Home / Posts Tagged "Miami Beach" (Page 6)

The Continental- Exterior (credit Alex Markow)

Earlier this month, DiningOut had the privilege of eating at one of South Beach’s newest and most anticipated restaurant openings of the summer: The Continental {2360 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.604.2000}. Yes, that’s right—it’s the same Continental as the famed Philadelphia eatery and martini bar that launched the career of restaurateur extraordinaire Stephen Starr.

This is the fourth dining venture that the restaurant mogul has brought to South Florida (following in the successful footsteps of Steak 954 at the W Fort Lauderdale, Makoto at Bal Harbour Shops, and Verde at the Pérez Art Museum Miami). It’s a fitting time for this opening, as the original location is currently celebrating its 20th anniversary.

The Continental- Interior (credit Alex Markow)

Though inspired by its Philly roots, The Continental Miami (designed by Shawn Hausman Design) has a vibe of its own, a sort of tropical-retro décor featuring greenery and bamboo accents throughout. The aesthetic translates onto the front patio facing Collins Avenue with white wrought-iron chairs and bold red and blue cushions.

Cocktails are a driving force behind the success of the original Continental, and the Miami location is no different. Working at DiningOut has its perks, and we were able to try three of the restaurant’s signature cocktails: the Dominicana Old Fashioned, La Florida Daiquiri, and the Island Thyme Sangría (pictured below, left to right). All were beautifully presented and equally tasty in their own way.

Continental Miami

At the helm of the kitchen is Chef Matthew Oetting, who most recently was executive chef of Starr’s Caffe Storico in New York City. He worked closely with Erik Battes, Starr’s corporate chef, who has worked at New York’s Morimoto and Jean-Georges, to develop the menu. The result is an amalgamation of international flavors, from the Chinese specialties to the Puerto Rican Crispy Pork to the build-your-own sushi, where tuna, salmon, sushi rice, toasted nori, vegetables, and garnishes are presented in a bento box with instructions on how to be your own sushi master.

Philly cheesesteak eggroll

We started off with two amazing appetizers: the fantastically gooey, melt-in-your-mouth Cheesesteak Eggroll (above), another nod to the restaurant’s Philly roots, and the succulent Burrata with Heirloom Tomatoes and Berries salad (below).

Continental Miami

For our main course, we split two standout dishes: the peppercorn-crusted Steak au Poivre—a juicy slab of beef with just the right amount of kick—and the Sizzling Seafood Wor Bar, mixture of lobster, shrimp, scallops, and seasonal veggies in a light garlic-based sauce, which comes out of the kitchen steaming hot like fajitas.

IMG_2611

With just enough room for dessert, we decided to try the most curious of the bunch: the Crackerjack Sundae, a mixture of popcorn ice cream, caramel popcorn, toasted peanuts, and caramel sauce. We were unsure about the popcorn ice cream, but in reality it tasted a lot more like vanilla, creating a decadent salty-sweet combination of flavors.

In all, it was a fun and flavorful evening with attentive and accommodating service. We’re looking forward to returning soon—especially once The Continental launches its forthcoming lunch and brunch menus.

By Sherri Balefsky | Miami Editor

Miami Spice is in full swing and we still cannot contain our excitement. While we encourage you to visit ilovemiamispice.com for a full list of participating restaurants, we know that the sheer number of choices can be a bit overwhelming. Below, we’ve put together a quick guide to narrow things down for you.

