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Home / 2019 (Page 7)

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Restaurant Features
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Check out the latest dining news and events, all happening in Miami this week

Lobster Bar Sea Grille Miami Beach

Here is this week’s Miami food news:

Tuesday, June 11: Southern Tuscany Wine Dinner at Lobster Bar Sea Grille Miami Beach
Head to Lobster Bar Sea Grille Miami Beach {404 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.377.2675} and enjoy a five-course dinner paired with wines from Castello Banfi in Montalcino, Italy! The special night will begin with a sparkling wine reception at 6:30 p.m., and move on to a seated dinner at 7 p.m. This dinner is priced at $99 per person, excluding tax and gratuity.

Thursday, June 13: Miami Spice Mash-Up at Swan
Miami Spice will kick off with its popular Miami Spice Mash-Up Series. Starting at 7 p.m. at Swan, the first event of the series will be a one-night-only collaboration between Chef Benjamin Goldman of Planta South Beach and Chef Carlos Torres of Swan. The three-course meal will feature two dishes per course—one from each chef—and each course will be paired with a cocktail from Miami Spice sponsor ABSOLUT® JUICE Strawberry & Apple. This dinner is priced at $75 per person, excluding tax and gratuity.

Sunday, June 16: Pizza Sundays at Sardinia Enoteca Ristorante
Head to Sardinia Enoteca Ristorante {1801 Purdy Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.531.2228} and get $10 pizzas all day long.

Sunday, June 16: Happy Father’s Day!
This Sunday is a day to toast to everyone’s favorite guy: D-A-D. Find out our favorite places to celebrate here.

Happy dining!

By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor

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Restaurant Features
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So you better get to Ocean Drive and order a slice

In America, we don’t mess around with pie. They’re a must-have at Thanksgiving dinners. They come in so many flavors, with so many different fillings, crusts, and toppings. Take that tradition down to South Florida, and we don’t mess around with our own version of the classic: Key Lime Pie.

Built into the Art Deco architecture Ocean Drive is known for is A Fish Called Avalon {700 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach; 305.532.1727}, another South Florida classic. A celebrated landmark for more than 30 years, this restaurant has become known for its romantic Atlantic Ocean views, perfect Ocean Drive location, and of course, Executive Chef Kal Abdalla’s exquisite sea-inspired cuisine. With its 1955 Oldsmobile convertible parked right out front, which just happens to be one of the most photographed vintage cars in America, its façade is undeniable. Add that to the fact that A Fish Called Avalon has served as the backdrop for scenes in some classic American films—like Scarface, Miami Vice, Sydney Pollack’s film Random Hearts, Old Dogs, and most recently, Will Smith’s Bad Boys 3—and this corner restaurant is pretty much a Miami Beach icon.

Just recently, one classic paired with another and magic happened. At the 25th Annual National Pie Championships®, which was hosted by the American Pie Council, A Fish Called Avalon’s Pecan Crusted Key Lime Pie dessert won the national title of “Best Key Lime Pie.” Taking place in Orlando, this event brought 470 amateur, professional, and commercial pie bakers from around the country together to compete in front of 200 professional judges from the United States and Canada.

Pecan Crusted Key Lime Pie from A Fish Called Avalon

Adding to a long list of the restaurant’s accolades, like OpenTable “Diner’s Choice” Winner and earning TripAdvisor’s 2018 Certificate of Excellence, having the “Best Key Lime Pie” gives foodies one more reason to visit the classic establishment. Per its team, sit down at A Fish Called Avalon and add to your dessert experience by pairing a slice of its award-winning Pecan Crusted Key Lime Pie with a French Gewurztraminer. Don’t have time to sit and indulge? Get that same award-winning pie to go. At A Fish Called Avalon, the world is your oyster—or in this case, a slice of Key Lime Pie.

Happy dining!

By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor

9:00 am
Recipes
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From The Pubbelly Boys’ newest Miami addition, La Placita

Just in time for summer, Miami’s new Puerto Rican hit, La Placita {6789 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami; 305.400.8173}, has come up with a cocktail that will help us all survive that South Florida heat. It’s called Anibal “Secret Punch,” and we know the secret to why it’s so good. Check out the recipe, below!

Here’s how it’s made:

Add 3/4 ounces El Sembrador Guanabana Pulp, 3/4 ounces pomegranate syrup, 1 ounce lemon juice, 1/2 ounce tangerine juice, and 2 ounces New Amsterdam vodka to a shaker. Fill it with ice and shake. Strain the mixture into a Red Solo® Cup, over more ice. Garnish with both an orange wheel and a lime wheel.

