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10:27 am
Culinary Personalities Restaurant Features
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A chat with the owner of this Key Biscayne gem, Antonio Braschi

Just 15 miles south of Downtown Miami and a mini road trip across Rickenbacker Causeway is an escape to paradise on the island of Key Biscayne. And within this sliver of paradise, you’ll find some of South Florida’s finest dining options, including Costa Med Bistro + Wine. Not only will you find a taste of Key Biscayne at this restaurant, but splashes of Caribbean and Mediterranean flavors across the menu. Discover fresh, flavorful bites like Baba Ghanoush dips, Spanish Ibérico ham, Bourguignonne escargots, and Greek-style grilled octopus. Owner Antonio Braschi’s hard work has succeeded over a decade, so we sat down with him to find out what’s next for this island staple.

Greek-Style Grilled Octopus

DiningOut Magazine: Tell us about your culinary journey, and how you came to open Costa Med.
Antonio Braschi: I have been in the Hospitality industry for decades—I worked for several hotels in San Juan, Puerto Rico; Nassau, Bahamas; and Caracas, Venezuela. After parting ways with the hotel industry, I went on to work in food service and, in time, helped found a large distributor operation in Venezuela, which I managed until I moved back to the U.S. Having spent my honeymoon at the Ritz Carlton Key Biscayne, I knew that if I were to move, it would be to this island—and so I did. And I purchased a failed coffee shop, which now is Costa Med.

Costa Med is now celebrating 16 years on the Miami dining scene. To what do you credit the longevity of this success?
There’s no simple answer to longevity and success, but it definitely has distinct components, like hard work and sacrifice. I will never compromise quality for profits. My family eats here almost daily, so you can rest assured that every aspect of our food chain is methodically supervised.

Antonio Braschi

What would you say to someone that has not yet dined with you and your team at Costa Med?
You are missing out on the opportunity to enjoy top quality ingredients prepared with an exciting twist and served in a friendly environment. We treat all of our guests as VIPs, so you are going to be delighted here! Nothing we do is average. We’re about great food, awesome wine, and excellent service!

Surrounded by a blossoming food scene, what do you believe is the secret to staying fresh and relevant?
Research on the latest food news and service strategies, the use of the freshest local and seasonal products, and always investigating ways to make food taste good while staying within a healthy zone. I interact with my staff just as I do my customers. I have joined local institutions that allow me to keep a constant pulse on the state of our community and the chance to give back to it. I spend over 15 hours a day, 6-7 days a week, on my two businesses. I give them my undivided attention—I’m up and on the phone or the computer by 8:30am and do not slow down until I return home around midnight every night.

What is your favorite culinary trend in Miami right now? What’s your least favorite?
I am not too big on trends. I’m a fan of classic, good food and quality service! But if I must pick, I like some of the food halls. Among them, my favorite is Casa Tua Cucina inside the Brickell City Centre. They have done an incredible job of putting together the nicest food hall in Miami. This is my go-to place for informal dining. My least favorite trend would be the food truck scene, which I have steered away from.

Aside from Costa Med, where are some of your favorite places to dine out right now?
I hope someone opens up a great Lebanese restaurant soon, but while I wait, here are my favorites places in Miami by neighborhood: Novikov Miami in Downtown; Byblos in Miami Beach; Hillstone in Coral Gables; Café Roval at MiMo District; Tacology and Casa Tua Cucina in Brickell; Sapore di Mare in Coconut Grove; Swan at the Design District; Donut Gallery Diner in Key Biscayne; and definitely my top choice is my other restaurant, Kazumi Modern Japanese, also in Key Biscayne.

What’s on the horizon for Costa Med? Any big plans or changes we should look out for?
We are discussing revamping items on the menu and the wine list, updating the décor a bit, and continuing with our wine dinner series. Expansion plans are brewing, but nothing is definite yet. Meanwhile, we will be working hard toward our 17th anniversary in 2020, so that Key Biscayne residents can continue to boast one of the best restaurants in Miami.

