betsy hotel – DiningOut Miami

Pan-Roasted Monkfish from Atrio Restaurant & Wine Room

More of Our Favorite Miami Spice Menus

September 4, 2015

7:50 am

One of the things we love most about Miami Spice is that it doesn’t just last for one month, it lasts for two whole months. This means that there’s still plenty of time to visit all your favorite restaurants—and some brand-new ones—and enjoy unmatched three-course Miami Spice menus at discounted prices (dinner: $39; lunch: $23).

As we try to hit up as many Spice menus as we can, here are five more of our favorites we don’t want you to miss:

1. BLT Steak & The Betsy {1440 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach; 305.673.0044}
Spice menu available for lunch Monday-Friday and dinner Sunday-Friday.

Veal & Pork Meatballs from BLT Steak

We love that Celebrity Chef Laurent Tourondel likes to keep things interesting—his blackboard menu changes daily—and that means he’s entirely revamped his Spice menu for the month of September. For appetizers, our hands-down first choice is the Veal and Pork Meatballs. Chef Tourondel served these babies up for us during a special preview dinner last March, and we’ve been dreaming about them ever since! For entrées, it’s a toss-up between the 12oz CAB Coulotte and the Grilled Black Tiger Prawns. To round out the meal, you’ll also be able to choose your own side and melt-in-your-mouth dessert. But that’s not all! Even though it’s Miami Spice, you’ll still receive the complimentary goodies that are brought to every table at dinner: Chicken Liver Mousse with artisan bread and pickled vegetables, and the famous giant Popovers dusted with Gruyère cheese.

2. Bulla Gastrobar {2500 Ponce de Leon Boulevard, Coral Gables; 305.441.0107}
Spice menu available for lunch and dinner daily.

Branzino a la Vasca from Bulla Gastrobar

There’s nothing more disappointing than arriving at your planned restaurant of the evening, sitting down at your table, and then having your server tell you: “We’re not offering our Miami Spice menu right now.” With many establishments placing restrictions on when their specials are actually available, it’s comforting to know that at Bulla, it’s always time for Spice. Just last week, the Spanish restaurant rolled out updated Spice menus, featuring items such as the Albóndigas de Cordero (lamb meatballs), Branzino a la Vasca, and the Torrija dessert. As an added bonus, for both lunch and dinner, you can enjoy TWO glasses of any of Bulla’s popular sangrías for just $10.

3. Atrio Restaurant & Wine Room {1395 Brickell Avenue, Brickell; 305.503.6529}
Spice menu available for lunch and dinner daily.

Pan-Roasted Monkfish from Atrio Restaurant & Wine Room

For Miami Spice, the Conrad Miami’s signature restaurant is serving up some of its classic dishes and seasonal favorites. For appetizers, we recommend the crisp Waldorf Salad, followed by the Pan-Roasted Monkfish, which is served with confit garlic, Mediterranean baby vegetables, and red wine reduction. And for dessert, don’t miss out on the gooey Chocolate Coulant Cake served with salted caramel ice cream. Plus, if you’re looking for a quick power lunch, Atrio’s got you covered. Simply ask for the special “Taste of Time” menu, which guarantees (if you so choose) that you’ll be in and out in 45 minutes or less. An hourglass will be placed on your table at the start of the meal; and if your meal isn’t completed in time, your lunch is on the house.

4. Scarpetta {4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 877.326.7412}
Spice menu available for dinner Sunday-Thursday.

Creamy Polenta from Scarpetta

Celebrity Chef Scott Conant’s menu at Scarpetta at the Fontainebleau is drool-worthy any time of year. But during Miami Spice, it becomes even more enticing. The restaurant recently revamped its Spice menu, giving you even more options to savor. For appetizers, we recommend the Creamy Polenta, which is served alongside a medley of truffled mushrooms (which happen to be a specialty of the restaurant this time of year). Continue the experience with the Short Rib Agnolotti Dal Pin before ending with the traditional dolce: Almond Panna Cotta. If you’re not in the mood for Italian, Fontainebleau’s three other flagship restaurants—Hakkasan, Michael Mina 74, and StripSteak—have also updated their Spice menus for the month of September.

5. The Bazaar by José Andrés {1701 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.455.2999}
Spice menu available for dinner Sunday-Thursday.

Bao con Lechón from The Bazaar by José Andrés

Decisions, decisions! Hands down, one of the most extensive option-filled Spice menus out there is from the SLS South Beach’s Bazaar by José Andrés. First, you’ll choose your appetizer, or “snack,” from five different options (we recommend the Bao con Lechón—pork belly on a Chinese bun). Next, you’ll select THREE options from an expansive menu that includes several “Verduras,” seven types of “Carnes y Mariscos,” and three “Fruits and Vegetables” dishes. And don’t forget: You’ll also get to choose a dessert, so be sure to save room!

