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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

Steakhouse selections that shine

Bourbon Steak {19999 West Country Club Drive, Aventura; 786.279.6600}

When you have the word “steak” in your restaurant name, you’re setting the bar high for your beef. This is especially true when celebrated Chef Michael Mina is attached to the concept. Unsurprisingly, the fine-dining establishment inside JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa offers diners plenty to like—both in the steak department and beyond.

First things first: Bourbon Steak isn’t cheap. The steakhouse fare comes at a premium, with entrees as high as $95 (and even $195 for an 8-ounce Japanese A5 Striploin). Prepare to spend a pretty penny on your meal. But you should also prepare to leave the restaurant in awe.

From start to finish, Bourbon Steak doesn’t disappoint. Instead of bread service, guests are welcomed with a trio of Duck Fat Fries, each with tasty sauces and seasonings like Smoked Paprika, Spicy Ketchup, and Smoky BBQ Sauce. As tempting as it is to gorge on these fries, overdoing it will leave less room for notable starters like Steak Tartare and Spicy Beef Lettuce Cups.

Make sure to balance all that meat with some seafood. The chilled seafood section of the menu features favorites like Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail, a Chef’s Oyster Selection, and Caviar Parfait. Larger groups can indulge in heftier items like a Cast-Iron Broiled Shellfish Platter or an Ice-Cold Shellfish Tower.

There’s so much on the menu that sounds great—so much so that you’re likely to skip over the salads section. Pro tip: don’t. While Simple Greens may not sound exciting, the salads are done really well; The ‘Wedge” is big enough for the table and dazzles with its blue cheese, bacon and a heavenly buttermilk ranch.

Obviously, you can’t visit Bourbon Steak without ordering steak—it’s a crime (we read that somewhere). A range of options are available, including an 8-ounce Filet Mignon, a 16-ounce Delmonico Rib Eye and a 32-ounce Porterhouse. Notably, the 8-ounce, Chef’s Favorite Cut ‘Rib Cap’ gets its own little box on the menu and rightfully so: It’s the perfect balance of tenderness and flavor.

Bourbon Steak Bar

If steak isn’t your thing, a diverse Land & Sea section includes Day-Boat Scallops, Scottish Salmon, Veal Chop and more. Or you can enjoy one of Bourbon Steak’s Signature selections such as the Miso-Glazed Sea Bass or the $95 Maine Lobster Pot Pie (a deliciously decadent affair). Daily specials are also up for grabs, so listen to your server.

Should you have room for dessert, you can stick to something light such as a Chef’s Selection of Cheeses or go all out with Molten Chocolate Cake with malted milk ice cream or the Bourbon Steak Candy Bar with dulce de leche and Guanaja brownie.

In the end, you get what you pay for at Bourbon Steak. A phenomenal dining experience is waiting for you here: You may walk out with your wallet a little lighter, but you’ll be grinning ear-to-ear with a full belly. So treat yourself—you deserve it.  

By Geoffrey Anderson Jr. | Staff Writer

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

Black and white movies featuring some of the most iconic legends in show biz, drinks being poured in Gatsby-esque coupe glasses and delicious food with every turn you take. This is the charm of the 20th Century. This is also the charm of Osteria Del Teatro {1200 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.538.7850}, Miami’s oldest and award-winning Italian restaurant, situated in the boutique Marlin Hotel in the Art Deco district of South Beach.

Providing the perfect blend of atmosphere, taste and tradition, the old-world comfort combined with new Miami style is what has contributed to the restaurant’s success for more than 30 years, says long-time owner Gilbert Gonzalez. Adding to that, the success and reputation of Osteria Del Teatro is also due to consistency. How do you achieve consistency? A combination of quality, carefully chosen, fresh ingredients, as well as an experienced waitstaff and kitchen team who have been dedicated to making customers feel like family for more than three decades.

Gilbert Gonzalez, owner of Osteria Del Teatro

As you walk through the doors, you’re immediately immersed in a decade where good food, drinks, and jazz music are at the center of a fabulous time. The exposed brick walls, vintage Edison bulbs, and tufted dark leather booths set the scene for a trendy culinary experience for visitors and locals alike.

A view from the top of main dining

Start your night in the lounge with a specialty cocktail such as the Sophia Loren or a wine from “Gilbert’s Selection,” an extensive hand-selected list of reds and whites from Italy and other regions around the world.

Cocktail lounge of Osteria Del Teatro

When it comes to the fare, the menu offers northern Italian dishes influenced from the Bergamo region. After lavish drinks in the lounge, head to your table in the dining room where your waiter will not only suggest the chef specials, but even give insight on some of the best “off-the-menu” dishes that will leave you saying, “wow!”

To start, try one of the “off-the-menu” favorites among regulars, which is the avocado and mango salad with black truffle vinaigrette. And if you’re a bread lover, we can’t fail to mention the homemade bread served on the side—for your dipping pleasure!

Salmone Bruschetta

For your main course, whether you’re a pasta, seafood, or meat lover, Osteria Del Teatro caters to everyone. The homemade pastas are, in fact, a highlight on the menu offering both traditional and specialty pastas. The Casonsei alla Bergamasca is a handmade bow-tie candy shaped ravioli with roasted veal stuffing, Parmesan cheese, and crispy pancetta in a brown-butter sage sauce. The Agnolotti al pesto is pasta infused with ricotta and spinach and topped with a creamy pesto sauce. Or try the Pappardelle porcini made with pappardelle pasta and porcini mushrooms topped with a pink vodka sauce.

Spaghetti Puttanesca

The menu is expansive, and if you’re looking for a seafood treat, you’ll find both locally caught and imported options. However, another favorite “off-the-menu” item is the South African Black Tiger Shrimp marinated in olive oil and lemon then steamed and grilled in the shell and served with French green beans and scalloped potatoes. While it’s rare to find, it’s delicious to eat, and Gonzalez says they’ll serve it as long as they can get it. Heading into dessert, grab a cappuccino to pair with their classic tiramisù, the flourless chocolate cake, the vanilla bean créme brûlée, or the caramelized apple torte. Like the name of the restaurant, Osteria Del Teatro, your dining experience is bound to be a production, and one you won’t be able to stop talking about for days following.

By Loren Gutentag, contributing writer

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.