—Interview by Peyton Garcia, managing editor

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10:05 am
Recipes Tips and Trends
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The summer season may almost be over, but mango season in tropical South Florida is in full swing. Though incredibly delicious when enjoyed straight from the tree, our city’s top chefs and barkeeps have mastered their own unique preparations of South Florida’s prized stone fruit. We’ve rounded up the best mango dishes and cocktails in Miami for your fruit-loving epicurean adventures.

Hakkasan {4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.538.2000}

The upscale Chinese eatery at the Fontainebleau incorporates this Miami staple into The Golden Buddha made with Cazadores Reposado tequila, agave syrup, lime juice, mango juice, and muddled chili.

The Golden Buddha

Jaya at The Setai {2001 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 855.923.7899}

A cathedral of Asian and Indian dining at The Setai is Jaya helmed by Chef Viijay Veena. He incorporates this tangy fruit into the Yellowtail Mango Roll made with yellowtail, scallions, local neighborhood mango, and sushi rice.

Yellowtail Mango Roll

Los Fuegos by Francis Mallmann {3201 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 786.655.5600}

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 specialties like Oxtail Croquettes and Tortilla de Papa for appetizers. But it’s the desserts that keep things tropical with the vanilla profiterole with grilled mango.

26 Sushi & Tapas {9487 Harding Avenue, Surfside; 305.570.2626}

Since 2014, 26 Sushi & Tapas has remained one of the Miami dining scene’s best kept secrets. The Latin-Asian fusion eatery is a 100 percent certified kosher restaurant serving the vibrant, flavorful Japanese-Peruvian cuisine known as Nikkei. But those in the know—kosher or otherwise—have embraced the restaurant for its casually chic ambience, wallet-friendly pricing, and delicious cuisine. Now, in celebration of Miami’s everlasting summer, the restaurant unveils a refreshed menu featuring creative additions to abundant offerings perfect for the season. The Sushi Sandwich, meant to be eaten with the hands, consists of salmon, mango, avocado, scallion, and dynamite sauce, layered between “slices” of pressed rice, served with guava dipping sauce.

The Sushi Sandwich

By Sara Liss, contributing writer

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11:24 pm
Restaurant Features
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A Product of JW Marriott Miami

After a two-year-long, multi-million dollar renovation, the JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa proudly unveils its brand new amenities and updated facade. Boasting a world class spa, two championship golf courses, elevated retail outlets , two pools, meeting spaces, five restaurants, a swanky bar, and now its own water-park, this premiere luxury resort in Aventura has become the ultimate vacation destination. The newly added 16-story Orchid Tower shines with an ivory and art deco finish while nearly doubling the resort’s room capacity. Along with upgrades to the main lobby, the addition of two new dining concepts—Surf House Bar & Grille and Freestyle—and other design enhancements throughout, the resort has a more contemporary feel and offers something for every one of its guests.

Freestyle

The sprawling 300-acre property has no shortage of things to do, eat or drink. Director of Culinary, Chef Gordon Maybury, who oversees the resort’s restaurants, has a passion for sourcing local ingredients and keeping each concept distinct. He’s so committed in fact, that he has helped spearhead establishing a chef’s garden and an apiary on property. This allows the culinary team to bring guests farm-to-table freshness quite literally from their own lush backyard. Picking from the various fresh herbs, citrus, fruits and honey now available, the chefs and bartenders are able to create innovative dishes and cocktails while minimizing the resort’s carbon footprint and reliance on outsourced suppliers.

Surf House Bar & Grill

Upon entering the resort’s brand new tropical oasis that is Tidal Cove water-park, vacation vibes wash over you. Tidal Cove is also home to the resort’s aforementioned new eateries: Surf House Bar & Grill and, its casual grab-and-go counterpart, Freestyle. Chef Maybury explains that he wanted to convey a “unique dining experience representative of our South Florida locale.” Freestyle is the perfect stop for grabbing a slice of pizza or some sandwiches and salads to enjoy poolside. There’s even freshly scooped gelato and a variety of other snacks to satisfy any cravings throughout the day.

Soff’s bar pays homage to the legacy of its namesake and tells the story of the city’s rich history… [and] showcases classic libations but with distinguishing twists, such as the Smoked Old Fashioned.

