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Home / Posts Tagged "Downtown Miami" (Page 2)

9:43 am
Restaurant Features
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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.

MO Bar + Lounge

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.

stripsteak

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.

Sardinia enoteca

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).

seafood bahia four seasons

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.

Marc Irwin Piano concert in The Betsy Lobby

(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.

db Miami Wine Cellar by B. Milne

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

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12:32 pm
Restaurant Features
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Courtesy of Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau – MiamiandBeaches.com

It’s hard to believe that it’s already more than halfway through July. Time sure does fly! But that means it’s almost time for one of our favorite times of the year: Miami Spice. During August and September, nearly 200 restaurants throughout Miami will be offering special three-course prix-fixe menus at unbeatable prices (lunch is $23 per person; dinner is $39 per person). We’ll be posting some of our favorite participating restaurants in the upcoming weeks, so be sure to check back regularly. Can’t wait ’til August? The following three events are kicking off the two-month Spice a tad early.

Miami Spice Mash-Up Series
When: Thursday, July 23, 7pm
Where: Dolce Italian {The Gale Miami Beach, 1690 Collins Avenue}
What: Chefs Paolo Dorigato and Cesar Zapata from Bravo’s “Best New Restaurant” will team up to create an exclusive dinner featuring two of the summer’s most popular Spice destinations: Dolce Italian and The Federal Miami. Dinner includes a complimentary pour of Stella Artois and one complimentary glass each of Terrazas Reserva Chardonnay and Terrazas Reserva Malbec
Cost: $65 per person. Click here to reserve seats.

South of Spice
When: Tuesday, July 28, 6pm
Where: South of Fifth. Participating restaurants include Cibo Wine Bar {200 South Pointe Drive}, TiramesU {101 Washington Avenue}, Red Ginger {736 First Street}, and more.
What: Miami Beach’s bourgeoning SoFi neighborhood kicks off Miami Spice with a cool “restaurant-hopping” event featuring the area’s top dining destinations. Ticket holders can venture between participating eateries for a sneak taste of their Miami Spice menus, which will be paired with various wines and cocktails.
Cost: $45 per person. Click here for tickets.

Iron Fork Miami Spice Kickoff Event
When: Thursday, July 30, 7pm
Where: Hyatt Regency Downtown Miami {400 Southeast Second Avenue}
What: The annual Iron Fork kickoff event features two of Miami’s finest chefs—Eileen Andrade of FINKA Table & Tap and Dena Marino of MC Kitchen—will go “pot-to-pot” in a culinary showdown overseen by famed Chef Allen Susser. Each competitor will receive a basket of ingredients to create an innovative dish to be judged by a panel of local celebrity chefs. In addition, Midtown Oyster Bar will present a Shuck It Oyster Competition, where chefs from select Miami Spice restaurants will be timed to see who can shuck a dozen oysters the fastest.
Cost: $50 per person; $85 for VIP. Click here for tickets.

By Sherri Balefsky | Miami Editor

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8:29 am
Restaurant Features
1
db bistro moderne miami

Street View

If you’ve ever crossed over the bridge from Brickell Avenue into downtown, then you’ve certainly passed by db Bistro Moderne {255 Biscayne Boulevard Way, Miami; 305.421.8800}. But because of its unpretentious facade, you might have missed it. Those in-the-know know that on the ground floor of the luxe JW Marriott Marquis Miami is where Chef Daniel Boulud’s only South Florida restaurant finds its home. DiningOut recently had the opportunity to dine at this trés chic French eatery with the added bonus of spending some time chatting with Executive Chef Jason Pringle.

db bistro moderne miami bar

Bar & Lounge Area

Our first exposure to the restaurant was via the bar and lounge area, which was abuzz for happy hour (which takes place Monday-Friday 5-8pm). Young professionals and business execs find this casual haven to be the perfect spot for after-work drinks with friends or colleagues.

db bistro moderne miami

White Oak Dining Room

We were seated in the White Oak Dining Room, which features the same sophisticated vibe of db Bistro’s Manhattan and Singapore counterparts, but has been updated to reflect Miami’s tropical lifestyle. Designed by the internationally renowned firm Yabu Pushelberg, each distinct dining room (there are several, making this the perfect location for small groups and special events) feels as if it has been plucked directly from a hip SoHo establishment and pieced together to create one cohesive restaurant that’s worthy of serving up Boulud’s unrivaled cuisine.

