Consider your search for the perfect Italian restaurant with fully-stocked wine bar finito
Cibo Wine Bar {45 Miracle Mile, Miami; 305.442.4925}
Did we hear you say it’s hard to find an Italian restaurant with a good selection of wine? Your search is over. In the middle of Miracle Mile—the hip main strip in Coral Gables—Cibo Wine Bar is just the Italian you want, need, and deserve. With its large dining room, floor-to-ceiling wine cellar, and fresh and tasty Italian dishes, Cibo never disappoints.
Italian chef Massimo Giannattasio’scarefully curated menu boasts classic starters such as Burrata, House Made Focaccia, and Prosciutto & Formaggio every diner is looking for in an Italian restaurant. The fresh, housemade pasta selection is rich with every type of Italian excellence your heart desires, like the Cannelloni with spinach, aged ricotta, and rosé sauce. Among the mains, dishes like the Trota Alla Griglia with lemon caper sauce, baby squash, and fava bean ragu or Pesce del Giorno (oven-baked Mediterranean branzino) are must-haves for fans of fresh fish. And for those who are in need of a break from American pizza, there are a plethora of Italian pizzas to choose from.
Extensive Wine List
Bringing together a wide variety from Italy, France, and domestic labels, the extensive wine list has a bottle or glass to pair with every dish on the menu. The eye-catching wine cellar sits out in the open of the restaurant, adding one more layer to the inviting decor.
If this is not an established fact, we’d like to make it one: you cannot leave an Italian restaurant without tasting the dessert. Period. Cibo is no exception. Make sure you order their Tiramisu or Panna Cotta before you ask for the check.
Perfect for celebration
Cibo Wine Bar’s large main dining area is filled with long tables and booths surrounded by good lighting and tasteful decor, making the restaurant perfect for celebrating with friends and family. Reserve a spot for your next birthday bash or family gathering. Private dining rooms are also available for those interested.
If you’re not in the mood for a sit-down dinner, the bar in the middle of the restaurant is the perfect spot to have a taste of Cibo and try their signature cocktails. The full bar is stocked with premium liquor and the skilled bartenders are at your service.
Overall, the Coral Gables restaurant is a prime destination for Italian food lovers. With Lobster Tuesdays, happy hour with live DJs on Thursdays, and Sunday brunch with Italian bubbles, there’s always a reason to visit Cibo.
The popular plant-based restaurant received some much-earned recognition this September
There are a few defining moments in a restaurant’s journey that showcase its success. Miami’s prominent plant-based restaurant Plant Miami, located inside the Sacred Space, had one of those triumphs just this September. The executive chef Horacio Rivadero and his wife, the pastry chef Veronica Manolizi prepared a vegan dinner at one of the most esteemed institutions in the culinary scene, the James Beard Foundation.
Executive Chef Horacio Rivadero and his wife, Pastry Chef Veronica Manolizi
The artisanal menu at the exclusive dinner in Manhattan featured revamped renditions of the classics locals love at Plant Miami, like Caccio e Funghi noodles, Coconut Ceviche, and Sunflower Seed Forest Mushroom risotto, as well as surprising additions such as Mushroom Croquettas and Papaya Confit. All dishes were paired with wines from the highly-rated Napa Valley winery Rudd Estate.
Plant Miamifounder Karla Dascal with Oscar Henquet, managing director of Rudd Estate WinesVeronica Manolizi, Karla Dascal, and Horacio Rivadero
Rivadero and Manolizi’s menu and the amazing wine selection took a star-studded crowd through a culinary journey at the James Beard Foundation. The attendees included names like fashion designer Cynthia Rowley, television personality Dorinda Medley, Puristmagazine founder and editor, Cristina Cuomo, CNN prime time anchor Chris Cuomo, and television personality and event producer Colin Cowie.
Emma Pilkington, Cynthia Rowley, Cristina Cuomo
Gingi Beltran and Greg Calejo
Panela Golbin, Ranjana Khan, Karla Dascal, Emma Pilkington, and Cynthia Rowley
Plant Miami has been changing the perception of plant-based dining and educating Miamians on sustainable practices. The exclusive dinner at the James Beard Foundation is an impressive achievement, rewarding the efforts of the restaurant and underlining its success.
