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Home / Posts Tagged "cocktails" (Page 2)

12:36 pm
Recipes Restaurant Features
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OriginalCosmo Katsuya

This month, Katsuya at the SLS South Beach {1701 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.455.2995} not only wants everyone to think pink, but to drink pink in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

From now through the end of October, the SBE hot spot on Miami Beach will be donating 10-percent of the proceeds from every purchase of its specialty rose-colored cocktail, the Original COSMO, to the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

Be sure to visit Katsuya to show your support of the cause, then make it for friends at home.

Mix 1-1/2 ounces of vodka with 1 ounce cranberry juice, 3/4 ounce lime juice, 1/2 ounce simple syrup and 1/4 ounce Cointreau. Garnish with cherry and lemon wedge.

By Sherri Balefsky | Miami Editor

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10:41 am
Restaurant Features
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The Continental- Exterior (credit Alex Markow)

Earlier this month, DiningOut had the privilege of eating at one of South Beach’s newest and most anticipated restaurant openings of the summer: The Continental {2360 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.604.2000}. Yes, that’s right—it’s the same Continental as the famed Philadelphia eatery and martini bar that launched the career of restaurateur extraordinaire Stephen Starr.

This is the fourth dining venture that the restaurant mogul has brought to South Florida (following in the successful footsteps of Steak 954 at the W Fort Lauderdale, Makoto at Bal Harbour Shops, and Verde at the Pérez Art Museum Miami). It’s a fitting time for this opening, as the original location is currently celebrating its 20th anniversary.

The Continental- Interior (credit Alex Markow)

Though inspired by its Philly roots, The Continental Miami (designed by Shawn Hausman Design) has a vibe of its own, a sort of tropical-retro décor featuring greenery and bamboo accents throughout. The aesthetic translates onto the front patio facing Collins Avenue with white wrought-iron chairs and bold red and blue cushions.

Cocktails are a driving force behind the success of the original Continental, and the Miami location is no different. Working at DiningOut has its perks, and we were able to try three of the restaurant’s signature cocktails: the Dominicana Old Fashioned, La Florida Daiquiri, and the Island Thyme Sangría (pictured below, left to right). All were beautifully presented and equally tasty in their own way.

Continental Miami

At the helm of the kitchen is Chef Matthew Oetting, who most recently was executive chef of Starr’s Caffe Storico in New York City. He worked closely with Erik Battes, Starr’s corporate chef, who has worked at New York’s Morimoto and Jean-Georges, to develop the menu. The result is an amalgamation of international flavors, from the Chinese specialties to the Puerto Rican Crispy Pork to the build-your-own sushi, where tuna, salmon, sushi rice, toasted nori, vegetables, and garnishes are presented in a bento box with instructions on how to be your own sushi master.

Philly cheesesteak eggroll

We started off with two amazing appetizers: the fantastically gooey, melt-in-your-mouth Cheesesteak Eggroll (above), another nod to the restaurant’s Philly roots, and the succulent Burrata with Heirloom Tomatoes and Berries salad (below).

Continental Miami

For our main course, we split two standout dishes: the peppercorn-crusted Steak au Poivre—a juicy slab of beef with just the right amount of kick—and the Sizzling Seafood Wor Bar, mixture of lobster, shrimp, scallops, and seasonal veggies in a light garlic-based sauce, which comes out of the kitchen steaming hot like fajitas.

IMG_2611

With just enough room for dessert, we decided to try the most curious of the bunch: the Crackerjack Sundae, a mixture of popcorn ice cream, caramel popcorn, toasted peanuts, and caramel sauce. We were unsure about the popcorn ice cream, but in reality it tasted a lot more like vanilla, creating a decadent salty-sweet combination of flavors.

In all, it was a fun and flavorful evening with attentive and accommodating service. We’re looking forward to returning soon—especially once The Continental launches its forthcoming lunch and brunch menus.