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Restaurant Features
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Check out the latest dining news and events, all happening in Miami this week

Plant Culinary

Here is this week’s Miami food news:

Tuesday, June 4: Lobster Feast at The River Seafood & Oyster Bar
Head to The River Seafood & Oyster Bar {650 S Miami Avenue, Brickell; 305.530.1915} for five different styles of lobster—like Fried Lobster Curry, Roasted Lobster with Anchovy Bread Crumbs, and the Lobster Fisherman’s Stew braised in a tomato-lobster broth—each priced at $24 apiece. All dishes are prepared with a 1 1/4 lb. hard-shell Maine lobster. This deal is available as early as 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, June 5: Cooking Class at Plant Culinary
Visit Plant Culinary, the cooking school within Plant Miami {105 NE 24th Street, Wynwood; 786.621.5006}, and let Chef Carla Martins show you how to make a three-course Mexican feast! All dishes will be raw, and the menu includes Horchata, Chiles Rellenos, Tacos, and Churros. Just come as you are, and Plant Culinary will provide all the equipment and ingredients you need. This class runs from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Admission is priced at $125 per person, excluding ticket fees.

Thursday, June 6: Half-Off Wine at Sawa Restaurant & Lounge
Hangout at Sawa Restaurant & Lounge {360 San Lorenzo Avenue #1500, Coral Gables; 305.447.6555} and get 50% off all bottles of wine all night long. This deal is available from 7 p.m. to Midnight.

Friday, June 7: Scotch O’Clock Fridays at Sardinia Enoteca Ristorante
Every Friday, enjoy a nice glass of scotch during a beat-the-clock happy hour at Sardinia Enoteca Ristorante {1801 Purdy Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.531.2228}. The deal runs from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., and the scotch is priced according to the time you place the order. (For example, if you order it at 6 p.m., it costs $6; if you order it at 7 p.m., it costs $7; etc.) The types of scotch on tap include: JW Black, Dewars 12, Buchanan 12, and Chivas.

Saturday, June 8: National Rosé Day
Rosé all day! Find out where to celebrate this national holiday here.

Happy dining!

By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor

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Culinary Personalities
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From the Spring 2019 print issue

Master Chef Hing Fing Chan of MR CHOW Miami Beach

DiningOut: What drew you to a career in cooking?
Hing Fung Chan: At first, being a chef was just a job for me. However, after a while, I became more and more intrigued with cooking, especially as I started to learn new skills and cooking techniques. To this day, I still love learning new cooking techniques.

You formally began your cooking career in 1992 in your hometown of Hong Kong. What were some valuable lessons that you learned back then?
When I started my career in 1992, I worked very closely with veteran chefs whose teaching techniques were authoritative and strict. The younger chefs would be scolded for minor mistakes in the kitchen. When I look back at it, I really appreciate their teaching methods since it has shaped me to become the chef I am today.

How did you come across MR CHOW’s radar?
I was referred by a well-known chef in Hong Kong.

You were a part of the opening team at MR CHOW Miami back in 2009. Ten years later, the restaurant is still thriving, a feat many restaurants don’t accomplish. What is the secret to success here?
MR CHOW’s success lies in the food and those who make it. We only use the highest standard of ingredients, and we never cut corners. The same can be said about MR CHOW’s chefs. We are very disciplined and must go through rigorous training before becoming part of the MR CHOW team.

During your career at MR CHOW, you’ve also helped integrate chefs coming from Hong Kong and Shanghai to Miami. How do you help ease the transition?
Since I experienced first-hand moving from Hong Kong to the United States, I understand the difficulties of such an intense transition. The most difficult aspect is learning a new language, which just takes time and practice. Additionally, I like to take new chefs under my wing and help them adjust to the different U.S. culinary methods.

How have you seen the Miami dining scene evolve over this past decade?
I think Miami has changed a lot in the past 10 years, especially on the culinary scene. I’m proud that MR CHOW has withstood many of the changes. I would like to think it is because of our quality of service and cuisine.

How do you plan on celebrating the 10th anniversary of MR CHOW Miami?
I plan on celebrating with my fellow coworkers over a nice dinner.

Happy dining!

By DiningOut Miami Editors

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Culinary Personalities
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From our Spring 2019 print issue

With a culinary career that spans the kitchens of India and Switzerland, Vijayudu Veena presents a style like no other. Overseeing all culinary operations of The Setai, chef Veena introduces the history of ancient spice trading routes by way of pan-Asian dishes at Jaya {2001 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 855.923.7899}, while simultaneously flexing his prowess over both land, sea, and everything Americana at The Ocean Grill. Did we mention he also has a hand in The Lobby Bar and The Courtyard? In between changing hats, we caught up chef Veena on his illustrious career and the constant draw of Jaya.

DiningOut: Who was influential to your cooking career?

Vijay Veena: There are many influences to my cooking including my parents, mentors, and chefs that I’ve worked with, like Floyd Cardoz for the NYT Cooking Series dinner for SOBEWFF.

