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mother's day

Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 8. Have you made your dining plans yet? Below, the only guide you’ll need to decide where to treat mom on her special day. Be sure to make reservations as soon as possible!

Adena Grill & Wine Bar {900 Silks Run, Hallandale Beach; 954.464.2333}
From 11am-4pm, the elegant steakhouse at Gulfstream Park will host a very special Mother’s Day brunch buffet featuring a variety of gourmet stations serving both breakfast and lunch options. Breakfast offerings include a home-baked bread station with homemade waffles, pancakes, bagels, and more, as well as a custom omelet and fresh fruit station. Lunch options will feature shellfish, sushi, and pasta stations, plus a meat-carving station and various entrées. $49 per adults; $20 for children 10. Adena’s regular à la carte dinner menu will be available from 4-10pm.

Apeiro Kitchen & Bar {3252 Northeast First Avenue, Midtown; 786.800.5389}
The acclaimed Delray Beach restaurant that recently opened in Midtown invites guests to Mother’s Day brunch from 11am-4pm. Specials include Stracciatella with pickled cantaloupe, watermelon, and crispy prosciutto; Bouillabaisse of mussels, clams, shrimp, octopus, and tomato broth atop cuttlefish capellini; and Rib-Eye with roasted fennel, fingerling potatoes, and saba reduction.

The Bazaar by José Andrés {SLS South Beach, 1701 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.455.2999}
Visit The Bazaar from 11am-2:30pm for “The Brunch Table,” which will include a selection of Spanish cured meats and cheese, Iberico porchetta, smoked salmon, caviar selection, fresh fruits, pastries, and assorted yogurt parfaits. Guests can also choose one à la carte entrée, like the Huevos a la Cubana, Olive Oil Mini Pancakes, SLS Eggs Benedicto, Wild Alaskan Salmon Veracruzana, and more. Top off the meal with a choice of dessert. $75 per adult; $35 per child.

The Biltmore Hotel {1200 Anastasia Avenue, Coral Gables; 305.913.3200}
From May 6-8, the Biltmore’s signature French restaurant, Palme d’Or invites guests and their mothers to a spectacular six-course tasting menu with a complimentary glass of Champagne to toast the occasion. In addition, don’t miss out on the Biltmore’s Sunday Champagne brunch, an extravagant buffet that takes place every week in the hotel’s courtyard with delicacies such as caviar, smoked salmon, shellfish, carved meats, fresh omelettes, pasta, sushi, and more.

Café des Arts {22 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.534.2555}
South of Fifth’s Café des Arts’ has a new chef, Patrick Kirschner, who is offering a special Mother’s Day seafood tower for two paired with a bottle of rosé for only $60. In addition, all moms will receive a $20 gift card, so they can come back and try any of the other dishes they crave.

Cleo {The Redbury Hotel, 1776 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.534.2536}
Along with its nightly menu, Cleo at The Redbury will be offering a special prix-fixe Mother’s Day menu. All mothers who opt for the prix-fixe menu will receive a complimentary glass of prosecco with strawberries. $65 per person. Click here for full menu.

db Bistro Moderne {255 Biscayne Boulevard Way, Downtown; 305.421.8800}
Treat mom to a bubbly Sunday brunch at Daniel Boulud’s downtown Miami eatery. Chef Clark Bowen is serving up a seasonal three-course prix-fixe menu from 11am-3pm along with a bottle of Moët & Chandon to share for every two guests. $70 per person; $50 per person without Champagne; $35 for children 12 and under. Click here for full menu.

Hyde Beach Kitchen + Cocktails {111 South Surf Road, Hallandale Beach; 954.699.0901}
Along with views of the Atlantic and beats by DJ YSL, this Hallandale Beach hot spot will be offering a brunch buffet that will include a complimentary mimosa or Bellini that will perfectly pair with its Blueberry Pancakes, Fried Chicken and Waffles, an omelette from the omelette station, and more. $45 per adult; $18 for children 5-12; free for children under 4.

Katsuya {SLS South Beach, 1701 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.455.2995}
Join Katsuya for Mother’s Day dinner, where all moms will receive a complimentary Champagne cocktail. Enjoy bites such as the Crispy Rice with spicy tuna; the Hamachi Sizzle Roll, an array of options from the robata bar, and more. After dinner, all moms will receive complimentary chocolate-covered strawberries to end their night on a sweet note.