By Sherri Balefsky | Miami Editor

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10:29 am
Recipes Restaurant Features
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TripleSol Segafredo

Shake off the summer heat with this cool new libation at Segafredo Espresso L’Originale {1040 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach; 305.673.0047}. This sweet cocktail is made with Solbeso, the world’s first spirit distilled from cacao fruit and the first to create a new category of spirits in the last 200 years. Naturally organic and 100-percent pure, Solbeso features a breezy floral aroma and light citrus taste that’s distinctive yet versatile.

Visit Segafredo to try the Solbesito for yourself, or follow the steps below to create your own:

Muddle a bunch of cilantro. Add 2-1/2 ounces Solbeso, 1/2 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice, 1/2 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice, and 1/2 ounce freshly squeezed orange juice. Shake once and strain over ice. Add lime wedge and orange wedge. Serve.

By Sherri Balefsky | Miami Editor

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10:57 am
Restaurant Features
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Libertine

Last week, DiningOut attended a very exclusive media event at Downtown Miami’s newest watering hole. This speakeasy bar and lounge has only been open for a week, but locals are already abuzz talking about it.

Located just steps away from popular 24/7 nightclubs Space and E11even, Libertine {40 Northeast 11th Street, Downtown; 305.363.2120} is perhaps the coolest space to make its way to the downtown area—ever.

Libertine Miami

A long, dark hallway with shiny red floors lined with chicken wire and walls with quippy sayings like: “Better Never Than Early.”

When you get to the actual bar area, you’ll feel as if you’ve entered some sort of time and space vortex. Akin to modern-day speakeasies found in urban cities like New York and San Francisco, the entire place feels more like a library or parlor in an old mansion, with its low lighting, leather couches, and coffee tables. On the back wall is a fireplace with a glowing faux log backed by towering bookshelves. The ladder that stands against the wall is real, but the books are painted on (though from afar, we did think they were real!).

Libertine miami

On the opposite wall is a small stage with a baby grand piano, which we were told will serve as a DJ booth and a platform for live musical performances. And to top it all off, the floor is covered in thousands of real pennies, sorted by finish to create a shimmering trompe l’oeil effect.

As if the space itself wasn’t enough to wow, Libertine’s specialty cocktails take mixology to the next level. We had the opportunity to taste four of the Prohibition-style cocktails that will be offered:

  1. The Libertine (Bols Genever, absinthe, and angostura and Peychaud’s bitters)
  2. The Firewater (Bacardi, Zacapa, fresh orange and lime juices, Cherry Heering, angostura bitters, and a float of Peychaud’s and Bacardi 151, served with flame intact)
  3. The Grog (bourbon, egg whites, muddled cherries, and fresh lime juice)
  4. And our fave: The Moonshine (with moonshine, fresh peach purée, citrus, and sparkling soda served with a delicious peach garnish)

libertine miami

Libertine is now open on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 10pm to “whenever.” Hope to see you there!

By Sherri Balefsky | Online Editor; Photos by Gianfranco Bianchi 

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11:31 am
Restaurant Features
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Miami Beach’s iconic Fontainebleau {4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.538.2000} hotel has a reputation for being the destination of choice for locals and visitors wanting to dine, drink, and dance the night away. To help beat the heat this summer, the sprawling property has launched a number of cool and innovative libations perfect for summertime sipping in Miami.

Caribbean Swizzle

Caribbean Swizzle

The hotel lobby’s central Bleau Bar has added 12 new cocktails that range from spicy to exotic to classic, and everything in between. If you want a bit of a kick, try the Fire in the Hole, with poblano pepper-infused Cabeza tequila, passionfruit-vanilla syrup, lime, Chichicapa mezcal, and jalapeño.

For a tropical treat, try the Caribbean Swizzle, made with Brugal 1888 rum, Ancho Reyes, honey ginger syrup, lime, and mint. And if you have a sweet tooth, go for the Chocolate Old Fashioned, made with Bulleit bourbon, Tempus Fugit Crème de Cacao, orange bitters, and angostura bitters, garnished with a handmade praline from the hotel’s coffee and pastry shop, Chez Bon Bon.