What is your essential cooking tool in the kitchen?

Here at Jaya, it’s the wok.

What new dishes are you cooking up at Jaya this season?

Since we are so very focused on the freshest seasonal items, we will be introducing summer-inspired ingredients that are still in-line with our Southeast Asian cuisine and authentic cooking techniques.

Any pairings you would recommend?

Sakes are refreshing at this time, as well as our signature cocktails; all of which were selected and created to pair well with our menu items.

As a veteran of The Setai since 2008, what do you think is the one thing that keeps people coming back?

Listening to the guests and our service. I think that it has been the success formula for our property, since we have been awarded the Forbes Five Star for the fifth year in a row.

Happy dining!

DiningOut Miami Editors

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Restaurant Features
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Check out the latest dining news and events, all happening in Miami this week

Here is this week’s Miami food news:

Wednesday, May 29: Wine Down Wednesdays at Wolfgang’s Steakhouse
From 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. every Wednesday, head to Wolfgang’s Steakhouse {315 South Biscayne Boulevard, Downtown Miami; 305.487.7130} and get $5 glasses of house wine.

Thursday, May 30: Thursday Night Dinner Party at Villa Azur Miami Beach
As early as 6:30 p.m. every Thursday, go to Villa Azur Miami Beach {309 23 Street, Miami Beach; 305.763.8688} for Miami’s fanciest, sexiest dinner fête. While you’re there, indulge in upscale Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, enjoy live music, party with dolled-up dancers and champagne parades, dance to beats by resident DJ Stephan M, and see Miami’s finest donning their finest—all until the wee hours of Friday morning. Reservations are required and can be made here.

Friday, May 31: Summer Fridays at Boulud Sud Miami
Every Friday this summer, get a free wine flight with the purchase of an appetizer at Boulud Sud Miami {255 Biscayne Boulevard Way, Downtown Miami; 305.421.8800}. Available from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m., all wines will be hand selected by the restaurant’s Head Sommelier, Daniel Chaviano, and the theme or region of the flight will change weekly. As if that weren’t enough, Boulud Sud Miami will also extend its Friday happy hour, offering guests $5 draught and bottled beers, $6 frozen cocktails, $8 wine by the glass, $9 cocktails, and $5 select bites from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Happy dining!

By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor

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Events Tips and Trends
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Mark your calendars for Saturday, June 8

Kiki on the River

Kiki on the River

Pay a visit to the Miami River’s chicest indoor/outdoor restaurant and lounge, Kiki on the River {450 NW North River Drive, Miami; 786.502.3243}, and you’ll feel like you’ve transported right to the Greek isles. Go there on National Rosé Day, and you’ll feel like you’re in paradise. On Saturday, June 8, grab your favorite people, snag a table on the Bougainvillea-draped terrace, and pair made-from-scratch Greek plates like Watermelon and Feta Salad and Salmon Saganaki with $50 bottles of Whispering Angel rosé. Opa! This deal will be available on Saturday, June 8, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

American Social

Is there anything better than rosé on a hot summer day? (Okay, okay… maybe rosé and a yacht.) Head to Brickell favorite, American Social {690 SW 1 Court, Brickell; 305.223.7004} for $8 glasses of 3 by Wade California Rosé. Fitting in with the restaurant’s elevated sports bar atmosphere, this wine is from NBA legend Dwayne Wade’s private label. This deal will be available on Saturday, June 8, from 11 a.m. to 3 a.m.

Nikki Beach Miami

At Nikki Beach Miami {1 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach; 305.538.1111}, life is always a party! On June 8, celebrate National Rosé Day with “Rosé at the Disco.” During this roller disco-themed fête, there will be $5 glasses of rosé, $25 rosé bottles, live music by Felipe Kaval and Keidy, and other entertainment. The a la carte lunch menu will be available throughout, and there will even be a specialty drink: the $17 Froze in a Disco Ball with rosé, vodka, and blended organic berries. This deal will be available on Saturday, June 8, from Noon to 6 p.m.

Villa Azur

Hidden in the heart of South Beach, Villa Azur {309 23 Street, Miami Beach; 305.763.8688} brings the finest of dining, entertainment, music, and art all into one incredibly sexy place. Order plates of avant-garde French-Mediterranean fare, like Truffle French Ravioles with truffle carpaccio or Dover Sole with a preserved lemon vinaigrette, and pair it with your choice of an extensive list of rosés from France, Austria, and beyond. It’ll be one evening in Miami you won’t forget! Villa Azur opens at 6:30 p.m. nightly.

Happy dining!

