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Spring has sprung, March Madness is underway, and Easter is just around the corner (stay tuned for our Easter brunch roundup). Here are 11 must-do March events in the meantime.

Shrimp Salad

1. New Lunch Menu at Seaspice
When:
 Tuesday-Friday, Noon-4pm
Where: Seaspice {422 Northwest North River Drive, Miami; 305.440.4200}
What: Seaspice has launched an all-new lunch menu, a combination of old and new favorites, including the Shrimp Salad (pictured above), the Market Fish Sandwich with tarragon rémoulade, cucumber slaw, and butter lettuce on ciabatta loaf; the Seaspice Lobster Roll with warm Maine lobster, mini challah buns, chive-lemon aïoli, and shaved celery; the Steak Frites with 1855 Prime grilled bavette and green peppercorn sauce; and the Vegetable Pizzeta, made fresh daily.

apeiro2. March Madness at Apeiro Kitchen
When:
All month long; Monday-Thursday, 4pm-close
Where: Apeiro Kitchen & Bar {3252 Northeast First Avenue, Suite 101, Midtown; 786.800.5389}
What: Delray Beach’s popular Mediterranean restaurant Apeiro recently opened in Midtown. And for the entire month of March (Monday-Thursday, 4pm-close), diners will get 50-percent off their dinner check (cannot be combined with other offers). Come out to try Chef Anthony Sitek’s progressive Mediterranean cuisine, including a few new creations like the Chicken Firakh, Mahi Tacos, Naked Falafel, and more.

MO Bar Sushi
3. New Happy Hour and Sushi Tuesdays at Mandarin Oriental
When:
 Monday-Friday 5-8pm
Where: MO Bar at Mandarin Oriental, Miami {500 Brickell Key Drive, Brickell; 305.913.8288}
What: Mandarin Oriental, Miami has expanding its weekly happy hour offerings, with 12 distinctive cocktails priced at only $8 each, a selection of wines at $8 per glass, and select beers for $6. The new “light bites” menu features five bites for just $5 each. Plus, in a nod to the hotel’s Asian roots, you can enjoy Sushi Night every Tuesday during happy hour with unlimited servings of Mandarin Oriental’s signature sushi for just $25 per person.

House Bacon
4. Quality Meats’ New Grill Menu
When: Nightly
Where: Quality Meats Miami Beach {1501 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.340.3333}
What: Miami Beach’s acclaimed steakhouse has introduced an accessibly priced Grill Menu for just $39 per person. Appetizers include Yellowfina Tuna Carpaccio, Roasted Bone Marrow, Kale and Manchego Salad, and the dish that won SOBEWFF’s Meatopia People’s Choice Award: House-Cured Slab Bacon with peanut butter and jalapeño jelly (shown above). Main courses include a hearty plate of Baby Back Ribs, Petit Filet Mignon, Blackened Redfish, and Lemon-Charred Chicken.

Quattro Prosciutto e Melone
5. Quattro Gastronomia Italiana’s New Lunch Special
When:
 Monday-Friday Noon-6pm
Where: Quattro Gastronomia Italiana {1014 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach; 305.531.4833}
What: Lincoln Road’s authentic Italian restaurant has introduced a two-course weekday lunch menu for just $25 per person. Begin with a choice of antipasti: Caprese, Prosciutto e Melone (shown above), or Pasta e Fagioli con Maltagliati. For your entrée, choose the Cotoletta di Pollo, Penne alla Norma, or the Orata alla Griglia con Salsa Verde. Glasses of Prosecco Jeio, Pinot Grigio Gran Ducato, and Chianti Le Torri are just $7 per glass.

hyde beach kitchen + cocktails
6. St. Patrick’s Day at Hyde Beach Kitchen + Cocktails
When:
Thursday, March 17
Where: Hyde Beach Kitchen + Cocktails {111 South Surf Road, Hallandale Beach; 954.699.0901}
What: Taste the luck of the Irish at HBKC with exclusive specials all day from 9am-6pm at the first floor beach bar. Enjoy $5 Jameson shots$10 Guinness/Jameson combos, and $3 Hollywood Pilsner green beer all while being surrounded by the silky sands, sparkling waters, and stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.

7. Burlesque Brunch at R House
When:
Third Sunday of the Month; starting March 20
Where: R House {2727 Northwest Second Avenue, Wynwood; 305.576.0201}
What: Following the success of its Valentine’s Day brunch, R House will now host its Burlesque Brunch every third Sunday of the month featuring live burlesque performances throughout the day from noon-5pm. Enjoy unlimited brunch items for $35 per person or bottomless cocktails for $25 per person—or both, for a discounted price of $55 per person.

biltmore chef beppe8. Pasta-Bilities with the Biltmore’s Chef Beppe
When:
Sunday, March 20
Where: Fontana at the Biltmore {1200 Anastasia Avenue, Coral Gables; 305.913.3200}
What: Think of all the “Pasta-Bilities” you can create with Fontana’s Chef Beppe as he takes the energy from his exhibition kitchen as handcrafts a unique variety of pastas including tortellini, ravioli, gnocchi, fettuccini, and black tagliolini while the hotel’s sommelier selectively pairs them with five succulent glasses of wine. Cost is $65 per person. Click here for reservations.

Taste Of Tennis Miami Presented By Citi At W South Beach9. Taste of Tennis Miami
When:
Monday, March 21, 7-10pm
Where: W South Beach {2201 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.938.3000}
What: The second annual Taste of Tennis Miami brings together signature cuisine from top chefs, an array of cocktails, and appearances from the world’s best tennis players. This year’s chef lineup includes Mike Pirolo of Bazi and Macchialina, Diego Solano of Bulla Gastrobar, Chef Bee from Oishi Thai and NaiYaRa, Patrick Reholz from Quality Meats, Loris Navone from Tamarina, and many others. A portion of the proceeds from the event will benefit FIU College of Architecture + The Arts. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit tasteoftennis.com.

10. Tamarina Wine Dinner
When:
Wednesday, March 23, at 7:30pm
Where: Tamarina {600 Brickell Avenue, Brickell; 305.579.1888}
What: This month, Tamarina’s monthly wine dinner will emphasize the the principles and practices of biodynamics based on spiritual philosophy, carefully paired with a chef’s special menu. Stay tuned for details! To reserve your seat, email [email protected].

Miami Beach Edition
11. Movie on the Sand
When:
Saturday, March 26, at 7pm
Where: Miami Beach EDITION {2901 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 786.257.4500}
What: Watch the classic 1959 comedy “Some Like It Hot” in the Sandbox while enjoying a picnic basket for two. For $150, a basket includes a bottle of wine, shrimp cocktail, local vegetable crudité with lemon yogurt dip, kale salad, gourmet popcorn, and house-baked cookies. Call 786.257.4600 for reservations.