Right next door is Surf House Bar & Grill, where mom and dad can enjoy some local brews and watch while the kids catch some waves on the FlowRider ®Triple, a surfing simulator. Find beachy staples on the menu like poke, char-grilled octopus, shrimp ceviche, and a mouthwatering blackened mahi-mahi sandwich. Chef Maybury proudly adds, “We utilized local, fresh ingredients to build an innovative menu…while also speaking to the lighthearted spirit of a water-park experience.” Cool off and kick back with a wide variety of tropical drinks ranging from the Caipirinha to the Moscow Mule, and what’s a Florida vacation without frozen delights like a Frosé or a Piña Colada?

Shrimp Pasta, CORSAIR Kitchen & Bar

Swapping poolside views for the evergreen golf course, CORSAIR kitchen & bar satisfies any appetite for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or weekend brunch. The expansive indoor dining room, with some terrace seats alongside the green, offers Chef Maybury’s take on light American comfort food. A wide range of casual contemporary classics include burgers, salads, flat-breads, freshly grilled seafood, steaks, and more. The real standout here, however, is “The 52” brunch. This rotating menu features seven core dishes that change ingredients every single weekend, providing a different experience for all 52 weekends of the year. If that’s not enough to wow, how about the Bloody Mary Bar featuring 52 ingredients to choose from?

BOURBON STEAK

The property’s signature restaurant, BOURBON STEAK Miami by award-winning Chef Michael Mina, is celebrating its 12th year this winter. With two sommeliers on staff, 500 award-winning wines, a vast selection of whiskey, bourbon, and of course premiere cuts of beef, BOURBON STEAK is a renowned classic. Steakhouse though it is, brace yourself for a little laid back fun. Amusing menu twists include the kitchen’s signature french fries with an array of dipping sauces in lieu of bread service, or the table-side presentations that accompany certain dishes like the Lobster Pot Pie, for dinner and a show.

Soff’s bar

Part of the resort’s expansive renovations also included a complete overhaul of the guest arrival experience in the lobby, which now includes a bar. Named after famed real estate mogul Don Soffer, who transformed the city of Aventura into the coveted vacation destination it is today, Soff’s bar pays homage to the legacy of its namesake and tells the story of the city’s rich history. Tactful black and white snapshots of Soffer with celebrities and other notable names and faces adorn the walls, while jewel-tone plush velvet couches and gold hardware accents lend a glamorous vintage feel. The menu, done in collaboration with esteemed artisans from Miami’s The Cocktail Cartel, showcases classic libations but with distinguishing twists, such as the Smoked Old Fashioned.

Now with more dining and imbibing destinations than ever before, this resort and country club seamlessly allows its guests to experience a multitude of amenities. From swimsuit to power suit, the newly debuted JW Marriott Turnberry Resort & Spa has reinvented itself yet again, and we think it’s their best look yet.

By Chelsea Olson

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10:52 am
Restaurant Features
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Washington Avenue’s new boutique property unveils a re-imagined hotel and a New England seafood concept this fall

Marc Lawrence of the Angler’s Hotel

When hotelier Marc Lawrence and his late brother, Eric, first purchased what would become the Angler’s Hotel in 2005, they did so with the intention of turning it into a condo hotel. But, with the economic crash that followed the completion and delivery of the property, they found themselves on course for a new kind of adventure: as hotel owners located on, what was then, the less-than-desirable Washington Avenue.

“With Washington Avenue in real disrepair, people thought we were crazy at the time for taking such a big risk,” says Lawrence, head of LBL Group, the full-service real estate company also founded by the two brothers. “The storefronts were blighted, the street was all but forgotten, and the once historic hotel had fallen into disarray. It was truly sad. But we took a leap of faith, and today, Angler’s is a shining mark on the now re-emerging destination.”

Fast forward to 2019, and the area’s checkered past is barely a memory. Now managed and operated by Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, Kimpton Angler’s shines at the corner of Sixth Street and Washington Avenue, serving as the anchor for South Beach’s historic district.

With the help of the Washington Avenue Business Improvement District, on which Lawrence proudly serves as a board member, and a variety of incentives put in place by a Blue Ribbon Panel, Washington Avenue is transforming into a thoughtfully curated destination neighborhood complete with new hotels, boutique shopping, inviting restaurants, the New World Symphony & Soundscape Park, museums, and The Fillmore Miami Beach. As for Kimpton Angler’s, the sophisticated hotel has become Miami’s chic retreat in the center of it all where past meets present.

