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Home / Posts Tagged "Miami Beach" (Page 8)

10:00 am
Restaurant Features
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By Sherri Balefsky | Online Editor

If you weren’t able to score tickets to this weekend’s Veritage Miami, the four-day foodie celebration featuring local sommeliers, chefs, wineries, and breweries, don’t fret. We’ve found you something tasty to do every day this weekend.

Wednesday, April 15
Tequila & Tamales Tasting at Devon Seafood

Devon Seafood and Steak {The Palms at Town & Country, 11715 Sherry Lane, Kendall; 305.275.0226}, Kendall’s critically acclaimed restaurant and lounge, launches its 2015 monthly tasting series with a special tequila and tamales event. For just $50, you can enjoy a four-course prix-fixe tamale-based menu by the restaurant’s Executive Chef Rod Chitikov perfectly paired with lush tequila-infused libations.

Thursday, April 16
Live Music at Vintro Hotel & Kitchen

vintro hotelEarlier this month, Vintro Hotel & Kitchen {2216 Park Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.674.9200} launched its late-night music series, which takes place every Thursday from 8-11pm. Not only will the hotel’s Scorpion Bar feature smooth live music, but ladies will enjoy free Champagne all evening long.

Friday, April 17
Happy Hour at Sardinia Enoteca

Nestled in the Sunset Harbour neighborhood of South Beach, Sardinia Enoteca Ristorante {1801 Purdy Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.531.2228} is a cool Mediterranean-Italian eatery offering an impressive selection of over 250 primarily Italian wines and a lively full bar with an array of beers and cocktails. Join them for happy hour from 4-7pm and enjoy $7 wines by the glass, $7 well cocktails, and a number of food specials at happy hour prices.

Saturday, April 18
Belly Dancing at Maroosh

On the heels of its 30th anniversary, Maroosh Mediterranean Restaurant {223 Valencia Avenue, Coral Gables; 305.476.9800} remains a local favorite for affordable and authentic Lebanese fare. With its beautiful Moroccan artwork and tapestries, bronze Egyptian chandeliers, and deep burgundy draperies, guests feel instantly transported to the Mediterranean. Stop by Saturday evening for a fun and entertaining dinner as the restaurant turns up the heat with its beautifully talented and exotic belly dancers.

Sunday, April 19
Sunday Brunch at Vagabond

vagabond miami
Vagabond Restaurant & Bar {7301 Biscayne Boulevard, MiMo; 786.409.5635} opened its doors in January, and has since become a must-visit hot spot for its modern cuisine, impressive bar area, and artistic cocktails. The sophisticated space doubles as an art gallery, providing one of the coolest settings in town to enjoy a meal. Just about a month ago, the restaurant launched its Sunday brunch menu, which features traditional breakfast items, salads, sandwiches, and more—all with an undeniably Miami modern twist.

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2:25 pm
Recipes Restaurant Features
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BLT Steak Poetry CocktailWhether channeling your inner Henry Chinaski, feeling a kinship with Robert Lowell’s “The Drunken Fisherman,” or simply searching for a taste of that “liquor never brewed,” there’s plenty of reasons to try the Poetry Palliative cocktail at BLT Steak at The Betsy Hotel {1440 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach; 305.531.6100}. It’s available throughout April in honor of National Poetry Month, but you can make it at home year-round using the following recipe, courtesy of BLT Steak’s General Manager David Weiss.

In a shaker filled with ice, combine 1 ounce each of freshly squeezed orange and grapefruit juices with 1/2 ounce Silver Tree American Small Batch vodka, 1/2 ounce Giffard apricot brandy, 1/2 ounce Sailor Jerry spiced rum, and 1 ounce Alipus San Juan del Rio mescal, and shake. Pour mixture into a pint glass over ice. Garnish with a sensible slice of lemon.

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2:14 pm
Restaurant Features
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BLT STEAK

BLT Steak

 By Sherri Balefsky | Online Editor

1. BLT Steak {The Betsy Hotel, 1440 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach; 305.673.0044}
Helmed by internationally renowned Chef Laurent Tourondel and Chef de Cuisine Danny Ganem, this modern steakhouse continues to attract locals and visitors alike for its chic ambience and expertly prepared steaks. All beef is Certified Angus and naturally aged for maximum tenderness and flavor; it’s then broiled at 1,700 degrees and finished with herb butter for a juicy, decadent taste. It’s no wonder that the Miami New Times named BLT Steak “Miami’s Best Steakhouse of 2014.”