chefs jason pringle and daniel boulud

Executive Chef Jason Pringle with Daniel Boulud

We were soon greeted by Chef Pringle, a San Francisco native with over 13 years of culinary experience under his belt. Prior to making his way to Miami, he worked at Boulud’s Michelin-starred Café Boulud in New York City. Though humble and soft-spoken, Chef Pringle shared with us the nuances of the menu, which changes seasonally and features only the freshest, locally sourced ingredients. When prompted to select his favorite dish on the menu, he said coyly, “I wouldn’t NOT recommend anything.”

db bistro

Trio of Appetizers

And so, our culinary journey began. To start, Chef Pringle sent out a trio of bite-sized appetizers, our favorite of which was the Tuna Crudo. Then came the first course: Florida Key Shrimp al Ajillo, local rock shrimp sautéed with butter and citrus, and the Heirloom Tomato Salad with arugula and fennel.

db bistro

Heirloom Tomato Salad

For our main course, we shared the Almond-Crusted Halibut (by far the standout dish of the evening), which is served with forbidden rice, orange emulsion, and bok choy, and the Spaghetti Chitarra, which was like a fettuccini served in a creamy citrus sauce. “I had a guest from Italy come in and said that we make excellent pasta for a French restaurant,” our server told us (who, by the way, was fantastic and beyond attentive).

db bistro

Almond-Crusted Halibut

db bistro

Spaghetti Chitarra

Dessert was certainly a grand finale. In addition to being treated to an assortment of chocolates and macarons and a warm basket of madeleines (which we boxed up and took home for later), we shared the Crunchy Chocolate Bar. This unforgettable delight was prepared with a caramel-praline glaze, brownies, candied hazelnuts, and served with a toasted marshmallow ice cream.

db bistro

Desserts

Our only regret? That we didn’t try the famous db Burger, which we hear is an experience unto itself.

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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2:29 pm
Restaurant Features
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PM Fish & Steak House

Earlier this month, DiningOut had a fun opportunity to attend a special wine-pairing dinner at the upscale PM Fish & Steak House {1453 South Miami Avenue, Brickell; 305.200.5606}. The event was hosted by the prestigious Castillo de Argum winery located in Villarrobledo (Castilla-La Mancha), Spain, known for making 100-percent organic wines. We were joined by the winery’s winemaker, Fernando Santos Jimenez, who led us through each wine’s aging process from grape to bottle. Each wine was expertly paired with distinguished and mouthwatering dishes by PM’s Chef Mauricio Rocha.

We started off the evening with the Castillo de Argum Rosada, a fresh and fruity raspberry-pink rosé. It was paired with a colorful sashimi platter featuring cuts of salmon, tuna, and striped bass, along with PM’s signature Octopus Carpaccio, finely sliced pieces of fresh octopus topped with olive oil, ponzu sauce, and lemon and lime zest. The simplicity of the dishes paired with the refreshing rosé wine was the perfect beginning to what turned into an extravagant multi-course journey of food, fun, and friendship.

PM Sashimi

The rosé was soon traded in for the Castillo de Argum Sauvignon Blanc, which is made entirely from Sauvignon Blanc grapes. The winemaker explained to us that young white wines sugar themselves, paralyzing the fermentation that’s obtained naturally. To fully soak up the flavor, the dish was paired with a mixed ceviche, which was prepared in a light tomato sauce with oyster and citrus juices.

ceviche

The white wine continued to flow before we switched over to the winery’s signature reds: the Cencibel Ecológic, made from 100-percent Cencibel (Tempranillo), and the Roble Cencibel, a Tempranillo, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon blend aged for just four months in oak barrels, but then kept six months in the bottle before it is even released.

Argum rose wineargum white

We were served even more delicacies from PM’s kitchen, including the restaurant’s homemade chorizo sausage and provoleta cheese, a thick, gooey slab of aged provolone served piping hot. Red wine was all around us before along came the dish we all were waiting for: a prime slab of New York Strip Steak cooked to perfection.

Pm steak

The meal ended on a sweet note with the Chocolatisimo PM, a hot decadent chocolate soufflé served over a coffee reduction with vanilla ice cream. Suffice to say, we were beyond satisfied.

dessert

Our takeaway from the evening was twofold.

