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Setai Unplugged presented by The Macallan at The Setai

The Setai Unplugged Creative

Saturday nights at the world-famous courtyard at The Setai on Miami Beach are now elevated even higher with the brand-new dining experience presented by The Macallan. During Setai Unplugged, diners can enjoy an artfully curated “Essences of Oak” Pan-Asian dinner menu paired with bespoke cocktails, meaning the distinguished flavor profile of The Macallan Rare Cask is infused through the entire four-course meal. This elegant experience is further amplified by live musical performances and sounds from The Setai’s resident DJ. Sunday-Thursday, 6-10 pm; Friday-Saturday, 6-11 pm.
thesetaihotels.com


Apertivo at Prima Classe Wednesday Evenings

An authentic Italian market and cafe located in the South of Fifth neighborhood, Prima Classe is living up to its name by offering “first-class” imported Italian goods and a weekly Apertivo. Connecting friends and neighbors in a cozy environment with a fixed-price flow of wine and replenished spread of savory snacks and small plates every Wednesday from 6-9 pm, Prima Classe delivers the perfect environment for unwinding. Following Apertivo or any other day of the week, take to the market to bring home a variety of specialty sauces, oils, pasta, and much more. Founded in 2017 by Paolo Orsolini, Prima Classe showcases quality Italian imports that you can take home for later or enjoy right there at the cafe.
primaclasse.com


Musimelange (January 27-April 6, 2020)

Musimelange

French violinist Anne Chicheportiche’s inspiration for founding Musimelange—a multi-sensory concert experience in its Ninth Season at the Design District’s M Building—comes from her French roots. Musimelange pairs chamber music with gastronomy and wine tasting in order to recreate the tradition of France’s Belle Epoque, when public figures, artists, writers, and musicians met and gathered in hopes of inspiring ideas and creativity. Each month features a new restaurant providing luscious bites and a musical performer to serenade guests. The dates for the 2020 season are Jan. 27, Feb. 17, March 9, and April 6. Concerts begin at 7:30 pm and tickets are $55 online and $65 at the door.
musimelange.com


Party with a Purpose (February 1, 2020)

Party with a Purpose

While the attention will be on the field in 2020 when Miami hosts the Super Bowl, don’t miss out on all events happening around South Florida. Take the star-studded Party with a Purpose, for instance, taking place Feb. 1 at the Broward County Convention Center. Chef Andrew Zimmern, Chef Adam Richman, and legendary former Miami Dolphins head coach Don Shula will all be hosting Taste of the NFL. Proceeds from this exceptional culinary event go toward food banks and hunger-related nonprofit organizations; to date, more than $26 million has been raised.
tasteofthenfl.com


Doral Food and Wine Festival (March 21-22, 2020)

Doral Food and Wine Festival

Back for its fourth year, the Doral Food and Wine Festival continues to grow. The two-day event, March 21-22, 2020 at Doral Central Park, is expected to once again bring in thousands of attendees. The springtime festival will feature more than 30 restaurants from Doral and around South Florida, providing bite-size samples and small plates of every eatery’s best dish, along with a Beer Garden and spirits booth. And, don’t miss the culinary and mixology demonstrations as well as musical entertainment and a fun Kids’ Zone. The Doral Food and Wine Festival, with its multifaceted entertainment and delight, support a great cause, as $1 from every ticket sold will be donated to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

doralfoodandwinefestival.com

By DiningOut Staff

Returning once again for its 19th year, The Food Network & Cooking Channel South Beach Wine & Food Festival presented by Capital One (SOBEWFF®) hosts a nationally-renowned, five-day destination event featuring the talents of the world’s most celebrated chefs, culinary personalities and wine and spirits producers. The star-studded Festival will run February 19-23, 2020 and is composed of an unprecedented lineup of more than 100 events spanning Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties. With a variety of new offerings and the return of the Festival’s iconic white tents nestled on the sands of Miami Beach, this year’s edition boasts the most robust event roster yet. To date, the Festival has raised more than $30 million in support of its mission to EAT. DRINK. EDUCATE., benefiting the Chaplin School of Hospitality and Tourism Management at Florida International University (FIU).