The story of today’s Kimpton Angler’s Hotel unfolds with a stunning design inspired by Miami’s rich heritage celebrated throughout the original historic hotel and the new building that opened in 2018. Together, the two buildings house 132 guest rooms, living room lobby, meeting and event spaces, and the panoramic rooftop pool and sun deck. Popular among locals and visitors alike, this pet-friendly property is quickly becoming known for its relaxed Minnow Bar with a creative spirits-focused menu of herb-infused cocktails and indoor and outdoor seating, making it ideal for people-watching. Guests also love the outstanding service and approachable vibe.

Serving as a bespoke “hotel within a hotel” with its loft-style duplexes and three-story poolside bungalows, the renovation and redesign of the historic building is set to be completed later this year, along with what will surely be Washington Avenue’s new pride and joy—Seawell Fish n’ Oyster.

“We’re going to be a New England-inspired seafood restaurant,” Lawrence says. “We’re filling a niche, and since I’m from the northeast, we’re doing food that I love. When you talk about lobster rolls, fish, and all different kinds of clams, crabs, and of course, oysters—seafood staples that aren’t really around South Florida—that’s what we’re going to bring here. I’m psyched about it!”

After the completed renovations and Seawell Fish n’ Oyster are unveiled later this year, this South Beach gem will have even more reasons to keep guests coming back again and again.

Lawrence added, “Angler’s is like a refuge—when people come here, they can see that both the guests and the employees are happy. We have a cool, chill vibe that is welcoming and genuine. I feel so blessed and grateful to be a part of it.”

By Jennifer Agress, contributing writer

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11:25 am
Events Tips and Trends
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Here’s where you’ll be celebrating this legendary spirit

This week on August 16, National Rum Day is celebrated far and wide on many horizons, and we’ve got the best spots in Miami to pay homage to this legendary spirit. It helps that this year the holiday lands on a Friday—we can’t think of a better way to usher in the weekend than with one of these refreshing cocktails.

Vista Miami

Vista Miami {5020 Northeast Second Avenue, Miami; 305.405.7547}

The excellent mixologists at Upper Buena Vista’s idyllic spot Vista Miami are rolling out week-long specials in honor of the spirit, but we’re most taken with the Saratoga made with Havana Club rum, melon, Miel de Santo, and lime.

Matador Bar at the Miami Beach EDITION {2901 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 786.257.4600}

Made with Havana Club Anejo Rum, St. George Coffee Liqueur, espresso, cardamom demerara, toasted pecan, banana foam, and nutmeg, the Stay Woke cocktail will do just that and keep you going all night long. Inspired by the fortune teller of the same name that has been roaming Miami Beach since the 1960s, the Ms. Clair Voyant is made with Banks 7 rum, Overproof rum, Spanish brandy, Cognac, green tea, pineapple, pink lemon, orange, aromatic spices, and clarified milk.

Malibu Farm Miami Beach {4525 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.674.5579}

Enjoy unbeatable ocean views while sipping on two of this waterfront restaurant’s most popular drinks, the Mint and the Coconut. Malibu Farm’s take on the classic mojito, the Mint is made with rum, mint ginger agave, lime, and club soda; while the Coconut is a refreshingly tropical cocktail made with toasted coconut-infused rum, coconut agave, and pineapple juice.

Sugar {788 Brickell Plaza, No. 40, Miami; 786.805.4655}

If you’re looking to celebrate National Rum Day enjoying an unforgettable view of Brickell, be sure to stop by EAST and visit Miami’s infamous rooftop bar Sugar for their signature drink, the Peony. One of the rooftop oasis’ most popular rum cocktails, the Peony features vodka, dark rum, cream of coconut, pineapple, and citrus.

MO Bar + Lounge at Mandarin Oriental {500 Brickell Key Drive, Miami; 305.913.8358}

There aren’t any beaches in Hialeah, but if there were, everyone would be sipping a Hialeah Beach on the sand. The Caribbean-inspired drink combines aged rum, pineapple marmalade, allspice, lime juice, and honey.