2. Prime One Twelve {112 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach; 305.532.8112}
Of course, no top 10 list of steakhouses in Miami is complete without Prime One Twelve, known for being the first modern steakhouse in the United States. Now celebrating its 11th year inside the Browns Hotel (Miami Beach’s first hotel, built in 1915), Prime One Twelve serves up some of the finest quality dry-aged meats in signature sauces alongside must-try favorites such as the Five Cheese Truffle “MAC” and Rum Baked Sweet Plantains.

3. Wolfgang’s Steakhouse by Wolfgang Zwiener {315 South Biscayne Boulevard, Downtown; 305.487.7130}
Located right on the waterfront overlooking the Miami River, Wolfgang’s Steakhouse by Wolfgang Zwiener is a welcomed addition to Downtown Miami’s dining scene. You can’t go wrong when ordering any of the menu’s signature on-premise, dry-aged USDA Prime steaks. Now a worldwide brand, Wolfgang’s operates eight locations throughout the United States, with outposts in Tokyo and Seoul, and several others coming soon.

Wolfgang's Steakhouse by Wolfgang Zweiner

Wolfgang’s Steakhouse by Wolfgang Zwiener

4. The Setai Grill {2001 Collins Avenue; Miami Beach; 305.520.6400}
Tucked away inside the exclusive Setai Hotel is the romantic Setai Grill. Executive Chef Mathias Gervaise and Chef de Cuisine Denevin Miranda have recently added a surprising Asian twist to the menu while still offering an unmatched selection of exclusive cuts of dry-aged meat from New York City’s highly respected butcher Pat LaFrieda & Son. Be sure to try the new six-course prix-fixe menu for only $115, with the option of an additional $65 per person to include wine pairing.

5. Morton’s The Steakhouse {multiple locations}
“The best steak … anywhere!” is just around the corner. Whether you choose to dine at the Morton’s in Brickell, Coral Gables, or North Miami Beach, you know that you’ll be getting the same quality meats and impeccable service that made Morton’s a favorite when it debuted in Chicago in 1978. Morton’s continues to wow visitors in cities throughout the United States and beyond.

6. StripSteak {4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 877.326.7412} 
Chef Michael Mina has done it again with Fontainebleau’s newest restaurant. This hip eatery inside Miami Beach’s trendiest hotel is a contemporary alternative to the traditional steakhouse setting, offering à la carte cuts of beef (many from the hotel’s on-site aging room and butcher shop). Be sure to stop by the StripSteak Lounge on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings, when DJ Elle is present.

StripSteak

StripSteak

7. Quality Meats {1501 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.340.3333}
It was only two months ago that Quality Meats (voted the No. 1 steakhouse in Manhattan by Zagat Survey in 2014) made its Miami debut inside a historic Art Deco hotel on bustling Collins Avenue. The SoBe eatery has already proven to provide the same sophistication and superior cuisine as its New York counterpart. Partner and Executive Chef Craig Koketsu’s meat-centric menu features variations of only the best quality beefs, which are all cured, aged, and smoked onsite.

8. EDGE Steak & Bar {1435 Brickell Avenue, Brickell; 305.381.3190}
Situated inside the Four Seasons Hotel, EDGE is a hidden gem just waiting to be discovered. Executive Chef Aaron Brooks serves up a delicious menu of fresh dishes featuring only farm-to-table ingredients. If you’re lucky, try to score a table on the lively rooftop terrace so that after dinner, you can melt your own s’mores in front of the fire.

9. PM Fish & Steak House {1453 South Miami Avenue, Brickell; 305.200.5606}
PM Fish & Steak House is the Argentinian answer to a traditional American steakhouse. All meats are cooked on the restaurant’s signature grill. Because PM also specializes in fish, we recommend the Surf & Turf Puerto Madera, a combination of lobster (Bogavante from Maine) and Prime tenderloin.