By Sherri Balefsky | Miami Editor

Miami August Events

August 4, 2015

9:43 am

Restaurant Features

diningoutmiami

The Dog Days of Summer are here, and we’re certainly feeling it! But good news: Miami Spice is here as well. Check out ilovemiamispice.com to see the full list of nearly 200 restaurants throughout Miami that are offering special lunch and dinner prix-fixe menus from now through September 30. We also put together two previews of some of our favorite Miami Spice menus–check those out here and here. In addition to Miami Spice specials, here are our top Miami August events to help keep your mind off all this heat and humidity.

Bar Spice at MO Bar + Lounge
When: Through September 30
Where: MO Bar + Lounge at Mandarin Oriental, Miami {500 Brickell Key Drive, Brickell; 305.913.8288}
What: Miami Spice is in full swing, which means that Mandarin Oriental, Miami’s signature restaurants will be offering unbeatable prix-fixe menus (La Mar by Gastón Acurio for lunch and dinner; Azul for dinner only). But that’s not all. The five-star resort’s MO Bar + Lounge is getting in on the action by adding a twist to three signature cocktails: the Aji Rocoto and Pineapple “Margarita” with tequila reposado, rocoto-pineapple marmalade, house citrus cordial, lime, and a tajin rim; the Ancho Chile and Chocolate “Manhattan” with ron añejo, Chinato vermouth, Ancho Reyes, crème de cacao, and orange bitters; and the Jalapeño and Tamarind “Pisco Sour” with pisco acholado, tamarind falernum syrup, lemon, and muddled jalapeño.

New Sunday Brunch at StripSteak
When: Every Sunday, 11:30am-3pm
Where: StripSteak at Fontainebleau {4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 877.326.7412}
What: Fontainebleau Miami Beach’s newest signature restaurant from celebrity chef Michael Mina has recently introduced an unbeatable Sunday brunch. For just $68 per person, enjoy a fabulous two-course plated menu (your choice of appetizer and entrée), a delicious signature cocktail, unlimited shellfish, charcuterie, and cheeses, freshly baked breads, breakfast pastries, and desserts, a Greek yogurt parfait bar, and complimentary valet parking. Unlimited mimosas, Bellinis, and Fizzy Bellboys (the restaurant’s signature cocktail) are an additional $25 per person.

Wine Tuesdays at Sardinia Enoteca
When: Every Tuesday
Where: Sardinia Enoteca Ristorante {1801 Purdy Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.531.2228}
What: Every Tuesday from noon to midnight, guests at Sardinia enjoy 40-percent off select wines. It’s a vintage special you won’t want to miss. But that’s not all. Through September, Sardinia is offering Miami Spice menus for both lunch (everyday) and dinner (Sunday-Thursday).

SPF Saturdays (Seafood + Pool + Four Seasons)
When: Saturdays, 1-3pm, through September 5
Where: Four Seasons Hotel Miami {1435 Brickell Avenue, Brickell; 305.381.3030}
What: On Saturdays at 1:30pm sharp, Bahia, the Four Seasons Hotel Miami’s seventh-floor poolside restaurant and bar, is offering a Southern-style Seafood Boil featuring family-style servings of lobster, pink shrimp, Florida clams, mussels, and crawfish simmered in Cajun-style spices, accompanied by sweet corn on the cob, golden potatoes, and housemade smoked sausage. Tickets are required ($65 per person) and include access to the hotel’s two resort-style pools.

Those not wanting to purchase tickets can still join in the fun. From 1-3pm, Bahia is also offering what it calls The RAWBar, a special à la carte seafood menu featuring Freshly Shucked East Coast Oysters and Florida Clams, Peel-and-Eat Key West Pink Shrimp, Corvina Crudo, Lobster and Shrimp Ceviche, and an East Coast Mussel Salad.

(mostly jazz) with Marc Irwin at The Betsy
When: August 19, 8-11pm
Where: The Betsy–South Beach {1440 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach; 305.673.0044}
What: On Wednesday and Thursday evenings, The Betsy hotel’s Lobby Salon welcomes some of the greatest live musicians for intimate performances. Dr. Marc Irwin is a pianist, composer, arranger, and recording artist who has played for and with a variety of top musicians across the country. He currently acts as musical director for The Capitol Steps, performing political satire throughout the United States and Canada. No cover; no drink minimum!