Buddy & Lisa Valastro & guests at Family Ice Cream Social hosted by Cake Boss Buddy Valastro – 2019 Food Network & Cooking Channel South Beach Wine & Food Festival at Loews Miami Beach Hotel on February 24, 2019 in Miami Beach, Florida -PHOTO by: Seth Browarnik/WorldRedEye.com

Prior to becoming one of the best-known culinary festivals in the U.S., the Festival originated from humble beginnings. From the initial, modest showcasing of both national and international wineries alongside Miami’s local restaurant and chef creations, and in collaboration with students from the Chaplin School, the now-extravaganza made exponential growth. Not without the vision and ambition of Founder and Director Lee Brian Schrager, though; it was his idea to relocate the Festival to South Beach and thus breathe into it new life.

The renamed South Beach Wine & Food Festival® was then held in March of 2002 and attracted close to 7,000 guests, providing a series of dinners, seminars, a Grand Tasting Village, the debut of the BubbleQ®, and a live auction—all in its first year. Now, the Festival attracts more than 65,000 guests annually to its 100+ events throughout the five-day event, which takes place at various locations throughout South Florida.

For foodies wondering where to start, we suggest kicking off your Festival lineup with signature fan-favorites such as the Heineken Burger Bash hosted by Rachael Ray, or Fontainebleau Miami Beach presents Wine Spectator’s Best of the Best, which features 60 of the nation’s top chefs and over 100 wines rated 90 points or higher on Wine Spectator’s scale. This year’s festival will also see the return of the popular CRAVE Greater Fort Lauderdale Series, a variety of curated experiences designed to showcase some of the best of Broward County. This includes the addition of the family-friendly Foodie Movie Night in the Park event, taking place both Saturday and Sunday of the Festival weekend in the City of Hallandale Beach. This diverse weekend of culinary and beverage celebration will also contain a slew of musical performances including American Idol winner Laine Hardy, the Nu Deco Ensemble with a special guest performance by GRAMMY Award-winner Rev Run, as well as the return of the wildly popular David Grutman Experience at the Goya Foods’ Grand Tasting Village.

The 19th annual Festival lineup also offers a variety of new events for $100 or less, including the Chef Mash-Up hosted by The Naughty Fork; Sip & Dips hosted by Adam Richman; Croquetas & Cocktails hosted by Eileen & Jonathan Andrade; and Miami Design District presents Sliced: A Genuine Pizza Party hosted by Michael Schwartz. Fans will, of course, have their pick from the exclusive selection of masterclasses, intimate dinners, and walk-around tastings with some of the world’s most talented chefs and lifestyle personalities.

This year’s Tribute Dinner, presented by Capital One®, will be part of The NYT Cooking Dinner Series with Andrew Zimmern and Melba Wilson serving as the Masters of Ceremonies. Zimmern and Wilson will oversee an evening paying homage to the outstanding accomplishments of the culinary community’s beloved Chef Marcus Samuelsson and beverage industry’s revered leader, Jim Clerkin. Samuelsson is a highly acclaimed chef and international restaurateur with over 30 restaurant locations across the world. Clerkin currently serves as president and CEO of Moët Hennessy North America and will transition to a new role as president of Moët Hennessy’s strategic development. Tickets are now on sale for SOBEWFF® 2020 can be found online, sobewff.org