By Sara Liss, contributing writer

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1:37 pm
Restaurant Features
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The latest room package includes up to three complimentary Miami Spice meals

Miami Spice is an exciting time in the Magic City. Giving locals and visitors yet another reason to check out Miami’s mouthwatering restaurant scene, these tasty two months of the year are when the city’s most popular, and often most expensive, restaurants offer three-course lunch, brunch, and dinner menus for just $23 and $39 per person, respectively. This year, guests can couple Miami’s most iconic restaurant deal with its most iconic hotel! Thanks to the Fontainebleau Miami Beach’s new Spice & Stay Package, you have no reason not to indulge in both.

Fontainebleau Miami Beach {4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 800.548.8886}

The deal is simple: Stay at the Fontainebleau between August 15 and September 30, and for every night you stay, you’ll get a free Miami Spice dinner for two at Scarpetta by Scott Conant, StripSteak by Michael Mina, or Hakkasan. These are the hotel’s three signature restaurants, and where you choose to take advantage of the deal is completely up to you. In addition to meals, you’ll get an Ocean View room or higher, complimentary overnight valet for one vehicle, and a copy of the “Little Bleau Book”—which offers coupons and savings throughout the hotel—when you check in. The best part? Rooms start at just $249 a night.*

MIAMI SPICE CUISINE

As it goes every year, the Miami Spice 2019 offerings at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach won’t disappoint. Guests of Scarpetta, the hotel’s world-renowned destination for Italian fine dining, can choose from options like its famous Spaghetti, Mediterranean Octopus with smoked crema, and the Amedei Bar dessert with a hazelnut crunch, passion fruit, and praline ice cream. If a steak dinner is more your style, StripSteak by Michael Mina will offer choices like “Instant Bacon”—braised pork belly with smoked pineapple and radish salad—Salmon Bourguignon, the 8-ounce Moyer Farms Filet Mignon with a charred onion soubise, and housemade Key Lime Pie with a blackberry-ginger frozen yogurt.

Mediterranean Octopus at Scarpetta

The best Miami Spice offer of all, however, is undoubtedly at Hakkasan. Both the lunch and dinner menu requires a two-guest minimum, and for good reason: all appetizers and entrées are brought to the table and served family-style, so guests get a taste of everything on the menu. On weekends, Miami Spice ties in with the restaurant’s popular Dim Sum Lunch, serving top dishes like Hakkasan’s Dim Sum Basket, Sautéed Shanghai Pak Choi with Mushroom, and Stir-Fry Udon Noodles with Duck and Black Pepper. On the dinner menu, find plates like Beef Fried Brown Rice, Sautéed Diced Chicken in a black pepper sauce, and Steamed Snapper with green ginger. Both menus let guests pick their choice of an individual dessert, either the Mango Custard with coconut sorbet or the Black Sesame Cheesecake with blackberry yuzu sherbet. 

Dim Sum Basket at Hakkasan

Miami Spice dinner menus will be available at Scarpetta by Scott Conant, StripSteak by Michael Mina, and Hakkasan every night of the week. Hakkasan will also offer a Miami Spice lunch menu on Saturdays and Sundays only.

*In order to take advantage of this deal, bookings must be made before September 30 and stays must happen between August 15 and September 30. Each stay can only be a maximum of three nights. Bookings can be made here. Use the promo code “SPICESTAY” to get the deal. Blackout dates: August 30-31, September 1, and September 22-23. Nightly room rates exclude tax and gratuity.

By Jennifer Agress, contributing writer

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11:36 am
Restaurant Features
0

Three Miami Spice Restaurants with killer views

Looking for a little ambience to go with your Miami Spice meal? Read below for a few of our favorite places to find great food and a great view.

The Rusty Pelican

The Rusty Pelican {3201 Rickenbacker Causeway, Key Biscayne; 305.361.3818}

Whether or not you sit inside or outside at The Rusty Pelican, you’ll still be able to see its million-dollar waterfront views. Located right on Biscayne Bay, the restaurant boasts floor-to-ceiling windows, a hot bayfront patio, and a contemporary American menu. If you’re there during Miami Spice, pair those views with Grilled Marinated Octopus, Lamb Ribs with chorizo crumbs and mint pea purée, Roasted Corvina with royal osetra caviar cream, or the six-hour braised Short Rib with truffle orecchiette pasta mac n’ cheese. Order the Florida-inspired Coconut Flan for dessert and trust us: you’re in paradise. 