—Sherri Balefsky | Miami Editor

Valentine’s Day is less than two weeks away. Do you know where you’re spending it? Below, we offer the most complete roundup of V-Day offerings Miami has to offer. Here’s how to spend Valentine’s Day in Miami.

Downtown and Brickell

Valentine's Day in Miami

Atrio’s Raspberry Mille-Feuille

Atrio Restaurant & Wine Room {Conrad Miami, 1395 Brickell Avenue, Brickell; 305.503.6529}
Spoil your sweetheart with a three-course meal with choices such as Poached Oysters and Beef Tenderloin, and decadent Raspberry Mille-Feuille, all with a side of skyline backdrop from 25 stories up. Price is $65 per person; includes one glass of prosecco and complimentary valet parking.

Azul {Mandarin Oriental, Miami, 500 Brickell Key Drive, Brickell; 305.913.8358}
A five-course meal will be served Feb. 12-14 for $350 per couple. Includes bottle of Piper-Heidsieck Champagne, a box of handmade chocolates, and a rose petal decorated table. Menu items include Yellowfin Tuna, Whipped Foie Gras, Sea Scallops, Hibiscus Braised Short Rib, and a Couples Dessert.

Scampi al forno

Langoustine Scampi al Forno from Cipriani

Cipriani {465 Brickell Avenue, Brickell; 786.329.4090}
Celebrate V-Day Cipriani-style with an authentic three-course Italian dinner for $95 per person. Includes signature welcome Bellini; choice of appetizer; choice of entrée from Gnocchi al Pomodoro, Roasted Rack of Veal, or Langoustine Scampi al Forno; and choice of dessert. Click here for full menu.

db Bistro Moderne {255 Biscayne Boulevard Way, Downtown; 305.421.8800}
February 13-14, Daniel Boulud’s French bistro is offering a four-course menu for $155 per person, featuring choice of Peekytoe Crab Salad or Guinea Hen Terrine, followed by Black Truffle Risotto and your choice of a Duo of Beef or Butter-Poached Lobster. Sommelier Alan Feldman will offer wine selections to highlight the dishes. Click here for full menu.

La Mar by Gastón Acurio {Mandarin Oriental, Miami, 500 Brickell Key Drive, Brickell; 305.913.8358}
A trio of special dishes will be available 11:30am-11pm February 12-13 and 6-11pm February 14. Also on V-Day, indulge in a Peruvian-style brunch with cebiches, specialty entrées, and decadent desserts, plus unlimited Champagne and brunch cocktails for $85 per person.

Seaspice valentines

Seaspice’s Seafood Carnival

Seaspice {422 Northwest North River Drive, Miami; 305.440.4200}
Enjoy the Seafood Carnival, market priced from $600-$750, which includes two two-pound lobsters, eight jumbo prawns, 24 oysters, Alaskan king crab, Florida stone crab, tuna sashimi, salmon sashimi, hamachi sashimi, salmon coconut ceviche, and 2oz Sevruga caviar. Tip: Ask for Table 85, a dimly lit riverside table overlooking the downtown skyline.

Tamarina {600 Brickell Avenue, Brickell; 305.579.1888}
February 12-14, enjoy the chef’s special tasting menu for $180 per couple. On February 13, there will be a free open-air movie, “The Book of Life,” at the Brickell World Plaza, where Tamarina will be serving Valentine’s sweets and gelato. On Sunday, the restaurant hosts its “Lovers Brunch,” featuring a live jazz band performing in the plaza.

The Trapiche Room {JW Marriott Miami, 1109 Brickell Avenue, Brickell; 305.329.3500}
Share a romantic dining experience with a four-course menu for $80 per person (or $105 per person with featured wine pairings). Includes amuse bouche, Chef’s Creek Oyster, and entrée selection of Chocolate-Dusted Prime Filet or Coho Salmon. Click here for full menu.

Miami Beach

Bagatelle {221 21st Street, Miami Beach; 305.704.3900}
Order the $185 Le Sobe, which includes 16 market oysters, half an Alaskan king crab, stone crab claws, one Maine lobster, eight littleneck clams, 12 mussels, 12 shrimps, seafood ceviche, yellowfin tuna tartare, and Scottish salmon tartare. Tip: Ask for Table 203, the restaurant’s most romantic table.

Bazi

Bazi Dining Room

Bazi {1200 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.695.010}
Chef Michael Pirolo is offering a five-course menu for $75 per person. Start with Dressed Oysters, followed by Sweet Potato Dumplings, Shrimp and Crab Udon, and a choice of Miso-Marinated Grouper or Grass-Fed NY Strip Steak. Cap off the evening with a Molten Chocolate Bowl with passionfruit and Thai basil anglaise.

BLT Steak {The Betsy-South Beach, 1440 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach; 305.673.0044}
February 12-14, BLT Steak is featuring a three-course menu for $70 per person, with enticing selections such as Royal Red Shrimp Ceviche, Seared Yellowfin Tuna, Meyer Lemon Quinoa Risotto, and Raspberry Chocolate Cake. Click here for full menu.

Café des Arts {22 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.534.2555}
South of Fifth’s new Mediterranean café will offer a $75 menu featuring Maine Lobster Salad; a choice of Dorade Fillet or Tender Wagyu; and choice of dessert. Also includes a Love Kiss Shot (a cold shot of red beet and gin) and glass of Piper-Heidsieck Champagne. Click here for full menu.

Cleo {The Redbury Hotel, 1776 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.534.2536}
Enjoy a prix-fixe menu for $85 per person featuring choice of dip (hummus with tahini, cucumbers and yogurt, labneh with feta, or baba ghanoush); classic items such as the Brussels SproutsSpicy Cigars, Grilled Branzino, and chef’s selection of gourmet desserts. Click here for full menu.

Miami Beach Edition

Movie under the stars at the Miami Beach EDITION

EDITION Miami Beach {2901 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 786.257.4600}
Spend a romantic evening under the stars while enjoying a picnic basket for two and watching “Casablanca.” Baskets are $100 and include cheese and charcuterie, freshly baked bread, tuna tartare, gourmet popcorn, house-baked cookies, and a bottle of rosé. Movie begins at 7pm.

Jaya {The Setai, 2001 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 855.923.7899}
The Setai’s new restaurant will offer two five-course menus, one February 12-13 for $98 per person, and one on February 14 for $125 per person. Wine pairings are available for an additional $110 per person. Ladies receive a complimentary glass of rosé and delectable macarons. Click here for Friday and Saturday menu; click here for Sunday menu.