Cibo Wine Bar in Coral Gables has no problem consistently pleasing the crowds. Be it the rustic exposed brick ambience, the large wine menu boasting both Italian regions and global varieties, lobster specials on Tuesdays, or brunches full of Italian bubbles on Sunday, Cibo has something for everyone, and it’s always authentically Italian. Take their Neapolitan-style pizzas: cooked to perfection in a wood-burning oven and complete with over a dozen varieties, including a whole wheat dough option. We like to order the simple but always perfect Mozzarella di Bufala, with buffalo cheese, fresh basil, and extra virgin olive oil. Another great is the Funghi, with wild mushrooms, fontini cream, and white truffle oil, because…well, truffle. Or you can kick things up with toppings like prosciutto, spicy soppressatta, Italian sausage, or even a variety of seafood in the Frutte di Mare. Now that’s authentic.
If you’re craving a trip to the iconic Italian coast, Amare Ristorante has you covered. Located in the South of Fifth neighborhood, Amare is ready to transport you to the beautiful Amalfi Coast by way of elevated Italian cuisine and equally romantic furnishings. A concept by Gino Iovino in collaboration with Michelin-starred Chef Cosimo Cassano, the expert team here prepares classic dishes made in-house with seasonal ingredients flown directly from Italy. Indulge in award-winning favorites such as the Risotto Tartufato, Costata Di Manzo, Tartare Tasting Trio, or the Spaghetti Vesuvio(Spaghetti al Nero di Sepia). Whether sitting indoors or on the outdoor terrace, the combination of the classic Italian cuisine along with the imported décor that includes hand-painted ceramic tiles, pottery, and sculptures, you’ll feel as though you’re on a luxurious Italian vacation. Benvenuto!
Sure, house-infused spirits, bespoke cold-brew cocktails, and tantalizing Italian dishes by none other than celebrity chef Scott Conant are reasons aplenty to stop in for a meal at Scarpetta (or at its cocktail lab and infusion bar, Sorso). But this summer, there’s one item on the menu we can’t stop thinking about. It’s called the True Bleau, and it’s a heavenly blend of Barr Hill gin and grapefruit soda served with a pea flower-infused ice cube. True to its name, this jewel-toned indigo stunner is just as Instagrammable as it is utterly delicious.
Known for organic, plant-based, vegan, and kosher cuisine, Plant Miami at Sacred Space just debuted a slew of new seasonal dishes. One of our favorite recent additions to the menu is the Forbidden Roll. Inspired by the traditional Japanese Bagel Roll, this delightful bite features avocado, black rice (or forbidden rice), almond cream cheese, nori, smoked carrot, and wasabi mayo. Plant Miami’s chefs Horacio Rivadero and Veronica Manolizi said they “really wanted to take something very familiar and transform it into something plant-based.” For the Forbidden Roll, the duo chose to highlight the carrot, because they say it is often seen as the underdog in plant-based cooking. The result, lucky for us, is an elevated and refreshing treat perfect for any time of year.
There are two words that cannot exist without the other: fish and fresh. And, according to executive chef and owner of The River Oyster Bar, David Bracha, the key to fresh success is a rare and often uncommon secret—whole fish and in-house slicing. Results of this best-kept practice are evident at The River Oyster Bar where freshness is second to none, bringing delicious and sustainable seafood right to the heart of Brickell. For 17 years, The River has held a reputation of top quality food offered at fair prices. Look if you must, but you won’t find local, honest seafood like this anywhere but The River.
Nobu Miami, a culinary destination notorious for their imaginative blend of Peruvian and Japanese cuisine has become the benchmark for everything fusion. Known for its amazing food, hip crowds, and a large celebrity following, the boldness and fusion extend beyond the signature dishes and into the delicious cocktails. While some say there’s a cocktail suited for every season, Nobu has a cocktail for every month. How’s that for keeping it fresh? The “cocktail of the month” program has featured fan favorites such as the Sensei, a tequila-based cocktail with açai purée, Banane du Brésil, lemon juice, and basil seeds with a touch of agave. Another month featured the Hermosos Pisco, a perfect meld of Tulsi Hibiscus tea, thyme, monkfruit syrup, and lime juice to complement the Caravedo Pisco. In everything it does, Nobu embodies simple, yet extraordinary, and the cocktail of the month is certainly no exception.