Seaspice {422 Northwest North River Drive, Miami; 305.440.4200}

Sitting in an airy boathouse on the banks of the Miami River, Seaspice brings a slice of Saint-Tropez to Miami. Grab a seat on the deck at sunset and take it all in—the Miami skyline, yachts anchoring right at the restaurant, and, in true Magic City fashion, beautiful people-watching. When it comes to the food, choose appetizers like Crispy Tempura Squash Blossoms or Cauliflower Soup, and follow it up with Beef Wellington or Pan-Seared Local Black Grouper with leek fondue. End on a sweet note with Affogato with snickerdoodle or Caramelized Peaches with sweet corn ice cream.

Sawa Restaurant & Lounge {360 San Lorenzo Avenue, Suite 1500, Coral Gables; 305.447.6555}

Located in the palm-clad courtyard of the Shops of Merrick Park, Sawa Restaurant & Lounge combines a delicious Mediterranean-Japanese fusion menu with an idyllic setting amongst Merrick Park’s sophisticated shops. Start with appetizers like Vegan Ceviche or the Red is Virtuous/White is Sacred sushi roll. For your main dish, Paella Negra, Achiote-Rubbed Sous-Vide Short Ribs, Duck a la Ble, Salmon Casino, and the IBA 2.0 Roll with eel are all popular Miami Spice options. Finish with a delectable dessert, like the mango and strawberry Panna Cotta Duo, the Mini Cannoli Trio, or the Chocolate Mousse Cake Deluxe, and your palate will be as pleased as your eyes.

By Jennifer Agress, contributing writer

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11:08 am
Restaurant Features
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Miami Spice lunch deals you can’t refuse

It’s lunchtime in Miami! So where do you go? From August 1 to September 30, these restaurants promise the best bang for your Miami Spice buck. 

Plant Miami

Plant Miami {105 Northeast 24 Street, Wynwood; 305.814.5365}

Don’t let the word “plant” deter you—Plant Miami serves flavorful plant-based cuisine like you’ve never had before! The appetizer options include Smashed Avocado with cilantro and sunflower chia seed crisps, soup, or the Som Tam Salad with green papaya and housemade sesame-ginger dressing. After that, move on to mains like Kale & Avocado Salad, Sesame Ginger Noodles, or the Rainbowl with sprouted beans, quinoa, tahini, eggplant, kimchi, and a red pepper-tahini dressing. Round out the meal on a sweet note with a surprise from Pastry Chef Veronica Manolizi: Cheesecake inspired by the season’s best flavors.

Plant Miami’s Miami Spice lunch menu will be available Monday through Friday.

Novikov Miami {300 South Biscayne Boulevard, Downtown Miami; 305.489.1000}

When it comes to Miami Spice, this snazzy London transplant won’t disappoint. Head to Novikov Miami for lunch and take advantage of its varied menu. Think: appetizers like Spicy Salmon Maki, Wild Baby Squid, and Saffron and Sweetcorn Dim Sum, followed by Robata Salmon, Black Bean Chicken, Pork Ribs with ginger and sesame, or Vegetarian Singapore Noodle for your main dish. Desserts like Key Lime Tapioca and Umeshu Black Forest are different enough to satisfy every palate, bringing Novikov’s Miami Spice lunch menu to ten options in total.

Novikov’s Miami Spice lunch menu will be available Sunday through Friday.

Hakkasan {4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 786.276.1388}

Dim sum lunch is the best lunch—and Hakkasan whips enough up for two. During Miami Spice, head to the iconic Fontainebleau Miami Beach and enjoy a family-style lunch that begins with a dim sum basket of Chinese Chive Shrimp Dumplings, Spinach Beef Shui Mai with Crab Roe, and Seared Foie Gras Chicken Dumplings. Next up, indulge in plates of Baked Spicy Chicken Thigh with Cumin, Sautéed Shanghai Pak Choi with Mushroom, and Stir-Fry Udon Noodles with Duck and Black Pepper, also served family-style. End the meal with your choice of Mango Custard or Black Sesame Cheesecake, and you’re in for a treat.