Bari

Bari

Chef Scott Conant’s Italian comfort food mecca Scarpetta is also offering new cocktails named after some of Italy’s most vibrant regions. The Lombardia is made with Bacardi 8 rum, Bulleit Rye whiskey, angostura and orange bitters, dry Sherry, and simple syrup, garnished with candied pancetta, while the Bari refreshes with Corzo Blanco tequila, watermelon, jalapeño, basil, cilantro, agave syrup, and lime juice.

Pisco Punch 2

Pisco Punch

Fontainebleau’s Chinese cuisine staple, Hakkasan, is rolling out new cocktails that complement the restaurant’s contemporary Asian fare. The Western Smash, for example, is made with High West Rendezvous Rye whiskey, fresh mint, blackberry purée, lemon juice, and simple syrup, while the Pisco Punch is a combination of Kappa Pisco, Lillet Rosé, hibiscus syrup, pineapple juice, lime juice, and fresh herbs.

Pimm's Cup 74

Pimm’s Cup 74

Celebrity Chef Michael Mina’s namesake Michael Mina 74 restaurant is known for incorporating its beverages with new age techniques. Summertime libations include the Samba Pa Ti, a modern take on a classic caipirinha consisting of Avuá Amburana Cachaça, passionfruit, Chinese five spice, and CO2 effervescence. The Pimm’s Cup 74, a twist on a classic Pimm’s Cup with peppercorn-infused with Plymouth gin, pineapple, Pimm’s No. 1, lemon, and mint.

Macarthur Causeway

And finally, Fontainebleau’s newest signature restaurant, StripSteak by Michael Mina, has introduced a few new cocktails to complement the steakhouse’s fine cuts of meat: The Real McCoy, with Facundo Eximo rum, anise-infused brandy, crème de menthe, pineapple crème, and Cara Cara orange; the MacArthur Causeway, with Ransom gin, Fresno and lemon preserves, velvet falernum, and crème de violette; and the Japanese Whiskey Drink #8, made with Nikka Taketsuru 12-Year, blood orange, yuzu, simple syrup, and angostura bitters.

By Sherri Balefsky | Online Editor

 

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9:35 am
Restaurant Features
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Vintro Hotel

Did you know that there’s a Park Avenue in South Beach? Until recently, we didn’t either. But it’s here where you’ll find Vintro Hotel & Kitchen {2216 Park Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.674.9200}, a hidden art deco gem just two blocks from Collins Avenue along the river.

Listed as a one of the top 25 hotels by TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards, it’s no wonder that regulars want to keep this place all to themselves. Not to mention, every month, Vintro Hotel & Kitchen offers countless specials and discounted offers. And the best part: You don’t have to be a hotel guest to enjoy them! (Although, we must warn you, you may very likely be tempted to check in for a night—or two!) Here’s a look at what the hotel has going on this month:

Tapas + Unlimited Wine
For a limited time, Vintro Kitchen is offering a special on wine and tapas. For just $25 per person (every day from 7-9pm), you can have two tapas plates of your choice and unlimited house wine. That’s right, we said unlimited. From crispy pork belly and beet tartlets to mini lamb burgers, there really is no wrong way to go.

vintro kitchen

Father’s Day Brunch
Treat dad to “a real man’s” Father’s Day brunch at Vintro Kitchen. On Sunday, June 21, from noon to 4pm, the restaurant is hosting an exceptional brunch featuring its world-famous grill. After a delicious meal surrounded by family, he can go enjoy a cigar out on the terrace. Click here to book your reservation.

Cocktail of the Month: The Fat Tail
You’re in for a treat with this innovative cocktail featuring Grey Goose vodka, Domaine de Canton French ginger liqueur, fresh passion fruit nectar, and red pepper flakes—just to spice things up.

Vintro Kitchen

Vintro After Fillmore
After jamming out at the Fillmore Miami Beach (which is just a 10-minute walk from the hotel), you’ll likely be hungry. Show your concert ticket stub and Vintro will take 10 percent off your table’s tab.