Katsuya {1701 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.455.2995}
Take a culinary journey with Chef Jose Icardi’s special family-style menu, offered Feb. 13-14 for $85 per person. Menu items include Toro Tartare, Wagyu Foie, Whole Lobster, chef’s dessert selection, and a complimentary glass of Champagne. Click here for full menu.

Standard Valentine's Day drink

2 Hearts R Better Than 1 from the Standard

Lido Restaurant at The Standard {40 Island Avenue, Miami Beach; 786.425.0990}
Be sure to order Beverage Director Amy Demoga’s specialty Champagne cocktail, 2 Hearts R Better Than 1: Veuve Clicquot Rich over ice with red pepper hearts.

Macchialina {820 Alton Road, Miami Beach; 305.534.2124}
Miami Beach’s beloved rustic Italian eatery will offer a five-course menu for $75 per person featuring dishes such as Dressed OystersYellowfin Tuna CrudoTruffled RisottoVeal Cheek Crepinette, and Molten Chocolate Cake.

Michael Mina 74 {Fontainebleau, 4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.674.4636}
Spoil your loved one at the Fontainebleau’s contemporary American bistro with a lavish four-course menu for $250 per couple (add wine pairings for an additional $100). The menu can also be served in a romantic private cabana for $500 per couple. Click here for full menu.

Quattro Gastronomia Italiana {1014 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach; 305.531.4833}
Lincoln Road’s upscale Northern Italian eatery is offering several à la carte dinner specials, including Tuna Carpaccio, Creamy Truffle Polenta, Gnocchi Pesto with Shrimp, and Rack of Lamb with beech mushroom sauce. Click here for full menu.

TiramesU {101 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.532.4538}
South of Fifth’s quaint Italian eatery is offering an à la carte dinner menu. “Each dish is meant to awaken passion, through your palette,” says Chef Fabrizio Pintus. A specialty cocktail appropriately named “Valentino” includes strawberries, basil, balsamic, and Effen vodka. Click here for full menu.

Coral Gables

The Biltmore {1200 Anastasia Avenue, Coral Gables; 305.445.8066 ext. 2373}
Let Executive Chef David Hackett personalize and prepare a custom menu for you within a private cabana nestled alongside the Biltmore’s world-famous pool. Four-course dinners start at $200 per person. Let the Biltmore Design Team enhance your cabana experience with flowers, live music, or special décor.

Bulla Cordonices

Bulla Cordonices con Rosas

Bulla Gastrobar {2500 Ponce de Leon Blvd, Coral Gables; 305.316.3631}
The Gables’ favorite gastrobar will offer a weekly à la carte Valentine’s-themed menu; highlights include Pargo a La Sal, Florida red snapper baked in salt; Codornices con Rosas, grilled semi-boneless quails; Carrilleras de Ternera Lechal, veal cheek fricassee; and Brazo Helado de Mango y Vainilla, Mango gelée roll filled with vanilla ice cream and yogurt.

Ortanique on the Mile {278 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables; 305.446.7710}
Chef Cindy Hutson will host a themed cooking class on February 13 from 11:30am-2:30pm for $108 per person. Dishes include: Hearts on Fire, steamed artichoke hearts, crisp greens in a pink peppercorn Caesar, and shaved Grana Padano; Sweet Cheeks, Niman Ranch braised pork cheeks and sweet corn polenta in a cherry chipotle agave glaze; and Making Whoopie, red velvet cookie cake filled with white chocolate cream cheese icing.

And Beyond

Hyde Beach Kitchen + Cocktails {111 South Surf Road, Hallandale; 954.699.0901}
From 11am-3pm, couples can revel in a $50 brunch buffet that includes dishes such as Fried Chicken and Waffles, Blueberry Pancakes, and thick-cut bacon topped off with $30 bottomless rosé. For dinner, there will be a $75 prix-fixe menu with plates such as the Pumpkin BriocheWasabi Tuna Tartare, Mushroom Gnocchi, and a selection of desserts. Click here for full menu.

Mortons valentines

Morton’s Valentine’s Day Surf ‘n’ Turf Special

Morton’s The Steakhouse {Locations in Brickell, Coral Gables, and North Miami Beach}
February 12-14, Morton’s is offering a taste of the good life by offering diners the chance to order a succulent steak AND a cold water lobster tail with drawn butter for only $55.

Riviera Focacceria Italiana {3252 Northeast Buena Vista Boulevard, Suite 110, Midtown; 786.220.6251}
For a quiet evening at home, order Riviera’s take-home basket for a Valentine’s dinner that you and your loved one can prepare together. Baskets are $45 and include Red Shrimp Ravioli with a creamy pink peppercorn sauce, chef’s choice of dessert, and a bottle of Syltbar Rosé.

Pisco y Nazca {The Palms at Town & Country, 8405 Mills Drive, Kendall; 305.630.3844}
Treat your love to a seat at the bar to share one of the special Valentine’s Day menu items. And don’t forget to order the Noche de Pasion cocktail, a mixture of Ron Cartavio Black, passionfruit purée, vanilla cinnamon syrup, lemon juice, Garnish black cherry, and sprinkled cinnamon.

—Sherri Balefsky | Miami Editor

In exactly one week, who among us will be frantically slicing, dicing, basting, and frosting? Who will be making last-minute trips to the to the grocery store (for the third time!)? Who will be so caught up in preparing a feast of such epic proportions that there isn’t time to take a moment to reflect on the true meaning of Thanksgiving: giving thanks?

While home-cooked meals can certainly be fabulous, perhaps this is the year, you let someone else do the work—so you can focus on the stuff that really matters, like spending time with the people that you love. The following Miami restaurants are inviting you in to enjoy their own Thanksgiving feasts. We promise, if you go the dining out route, you (and your family) won’t be sorry.

Brickell/Downtown

Mandarin Oriental, Miami {500 Brickell Key Drive, Brickell; 305.913.8288} invites guests to spend Thanksgiving at either one of its signature restaurants. From now through Thanksgiving, La Mar by Gastón Acurio will be offering a trio of à la carte Peruvian menu items inspired by the flavors of Thanksgiving, including Rocoto Relleno (shrimp stew with aji panca, pecans, cranberries, and sweet potato gratin); Jumbo Wings (turkey wings finished on the anticucho grill); and Cebiche de Pato (duck with orange, red onions, aji amarillo, and turmeric). And for dessert, don’t miss out on the to-die-for Peruvian Chocolate Cheesecake with caramelized pecans served with baked apple ice cream.