La Mar by Gastón Acurio {Mandarin Oriental Miami, 500 Brickell Key Drive, Brickell; 305.913.8358}
Mandarin Oriental’s signature Peruvian restaurant will be offering a special Mother’s Day brunch from noon-3:30pm featuring unlimited Champagne and brunch cocktails and savory entrées such as Egg-topped Lomo Saltado and Pescado Chorrillana. An elaborate seafood station with cebiches, causas, tiraditos, and Peruvian-style sushi rolls, as well an anticucho grill providing skewers, empanadas, sliders, and whole fish will also be available. $85 per adult; $35 for children ages 6 to 12.

Midtown Oyster Bar {3301 Northeast First Avenue, Midtown; 786.220.2070}
Chef Pierluigi Angioi has created Mother’s Day deals on several signature dishes, including a beautifully plated Whole Branzino, Oysters Rockefeller, and Seafood Paella. In addition, the restaurant is offering bottomless Syltbar sparking rosé for $25 per person, along with $7 Bloody Marys, $5 mimosas, and amazing select wines by the glass for $6. Not to mention, select oysters will be half-off all day long.

Quattro Gastronomia Italiana {1014 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach; 305.531.4833}
In addition to its regular dinner menu, Lincoln Road’s upscale Northern Italian eatery is celebrating Mother’s Day with special à la carte dishes such as Insalata Mista Di Crostacei (seafood salad with Maine lobster, shrimp, scallops, clams, mussels, and lemon dressing), Paccheri con Polpo (pasta with octopus, cherry tomato, Taggiasca olives, and light red sauce; Filleto Di Manzo (seared filet mignon wrapped with prosciutto); and more.

The Restaurant at The Raleigh {1775 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.612.1163}
The Raleigh Miami Beach is offering an à la carte menu from noon-4pm. The Restaurant will also be featuring a raw bar that will include multiple varieties of oysters, king crab legs, poached lobster, and shrimp cocktail with assorted accompaniments and sauces. Every mother will receive a complimentary glass of rosé and chocolate-covered strawberries.

Riviera Focacceria Italiana {3252 Northeast Buena Vista Boulevard, Midtown; 786.220.6251}
Midtown Miami’s authentic Ligurian restaurant is launching its weekly Sunday brunch on Mother’s Day. Look for menu items such as the Polpettone Faglioni e Patate, a unique vegetable “meatloaf” with eggs, Parmesan, string beans, and potatoes, and a traditional home-cooked Frittata. Order either one with the restaurant’s new Basil Bellini, a refreshing cocktail of prosecco, peach purée, a touch of housemade basil syrup, and ground local sweet basil.

Scarpetta {Fontainebleau Miami Beach, 4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.535.3283}
From 11am-3pm, Fontainebleau’s signature Italian restaurant will host an Italian-inspired buffet with countless options from an ample spread of Italian meats and cheeses, a frittata action station, live-action carving station, fresh seafood, a pasta station, and a cornucopia of desserts. $75 per adult; $37.50 per child under 12; free for children under four.

The Setai Hotel {2001 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 855.923.7899}
South Beach’s exclusive Setai Hotel always offers a lavish jazz brunch every Sunday, and Mother’s Day is no exception. From 11:30am-3pm, experience a delightful buffet with all the brunch staples you could imagine, along with limitless Louis Roederer Champagne and Bloody Marys while listening to the sounds of live jazz.

TiramesU {101 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.532.4538}
South Beach’s landmark restaurant is celebrating Mother’s Day with bottomless mimosas for just $25 per person. In addition, Chef Fabrizio Pintus will serve an à la carte menu with selections such as Tartare di Tonno, served between layers of pane carasau, a crispy flatbread from Sardinia; Grigliata di Pesce, an assortment of grilled scallops, head-on prawns, salmon, and tuna; and Ravioli with spring vegetables, ricotta, and sage butter sauce.

—Sherri Balefsky | Miami Editor

azul cooking classIt’s only natural that a triple five-star hotel such as Mandarin Oriental, Miami {500 Brickell Key Drive, Brickell; 305.913.8358} would have restaurants helmed by some of the most talented chefs around. But it’s not every day that you can get an up-close-and-personal look inside the workings of these chefs’ kitchens.

