By Sherri Balefsky | Online Editor

It’s hard to believe that it’s been exactly one year since La Mar by Gastón Acurio {500 Brickell Key Drive, Miami; 305.913.8358} exploded onto the Miami dining scene. The bayside restaurant at the Mandarin Oriental became an instant favorite, known for its Asian-Peruvian fusion cuisine, a concept that had not really been explored in the city prior to its arrival. One year later, the restaurant hasn’t lost any momentum, as visitors and locals alike venture over to Brickell Key for its signature cebiches, freshly grilled anticuchos, and specialty cocktails. In honor of its first full year in Miami, on Thursday, March 19, La Mar invites guests to join in a special celebratory dinner. Those who dine at the restaurant that evening will receive a special Champagne cocktail with a mix of lucuma, guava, passionfruit, and fresh lime to toast the anniversary.

To further celebrate this milestone, La Mar Executive Chef Diego Oka will introduce the season’s refreshed menu, which features a slew of new dishes such as Ají de Gallina Empanada Peruvian Chicken Stew with ají amarillo, Parmesan, and Manchego; slowly cooked Osso Bucco in chicha morada base served with ají amarillo potato purée and toast (great for sharing); Quinotto with chupe flavors (like a risotto but with quinoa), poached egg, toast, huacatay, and prawns; and Carapulcra Pork Ribs with Andean potato, ají panca red pepper, peanuts, and chocolate stew.

Even if you can’t make it on Thursday, La Mar by Gastón Acurio is definitely still worth a visit, whether it’s for an opulent Sunday brunch featuring a Peruvian-inspired menu, signature brunch cocktails, and a sumptuous selection of sweets, or for a pre- or post-dinner drink from the expansive beverage list featuring iconic cocktails with a Peruvian twist.