  1. Castillo de Argum organic wines are by far superior to a majority of the wines that we’ve tasted in the past;
  2. PM Fish & Steak exudes unmatched sophistication and fine culinary prowess that we know we’ll be back to enjoy in the very near future. Oh, and the next time we’re in Spain, we know where we plan on staying. The winery gets its name from the medieval-like castle in which it sits, a space that doubles as an elegant hotel.

Castillo de Argum

 By Sherri Balefsky | Online Editor

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3:09 pm
Restaurant Features
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“Out with the old, in with the new,” is how the saying goes. But in the case of the three restaurants below, it’s more like, “Out with the old, in with the improved.” Here, a look at three highly anticipated restaurant openings for the summer:

PB Station

PB Station {121 Southeast First Street, Downtown; 305.532.7555}
Pubbelly “goes new American” this summer with the opening of PB Station, the first dining concept outside Miami Beach’s city limits for the Pubbelly Boys’ (Jose Mendin, Andreas Schreiner, and Sergio Navarro of Pubbelly, Pubbelly Sushi, and L’Echon Brasserie fame).

Located on the ground level of the new Langford Hotel in Downtown Miami, PB Station will be led by Executive Chef Guillermo Concha, who will offer original dishes inspired by the restaurant group’s former concepts PB Steak and PB Fish such as the Ceviche Taquitos, Steak Tartare Sliders, and French Onion Soup Dumplings, plus carefully selected à la carte steak and poultry cuts, with seafood selections varying daily based on what is fresh and local.

Tiramesu

TiramesU {101 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach}
The latest buzz in Miami Beach’s exploding South of Fifth neighborhood is the highly anticipated reopening of TiramesU, the 25-plus-year-old establishment that has been a South Beach staple since its inception.

The restaurant made its debut in 1988 on Ocean Drive and later moved to a prime location on Lincoln Road, where it reigned for 17 years. The Italian restaurant caused a stir when it closed its doors in April of last year, announcing that it would soon reopen in the SoFi district. And now, after a seemingly forever hiatus, the time has finally come for it to reemerge bigger and better than ever.

Chef Fabrizio Pintus, who has been at the helm of the kitchen since 2010, will resume his role as executive chef, offering up a new and improved menu featuring the same authentic Italian flavors with a fun, contemporary twist.

CENA by michy

CENA by Michy {6927 Biscayne Boulevard, Midtown; 305 759 2001}
Unlike TiramesU, which is essentially an old restaurant in a new location, CENA by Michy is a new restaurant in an old location. After a 10-month closure and a total renovation, James Beard Award-winning Chef Michelle Bernstein’s landmark eatery Michy has reopened its doors, but with an entirely new name, look, menu, and spirit.

CENA by Michy has shucked the original incarnation’s bright colors and cottage-chic décor for a clean, white color palette complemented by dark chrome starburst chandeliers. The menu is approachable yet adventurous, boasting soul-pleasing favorites as well as an array of dishes inspired by what Bernstein says are her current culinary obsessions. The menu will feature nightly selections from the restaurant’s new rotisserie and has already been praised for its innovative and Latin-inspired flavors for which Bernstein is known.

By Sherri Balefsky | Online Editor

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2:47 pm
Restaurant Features
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modern garden

By Sherri Balefsky | Online Editor

We couldn’t have been more excited when we were invited for an exclusive dinner at Modern Garden {422 Northwest River Drive, Miami; 305.440.4200}, one of the most innovative culinary concepts to ever hit the Miami River. Just minutes from downtown, this hidden oasis along the water feels worlds away from the bustling city streets.

Modern Garden shares its serene waterfront space with sister restaurant Seaspice (formerly Seasalt & Pepper), both original concepts from Owner Carlos Miranda. Upon entering, we were greeted by our hostess who escorted us to the right, to an intimate, dimly lit room with wood-paneled flooring, comfortable white seating, and rows of white and purple orchids. The interior is anchored by a permanent wooden tree-shaped art installation by Architect Santiago Jose Palaez, which was unveiled in December during Art Basel.

modern garden

Had we been escorted to the left, we would have been led inside Seaspice, though the two all-but overlap one another on the patio. They also share 500-plus feet of dockage—the ultimate VIP parking space for luxury yachts looking to drop anchor.

But unlike Seaspice, which is known for its cooked entrées such as the Prime US Veal Chop and Australian Rack of Lamb, not to mention its unique wood-fired casseroles, Modern Garden sings a different tune. The menu consists of delectable crudos and hot-stone dishes, where meat is served uncooked and diners prepare it to their liking on 850-degree slabs of on the table.