Katsuya

Sushi and Sashimi from Katsuya

In the mood for sushi?
Try: Katsuya {1701 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.455.2995}
Spice menu available for dinner Sunday-Thursday

This sushi staple from SBE Entertainment Group has locations around the world—from Hollywood to the Bahamas to Kuwait—and is known for its modern Japanese cuisine by Master Chef Katsuya Uechi. For Spice, we recommend going with the Crispy Rice with spicy tuna to start, followed by chef’s choice of sushi. The dessert is always an assorted chef’s selection, so the decision-making process is narrowed down even more for you.

cipriani

Green Taglioni from Cipriani

In the mood for Italian?
Try: Cipriani {465 Brickell Avenue, Brickell; 786.329.4090}
Spice menu available for lunch and dinner Monday-Thursday

Lunchtime hunger pangs often show up unexpectedly. But even when you’re hard at work, it’s best not to ignore them. Take a much-needed lunch break and head over to Cipriani, located along the bay at the bottom of the Icon Brickell. Start off with the Baby Artichoke and Avocado Salad with shaved Parmesan, followed by the Baked Green Taglioni with Praga ham. Dessert is the delicious Vanilla Meringue Cake. You’ll return to work feeling full, refreshed, and satisfied.

a fish called avalon

Baked Escargot from A Fish Called Avalon

In the mood for seafood?
Try: A Fish Called Avalon {700 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach; 305.532.1727}
Spice menu available for dinner Sunday-Thursday

Located at the classic Art Deco Avalon Hotel just steps from the sand, this award-winning restaurant is a South Beach tradition. Executive Chef Kal Abdalla has created a seafood-dominated menu with tropical influences using local, seasonal ingredients and fresh-caught seafood delivered daily. Start off with the Baked Escargot with garlic butter, fresh herbs, and Pernod. Next, we recommend the Macadamia-Crusted Snapper, served with spinach risotto and raspberry Beaujolais beurre blanc. End on a sweet note with Chef Kal’s Signature Cheesecake with sugar glaze and blackberry purée.

Wolfgang's Steakhouse

Filet Mignon from Wolfgang’s Steakhouse

In the mood for steak?
Try: Wolfgang’s Steakhouse by Wolfgang Zwiener {315 South Biscayne Boulevard, Downtown; 305.487.7130}
Spice menu available for lunch Monday-Friday and dinner Sunday-Thursday

With successful steakhouse locations all over the world, it’s fair to say that Wolfgang Zwiener knows a thing or two about how to impress his guests. Impeccable service, an expansive wine list, and a vast selection of expertly prepared 28-day dry-aged steak (not to mention an unbeatable waterfront location) all combine to make Wolfgang’s Steakhouse a must-try dining experience. Our advice for Spice? Keep things simple. Start off with a classic Caesar Salad, which will whet your appetite for your Petit Filet Mignon; then finish with a slice of tangy Key Lime Pie.

Milos

Greek Salad from Milos

In the mood for Greek?
Try: Milos by Costas Spiliadis {730 First Street, Miami Beach; 305.604.6800}
Spice menu available for lunch and dinner daily

If you’re looking for a flavorful Mediterranean-inspired meal, look no further than Milos, a South of Fifth neighborhood gem. It’s one of the few restaurants in North America that lays claim to seafood flown in daily from the Aegean Sea. Hearty and healthy, it’s the perfect spot for a leisurely lunch or elegant dinner. For dinner, begin with the Greek Salad with vine-ripened tomatoes, extra virgin olive oil, and barrel-aged feta. Next, opt for the grilled Dorado Royale: Mediterranean Sea Bream, of course. Desserts are all served family-style and include the Karidopita (a Greek walnut cake) with homemade honey ice cream and what the restaurant calls “The Real Greek Yogurt”—something you don’t want to miss.

By Sherri Balefsky | Miami Editor

TripleSol Segafredo

Shake off the summer heat with this cool new libation at Segafredo Espresso L’Originale {1040 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach; 305.673.0047}. This sweet cocktail is made with Solbeso, the world’s first spirit distilled from cacao fruit and the first to create a new category of spirits in the last 200 years. Naturally organic and 100-percent pure, Solbeso features a breezy floral aroma and light citrus taste that’s distinctive yet versatile.

Visit Segafredo to try the Solbesito for yourself, or follow the steps below to create your own:

Muddle a bunch of cilantro. Add 2-1/2 ounces Solbeso, 1/2 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice, 1/2 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice, and 1/2 ounce freshly squeezed orange juice. Shake once and strain over ice. Add lime wedge and orange wedge. Serve.

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

Because we can’t get enough of Miami Spice, our original Top 5 list of restaurants new to the program somehow seemed to be lacking. So, here are five additional restaurants making their Spice debuts that are giving classic establishments a run for their money.

Market at Edition

1. Market at EDITION {2901 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 786.257.4600}
Spice menu available for lunch and dinner daily
The Miami Beach EDITION is South Beach’s newest spot to see and be seen, and its two dining options by Jean-Georges Vongerichten ensure that things will stay this way. The more casual of the two, Market at EDITION is a reinvention of a gourmet marketplace. The chic open space just steps from the hotel’s lobby features a series of bustling stations, including a raw bar, a charcuterie station, a sushi bar, and a gourmet pastry station featuring freshly baked treats and a create-your-own sundae bar.
Our Appetizer Pick: Three-Piece Charcuterie—chef’s selection of three gourmet cured meats and imported cheeses
Our Entrée Pick: Florida Snapper with bok choy and ginger dressing
Our Dessert Pick: Salted Caramel Sundae—salted caramel ice cream with candied peanuts and popcorn, whipped cream, and chocolate sauce

Red Ginger

Miso Sea Bass

2. Red Ginger {736 First Street, Miami Beach; 305.433.6876}
Spice menu available for dinner Tuesday-Sunday
This Southeast Asian concept from Menin Hospitality opened less than two months ago and it’s already making its Miami Spice debut with a three-course Japanese-inspired dinner menu. For an additional $10, pair your meal with a glass of Pinot Grigio, Pinot Noir, or Cava.
Our Appetizer Pick: El Mar Ceviche (tuna, salmon, octopus, wahoo, and aji limo)—it’s an extra $10, but well worth it
Our Entrée Pick: Miso Sea Bass with saikyo, miso, spinach, coconut foam, and garlic confit
Our Dessert Pick: There’s only one option here, and it’s the Mochi, a deliciously sweet Japanese rice cake

tamarina

Spinach Ravioli

3. Tamarina {600 Brickell Avenue, Brickell; 305.579.1888}
Spice menu available for lunch Monday-Friday and Dinner nightly
Join Tamarina for a tour of Italy’s best coastal dishes while enjoying views of bustling Brickell Avenue on the cozy wraparound terrace. While dinner menus are often the highlight of most Spice menus, due to its proximity the many office buildings in Downtown and Brickell, we suggest trying Tamarina for lunch. It’s the perfect spot for a lunch with colleagues or clients to break up the busy work week.
Our Appetizer Pick: Arugula Salad with caramelized pears, candied walnuts, pecorino, speck, and apples
Our Entrée Pick: Spinach Ravioli with ricotta cheese in a sage-butter sauce
Our Dessert Pick: Any flavor of gelato is good by us

9beach miami

4. 9Beach Miami {1628 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 786.208.1988}
Spice menu available for lunch and dinner daily
Just two weeks after its official grand opening, 9Beach Miami may very well be the newest restaurant to make its first Miami Spice appearance. The fusion kitchen and lounge concept is the first U.S. outpost from 9beach Group, whose successful establishments can be found throughout Israel and in London. At the helm is Executive Chef Tal Aboav from the original 9beach in Tel Aviv, who places emphasis on top-quality ingredients, Mediterranean flavors, and artful presentations.
Our Appetizer Pick: Dorade Capriccio topped with garden vegetables, tomato seeds, and chile lime sauce
Our Entrée Pick: Frutti di Mare Fritto with Mediterranean red mullet, shrimp, and calamari served with ginger-cucumber aïoli and a creamy tzatziki sauce
Our Dessert Pick: Halvah Parfait—dark chocolate shells served on a sweet crumble with fresh berries