But that’s exactly what the luxury hotel on Brickell Key is doing. Award-winning Chefs Benjamin Murray of Azul (above) and Diego Oka of La Mar by Gastón Acurio (below) are inviting both guests and locals alike into their culinary workspaces for a series of interactive cooking classes and demonstrations.

chef diego okaLearn what goes on behind the scenes in preparing world-class menu items, while picking up basic cooking tips and tricks to take to your own kitchen. For example: Did you know that the flavor you get from a lime’s juice depends on the way you slice it? Do you know which fish varieties have the least amount of fat? What about the best tools for sautéing meat over an open-flame stove?

At Azul, Chef Murray shows how to prepare the ultimate gourmet lunch in the restaurant’s marble-clad open kitchen. The session is followed by a three-course tasting menu matched with flights of premium wines by sommelier Dwayne Savoie. Classes are $175 per person and take place from 10am-1pm.

At La Mar, Chef Oka demonstrates how to create classic Peruvian dishes such as cebiche and a selection of causas. You’ll also learn how to create a traditional pisco sour at La Mar’s waterfront bar by Lef Kraounakis. Classes are $100 per person and take place from 6-7:30pm.

2016 Cooking Classes Schedule:

Saturday, April 23: Springtime Flavors with Chef Murray of Azul
Friday, May 6: Causa Tasting with Chef Oka of La Mar
Saturday, June 11: Japanese Techniques with Chef Murray of Azul
Saturday, September 24: Couples Cooking with Chef Murray of Azul
Saturday, November 12: Festive Ways to Prepare for the Holidays with Chef Murray of Azul
Friday, December 9: The Secrets of Leche de Tigre with Chef Oka of La Mar

Each student is given recipe cards and cooking notes for easy step-by-step reference. And upon completion, you’ll receive a certificate of participation and a signature apron, earning you bragging chef rights at your next big family dinner celebration.

—Sherri Balefsky | Miami Editor

La Mar Cebiche Clasico

Cebiche Clasico from La Mar by Gastón Acurio at Mandarin Oriental, Miami {500 Brickell Key Drive, Brickell; 305.913.8358}

Ingredients
3-1/2 oz fluke, cubed
salt
red habanero, brunoised
1 fresh lime
2 oz leche de tigre
1 oz red onions, julienned
Garnish:
sweet potato
choclo
micro-cilantro
Method: In a bowl, mix fish, salt, habanero, lime juice, and leche de tigre. Form the mixture into a mountain shape, and place red onion on top. Decorate with sweet potato, choclo, and micro-cilantro.

—Sherri Balefsky | Miami Editor

Causa Cangrejo

Causa Cangrejo from Chef Diego Oka of La Mar by Gastón Acurio 
serves two to four

Ingredients

Beet causa:
1 lb Idaho potatoes
salt to taste
2 Tbsp canola oil
4 Tbsp beet purée
2 Tbsp lime juice

Filling:
1/2 c crabmeat
2 Tbsp lime juice
3 Tbsp mayonnaise
salt to taste

Avocado aïoli:
1 avocado, diced
2 Tbsp lime juice
2 Tbsp olive oil
3 Tbsp mayonnaise
salt to taste

Avocado tartare:
1 avocado, diced
2 Tbsp mayonnaise
1 Tbsp lime juice

Garnish:
1 cherry tomato
1 fried kale leaf
1 quail egg
huancaina sauce (store-bought)

Method

For the beet causa: Boil potatoes. Mash well, then mix with salt and oil. Chill, then mix with beet purée and lime juice.

For the filling: In a small bowl, mix the crabmeat, lime juice, and mayonnaise. Add salt to taste.

For the avocado aïoli: Add avocado, lime juice, olive oil, and mayonnaise to a small bowl. Add to a blender and blend until smooth. Season to taste with salt.

For the avocado tartare: Mix together the avocado, mayonnaise, and lime juice.

To serve: Mix the beet causa and filling together. Top with tartare, drizzle with aïoli, and garnish with cherry tomato, fried kale leaf, quail egg, and huancaina sauce, if desired.

In Miami, it’s not just Chinese restaurants that are open on Christmas. The following dining establishments are not only open, but are offering delicious special holiday menus. Happy Holidays!

Atrio

Atrio Restaurant & Wine Room {Conrad Miami, 1395 Brickell Avenue, Brickell; 305.503.6528}
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day: Staring at 6pm, relish in a special prix-fixe menu featuring your choice of Appetizers (Clam, Lobster, and Corn Chowder or Duck Confit Roll); Entrées (Roasted John Dory or Roasted Beef Tenderloin); and Dessert (Coquito Panna Cotta or Traditional Christmas Chocolate Yule Log) for $65 per person.

