‘Tis the season, Miami. There may not be snow on the ground, but the holidays certainly bring a warm, giving spirit to our lives.
Because we at DiningOut are all about good food and drink, our gift guide centers around indulgences you can really sink your teeth into. Read up on our suggestions below, where you’ll find the perfect host gifts for holiday gatherings or dinner parties, ideas for friends and family, and maybe even a little something for yourself in the new year.
RESTAURANT GIFT CARDS
Give the gift of a memorable dinner without the prep work or cleanup! A restaurant gift card is always appreciated, and there are countless fabulous restaurants to choose from in Miami. Simply flip through the restaurant listings in the back section of this magazine to find one that inspires you. A restaurant gift card will encourage your friend to try something new, or let you share the wonder of your own favorite restaurant.
SPA PACKAGE AT THE STANDARD SPA MIAMI BEACH
It’s been a long year, and what better way to show you care than with a rejuvenating spa package? Whether it’s for your tireless host, your hard-working colleague, or a loved one in need of a little TLC, The Standard Spa offers services fit for any ailment. From skin care and massages to nails and combination cures—say, a yoga class followed by a Turkish milk scrub—there are many options that allow you to customize your package to fit the recipient. Fitness classes begin at $20; pair a Guided Meditation class and a spa day pass for $75; or purchase a Hot and Cold Stone Massage for $200. A wide range
of scrubs, creams, and books are also available online. Visit standardhotels.com/miami to learn more.
THE BILTMORE CULINARY ACADEMY COOKING CLASSES
You know The Biltmore for its elegant Palme d’Or and Fontana restaurants, and gift cards to either location are wonderful gestures. Another idea? Give the gift of culinary knowledge with a class at The Biltmore’s Culinary Academy. This sophisticated recreational cooking program (housed in the hotel) is the only one of its kind in the country, and gives participants the chance to be involved in every step of the cooking process. Students learn in a fully equipped professional kitchen, with fun and educational cooking classes, workshops, and team-building events—plus, students finish each class by sitting down to enjoy the meal they created. A class at the Biltmore Culinary Academy makes an exciting gift for aspiring chefs and amateurs of all levels; learn to bake madeleines, macarons, and tuiles in a course on petit fours, or heat things up with a lesson on spicy Thai noodles and honey-Sriracha meatballs. Adult classes are $110 per person. To book a class or learn more, visit biltmorehotel.com/bca, or call 305.913.3131.
SONOMA-CUTRER CHARDONNAY, RUSSIAN RIVER RANCHES
Wine is a timeless gift that will never go out of style, and this award-winning bottle makes a great choice. First introduced in 1981, Sonoma-Cutrer Chardonnay presents consistent quality year after year. The 2012 vintage features intense fruit flavors of Fuji apples, limes, fresh roses, and nectarines with a touch of baking spices. The crisp and citrusy acidity pairs well with a variety of foods, though the long and persistent finish makes it perfect on its own. Find it online at sonomacutrer.com for $28 a bottle.