A favorite among world leaders and celebrities since its opening in 1926, the recently renovated Biltmore Hotel is offering its patrons a fresh new culinary journey at the hotel’s stunning signature French restaurant, Palme d’Or—one of the only AAA Five Diamond restaurants in Florida. Now, guests can enjoy a new four-course, à la carte menu that includes perfectly paired flavors, as well as personally curated elaborate dishes that fuse the authentic tradition of French cuisine with modern flavors and ingredients that are fresh, local, and sustainable. Palme d’Or is committed to transporting guests through the ultimate sensory dining experience that will keep them coming back for more.
You’ve got two more weeks to dine like royalty. Make it count.
Los Fuegos Kitchen Prep
The annual restaurant extravaganza known as Miami Spice is quickly coming a close, so we’ve gathered our top picks for the best Spice menus in town. From celebrity chefs to neighborhood spots, there’s plenty to keep even the most discerning foodie happy.
Los Fuegos {3201 Collins Ave, Miami Beach; 786.655.5600}
Lamb Ribs
Argentine super chef Francis Mallmann is the mastermind behind this gaucho-inspired restaurant at the posh Faena Miami Beach. As such, expect rustic Argentine and Patagonian specialities like Oxtail Croquettes or Octopus A La Plancha for appetizers. For mains, we loved the Lamb Ribs with peach chutney, while the Local Snapper comes with an intriguing grilled polenta and tomato mayonnaise. Dessert keeps things simple with a Mascarpone Cheesecake with red berry sorbet.
Octopus A La Plancha
Boulud Sud {255 Biscayne Blvd Way, Miami; 305.421.8800}
Boulud Sud Dining Room
The plush downtown outpost of celeb chef Daniel Boulud’s homage to Mediterranean delights is a sophisticated spot to do a fancy Miami Spice lunch. The menu changes regularly, so there’s plenty of reason to keep coming back throughout the Spice promotion. We started with the Babaganoush appetizer and a “Horiatiki” Greek Salad, both of which were fresh and flavorful. For mains, we opted for the Branzino A La Plancha with freekah and apricot and the Lamb “Frita” with harissa aïoli, crispy potato, and onion compote. Desserts were showstoppers and included a Lavender-Peach Zalabia (a Tunisian donut filled with labneh mousse) and Chocolate Profitroles. And don’t forget to save room for those special warm madeleine cookies that are always served gratis!
Market at Edition {2901 Collins Ave, Miami Beach; 786.257.4600}
Crispy Salmon Sushi
Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s Market at Edition’s global cafe/patisserie/salumeria is one of our favorite spots, simply because there’s so much tempting food on display—from the crisp pizzas to the insane charcuterie. For our Spice lunch, we started with the Crispy Salmon Sushi and Summer Squash and Arugula Salad—both refreshing and light starters. The Roasted Beef Tenderloin is a solid choice for an entrée, complimented by goldbar squash, Parmesan cheese and a buttery hot sauce, while the Mushroom and Farm Egg Pizza will please any carb lover. For dessert, choose between the Strawberry Sundae or the Passion Fruit Cheesecake (or splurge for a slice of the Carrot Cake—one of the best in town).
Scarpetta {4441 Collins Ave, Miami; 305.674.4660}
Branzino
The Italian restaurant at the Fontainebleau is always a winner for Spice, if not solely for the fact that they consistently offer their legendary Spaghetti Pomodoro as a Spice entrée and it is consistently, delectably, life-changing. That said, we were a tad disappointed that their Creamy Polentawith Mushrooms was not offered on this year’s Spice menu, but we understand the need to innovate—in its place, we loved the Mediterranean Octopus with capers and olives. For mains, there’s the classic Spaghetti, a beautifully crisped-skin Branzino, the Duck and Foie Gras Ravioli, or Chicken Breast with Pancetta. Desserts selections of Coconut Tapioca and Chocolate Amedei Bar with hazelnut crunch were lovely.
Chocolate Amedei Bar with Hazelnut Crunch
Maska {3252 NE 1st Ave Suite 109, Miami; 786.971.9100}
Crab Tadka Dumplings
Chef Hemant Mathur, the first Indian Chef in the U.S. to receive a Michelin Star, has opened a high-end homage to Indian cooking in midtown. The dining room is an opulent space with crystal chandeliers, plush blue chairs, an open kitchen and a lounge and wine cellar. Be prepared to eat modern Indian dishes with creative spins like the Maska Chicken, the restaurant’s version of a butter chicken, Khoya Mushroom (paneer stuffed portobello mushroom), Crab Tadka Dumplings, and a variety of Kulcha (stuffed bread). Maska’s Miami Spice offering includes a complimentary cocktail—the Aam-Chi Martini—a gin-based cocktail topped with mango lassi foam. Next door to Maska, Mathur has also opened Cho:Tu, which focuses on Indian street food with a more casual atmosphere.