PM Fish & Steak House

PM Fish & Steak House

10. Meat Market {915 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach; 305.532.0088}
Acclaimed Chef Sean Brasel is at the helm of Meat Market, Miami Beach’s trendy steakhouse located smack-dab in the center of Lincoln Road. The sophisticated menu changes seasonally to reflect the best flavors of the region. Whichever delectable slab of meat you order, we recommend enjoying it with the restaurant’s signature homemade MM A-100 Steak Sauce.

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10:09 am
Restaurant Features
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tantalize miami beach
By Sherri Balefsky | Online Editor

Get ready to indulge your senses at South Beach’s newest hot spot: Tantalize Miami {330 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach; 305.695.1401}. Located at the former Vice Lounge space, Tantalize Miami is a unique dining and late-night destination, combining delicious food, innovative cocktails, and sensual, burlesque-style entertainment into one captivating destination.

SoBe’s nightlife impresario Gerry Kelly, who has been involved in some of Miami’s most unforgettable VIP lounges, is serving as Tantalize’s marketing director, helping to promote the new space in all its unique and seductive glory.

Helmed by Executive Chef Rene Reyes, this luxurious space will feature a selection of whimsical pan-Latin dishes bursting with international flavors that will seduce and indulge your palate. Such dishes include succulent ceviche and an Asian-inspired Pan-Seared Sea Bass with braised bok choy in a ginger-soy sauce.

tantalize miami foodThe dimly lit 7,800-square-foot, two-story dining area seats up to 150 guests and features sleek black and red leather couches with mirrored accents, evoking a Moulin Rouge meets Chicago meets South Beach glamour. The space also has two private dining rooms: the State Room (up to 20 guests) and the Crystal Chandelier Room (up to 60 guests).

Guests will be delightfully surprised with an array of seductive albeit sophisticated performances taking place on various stages set up throughout the restaurant.

The new space is set to open its doors this May, and will be open for dinner Tuesday through Saturday evenings and offer happy hour from 5-7pm daily.

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11:29 am
Restaurant Features
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By Sherri Balefsky | Online Editor

Happy April everyone! While we’ve already covered the top Easter brunches in Miami for this weekend, there are plenty of other must-attend food and wine events to look forward to this month. Here, we round up the best of the best April events:

Ikra Passover Seder
Passover Seder at IKRA
Friday, April 3 and Saturday, April 4 at 8:30pm
For 17 years, Chabad of Sunny Isles Beach has been hosting traditional Pesach Seders on the first two nights of Passover, engaging community meals designed for those with or without religious experience. Hosted by Rabbi Yisrael Baron, this year’s Seder will take place at IKRA Restaurant & Lounge {16850 Collins Avenue, 106-A, Sunny Isles; 305.974.0081}. Participants will enjoy a six-course certified kosher meal, complete with shmura matzo, a complete Seder plate, and premium wines. Reservations are required and space is limited, so RSVP today!

Heart Fontainebleau ConcertBleauLive Presents Heart at Fontainebleau
Saturday, April 11 at 6pm (dinner); 8pm concert
This month’s BleauLive, Fontainebleau’s monthly concert series, presents the American rock duo and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees, Heart. With chart-topping hits such as “Alone,” “Barracuda,” and “Crazy On You,” Heart has and continues to shape the world of music. Witness as sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson capture Miami Beach with their distinguished sound at LIV nightclub. Packages start at just $125, and include entrance to the performance and a two-hour open bar. The best part: for just $25 more, you can add a pre-show prix-fixe dinner at your choice of Fontainebleau’s award-winning restaurants, Scarpetta, StripSteak (sold out), or Michael Mina 74. Click here for tickets.

Cindy Hutson Book
Sunday Book Club “Read and Eat” at Ortanique
Sunday, April 12 at 6pm
Join Ortanique on the Mile {278 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables; 305.446.7710} for a special book club event in honor of resident Chef Cindy Hutson’s new cookbook, “From the Tip of My Tongue.” Chef Hutson will be in attendance, discussing her culinary journey and going through some of the stories in the book. Cost is $70 per person and includes a welcome reception, a signed copy of the cookbook, and a delicious three-course meal of Vanilla Bean Marinated Grilled Pineapple Salad, a choice of Pan-Roasted Atlantic Swordfish or Braised Beef Cheeks Pappardelle, and Heath Bar Bread Pudding for dessert (all of which are featured in the cookbook). 