Azul

Azul at Mandarin Oriental, Miami

Over at Mandarin’s other restaurant, Azul, from 5-10pm, Chef Benjamin Murray is preparing a savory family-style four-course Thanksgiving feast with highlights that include Caramelized Butternut Squash Soup, Brioche-Sausage Stuffing, Poached Cranberries, Sweet Potato Purée, Broccoli Casserole, and, of course, Turkey! Price is $95 per person exclusive of tax and gratuity.

Meanwhile, on Brickell Avenue, Morton’s The Steakhouse {1200 Brickell Avenue, Brickell; 305.440.9990} invites families to start a new Thanksgiving tradition. For more than 30 years, the steakhouse has served the finest USDA Prime aged beef, fresh seafood, and hand-picked produce—and Thanksgiving is no exception. All three Miami locations will be offering their regular menus from 1-9pm.

db Bistro Thanksgiving Turkey Sandwich - PHOTO

To-Go Thanksgiving Turkey Sandwich form db Bistro Moderne

Heading downtown, db Bistro Moderne {255 Biscayne Boulevard Way, Downtown; 305.421.8800} is offering a Thanksgiving menu with options. Daniel Boulud’s acclaimed eatery presents a three-course Thanksgiving dinner prepared by Chef Jason Pringle featuring your choice of appetizer, entrée, and dessert. But that’s not all. You won’t miss having Thanksgiving leftovers, as db Bistro will be sending each guest home with a complimentary Turkey Sandwich to-go (pictured above), to enjoy the following day. Dinner will be served from 1-9pm; price is $65 per person. A special kids’ menu will also be available for $35 per child. In addition, the lounge will be open at noon and will have a limited à la carte Thanksgiving menu.

Miami Beach

Quattro Gastronomia Italiana {1014 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach; 305.531.4833}, Miami Beach’s go-to dining destination for authentic Northern Italian cuisine, will offer a special à la carte Thanksgiving menu alongside its regular lunch and dinner menus. Special entrées include Tacchino Ripieno alla Piemontese, braised turkey breast stuffed with focaccia, Italian sausage, and pistachio served with sage mashed potatoes and homemade gravy; Risotto con Zucca, traditional risotto with pumpkin, walnuts, and Gorgonzola cheese; and Fiorentine d’Agnello, t-bone of lamb with mint demi-glace, Brussels sprouts, and truffle potato fries.

Quality Meats Miami Beach {1501 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.340.3333}, Miami Beach’s hottest new steakhouse, will be open on Thanksgiving Day from 4-10pm. The restaurant will have its regular menu in addition to a special limited-time Thanksgiving dish: Herb-Roasted Heritage Turkey with cornbread stuffing, green bean casserole, and spiced sweet potato fries accompanied by local honey butter, giblet gravy, and Quality cranberry sauce.

Bazi

Bazi

Bazi {1200 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 05.695.0101}, a brand-new concept from the owners of the acclaimed Alton Road Italian eatery, Macchialina, will feature an innovative prix-fixe Thanksgiving feast with an Asian-inspired twist. The meal kicks off with a bowl of Turkey Wonton Soup, followed by Gyoza, a popular dish consisting of shrimp and chive dumplings and sweet potato dumplings. It continues with Peking Turkey, served with wasabi mashed potatoes and scallion pancakes. Dinner will be offered from 5-10pm for $55 per person.

If you’re not the type that wants to wait ’til dinner to enjoy your Thanksgiving feast, you’re in luck. The Restaurant at The Setai {2001 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.520.6400} is presenting an elaborate and untraditional brunch (three seatings will be available: 11:30am, 1pm, and 2:30pm). Expect both Thanksgiving classics along with non-classics such as Indonesian Beef Rendang, Indian Lamb Vindaloo, Upma (Indian polenta), a selection of Indian tandoori breads, and much, much more. From 7-10pm, the Setai will resume food service with a delicious three-course menu offering choice of appetizer, entrée, and dessert for $95 per person ($48 per child).

Brussels Sprouts

Brussels Sprouts from Cleo

SBE’s celebrated Mediterranean restaurant, Cleo {1776 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.534.2536}, will host its annual “Cleopatra’s Thanksgiving Feast,” an exquisite Thanksgiving menu with a Mediterranean theme. For just $39 per person, diners will enjoy items such as Roasted Pumpkin Dip, Pistachio and Roasted Chestnut Stuffing, Blistered Brussels Sprouts, and a Pomegranate Glazed Turkey all served up by award-winning Chef Danny Elmaleh.

SBE’s other popular SoBe restaurant, The Bazaar by José Andrés {1701 Collins Avenue; Miami Beach; 305.455.2999}, will be offering its regular dinner menu along with an incredible à la carte Thanksgiving menu designed to be enjoyed family-style. Dinner will begin at 6pm and will feature items such as Squash Soup with vanilla, curry, and Taylor Bay scallops; Amish-Farmed Turkey, with a truffled breast, confit leg, and topped with traditional gravy; Green Bean Casserole with matsutake mushrooms and crispy shallots; Sweet Potatoes with marshmallow fluff and caramelized pecans; and more.

There will be a plethora of Turkey Day dining options available Thanksgiving Day at Fontainebleau Miami Beach {4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.535.3283}. At Scarpetta, the hotel’s acclaimed Italian eatery, guests can indulge in a three-course prix-fixe dinner for $75 per person featuring Butternut Squash Soup Fregato with toasted focaccia and roasted mushrooms; Roast Turkey Porchetta with cranberry mostarda and Brussels sprouts; and Pumpkin Tiramisù, crafted with spiced pumpkin mascarpone and served beside Marsala-soaked lady fingers, mocha espuma, and cinnamon gelato.

Fontainebleau, Chez Bon Bon Coffee, StripSteak Restaurant

StripSteak by Michael Mina at Fontainebleau Miami Beach

The hotel’s signature steakhouse, StripSteak by Michael Mina will also offer a prix-fixe dinner menu from 6-11pm for $75 per person. The highlight of the dinner will be Roasted Turkey Breast with turkey leg confit and chorizo cornbread stuffing. The meal will start off with Roasted Baby Beets with dried cranberries, hazelnuts, and goat cheese, topped with walnut vinaigrette and conclude with Pumpkin Pie topped with cinnamon whipped cream and spiced caramel sauce.

Michael Mina 74 will have its regular lunch menu at the bar with football games airing from 11:30am-6pm and Thanksgiving specials offered à la carte from 6-11pm, including a hearty Turkey Breast Roulade with confit leg sage stuffing, Brussels sprouts, cranberry sauce, and turkey gravy, and mouthwatering Pumpkin Cheesecake topped with spiced Jamaican anglaise and orange compote.

And Beyond

hyde beach kitchen + Cocktails

Pumpkin Butter Rolls from Hyde Beach Kitchen + Cocktails

Let us not forget our friends further north. SBE’s newest hot spot, Hyde Beach Kitchen + Cocktails {111 South Surf Road, Hallandale; 954.699.0901} will be serving a prix-fixe menu for $50 per person, with menu items that include a Seafood Tower; Pumpkin Butter Rolls; a Roasted Turkey Breast with apricot and pistachio stuffing; and Pecan Pumpkin Pie.

—Sherri Balefsky | Miami Editor

Halloween is creeping up on us faster than you can say “trick or treat” five times fast. Here’s a breakdown of this weekend’s top events.

Friday, October 30

biltmore halloweenFrom 8pm-midnight, the Biltmore Hotel {1200 Anastasia Avenue, Coral Gables; 305.913.3230} hosts its annual Halloween party featuring an open bar, buffet dinner, and entertainment. Don’t miss out on the costume contest with great prizes for most creative (must be handmade), spookiest, and best couple. Members $100; nonmembers $125; RSVP required.

Starting at 8pm, Piripi {320 San Lorenzo Avenue, Coral Gables; 305.448.2423} will shut down San Lorenzo Avenue for its Noche de Duende Masquerade Bash featuring flamenco, tapas, cocktails, live music, and more. The night will also include cocktail specials and a bewitching hour-inspired prix-fixe dinner menu. Tickets: General admission $25; VIP $50; click here to purchase.

STK HalloweenFrom 7-10pm, STK Miami {2311 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.604.6988} will host a themed night featuring a two-hour open bar “Boos and Booze” package for just $50. Engage in the enchanting magic of Halloween and dress to impress, with prizes awarded to the best costumes and a special performance by Nu Deco Ensemble’s Peter White.

Saturday, October 31

From 11am-5pm, join Brasserie Azur {3252 Northeast First Avenue, Midtown; 786.800.9993} for Halloween brunch, featuring $25 unlimited mimosas for two hours. Bring the kids from for games, face-painting, balloons, cotton candy, a live magic show, and more. Then, head over to sister restaurant Villa Azur {309 23rd Street, Miami Beach; 305.763.8688} for an adults-only Halloween party featuring music by DJ Stephan M.

12087214_673408396128529_2116532048617010515_oGet ready for a night of DJs, drinks, food trunks, and $500 costume contest at Hallowyn, Wynwood’s FREE Halloween block party. The event kicks off at 7pm at the Mana Production Lot {318 Northwest 23rd Street}. Throughout the night, a 240-inch jumbo screen LED TV will be playing  the best Halloween videos of all time, including a special screening of ”The Rocky Horror Picture Show” at 10pm.

Segafredo HalloweenFrom 5pm-2am, Lenox Avenue will be closed for Segafredo Espresso l’Originale’s {1040 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach; 305.673.0047} 15th annual Halloween party. Two remote bars will be set up in addition to Segafredo’s permanent inside bar, and a fantastic lineup of DJs is scheduled to play. A limited food menu will also be available.

Also on Lincoln Road, Quattro Gastronomia Italiana {1014 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach; 305.531.4833} will offer a special four-course prix-fixe dinner, where guests can delight in a selection of the restaurant’s finest dishes while admiring the costumes, trick-or-treaters, and holiday fanfare along Lincoln Road. Outdoor tables are $110 per person; inside tables $65 per person.

Hyde Beach HalloweenFrom 7pm-midnight Hyde Beach Kitchen + Cocktails {111 South Surf Road, Hallandale Beach; 954.699.0901} is getting into the Halloween spirit by offering guests FREE access to its Haunted Beach Bar, located on the first floor. Enjoy ghoulish sounds by DJ YSL while watching scary movies right on the sand. A popcorn cart, massive candy bar, and specialty drinks will also be available all night long.

Morton’s The Steakhouse {multiple locations} is offering a three-course dinner for just $35 featuring entrée selections such as 6oz Filet Mignon, Honey-Chile Glazed Salmon, and Chicken Bianco. The restaurant will also offer an extended happy hour from 5pm-close.

The Oceanaire Seafood Room {900 South Miami Avenue, Brickell; 305.372.8862} is offering a three-course dinner for two PLUS a bottle of wine for just $60. They are also serving happy hour all night in the bar.

basement halloween 2015Starting at 11pm, Basement at the Miami Beach EDITION {2901 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 786.641.7119} will host its first-annual Halloween party, “Into the Jungle,” featuring DJs Cosmo Baker, Brett Sylvia, and DJ Spiff. Tickets are $20; click here to purchase.

Seaspice {422 Northwest North River Drive, Miami; 305.440.4200} gears up to celebrate Halloween with a two-day event around the theme “Dia de los Muertos.” On Saturday, the hot spot will transform into a goulish haven on the river for its invitation-only Day of the Dead Halloween Ball, with Modern Garden serving as an offering altar filled with flowers to honor those who have passed. Guests will indulge in Champagne, specialty cocktails, and delicious bites throughout the evening.

Sunday, November 1

But the Halloween fun doesn’t stop there! On Sunday, November 1, from noon-6pm the celebration continues at Seaspice with LVMH and Veuve Cliquot for Dia de los Muertos Sunday brunch, featuring live music, photo booths, makeup artists, models, Champagne, giveaways, and more.

By Sherri Balefsky | Online Editor

October is more than just tricks and treats—though there are plenty of those this time of year. It’s also a month for giving back to the community. Here are nine can’t-miss Miami happenings this month.

South Beach Seafood Festival

1. South Beach Seafood Festival
When: October 21-24
Where: Seventh Street and Ocean Drive, Miami Beach
What: The South Beach Seafood Festival hits the sand, featuring live music, culinary and mixology demonstrations, a kids’ zone, a health village, and more. Mini cafés on the sand will showcase mouthwatering plates of fresh stone crabs, mahi sliders, oysters, shrimp tacos, and lobster mac and cheese, from restaurants such as A Fish Called Avalon, Cibo, the Oceanaire Seafood Room, SOHO Bay, Midtown Oyster Bar, and more. Click here to purchase tickets.