By DiningOut Staff

Spasso - Cooking Class

Cooking Class at Spasso


Mexican Independence Day
When: Friday, September 16, 11am-Midnight
Where: Down N’ Dirty Tacos and Tequila Bar {1144 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach; 305.604.0323}
What: This Mexican taqueria invites guests to celebrate Mexican Independence Day with all-day specials and an exclusive happy hour event. On Friday, September 16, guests can indulge in a prix-fixe menu, along with beer and shot specials, from open to close. A fun–filled happy hour will run from 4-6pm, and will include Partida Tequila, a live DJ, sombreros, piñatas, and more.
Burgers, Babes & Booze
When: Sunday, September 18, 3pm-Sundown
Where: W Miami {485 Brickell Avenue, Brickell; 305.503.4400}
What: This Sunday, celebrate National Cheeseburger Day at W Miami. Starting at 3pm, this event invites guests to head to the terrace of 15th & Vine, mingle with some of Miami’s favorite female chefs, and indulge in their most inventive cheeseburger creations. Participating chefs include: Nicole Votano of DIRT, Adrianne Calvo of Chef Adrianne’s Vineyard Restaurant and Wine Bar, Cindy Hutson of Zest, and Jessica Sanchez of Loba. The cost of the event is $35 per person, and includes four sliders of the guest’s choice, two sides from 15th & Vine, and one beer from a local Miami brewery. Tickets can be purchased on Eventbrite HERE. For more information, send an email to [email protected]
National Bourbon Month
When: Through September 30
Where: Fontainebleau Miami Beach {4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.538.2000}
What: September is National Bourbon Month, and the Fontainebleau Miami Beach has turned into a bourbon lover’s paradise. Throughout the month, guests will find bourbon-infused Bon Bon’s at Chez Bon Bon, specialty cocktails at Bleau Bar and Scarpetta, and special High West cocktails at StripSteak. Running with the trend, StripSteak will also offer bourbon flights at the bar, and its tableside Whiskey Ceremony will feature High West Whiskey for this month only. During StripSteak’s weekly Cigar Social, guests can order a High West Whiskey flight for $25++ per person. Finally, through Breakeven at StripSteak, patrons can sit at the bar and get a taste of exclusive, limited-edition bourbons at the restaurant’s break-even price.
Mani in Pasta (Hands in the Pasta)
When: Every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, 10:30am-2:30pm
Where: Spasso {3540 Main Highway, Coconut Grove; 305.441.0219}
What: Have you always wanted to learn how to make fresh pasta? Are you curious to know how focaccia leavens? In this cooking class, guests will learn both. Led by Chef Gaetano, of Spasso, future cooks will get a hands-on lesson working with various cuts of egg pasta, from tagliatelle and pappardelle, to ravioli, tortelloni, and more. At the end of the course, participants will get a diploma, as well as a chance to savor a wine-pairing lunch featuring their own dishes. Each class lasts four hours and costs $49 per person.
Ladies Night Out with Free Prosecco
When: Every Thursday, 4-8pm
Where: Spasso {3540 Main Highway, Coconut Grove; 305.441.0219}
What: Every Thursday at Spasso, wind down with your girlfriends, as ladies enjoy free Prosecco from 4-8pm.
Happy Hour
When: Daily
Where: Spasso {3540 Main Highway, Coconut Grove; 305.441.0219}
What: Spend the Happiest Hour(s) of your day at Spasso! During the appropriate hours, enjoy a 5 for $5 happy hour menu, which includes your choice of one of five Neapolitan-style Pizzettas, wine by the glass, and select cocktails—like the fresh Sorrentino, which is made with rum, Limoncello, and lemon and orange juices—for $5 each.
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor

In just a few weeks (February 24-28), the 15th-annual South Beach Wine & Food Festival, one of the most anticipated foodie events of the year, will welcome thousands of visitors, culinary personalities, chefs, celebrities, and more to Miami for five full days of food and wine fun. With over 75 special events, parties, dinners, cooking demonstrations, and more, it’s hard to decide which events you may want to attend. Here are five signature events you need to know about:

Giada de Laurentiis

1. Barilla’s Italian Bites on the Beach hosted by Giada De Laurentiis
When:
Thursday, February 25, 6:15-10pm
Where: PMG North Venue (Beachside at Delano)
Tickets: $150
What: Join Emmy Award-winning Food Network personality, best-selling author, and restaurateur Giada De Laurentiis on a culinary tour of authentic Italian fare as she hosts 30 of the nation’s best chefs serving up dishes originating from various regions of Italy. Expect delicious samples from Massimo Giannattasio of Cibo Wine Bar, Loris Navone of Tamarina Restaurants; Michael Pirolo of Macchialina; Todd Zimmer of Prime One Twelve and Prime Italian, and many, many more.

