Labor Day Weekend is finally here, and that means no work, sleeping in, and (like any long weekend in Miami) extra beach days. But as any beach-goer knows, sometimes you need to take a break from the heat and recharge and refuel with good food and drink. The hard part? Deciding where to go.
That’s where we come in. Miami Beach is sprawling, so depending where you are, here are some of our favorite haunts to break up your beach day and grab a bite to eat:
SOUTH OF FIFTH
Izzy’s Fish & Oyster
If you’re lounging on South of Fifth, make lunch a little extra special with fresh, New England seafood from none other than Chef/Owner Jamie DeRosa, of Izzy’s Fish & Oyster {423 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.397.8843}. Known for his lobster rolls, clam chowder, Parker House rolls and fried clams, this weekend, it’s all about brunch and oysters. Buy a bottle of wine or champagne, and get the locale’s raved-about oysters for just $1 each. Plus, this weekend only, it’ll be serving up brunch Friday through Monday, meaning you can get Chef’s delicious Lobster Poutine with waffle fries, cave aged cheddar and smoked bacon four days in a row.
SOUTH BEACH
LT Steak & Seafood
If you’re staying around Ocean Drive, look no further than The Betsy Hotel. There, award-winning Chef Laurent Tourondel recently-opened his American concept, LT Steak & Seafood {1440 Ocean Drive, South Beach; 305.673.0044}, with a seasonally inspired menu influenced by the vibrant energy of Miami. Order appetizers for the table – like The Betsy Crabcake with smoked piquillo-paprika and market greens, or a half-dozen Kumamoto or Kusshi raw bar oysters – and follow it up with the Lemon Poached Lobster Salad with avocado, crispy kale, mache, asparagus and grapefruit oil. Then go back to the sand, close your eyes, and let the food coma sink in.
THE VENETIAN ISLANDS
Lido Bayside Grill, The Standard Spa, Miami Beach
For those island-seekers hanging out on the Venetian, there are few places more iconic than The Standard Spa, Miami Beach. Lido Bayside Grille {40 Island Avenue, Miami Beach; 786.245.0880}, the haunt’s main watering hole, keeps its menu healthy, sun-kissed, wholesome and natural, just like the traditional Mediterranean diet and lifestyle. Opt for Executive Chef Mark Zeitouni’s raw vegan Living Lasagna, or his Spicy Tuna Poke with avocado, macadamia nuts, Dalkon sprouts, green onion, cucumber, quinoa, sesame seeds and ponzu. If you want something even lighter, the Avocado Toast with multigrain bread, avocado lime salt, greens and smoked salmon is always a good choice, as is The Standard Smoothie: a refreshing blend of fresh strawberries, banana and yogurt. If that doesn’t make you feel good inside and out, we don’t know what will.
MID-BEACH
Market at EDITION
If you haven’t experienced the cooking styles of Jean-Georges Vongerichten, Market at EDITION {2901 Collins Ave, Miami Beach; 786.257.4600}, his Miami casual-chic option, is a good place to start. An imaginative reinvention of the classic 24-hour Miami Beach coffee shop, Market is a modern-day take on the great, centuries-old Mediterranean food bazaars. It’s part patisserie, part boulangerie, part salumeria and part open-air café, and serves everything from gourmet pizzas and pastas, charcuterie, and sandwiches, to juices, smoothies, wines, and delectable desserts. At lunchtime, get the Artisanal Salumi and Cheese Board with pickles, fruit and nut bread – it’s more impressive than you think – or the house-roasted turkey sandwich with local bacon, arugula and jalapeños. Pair it with a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or one of Jean-George’s special cocktails, like the Raspberry Lychee Bellini with La Gioiosa Prosecco, lychee and raspberry, and return to the beach happier than when you left.
Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor