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The popular plant-based restaurant received some much-earned recognition this September

There are a few defining moments in a restaurant’s journey that showcase its success. Miami’s prominent plant-based restaurant Plant Miami, located inside the Sacred Space, had one of those triumphs just this September. The executive chef Horacio Rivadero and his wife, the pastry chef Veronica Manolizi prepared a vegan dinner at one of the most esteemed institutions in the culinary scene, the James Beard Foundation

Executive Chef Horacio Rivadero and his wife, Pastry Chef Veronica Manolizi

The artisanal menu at the exclusive dinner in Manhattan featured revamped renditions of the classics locals love at Plant Miami, like Caccio e Funghi noodles, Coconut Ceviche, and Sunflower Seed Forest Mushroom risotto, as well as surprising additions such as Mushroom Croquettas and Papaya Confit. All dishes were paired with wines from the highly-rated Napa Valley winery Rudd Estate.  

Plant Miami founder Karla Dascal with Oscar Henquet, managing director of Rudd Estate Wines
Veronica Manolizi, Karla Dascal, and Horacio Rivadero

Rivadero and Manolizi’s menu and the amazing wine selection took a star-studded crowd through a culinary journey at the James Beard Foundation. The attendees included names like fashion designer Cynthia Rowley, television personality Dorinda Medley, Purist magazine founder and editor, Cristina Cuomo, CNN prime time anchor Chris Cuomo, and television personality and event producer Colin Cowie.

Plant Miami has been changing the perception of plant-based dining and educating Miamians on sustainable practices. The exclusive dinner at the James Beard Foundation is an impressive achievement, rewarding the efforts of the restaurant and underlining its success.

By Caner Kocamaz | Staff Writer

Visit these posh Miami restaurants if you regularly crave exquisite Italian food and jaw-dropping elegance

Authentic Italian at Cibo Wine Bar

Cibo Wine Bar in Coral Gables has no problem consistently pleasing the crowds. Be it the rustic exposed brick ambience, the large wine menu boasting both Italian regions and global varieties, lobster specials on Tuesdays, or brunches full of Italian bubbles on Sunday, Cibo has something for everyone, and it’s always authentically Italian. Take their Neapolitan-style pizzas: cooked to perfection in a wood-burning oven and complete with over a dozen varieties, including a whole wheat dough option. We like to order the simple but always perfect Mozzarella di Bufala, with buffalo cheese, fresh basil, and extra virgin olive oil. Another great is the Funghi, with wild mushrooms, fontini cream, and white truffle oil, because…well, truffle. Or you can kick things up with toppings like prosciutto, spicy soppressatta, Italian sausage, or even a variety of seafood in the Frutte di Mare. Now that’s authentic.

A Tasty Slice of Italy at Amare Ristorante

If you’re craving a trip to the iconic Italian coast, Amare Ristorante has you covered. Located in the South of Fifth neighborhood, Amare is ready to transport you to the beautiful Amalfi Coast by way of elevated Italian cuisine and equally romantic furnishings. A concept by Gino Iovino in collaboration with Michelin-starred Chef Cosimo Cassano, the expert team here prepares classic dishes made in-house with seasonal ingredients flown directly from Italy. Indulge in award-winning favorites such as the Risotto Tartufato, Costata Di Manzo, Tartare Tasting Trio, or the Spaghetti Vesuvio (Spaghetti al Nero di Sepia). Whether sitting indoors or on the outdoor terrace, the combination of the classic Italian cuisine along with the imported décor that includes hand-painted ceramic tiles, pottery, and sculptures, you’ll feel as though you’re on a luxurious Italian vacation. Benvenuto!



Dreamy Cocktail Infusions at Scarpetta

Sure, house-infused spirits, bespoke cold-brew cocktails, and tantalizing Italian dishes by none other than celebrity chef Scott Conant are reasons aplenty to stop in for a meal at Scarpetta (or at its cocktail lab and infusion bar, Sorso). But this summer, there’s one item on the menu we can’t stop thinking about. It’s called the True Bleau, and it’s a heavenly blend of Barr Hill gin and grapefruit soda served with a pea flower-infused ice cube. True to its name, this jewel-toned indigo stunner is just as Instagrammable as it is utterly delicious.

By DiningOut Staff

Crisp, local, or right out of the water, it doesn’t get fresher than this

Prized Picks from Plant Miami

Known for organic, plant-based, vegan, and kosher cuisine, Plant Miami at Sacred Space just debuted a slew of new seasonal dishes. One of our favorite recent additions to the menu is the Forbidden Roll. Inspired by the traditional Japanese Bagel Roll, this delightful bite features avocado, black rice (or forbidden rice), almond cream cheese, nori, smoked carrot, and wasabi mayo. Plant Miami’s chefs Horacio Rivadero and Veronica Manolizi said they “really wanted to take something very familiar and transform it into something plant-based.” For the Forbidden Roll, the duo chose to highlight the carrot, because they say it is often seen as the underdog in plant-based cooking. The result, lucky for us, is an elevated and refreshing treat perfect for any time of year.

Honest, Fresh Fish at The River Oyster Bar

There are two words that cannot exist without the other: fish and fresh. And, according to executive chef and owner of The River Oyster Bar, David Bracha, the key to fresh success is a rare and often uncommon secret—whole fish and in-house slicing. Results of this best-kept practice are evident at The River Oyster Bar where freshness is second to none, bringing delicious and sustainable seafood right to the heart of Brickell. For 17 years, The River has held a reputation of top quality food offered at fair prices. Look if you must, but you won’t find local, honest seafood like this anywhere but The River.

Nobu Miami’s Cocktail Stars of the Month

Nobu Miami, a culinary destination notorious for their imaginative blend of Peruvian and Japanese cuisine has become the benchmark for everything fusion. Known for its amazing food, hip crowds, and a large celebrity following, the boldness and fusion extend beyond the signature dishes and into the delicious cocktails. While some say there’s a cocktail suited for every season, Nobu has a cocktail for every month. How’s that for keeping it fresh? The “cocktail of the month” program has featured fan favorites such as the Sensei, a tequila-based cocktail with açai purée, Banane du Brésil, lemon juice, and basil seeds with a touch of agave. Another month featured the Hermosos Pisco, a perfect meld of Tulsi Hibiscus tea, thyme, monkfruit syrup, and lime juice to complement the Caravedo Pisco. In everything it does, Nobu embodies simple, yet extraordinary, and the cocktail of the month is certainly no exception.


A Fresh Facelift for The Biltmore Palme d’Or

A favorite among world leaders and celebrities since its opening in 1926, the recently renovated Biltmore Hotel is offering its patrons a fresh new culinary journey at the hotel’s stunning signature French restaurant, Palme d’Or—one of the only AAA Five Diamond restaurants in Florida. Now, guests can enjoy a new four-course, à la carte menu that includes perfectly paired flavors, as well as personally curated elaborate dishes that fuse the authentic tradition of French cuisine with modern flavors and ingredients that are fresh, local, and sustainable. Palme d’Or is committed to transporting guests through the ultimate sensory dining experience that will keep them coming back for more.

By DiningOut Staff

If a fully tantalizing experience is what you’re looking for, check out these all-inclusive specials from the crème de la crème:

The Seventh Annual South Beach Seafood Festival

Are you ready to put your toes in the sand, get a cocktail in your hand, and enjoy some of the best seafood in Miami? This fall, the South Beach Seafood Festival returns for its seventh consecutive year. Brought to you by William Hill and presented by Jack Daniel’s, City of Miami Beach, GOYA Foods, and Baptist Health South Florida, the South Beach Seafood Festival is taking over Miami from October 22-26 to showcase some of the area’s leading chefs and culinary masterminds. Touted as one of the fastest growing festivals in Miami Beach, the beachfront event—which features over 70 different restaurants and mouthwatering eats from Florida’s freshest seafood hotspots—spans five blocks and welcomes over 14,000 seafoodies for a day of fun in the sun in South Beach style. For $49, guests can enjoy seafood dishes paired with complimentary all-day open bar service. If you choose to splurge on the VIP experience ($150) you can enter to win the Land Rover South Dade VIP Hospitality Village and enjoy VIP access to Joe’s Stone Crab Miami, plus a ton of other awesome perks. The five-day event is the perfect combination of gourmet cuisine, wine pairings, live music at three different stages, chef competitions, and seemingly endless interactive experiences, all to benefit a great cause in Miami Dade County: CI Foundation’s EAT SMART program. The South Beach Seafood Festival has become the number three top recurring event on South Beach behind Art Basel and SOBEWFF. Kick off the fun with exclusive experiences at some of South Beach’s favorite spots, such as Meat Market, The Mondrian, or the Shore Club! Tickets can be purchased for all events at SOBASEAFOODFEST.COM

Miami Spice Specials at Market at EDITION

Looking to spice up your dining options? Look no further than Market at EDITION right in the midst of Miami Spice (August 1-September 30). The EDITION hotel’s signature restaurant is pulling out all the stops for the area’s largest and longest food event of the season. Open for lunch Monday-Friday, and dinner Monday-Sunday, Market at EDITION is including fan favorites on its specialty Miami Spice three-course prix-fixe menu, including the Crispy Salmon Sushi, Angel Hair Pasta with asparagus pesto, and Mushroom and Farm Egg Pizza, just to name a few! And why stop there? Also included are signature cocktails and decadent desserts. Brought to you by Michelin-starred chef, Jean-Georges Vongerichten, Market at EDITION is proud to participate in Miami Spice—the perfect opportunity to enjoy Miami Beach’s finest fare at a reduced price but with the same extraordinary culinary experience. EDITIONHOTELS.COM/MIAMI-BEACH/RESTAURANTS-AND-BARS

Sunday Asado at Los Fuegos by Francis Mallmann

Nothing says “Sunday Funday” more than Sunday Asado at Los Fuegos by Francis Mallmann. Using live fire and traditional Patagonian cooking methods, watch as award-winning chefs prepare a buffet of slow-cooked meats, locally-caught fish, seasonal vegetables, and more—right in front of excited patrons. Priced at $95 per adult, from noon-4pm, pair your brunch with bottomless mimosas, sangría, or Bloody Mary pitchers. If that’s not tempting enough, Sunday Asado guests receive complimentary passes for Faena Beach to finish the morning in total relaxation. And yes, you can bring the whole family! Children are also welcome for $45 per child (ages 10 and younger). FAENA.COM/MIAMI-BEACH/RESTAURANT/LOS-FUEGOS-BY-FRANCIS-MALLMANN

Adventurous Omakase Dinners at Pao by Paul Qui

Every month at Pao by Paul Qui, James Beard award-winning Chef Paul Qui and his culinary team whip up a one-of-a-kind omakase feast centered around a specific theme or ingredient. Set around a communal table where diners can mingle and interact, these intimate epicurean adventures aim to expose guests to flavors they’ve never tried before. Dinners start at $95 per person, with the option to upgrade the experience with a sake or Japanese whiskey pairing. Since the series launched earlier this year, editions have highlighted themes ranging from Wagyu beef and mushrooms to Texas barbecue and beyond. Sign us up! FAENA.COM/MIAMI-BEACH/RESTAURANT/PAO-BY-PAUL-QUI

The Boho Chic Rooftop Scene at Vista 

Whether you’re looking for a pre-dinner bite or the perfect ending to your night, why not head to the rooftop at Vista Miami? The two-story modern-Italian restaurant located in the Upper Buena Vista area is a trendy concept combining Italian cuisine with Miami flavor and style. With prices ranging between $9-$29, enjoy delicious bites from the rooftop’s tapas menu—think coconut ceviche, oysters, or picoteo, then top it all off with an after-dinner drink special, like a Carajillo. With live music playing and the greenery surrounding, you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped into a tropical, boho chic dream. VISTAMIAMIRESTAURANT.COM

By DiningOut Staff

And it’s not just the delicious Italian fare either …

LDV Hospitality, the team behind Dolce and Regent Cocktail Club, has transformed the restaurant at the Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove into Isabelle’s Grill Room and Garden {3300 Southwest 27th Avenue, Miami; 305.400.0562}, bringing some South Beach swagger to the posh hotel. The kitchen is helmed by Executive Chef Abel Veulens. The name pays homage to Isabella Peacock, one of the Grove’s earliest settlers.

1. The space is chic and inviting.

The cavernous dining room is made intimate with handsome dark green leather banquettes, burnished brass fixtures, and dark wood finishes. An outdoor trellised garden terrace is outfitted with over-sized planters and lush green landscaping, natural wood tables, and white and taupe woven chairs with plush cushions.

2. The eclectic menu of modern Italian-inspired dishes.

Start off with small plates like the Spanish Octopus with baby artichokes, fingerling potatoes, olives, and spicy romesco or the Crab Cake with apple slaw. Vegans will love the Carrot Ginger Soup, while a handful of salads keep things light and fresh, like the Roasted Beets with Greek yogurt, apples, and oranges dressed with pickled mustard seeds or Isabelle’s Salad with endive, radicchio, candied pecans, craisins, pecorino, and honey mustard vinaigrette.

Spaghetti Pomodoro and Lobster Papardelle will fulfill carb cravings while those looking for steakhouse fare can go for chops like an 8-ounce filet, a 14-ounce NY Strip, and a massive 40-ounce porterhouse for two. A Kurobuta Pork Chop and Seared Striped Bass round out the mains, along with sides of truffle fries, roasted carrots, and wild mushrooms.

3. The Wednesday happy hour is the perfect way to rosé the evening away.

Hump Day just got a lot better with the restaurant’s “Rosé for the Ladies” special from 5-10pm on Wednesdays. Ladies can enjoy a selection of rosé for only $5 per glass in the lush garden terrace. And added bonus: Guests receive a discounted rate of $7 for valet with validation.

By Sara Liss, contributing writer

In the heart of Midtown Miami, Riviera Focacceria Italiana transports guests to rustic Northern Italy with authentic décor and the captivating aroma of Mediterranean fare. One step in, and you won’t be able to resist sitting down.

The friendly staff will help you settle in at your table, extending warm hospitality that sees you through until the end—no matter how crowded it gets. Don’t forget to ask your wait staff about the risotto of the day.

First thing’s first, start with the focaccia—that’s a must. There’s a reason it’s called a focacceria. With the stracchino cheese imported all the way from Italy, the focaccia that ends up on your table is a mouthwatering appetizer you cannot miss. There’s even a disclaimer on the menu: a nibble of this might cause addiction. As good as it is by itself, or in pizzata form with homemade tomato sauce, there are eight toppings to choose from to truly enhance your focaccia experience. Whichever you pick, ask your waiter for that homemade pesto—just to have a little extra flair.

Focaccia with prosciutto - Riviera
Focaccia with prosciutto

Next on the menu: a plethora of pasta options. Riccardo Vincis, the talented young chef of the Riviera, offers a vast selection varying from gnocchi to fettuccine. But truly, you simply cannot go wrong with any of them since most of the pasta is either housemade or imported from Italy.

If you’re not in the mood for indulging in carbs, the secondi section offers something for everyone with fresh seafood, pork chops, and beef cuts. The fresh seafood is especially enticing with diverse options to choose from, including tuna and Mediterranean seabass. But we suggest giving Riviera’s Snapper a go as it comes dressed with lemon, capers, and white wine sauce, served with mashed potatoes and sautéed spinach.

But the flavors don’t end with the food menu—the wine menu boasts beautiful picks from all over Italy to pair with your dishes. Not a wine fanatic? Along with domestic and popular imported beers, Riviera offers imported Italian beer such as a numerotre pale ale Viola.

Your dining experience, of course, wouldn’t be complete without the sweet Italian classics: tiramisù or panna cotta. Beautifully presented plates show up on your table to satisfy your sugar pangs.

All in all, Riviera Focacceria Italiana is an authentic edition to Miami’s Italian dining scene with a rich menu and housemade specialties that will leave you buying a ticket for the next flight out.

By Caner Kocamaz, contributing writer

Here’s where you’ll be celebrating this legendary spirit

This week on August 16, National Rum Day is celebrated far and wide on many horizons, and we’ve got the best spots in Miami to pay homage to this legendary spirit. It helps that this year the holiday lands on a Friday—we can’t think of a better way to usher in the weekend than with one of these refreshing cocktails.

Vista Miami

Vista Miami {5020 Northeast Second Avenue, Miami; 305.405.7547}

The excellent mixologists at Upper Buena Vista’s idyllic spot Vista Miami are rolling out week-long specials in honor of the spirit, but we’re most taken with the Saratoga made with Havana Club rum, melon, Miel de Santo, and lime.

