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Four Miami Spice Restaurants for Couples

Jaya at The Setai

With 200-plus restaurants offering three-course dinners for just $39 per person, Miami Spice is one of the best times of year to treat your special someone to an extravagant night out on the town. But with so many great restaurants, how do you know where to go? That’s where we come in. Read below for our favorite date-worthy restaurants on the Miami Spice list.

Pao by Paul Qui {3201 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 786.655.5630}

James Beard Award-winning chef and restaurateur, Paul Qui, runs a sexy Asian restaurant in the extravagant Faena Hotel—and its sultry hues, whimsical unicorn statue, and intimate ambience make it a great place for a date night. Go during Miami Spice, and you and your S.O. can enjoy a three-course meal with Kinilaw, Pao’s popular Fried Chicken with roasted banana ketchup, Mushroom Bistek, Sisig Rice with crispy pork and fried egg, and for dessert, Elderflower Peach Sorbet with almond baba and Concord grape syrup.
*Miami Spice dinner at Pao by Paul Qui will be available every Tuesday through Saturday, from August 1 through September 30.

Café Roval {5808 Northeast 4 Court, Miami; 786.953.7850}

With its coral-rock walls, antique chandeliers, torchlit patio, and cascading waterfall, the Mediterranean-inspired Café Roval is definitely one of Miami’s most romantic restaurants. During Miami Spice, treat your special someone to appetizers like barbecued cobia Kebabs with manouri cheese or Buttone with braised lamb neck and green olives, followed by Gnocchi with rabbit sausage, Whole Orata with a fava bean labneh, or a Mixed Grill Platter with urfa peppers and tarator sauce. Finish the meal with Chocolate Marsala Cake, a Macadamia Nut Tart, or a Roasted Strawberry and Coconut Sorbet, and leave with a happy heart and a full stomach.
*Miami Spice dinner at Café Roval will be available every Sunday through Thursday, from August 1 through September 30.

Jaya at The Setai {2001 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 855.923.7899}

The Setai, Miami Beach is like an Asian temple, and inside, Jaya at The Setai serves a menu of Indian-inspired fare with Thai, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Vietnamese influences. Grab a seat in the intimate dining room, or for a real romantic ambience, opt for a candlelit table by the hotel’s courtyard zen pond. Appetizers like Hamachi with avocado mousse and Chive or Truffle Dumplings are on the menu, as well as main dishes like Faroe Island Salmon with cardamom-scented sweet potato purée, Green Curry vegetables, Lamb Masala, and a tandoor-baked Chilean Sea Bass. For a romantic ending, get the Textures of Valrhona Chocolate with milk chocolate mousse, chocolate nib crumble, white chocolate snow, and chocolate sorbet, or the Masala Chai Crème Brûlée with chai-infused custard and a spiced chantilly.
*Miami Spice dinner at Jaya at The Setai will be available every night of the week, from August 1 through September 30. 

Palme d’Or {1200 Anastasia Avenue, Coral Gables; 305.913.3189}

As if The Biltmore wasn’t alluring enough, try its signature French restaurant and you’ll never want to leave. Helmed by Michelin-star Chef Gregory Pugin, Palme d’Or serves haute French cuisine in an elegant, vintage setting. Start with appetizers like Pan-Seared Lump Crab Cake with a curry aïoli or Pate de Foie Gras with brioche chips and buttery sautéed apples. From there, move on to Roasted Duck Breast with a wild berry gastrique or the Marinated Flat Iron Steak with shishito peppers and a pink peppercorn sauce. The desserts are sure to be as sweet as your other half—think: Madagascar Vanilla Cream with soft caramel, Chocolate Fondant Cake, or a Macaroon Tart with pineapple compote and mango sauce.
*Miami Spice dinner at Palme d’Or will be available every Tuesday through Saturday, from August 1 through September 30. 

By Jennifer Agress, contributing writer

jaya-at-setai-sake-cart

Now on Miami Beach, everyone’s favorite upscale Asian hotel, The Setai, Miami Beach, has added a tableside Japanese Beer and Sake Cart to its signature restaurant, Jaya at The Setai {2001 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.520.6000}.

Along with the restaurant’s modern Asian cuisine by Chopped winner and Executive Chef Matthew Gervais, Jaya diners can now choose from special Japanese and imported beers–like Echigo Koshihikari Rice BeerOze No Yukidoke IPA and Singha–as well as local Miami favorites, like Funky Buddha and The Floridian. As for Sake, the cart has plenty of handpicked options: including Flying Pegasus Daiginjo Koshu, Soto Junmai Daiginjo, Minato Harbor Yamahai Nama Genshu, or Dewatsuru Sakura Emaki Rose.

Rolling right up to the table, Jaya’s Japanese Beer and Sake Cart is available both indoors and in the hotel’s enchanting courtyard during lunch, dinner or Sunday brunch. To try it for yourself, head to Jaya at The Setai during the following hours:

Monday – Saturday Lunch
11:30am – 3pm

Monday – Thursday & Sunday Dinner
7 – 11pm

Friday and Saturday Dinner
7pm – Midnight

Sunday Brunch
11:30am – 3pm

Happy dining!

By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor

What is your favorite internationally inspired dish on your menu this season?