Amstel Light Burger Bash Presented By Schweid & Sons Hosted By Rachael Ray - 2015 Food Network & Cooking Channel South Beach Wine & Food Festival

2. Amstel Light Burger Bash hosted by Rachael Ray
When:
Friday, February 26, 7:30-10:30pm
Where: PMG North Venue (Beachside at The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach)
Tickets: $250
What: Don’t miss out on celebrating the 10th anniversary of one of SOBEFEST’s most anticipated events: the Amstel Light Burger Bash. Presented by Schweid & Sons and hosted by TV personality Rachael Ray, this year’s event will bring together the country’s leading burger maestros to compete for top honors in front of an esteemed panel of judges—David Burtka, Neil Patrick HarrisNatalie Morales, George Motz, and Marcus Samuelsson—who will decide which chef will receive the coveted Very Best Burger Award. Attendees can also cast their vote for the Amstel Light People’s Choice Award.

Fontainebleau Miami Beach Presents Wine Spectator's Best Of The Best Sponsored By Bank Of America And Merrill Lynch - 2015 Food Network & Cooking Channel South Beach Wine & Food

3. Wine Spectator’s Best of the Best
When: Friday, February 26, 7:30-10:30pm
Where: Fontainebleau Miami Beach
Tickets: $350
What: Nearly 60 acclaimed chefs gather at the iconic Fontainebleau hotel to showcase their most gourmet samplings, which are paired with over 100 wines rated 90 points or higher on Wine Spectator’s scale. Only proprietors and winemakers from each winery are invited to pour their top varietals, so you can hear about how the world’s greatest vino makes it from their vineyards to your glass. Notable chefs featured include Scott Conant of Scarpetta; Jeremy Ford of Matador Room; Benjamin Murray of Azul and Diego Oka of La Mar by Gastón Acurio, both at the Mandarin Oriental, Miami; Gregory Pugin of Palme D’Or at the Biltmore Hotel; Laurent Tourondel of BLT Steak; and Mark Zeitouni of Lido Restaurant at the Standard Spa, Miami Beach.

Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino's Meatopia: The Q Revolution Presented By Creekstone Farms Hosted By Guy Fieri Curated By Josh Ozersky - 2015 Food Network & Cooking Channel South Beach Wine & Food Festival

4. Meatopia hosted by Michael Symon
When:
Saturday, February 27, 7-10pm
Where: PMG North Venue (Beachside at Delano)
Tickets: $250
What: Meatopia, presented by Creekstone Farms, was the brainchild by the late carnivorous visionary Josh Ozersky, a James Beard Award-winning food writer and longtime friend of the festival. For its second edition, the event will feature from more than 25 of the country’s greatest chefs to cook their best meat dishes low and slow over open fires, using only wood or charcoal as a base. The King of Carnivores, Michael Symon, will host this marquee affair as guests enjoy a live musical performance by Gregg Allman while sipping on cold beer and an array of brown spirits.

KitchenAid® Culinary Demonstrations - STAGES/BOOK SIGNINGS - 2015 Food Network & Cooking Channel South Beach Wine & Food Festival

5 . Goya Foods Grand Tasting Village
When:
Saturday, February 27 and Sunday, February 28, noon-5pm
Where: Grand Tasting Village (13th Street and Ocean Drive)
Tickets: $225 per day
What: Last, but not least, the all-day tasting extravaganzas—a culmination of SOBEFEST’s participating chefs, restaurants, beverage sponsors, and more under the MasterCard Grand Tasting Tents on the sand. In addition to sampling bold cuisine, stylish wines, and creative spirits, witness KitchenAid culinary demonstrations, your favorite cooking personalities competing on the culinary demo stages, and even a new interactive trivia game hosted by Guy Fieri. Pace yourself as you stroll through a never-ending celebration of the senses. And for the fourth year, guests will be able to vote for their favorite dishes and decide which restaurant will win the Miami New Times’ Best Bite on the Beach Award.

Don’t forget, there are dozens of other events are taking place throughout the city during the festival, so be sure to visit sobefest.com for a complete list. We hope to see you there!

