jason pringle – DiningOut Miami

Where to Eat Now: db Bistro Moderne Miami

July 17, 2015

8:29 am

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.

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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).

Almond-Crusted Halibut

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.

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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25 Things We Love About Dining Out in Miami

March 9, 2015

1:36 pm

Restaurant Features

diningoutmiami

1. The Spice of Life at Modern Garden and Seasalt and Pepper

2. The Softshell Crab Arepa at Shikany
Michael Shikany does not do anything halfway, and his Softshell Crab Arepa wins a crown for excellence in creativity, style, and flavor. With smoked Gouda, goat cheese, pickled radish rémoulade, and red onion relish, this arepa from Shikany is one for the bucket list. With a blazing open kitchen and dazzling dining room design, there couldn’t be a better place to indulge in this truly remarkable dish. shikany.com; 305.573.0690

3. Sharing the Barbecue Board in the Backyard at Pride and Joy BBQ
With crafty strung lighting and spacious picnic tables, there’s no better better place to lick barbecue sauce off your fingers than the backyard patio at Pride and Joy. The tables are large enough to invite all your friends for a feast, so we recommend the Barbecue Board, with a full rack of both St. Louis and Baby Back Ribs, half a barbecued chicken, half a pound of brisket, half a pound of pulled pork, cornbread, and a choice of two sides. prideandjoyBBQ.com; 305.456.9548

4. The Patio at Petit Bistro
We love the quaint patio at (petit) Miami. It is rustic and charming, reminiscent of a backyard patio in a Mediterranean village. With maiolica tables made from volcanic lava sourced near Caltagirone (a little village in Sicily), colorful Bougainvillea trees, and countless candles to set the mood, The Patio at (petit) Miami transports you to an Italian holiday. With winter upon us, there couldn’t be a more romantic place to enjoy the fresh air and nibble on Italian specialties like Parma Prosciutto and Burrata with Sardinian flatbread. petitbistrogroup.com; 305.534.9887

5. Power Hour at Morton’s, The Steakhouse
Power Hour at Morton’s is happy hour done right. Look forward to great deals on specially-priced bar bites, hand-crafted cocktails, prime brews, and premium wines. Featured items include Mini Prime Cheeseburgers, Petite Filet Mignon Sandwiches, Parmesan Truffle Fries, and Mini Crab Cake BLTs. After a long day at the office, before the game, or whenever the mood strikes, visit one of their three Miami locations for an unforgettable dining experience. mortons.com/miami

6. Filete de Pescado and a Cocktail on the Patio at Porfirio’s
Mexican food is made for outdoor dining, and it’s no coincidence that Porfirio’s has one of the most beautiful terraces in town. Contemporary and clean, the elegant space features a soothing ceramic fountain and a slatted wooden ceiling to protect you from the heat while still allowing for open-air ambience. We suggest the Filete de Pescado Tikin Xic, a local fish fillet marinated in Mexican peppers and spices, simply grilled, and served with achiote sauce, tomato, bell pepper, and red onion. Pair it with a Piña Agave—a blend of Cuervo Tradicional Blanco tequila, pineapple, lime, cucumber, pineapple juice, serrano pepper, and Herradura agave nectar—to send you into tropical bliss on this South of Fifth oasis. porfirios.com; 786.216.7675

7. The Evolving Estefan Empire

8. The Branzino at Pescecane
When dining out in Miami, you’re bound to encounter some dishes that truly steal the show. The Branzino at Pescecane is one such dish, and the star of this unassuming elegant restaurant in Surfside. Imported from the Mediterranean, their Branzino is roasted in a savory sea salt crust with aromatic herbs and served to you whole—in all its mouthwatering glory. pescecaneristorante.com; 305.861.1060

9. The Grilled Octopus at Puerto Madero
Grilled Octopus can go horribly wrong or tantalizingly right. Puerto Madero in Brickell does the latter, serving up a sizzling plate of perfection from the Gulf of Mexico. Simply grilled and served with olive oil and a dash of salt and pepper, this tentacled sea creature is crispy on the outside and chewy and tender on the inside. Most of all, it’s a feast for the eyes. Wash it down with an aromatic white on the terrace during their happy hour celebration. puertomaderomiami.com