Matador Bar at the Miami Beach EDITION {2901 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 786.257.4600}

Made with Havana Club Anejo Rum, St. George Coffee Liqueur, espresso, cardamom demerara, toasted pecan, banana foam, and nutmeg, the Stay Woke cocktail will do just that and keep you going all night long. Inspired by the fortune teller of the same name that has been roaming Miami Beach since the 1960s, the Ms. Clair Voyant is made with Banks 7 rum, Overproof rum, Spanish brandy, Cognac, green tea, pineapple, pink lemon, orange, aromatic spices, and clarified milk.

Malibu Farm Miami Beach {4525 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.674.5579}

Enjoy unbeatable ocean views while sipping on two of this waterfront restaurant’s most popular drinks, the Mint and the Coconut. Malibu Farm’s take on the classic mojito, the Mint is made with rum, mint ginger agave, lime, and club soda; while the Coconut is a refreshingly tropical cocktail made with toasted coconut-infused rum, coconut agave, and pineapple juice.

Sugar {788 Brickell Plaza, No. 40, Miami; 786.805.4655}

If you’re looking to celebrate National Rum Day enjoying an unforgettable view of Brickell, be sure to stop by EAST and visit Miami’s infamous rooftop bar Sugar for their signature drink, the Peony. One of the rooftop oasis’ most popular rum cocktails, the Peony features vodka, dark rum, cream of coconut, pineapple, and citrus.

MO Bar + Lounge at Mandarin Oriental {500 Brickell Key Drive, Miami; 305.913.8358}

There aren’t any beaches in Hialeah, but if there were, everyone would be sipping a Hialeah Beach on the sand. The Caribbean-inspired drink combines aged rum, pineapple marmalade, allspice, lime juice, and honey.

By Sara Liss, contributing writer

Miami Spice lunch deals you can’t refuse

It’s lunchtime in Miami! So where do you go? From August 1 to September 30, these restaurants promise the best bang for your Miami Spice buck. 

Plant Miami

Plant Miami {105 Northeast 24 Street, Wynwood; 305.814.5365}

Don’t let the word “plant” deter you—Plant Miami serves flavorful plant-based cuisine like you’ve never had before! The appetizer options include Smashed Avocado with cilantro and sunflower chia seed crisps, soup, or the Som Tam Salad with green papaya and housemade sesame-ginger dressing. After that, move on to mains like Kale & Avocado Salad, Sesame Ginger Noodles, or the Rainbowl with sprouted beans, quinoa, tahini, eggplant, kimchi, and a red pepper-tahini dressing. Round out the meal on a sweet note with a surprise from Pastry Chef Veronica Manolizi: Cheesecake inspired by the season’s best flavors.

Plant Miami’s Miami Spice lunch menu will be available Monday through Friday.

Novikov Miami {300 South Biscayne Boulevard, Downtown Miami; 305.489.1000}

When it comes to Miami Spice, this snazzy London transplant won’t disappoint. Head to Novikov Miami for lunch and take advantage of its varied menu. Think: appetizers like Spicy Salmon Maki, Wild Baby Squid, and Saffron and Sweetcorn Dim Sum, followed by Robata Salmon, Black Bean Chicken, Pork Ribs with ginger and sesame, or Vegetarian Singapore Noodle for your main dish. Desserts like Key Lime Tapioca and Umeshu Black Forest are different enough to satisfy every palate, bringing Novikov’s Miami Spice lunch menu to ten options in total.

Novikov’s Miami Spice lunch menu will be available Sunday through Friday.

Hakkasan {4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 786.276.1388}

Dim sum lunch is the best lunch—and Hakkasan whips enough up for two. During Miami Spice, head to the iconic Fontainebleau Miami Beach and enjoy a family-style lunch that begins with a dim sum basket of Chinese Chive Shrimp Dumplings, Spinach Beef Shui Mai with Crab Roe, and Seared Foie Gras Chicken Dumplings. Next up, indulge in plates of Baked Spicy Chicken Thigh with Cumin, Sautéed Shanghai Pak Choi with Mushroom, and Stir-Fry Udon Noodles with Duck and Black Pepper, also served family-style. End the meal with your choice of Mango Custard or Black Sesame Cheesecake, and you’re in for a treat.