Tantalize

Lamb Foie Gras Meatballs

5. Tantalize {330 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach; 305.695.1401}
Spice Menu available for dinner Tuesday-Saturday
If you still haven’t been to Tantalize, you’re in for a treat. Why not indulge your senses for the first time during Miami Spice, when can enjoy the restaurant’s signature dishes at prices up to 50-percent off.
Our Appetizer Pick: Lamb Foie Gras Meatballs with Sherry foie gras sauce, pistachio chimichurri, mushroom chicharrón, and everything crouton
Our Entrée Pick: Cuban Boxer—braised pork shoulder with yuca, black-bean purée, and pickled cabbage salad
Our Dessert Pick: Quinoa Coconut Pudding—lucuma ice cream and toasted coconut

By Sherri Balefsky | Miami Editor

Miami Spice is less than a week away, and we can hardly contain our excitement! Throughout August and September, over 200 restaurants throughout Miami-Dade are participating in Spice by offering special prix-fixe lunch and/or dinner menus at discounted prices (lunch: $23; dinner: $39). This is the 14th year that Miami Spice has been in effect, so there are plenty of tried-and-true favorites on the list. But there are also some 50 restaurants entirely new to the program this year. Here, we’ve selected five of our favorite newcomers—and our Spice menu recommendations for each.

brasserie azur

1. Brasserie Azur {3252 Northeast First Avenue, Midtown; 786.800.9993}
Spice menus available for lunch and dinner Monday-Friday
Azur Hospitality Group (the same group behind Miami Beach’s upscale Villa Azur) recently debuted Brasserie Azur in the former Mercadito space in Midtown Miami. From the rotisserie station to the raw bar to the fresh charcuterie, there’s always a boatload of sensational flavors to try from the Mediterranean-inspired menu.
Our Appetizer Pick: West and East Coast Shooters with bloody-mary granite
Our Entrée Pick: Butter-Poached Lobster with fava bean ragoût and European cucumber foam
Our Dessert Pick: Warm Banana Pithivier with rum anglaise and caramelized banana chips—there’s only one dessert option available, but we’re confident that this would be our top pick either way.

Quality Meats

2. Quality Meats {1501 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.340.3333}
Spice menu available every evening for dinner
Manhattan’s award-winning steakhouse recently opened its second outpost in South Beach, and it’s been bustling ever since. Partner and Executive Chef Craig Koketsu has concocted a meat-centric Spice menu featuring variations on only the best quality beefs, all cured, aged, and smoked onsite.
Our Appetizer Pick: Kale and Manchego Salad with chorizo vinaigrette
Our Entrée Pick: Grilled Bavette Steak with cured orange salad
Our Dessert Pick: Coffee and Doughnuts—coffee ice cream swirled with chocolate doughnuts

SOHO Bay

3. SOHO Bay {520 West Avenue, Miami Beach; 786.618.2788}
Spice menu available for dinner Tuesday-Sunday
Although it’s relatively new to the Miami dining scene, SOHO Bay has been a success in Brazil for over 15 years, with eight locations throughout the country. Executive Chef Ricardo Sauri, formerly of Nobu fame, has devised a tempting Spice menu that can be optimally enjoyed on the breezy patio overlooking the bay.
Our Appetizer Pick: Sushi Tasting (a combination of house rolls)
Our Entrée Pick: Braised Oxtail Donburi served with rice cakes, eggs, scallions, nori, corn, and gochujang
Our Dessert Pick: Coffee-Coated Miso Mousse with dulce de leche, caramel pistachio, and praline

The Gang

4. The Gang {3500 North Miami Avenue, Midtown; 305.570.9430}
Spice menu available for dinner Sunday-Thursday
This eclectic gastropub on the border of Midtown and Wynwood has already proven itself to be one of Miami’s coolest dining spots. The cuisine is a blend of Thai and Vietnamese cuisine staples with a modern twist, while the inside feels like a hip postmodern gallery with distressed wooden floorboards, exposed piping, and vintage washing machines that make up the base of the bar.
Our Appetizer Pick: Vietnamese Pork Rolls—rice paper, lettuce, and fresh tenderloin pork meat with homemade ginger and mint sauce on the side
Our Entrée Pick: Thai Wok Chicken served with traditional homemade egg noodles, mixed vegetables, and lemongrass
Our Dessert Pick: Cheesecake or Key Lime Pie? You’ll be satisfied no matter which one you choose.