10. Beating the Clock at Spris
One of the oldest and dearest traditions in South Beach, Beat The Clock at Spris happens every day from 5:30-7pm. The time at which you order determines the price you pay. For example, if you order at 5:40pm, you pay $5.40 for any Margherita, Diavola, or Genovese Pizza. Located on Lincoln Road, Spris is a pizza landmark, serving up some of the best pies in town. This makes their Beat the Clock special one of our very favorite things about dining out in Miami. sprispizza.com; 305.673.2020

11. Happy Hour Oyster and Sushi at Altamare
It’s no secret that AltaMare is one of the best restaurants in town, but it now boasts one of the best happy hours. From 5-7pm, AltaMare offers half-priced oysters of the highest quality, from Kumamoto to Kusshi to Blue Point, and everything in between. Did you know that AltaMare now serves sushi? Get the freshest quality rolls for $6 during happy hour at the newly renovated bar, and wash it all down with a $6 cocktail or glass of wine. altamarerestaurant.com; 305.532.3061

12. The Blackboard Menu at BLT Steak
Each week, Chef Danny Ganem of BLT Steak (named Best Steakhouse in Miami 2014) creates a new dinner menu of local delicacies and locally-harvested ingredients for his aptly named “blackboard menu.” Giving patrons a new dinner experience every week and a chance to savor the absolute freshest finds of the season, he scouts out ingredients himself at Homestead Farms, or while partaking in his favorite pastime, fishing in local waters. thebetsyhotel.com/restaurants/blt-steak; 305.673.0044

13-16. Local Chefs Predictions on 2015 Trends

17. New Bar Bites and Happy Hour at db Bistro Moderne
db Bistro Moderne has new bar bites on their updated happy hour menu, available Monday through Fridya from 5-8pm. W elove the snacks prepared by Chef Jason Pringle, and new “skinny cocktails” from the bar with 110 callories or less. Menu highlights include Crispy Pork Belly served with fennel, apple, and daikon; and a bite-sized Lobster Roll, featuring lobster mixed with tarragon, mayo, and celery. Stop by for a quick drink and bite with friends for a pre-dinner gathering at this populat downtown lounge. dbbistro.com/miami; 305.421.8800

18-22. Our Holiday Gift Guide!

23. The Authentic Spanish Cuisine of Casa Juancho

24. Top Wines for Winter

Chef Diego Oka

25. The Peruvian Protégé of Gastón Acurio

Where the Food and Wine are Fine

August 5, 2014

9:56 am

Recipes

diningoutmiami

By Jen Suskin-Lazaroff | Miami Publisher

DiningOut: What’s your go-to summer cheese and wine pairing?

Sommelier Christopher Birnie-Visscher: When it comes to pairing wine with cheese, Champagne is always a go-to option. The natural acidity found in Champagne works really well with many cheeses like Humboldt Fog and a Blancs de Blanc. Plus, Champagne is a great way to cool down in the summer.

DO: What are your edible/drinkable secrets to staying cool in the summer?

CBV: In the Miami summer heat, it’s the perfect time to explore crisp, cool wines. Rosé is a great summer wine that can be enjoyed with or without food. Every major wine region produces rosés and the best part is the price. You can get a delicious rosé for under 20 dollars. It’s a dry, refreshing, and delicious choice to enjoy with friends and family at summer picnics.

DO: What ingredients will you be focusing on, and what are some dishes you’d like to highlight from your summer menu?

Crab at db Bistro

Executive Chef Jason Pringle: When I was creating this menu I starting thinking about seasonal and classic light fare. Summertime is perfect for tomatoes, mangoes, and stone fruits. We have brought back some Daniel Boulud summer classics like our Tomato Tarte Tatin, Melon and Shrimp Salad (recipe follows), or the Nine Herb Mezzaluna.

We also just kicked off our dbQ—a daily barbecue from 5-8pm in the lounge and terrace that runs through August 29.

DO: What’s your favorite fruit, vegetable, and protein? How do you like to prepare these picks at home and at db Bistro?

JP: Cherries, peaches, melons, stone fruits, and seafood are some of my favorites for summer. When I’m cooking at home, I keep things simple with just salt, pepper, and olive oil or lemon juice. I always prefer to grill or roast my vegetables and seafood when the weather starts heating up.

At the restaurant, I still keep it simple, but my presentation is more upscale than when I’m at home. Instead of just grilling my vegetables and fruits, I like to pickle them at the restaurant to make the freshness last all year long. I tend to have more equipment at the restaurant to be creative with each dish and its flavors.

DO: What would you cook for a Bastille Day celebration?

