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In Miami, everyone who’s anyone has heard of—and likely been to—The Biltmore. Perched on Anastasia Avenue like a European castle that somehow found its way to The City Beautiful in 1926, The Biltmore’s exquisite architecture, hand-painted frescos, vaulted ceilings, and that glamorous pool have made it a neighborhood icon. The brainchild of Coral Gables founder George Merrick, this rare hotel is a place where the world’s finest can do what they love most: sleep, relax, be pampered, and of course, eat.

The Biltmore
The Biltmore Bar

At The Biltmore, it doesn’t take long for guests to realize that the hotel’s restaurants are some of the best in Miami and beyond. Since its inception, The Biltmore has always drawn cultural influence from the Mediterranean, evident in the property’s fine dining outlets. Yes, you read that correctly; there are nine dining experiences in total (not including private dining and room service), from the award-winning Palme d’Or and Fontana to the casual bites of Cascade and 19th Hole Bar and Grill to the swanky Biltmore Bar, The Cellar Club, Succo Juice Bar, a daily Afternoon Tea experience, and the hotel’s now-famous Sunday brunch. 

The Biltmore
Hotel & Golf

“We have a great variety of dining destinations,” says Philippe Parodi, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at The Biltmore.
“Whether you’re seeking the warmth of a traditional restaurant or the bliss of dining alfresco, either formal or casual, we provide an unforgettable culinary journey. I think it’s one of the reasons why our team is internationally-recognized for our food and service.”

And it’s because of that caliber of restaurant quality and service that you could map out a whole day at The Biltmore in food alone. Start your day at the hotel’s extraordinary fine-dining Italian restaurant, Fontana, which has an extravagant daily breakfast that locals and visitors alike swear by. When you get there, take your pick of everything from fresh-baked croissants, bagels, and smoked salmon to perfectly ripe Florida fruit, made-to-order omelets, a mimosa bar, and so much more. If you like to start your mornings on a healthier note, head to Succo Juice Bar, where you can sip on green juices and Bananas Foster smoothies, the latter of which is tastefully crafted using almond milk, bananas, vanilla protein, and cinnamon.

When you’re ready for lunch, take a break from your pool day and pull up a chair at the blissful Cascade. Tucked under a 23-foot waterfall, this alfresco joint is your go-to for a classic like the Cascade Burger or Maine Lobster Salad Sandwich paired with sparkling pool and golf course views. Want to get even closer to the green? Head to 19th Hole Bar and Grill, a casual terrace bar and restaurant that overlooks the hotel’s Donald Ross Golf Course. Diners can watch a golf game, tune in to sports on multiple flat-screen TVs, savor some signature Cilantro Lime Shrimp, and enjoy a cool, refreshing beer from the restaurant’s “Brews of the World” menu. 

The Biltmore

When that 3 pm break time hits, grab a glass of wine or a cold, tropical drink from The Cascade Bar, and to ensure the rest of your night is deliciously hands-on, sign up for one of The Biltmore Culinary School’s full-scale cooking classes. Of course, Afternoon Tea is always a good idea. It takes place every Wednesday through Sunday in The Biltmore’s magnificent lobby and has a harpist who will serenade you as you drink bespoke teas and Champagne and nosh on traditional scones and petit fours.

And while all of that is bar none, its two fine-dining establishments are where The Biltmore really shines. Unlike anything on the Miami dining scene, the five-diamond, James Beard Award semifinalist Palme d’Or immerses guests in another era of French fine dining. Here, indulge in a set menu of farm-to-table fare, like the Sautéed Corvina, in an ornate setting that nods to the Jazz Age. But, if Italian is more your style, the same Fontana where you had breakfast continues to impress at dinner. This elegant and romantic courtyard restaurant dots tables and chairs around a Mediterranean fountain and serves Italian-inspired cuisine from Chef Beppe Galazzi, like Pappardelle Bolognese made with homemade pasta and béchamel. Come back Sunday morning for the hotel’s lavish Sunday brunch, which you’ve no doubt heard of before; it boasts an entire wall of desserts you won’t be able to resist.

With so much remarkable, palate-pleasing food to eat, cocktails and tea to drink, and cooking classes to attend—not to mention the hotel’s elegant spa, fitness classes, golfing, shops, and glamorous pool—the real luxury of The Biltmore is that guests’ time there can be anything they want it to be.

The Biltmore
The Biltmore Hotel – Golf Suite

“No two stays are ever the same at The Biltmore, but if I were to pick the perfect day for myself, I would start with breakfast in bed inside one of our newly renovated rooms,” says Parodi.
“From there, I would head over to the gym for a TRX class, then practice my swing on the golf course. Later, I would meet with my family and friends for lunch at Fontana and invite them to stay and enjoy the swimming pool. I would wind down from the afternoon with a relaxing massage at The Biltmore Spa, and then top the day off with an exquisite meal at our French fine dining restaurant, Palme d’Or.”