StripSteak

5. StripSteak {4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 877.326.7412}
Spice menu available for dinner Sunday-Thursday
All four of Fontainebleau’s signature restaurants are participating in Miami Spice this year, but this is the first time that Michael Mina’s StripSteak is around for it. There’s just two options for each course, but considering that the regular menu can be a bit pricey, this is a Spice deal that can’t be beat.
Our Appetizer Pick: Ricotta Cavatelli with English pea purée, sugar snap peas, basil, and ricotta salata
Our Entrée Pick: Red Wine-Braised Short Rib with mascarpone-whipped potatoes and bordelaise
Our Dessert Pick: Chocolate Orange Cream Cake with chocolate Chantilly cream and orange anglaise

By Sherri Balefsky | Miami Editor

Courtesy of Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau – MiamiandBeaches.com

It’s hard to believe that it’s already more than halfway through July. Time sure does fly! But that means it’s almost time for one of our favorite times of the year: Miami Spice. During August and September, nearly 200 restaurants throughout Miami will be offering special three-course prix-fixe menus at unbeatable prices (lunch is $23 per person; dinner is $39 per person). We’ll be posting some of our favorite participating restaurants in the upcoming weeks, so be sure to check back regularly. Can’t wait ’til August? The following three events are kicking off the two-month Spice a tad early.

Miami Spice Mash-Up Series
When:
Thursday, July 23, 7pm
Where: Dolce Italian {The Gale Miami Beach, 1690 Collins Avenue}
What: Chefs Paolo Dorigato and Cesar Zapata from Bravo’s “Best New Restaurant” will team up to create an exclusive dinner featuring two of the summer’s most popular Spice destinations: Dolce Italian and The Federal Miami. Dinner includes a complimentary pour of Stella Artois and one complimentary glass each of Terrazas Reserva Chardonnay and Terrazas Reserva Malbec
Cost: $65 per person. Click here to reserve seats.

South of Spice
When:
Tuesday, July 28, 6pm
Where: South of Fifth. Participating restaurants include Cibo Wine Bar {200 South Pointe Drive}, TiramesU {101 Washington Avenue}, Red Ginger {736 First Street}, and more.
What: Miami Beach’s bourgeoning SoFi neighborhood kicks off Miami Spice with a cool “restaurant-hopping” event featuring the area’s top dining destinations. Ticket holders can venture between participating eateries for a sneak taste of their Miami Spice menus, which will be paired with various wines and cocktails.
Cost: $45 per person. Click here for tickets.

Iron Fork Miami Spice Kickoff Event
When:
Thursday, July 30, 7pm
Where: Hyatt Regency Downtown Miami {400 Southeast Second Avenue}
What: The annual Iron Fork kickoff event features two of Miami’s finest chefs—Eileen Andrade of FINKA Table & Tap and Dena Marino of MC Kitchen—will go “pot-to-pot” in a culinary showdown overseen by famed Chef Allen Susser. Each competitor will receive a basket of ingredients to create an innovative dish to be judged by a panel of local celebrity chefs. In addition, Midtown Oyster Bar will present a Shuck It Oyster Competition, where chefs from select Miami Spice restaurants will be timed to see who can shuck a dozen oysters the fastest.
Cost: $50 per person; $85 for VIP. Click here for tickets.

By Sherri Balefsky | Miami Editor

Tantalize Miami

It’s one of Miami’s most exclusive summertime foodie events… and YOU’RE INVITED.