An added bonus: Adjacent to the Lobby Salon is the award-winning BLT Steak, which will be serving its unbeatable Miami Spice menu. Choose one appetizer (Roasted Peach Salad, Vadouvan Lamb “Porchetta,” or Local Cobia Tataki Sushi Roll), one entrée (10oz CAB Delmonico Steak or Local Seafood Bouillabaisse), and one dessert (Valrhona Chocolate-Strawberry Cake or Coconut-Lime Cheesecake) for just $39. And yes, the restaurant’s famed popovers are included.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape Wine Dinner at db Bistro
When: August 19
Where: db Bistro Moderne Miami {255 Biscayne Boulevard Way, Downtown; 305.421.8800}
What: Join Chef Jason Pringle and Sommelier Alan Feldman for a special dining event featuring wines from France’s Châteauneuf-du-Pape region in the Southern Rhône Valley. Chef Pringle will prepare a sophisticated meal paired with a unique selection of rare vintages from one of the most traditional winemaking appellations in France. The night will begin with a wine reception and light appetizers in The Lounge followed by a five-course dinner in the main dining room. Can’t make it to the dinner? The restaurant will be offering Miami Spice menus for both lunch and dinner Monday-Saturday all month long.

By Sherri Balefsky | Miami Editor

10 Must-Do June Events

June 10, 2015

7:56 am

Restaurant Features

diningoutmiami

June is not just all about dads and grads. There are plenty of exciting events and specials this month to keep you busy as things heat up outside—and in the Miami restaurant scene.

1. #GlazedAndConfused for National Donut Day
When: Through June 30
Where: STK Miami {2311 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.604.4988}
What: In celebration of National Donut Day (June 5), STK premieres a trio of boozy flavors infused into bite-sized sugary confections. Crafted by Corporate Pastry Chef Abbie White, these donuts have a deconstructed twist: the Cocoa Bomb (vanilla lemon custard and hazelnut liquor), the Fruity Rebel (cereal custard and raspberry liquor), and the Not Your Daddy’s Donut (cherry bourbon custard and orange liquor).

STK’s Drunkin’ Donuts

2. Coral Gables Restaurant Week
When: June 8-28
Where: Downtown Coral Gables
What: Coral Gables Restaurant Week is not only a week—it’s three weeks! Over 40 Gables restaurants are offering amazing prix-fixe lunch and dinner menus at incredible prices. Participating restaurants include Anacapri Italian Cuisine & Market, Bellmónt Spanish Restaurant, Bread + Butter, Bulla Gastrobar, Cibo Wine Bar, Morton’s The Steakhouse, Ortanique on the Mile, Uvaggio Wine Bar, and many more!

3. Justin Wine Dinner
When: June 11 at 7pm
Where: The Biltmore Fontana {1200 Anastasia Avenue, Coral Gables; 305.913.3200}
What: Sip and savor wines from California’s Justin Winery paired with tasty bites from the Biltmore Fontana. The experience includes four signature wines: Land Mark Chardonnay, Justin Sauvignon Blanc, Land Mark Pinot Noir, and Justin Cabernet. Click here for reservations.
Cost: $35 per person

4. Interactive Cooking Class with Chef Cindy Hutson
When: June 13, 11:30am-2:30pm
Where: Ortanique on the Mile {278 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables; 305.446.7710}
What: Ortanique’s celebrated Chef Cindy Hutson hosts an interactive cooking class to celebrate the coming of mango season. In this hands-on experience, participants learn to create mango-infused recipes such as Burrata Salad, Banana Leaf Steamed Fish, and Floating Island (“Isla Flotantes”). Call to RSVP.
Cost: $108 per person

Chef Cindy Hutson

5. TransArt Festival
When: June 14-30
Where: The Betsy Hotel {1440 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach; 305.531.6100}
What: In its continuing mission to operate as a PACE (philanthropy, arts, culture, and education) hotel and support underserved communities, the Betsy presents Miami’s first TransArt Festival. The exhibition showcases a number of artists to create awareness, nurture aspiring artists, and enlighten the general population about the many layers of the transgender community.
Cost: Free

“Self Portrait” by TransArt Miami artist Kate Weakley

6. Ibérico Ham 101
When: June 17, 6-8pm
Where: Bellmont Spanish Restaurant {339 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables; 786.502.4684}
What: Discover Spain’s true national treasure: 100-percent Ibérico ham. Learn about Iberian pigs, the curing process, amazing nutritional properties, and other fun facts as you taste hand-sliced 100-percent acorn-fed Cinco Jotas Ibérico ham, delicious cheeses like Manchego, and traditional tomaquet bread. Your experience will be paired with an exquisite glass of a Rioja wine to complete your palate. Call to RSVP.
Cost: $29 per person