—Sherri Balefsky | Miami Editor

Spris Pizza

This Friday, February 5, Spris Artisan Pizza’s Downtown location {200 South Biscayne Boulevard, Miami; 305.400.6667} is launching its new “Beat the Clock” deal with a special Piñata Pizza Party on the plaza of the Southeast Financial Center. The event will take place from 5-8pm and will benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

The happy hour celebration will include complimentary Peroni beer, food tastings, and a chance to “beat” the six-foot clock-shaped piñata to win $500 worth of gift certificates and more. A suggested donation of $20 will include full access to the event and a raffle ticket.

Offered weekdays from 5:30-7pm, Spris’s famous and patented Beat the Clock deal, where the price of a specific dish corresponds to the time it’s ordered (you order at 5:35pm, you pay $5.35), now has a new format with daily specials and more, plus half-off pitchers of beer and bottles of wine. New specials include:

Monday: Margherita Pizza
Tuesday: Prosciutto e Mozzarella
Wednesday: Diavola Pizzas
Thursday: Meatballs
Friday: Calamari Fritti

Spris’s unmatched pizzas are made with organic flour and olive oil imported from Italy. Specialty toppings like prosciutto are also imported from Italy.

Additional activities for Friday’s event include a live DJ, a photo contest, and a fun step and repeat with pizza and Italian props. Click here to register.

—Sherri Balefsky | Miami Editor

Art Basel has come and gone and Christmas and New Year’s are just weeks away (stay tuned for guides to each), but that doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate good food and friends in between! Here are some happenings taking place this month as we prepare to say farewell to 2015.

Palmeiras Beach Club at Grove Isle
When: Now open!
Where: Palmeiras Beach Club at Grove Isle {4 Grove Isle Drive; 305.858.8300}
What: Grove Isle, the pristine island located just a quarter mile from Coconut Grove, welcomes Palmeiras Beach Club, a new restaurant, beach club, boutique hotel, and spa concept by hospitality gurus Sami Kohen and Jacques Wulffaert. The main dining room, helmed by renowned Venezualen Chef Alfredo Alvarez (who helped open Seasalt & Pepper) presents a Mediterranean menu with dishes evocative of the Spanish, French, Italian, and Greek coasts. The restored property also features a 20-room hotel, a marina, tennis courts, the Taittinger Lounge and Beach Club, a private Perrier-Jouët Chef’s Table for up to 20 guests, a Patron Tequila Lounge, and more.

conrad miami

Jack Frost Happy Hour at Conrad Miami
When: Through December 30
Where: The Bar @ LvL25 at Conrad Miami {1395 Brickell Avenue, Brickell; 305.503.6500}
What: Celebrate the holidays with friends and colleagues with a special Winter Wonderland happy hour taking place all month long. Enjoy special cocktails and holiday quick bites as glittering snow falls over The Bar every 30 minutes!

biltmore

Share the Spirit at the Biltmore
When:
Every Tuesday and Wednesday through December 31
Where: The Biltmore Palme d’Or {1200 Anastasia Avenue, Coral Gables; 305.445.3200}
What: Bring an unwrapped toy for a child and open the treasures of Palme d’Or’s exquisite tasting menu created by Michelin-starred Chef Gregory Pugin. Discover the flavors of France every in our four-course, prix-fixe menu for just $62 per person. In addition, Maître D’ Gregory Zarzycki invites you to bring your favorite bottle of wine or Champagne, and he will waive the corkage fee of $30 for up to two bottles per couple. All gifts will be donated to Miami Children’s Hospital through Radio Lollipop.

Wynwood Yard

Slow Food Miami’s Snail Social Happy Hour
When:
Tuesday, December 8, 6-8pm
Where: The Wynwood Yard {56 Northwest 29th Street, Wynwood}
What: Slow Food Miami, the local 100-percent volunteer nonprofit dedicated to planting a fresher future will hold its fourth Snail Social at The Wynwood Yard, a vibrant new pop-up that houses four exciting new food concepts: Della Test Kitchen, featuring a menu of customizable, globally inspired plant-based bowls; Myumi a traditional omakase sushi experience; Arabian Knife, offering Middle Eastern dishes; and Vibe 305, featuring Americana-inspired dishes curated by consulting chef Bradley Kilgore. Thyme, the full bar at the Wynwood Yard will offer attendees a complimentary glass of wine in addition to several drink specials.