There’s a word for a day like that: Paradise.

By Jennifer Agress, a contributing writer

Where elegance and creativity intersect

Biltmore Hotel Exterior

At the beautiful Biltmore Hotel, guests will find a range of dining options for palates and budgets of all types. But for a flagship dining experience, there’s no question: Palme d’Or is unrivaled. At its entrance, the fine French establishment highlights its many accolades—including the prestigious Five Diamond Award—and sets your expectations sky high for the meal to come (and exceeds them easily).

Palme d’Or gives off a distinct white tablecloth impression at first, but there’s no stuffiness to be found. The eatery’s à la carte approach ensures that all diners are welcome. If you feel like just having a few bites, you can. If you’re celebrating a special occasion and feel like splurging, you’re encouraged to go for it.

Hamachi

Offerings at Palme d’Or can be summed up simply as “elegance meets creativity.” You’ll find classic French fare with twists throughout. The menu is divided into three sections—Appetizers, Entrées and Additions—but despite the simple organization, figuring out what to order is hard; it all sounds superb.

Thankfully, the accommodating staff is more than happy to walk you through the menu—and you should certainly let them. Much of the staff has been with the Biltmore for years, and from firsthand experience they know the menu front-to-back. Seriously: Ask them a question, and they’ll rattle off an answer instantly.

Beef Tartare

Appetizer-wise, you can expect any dish to look like something straight out of a model shoot. Take the Hamachi, for example. With its bright apples, watermelon radish, cucumbers and hearts of palm, it is stunning. The same goes for the Beef Tartare with its capers, shallots and Gherkins. All the little elements on each plate make for magical presentations—and everything tastes magical, too. While the portions are large enough to share, you’re better off ordering one appetizer per person—you’ll likely want to keep each bite for yourself.

Entrée sections are split into The Sea and The Land, where you can expect similar heft and presentation. The Grilled Colorado Lamb Chop with coconut purple potato purée and piquillo peppers packs an ample amount of heat and an abundant amount of flavor. There’s more than enough on the plate for one person, but odds are there will be nothing left once you’re done. Palme d’Or’s branzino might be one of the simpler-sounding items on the menu but looks are deceiving; chili sauce, smoked bacon and pineapple help the dish walk the delicate balance of savory and sweet.

Cream Puff

Ending your meal with dessert is a must. Get the cream puff: It’s $14…a small price to pay for enjoying the to-die-for Madagascar vanilla caramel cream.

All in all, Palme d’Or is an exceptional experience. The food commands a premium (rightfully so), but an à la carte menu makes the price tag much more approachable. Rest assured, it’s money well spent—especially for a meal you’ll be talking about well after it’s over.

By Geoffrey Anderson Jr. and Dianne Rubin-Anderson

Spring has sprung, March Madness is underway, and Easter is just around the corner (stay tuned for our Easter brunch roundup). Here are 11 must-do March events in the meantime.

Shrimp Salad

1. New Lunch Menu at Seaspice
When:
 Tuesday-Friday, Noon-4pm
Where: Seaspice {422 Northwest North River Drive, Miami; 305.440.4200}
What: Seaspice has launched an all-new lunch menu, a combination of old and new favorites, including the Shrimp Salad (pictured above), the Market Fish Sandwich with tarragon rémoulade, cucumber slaw, and butter lettuce on ciabatta loaf; the Seaspice Lobster Roll with warm Maine lobster, mini challah buns, chive-lemon aïoli, and shaved celery; the Steak Frites with 1855 Prime grilled bavette and green peppercorn sauce; and the Vegetable Pizzeta, made fresh daily.

apeiro2. March Madness at Apeiro Kitchen
When:
All month long; Monday-Thursday, 4pm-close
Where: Apeiro Kitchen & Bar {3252 Northeast First Avenue, Suite 101, Midtown; 786.800.5389}
What: Delray Beach’s popular Mediterranean restaurant Apeiro recently opened in Midtown. And for the entire month of March (Monday-Thursday, 4pm-close), diners will get 50-percent off their dinner check (cannot be combined with other offers). Come out to try Chef Anthony Sitek’s progressive Mediterranean cuisine, including a few new creations like the Chicken Firakh, Mahi Tacos, Naked Falafel, and more.