Miami Staycation
Who says you have to leave South Florida for your summer vacation? Avoid the headache of traveling and make it a staycation instead. Florida residents who book their stay at the hotel any time between now and September 30 receive 10 percent off and free valet parking. Here’s to being a local!

–Sherri Balefsky | Online Editor

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7:34 am
Restaurant Features
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Lique Miami

A trendy new restaurant and lounge has made its way to North Miami Beach and, within just a few months, it’s already talk of the town. Located on the Intracoastal Waterway, Lique {3957 Northeast 163rd Street, North Miami; 305.705.2425}, offers chic nautical décor, 1,000 feet of docking space, an inventive craft cocktail list, and an eclectic menu featuring seafood-inspired delights such as snow crab claws, oysters, and whole grilled branzino. We had a chance to catch up with Peter Cumplido, director of operations at Trust Hospitality Group, the restaurant group behind Lique, to discuss the concept, the décor, the menu, and more.

How did the concept for Lique come about? What sparked the idea?
The idea was sparked when I joined Alex Podolnyy almost two years ago. But we pushed it aside to create Sweet Nectar (on Las Olas Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale). Then, some of the founding members of Seaspice came to us very interested in the space, which created the spark again. So Alex and I decided to open what we’d always envisioned for the space and its capabilities.

How does the décor of the space reflect this concept?
The décor represents the concept and what we envisioned it to be. It’s a feeling of St. Tropez and the south of France, with rustic and organic textures and colors.

What sets Lique’s location apart from other places in the area?
Lique is a destination, a hidden gem, and one of the few properties in South Florida with waterfront views and water access. The neighborhood has nothing like it. In South Beach, you have many options that are similar to our concept, but our cuisine makes us stand out from other restaurants in South Florida. We brought the touch and feel of South Beach to the fast-growing neighborhood of Sunny Isles and North Miami Beach.

Lique Miami

What does “Lique” mean? Why was this chosen for the name?
We were just playing around with words and thought it was different and funny once we started using it. “I want to lick you.”

Tell us about the overall menu concept.
The menu consists of whole fresh fish from our charcoal grill and raw fish, and contains lots of ingredients from the Mediterranean and Asia. It’s not a typical match, but when you put the two region’s ingredients together, they make sense—great combinations with unique flavors and outcomes.

Lique sushi

What about the drink menu?
Our drink menu consists of lots of fresh fruit and exotic flavors. We have a very rare scotch and Cognac collection and over 80 bottles of hand-selected wines from all regions. It’s a very big rosé venue with Miraval and the only Stoli Elit “Ice Bar” in Miami

How does Miami play a part in the flavors and ingredients on the menu?
It plays a big part; being so close to the Caribbean and South America, we use those exotic flavors, spices, and herbs to enhance all of our food and beverage options.

What might surprise visitors about Lique if they are coming for the first time?
The entire place! The water views, décor, and charcoal grill smell. When you walk in, it’s a shell-shocker because of the plaza it’s in, the entrance itself, and our neighbors.

lique miami

What is your personal favorite item on the menu? What would you recommend to first-timers to try?
The raw fish from our raw bar and anything from the grill. And our housemade Peking duck.

What about Lique are you most proud of so far?
That it’s become so popular so quickly. And that our dedicated team shares the same passion and belief that Alex and myself have for the concept.

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10:14 am
Recipes Restaurant Features
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Jalapaloma

Cinco de Mayo is just around the corner—and that means there will be plenty of tacos and tequila to go around. Start the party early with this spicy twist on the classic paloma cocktail: the Jalapaloma. Instead of your standard portion of tequila, you’ll replace it with a dose of jalapeño-infused Blue Nectar Tequila. The Jalapaloma can be crafted at home with a few simple steps:

Chop up one jalapeño and use it to infuse 1-1/2 ounces Blue Nectar Silver*. In a shaker, combine infused tequila with 1/2 ounce Grand Marnier, 1/2 ounce lime juice, 3/4 ounce agave nectar, and 2 ounces grapefruit juice, and shake well. Garnish with an orange slice.