JP: Classic summer French dishes come to mind. It’s hot in France during that time so rosés are a must and seafood, of course. I’m thinking mussels, shrimp, oysters, clams, grilled fish, and vegetables.

Melon Salad with Lemongrass Shrimp from Executive Chef Jason Pringle of db Bistro Moderne Miami

serves four

Ingredients

Lemongrass dressing:
6 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2 tsp finely grated peeled ginger
2 tsp finely chopped lemongrass
zest of 1 lime
freshly-squeezed juice of 2 limes
1/8 tsp Tabasco
salt and freshly ground white pepper

Salad:
1-1/2 lbs. large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 ripe honeydew melon
1 ripe, small, round red watermelon
1 Tbsp finely chopped purple basil leaves, plus additional small leaves
1 Tbsp finely chopped cilantro leaves, plus additional small leaves
salt and freshly ground white pepper

Method

For the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, ginger,
lemongrass, lime zest and juice, and Tabasco in a small bowl. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Set aside.

For the salad: Cook the shrimp in a medium saucepan of boiling salted water for 3-5 minutes. Drain. When cool enough to handle, slice lengthwise in half. Cut the honeydew and watermelon in half. Cut away the rind, and remove the seeds. Cut the melons into 1/8-inch-thick slices. Remove the watermelon seeds (it’s okay if the slices don’t stay intact). Using a cake ring or glass that is slightly smaller than the mouth of a 14-16-ounce martini glass or Champagne coupe, cut 16 slices from the watermelon, and 16 slices from the honeydew. Save the nicest 4 watermelon slices for the top.

To serve: Set out four 8-12-ounce capacity martini glasses or Champagne coupes.

Layer two slices of watermelon and honeydew in each glass, lightly sprinkling each melon layer with lemongrass dressing, chopped basil, chopped cilantro, salt, and pepper. You may need to trim the melon slices so they fit neatly into the glasses, which should be half-full at this point. Divide the shrimp among the glasses, arranging them in concentric circles. Season the shrimp with dressing, basil, cilantro, salt, and pepper.

Layer the glasses with the melon in reverse order: the honeydew, and then the
watermelon, seasoning each layer as before. Top each salad with a reserved watermelon slice and sprinkle lightly with dressing, basil, cilantro, salt, and pepper. Garnish each salad with a basil and cilantro leaf. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving (the melon and shrimp taste best when well chilled).

Wine Pairing: The Chilean 1999 Santa Rita Reserva Sauvignon Blanc’s high acidity, low alcohol content, and tropical fruit scent add zing to the mellowness of the honeydew and cantaloupe. A more elegant choice would be the 1998 Kendall-Jackson Vinter’s Reserve Chardonnay from Sonoma, California, whose rich toffee and butterscotch flavors retain a hint of fruitiness, keeping it lively on the palate.

Sourced from “Daniel’s Dish: Entertaining at Home with a Four Star Chef,” by Daniel Bouloud (Filipacchi Publishing, 2003)

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Summer Affairs

August 5, 2014

9:33 am

Restaurant Features

diningoutmiami

Not that we need an excuse to dine out, but deals that make you do a double take and extraordinary culinary escapades of our favorite chefs really get us out the door. We’ve scouted out some of our favorite happenings this month for you to mark on your calendars.

A Taste of Germany at Wynwood Kitchen & Bar

This summer, Chef Miguel Aguilar is dedicating each month to a different World Cup contender country. Last month was Spain, and July brings

Wynwood Kitchen & Bar

Germany. August will feature Portuguese cuisine. The tasting menu is available for lunch and dinner every Wednesday through July.

Begin with a bratwurst upon a pretzel bun, and topped with sauerkraut. A plate of Spätzle is as fun as its name—egg noodles with shredded Coca-Cola braised short rib. Then, slice into a Rouladen—bacon, onions, and pickled, wrapped in thinly-sliced flank steak with a side of potato salad. And it’s not a true German meal without a bier—pair it with the Radler, where beer meets lemonade.

Wynwood Kitchen & Bar (WKB)’s popular summer dining series continues its celebration of cuisine from around the world in July with a tribute to World Cup contenders, Germany. The three-month long series crafted by Executive Chef Miguel Aguilar has added to the flavors of WKB’s already robust menu by showcasing dishes from Spain in June, and concludes with Portugal in August.