Luckily for us, Chef Angel Leon selected some of his favorite dishes to bring out for us to try, saving us from our initial dilemma of deciding which of the menu’s mouthwatering bites to choose!

modern garden salad

We started off with the color Purple Watercress Salad with green goddess dressing, which was both deliciously tangy and sweet. Then the crudos started coming—and kept coming! The plates were artfully presented, so colorful and decadent that that we were hesitant to dive in for fear of ruining the presentation.

modern garden salmon

Our favorites here were the Salmon Rosettes (pictured above) and the Kimne Dai, which was an interesting take on chips and dip (the chips were actually crispy sunchoke, while the dip—though it looked like guacamole—was a mix of yuzu paste and tangerine mojo and had a texture more similar to hummus.

Next, it was time for the main event, as we were presented with two piping-hot black slabs and wooden chopsticks. One slab was for the Diver Scallops, which were served with a bagna cauda sauce; the other was for the juicy pieces of raw Spinelis (rib-eye). Our attentive server showed us the proper way to prepare each dish, then we were left on our own to finish the process.

modern garden dessert

Sufficiently stuffed, we couldn’t pass on dessert, which we, of course, devoured. Needless to say, it was definitely worth it.

As the night came to a close, we were in a bit of a dreamlike state. With our bellies full and satisfied, we watched as the last of the mega-yachts untied from the dock and sailed away down the river. I’m sure they’ll be back … we definitely will be, too.

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12:00 pm
Restaurant Features
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Mandarin Oriental Spa

The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Miami

By Sherri Balefsky | Online Editor

Mother’s Day is just around the corner. Of course, you’ll do brunch. But wouldn’t an even better present include both brunch AND a sumptuous spa treatment from one of our city’s many luxury hotels? Here, we round up some of the best places in Miami that successfully offer both.

1) Mandarin Oriental, Miami {500 Brickell Key Drive, Brickell; 305.913.8288}
What’s for Brunch: La Mar by Gastón Acurio will serve up a sumptuous Peruvian meal that includes unlimited brunch cocktails with savory entrées such as Egg-Topped Lomo Saltado and Grouper Chorrillana with bacon-mashed yucca in addition to a seafood station with cebiches, tiraditos, and Peruvian-style sushi rolls and an Anticucho Grill station. A dessert carousel completes the meal while all mothers will receive a sweet surprise gift to take home.
Spa Specials: The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Miami is offering four rejuvenating Mother’s Day treatments throughout the month of May: Elegant Wellbeing, a half-day experience that includes a 60-minute Time Ritual massage and a Hydrating Oxygen Facial; Mom’s Escape, a customizable package with choice of massage, plus mini facial and Oriental Scalp Massage; New Beginnings, designed for moms-to-be; and Mother & Daughter, where moms and daughters can relax and reconnect in a VIP Couples Spa Suite with treatments for each.

Scarpetta at Fontainebleau

Scarpetta at Fontainebleau

2) Fontainebleau {4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.538.2000}
What’s for Brunch: At Chef Michael Mina’s innovative steakhouse, StripSteak, guests will be greeted by the signature cocktail, the Fizzy Bellboy, and freshly baked breads and pastries. The feast continues with choice of appetizer, entrée, and dessert. Meanwhile, Scarpetta is offering a succulent Italian-inspired buffet-style brunch that includes choice of a Bloody Mary, Bellini, or signature cocktail along with a spread of hot and cold appetizers, live-action carving station, delectable pasta station, and a bevy of desserts.
Spa Specials: Give Mom the gift of relaxation with a day of renewal at Fontainebleau’s award-winning Lapis Spa. Select one of the signature Mother’s Day treatments, such as the Queen of the Day, an Instant Foot Relief Massage with Lapis Soak and a Take A Load Off My Back Massage, or A Mother’s Love, a Lapissage Massage with Radiance Express Facial.

Spa at Betsy Hotel

The Wellness Garden & Spa at The Betsy

3) The Betsy Hotel {1440 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach; .305.531.6100}
What’s for Brunch: BLT Steak at the Betsy is offering a special Brunch Blackboard featuring a tasty array of signature dishes, including Wild Smoked Salmon Salad with baby frisée, red onions, local radish, brioche crouton, and grainy mustard vinaigrette; Open Face Double Cut Bacon Jalapeño Biscuit with heirloom tomato, pickled red onions, and local arugula; Brown Butter Waffles with wild berries and honey Chantilly cream; and much more.
Spa Specials: The Wellness Garden & Spa at The Betsy—Miami Beach’s only outdoor spa—is designed to soothe the senses with Zen-inspired wood, stone, bamboo, and natural fibers all shaded by retractable sails and private cabanas. Choose from a number of unique spa therapies, such as the signature Wood Stone Ritual with chilled stones or the indulgent Coconut Hot Towel Facial.