Veritage MiamiVeritage Miami
Wednesday, April 15 through Saturday, April 18
Formerly the United Way Miami Wine and Food Festival, Veritage Miami is a four-day foodie celebration featuring local sommeliers, chefs, wineries, and breweries. For its 20th anniversary in 2015, events will include craft beer tastings at Wynwood Walls; wine tastings at the Village of Merrick Park; a celebrity chefs’ dinner at the InterContinental Miami; and an auction at Marlins Park. All proceeds go to United Way, a nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming people’s lives through various educational, financial, and health programs. Purchase tickets here.

Slow Food Miami Event
Slow Food Miami’s “Snail of Approval” Tasting Party
Friday, April 24, 7-10pm
Slow Food Miami, a nonprofit organization dedicated to “planting a fresher future for our children,” will hold its fourth-annual “Snail of Approval” event at the Miami Beach Botanical Garden. Attendees will join the evening’s ambassador, Emmy Award-winning journalist Belkys Nerey, along with celebrity guest judges for Miami’s “Freshest Night Out,” featuring bites from some of South Florida’s best farm-to-table eateries. Participants include Meat Market Miami Beach, Lido Restaurant & Bayside Grill at The Standard Spa, and Siena Tavern, among many others. Main event tickets are $85 and can be purchased here.

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3:36 pm
Restaurant Features
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Bucks Beer Garden Raleigh
By Sherri Balefsky | Online Editor

Looking for a fun, casual, and—dare we say—affordable evening in South Beach? You’re in luck. The iconic Raleigh South Beach {1775 Collins Avenue; Miami Beach 305.612.1163} recently introduced Buck’s Beer Garden & Bonfire, a laid-back German beer-garden-inspired event taking place the first and third Thursday of every month from 6 to 10pm. With a name inspired by the hotel’s antlered logo, this outdoor extravaganza takes place in the hotel’s Backyard Oasis, a tropical setting behind the pool.

Bucks Beer Garden Raleigh

Surrounded by bonfire pits and picnic tables, guests can enjoy an evening complete with food stations from Restaurant Michael Schwartz (think: bratwurst, kielbasa, knockwurst, and currywurst topped with sauerkraut and beer-bathed onions) and draft beer from local craft breweries that change each month. And the best part: it’s FREE to attend. You’ll have to option to “pay as you go,” by purchasing tickets for food, beer, wine, and other bar drinks (one ticket = $1).

Complimentary lawn games such as corn hole, ping pong, and giant Jenga will be on hand for guest entertainment while do-it-yourself s’mores kits can be purchased for fireside roasting.

Bucks Beer Garden Raleigh

The next Buck’s Beer Garden will take place this Thursday, April 2, at 6pm, featuring beers from Boca Raton’s Funky Buddha Brewery.

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12:14 pm
Restaurant Features
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Versailles

By Sherri Balefsky | Online Editor

With the highest Cuban population in the United States, it’s no wonder that Miami has some of the best and most authentic Cuban restaurants in the world. Here, we’ve put together a list of our top 10 picks, in no particular order.

1. Versailles {3555 Southwest 8th Street, Miami; 305.444.0240}
The “World’s Most Famous Cuban Restaurant,” has been serving up authentic Cuban cuisine for over 40 years. Since it opened on Calle Ocho back in 1971, Versailles has been the unofficial town square for Miami’s Cuban immigrants. The expansive menu overflows with tasty Cuban classics for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and late-night bites, as the restaurant is open until at least 1am daily.

2. Enriqueta’s Sandwich Shop {186 Northeast 29th Street, Wynwood; 305.573.4681}
If you ask any Cuban where to find the most authentic food from their native land, hands down the majority will tell you Enriqueta’s. Since 1965, this bustling Wynwood eatery has been a local favorite, serving up breakfast and lunch from its simple dining room and L-shaped coffee window. Affordable, fresh, and delicious, this is Cuban cuisine and its best.