The summer tasting menu will be available for a limited time only during lunchand dinner every Wednesday throughout July beginning on Wednesday, July 3^rd. Foodies can embark on a culinary tour through Germany with a la carte dishes to include. wynwoodkitchenandbar.com

Prix-Fixe at Fish Fish

The bar at Fish Fish

Before Miami Spice kicks off on August 1, Fish Fish will be getting you in the mood for prix-fixe fun with a three-course meal for $39. Pair that with their all-day, every-day happy hour, and you’ve got yourself an unbeatable deal. fishfishmiami.com

dbQ at db Bistro Moderne

The barbecue series is back now through August 29. Available daily in the

dbQ Bistro Sandwiches

lounge and terrace from 5-8pm, dbQ features barbecue items with a db twist. Grilled Oysters get a dousing of spicy garlic butter, and Baby Back Ribs liven up spoon bread.

On Fridays, guests can keep Executive Chef Jason Pringle company as he grills and shares tips. A Barbecue Tour section of the dbQ menu will change bi-weekly to feature global barbecue traditions, like Suon Nuong Vietnamese Pork Chop from Southern Asia. Happy hour prices will be available on all cocktails. dbbistro.com/miami

Wine Dinner Series at The Setai

The Setai continues its wine dinner series this July with Castello Banfi, Tuscan Treasures, on July 31.

Founded in 1978, Castello Banfi is a young winery, yet what they have

Pasta at The Setai

accomplished since their inception has had a profound effect on the Italian wine world today. Today, with a state of the art wine making facility and an advanced scientific approach in the vineyards, Castello Banfi is producing premium high quality wines with a nod to traditional wine making techniques.

Luciano Castiello, ambassador for Castello Banfi, will host this exclusive dinner presenting the top wines of the estate. The reception will begin at 7:30pm, and the dinner will follow at 8pm. Cones of Gorgonzola with prune marmalade, white chocolate, and candied olive chorizo Madeleine will pair with a sparkling Pinot Noir. Then, feast upon scallops and Chardonnay, Porcini Risotto with Bordeaux … and, well, we won’t give it all away. For a full menu, visit thesetaihotel.com/culinary-artistry/culinary-offers-events.jsp

Tickets are $150 (includes tax and gratuity). Call 305.520.6400 to make reservations.
Fontainebleau Escapades

Over at The Fontainebleau, there’s no shortage of relaxing, indulgent experiences to partake in at the Fontainebleau this summer. fontainebleau.com/web/specials/dining_events__offers

Once in a Bleau Moon: Fontainebleau marks the rare astrological

The Fontainebleau sets the right mood with palm trees and white lounge furniture.

phenomenon, the “Bleau” Moon, the appearance of four full moons instead of the usual three, with a celestial, one-of-a-kind culinary experience on July 10, 11, and 12.

Indulge in a private, moon lit dinner atop the chic setting of La Cote Mediterranean Grill, with sweeping oceanviews and the iconic sights of the Fontainebleau pools cape. Perfect for any romantic occasion you are celebrating this fall or simply an excuse to spoil someone special.

Observe the rare fourth—“bleau”—moon of the month with a private moonlit four-course dinner at the La Côte Mediterranean Grill. Advance reservation required. Call 877.326.7412 to reserve your cabana.
New Yum Cha Lunch Menu: Hakkasan just launched a new Yum Cha prix-fixe menu, available every Saturday and Sunday, from noon-3pm. Menu items include dim sum, spring onion egg fried rice, jasmine tea smoked ribs with grilled honey char sui, white coffee ice cream, and many more. Lunch also includes choice of Bellini, mimosa, beer, Curious white, or red wine.

World Cup Specials: At the Lapis Spa, try the Copacabana, a 50-minute Blast of Oxygen Facial plus a Lapis Mineral Soak. $148 (a savings of $37), valid 10am-3pm daily. The GOL, GOL, GOL! includes a 50-minute Mudslide with a 25-minute Take A Load Off My Back Massage, plus a Lapis Mineral Soak. $196 (a savings of $49).

Spend World Cup 2014 at Fontainebleau’s glamorous poolscape in a private cabana watching the games. Relax and absorb the seclusion and solitude of your own oasis in the midst of the action of Fontainebleau’s festive atmosphere. fontainebleau.com/web/spa

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castello banfi db Bistro Moderne fish fish fontainebleau hakkasan jason pringle la cote mediterranean grill lapis spa miami events miguel aguilar the setai world cup wynwood kitchen & bar

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Melon Salad with Lemongrass Shrimp from Executive Chef Jason Pringle of db Bistro Moderne Miami

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