Bulla - Miami, Florida

Bulla Gastrobar {2500 Ponce de Leon Boulevard, Coral Cables; 305.441.0107}
Christmas Eve: Open for lunch and dinner (last reservation at 8:45pm), Bulla is offering its regular menu. For guests looking to enjoy their dinner at home, the restaurant will offer an à la carte to-go menu that includes Spanish favorites such as: Jamón De Bellota Ibérico; a dozen Croquetas De Jamón; Paella De Mariscos; and Cochinillo Ibérico Asado served with Patatas Panaderas and Salad (10 lb. pig for up to 10 guests: $300; 10-plus lb. pig for 10 to 16 guests: $360).

db bistro moderne miami bar

db Bistro Moderne {255 Biscayne Boulevard Way, Downtown; 305.421.8800}
Christmas Eve: From 6-11pm, Executive Chef Jason Pringle is offering a four-course prix-fixe menu featuring seasonal inspirations such as Nantucket Bay Scallops, Roasted Elk Loin, and Suckling Pig.
 On the sweet side, Pastry Chef Saeko Nemoto will be offering up variations of the Classic Bûche de Noël in addition to other delicious holiday treats. Share and taste options including charcuterie, cheese, and a raw bar are available as add-ons to the menu. Cost is $80 per person; $35 for children 12 and under. Complementing the dinner, Sommelier Alan Feldman will offer five bottles of Champagne from different producers at $99 each.

biltmore fontana

Fontana at the Biltmore {Biltmore Hotel, 1200 Anastasia Avenue, Coral Gables; 305.913.3200}
Christmas Eve: Expect a vast three-course dinner menu with a variety of delectable options prepared by Chef Giuseppe “Beppe” Galazzi for $105 per person.
Christmas Day: Lavish Champagne brunch for $95 per person.

La Mar Terrace

La Mar by Gastón Acurio {Mandarin Oriental, Miami, 500 Brickell Key Drive, Brickell; 305.913.8358}
Christmas Eve: From 6-11pm, parties of four or more can enjoy a family-style Peruvian meal featuring dishes that include Cebiche Mixto, King Crab Causa, Whole Cornfish Hen, Arroz Arabe, and Warm Chocolate Tart. Cost is $70 per person; $35 children ages 6-12; free for children under 6.
Christmas Day: From noon-3pm, delight in a spectacular Peruvian brunch with gourmet items including stations of cebiches, tiraditos, and grilled anticucho skewers. Guests will enjoy Chaufa Aeropuerto for the table, as well as choice of specialty dish such as egg-topped Lomo Saltado served alongside refreshing beverages such as Chicha Morada. Decadent dessert towers will provide the perfect sweet ending to the meal. Cost is $85 per adult and includes Champagne and unlimited brunch cocktails; $120 per adult includes premium entrées and unlimited Charles Heidsieck Champagne; $35 children ages 6-12; free for children under 6.

Michael Mina 74

Michael Mina 74 {Fontainebleau, 4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 877.326.7412}
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day: From 6-11pm, supplementary to the à la carte menu, diners can feast upon Roasted Chestnut Soup with pumpernickel, duck confit, and cinnamon gastrique, followed by Braised Short Ribs served with smoked polenta, pearl onion, and a Cabernet reduction; and for dessert, a decadent Christmas Bread Pudding with panettone, candied orange, and dark chocolate gelato.

palme dor biltmore

Palme d’Or at the Biltmore {Biltmore Hotel, 1200 Anastasia Avenue, Coral Gables; 305.913.3200}
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day: Join Michelin-Starred Chef Gregory Pugin for a four-course ($115) or six-course ($145) prix-fixe dinner. Menu items include Foie Gras Retour des Vendanges (red wine-poached foie gras with petite baguette); Le Cabillaud d’Alaska (Alaskan cod, king crab, coconut sauce, and potato bread); La Noisette de Chevreuil à la Chartreuse (venison tenderloin, chartreuse, grand veneur sauce, and shallot bread); and Traditional Christmas Log with fruit, ice cream, and chocolate. Bring gifts to be donated to Miami Children’s Hospital through Radio Lollipop.