Fontainebleau Wine cellar

Cellar 1954 Wine & Dinner Series featuring StripSteak and Moet & Chandon
When:
Thursday, December 10 at 8pm
Where: Stripsteak at the Fontainebleau {4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.535.3283}
What: Paying homage to its storied past is commonplace at the Fontainebleau, so it makes sense that the Cellar 1954 Wine & Dinner Series (named after the year the hotel opened), which pair the world’s most prestigious wines and winemakers with the award-winning cuisine of the hotel’s restaurants, have been a huge success. The series continues at this month StripSteak by Michael Mina with a decadent five-course menu prepared by Chef de Cuisine Derrick Roberts complemented by beverages from Moët & Chandon.

Thali Platter jaya at setai

Jaya Opens at The Setai
When:
Friday, December 11
Where: The Setai, Miami Beach {2001 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.520.6400}
What: The award-winning Setai hotel unveils its newest restaurant concept, Jaya, a bold and modern Asian-inspired restaurant. The restaurant is a partnership with Chef Mathias Gervais, who announced the new concept shortly after winning Food Network’s hit cooking show “Chopped.” Jaya is a sure win, too, thanks to its vibrant menu inspired by regional dishes of Japan, China, India, Korea, Vietnam, and Thailand. Jaya, which means “victory” in Sanskrit, was chosen to honor The Setai’s renowned interior designer, Jaya Ibrahim, and the hotel’s first decade of successful Asian-inspired hospitality. Menu highlights include the Egg Steam Bun with poached egg, bacon, cucumber relish, and caramel ginger; the Pork Bao Bun with grilled peach, cilantro, and Chinese barbecue; and the Thali Platter (pictured above), a traditional Indian dish with chicken, fish, and okra.

segafredo bayside

Segafredo Bayside Grand Opening Celebration
When:
 Wednesday, December 16, 7-10pm
Where: Segafredo Bayside at Bayside Marketplace {401 Biscayne Boulevard, Downtown; 786.420.2496}
What: From the same people who brought you Segafredo Espresso L’Originale on Lincoln Road comes Segafredo Bayside, a state-of-the-art kiosk with a full self-contained kitchen and an expansive bar at Bayside Marketplace in Downtown Miami. The restaurant is celebrating its grand opening with a party that’s open to the public with complimentary prosecco and a live show by Spam Allstars. The 580-square-foot kiosk and 2,500-square-foot outdoor space features the signature Segafredo red-and-black tabletops, its branded color red throughout in addition to an extensive craft cocktail menu with favorites such as the Aperol Spritz and the Pimm’s Cup.

—Sherri Balefsky | Miami Editor

Seed Food & Wine

The five-day SEED Food & Wine Festival, the nation’s only plant-based food and wine experience, officially kicked off Wednesday evening with a special “Movies and Munchies” event at the Miami Beach Botanical Gardens, which featured a screening of Frank Ferrante’s “May I Be Frank.”

The festival continued last night at the Eden Roc Miami Beach with the first-annual Veggie Burger Battle. The heated battle featured various veggie burgers from chefs across the country, all vying to win the coveted title of “Best Veggie Burger in America.” Though it was a tough decision, the prize ultimately was awarded to Chef Todd Erick Erickson of Haven South Beach, while Green Bar Kitchen won for Fan-Favorite.

Now, we’re gearing up for a full day of SEED fun tomorrow, which begins at 8am for the SEED 5K run through Wynwood, followed by a yoga class and guided meditation with instructors from local studios. And after that, it’s time to head over to the SEED Tasting Village, a large-scale outdoor event at MANA Wynwood from 11am-6pm featuring sustainable food, wine, juices, organic body care, clothing, and more—all things dedicated to plant-based living.

The festival rounds out on Sunday with a morning yoga and brunch at the Thompson Miami Beach, followed by Sprouts Kids Day at the Miami Beach Botanical Gardens, a fun-filled afternoon for the entire family, with programming dedicated to children ages 3-10.

We hope to see you there!