3. Bread + Butter {2330 Salzedo Street, Coral Gables; 305.442.9622}
This Coral Gables eatery is the brainchild of Cuban-American Chef Alberto Cabrera, whose childhood nickname was Pan con Mantequilla (translation: Bread and Butter). Rustic-chic décor with exposed ceilings and chalkboard walls sets the tone for this casual spot, which offers a unique menu that marries traditional Cuban fare with the flavors of a modern American gastropub.

Bread and Butter

Bread + Butter’s Pan Con Tomate

4. Little Bread {541 Southwest 12th Avenue, Little Havana; 786.420.2672}
On the heels of the success of Bread + Butter, Chef Alberto Cabrera introduces Little Bread, a unique eatery whose focus is solely on Cuban sandwich culture. The Little Havana spot, which just opened this past December, offers some 15 scrumptiously innovative sandwiches. A must-try: the Media Noche Club, a combination of porchetta, ham, Emmenthal cheese, mustard caviar, and pickles.

5. La Carreta {multiple locations}
From the same people behind Versailles, La Carreta has become a casual go-to spot for Cubans throughout South Florida who are looking for authentic Cuban cuisine. The first La Carreta was founded on Calle Ocho back in 1976; today, the chain has nine locations throughout Miami, including Hialeah, Kendall, and Bird Road in addition to a very popular outpost at the Miami Airport.

6. Larios on the Beach {820 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach; 305.532.9577}
Since the early ’90s, Gloria and Emilio Estefan’s internationally acclaimed restaurant has been one of South Beach’s top destinations for Cuban cuisine. The happening spot on Ocean Drive features a newly redesigned dining room, lively Cuban music, and world-famous mojitos, not to mention the “Calorie Conscious Cuban” menu (created by Gloria herself), which offers healthy spins on classic Cuban dishes.

Larios on the beach

Larios on the Beach

7. Puerto Sagua {700 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.673.1115}
Cool, casual, and cozy. Sometimes a “no-frills” lunch is exactly what a day at the beach calls for. This bustling South Beach eatery on Collins Avenue has been serving up tasty Cuban sandwiches, real Cuban coffee, ropa vieja, and other traditional dishes since the early 1960s.

8. Havana 1957 {multiple locations}
Classic Cuban cuisine meets the chic ambience and sophistication of 1950s Havana for a truly remarkable experience. Now with four locations, (Española Way, Lincoln Road, Brickell, and Pembroke Pines), Havana 1957 has become a must-visit for visitors and locals alike, providing a fun, family-friendly atmosphere that combines Cuban flavors, music, and vintage memorabilia.

9. Sergio’s {multiple locations}
“Simple, fresh, and homemade” is the motto of the family-run chain, which was established back in 1970 by a Cuban immigrant family. Today, the family’s dedication to using only best and freshest products has made Sergio’s one of the top destinations for Cuban comfort food in South Florida. Added bonus: easy online ordering and fast delivery.

Sergios

Tapas from the new bar Sergio’s Kendall location

10. El Exquisito {1510 Southwest Eighth Street, Little Havana; 305.643.0227}
In 1974, the Coro family began their American dream by opening a small family-style restaurant in what is now the heart of Little Havana on Calle Ocho. The family operated the 20-seat restaurant for almost four decades, until they sold it to local entrepreneurs. They revitalized the space, which now seats about 100, but maintained its authentic feel, as El Exquisito serves the same homestyle dishes as it did when it first opened.

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8:00 am
Restaurant Features
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db Bistro moderne easter

By Sherri Balefsky | Online Editor

Still looking to make Easter brunch plans? Atrio Restaurant & Wine Room {1395 Brickell Avenue, Miami} isn’t the only place that’s celebrating this year. We’ve put together a roundup of some more of the best places to score a reservation for next Sunday, April 5.

db Bistro Moderne {JW Marriott Marquis, 255 Biscayne Boulevard Way, Miami; 305.421.8800}
From 11am-3:30pm, Chef Daniel Boulud’s Downtown Miami French bistro is offering a three-course prix-fixe menu for only $52 per person ($30 for children 10 and under). Click here for menu details.