7. The Lost Art of the Apéritif
When: June 23, 7-9pm
Where: Uvaggio Wine Bar {70 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables; 305.448.2400}
What: In an effort to revive the lost art of the aperitif (a savoy drink that is meant to open our palate and stimulate our appetite before sitting for dinner later in the evening), Uvaggio Wine Bar hosts fun and informative tasting as it brings new life to that special time before a meal. Space is limited. Click here to RSVP.
Cost: $30 per person

8. BleauLive Presents Capital Cities
When: June 27
Where: Michael Mina 74 and the BleauLive Stage {Fontainebleau Hotel, 4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 877.326.7412}
What: Witness Capital Cities, the indie pop duo Ryan Merchant and Sebu Simonian, perform their multi-Platinum hit “Safe and Sound” among other favorites. Before the show, fuel up at the hotel’s award-winning Michael Mina 74. Click here to purchase tickets.
Cost: $115 per person; includes performance, two-hour open bar, and dinner at MM74.

Capital Cities

9. DBGB Pop Up at db Bistro Moderne
When: Through July 31
Where: db Bistro Modern {JW Marriot Marquis, 255 Biscayne Boulevard Way; 305.421.8800}
What: For the second year, Chef Daniel Boulud’s DBGB Kitchen & Bar pops up at db Bistro Moderne, recreating fan favorites from the star chef’s casual New York and D.C. eateries. Menu highlights include: housemade Thai Sausage, The Piggie Burger, and the Peach Melba Sundae. This year, the pop up also features a tap takeover by J. Wakefield Brewery, which is offering three beers, including the Dragonfruit Passion Fruit, made exclusively for db Bistro Moderne Miami.

DBGB Thai Sausage

10. Hakkasan Summer Tasting
When: Through August 31
Where: Hakkasan {Fontainebleau Hotel, 4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 877.326.7412}
What: Celebrate summer with a delectable season-long tasting menu at Hakkasan featuring small plates that include Steamed Vegetable Dumplings, Crispy Lobster, and Steamed Soup Dumplings; Traditional Roasted Half Peking Duck appetizer; and Wok-Baked Tiger Prawns, Baked Chilean Sea Bass, Stir-Fried Wagyu Beef, and Seafood Fried Rice as entrées.
Cost: $128 per person; complementary wine pairing for supplemental $68 per guest.

BLT Steak Celebrates International Women’s Day

March 11, 2015

1:12 pm

Restaurant Features

diningoutmiami

By Sherri Balefsky | Online Editor

On Monday, March 9, 20 incredible women gathered at BLT Steak at the Betsy Hotel {1440 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach; 305.531.6100} for a breakfast salon in honor of International Women’s Day.

It was a who’s who of Miami’s influential women, all of whom work in and/or vehemently support the arts, music, education, and other community-driven initiatives. Invitees were asked to bring along a woman that they admired—mothers, daughters, friends, mentors, co-workers, and more. It was clear that in most cases, the admiration was reciprocal.

While many might associate BLT Steak with being only a lunch/dinner place, the quiet art-filled dining room—which opens daily at 8am—was the perfect setting for such an event. We sipped coffee and freshly-squeezed orange juice while noshing on fresh fruit, mini croissants and pastries, and creamy granola-topped parfaits. The Betsy is also known for its outstanding brunch—don’t miss out on trying the BLT Popover Eggs Benedict, a Betsy favorite.

The Betsy has been involved in women’s issues since its founding. After all, the hotel is named after America’s “founding mother” Betsy Ross. It is also very active in the local community, sponsoring salons that invite artists and thought leaders to head up conversations about various issues. The salons are one of the cornerstones of the PACE (Philanthropy, Arts, Culture, and Education) program at The Betsy. Since opening The Writer’s Room in 2012, there have been over 70 such events, featuring many prominent art world figures, such as “Joy Luck Club” novelist Amy Tan and flutist Eugenia Zuckerman.

International Women’s Day was the perfect occasion for such a salon. The annual event has been celebrated since the early 1900’s and today is recognized as an official holiday by countries all over the world.

Among the respected guests in attendance were Deborah Briggs, VP of Philanthropy at the Betsy; Violette de Ayala, founder and president of Femfessionals; Norma Jean Abraham, philanthropist and founder of new teahouse Serendip-A-Tea; Carlene Sawyer and Ruth Greenfield, arts activists from Dranoff 2 Piano Foundation; Cristina Cartaya, principal of Our Pride Academy and advocate for special-needs community; Wendy Silva, a local entrepreneur, singer, and Doggie Day Care owner; and many, many others.

DiningOut was truly honored to be included in such an intimate gathering and to be surrounded by such inspiring women.

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