Quattro Miami

Quattro Gastronomia Italiana {1014 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach; 305.531.4833}
Christmas Eve and Day: Miami Beach’s go-to dining destination for authentic Northern Italian cuisine will offer its signature white truffle menu in addition to the regular lunch and dinner menus. Antipasti choices include Fonduta Tartufata con Crostini di Foccacia (fontina cheese fondue with truffle and fried quail egg with housemade focaccia); Tagliolini al Tartufo Bianco (fresh tagliolini with Italian truffle butter sauce); and Scaloppine di Vitello Tartufate (veal scaloppine with truffle butter sauce and truffle fries).

StripSteak

Seaspice {422 Northwest North River Drive, Miami; 305.440.4200}
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day: 
Seaspice will be featuring a Christmas-inspired specials menu in addition to it regular dinner menu. Appetizer specials include Hudson Valley Foie Gras Torchon and Chicken Boudin Blanc, while entrées include a Whole Roasted Sucking Pig that serves four people and a Prime Rib Roast. And for dessert, don’t miss out on the delectable Eggnog Cream Tart with stewed apples and ginger cookie crumbs.

StripSteak by Michael Mina {Fontainebleau, 4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 877.326.7412}
Christmas Eve: From 6-11pm, the restaurant is offering a three-course holiday-inspired prix-fixe menu ($75 per person) featuring a first course of Beausoliel Oysters with Petrossian caviar and a cucumber-ginger mignonette, followed by the main course, Pan-Roasted Duck Breast served with applewood smoked bacon, celery root purée, and huckleberry jus. For dessert, diners will enjoy the Yule Log topped with vanilla cream, cherry jelly, and flourless chocolate sponge.
Christmas Day: From 11am-3pm, StripSteak will offer a special brunch for $68 per person; the same Christmas Eve menu will be available for dinner.

Scarpetta at Fontainebleau

Scarpetta {Fontainebleau, 4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 877.326.7412}
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day: From 6-11pm, those seeking a rustic yet elegant holiday meal can indulge in Scarpetta’s three-course prix-fixe menu ($75 per person) featuring Hamachi, Local Snapper, and Mussels Crudo with ginger, chile, and smoked royal trumpet mushroom as an appetizer, followed by the Scarpetta Cioppino with cod, prawn, scallop, clam, rapini stufato, and shellfish brodo. For dessert, a Ricotta Gelato Cream Puff will be served with warm peppermint chocolate sauce.

—Sherri Balefsky | Miami Editor

Mandarin Oriental Chefs

Chef Benjamin Murray of Azul (left) and Chef Diego Oko of La Mar by Gastón Acurio

’Tis the season for celebrating—and Mandarin Oriental, Miami {500 Brickell Key, Brickell; 305.913.8358} is giving us yet another reason to do just that on Wednesday, December 16, in honor of the birthdays of Chef Benjamin Murray of Azul and Chef Diego Oka of La Mar by Gastón Acurio.

Guests who dine at either restaurant on this special date will enjoy a complimentary glass of bubbles with dinner when wishing the chefs a happy birthday. In keeping with the celebratory spirit, the chefs will visit tables during their toast.

Additionally, the restaurants are offering the “ultimate birthday dining experience.” For $55 per person, diners will start their evening at Azul with a delicious Gyoza and Beef Tartare, served with a glass of bubbles. Then, they will be escorted to La Mar for the signature Peruvian King Crab Causa, Grouper Chorrillana, and a dessert of Peruvian Chocolate Mousse.

Celebrating in December—no matter the occasion—never does get old.

Azul La Mar Exterior 1

Exterior of Mandarin Oriental, Miami’s signature restaurants

—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

The holiday season is just around the corner. But that doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t be celebrating in the meantime. Here’s a look at nine of the top events taking place in Miami this November—until Thanksgiving. We’ll have an entirely new roundup for you then.

fontainebleau frank sinatra
1. StripSteak and Jack Daniel’s Celebrate Frank Sinatra
When: November 11 at 8pm
Where: StripSteak by Michael Mina {4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.674.4780}
What: The Fontainebleau continues its celebration of Frank Sinatra and his upcoming centennial birthday with a special five-course dinner at StripSteak hosted by Chef Michael Mina himself highlighting some of Ol’ Blue Eyes’ favorite dishes paired with specialty Jack Daniel’s cocktails. Click here for reservations.

2. Ortanique on the Mile Charity Wine Dinner
When: November 11 at 7pm
Where: Ortanique on the Mile {278 Miracle Mile Coral Gables; 305.446.7710}
What: Join Chef Cindy Hutson and Delius Shirley for Ortanique on the Mile’s second-annual Charity Wine Dinner benefiting The Learning Experience School, which supports children and young adults with developmental disabilities. The special five-course meal will begin with a Champagne reception with passed hors d’oeuvres and will feature wines by Far Niente, EnRoute, and Dolce. Space is limited; call TLC at 305.546.2315 or email [email protected] to reserve your tickets.

Flying with the stars3. Flying with the Stars with Salumeria 104 and Midtown Oyster Bar
When:
November 11-12, 7-11pm
Where: Former Al Capone Mansion {93 Palm Avenue, Palm Island}
What: The second-annual Flying with the Stars will be two nights of six-course wine-paired menus curated by acclaimed Milan-based Italian chefs Alberto Buratti, Claudio Francesco Ceriotti, and Luigi Taglienti in collaboration with Chef Angelo Masarin of Salumeria 104 and Midtown Oyster Bar. The first evening will focus on Midtown Oyster Bar’s sea-based menu, while the second evening will focus on Salumeria 104’s land-based concept. The dinners will feature silent auctions, all in support of the Miami Children’s Health Foundation. Click here to purchase tickets.

4. A Night with the Winemakers at Wine by the Bay
When:
November 12 at 7pm
Where: Wine By the Bay {888 Biscayne Boulevard, Suite 112, Downtown; 305.455.9791}
What: Join Wine By the Bay for a special night with iconic Italian winemakers Ettore Germano (whose family has owned and cultivated land in the Barolo region since 1856) and Silvia Piaggia (a cult winemaker from Carmignano, Tuscany). The duo will answer questions and share their wines with some of Chef Daniele Cosmo’s amazing creations. Planned pairings include Il Sasso, Carmignano 2013 paired with mini croissants with speck, Brie, arucola, and truffle sauce; and Barolo Serralunga 2011 paired with risotto with Taleggio cheese and truffle. Seating is limited. Click here to purchase tickets.

Lef Kraounakis

Lef Kraounakis

5. Thursday Happy Hour at La Mar
When:
Every Thursday, 4-7pm
Where: La Mar by Gastón Acurio {Brickell Key Drive, Brickell; 305.913.8358}
What: Celebrated for its unparalleled Peruvian cuisine and lively bar scene, Mandarin Oriental’s bay-front Peruvian restaurant has launched a sophisticated weekly happy hour under the supervision of Eleftherios “Lef” Kraounakis, who was recently appointed head of the restaurant’s expanded nightlife program. The new happy hour offers $8 creative cocktails, including traditional and flavored Pisco Sours; $6 wine and beers; and light bites such as Cebiche Criollo, Anticucho Chicken, Empanadas, and Pan con Chicharron for just $8 each. A live DJ will also playing music from the bar’s superior sound system.

WATER PARTY MIA 2015 FB Post[4]
6. Fifth-Annual Water Party MIA
When:
November 13, 6-10pm
Where: Four Seasons Miami {1435 Brickell Avenue, Brickell}
What: Join Bulla Gastrobar and soon-to-be-opened Pisco Y Nazca for a special fundraising event in honor of Global Water Brigades, an international, nonprofit organization constructing clean water systems in Nicaragua, Honduras, and Ghana. The goal of the event is to raise $12,500 to benefit the community of El Hatillo, Nicaragua, which is home to 67 families in need of a clean water supply. The minimum donation of $35 in advance will entitle each guest to endless cocktails by various beverage sponsors and savory bites from Bulla Gastrobar and Pisco y Nasca. The night will include music, a silent auction, and more. Click here to purchase tickets.

7. Weekend Lunch at Michael Mina 74
When:
Every Saturday and Sunday, Noon-6pm
Where: Michael Mina 74 {4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.674.4636}
What: The Fontainebleau’s signature American restaurant is now open for lunch on the weekends with a daytime menu featuring an array of starters, selections from the fresh seafood bar, and the restaurant’s award-winning burgers, including the classic Dry-Aged Steak Burger, the Heritage Turkey Burger, and the Prime Beef Crunch Burger, which is topped with double-smoked bacon, pimento cheese, peanut butter, and potato chips.

8. Sunday Brunch at Tamarina
When:
Every Sunday (starting November 22) 11am-6pm (buffet open until 3pm)
Where: Tamarina Restaurant {600 Brickell Avenue, Brickell; 305.770.6223}
What: Tamarina officially launches its Sunday brunch, which will feature all-you-can-eat buffet of breakfast and lunch staples accompanied by live music and all-you-can-drink specials. Expect to find made-to-order omelettes, pancakes, waffles, and crêpes; an American station featuring corned beef hash and roast beef; a fresh salad bar; a grill station featuring steak and eggs and pork ribs; an Italian station with frittatas, charcuterie, and homemade pizzas; a seafood station with oysters, shrimp, and smoked salmon; and a variety of freshly baked breakfast pastries, muffins, and scones; and much more.

Seed Food & Wine9. SEED Food & Wine Festival
When: November 18-22; Grand Tasting November 21
Where: Grand Tasting at MANA Wynwood {318 Northwest 23rd Street, Wynwood}
What: The second-annual SEED Food & Wine Festival, the nation’s only plant-based food and wine experience, will be a five-day festival featuring upscale dinners, film screenings, garden parties, and a Southern brunch, all leading up to a large-scale outdoor festival and grand tasting on Saturday, November 21, from 11am-6pm, with food, wine, juices, music, gifts, organic body care, clothing, yoga, and everything that celebrates conscious plant-based living. For more information, visit seedfoodandwine.com.

By Sherri Balefsky | Miami Editor

The Dog Days of Summer are here, and we’re certainly feeling it! But good news: Miami Spice is here as well. Check out ilovemiamispice.com to see the full list of nearly 200 restaurants throughout Miami that are offering special lunch and dinner prix-fixe menus from now through September 30. We also put together two previews of some of our favorite Miami Spice menus–check those out here and here. In addition to Miami Spice specials, here are our top Miami August events to help keep your mind off all this heat and humidity.

MO Bar + Lounge

Bar Spice at MO Bar + Lounge
When:
Through September 30
Where: MO Bar + Lounge at Mandarin Oriental, Miami {500 Brickell Key Drive, Brickell; 305.913.8288}
What: Miami Spice is in full swing, which means that Mandarin Oriental, Miami’s signature restaurants will be offering unbeatable prix-fixe menus (La Mar by Gastón Acurio for lunch and dinner; Azul for dinner only). But that’s not all. The five-star resort’s MO Bar + Lounge is getting in on the action by adding a twist to three signature cocktails: the Aji Rocoto and Pineapple “Margarita” with tequila reposado, rocoto-pineapple marmalade, house citrus cordial, lime, and a tajin rim; the Ancho Chile and Chocolate “Manhattan” with ron añejo, Chinato vermouth, Ancho Reyes, crème de cacao, and orange bitters; and the Jalapeño and Tamarind “Pisco Sour” with pisco acholado, tamarind falernum syrup, lemon, and muddled jalapeño.

stripsteak

New Sunday Brunch at StripSteak
When: Every Sunday, 11:30am-3pm
Where: StripSteak at Fontainebleau {4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 877.326.7412}
What: Fontainebleau Miami Beach’s newest signature restaurant from celebrity chef Michael Mina has recently introduced an unbeatable Sunday brunch. For just $68 per person, enjoy a fabulous two-course plated menu (your choice of appetizer and entrée), a delicious signature cocktail, unlimited shellfish, charcuterie, and cheeses, freshly baked breads, breakfast pastries, and desserts, a Greek yogurt parfait bar, and complimentary valet parking. Unlimited mimosas, Bellinis, and Fizzy Bellboys (the restaurant’s signature cocktail) are an additional $25 per person.

Sardinia enoteca

Wine Tuesdays at Sardinia Enoteca
When:
Every Tuesday
Where: Sardinia Enoteca Ristorante {1801 Purdy Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.531.2228}
What: Every Tuesday from noon to midnight, guests at Sardinia enjoy 40-percent off select wines. It’s a vintage special you won’t want to miss. But that’s not all. Through September, Sardinia is offering Miami Spice menus for both lunch (everyday) and dinner (Sunday-Thursday).

seafood bahia four seasons

SPF Saturdays (Seafood + Pool + Four Seasons)
When: Saturdays, 1-3pm, through September 5
Where: Four Seasons Hotel Miami {1435 Brickell Avenue, Brickell; 305.381.3030}
What: On Saturdays at 1:30pm sharp, Bahia, the Four Seasons Hotel Miami’s seventh-floor poolside restaurant and bar, is offering a Southern-style Seafood Boil featuring family-style servings of lobster, pink shrimp, Florida clams, mussels, and crawfish simmered in Cajun-style spices, accompanied by sweet corn on the cob, golden potatoes, and housemade smoked sausage. Tickets are required ($65 per person) and include access to the hotel’s two resort-style pools.