Hakkasan’s Miami Spice lunch menu will be available on Saturday and Sunday only.

Boulud Sud Miami {255 Biscayne Boulevard Way, Downtown Miami; 305.421.8800}

Located on the bottom floor of the JW Marriott Marquis, Daniel Boulud’s coastal Mediterranean eatery, Boulud Sud, offers an expansive Miami Spice menu that brings out the flavors of Spain, Italy, Greece, Turkey, France, and more. Start with appetizers like Corn Soup or the “Horiatiki” Classic Greek Salad, and move on to your choice of Grilled Skirt Steak with mejadra rice, Branzino a la Plancha, Moroccan Shakshouka with a soft-poached hen egg, or Chicken Souvlaki with pita and tzatziki. Don’t leave without dessert, which is an absolute must here. Choose from Torrijas with a berry compote and sangría sorbet, Double Chocolate Mousse Cake, or Tiramisu Sundae with ladyfingers and coffee gelato.  

By Jennifer Agress, contributing writer

Call Me Gaby {22 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.531.4800}

Who is Gaby? It’s not just one woman, but all women who are elegant, strong, stylish, talented, and of course, show no mercy in the kitchen—especially when it comes to Pinsa Romana-style pizza! At Call Me Gaby, located in the South of Fifth neighborhood, owners Cathy and Anthony take you on a journey where a taste of Italy meets the South of France. The cozy and romantic décor with light wood, rustic furniture, and striped umbrellas truly capture the essence of the French Riviera. And, the charm doesn’t stop with the ambience, but rather is carried over to their signature dishes where the ingredients are mostly imported from Italy.

At Call Me Gaby, it’s all about the dough—incredibly fulfilling and delicious, yet won’t leave you feeling overly stuffed! How is that possible? Well, the dough undergoes a 72 hour leavening process as part of a centuries old tradition. The end result of this process is an incredibly light, airy, easy to digest, and mouthwatering dough that’s not only used for their Pinsa, but even their homemade focaccia and decadent dessert pizzas!

As you enjoy the crispy and fresh-out-of-the-oven focaccia, sip on your favorite Italian wine or pair it with a signature cocktail, such as the Gaby Margarita, a lychee martini, or the Black Forest Manhattan made with Rye whiskey infused with berries, sweet vermouth, and chocolate bitters.

Fresh out of the oven Focaccia

When it comes to the menu at Call Me Gaby, leave your passport behind, but fasten your seatbelt for a tastebud trip to Italy! Start your meal with the kitchen’s take on an antipasti served in a mason jar or with the refreshing watermelon salad served in the rind topped with goat cheese, mint, lemon zest, and pistachio crumble. Authentic is the word that comes to mind when describing the fare at Call Me Gaby and that rings true for one Italian favorite—the meatballs. As the Pot of Meatballs is placed on the table the fragrant smell of the homemade dish with whipped ricotta and chives follows, and you won’t be able to refrain from saying, “mmm!”

And, the “mmm” moments continue with Call Me Gaby’s homemade pastas and acclaimed pizzas. The girl-powered pizza shop, names all its pies after strong women. Find pizzas like the Andrea, made with Fig jam, fresh stracciatella, speck Alto Adige, and fresh rosemary; The Carla, made with mortadella, basil pesto, and pistachio crumble; or the Barbara, made with pumpkin cream, pancetta, smoked mozzarella, and shaved Pecorino-Romano. These are just a few of the adventurous and creative Pinsa pies on offer.

And of course, there are classic pizzas on the menu like the Romana with San Marzano tomatoes, anchovies, capers, black olives, and imported extra virgin olive oil; and the Diavola with San Marzano tomatoes, Fior di Latte, calabrese salami, and extra virgin olive oil.

After dinner, head to the lounge area for dessert and a nightcap. Whether you’re looking for a classic dessert like the tiramisù, the chocolate lava cake, or a dessert pizza, it’s sure to be nothing short of deliciously elegant. In the words of CoCo Chanel, “A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous.” This is what Call Me Gaby is all about. Is it a coincidence that the French fashion designer’s first name was Gaby? We think not!

By Loren Gutentag, contributing writer