The Biltmore Hotel

The Biltmore Hotel

4) The Biltmore {1200 Anastasia Avenue, Coral Gables; 855.311.6903}
What’s for Brunch: The spectacular Biltmore is famous for its sprawling Sunday brunch buffet, which continues to be ranked among the best in all of Miami. If you’d rather celebrate Mom later in the evening, The Biltmore Palme d’Or is offering an authentic French culinary dinner with Chef Pugin’s special tasting menu, while Chef Beppe at The Biltmore Fontana is offering a special three-course dinner in the courtyard.
Spa Specials: Let Mom pick out her own treatment with a $200 gift card to the award-winning Biltmore Spa. As an added Mother’s Day bonus, she’ll receive a complimentary Vosges four-piece Praline Truffle collection and Soy Delicious Travel Candle.

The Setai Courtyard

The Setai Courtyard

5) The Setai {2001 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 855.923.7899}
What’s for Brunch: The Restaurant at The Setai’s elaborate Sunday brunch features all your favorite brunch staples, bottomless Champagne, and a few surprises like caramelized legs of lamb; truffle-roasted chicken; and a raw bar with ceviche, shrimp, and muscles all to the cool beats of live Spanish and Flamenco jazz music.
Spa Specials: The Spa at the Setai by Thémaé is offering a special Pampering Ritual throughout the month of May. For just $300, you can treat Mom to hours of indulgence with this exclusive package, which includes the Aromatherapy Foot Polish, a 60-minute traditional Balinese massage, and a 60-minute Thémaé Rejuvenating Facial.

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11:09 am
Restaurant Features
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zuma

Zuma

By Sherri Balefsky | Online Editor

California Roll? Yum. Spicy Tuny Roll? Yes, please. Sex on the Beach Roll? You’ll have to keep reading. Here’s our list of the top 10 sushi restaurants in Miami, in no particular order.

1. Zuma {270 Biscayne Boulevard Way; Downtown; 305 577 0277}
Located at the Epic Hotel facing the Miami River in Downtown Miami, the world-class Zuma is often cited as one of the city’s best. The expansive menu features a seemingly endless array of signature dishes and sushi rolls featuring surprising combinations and flavors—a true treat for the senses. Be sure to make your reservations well in advance; last-minute tables here are hard to come by.

2. Nobu {1901 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.695.3232}
Just two blocks down from SLS inside the classic Miami Beach Shore Club is another world-renowned sushi restaurant: Nobu. Executive Chef Thomas Buckley honed his skills at Nobu London and now brings Chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s award-winning culinary interpretations to South Beach. Most dishes are served family-style, perfect for a groups and large parties, lending an even more lively atmosphere to the already festive space.

3. Kazumi {260 Crandon Boulevard #16, Key Biscayne; 305.361.2675}
Key Biscayne locals will swear by this modern Japanese concept from the owners of Costa Med. Expect to find all your Japanese staples, including sushi rolls and sashimi, and yakitori bites from the robata grill. You’ll also find some unexpected twists like the Sex on the Beach and Honeymoon rolls. Stop by for lunch for one of the many reasonably priced bento boxes, which allow you to combine a bunch of your favorites into one flavorful meal.

Katsuya

Catsup by Starck

4. Katsuya by Starck {1701 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.455.2995}
Miamians rejoiced a few years back when the trendy SLS brand made its hotel debut in South Beach. And we were even more excited when we found out that inside this chic hotel would be the acclaimed sushi restaurant, Katsuya. The brand is known throughout the world for its modern Japanese cuisine by Master Chef Katsuya Uechi and its cool design motif by design impresario Philippe Starck—and the Miami location is no exception. More good news: a Katsuya is scheduled to open a downtown location later this year.

3. Pubbelly Sushi {1424 20th Street, Miami Beach; 305.531.9282}
From the Pubbelly Boys, the same team behind Pubbelly Gastropub, Pubbelly Sushi is a hip Sunset Harbour neighborhood sushi den that packs the house nightly with its Asian-inspired pub grub from Partners Jose Mendin and Chef Yuki Ieto. Big anime murals accent the space’s exposed brick, large chalkboards, and floor-to-ceiling windows, while stainless-steel light fixtures and dark wooden tables complete the look.