If a fully tantalizing experience is what you’re looking for, check out these all-inclusive specials from the crème de la crème:
The Seventh Annual South Beach Seafood Festival
Are you ready to put your toes in the sand, get a cocktail in your hand, and enjoy some of the best seafood in Miami? This fall, the South Beach Seafood Festival returns for its seventh consecutive year. Brought to you by William Hill and presented by Jack Daniel’s, City of Miami Beach, GOYA Foods, and Baptist Health South Florida, the South Beach Seafood Festival is taking over Miami from October 22-26 to showcase some of the area’s leading chefs and culinary masterminds. Touted as one of the fastest growing festivals in Miami Beach, the beachfront event—which features over 70 different restaurants and mouthwatering eats from Florida’s freshest seafood hotspots—spans five blocks and welcomes over 14,000 seafoodies for a day of fun in the sun in South Beach style. For $49, guests can enjoy seafood dishes paired with complimentary all-day open bar service. If you choose to splurge on the VIP experience ($150) you can enter to win the Land Rover South Dade VIP Hospitality Village and enjoy VIP access to Joe’s Stone Crab Miami, plus a ton of other awesome perks. The five-day event is the perfect combination of gourmet cuisine, wine pairings, live music at three different stages, chef competitions, and seemingly endless interactive experiences, all to benefit a great cause in Miami Dade County: CI Foundation’s EAT SMART program. The South Beach Seafood Festival has become the number three top recurring event on South Beach behind Art Basel and SOBEWFF. Kick off the fun with exclusive experiences at some of South Beach’s favorite spots, such as Meat Market, The Mondrian, or the Shore Club! Tickets can be purchased for all events at SOBASEAFOODFEST.COM
Miami Spice Specials at Market at EDITION
Looking to spice up your dining options? Look no further than Market at EDITION right in the midst of Miami Spice (August 1-September 30). The EDITION hotel’s signature restaurant is pulling out all the stops for the area’s largest and longest food event of the season. Open for lunch Monday-Friday, and dinner Monday-Sunday, Market at EDITION is including fan favorites on its specialty Miami Spice three-course prix-fixe menu, including the Crispy Salmon Sushi, Angel Hair Pasta with asparagus pesto, and Mushroom and Farm Egg Pizza, just to name a few! And why stop there? Also included are signature cocktails and decadent desserts. Brought to you by Michelin-starred chef, Jean-Georges Vongerichten, Market at EDITION is proud to participate in Miami Spice—the perfect opportunity to enjoy Miami Beach’s finest fare at a reduced price but with the same extraordinary culinary experience. EDITIONHOTELS.COM/MIAMI-BEACH/RESTAURANTS-AND-BARS
Sunday Asado at Los Fuegos by Francis Mallmann
Nothing says “Sunday Funday” more than Sunday Asado at Los Fuegos by Francis Mallmann. Using live fire and traditional Patagonian cooking methods, watch as award-winning chefs prepare a buffet of slow-cooked meats, locally-caught fish, seasonal vegetables, and more—right in front of excited patrons. Priced at $95 per adult, from noon-4pm, pair your brunch with bottomless mimosas, sangría, or Bloody Mary pitchers. If that’s not tempting enough, Sunday Asado guests receive complimentary passes for Faena Beach to finish the morning in total relaxation. And yes, you can bring the whole family! Children are also welcome for $45 per child (ages 10 and younger). FAENA.COM/MIAMI-BEACH/RESTAURANT/LOS-FUEGOS-BY-FRANCIS-MALLMANN
Adventurous Omakase Dinners at Pao by Paul Qui
Every month at Pao by Paul Qui, James Beard award-winning Chef Paul Qui and his culinary team whip up a one-of-a-kind omakase feast centered around a specific theme or ingredient. Set around a communal table where diners can mingle and interact, these intimate epicurean adventures aim to expose guests to flavors they’ve never tried before. Dinners start at $95 per person, with the option to upgrade the experience with a sake or Japanese whiskey pairing. Since the series launched earlier this year, editions have highlighted themes ranging from Wagyu beef and mushrooms to Texas barbecue and beyond. Sign us up! FAENA.COM/MIAMI-BEACH/RESTAURANT/PAO-BY-PAUL-QUI
The Boho Chic Rooftop Scene at Vista