Mathias Gervais

Chef Mathias Gervais of Jaya 
My favorite dish on the Jaya menu is our Hamachi, and it truly represents who I am as a French chef at The Setai. It is a great expression of my love for Asian food and culture, and my enjoyment of fresh, raw fish marinated in yuzu.

Benjamin Murray

Chef Benjamin Murray of Azul 
My favorite dish is our Warm Alaskan King Crab with umeboshi, Asian pear, and Thai basil. Umeboshi is my favorite ingredient. My mother used to serve us a piece in a bowl of rice when I was a child, and I would always ask for more. Umeboshi is a Japanese fruit that is salted, dried, and pickled; it is very salty and sour. Eventually, I started eating them like candy. We mix it with ponzu and butter and slowly poach the king crab in it until it’s just warm. We aim to hit all the taste buds with the sweetness of Asian pear and cucumber, the heat of pickled chiles, and the fresh herbaceous notes of the Thai basil. It’s a favorite dish of mine, and you will always see it here at Azul.

Fabrizio Picture

Chef Fabrizio Pintus of TiramesU
When I think of spring and summer, I think of light dishes and that usually means fresh seafood. Since South Florida is extra summery, a carpaccio allows me to create an even lighter dish without taking away from the depth of flavor. On the contrary, the delicate makeup of the Capesante—a scallop carpaccio dish—at TiramesU is layered with bursts of citrus, berries, and nutty almonds. That combination really speaks to my palate and I wanted to share it with our customers.

Carpaccio-style dishes are innate to Italian chefs like me and I wanted to find the best and freshest local ingredients to create a version that appeals to South Florida’s tropical palate. Scallops were my choice because they are consistently fresh. I truly see the Capesante as a beautiful combination of Italian and South Florida flavors.

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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

The Restaurant_Courtyard

Just a few weeks ago, the award-winning Setai Hotel debuted Jaya {2001 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 855.923.7899}, a brand-new restaurant concept by Executive Chef Mathias Gervais of “Chopped” fame. Taking the place of what was previously The Restaurant at The Setai, Jaya introduces an entirely new approach to Asian cuisine. DiningOut had the opportunity to dine at the revamped restaurant, and we couldn’t have been more impressed by the quality of food and service.

The Restaurant at setai jaya

Chef Gervais, along with Executive Sous Chef Vijayudu “Vijay” Veena, have collaborated to create a mouthwatering menu full of authentic dishes from Japan, China, Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, and India, all served family-style. The menu is comprehensive, but not intimidating, and our server guided us with some stellar recommendations.

We started off the evening with drinks from the specialty cocktail menu: the Cucumber Martini and the Setai Cosmo, both equally delicious! For appetizers, we tried the Shrimp Maki, an avocado-wrapped roll with shrimp, puffed rice, salmon roe, and blood orange; and the Wagyu Tataki, with leeks, pickled daikon, and crispy garlic wrapped in the beef sausage-style. And, of course, we couldn’t pass on beginning with the famous Naan Bread, a simple yet flavorful Setai staple that stole the show.

jaya at the setai

Shrimp Maki

We continued the meal with the Peking Duck (also a longtime Setai menu favorite), served with steamed pancakes (to make your own wrap) and a deliciously sweet plum sauce, and the Hanger Steak Ssam, which was served with red kimchee, ginger, scallions, mint, and lettuce with a green chile relish. Everything that we tried was cooked to perfection and bursting with flavor.

jaya at the seat

Hanger Steak Ssam and Peking Duck

Of course, no meal is complete without dessert. We opted for the sampler, which came with four equally impressive bite-sized treats.

image19

Jaya, which means “victory” in Sanskrit, was chosen to honor The Setai’s distinguished interior designer, Jaya Ibrahim, who recently passed away. The concept is part of the hotel’s culinary re-launch, as it celebrates a decade of unmatched success in Miami Beach and luxurious Asian hospitality. While the name, menu, and overall concept of the restaurant have certainly changed, you can still expect the same impeccable service, caliber of standout dishes, and the sophisticated yet laid-back ambience for which The Setai is known.

—Sherri Balefsky | Miami Editor

The Setai Courtyard

The Setai Miami Beach {2001 Collins Avenue; 305.520.6000}, one of SoBe’s most chic and elegant hotels, is hosting an evening of “sophistication and folly” for New Year’s Eve with the theme “La Belle Époque.”

Start your evening off at JAYA, the hotel’s brand-new Asian-inspired restaurant, with a five-course gala dinner featuring a “St. Sylvestre” menu that includes Foie Gras, Eggs 62, Scallops Melba, Short Ribs Bordelaise, and a Chocolate Variation. Dinner starts at 7pm and is priced at $555.

Or, begin the night at the Setai Grill’s Seafood Lounge to enjoy a decadent selection of oysters, stone crab claws, king crab legs, Key West pink shrimp, ceviche, Spanish octopus, and more. Service begins at 7pm and is priced at $425.

Both experiences include cocktails in the Setai Courtyard upon arrival, Louis Roederer Champagne Hour from 11:30pm-12:30am with New Year’s countdown, and access to the Setai Club, the hotel’s speakeasy venue with bar and DJ until 4am.

For reservations, call 855.923.7899.

—Sherri Balefsky | Online Editor