*You can infuse the tequila for anywhere from a few hours to a few weeks depending on how spicy you want it to be. Sample over time to achieve your desired heat level.

Voila! This cocktail is perfect for Cinco de Mayo or any day of the year.

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2:25 pm
Recipes Restaurant Features
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BLT Steak Poetry CocktailWhether channeling your inner Henry Chinaski, feeling a kinship with Robert Lowell’s “The Drunken Fisherman,” or simply searching for a taste of that “liquor never brewed,” there’s plenty of reasons to try the Poetry Palliative cocktail at BLT Steak at The Betsy Hotel {1440 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach; 305.531.6100}. It’s available throughout April in honor of National Poetry Month, but you can make it at home year-round using the following recipe, courtesy of BLT Steak’s General Manager David Weiss.

In a shaker filled with ice, combine 1 ounce each of freshly squeezed orange and grapefruit juices with 1/2 ounce Silver Tree American Small Batch vodka, 1/2 ounce Giffard apricot brandy, 1/2 ounce Sailor Jerry spiced rum, and 1 ounce Alipus San Juan del Rio mescal, and shake. Pour mixture into a pint glass over ice. Garnish with a sensible slice of lemon.

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9:06 am
Restaurant Features
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Bright-By Sherri Balefsky | Online Editor

Located just across from the Townhouse and Setai hotels, Bâoli {1906 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.674.8822} has managed to keep a relatively low profile. But that doesn’t mean that this SoBe hot spot doesn’t draw a crowd. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. Beautiful locals and the jet-set flock to this chic hot spot night after night for its lounge ambience, live DJs, and club-like atmosphere (after all, the The Bâoli Group is best known for its trendy restaurants and lounges in Cannes, France).

While Bâoli is oft pegged as a late-night destination, many may not realize is that it is also an elegant Mediterranean and Asian-inspired restaurant with a tranquil foliage-filled outdoor patio that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a romantic date, a business dinner, or a girls’ night out. We were lucky enough to score a table here recently and couldn’t have been more impressed by the sheer volume of menu options, the beautiful presentation, and the impeccable service.

Greg O'SullivanBe sure to come early and have a seat at the hip outdoor bar, where head bartender and master mixologist Greg O’Sullivan will whip you up a tasty cocktail from his expertly crafted menu of signature drinks to tempt even the most discerning palate. Choose from fruity favorites such as the Summer Fresh, an amalgamation of Absolut Citron, St. Germaine, lemongrass-infused agave syrup, lemon juice, and pineapple; or the Bâoli Pear Spirit, Absolut Pears Vodka, St. Germaine, Perrier Jouet Grand Brut, club soda, and lemon juice.

Next, sink into one of the comfy booths or quiet tables and let your server guide you on an incredible journey of regions and flavors. Executive Chef Gustavo Vertone blends his Italian-Argentinian background into his own unique interpretation of modern Mediterranean and Asian cuisine. In the mood for sushi? Bâoli offers over a dozen perfectly prepared and presented sushi and sashimi rolls. Our recommendation here: the Mango Tango roll, a perfect combination of shrimp tempura, asparagus, cucumber, and spicy mayo topped with avocado, hamachi, and mango salsa.

Hamachi Sashimi TacosIn the mood for Italian? Try the Heirloom Tomato and Burrata appetizer, a gooey blob of creamy mozzarella cheese paired with fresh tomatoes. Other menu must-tries include the Hamachi Sashimi Tacos appetizer, the Charbroiled Octopus Salad, and the Truffle Mac ’n Cheese, and Bâoli Kobe Burger—worth every penny of its $50 price tag! Make sure you leave room for dessert, too, as all options are made in house and include a Warm Chocolate Fondant and Banana Rum Pudding, and Green Tea Brûlée.

Baoli Burger

And the best part is that after dinner, there’s no need to hail a cab and relocate to your next venue of the evening—this is it! The party gets going around 11pm and continues well into the wee hours of the morning.

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