Morton’s The Steakhouse {Locations in Brickell, Coral Gables, and North Miami}
All three Miami locations of the popular steakhouse will be open early for Easter Sunday. Along with the regular menu, Morton’s is offering a Steak and Lobster Special for only $55 per person.

The Oceanaire Seafood Room {Mary Brickell Village, 900 South Miami Avenue, Brickell; 305.372.8862}
The Oceanaire will be opening its doors at noon on Easter (it’s typically only open on Sundays for dinner). Along with its regular menu, the restaurant will be featuring special brunch items such as Smoked Salmon Eggs Benedict, Crab Cake Eggs Benedict, and Brioche French Toast.

Oceanaire French Toast

The Biltmore Hotel {1200 Anastasia Avenue, Coral Gables; 855.311.6903}
Not only will the Biltmore be hosting its signature Sunday Champagne brunch buffet, but from now through Easter Sunday, it will be selling special chocolate Easter eggs handcrafted by Executive Pastry Chef Olivier Rodriguez. The confections have been filled with a variety of treats, from candy to complimentary massages, cabana rentals, and afternoon tea. Five lucky kids who find a golden ticket inside their chocolate egg will gain entrance to Chef Rodriguez’s Marvelous Chocolate Making Workshop, where they will learn how to make their own chocolate confections at The Biltmore Culinary Academy.

Bulla Gastrobar {2500 Ponce De Leon Boulevard, Coral Gables; 305.441.0107}
For only $27 per person (plus $15 per person if you opt for the bottomless mimosas and sangria), you can choose any three dishes from Bulla’s special Easter Brunch Tasting Menu, a delicious mix of huevos, tapas y raciones, platos familiars, and dulce. Expect offerings that include Cordero y Setas (braised lamb with crimini, oyster mushrooms, poached egg, and mint oil) and Voulevant con Espinacas (with creamed spinach, quail eggs, and hollandaise sauce)—and much more.

Bulla Easter

Larios on the Beach {820 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach; 305.532.9577}
Keeping with tradition, Larios on the Beach will host its annual family-friendly Easter event. From 11am-4pm, guests can enjoy a special Easter menu, live entertainment, goodie bags, and even a visit from the Easter Bunny.

The Restaurant at The Setai {2001 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 855.923.7899}
The Setai will host its Easter Sunday Jazz Brunch featuring an endless array of gourmet offerings, bottomless Champagne, mouthwatering desserts, live jazz, and more. Guests dining with kids should not miss out on the exciting Easter Egg Hunt that will take place in the Courtyard at 11am. Cost is $110 per adult; $55 for children ages five-12.

Setai brunch

La Mar by Gastón Acurio {Mandarin Oriental Miami, 500 Brickell Key Drive, Brickell Key; 305.913.8358}
In addition to La Mar’s delectable Peruvian-inspired buffet brunch ($85 or $120 per person, including unlimited brunch cocktails and Champagne, $35 for kids ages 6-12), you can expect a fun-filled Easter-themed day at Mandarin Oriental. From 11am-noon, families are invited to participate in an Easter Egg Hunt on the hotel’s private beach, and from noon-2pm, the Easter Bunny will make an appearance, greeting children and posing for photos in the hotel’s lobby.

StripSteak {Fontainebleau Hotel, 4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 877.326.7412}
Start the day off with a sumptuous complimentary signature cocktail. You’ll then select your choice of first and second courses in addition to enjoying a seasonal seafood bar, a Greek yogurt parfait station, and endless artisanal pastries, lavish sweets, and fresh fruit. Cost is $68 per adult, $34 per child ages 4-12. After brunch, take part in Fontainebleau’s annual Eater Eggstravaganza. From 2-4pm, kids and their parents can enjoy Easter treats, art and crafts, egg decorating, interactive family-friendly shows, and the hotel’s exciting Easter egg hunt.

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2:51 pm
Restaurant Features
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USSA Sommelier CourseBy Sherri Balefsky | Online Editor

Wine lovers unite! If you’ve always wished you knew more about wine, but just didn’t have the time or the opportunity to learn, you’re in luck! USSA (United States Sommelier Association), a non-profit dedicated to promoting wine culture to amateurs, oenophiles, and industry professionals, offers informative, convenient, and easy-to-follow courses throughout the year. And lucky for you, the headquarters is located right here in Miami. Focusing on the practical aspects of enjoying and tasting wine, each class is led by an expert wine professional who covers everything you’ve ever wanted to know about vino—and more.