Wine on Harvest Moon Deering Estate

2. Wine On Harvest Moon – Spirits, Spells, and American Lore
When: Saturday, October 24, 7:30-10:30pm
Where: Deering Estate {16701 Southwest 72nd Avenue, Palmetto Bay}
What: The Deering Estate Foundation’s Wine On Harvest Moon returns with a theme of “Spirits, Spells, and American Lore.” Guests will spend an enchanted evening at the historic bay-front property as they celebrate the allure of American folklore through fine wine, spirits, and tasty vittles paired by local chefs such as Olivier Rodriguez of the Biltmore Hotel, Diego Solano of Bulla Gastrobar, and Kareem Anguin of the Oceanaire Seafood Room, among others. Guests will also enjoy themed entertainment, including chilling musical performances, haunting vignettes, contemporary art, and an enticing live auction. For tickets, call 305.235.1668 x263 or click here.

march of dimes signature chefs

3. March of Dimes Signature Chefs Auction
When: Thursday, October 29, 6:30-9:30pm
Where: The Westin Colonnade Coral Gables {180 Aragon Avenue, Coral Gables}
What: The 18th-annual Miami Signature Chefs Auction presented by GOYA is the premier event benefiting the March of Dimes and has become one of the most exciting and exclusive fundraising events in South Florida. Guests will enjoy samplings from local chefs and a silent auction, followed by a seated dessert and live auction featuring unique dining experiences, travel, and more. All proceeds support the March of Dimes’ mission to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature births, and infant mortality. For sponsorship information, click here.

4. Drink Pink to Support Breast Cancer Awareness Month
When: October 1-31
Where: Hyde Beach Kitchen + Cocktails {111 South Surf Road, Hallandale Beach; 954.699.0901}
What: SBE and Related Group’s newest lifestyle property is inviting guests to join in supporting Breast Cancer Awareness Month by drinking pink. During the month of October, HBKC’s luxurious second-floor restaurant will be donating 10-percent of proceeds from the sale of every bottle of Whispering Angel Rosé to the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

db Burger

5. Burger & Bordeaux at db Bistro Moderne
When:
October 1-31, dinner only
Where: db Bistro Moderne {255 Biscayne Boulevard Way, Miami; 305.421.8800}
What: During the entire month of October, guests are invited to experience the Miami winner of Zagat’s “Best Burgers in the USA” with an appetizer, dessert, and a glass of Bordeaux for just $39 (a $72 value). Credited with launching the gourmet burger movement, the ground sirloin db Burger is stuffed with red wine-braised short ribs and foie gras and presented on a homemade toasted Parmesan and poppyseed bun with a touch of fresh horseradish and oven-roasted tomato confit. Sommelier Alan Feldman is pairing the decadent burger with a glass of 2010 Château de Ricaud, Bordeaux Supérieur, Cadillac-Côtes de Bordeaux.

6. Tantalize Miami Supports Breast Cancer Awareness Month
When: October 1-31
Where: Tantalize Miami {330 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach; 305.695.1401}
What: During the month of October, Tantalize Miami will offer a special prix-fixe dinner menu (just $45 per person) and signature pink cocktails—the Pink Tantalizer (St. George vodka, Giffard Crème de Violette, fresh lemon juice, Thai chile syrup, and Col de Salici prosecco with grenadine) and  the Pink Cosmo (Cîroc vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice, and lime juice)—with a percentage of each one sold benefiting the Sandy B. Muller Breast Cancer Foundation.

STK Halloween

7. STK’s Day of the Dead Halloween Eve Party
When:
Friday, October 30, 7-10pm
Where: STK Miami {2311 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.604.6988}
What: On the frightening “Day of the Dead,” STK Miami hosts a spooky themed night featuring an open bar “Boos and Booze” package for just $50. Guests are invited to engage in the enchanting magic of Halloween and dress to impress, with prizes awarded to the best costumes. Halloween Eve will be filled with surprises, including a phantom performance yet to be revealed.

fontainebleau frank sinatra

8. Fontainebleau Celebrates Frank Sinatra
When:
Through December 12
Where: Fontainebleau Miami Beach {4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.535.3283}
What: The legendary Fontainebleau hotel celebrates the legacy of Frank Sinatra and his upcoming centennial birthday with 100 days of unique programming. Highlights include:

  • Jack Daniel’s Throwback Dinner at StripSteak by Michael Mina (October 8)
  • Cocktails and Brunch with Frank, featuring a vintage menu from the 1950s (every Sunday, 11:30am-3pm)
  • Nightly Toast with Frank, Jack, and You at Bleau Bar, where guests raise a complimentary glass of Jack Daniel’s Sinatra Select in honor of Sinatra’s upcoming birthday (daily at 6:30pm)

Villa Azur Thursday

9. Villa Azur’s Thursday Night Dinner Party
When: 
Every Thursday night
Where: Villa Azur {309 23rd Street, Miami Beach; 305.763.8688}
What: The weekly Thursday Night Dinner Parties at Villa Azur attract Miami’s finest as the restaurant showcases gourmet cuisine, Champagne, and sparklers with breathtaking performances by the theatrical Zhantra dancers, a live saxophonist, and DJ Stephan M mixing his own personal mash-ups along with original works to keep the tempo upbeat throughout the evening.

By Sherri Balefsky | Miami Editor

Chef Danny Elmaleh

It’s finally here! SBE’s highly anticipated new hot spot Hyde Beach Kitchen + Cocktails {111 South Surf Road, Hallandale Beach; 954.699.0901} has officially opened its doors. Set on the sand in this up-and-coming neighborhood just north of Miami, Hyde Beach Kitchen + Cocktails encompasses 10,000 square feet over three levels, including three full-service bars, private dining spaces and meeting rooms, a boutique retail store, a members-only rooftop area, and more. Its three distinct dining areas will be overseen by Chef Danny Elmaleh, the culinary mastermind behind many of SBE’s renowned restaurants, including the award-winning Cleo. Here, we talk with the experienced chef about his latest culinary venture.

1. Tell us a bit about your background. What made you decide you wanted to be a chef?
I’m originally from Israel. I moved to Japan when I was 9 and lived there for more than 20 years. Both my father and the original Iron Chef in Japan inspired my decision to go to the Culinary Institute of America (CIA) in New York.

2. How did you end up working with SBE? What drew you to the brand?
I joined SBE to help with the Katsuya brand seven years ago, and my role within the company has grown over the years. At the time, the innovative brand was reinventing the hospitality scene and that really drew me toward working with them.

3. What about Hyde Beach Kitchen + Cocktails made you want to be involved?
The fact that it is a ground-up property right on the beach; it’s a rare opportunity to work on a project in such a great location.

4. Tell us about the overall menu concept.
The concept is new American, featuring great seafood classics that one can expect at such a location as well as exciting small plates and twists on traditional dishes that will leave guests yearning for more.

5. How do the menus differ from floor to floor?
The first floor serves a great breakfast from our Skinny Phat menu from 7-11am, offering healthy options as well as decadent over-the-top menu items. From 11am-6pm, we have our beach shack offering for guests who are looking to have a meal on the beach or at the bar. These are great options for families and groups.