MO Bar Sushi
3. New Happy Hour and Sushi Tuesdays at Mandarin Oriental
When:
 Monday-Friday 5-8pm
Where: MO Bar at Mandarin Oriental, Miami {500 Brickell Key Drive, Brickell; 305.913.8288}
What: Mandarin Oriental, Miami has expanding its weekly happy hour offerings, with 12 distinctive cocktails priced at only $8 each, a selection of wines at $8 per glass, and select beers for $6. The new “light bites” menu features five bites for just $5 each. Plus, in a nod to the hotel’s Asian roots, you can enjoy Sushi Night every Tuesday during happy hour with unlimited servings of Mandarin Oriental’s signature sushi for just $25 per person.

House Bacon
4. Quality Meats’ New Grill Menu
When: Nightly
Where: Quality Meats Miami Beach {1501 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.340.3333}
What: Miami Beach’s acclaimed steakhouse has introduced an accessibly priced Grill Menu for just $39 per person. Appetizers include Yellowfina Tuna Carpaccio, Roasted Bone Marrow, Kale and Manchego Salad, and the dish that won SOBEWFF’s Meatopia People’s Choice Award: House-Cured Slab Bacon with peanut butter and jalapeño jelly (shown above). Main courses include a hearty plate of Baby Back Ribs, Petit Filet Mignon, Blackened Redfish, and Lemon-Charred Chicken.

Quattro Prosciutto e Melone
5. Quattro Gastronomia Italiana’s New Lunch Special
When:
 Monday-Friday Noon-6pm
Where: Quattro Gastronomia Italiana {1014 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach; 305.531.4833}
What: Lincoln Road’s authentic Italian restaurant has introduced a two-course weekday lunch menu for just $25 per person. Begin with a choice of antipasti: Caprese, Prosciutto e Melone (shown above), or Pasta e Fagioli con Maltagliati. For your entrée, choose the Cotoletta di Pollo, Penne alla Norma, or the Orata alla Griglia con Salsa Verde. Glasses of Prosecco Jeio, Pinot Grigio Gran Ducato, and Chianti Le Torri are just $7 per glass.

hyde beach kitchen + cocktails
6. St. Patrick’s Day at Hyde Beach Kitchen + Cocktails
When:
Thursday, March 17
Where: Hyde Beach Kitchen + Cocktails {111 South Surf Road, Hallandale Beach; 954.699.0901}
What: Taste the luck of the Irish at HBKC with exclusive specials all day from 9am-6pm at the first floor beach bar. Enjoy $5 Jameson shots$10 Guinness/Jameson combos, and $3 Hollywood Pilsner green beer all while being surrounded by the silky sands, sparkling waters, and stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.

7. Burlesque Brunch at R House
When:
Third Sunday of the Month; starting March 20
Where: R House {2727 Northwest Second Avenue, Wynwood; 305.576.0201}
What: Following the success of its Valentine’s Day brunch, R House will now host its Burlesque Brunch every third Sunday of the month featuring live burlesque performances throughout the day from noon-5pm. Enjoy unlimited brunch items for $35 per person or bottomless cocktails for $25 per person—or both, for a discounted price of $55 per person.

biltmore chef beppe8. Pasta-Bilities with the Biltmore’s Chef Beppe
When:
Sunday, March 20
Where: Fontana at the Biltmore {1200 Anastasia Avenue, Coral Gables; 305.913.3200}
What: Think of all the “Pasta-Bilities” you can create with Fontana’s Chef Beppe as he takes the energy from his exhibition kitchen as handcrafts a unique variety of pastas including tortellini, ravioli, gnocchi, fettuccini, and black tagliolini while the hotel’s sommelier selectively pairs them with five succulent glasses of wine. Cost is $65 per person. Click here for reservations.

Taste Of Tennis Miami Presented By Citi At W South Beach9. Taste of Tennis Miami
When:
Monday, March 21, 7-10pm
Where: W South Beach {2201 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.938.3000}
What: The second annual Taste of Tennis Miami brings together signature cuisine from top chefs, an array of cocktails, and appearances from the world’s best tennis players. This year’s chef lineup includes Mike Pirolo of Bazi and Macchialina, Diego Solano of Bulla Gastrobar, Chef Bee from Oishi Thai and NaiYaRa, Patrick Reholz from Quality Meats, Loris Navone from Tamarina, and many others. A portion of the proceeds from the event will benefit FIU College of Architecture + The Arts. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit tasteoftennis.com.

10. Tamarina Wine Dinner
When:
Wednesday, March 23, at 7:30pm
Where: Tamarina {600 Brickell Avenue, Brickell; 305.579.1888}
What: This month, Tamarina’s monthly wine dinner will emphasize the the principles and practices of biodynamics based on spiritual philosophy, carefully paired with a chef’s special menu. Stay tuned for details! To reserve your seat, email [email protected].