Whether you’re looking for a pre-dinner bite or the perfect ending to your night, why not head to the rooftop at Vista Miami? The two-story modern-Italian restaurant located in the Upper Buena Vista area is a trendy concept combining Italian cuisine with Miami flavor and style. With prices ranging between $9-$29, enjoy delicious bites from the rooftop’s tapas menu—think coconut ceviche, oysters, or picoteo, then top it all off with an after-dinner drink special, like a Carajillo. With live music playing and the greenery surrounding, you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped into a tropical, boho chic dream. VISTAMIAMIRESTAURANT.COM
And it’s not just the delicious Italian fare either …
LDV Hospitality, the team behind Dolce and Regent Cocktail Club, has transformed the restaurant at the Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove intoIsabelle’s Grill Room and Garden{3300 Southwest 27th Avenue, Miami; 305.400.0562}, bringing some South Beach swagger to the posh hotel. The kitchen is helmed by Executive Chef Abel Veulens. The name pays homage to Isabella Peacock, one of the Grove’s earliest settlers.
1. The space is chic and inviting.
The cavernous dining room is made intimate with handsome dark green leather banquettes, burnished brass fixtures, and dark wood finishes. An outdoor trellised garden terrace is outfitted with over-sized planters and lush green landscaping, natural wood tables, and white and taupe woven chairs with plush cushions.
2. The eclectic menu of modern Italian-inspired dishes.
Start off with small plates like the Spanish Octopus with baby artichokes, fingerling potatoes, olives, and spicy romesco or the Crab Cake with apple slaw. Vegans will love the Carrot Ginger Soup, while a handful of salads keep things light and fresh, like the Roasted Beets with Greek yogurt, apples, and oranges dressed with pickled mustard seeds or Isabelle’s Salad with endive, radicchio, candied pecans, craisins, pecorino, and honey mustard vinaigrette.
Spaghetti Pomodoro and Lobster Papardelle will fulfill carb cravings while those looking for steakhouse fare can go for chops like an 8-ounce filet, a 14-ounce NY Strip, and a massive 40-ounce porterhouse for two. A Kurobuta Pork Chop and Seared Striped Bass round out the mains, along with sides of truffle fries, roasted carrots, and wild mushrooms.
3. The Wednesday happy hour is the perfect way to rosé the evening away.
Hump Day just got a lot better with the restaurant’s “Rosé for the Ladies” special from 5-10pm on Wednesdays. Ladies can enjoy a selection of rosé for only $5 per glass in the lush garden terrace. And added bonus: Guests receive a discounted rate of $7 for valet with validation.
In the heart of Midtown Miami, Riviera Focacceria Italiana transports guests to rustic Northern Italy with authentic décor and the captivating aroma of Mediterranean fare. One step in, and you won’t be able to resist sitting down.
The friendly staff will help you settle in at your table, extending warm hospitality that sees you through until the end—no matter how crowded it gets. Don’t forget to ask your wait staff about the risotto of the day.
First thing’s first, start with the focaccia—that’s a must. There’s a reason it’s called a focacceria. With the stracchino cheese imported all the way from Italy, the focaccia that ends up on your table is a mouthwatering appetizer you cannot miss. There’s even a disclaimer on the menu: a nibble of this might cause addiction. As good as it is by itself, or in pizzata form with homemade tomato sauce, there are eight toppings to choose from to truly enhance your focaccia experience. Whichever you pick, ask your waiter for that homemade pesto—just to have a little extra flair.
Focaccia with prosciutto
Next on the menu: a plethora of pasta options. Riccardo Vincis, the talented young chef of the Riviera, offers a vast selection varying from gnocchi to fettuccine. But truly, you simply cannot go wrong with any of them since most of the pasta is either housemade or imported from Italy.
If you’re not in the mood for indulging in carbs, the secondi section offers something for everyone with fresh seafood, pork chops, and beef cuts. The fresh seafood is especially enticing with diverse options to choose from, including tuna and Mediterranean seabass. But we suggest giving Riviera’s Snapper a go as it comes dressed with lemon, capers, and white wine sauce, served with mashed potatoes and sautéed spinach.