The second floor is definitely the culinary highlight of the property, offering the full experience. Here, we offer great raw bar and crudo options as well as fresh pastas and pizzas and an incredible view. All of our seafood and meats are grilled over charcoal in our Josper ovens. There are also lots of exciting small plates options.

The third floor is our exclusive members floor with a small menu to enjoy by the pool and bar.

6. What are your personal favorite items on the menu?
The Pumpkin Butter Rolls! They are brioche rolls baked with butter, brushed with butter, and served with a side of butter. Nothing goes better with seafood than butter, so these are a great pairing for our seafood platter, and the perfect way to start the meal. The twist offered by the pumpkin and spice makes them one-of-a-kind.

7. What do you hope will surprise visitors when they dine here?
I hope people can experience new flavors they haven’t ever had before.

8. Do you have a favorite cooking show on TV?
I love watching Japanese cooking programs.

9. What local chefs or celebrity chefs do you admire?
Michael Pirolo of Macchialina; he always has great food.

10. Do you have a favorite food or food guilty pleasure?
In-N-Out Burger!

By Sherri Balefsky | Miami Editor

Tiramesu

TiramesU

Never a dull moment this fall with restaurant openings galore and Miami Spice all at once! Here’s the scoop on Miami restaurant openings, recent and forthcoming.

Wapo Taco! {2526 Ponce de Leon Boulevard, Coral Gables; 786.452.9634}
Hallandale Beach residents’ favorite Mexican restaurant has found a second South Florida home in Coral Gables. The cool and casual taqueria, whose motto is fittingly, “For the Love of Tacos,” was brought to the U.S. by way of Mexico City and boasts an authentic menu of family recipes. Just like its original location, which pioneered “tacos al carbon,” Wapo Taco! cooks meats on a charcoal grill, corn tortillas come fresh from the comal griddle, and salsas are made in-house daily using only the freshest ingredients. Choice menu items include the Campechano Taco—a combination of skirt steak, chorizo, and crispy pork chicharrón grilled with salsa especial; and the Pastor Tacos— meat marinated in a mixture of spices, slowly roasted and sabered from the spit, and topped with pineapple, onions, and cilantro.

Libar Steakhouse {900 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami; 786.376.8660} 
Located on the ground floor of the exclusive 900 Biscayne luxury condominium building, Libar Steakhouse is one of Downtown Miami’s newest culinary masterpieces. Colombian-born entrepreneur and chef Brian Aaron (the man behind the successful catering company, Aaron’s Catering) will take the helm. Based on Aaron’s successful track record as both a chef and businessman, guests can expect Libar to execute a high-quality dining experience from the get-go. “It is an incredible opportunity to showcase modern styles of cooking and presentations where quality, taste, and service are the number one priorities,” says Aaron. “The attitude is to make it playful … to make simple dishes taste extraordinary.”

Elia Gourmet {3300 Mary Street, Coconut Grove; 305.377.3400}
Miami’s dynamic Coconut Grove neighborhood is getting a new tenant: Elia Gourmet. Coconut Grove is seeing an influx of new restaurant talent, and Elia is no exception. Its sister restaurant downtown is known for its Mediterranean and Greek cuisine such as moussaka, kebabs, pastitsio (imported Greek pasta, hearty meat sauce, and béchamel cream), and yemista (stuffed peppers with rice and seasoned ground turkey). Now, Miami residents have a new way to get their Greek on.

Red Ginger

Red Ginger {736 First Street, Miami Beach; 305.433.6876}
Like a bright, tasty pop of pickled ginger, Red Ginger—South Beach’s newest Southeast Asian fusion concept—is tickling taste buds all over the neighborhood. Opened by Menin Hospitality, Red Ginger is stationed in the South of Fifth district just a stone’s throw from the beach and neighboring Radio Bar. Top Chef Master Herbert Wilson mans the kitchen as executive chef, delivering a menu with high-end sushi selections, binchotan charcoal robata grill creations, and omakase feasts. With 136 seats, the space is both roomy and intimate, designed to resemble an ancient Cambodian temple with marble flooring and hand-carved wood panels. Order off the family-style menu for fried rice, curry, and soups; meatballs, short rib, and filet; and sushi or sashimi omakase at three different price points. Add a sip of rare aged Japanese whisky to round out your experience.

Chef Bee Oishi Thai

Chef Bee

Naiyara {1854 Bay Road, Miami Beach; 305.947.4338}
Naiyara will sound its arrival in the fall of 2015, bringing with it elegant yet approachable Thai street fare and sushi to the hungry public. Chef Piyarat Arreeratn—nicknamed “Chef Bee”—is behind this much-anticipated new restaurant, named after his daughter (and translating to “little elephant”). The 120-seat restaurant will be adorned with vibrant colors, elephant- themed art, and authentic Thai decorations, recalling Chef Bee’s home in Thailand. The menu will incorporate street fare dishes and sushi inspired by Bee’s homeland and his mother’s cooking—savory curries like Chicken Khao Soi and Massaman, flavorful beef with yellow sticky rice, Mu Yang rotisserie pork, and fresh papaya salad, along with delicate toro and salmon, to name a few. This spot will feature happy hour deals both early and late, serving until 4am Thursday through Saturday.

Craft Social Club {100 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.123.7891}
Led by restaurant industry veterans LP Steele (former marketing director representing Bacardi USA and Diageo), RT Murphy (former GM of EMM Group), and Evan Hawkins (former head bartender at Marquee NYC), Craft Social Club promises to be Miami’s next “it” destination. But what sets this cool lounge apart from numerous others that have come and gone in SoBe? We’d have to say it’s the unique beverage program, complete with an open-air “Cocktail Kitchen,” which allows guests to watch their drinks being prepared from scratch. It’s also the “Cocktail Suites,” which feature built-in service bars that allow for a VIP tableside experience like no other. A series of small bites complements the innovative cocktail program, including Tequila Ceviche Shooters; Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Biscuit Sliders; and a variety of Brooklyn Hot Dog Co. Sliders.

HYDE beach kitchen + cocktails

HYDE beach kitchen + cocktails

Hyde Beach Kitchen & Cocktails {111 South Surf Road, Hallandale Beach; 954.699.0901}
Hitting Hallandale in the summer of 2015, the newest Hyde Beach Kitchen + Cocktails invites you to relax with inspiring food, drink, and entertainment. Set on the sand in this up-and-coming neighborhood just north of Miami, Hyde Beach Kitchen + Cocktails encompasses 10,000 square feet over three levels, including three full-service bars, private dining spaces and meeting rooms, a boutique retail store—even valet parking. The beachside main floor welcomes guests with delightful bites, fresh juices, and a rejuvenating spa, while one level above offers a rooftop restaurant serving New American cuisine by Chef Danny Elmaleh. On the third floor? Member-exclusive pool, lounge, bar, and cabanas for the ultimate in relaxation. Social dining options and outdoor patio spaces can be booked for private events.