Miami Beach Edition
11. Movie on the Sand
When:
Saturday, March 26, at 7pm
Where: Miami Beach EDITION {2901 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 786.257.4500}
What: Watch the classic 1959 comedy “Some Like It Hot” in the Sandbox while enjoying a picnic basket for two. For $150, a basket includes a bottle of wine, shrimp cocktail, local vegetable crudité with lemon yogurt dip, kale salad, gourmet popcorn, and house-baked cookies. Call 786.257.4600 for reservations.

—Sherri Balefsky | Miami Editor

biltmore hotel

The sprawling Biltmore Hotel in the heart of Coral Gables has long been an iconic landmark for the City Beautiful, wowing locals and visitors alike with its classic Mediterranean charm and unapologetic Old-World opulence. It comes as no surprise then that the hotel’s signature restaurant, Palme d’Or {1200 Anastasia Avenue, Coral Gables; 305.913.3201}, is equally esteemed and mesmerizing.

Palme d’Or is Miami’s longest-running fine French restaurant; and in a city like Miami where restaurants come and go faster than rush hour traffic on I-95, it’s comforting to know that there exists a tried-and-true establishment of impeccable quality that consistently disproves the idea that “newer equals better.”

palme dor biltmore

But just because this AAA Five-Diamond award-winning gem has been around for more than 15 years doesn’t mean that the food, service, or ambience is outdated. Michelin-starred French-born Chef Gregory Pugin, who was trained in France, says that although he likes to prepare classic dishes, he always adds a twist of modernity to them.

Chef Gregory Pugin

Chef Gregory Pugin

Be forewarned: There is no à la carte menu at Palme d’Or; tables instead must agree on a tasting menu. Four, six, and eight-course prix-fixe options are available, and the selections available within each menu differ slightly and change by season. And don’t come if you’re in a hurry. The point is to sit back, relax, and embark on a culinary journey of pure French elegance. Perfect for a celebration or a romantic evening for two, this is elaborate gourmet dining at its finest, so come with an open mind and be prepared to have your senses reawakened.

On a recent visit to the restaurant, DiningOut was treated to the eight-course menu, specially selected by Chef Pugin himself. The sensory experience that unfolded from beginning to end was nothing short of magical. Here’s a look at Chef Pugin’s dishes.

The succession of courses began with L’Oursin et Langoustine (sea urchin custard and poached langoustine with golden osetra caviar and Granny Smith apple gelée).

sea urchin

L’Oursin et Langoustine

Next up: La Terrine de Foie Gras (red wine-poached foie gras terrine with Sauternes marinated grapes and red wine apple purée, served with fresh cranberry bread), followed by Le Crab Royale d’Alaska (Champagne-poached king crab with fennel purée and bouillabaisse) and Le Ris de Veau (sweetbread with saffron pasta, carbonara sauce, and veal jus).

Foie Gras

La Terrine de Foie Gras

king crab biltmore palme d'or

Le Crab Royale d’Alaska

At this point, we’d lost count as to which course we were on, but the extravagance continued with Le Cabillaud d’Alaska (curcuma oil-infused Alaskan black cod with compressed purple potatoes, baby leeks, and a lemongrass coconut sauce) and Le Selle de Chevreuil (chartreuse-marinated venison with red wine pears, nuts, cranberries, and blue cheese with a Grand-Veneur sauce served with a side of spätzle).

black cod biltmore palme d'or

Le Cabillaud d’Alaska

As we headed for the home stretch, we enjoyed a small cheese selection, which was followed by dessert: Le Kir Royal à la Framboise (raspberry kir royal, Champagne, raspberry sorbet, and joconde) and Le Citron Surprise (a tart lemon-shaped concoction of lemon mousse, lemon sorbet, crispy yogurt, and white chocolate).

dessert palme d'or

Le Kir Royal a la Framboise

And just when we thought things were winding down, we were presented with an enormous chocolate selection to seal the deal.

chocolates

Two hours, eight courses, and eight paired glasses of wine later (don’t worry, not every glass was finished), we left Palme d’Or with a feeling of utter euphoria. Our servers were friendly, knowledgeable, and on-point from beginning to end. Never once did we have to ask for anything, and the courses were perfectly timed down to a science–just enough time to enjoy and digest each course but never lagging in tempo.

In conclusion: Palme d’Or exceeded all of our expectations, upholding the culinary excellence for which it is known. And it’s here for the long haul.

By Sherri Balefsky | Miami Editor

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 Drunkin Donuts

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

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

TransArt Miai

“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

iberico ham 101

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.

BleauLive presents Capital Cities

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 by B.Milne

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.