On Tuesday, July 21, South Beach’s newest hot spot, Tantalize Miami {330 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach; 305.695.1401}, is hosting a private dinner presented by Gilt City and Lee Brian Schrager (of South Beach Wine & Food Festival fame). Prepared to indulge all your senses at this new dining destination, which combines pan-Latin cuisine with seductive entertainment.

The event begins at 7pm with a meet-and-greet cocktail hour, where you can personally chat with Schrager while noshing on specially crafted hors d’oeuvres like Pomegranate-Barbecue Octopus Tacos and Wagyu Sirloin Tartar with a sunnyside-up egg.

Beef Tenderloin Churrasco

You’ll then sit down to an innovative five-course tasting menu by Tantalize’s Executive Chef Horacio Rivadero. The meal will start with a dish of lobster, shrimp, clams, and octopus in a citrus-passion fruit sauce. It continues with Lamb Foie Gras Meatballs with pistachio chimichurri and Cobia with chorizo and plantain gremolata. For the main event, there will be Filet Mignon Churrasco with yuca pastel, heirloom tomato escabeche, and chimichurri, while a duo of Quinoa-Coconut Pudding and Chocolate Flan will end your evening on a sweet note. Each course will be paired with an equally fine wine.

Not to mention that during your meal, you’ll be able to sit back and enjoy Tantalize’s cool décor and witness its unique twist on live entertainment.

Sasha aerial

Price is $99 per person plus tax and gratuity. Space is limited, so don’t wait to secure your spot at this one-time-only event. Click here to purchase tickets.

By Sherri Balefsky | Miami Editor

The heat is on in Miami. Try to make things a little cooler with these must-do July happenings.

quality meats

1. Summertime Cocktails at Quality Meats
When: All summer long
Where: Quality Meats {1501 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.340.3333}
What: The NYC steakhouse celebrates its first summer in Miami with a number of refreshing summer cocktails. Selections include the Loose Cannon, a twist on a tequila cocktail made with fresh-pressed celery juice and a housemade elixir with almost two dozen herbs and spices, served over ice cubes made from jalapeño juice; and the Piña Clara, a draft cocktail made with light rum, clarified pineapple, and coconut.

2. Truffle-Mania at Scarpetta
When: Through mid-September
Where: Scarpetta {4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 877.326.7412}
What: While many Italian restaurants take advantage of the European fall/winter truffle season, Scarpetta is taking it to the next level by sourcing black truffles from Australia during their winter season (which happens to be our summer). Guests can enjoy a five-course truffle-laden menu for just $195 per person; add $115 per person to pair the meal with wine.

Marc Irwin Piano concert in The Betsy Lobby

3. Miami Summer Music Festival
When:
 July 8-27
Where: Betsy-South Beach {1440 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach; 305.531.6100}
What: The Betsy has a commitment to all things cultural, so it’s no surprise that the hotel is hosting nine free chamber music events, salons, and book signings in partnership with the Miami Summer Music Festival (MSMF) and Steinway, which is providing two grand pianos for the series. All concerts are free and open to the public. Some highlights include: an Opera Night with glass of complimentary Champagne (July 8); a breakfast salon and book signing with Deborah Voigt (July 13); and Zarzuela Night (a Spanish musical comedy) with sangría on the house (July 23).

4. Pre-Spice at Tuyo
When:
 July 8-31
Where: Tuyo {415 Northeast Second Avenue, Miami; 305.237.3200}
What: Miami Spice doesn’t start until August, but Tuyo is getting into the spirit a month early. For just $39, choose an appetizer (Heirloom Tomato Bisque or Caesar Salad); an entrée (Pan-Roasted Yellowtail Snapped with forbidden fried rice, kimchee-marinated bok choy, and orange-saffron cream; or Coffee-Rubbed Braised Berkshire Porcetta with caramelized calabaza purée, lacinato kale, and Biscayne Bay Brewing Company La Colada Coffee Porter jus); and a dessert (choice of chocolates or housemade sorbet).

Mackapooloza

5. BleauLive Presents Mack-a-Poolooza
When: July 11 at 2pm
Where: Fontainebleau Miami Beach {4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305-538-2000}
What: BleauLive welcomes Mack and the rest of the Y100 gang for a poolside concert featuring LunchMoney Lewis, Dutch model-turned-recording artist Natalie La Rose, the “Boombastic” Shaggy, and Miami’s all-time favorite rapper, Flo Rida. Click here to purchase tickets.

db beer dinner 2

6. DBGB Whole Hog Summer Feast
When:
 July 15 at 7pm
Where: db Bistro Moderne {255 Biscayne Boulevard way, Downtown; 305.421.8800}
What: For the second year, Daniel Boulud’s DBGB Kitchen & Bar has “popped up” at db Bistro, offering limited-edition menu items from the chef’s DC/NYC eatery along with beers from local craft beer company, J. Wakefield. Jonathan Wakefield himself will be the restaurant’s special guest for this family-style dinner—and you’re invited, too! It will be a four-course meal, the highlight of which will be the Slow-Roasted Suckling Pig stuffed with pork loin, Swiss chard, confit tomato, and olives, presented tableside.

stk miami

7. Bubbles, Booze, and Bites
When:
 Monday-Friday, 6-8pm
Where: STK Miami {2311 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.604.6988}
What: This month, STK Miami introduces a new happy hour with a selection of offerings—including Prosecco, house-selected wines, and specialty cocktails; Lil’ BRG with Parmesan truffle fries; and Mini Tuna Tartare—for just $8 each.

8. Chef Benjamin Murray Wine Dinner
When:
July 16, at 7pm
Where: Azul {500 Brickell Key Drive, Brickell; 305.913.8358}
What: Mandarin Oriental’s five-star restaurant recently announced the promotion of Benjamin Murray to chef de cuisine. To preview his impressive new menu that will debut later this summer, join Chef Murray and Azul’s Wine Director Todd Phillips for an intimate four-course dinner featuring wine from California’s Hawk and Horse Vineyards. Advance reservations are required; email [email protected].

Taste of the Nation

9. South Florida Taste of the Nation
When: July 16, 6-10pm
Where: Loews Miami Beach {1601 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach}
What: An elegant evening of gourmet food, wine, and spirits, this charity event brings together chefs from over 50 local restaurants to display their culinary prowess all in the name of helping starving children. All proceeds going directly toward Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry campaign toward battling childhood hunger.

10. Peruvian Independence Day
When:
July 26 – August 1
Where: La Mar by Gastón Acurio {500 Brickell Key Drive, Brickell; 305.913.8358}
What: Though we celebrate our nation’s independence on the Fourth of July, Peruvians celebrate theirs later on in the month. La Mar kicks things off with brunch on Sunday, July 26. For the rest of the week, guests can enjoy an exclusive dinner menu that pays homage to the cooking of Andean ancestors and centuries of culinary fusion that have influenced modern Peruvian cuisine.

By Sherri Balefsky | Miami Editor

This year, the Fourth of July falls on a Saturday, which means you have an entire weekend to celebrate (and, perhaps, recover). Here are our picks for the top Fourth of July events in Miami this year.

Unknown1. Red, White, and Woods 4th of July at Hyde Beach Miami
Hyde Beach at the SLS {1701 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.455.2990} 
is known for its wild weekend pool parties, and Saturday, July 4, will be no exception. The fun starts at 11am and will feature guest DJ Michael Woods, who is currently holding down his new residency at LiFE at the SLS Las Vegas.