Visa-o1 {1680 Michigan Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.397.8189}
Tucked in a tiny corner of an office building, Visa-O1 is the epitome of a hidden gem; this mouthwatering pizza place is well worth the hunt. The concept behind this modern, trendy spot is the O1 visa itself—reserved for “individuals with extraordinary ability.” In this case, Visa-O1 is extraordinarily able to make salads and, of course, pizza like the Star Luca, a star-shaped pizza covered in pepperoni, mozzarella, San Marzano tomato sauce, and the star feature—a crust filled with ricotta cheese. After all that savory delight, satisfy your sweet tooth with Visa-O1’s sought-after Nutella Pizza. Do yourself a favor and get to this extraordinary spot.

La Boulangerie {20475 Biscayne Boulevard, Aventura; 305.974.4634} and {1242 Coral Way, Miami; 305.858.1080}
Café enthusiasts of Miami, you are in luck. La Boulangerie, Key Biscayne’s fabulously French bakery and café, recently opened new locations in Aventura and on Coral Way, bringing European-inspired pastries and freshly brewed coffee to two more neighborhoods. Guests can sip on a latte and nibble on a Guava and Cream Cheese Croissant while taking in La Boulangerie’s bright and airy interiors. With gourmet sandwiches such as Prime Roast Beef with marinated artichoke and Parmesan cheese, these cafés are not only for breakfast lovers, but anyone with a craving for French fare. C’est magnifique!

9beach miami

9beach

9Beach Fusion Kitchen & Lounge Bar {1628 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 786.717.7174}
The glamourous beaches of Tel Aviv and the hard rock opulence of Camden, London recently came together for a dining and nightlife experience like no other in South Beach. Opened in July, 9beach fusion kitchen & lounge bar is the first American venture from 9beach Group, whose successes hail from Israel and London. Explore the spacious indoor escape and the 5,000-square-foot outdoor lounge as you soak in live music and nightly DJs, carefully crafted cocktails, and artfully presented Mediterranean fare. Cocktails like the Raspberry Ginger Collins and Coco Nib Old Fashioned beckon for a midday chill or late-night festivities. Expect ornate lion heads, grand chandeliers, and rock lyrics on the walls—all illuminated by Miami sunset lighting. We can’t wait to see what the world of 9beach brings to South Beach.

TiramesU {101 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.532.4538}
The latest buzz in Miami Beach’s exploding South of Fifth neighborhood is the highly anticipated reopening of TiramesU, a South Beach staple for 27 years. The restaurant debuted 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 endless hiatus, the time has finally come for it to reemerge— bigger and better than ever. Since the Lincoln Road location closing, Chef Fabrizio Pintus has traveled throughout Italy, immersing himself in some of the best and most popular kitchens in the Lombardy region. He will offer a new and improved menu featuring the same authentic Italian flavors with a fun, contemporary twist.

Looking for ideas on where to eat this upcoming long weekend? From rooftop parties to new restaurant openings to Miami Spice specials, we’ve got you covered.  Here are Miami Labor Day 2015 happenings.

Friday, September 4:

Gale South Beach

Gale South Beach Rooftop

Bubbles & BBQ at the Gale South Beach
Kick off the weekend right on the rooftop of the Gale South Beach {1690 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.673.0199} for a Bubbles & BBQ soiree. The party starts early—at 6pm—which means you’ll be there to watch the sunset while sipping a glass of Veuve Clicquot accompanied by delicious barbecue bites. Sounds from local band Psychic Mirrors and DJ Michelle Leshem will be bouncing off the rooftop pool until 11pm. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased here.

Saturday, September 5:

Torrijas Piripi

Torrijas from Piripi

Brunch Espectacular at Piripi
Merrick Park’s newest restaurant Piripi {320 San Lorenzo Avenue, Coral Gables; 305.448.2423} has now expanded its popular Sunday Brunch “Espectacular” to Saturdays. New Executive Chef Angelina Bastidas shows off her culinary prowess with a twist on traditional Spanish cuisine, offering a three-course prix-fixe brunch menu for just $27 per person. In keeping with the true meaning of Piripi (Spanish for “tipsy”) you can also enjoy bottomless sangría and mimosas for an additional $17 per person.

Cheesecake from Oceanaire

Cheesecake from The Oceanaire Seafood Room

Dinner for two at The Oceanaire Seafood Room
Head to Mary Brickell Village for dinner for a romantic evening at The Oceanaire Seafood Room {900 South Miami Avenue, Brickell; 305.372.8862}. For a limited time, the restaurant is offering a special three-course dinner for two plus a bottle of wine, all for just $75. Still full from brunch earlier in the day? Not to worry. This special is available from September 1-7.

Sunday, September 6:

american social

Sensation Sunday Party at American Social
Toast to having Monday off of work at American Social Brickell {690 Southwest First Court, Brickell; 305.223.7004} while enjoying tunes spun by DJ Madd Linx. Be sure to rock your best white attire, as it’s technically “unacceptable” to wear white after Labor Day. The party starts at 9pm, when ladies wearing all white will receive a complimentary glass of Champagne.

Monday, September 7:

Goat Cheese Salad from Brasserie Azur

Goat Cheese Salad from Brasserie Azur

Lunch at Brasserie Azur—Now Open
Brasserie Azur {3252 Northeast First Avenue, Midtown; 786.800.9993}, the highly anticipated sister restaurant to Miami Beach staple Villa Azur is finally open! Become one of the lucky firsts to experience a plethora of options, including a rotisserie station, a seafood bar, a massive wine list, a foosball table, hookah, and more. Oh, and the restaurant is offering a Miami Spice lunch menu, too (just $23 per person).

HYDE beach kitchen + cocktails

Hyde Beach Kitchen + Cocktails

Mojito Monday at Hyde Beach Kitchen + Cocktails—Now Open!
More brand-new culinary adventures await this Labor Day at Hyde Beach Kitchen + Cocktails {111 South Surf Road, Hallandale Beach; 954.699.0901}. Mondays are dubbed “Mojito Mondays,” when you can enjoy $8 mojitos all night long. If you don’t make it in time for a table, you can enjoy your mojitos beachside. Watch the final sunset to the long weekend and toast to a delicious Labor Day weekend and the fall season ahead.

By Sherri Balefsky | Miami Editor