If you’re interested in getting your sommelier certification, be sure to sign up now for the upcoming United States Sommelier Certificate Immersion Course, which will take place at USSA’s Corporate Campus and Education Center {1111 Lincoln Road, Suite 400, Miami Beach} from Sunday, April 12 through Friday, April 17.

USSA Wine Course

The course includes:

  • Tasting over 100 different premium labels from all over the world
  • A history of winemaking from ancient to modern times
  • Varietal component wine tastings with Le Nez du Vin 54 Master Aroma Kit
  • An in-depth look at the major wine-producing regions around the globe
  • An explanation of the three styles of wine: sparkling, still or light, and fortified
  • Food and wine pairings: 11 different foods with five of the most popular wine varietals
  • The art of the sabreur: Learn to saber the top of a Champagne bottle with a sword

USSA Wine TastingA premium selection of wines from around the world will be tasted, many tasted blind to make learning both interactive and fun. Upon completion of the course and passing both a written multiple choice test and tasting exam, students will receive their USSA Intermediate Sommelier Certificate.

For more information on the upcoming class and other courses and specials available, visit ussommelier.com.

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9:06 am
Restaurant Features
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Bright-By Sherri Balefsky | Online Editor

Located just across from the Townhouse and Setai hotels, Bâoli {1906 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.674.8822} has managed to keep a relatively low profile. But that doesn’t mean that this SoBe hot spot doesn’t draw a crowd. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. Beautiful locals and the jet-set flock to this chic hot spot night after night for its lounge ambience, live DJs, and club-like atmosphere (after all, the The Bâoli Group is best known for its trendy restaurants and lounges in Cannes, France).

While Bâoli is oft pegged as a late-night destination, many may not realize is that it is also an elegant Mediterranean and Asian-inspired restaurant with a tranquil foliage-filled outdoor patio that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a romantic date, a business dinner, or a girls’ night out. We were lucky enough to score a table here recently and couldn’t have been more impressed by the sheer volume of menu options, the beautiful presentation, and the impeccable service.

Greg O'SullivanBe sure to come early and have a seat at the hip outdoor bar, where head bartender and master mixologist Greg O’Sullivan will whip you up a tasty cocktail from his expertly crafted menu of signature drinks to tempt even the most discerning palate. Choose from fruity favorites such as the Summer Fresh, an amalgamation of Absolut Citron, St. Germaine, lemongrass-infused agave syrup, lemon juice, and pineapple; or the Bâoli Pear Spirit, Absolut Pears Vodka, St. Germaine, Perrier Jouet Grand Brut, club soda, and lemon juice.

Next, sink into one of the comfy booths or quiet tables and let your server guide you on an incredible journey of regions and flavors. Executive Chef Gustavo Vertone blends his Italian-Argentinian background into his own unique interpretation of modern Mediterranean and Asian cuisine. In the mood for sushi? Bâoli offers over a dozen perfectly prepared and presented sushi and sashimi rolls. Our recommendation here: the Mango Tango roll, a perfect combination of shrimp tempura, asparagus, cucumber, and spicy mayo topped with avocado, hamachi, and mango salsa.

Hamachi Sashimi TacosIn the mood for Italian? Try the Heirloom Tomato and Burrata appetizer, a gooey blob of creamy mozzarella cheese paired with fresh tomatoes. Other menu must-tries include the Hamachi Sashimi Tacos appetizer, the Charbroiled Octopus Salad, and the Truffle Mac ’n Cheese, and Bâoli Kobe Burger—worth every penny of its $50 price tag! Make sure you leave room for dessert, too, as all options are made in house and include a Warm Chocolate Fondant and Banana Rum Pudding, and Green Tea Brûlée.

Baoli Burger

And the best part is that after dinner, there’s no need to hail a cab and relocate to your next venue of the evening—this is it! The party gets going around 11pm and continues well into the wee hours of the morning.

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