IMG_4554

2. MOB Burger To-Go
If you’ve already been planning your own Fourth of July shindig, consider adding a bit more spice to it by serving burgers prepared by Executive Chef Ralph Colon of Midtown Oyster Bar {3301 Northeast First Avenue, Midtown; 786.220.2070}. The special recipe combines the perfect blend of prime beef, including brisket, short rib, and chuck, blended with a seasoning mix that includes paprika, lemon pepper, brown sugar, cayenne, onion, and garlic powder. Anyone can order a minimum of four 10-ounce patties that can be picked up at the restaurant on the morning of fourth between 10am and noon. You MUST order before Thursday, July 2, at 2pm. To place your order, email: [email protected].

slide-july4th3. Fireworks Spectacular at The Biltmore
The Biltmore Hotel {1200 Anastasia Avenue, Coral Gables}
will once again be hosting its famous annual fireworks extravaganza. But in addition to this brilliant display of lights, you can join in on an entire evening of patriotic fun. The event starts at 5pm when the open bar begins (through 8:30pm), and is then followed by an extravagant Stars and Stripes Barbecue Dinner featuring all your favorite Fourth of July eats like hot dogs, hamburgers, barbecue chicken, and more. Afterward, stick around, because you won’t want to miss the incredible fireworks, which begin at 9pm. For reservations, call 855.666.1727 or email [email protected].

But that’s not all! From July 3-5, Biltmore Fontana will serve special breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus that will include barbecue specials created by Italian Chef Beppe Galazzi. Also for the fourth, Palme d’Or at the Biltmore will be offering a special $55 three-course menu (from noon-3pm and 5pm-close), starring American classics with a French twist.

Delano miami pool

4. Independence Day Night Swim at Delano Beach Club
Get ready for a unique Independence Night at the Delano South Beac {1685 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.924.4071} for a pop-up swim night and pool party, starting at 7pm. Hosted by YesJulz and DJs Tito, Arlette Carlin, and Dave Sol, sounds will be bouncing off the legendary hotel pool, keeping the party going ’til the early morning. Guests will enjoy grilling in the orchard and ice cream carts, while dancers and models provide in-pool performances with glow-in-the-dark beach balls and floaties up for grabs. To rsvp, contact [email protected].

5. An All-American Barbecue, Tamarina-Style
Tamarina Restaurat & Bar {600 Brickell Avenue, Brickell; 305.579.1888}
is pulling out all the stops this year with a live band, an endless supply of traditional barbecue staples (including the restaurant’s brand-new, never-before-seen sliders), and unlimited Peroni and Four Roses bourbon. Fifty-six men signed the Declaration of Independence, which inspired the restaurant to offer this special package for just $56.

Oceanaire 4th of july

6. Red, White, and Blue for Two at Oceanaire
The Fourth of July doesn’t necessarily have to be a group holiday. The Oceanaire Seafood Room {900 South Miami Avenue, Brickell; 305.372.8862} is offering a special three-course menu designed for two. Choose from a selection of first, second, and third courses in addition to your choice of bottle of Campanile Friuli Grave Pinot Grigio or 14 Hands Columbia Valley Merlot—all for just $60. If you can’t make it on the Fourth, don’t worry. The menu will be offered from July 1-7.

7. Fourth of July Brunch at Seaspice
Planning on heading out on the water this weekend? Be sure to fuel up first by docking at Seaspice {422 Northwest North River Drive, Miami; 305.440.4200}. And we don’t mean your yacht. On Saturday and Sunday from 11:30am to 3pm, the waterfront restaurant is offering a special Fourth of July seafood-inspired brunch with menu items include Deviled Eggs, Baked Shrimp and Eggs Casserole, Oysters Rockefeller, and a selection of premium caviar.

american social

8. American Social Brickell’s Supersede Group Takeover
What better place to celebrate our nation’s independence than at Miami’s very own red, white, and blue American-themed restaurant and bar, American Social {690 Southwest First Court, Brickell; 305.223.7004}? Join in the fun overlooking the Miami River, with music by the band Locos Por Juana and DJ Spiff. They’ll also be featuring $10 AmSo Burgers and Kobe beef hot dogs and $4 Tito’s cocktails and Bud Lights. Come for brunch and stay well into the night.

By Sherri Balefsky | Online Editor