By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor

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Restaurant Features
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Kiki on the River has daily specials to get you through it

Kiki on the River

At Kiki on the River {450 NW North River Drive, Miami; 786.502.3243}, ambiance is everything. Evoking the spirit of the Greek isles, this romantic, Bougainvillea-clad hotspot could be straight from the movies. Go there any day of the week, and you’ll find Miami’s illustrious “beautiful people” eating plate after plate of traditional Greek fare. No matter where you sit, you’re guaranteed a stunning view of the Miami River—so grab a seat amidst draping vines on the relaxed outdoor terrace or inside, by the floor-to-ceiling windows, and take advantages of the sexy spot’s must-try offers:

Get oysters and Champagne, served tableside

New for the weekend, Kiki on the River invites guests to try its oyster shucking cart! Available every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., an expert will bring the festive cart to your table, shuck 12 fresh oysters, and give you a bottle of Dom Perignon to wash it all down with. This offer is available for $250.

Celebrate Golden Hour.

Every Monday through Friday, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., guests can enjoy discounts on select drinks and bites. Find “Golden Hour Cocktails” like the Italian American Spritz with Tito’s vodka and Aperol, and the Cucumber Southside with Aviation Gin and Owens Mint Cucumber Lime Craft Mixer, both for $10. On the Golden Hour Bites menu, get $10 Assorted Spreads, $7 Greek Fries with feta, select oysters for $1.50 each, and more. Prices for drinks and bites vary.

Do Sunday dinner like Yia-Yia used to

Take your family dinner to Kiki! Every Sunday, this trendy dining destination offers Sunday Lamb Supper for up to six guests. The meal is served family-style and includes a whole leg of lamb and Kiki’s signature Lemon Potatoes. This offer is priced at $189 for the group.

Happy dining!

By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor

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Restaurant Features
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He will represent the Magic City at Grand Cochon in Chicago on September 15

Jorgie Ramos of BARLEY

With an afternoon that included nearly 600 people, The Biltmore Hotel {1200 Anastasia Avenue, Coral Gables; 855.454.0196}, 1,500 pounds of heritage breed pork raised on family farms, five competing chefs, a mixology competition, music by DJ Zima, and a sommelier “Somm Smackdown,” it’s safe to say that this year’s Cochon555 Miami was a success.

The main part of the event was the culinary competition, where contestants presented 30+ dishes (six from each chef), all made with one key ingredient: heritage breed pig. The five competing chefs were: Jorgie Ramos of BARLEY, Karla Hoyos of The Bazaar by Jose Andrés, Fernando Desa of Goya, Daniel Bouza of PokéBao, and Jimmy Lebron of 27 Restaurant & Bar. Using a Duroc/Berkshire/Chester White Cross Pig from Miami Purveyors, Chef Jorgie Ramos was named the “Prince of Pork.” His dishes? A mouthwatering menu that included Head & Trotters Croquetas with caramelized onions and brain soubise; Abuelas Empanada Gallega with chorizo, green peas, onion, relish, and patatas sofrito; Masa De Puerco with pineapple escabeche, avocado, red onion, Serrano peppers, and herbs; Butifarra Tortellini with sofrito fumet, sweet plantains, chorizo, yuca mofongo, and greens; La Caja China with frijoles negro, smoked manteca, and herbed yogurt; and Natilla Cubana with salted pork caramel, whipped pork lard merengue, and sugared chicharron.

Cochon555 also hosted two beverage competitions this year: Punch Kings presented by El Tesoro Tequila and the Somm Smackdown presented by Wines of Bordeaux and Germany. The first, a spirit competition that challenged five top barkeeps to make a whole-bottle punch for a panel of six notable judges, crowned Arleen Delima of Repour the winner. Her drink, “¡No pare, sigue, sigue!”, combined a whole bottle of El Tesoro™ Blanco Tequila with a pineapple shrub-tepache mix, fresh lemon juice, agave syrup and Xocolatl Mole Bitters. The Somm Smackdown presented by Wines of Bordeaux and Germany invited five top Miami sommeliers to select a favorite wine to pair with the dishes the competing chefs created. The competition was fierce—it involved Kirsta Grauberger of FallBall Group, Joseph Gewarges of Fontainebleau Miami Beach, Jen Schmitt of Zuma, Jacqueline Coleman of Biscayne Times and Let’s Eat Magazine, and Daniel Toral of 50 Eggs Hospitality Inc. Toral took home the trophy with his Kiralyudvar, 2016 Sparkling Furmint from Tokaji, Hungary and his Enderle & Mall, 2016 “Liaison” Pinot Noir from Baden, Germany.

Between the competing chefs, local Miami vendors, sweet surprises, and more, guests of Cochon555 had 40+ dishes to try, all paired with endless wines and handcrafted cocktails. Cochon555 Founder Brady Lowe bestowed the regional title to Chef Ramos—who will represent Miami at the national finale, Grand Cochon, on September 15, 2019 in Chicago.

Happy dining!

By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor