH/RESTAURANT/LOS-FUEGOS-BY-FRANCIS-MALLMANN

Adventurous Omakase Dinners at Pao by Paul Qui

Every month at Pao by Paul Qui, James Beard award-winning Chef Paul Qui and his culinary team whip up a one-of-a-kind omakase feast centered around a specific theme or ingredient. Set around a communal table where diners can mingle and interact, these intimate epicurean adventures aim to expose guests to flavors they’ve never tried before. Dinners start at $95 per person, with the option to upgrade the experience with a sake or Japanese whiskey pairing. Since the series launched earlier this year, editions have highlighted themes ranging from Wagyu beef and mushrooms to Texas barbecue and beyond. Sign us up! FAENA.COM/MIAMI-BEACH/RESTAURANT/PAO-BY-PAUL-QUI

The Boho Chic Rooftop Scene at Vista 

Whether you’re looking for a pre-dinner bite or the perfect ending to your night, why not head to the rooftop at Vista Miami? The two-story modern-Italian restaurant located in the Upper Buena Vista area is a trendy concept combining Italian cuisine with Miami flavor and style. With prices ranging between $9-$29, enjoy delicious bites from the rooftop’s tapas menu—think coconut ceviche, oysters, or picoteo, then top it all off with an after-dinner drink special, like a Carajillo. With live music playing and the greenery surrounding, you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped into a tropical, boho chic dream. VISTAMIAMIRESTAURANT.COM

By DiningOut Staff

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7:26 pm
Events
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What better way to kick off the world-renowned stone crab season than with the fastest growing seafood festival in Miami Beach? With your toes in the sand and seafood at your hands, kick off the season in style – South Beach style, that is, by attending the 7th annual South Beach Seafood Festival.  From October 22 to 26, the event for seafoodies alike is one that started as a small weekend event on South Beach but has grown into a five-day experience showcasing some of South Florida’s most talented culinary masterminds, as well as interactive events like competitive cook-offs, and beachside tastings.

Brought to you by William Hill and presented by Jack Daniel’s, City of Miami Beach, GOYA Foods, and Baptist Health South Florida, the seafood extravaganza is expected to welcome more than 14,000 seafood lovers to the sands of South Beach.

On Saturday, at seafood week’s main event, what can attendees expect? Aside from a day of fun in the sun, fish aficionados and food lovers can expect an unmatched level of cuisine, wine pairings, and great live music at three different stages, all to benefit a great cause in Miami Dade County with CI Foundation’s EAT SMART program.

In addition to live music and endless interactive events, Saturday’s beachfront festival features pop up cafés from 20 hand-selected premium restaurants, curated to show off 70+ different mouthwatering eats from Florida’s freshest seafood in Miami. And, did we mention the seafood dishes are paired with complimentary all-day open bar for everyone?

Here’s a glance at the 20 pop up cafes from some of our favorite restaurants in Miami:

  • A Fish Called Avalon
  • Bodega
  • Cafe Avanti
  • Cafetin (at Shelborne)- Just need this logo
  • Dies Y Seis (at Shore Club)
  • Dragonfly Izakaya & Fish Market
  • Ella’s Oyster Bar
  • Joe’s Stone Crab
  • Lobster Bar Sea Grille Miami Beach
  • Maska
  • Miami Smokers
  • Naked Taco
  • Poseidon Greek Restaurant
  • Pubbelly Sushi
  • Red, South Beach
  • Rusty Pelican
  • Stiltsville
  • Tanuki
  • The Lobster Shack
  • Truluck’s Seafood, Steak & Crab house
  • Tomorrowland featuring the Bloody Mary Experience

Festival ticket prices start at $49 or enjoy a 1 ½ block VIP experience for $150. As a VIP, enter Doctor’s Hospital VIP Hospitality Village to enjoy exclusive access to Joe’s Stone Crab Miami, live it up in the interactive Celebrity Cruises “EDGE” rooftop, and so much more.

The South Beach Seafood festival is a week of spectacular seafood you won’t want to miss, and by using the promo code DININGOUT, receive an exclusive offer of 20% off ticket pricing.

South Beach Seafood Festival. Tuesday, October 22, to Saturday, October 26, at various venues. Festival ticket prices start at $49 and VIP is $150.  Tickets can be purchased at www.sobeseafoodfest.com. Use the promo code DININGOUT for 20% off.

By Loren Gutentag

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9:52 am
Restaurant Features
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And it’s not just the delicious Italian fare either …

LDV Hospitality, the team behind Dolce and Regent Cocktail Club, has transformed the restaurant at the Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove into Isabelle’s Grill Room and Garden {3300 Southwest 27th Avenue, Miami; 305.400.0562}, bringing some South Beach swagger to the posh hotel. The kitchen is helmed by Executive Chef Abel Veulens. The name pays homage to Isabella Peacock, one of the Grove’s earliest settlers.

1. The space is chic and inviting.

The cavernous dining room is made intimate with handsome dark green leather banquettes, burnished brass fixtures, and dark wood finishes. An outdoor trellised garden terrace is outfitted with over-sized planters and lush green landscaping, natural wood tables, and white and taupe woven chairs with plush cushions.

2. The eclectic menu of modern Italian-inspired dishes.

Start off with small plates like the Spanish Octopus with baby artichokes, fingerling potatoes, olives, and spicy romesco or the Crab Cake with apple slaw. Vegans will love the Carrot Ginger Soup, while a handful of salads keep things light and fresh, like the Roasted Beets with Greek yogurt, apples, and oranges dressed with pickled mustard seeds or Isabelle’s Salad with endive, radicchio, candied pecans, craisins, pecorino, and honey mustard vinaigrette.

Spaghetti Pomodoro and Lobster Papardelle will fulfill carb cravings while those looking for steakhouse fare can go for chops like an 8-ounce filet, a 14-ounce NY Strip, and a massive 40-ounce porterhouse for two. A Kurobuta Pork Chop and Seared Striped Bass round out the mains, along with sides of truffle fries, roasted carrots, and wild mushrooms.

3. The Wednesday happy hour is the perfect way to rosé the evening away.

Hump Day just got a lot better with the restaurant’s “Rosé for the Ladies” special from 5-10pm on Wednesdays. Ladies can enjoy a selection of rosé for only $5 per glass in the lush garden terrace. And added bonus: Guests receive a discounted rate of $7 for valet with validation.

By Sara Liss, contributing writer

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