But the flavors don’t end with the food menu—the wine menu boasts beautiful picks from all over Italy to pair with your dishes. Not a wine fanatic? Along with domestic and popular imported beers, Riviera offers imported Italian beer such as a numerotre pale ale Viola.
Your dining experience, of course, wouldn’t be complete without the sweet Italian classics: tiramisù or panna cotta. Beautifully presented plates show up on your table to satisfy your sugar pangs.
All in all, Riviera Focacceria Italiana is an authentic edition to Miami’s Italian dining scene with a rich menu and housemade specialties that will leave you buying a ticket for the next flight out.
After a two-year-long, multi-million dollar renovation, the JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa proudly unveils its brand new amenities and updated facade. Boasting a world class spa, two championship golf courses, elevated retail outlets , two pools, meeting spaces, five restaurants, a swanky bar, and now its own water-park, this premiere luxury resort in Aventura has become the ultimate vacation destination. The newly added 16-story Orchid Tower shines with an ivory and art deco finish while nearly doubling the resort’s room capacity. Along with upgrades to the main lobby, the addition of two new dining concepts—Surf House Bar & Grille and Freestyle—and other design enhancements throughout, the resort has a more contemporary feel and offers something for every one of its guests.
Freestyle
The sprawling 300-acre property has no shortage of things to do, eat or drink. Director of Culinary, Chef Gordon Maybury, who oversees the resort’s restaurants, has a passion for sourcing local ingredients and keeping each concept distinct. He’s so committed in fact, that he has helped spearhead establishing a chef’s garden and an apiary on property. This allows the culinary team to bring guests farm-to-table freshness quite literally from their own lush backyard. Picking from the various fresh herbs, citrus, fruits and honey now available, the chefs and bartenders are able to create innovative dishes and cocktails while minimizing the resort’s carbon footprint and reliance on outsourced suppliers.
Surf House Bar & Grill
Upon entering the resort’s brand new tropical oasis that is Tidal Cove water-park, vacation vibes wash over you. Tidal Cove is also home to the resort’s aforementioned new eateries: Surf House Bar & Grill and, its casual grab-and-go counterpart, Freestyle. Chef Maybury explains that he wanted to convey a “unique dining experience representative of our South Florida locale.” Freestyle is the perfect stop for grabbing a slice of pizza or some sandwiches and salads to enjoy poolside. There’s even freshly scooped gelato and a variety of other snacks to satisfy any cravings throughout the day.
Soff’s bar pays homage to the legacy of its namesake and tells the story of the city’s rich history… [and] showcases classic libations but with distinguishing twists, such as the Smoked Old Fashioned.
Right next door is Surf House Bar & Grill, where mom and dad can enjoy some local brews and watch while the kids catch some waves on the FlowRider ®Triple, a surfing simulator. Find beachy staples on the menu like poke, char-grilled octopus, shrimp ceviche, and a mouthwatering blackened mahi-mahi sandwich. Chef Maybury proudly adds, “We utilized local, fresh ingredients to build an innovative menu…while also speaking to the lighthearted spirit of a water-park experience.” Cool off and kick back with a wide variety of tropical drinks ranging from the Caipirinha to the Moscow Mule, and what’s a Florida vacation without frozen delights like a Frosé or a Piña Colada?
Shrimp Pasta, CORSAIR Kitchen & Bar
Swapping poolside views for the evergreen golf course, CORSAIR kitchen & bar satisfies any appetite for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or weekend brunch. The expansive indoor dining room, with some terrace seats alongside the green, offers Chef Maybury’s take on light American comfort food. A wide range of casual contemporary classics include burgers, salads, flat-breads, freshly grilled seafood, steaks, and more. The real standout here, however, is “The 52” brunch. This rotating menu features seven core dishes that change ingredients every single weekend, providing a different experience for all 52 weekends of the year. If that’s not enough to wow, how about the Bloody Mary Bar featuring 52 ingredients to choose from?
BOURBON STEAK
The property’s signature restaurant, BOURBON STEAK Miami by award-winning Chef Michael Mina, is celebrating its 12th year this winter. With two sommeliers on staff, 500 award-winning wines, a vast selection of whiskey, bourbon, and of course premiere cuts of beef, BOURBON STEAK is a renowned classic. Steakhouse though it is, brace yourself for a little laid back fun. Amusing menu twists include the kitchen’s signature french fries with an array of dipping sauces in lieu of bread service, or the table-side presentations that accompany certain dishes like the Lobster Pot Pie, for dinner and a show.