Hakkasan’s Miami Spice lunch menu will be available on Saturday and Sunday only.

Boulud Sud Miami {255 Biscayne Boulevard Way, Downtown Miami; 305.421.8800}

Located on the bottom floor of the JW Marriott Marquis, Daniel Boulud’s coastal Mediterranean eatery, Boulud Sud, offers an expansive Miami Spice menu that brings out the flavors of Spain, Italy, Greece, Turkey, France, and more. Start with appetizers like Corn Soup or the “Horiatiki” Classic Greek Salad, and move on to your choice of Grilled Skirt Steak with mejadra rice, Branzino a la Plancha, Moroccan Shakshouka with a soft-poached hen egg, or Chicken Souvlaki with pita and tzatziki. Don’t leave without dessert, which is an absolute must here. Choose from Torrijas with a berry compote and sangría sorbet, Double Chocolate Mousse Cake, or Tiramisu Sundae with ladyfingers and coffee gelato.  

By Jennifer Agress, contributing writer

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10:42 am
Restaurant Features
0

Call Me Gaby {22 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.531.4800}

Who is Gaby? It’s not just one woman, but all women who are elegant, strong, stylish, talented, and of course, show no mercy in the kitchen—especially when it comes to Pinsa Romana-style pizza! At Call Me Gaby, located in the South of Fifth neighborhood, owners Cathy and Anthony take you on a journey where a taste of Italy meets the South of France. The cozy and romantic décor with light wood, rustic furniture, and striped umbrellas truly capture the essence of the French Riviera. And, the charm doesn’t stop with the ambience, but rather is carried over to their signature dishes where the ingredients are mostly imported from Italy.

At Call Me Gaby, it’s all about the dough—incredibly fulfilling and delicious, yet won’t leave you feeling overly stuffed! How is that possible? Well, the dough undergoes a 72 hour leavening process as part of a centuries old tradition. The end result of this process is an incredibly light, airy, easy to digest, and mouthwatering dough that’s not only used for their Pinsa, but even their homemade focaccia and decadent dessert pizzas!

As you enjoy the crispy and fresh-out-of-the-oven focaccia, sip on your favorite Italian wine or pair it with a signature cocktail, such as the Gaby Margarita, a lychee martini, or the Black Forest Manhattan made with Rye whiskey infused with berries, sweet vermouth, and chocolate bitters.

Fresh out of the oven Focaccia

When it comes to the menu at Call Me Gaby, leave your passport behind, but fasten your seatbelt for a tastebud trip to Italy! Start your meal with the kitchen’s take on an antipasti served in a mason jar or with the refreshing watermelon salad served in the rind topped with goat cheese, mint, lemon zest, and pistachio crumble. Authentic is the word that comes to mind when describing the fare at Call Me Gaby and that rings true for one Italian favorite—the meatballs. As the Pot of Meatballs is placed on the table the fragrant smell of the homemade dish with whipped ricotta and chives follows, and you won’t be able to refrain from saying, “mmm!”

And, the “mmm” moments continue with Call Me Gaby’s homemade pastas and acclaimed pizzas. The girl-powered pizza shop, names all its pies after strong women. Find pizzas like the Andrea, made with Fig jam, fresh stracciatella, speck Alto Adige, and fresh rosemary; The Carla, made with mortadella, basil pesto, and pistachio crumble; or the Barbara, made with pumpkin cream, pancetta, smoked mozzarella, and shaved Pecorino-Romano. These are just a few of the adventurous and creative Pinsa pies on offer.

And of course, there are classic pizzas on the menu like the Romana with San Marzano tomatoes, anchovies, capers, black olives, and imported extra virgin olive oil; and the Diavola with San Marzano tomatoes, Fior di Latte, calabrese salami, and extra virgin olive oil.