Hannya

Hannya

6. Hannya {1063 Brickell Plaza, Brickell; 305.808.5833}
It seems that a new restaurant pops up in Brickell daily, making it hard to stand out from the pack. But Hannya manages to do just that. The new eatery is a concept by Larry Chi of Sunset Place’s Akashi, which was one of the first sushi bars in the area when it opened in 1993 and remains a local favorite to this day. A must-try: the Alex #2 Roll. It’s hard to resist this tasty blend of shrimp tempura, krab salad, masago, and cream cheese topped with avocado, spicy mayo, and eel sauce—especially since the word “AMAZING!” is included in its menu description.

8. SOHO Bay {520 West Avenue, Miami Beach; 786.618.2788}
It’s very rare that a brand-new restaurant makes a top 10 list right away. Although SOHO BAY is new to Miami (it officially opened its doors on April 7), it is no stranger to the restaurant biz. In fact, this modern eatery is already an established success in Brazil, with 15 years of experience and eight locations across the country. Executive Chef Ricardo Sauri, formerly of Nobu fame, has devised a tempting sushi and sashimi-focused menu, which is complemented by a sizable list of fine sakes and innovative cocktails.

7. 26 Sushi & Tapas {9487 Harding Avenue, Surfside; 305.570.2626}
Kosher sushi? The two words at first glance do not seem to go together. But that’s exactly what makes 26 different. The restaurant, which encompasses a main dining room, sushi bar, cocktail bar, and patio dining, is certified by Kosher Miami. Chef Fernando Chang brings over a decade of experience conceiving dazzling kosher sushi and Japanese cuisine—with a hint of Peruvian flair—making it safe to say that kosher never tasted so good.

26 Sushi & Tapas

26 Sushi & Tapas

9. Fung Kü {1720 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.534.7905}
Have you ever heard of naked sushi? We hadn’t. Until we visited at the Catalina Hotel in South Beach. Serving up fine Thai and Japanese cuisine, dinner is always a treat here. And once you’re done eating, stay right where you are. A delicious party ensues complete with a live DJ spinning tunes and fabulous drink specials. As for the naked sushi? Let’s just say you’ll have to come in to experience it for yourself.

10. Naoe {661 Brickell Key Drive; Brickell Key; 305.379.0903}
Nestled on the quieter, more subdued Brickell Key, just off of Brickell Avenue, NAOE is quickly becoming the must-visit sushi restaurant for those in-the-know. At the helm is Chef Kevin Cory, whose family has been making shoyu (translation: soy sauce) since 1825 in the small town of Oono, Japan. Monday through Saturday, he serves up his signature Chef’s Choice prix-fixe menu. It changes daily, which means that every time you visit this Forbes five-star eatery (one of only 38 in the United States), you’re in for a new surprise.

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Tuyo

Roasted Filet of Grouper and Maine Lobster Ceviche

The spring menu at Tuyo {At the top of Miami Culinary Institute, Miami Dade College, 415 Northeast Second Avenue, Downtown; 305.237.3200} is in full bloom, ushering in a new season of vibrant flavors. The restaurant’s latest offerings will engage all your senses with fresh ingredients bursting with mouthwatering aromas, colors, flavors, and textures.

Tuyo Steak

New York Strip Steak

Some of the highlights from the new spring menu include the Black Grouper, Maine Lobster Ceviche, Roasted Florida Corn, and Scallop Chowder. A visit to Tuyo is not complete without sampling something from the ever-evolving decadent dessert menu, which features several new companions to the Rhubarb Revival, including a Passionfruit Crème Brûlée and a Dark Chocolate Caramel Petit Gâteau.

Tuyo Dessert

Crème Brûlée

With Mother’s Day and graduation season right around the corner, Tuyo is also the perfect place to celebrate with family and friends. Tuyo is regularly rated by OpenTable diners as one of South Florida’s best locations for special occasions. For the second year in a row, Tuyo will open on Mother’s Day with a special menu available from 11am to 4pm. All mothers also will receive a complimentary glass of prosecco, a mimosa, or a Bloody Mary. You can make reservations by calling the restaurant.

Tuyo Dessert

Rhubarb Revival

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