Soff’s bar
Part of the resort’s expansive renovations also included a complete overhaul of the guest arrival experience in the lobby, which now includes a bar. Named after famed real estate mogul Don Soffer, who transformed the city of Aventura into the coveted vacation destination it is today, Soff’s bar pays homage to the legacy of its namesake and tells the story of the city’s rich history. Tactful black and white snapshots of Soffer with celebrities and other notable names and faces adorn the walls, while jewel-tone plush velvet couches and gold hardware accents lend a glamorous vintage feel. The menu, done in collaboration with esteemed artisans from Miami’s The Cocktail Cartel, showcases classic libations but with distinguishing twists, such as the Smoked Old Fashioned.
Now with more dining and imbibing destinations than ever before, this resort and country club seamlessly allows its guests to experience a multitude of amenities. From swimsuit to power suit, the newly debuted JW Marriott Turnberry Resort & Spa has reinvented itself yet again, and we think it’s their best look yet.
Washington Avenue’s new boutique property unveils a re-imagined hotel and a New England seafood concept this fall
Marc Lawrence of the Angler’s Hotel
When hotelier Marc Lawrence and his late brother, Eric, first purchased what would become the Angler’s Hotel in 2005, they did so with the intention of turning it into a condo hotel. But, with the economic crash that followed the completion and delivery of the property, they found themselves on course for a new kind of adventure: as hotel owners located on, what was then, the less-than-desirable Washington Avenue.
“With Washington Avenue in real disrepair, people thought we were crazy at the time for taking such a big risk,” says Lawrence, head of LBL Group, the full-service real estate company also founded by the two brothers. “The storefronts were blighted, the street was all but forgotten, and the once historic hotel had fallen into disarray. It was truly sad. But we took a leap of faith, and today, Angler’s is a shining mark on the now re-emerging destination.”
Fast forward to 2019, and the area’s checkered past is barely a memory. Now managed and operated by Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, Kimpton Angler’s shines at the corner of Sixth Street and Washington Avenue, serving as the anchor for South Beach’s historic district.
With the help of the Washington Avenue Business Improvement District, on which Lawrence proudly serves as a board member, and a variety of incentives put in place by a Blue Ribbon Panel, Washington Avenue is transforming into a thoughtfully curated destination neighborhood complete with new hotels, boutique shopping, inviting restaurants, the New World Symphony & Soundscape Park, museums, and The Fillmore Miami Beach. As for Kimpton Angler’s, the sophisticated hotel has become Miami’s chic retreat in the center of it all where past meets present.
The story of today’s Kimpton Angler’s Hotel unfolds with a stunning design inspired by Miami’s rich heritage celebrated throughout the original historic hotel and the new building that opened in 2018. Together, the two buildings house 132 guest rooms, living room lobby, meeting and event spaces, and the panoramic rooftop pool and sun deck. Popular among locals and visitors alike, this pet-friendly property is quickly becoming known for its relaxed Minnow Bar with a creative spirits-focused menu of herb-infused cocktails and indoor and outdoor seating, making it ideal for people-watching. Guests also love the outstanding service and approachable vibe.
Serving as a bespoke “hotel within a hotel” with its loft-style duplexes and three-story poolside bungalows, the renovation and redesign of the historic building is set to be completed later this year, along with what will surely be Washington Avenue’s new pride and joy—Seawell Fish n’ Oyster.
“We’re going to be a New England-inspired seafood restaurant,” Lawrence says. “We’re filling a niche, and since I’m from the northeast, we’re doing food that I love. When you talk about lobster rolls, fish, and all different kinds of clams, crabs, and of course, oysters—seafood staples that aren’t really around South Florida—that’s what we’re going to bring here. I’m psyched about it!”
After the completed renovations and Seawell Fish n’ Oyster are unveiled later this year, this South Beach gem will have even more reasons to keep guests coming back again and again.
Lawrence added, “Angler’s is like a refuge—when people come here, they can see that both the guests and the employees are happy. We have a cool, chill vibe that is welcoming and genuine. I feel so blessed and grateful to be a part of it.”