After dinner, head to the lounge area for dessert and a nightcap. Whether you’re looking for a classic dessert like the tiramisù, the chocolate lava cake, or a dessert pizza, it’s sure to be nothing short of deliciously elegant. In the words of CoCo Chanel, “A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous.” This is what Call Me Gaby is all about. Is it a coincidence that the French fashion designer’s first name was Gaby? We think not!

By Loren Gutentag, contributing writer

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5:45 pm
Tips and Trends
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Four Miami Spice Restaurants for Couples

Jaya at The Setai

With 200-plus restaurants offering three-course dinners for just $39 per person, Miami Spice is one of the best times of year to treat your special someone to an extravagant night out on the town. But with so many great restaurants, how do you know where to go? That’s where we come in. Read below for our favorite date-worthy restaurants on the Miami Spice list.

Pao by Paul Qui {3201 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 786.655.5630}

James Beard Award-winning chef and restaurateur, Paul Qui, runs a sexy Asian restaurant in the extravagant Faena Hotel—and its sultry hues, whimsical unicorn statue, and intimate ambience make it a great place for a date night. Go during Miami Spice, and you and your S.O. can enjoy a three-course meal with Kinilaw, Pao’s popular Fried Chicken with roasted banana ketchup, Mushroom Bistek, Sisig Rice with crispy pork and fried egg, and for dessert, Elderflower Peach Sorbet with almond baba and Concord grape syrup.
*Miami Spice dinner at Pao by Paul Qui will be available every Tuesday through Saturday, from August 1 through September 30.

Café Roval {5808 Northeast 4 Court, Miami; 786.953.7850}

With its coral-rock walls, antique chandeliers, torchlit patio, and cascading waterfall, the Mediterranean-inspired Café Roval is definitely one of Miami’s most romantic restaurants. During Miami Spice, treat your special someone to appetizers like barbecued cobia Kebabs with manouri cheese or Buttone with braised lamb neck and green olives, followed by Gnocchi with rabbit sausage, Whole Orata with a fava bean labneh, or a Mixed Grill Platter with urfa peppers and tarator sauce. Finish the meal with Chocolate Marsala Cake, a Macadamia Nut Tart, or a Roasted Strawberry and Coconut Sorbet, and leave with a happy heart and a full stomach.
*Miami Spice dinner at Café Roval will be available every Sunday through Thursday, from August 1 through September 30.

Jaya at The Setai {2001 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 855.923.7899}

The Setai, Miami Beach is like an Asian temple, and inside, Jaya at The Setai serves a menu of Indian-inspired fare with Thai, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Vietnamese influences. Grab a seat in the intimate dining room, or for a real romantic ambience, opt for a candlelit table by the hotel’s courtyard zen pond. Appetizers like Hamachi with avocado mousse and Chive or Truffle Dumplings are on the menu, as well as main dishes like Faroe Island Salmon with cardamom-scented sweet potato purée, Green Curry vegetables, Lamb Masala, and a tandoor-baked Chilean Sea Bass. For a romantic ending, get the Textures of Valrhona Chocolate with milk chocolate mousse, chocolate nib crumble, white chocolate snow, and chocolate sorbet, or the Masala Chai Crème Brûlée with chai-infused custard and a spiced chantilly.
*Miami Spice dinner at Jaya at The Setai will be available every night of the week, from August 1 through September 30. 

Palme d’Or {1200 Anastasia Avenue, Coral Gables; 305.913.3189}

As if The Biltmore wasn’t alluring enough, try its signature French restaurant and you’ll never want to leave. Helmed by Michelin-star Chef Gregory Pugin, Palme d’Or serves haute French cuisine in an elegant, vintage setting. Start with appetizers like Pan-Seared Lump Crab Cake with a curry aïoli or Pate de Foie Gras with brioche chips and buttery sautéed apples. From there, move on to Roasted Duck Breast with a wild berry gastrique or the Marinated Flat Iron Steak with shishito peppers and a pink peppercorn sauce. The desserts are sure to be as sweet as your other half—think: Madagascar Vanilla Cream with soft caramel, Chocolate Fondant Cake, or a Macaroon Tart with pineapple compote and mango sauce.
*Miami Spice dinner at Palme d’Or will be available every Tuesday through Saturday, from August 1 through September 30. 

By Jennifer Agress, contributing writer

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