Those not wanting to purchase tickets can still join in the fun. From 1-3pm, Bahia is also offering what it calls The RAWBar, a special à la carte seafood menu featuring Freshly Shucked East Coast Oysters and Florida Clams, Peel-and-Eat Key West Pink Shrimp, Corvina Crudo, Lobster and Shrimp Ceviche, and an East Coast Mussel Salad.

Marc Irwin Piano concert in The Betsy Lobby

(mostly jazz) with Marc Irwin at The Betsy
When: August 19, 8-11pm
Where: The Betsy–South Beach {1440 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach; 305.673.0044}
What: On Wednesday and Thursday evenings, The Betsy hotel’s Lobby Salon welcomes some of the greatest live musicians for intimate performances. Dr. Marc Irwin is a pianist, composer, arranger, and recording artist who has played for and with a variety of top musicians across the country. He currently acts as musical director for The Capitol Steps, performing political satire throughout the United States and Canada. No cover; no drink minimum!

An added bonus: Adjacent to the Lobby Salon is the award-winning BLT Steak, which will be serving its unbeatable Miami Spice menu. Choose one appetizer (Roasted Peach Salad, Vadouvan Lamb “Porchetta,” or Local Cobia Tataki Sushi Roll), one entrée (10oz CAB Delmonico Steak or Local Seafood Bouillabaisse), and one dessert (Valrhona Chocolate-Strawberry Cake or Coconut-Lime Cheesecake) for just $39. And yes, the restaurant’s famed popovers are included.

db Miami Wine Cellar by B. Milne

Châteauneuf-du-Pape Wine Dinner at db Bistro
When:
August 19
Where: db Bistro Moderne Miami {255 Biscayne Boulevard Way, Downtown; 305.421.8800}
What: Join Chef Jason Pringle and Sommelier Alan Feldman for a special dining event featuring wines from France’s Châteauneuf-du-Pape region in the Southern Rhône Valley. Chef Pringle will prepare a sophisticated meal paired with a unique selection of rare vintages from one of the most traditional winemaking appellations in France. The night will begin with a wine reception and light appetizers in The Lounge followed by a five-course dinner in the main dining room. Can’t make it to the dinner? The restaurant will be offering Miami Spice menus for both lunch and dinner Monday-Saturday all month long.

By Sherri Balefsky | Miami Editor

La Mar Anticucho Bar LR

Although we celebrated our nation’s independence earlier this month, Peruvians are getting ready to celebrate theirs on July 28. And Miami’s leading Peruvian restaurant La Mar by Gastón Acurio {Mandarin Oriental Miami, 500 Brickell Key Drive, Brickell; 305.913.8358} is celebrating in style with a weeklong roster of culinary events and specials.

The festivities begin this Sunday, July 26, from noon until 3:30pm, with a special Paella Brunch featuring live Peruvian music; a live-action paella station of Arroz con Pato, made with confit duck, black beer, squash, corn cider, and cilantro; a Cebiche Bar with a delicious selection of seafood cebiches, causas, tiraditos, and Peruvian-style sushi rolls; and an Anticucho Bar that will offer hot specialties such as Grilled Anticucho Skewers, empanadas, sliders, and whole fish. Guests will also enjoy their choice of one Peruvian entrée specialty, Chaufa Aeropuerto for the table, unlimited brunch cocktails, and decadent desserts.

La Mar Cebiche Bar Chefs

For the rest of the week, diners can order off of Chef Diego Oka’s exclusive dinner menu that pays homage to traditional Andean cooking and the centuries of culinary fusion that have influenced modern Peruvian cuisine. Through August 1, Chef Oka will present festive family-style platters that will include Piqueo Frio with Cebiche Mixto, Causa Cangrejo, and Seafood Jalea, and Piqueo Caliente with Anticucho de Corazon, Aji de Gallina Empanadas, and Yuca with Ocopa Sauce.

La Mar Piqueo Frio

The flavorful dishes can be paired with La Mar’s special Peruvian Independence Day cocktails: the cucumber-basil Albahaca Pisco, the refreshing Eucalyptus Mule, and the Tiki Limeño with spicy-infused Pisco, rum, gin, passionfruit, fresh citrus, Falernum liqueur, and nutmeg.

On July 28, the live band will return, providing a fun, celebratory atmosphere all in honor the country’s 194 years of independence.

By Sherri Balefsky | Miami Editor