By 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

Daniel Boulud courtesy Daniel Krieger

Tomorrow, October 21, from 7-10pm, acclaimed celebrity Chef Daniel Boulud will be making a special appearance at db Bistro Moderne {255 Biscayne Boulevard Way, Downtown;
 305.421.8800} in celebration of the restaurant’s fifth anniversary in Miami.

The evening will be a “Tour de France” extravaganza, featuring all-inclusive food and drinks from five different regions in France. Live music will carry guests through the restaurant as they explore Chef Boulud’s favorite dishes from his hometown of Lyon (housemade charcuterie, Daniel Boulud Stuffed Pumpkin, and Salade Lyonnaise), plus from the areas of Alsace (Baeckeoffe, Suckling Pig, and Tart Flambée); Normandy (Assortiment de Fromages, Fresh Oysters, and Scallop Sauce Normande); Provence (Grand Aïoli, Grilled Loup de Mer, Roasted Leg of Lamb); and the Basque region (Pintxos, Fresh Sliced Ibérico Ham, and Bacalao Croquettes).

Sommelier Alan Feldman will pour regional wines and offer signature drinks to complete the French feast.

Tickets are $100 and can be purchased by clicking here. Don’t miss your chance to rub elbows with Miami’s culinary elite and Daniel Boulud himself.

For those who cannot attend the party on October 21, the anniversary celebration continues through November with a “Tour de France” five-course prix-fixe dinner menu in the dining room and “Daniel Boulud’s Top 5 Bar Bites” in the bar and lounge.

By Sherri Balefsky | Miami Editor

march of dimes signature chefs

Dozens of fundraising events take place in Miami throughout the year, but the upcoming Signature Chefs Auction benefiting the March of Dimes is one of our all-time favorites. Accompanied by a silent auction, chefs from some of the top local restaurants will serve up samplings of their favorite dishes. This will be followed by a sit-down dessert and live auction, where guests can bid on exclusive dining experiences, travel, and more.

Proceeds from the 2015 Signature Chefs Auction will allow March of Dimes to further its mission through research and community programs to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. The 18th-annual Signature Chefs Auction presented by GOYA will take place on Thursday, October 29, from 6:30-9:30pm at the Westin Colonnade Coral Gables. 

We had the chance to catch up with participating Chef Diego Solano of Bulla Gastrobar {2500 Ponce de Leon Boulevard, Coral Gables; 305.441.0107} to discuss giving back to the local community and what he has in store for the upcoming event.

DiegoSolano2

DiningOut: We last spoke in April. What has been going on at Bulla? Have there been any additions to the menu?
Chef Diego Solano:
Yes, we actually created several new lunch, brunch, and dinner items that we are very excited about! These include the Bikini and the Garbanzo Frito [brunch], the Arroz Negro con Pulpo and the Solomillo de Cerdo with beer sauce [lunch], and the Coca de Frutas [dessert].

You talked about plans for opening a new concept, Pisco y Nazca. How is the project coming along?
Pisco y Nazca will be opening late October at The Palms at Town and Country in Kendall. It will definitely set a new standard for Peruvian cuisine in South Florida. This concept will show the passion we have for hospitality and pioneering amazing cuisine.

Tell us about Bulla’s involvement with local charities.
We are always enthusiastic when it comes to helping our community through events that bring awareness to local and national charities. It goes back to our roots in hospitality, as it truly makes us feel great when we take care of others. Giving back to the community is both an honor and a privilege.

At the moment, we are participating in the No Kid Hungry campaign, where each diner at our restaurant donates a certain percentage to the cause for the month of September.

What about the March of Dimes specifically drew you to the Signature Chefs Auction?
Children are the future, so we saw a real value in helping the March of Dimes organization.

You have so many amazing dishes on your menu. How do you even begin to decide what you want to serve at an event like this?
When creating new dishes, we always strive to present food that really showcases our style of cuisine and that represents our brand.

What is the dish you plan on preparing for the upcoming event?
We will be serving Insalada de Pulpo with heirloom tomatoes, grilled octopus, and cucumber.

Will Bulla have any auction items up for bid?
Yes. We are auctioning off a four-course wine pairing where I will cook my own created dishes and Joel Mesa, our mixologist, will assist in choosing the wines.

By Sherri Balefsky | Miami Editor