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Home / Posts Tagged "miami spice"

3:55 pm
Tips and Trends
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A list of local favorites that just couldn’t let go of the Miami Spice thrill (and we’re certainly not mad about it)

While Miami Spice may be over, we’ve found some spots that have either extended their Spice offerings or created a new menu entirely—leaving your taste buds satisfied and your wallets happy.

Seaspice

Lobster Bar Sea Grille Miami Spice Extended

If you’re a lobster fan, search no further than upscale seafood emporium Lobster Bar Sea Grille—just one of 13 eateries owned by Atlanta-based Buckhead Life Restaurant Group. The Lobster Bar Sea Grille sources fresh fish from around the world and through November, it’s extending its three-course dinner menu filled with everything of your lobster dreams.

For just $39, indulge in favorites like the Grilled Mediterranean Octopus, Whole Lobster Pasta Americaine, Nova Scotia Whole Lobster Stuffed Lobster, or the Twin Beef Tenderloin Medallions Au Poivre. For dessert, there’s the Signature Tropical Pavlova and Classic Profiteroles. Is your mouth watering yet?

Lunch Like a Boss at Seaspice

Long days working hard at the office call for a fine-dining lunch deal at Seaspice. Whether entertaining a client, enjoying a quick power lunch with co-workers, or taking a solo hour getaway, Seaspice’s world-class cuisine and nautical waterfront is reinventing your midday meal with a three-course Executive Lunch menu for just $29.

Tuesday through Friday from 12 to 3:30 p.m., lunch like a boss by indulging in dishes like the Salmon Crudo with white truffle ponzu or Maine Lobster Cappuccino. Entrée choices include Local Yellow Tail Snapper served with a citrus salsa verde, Wagyu Burger topped with smoked Gruyère and truffle aïoli, Shrimp Tagliolini, or, for a light and meatless option, the Vegan Plant Bowl with yellow lentil, curried butternut squash, shaved Brussels sprouts, and Turkish figs. With an Executive Lunch offering like this, you’ll head back to the office with a full belly and a clear mind.

Fi’lia South Beach: Curing Your Post-Spice Blues

Looking to cure your post-Miami Spice blues? Located in the heart of South Beach, Italian eatery Fi’lia South Beach is offering to help by way of a three-course, prix-fixe menu for both lunch and dinner. However, if a wider range of options is what appeals to you, Fi’lia’s all-day menu features delights like Charred Eggplant Spread and Linguine Cacio e Pepe, or dinner favorites like Calamari with lemon and marinara or the creamy Mushroom Risotto. All heavenly menus are available daily—and our hearts (and stomachs) are happy once again.

Taste of Matador

Olé, for a taste of Matador! Experience the culinary treasures of celebrity Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten by exploring his latest five-course prix-fixe menu while lounging in a luxurious, intimately-lit dining room.

Located at the Miami Beach Edition Hotel, The Matador Room offers the chef’s interpretation of Caribbean, Spanish, and Latin and South American cuisines while the ambiance is reminiscent of the glamorous supper clubs of the 1940s and 50s.

For $78 per person, indulge in fan favorites such as the Sweet Pea Guacamole with toasted sunflower seeds, Wild Gulf Shrimp with sizzling garlic and chile oil, or Black Truffle and Fontina Cheese Pizza. If you’ve come with a hard-to-satisfy appetite, the Arroz con Pollo with crackling skin and lemon zest will be sure to do the trick for you. And, to satisfy your sweet tooth, don’t miss out on the Warm Vanilla Fritters and Chocolate Pudding with Mexican chocolate. Can you say, “Olé!”

By Loren Gutentag, Contributing Writer

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3:30 pm
Tips and Trends
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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 Polenta with 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.

Khoya Mushroom

By Sara Liss, Contributing Writer

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6:56 am
Restaurant Features
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miami beach edition

We just LOVE the Miami Beach EDITION {2901 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 786.257.4500}. On any given day of the week, this five-star beachfront hotel (a project by none other than famed hotelier Ian Schrager) is bustling with beautiful people lounging by the pool or sipping cocktails at the secluded outdoor Tropicale bar. But we must say that one of the main draws to this swanky hotel is its restaurants, Market at EDITION and Matador Room, both under the watchful eye of chef extraordinaire Jean-Georges Vongerichten.

Market at Edition

Market at EDITION, the more casual of the two (with equally impressive and quality fare), is a take on a gourmet marketplace, where you can just as easily order something grab-and-go as you can sit down for a leisurely three-course meal. The chic open space is essentially a series of food stations, which includes a raw bar, a charcuterie station, a sushi bar, and a gourmet pastry station featuring freshly baked cakes of all flavors.

market at edition

Be sure to start off with a cheese and charcuterie spread, where you can mix and match selections of specialty cheeses such as Burrata and Manchego, meats such as Spicy Coppa and Chorizo, and fish like Pickled Herring and Smoked Sturgeon.

Charcuterie

Other menu highlights include the Hamachi Crudo with crushed olives, lemon, and dill; the flavorful Mushroom Garlic-Parsley Oil Organic Farm Egg Pizza; the Florida Snapper with bok choy and ginger dressing; and the fan-favorite Cheeseburger with Russian dressing and yuzu pickles.

market at edition

And the best news: Every Monday, guests enjoy 20=percent off dinner tabs from 6-11pm—a Miami Beach steal that pretty much can’t be beat.

Oh, and don’t miss out on Market’s Miami Spice menu, which is available for lunch and dinner daily through the end of September.

By Sherri Balefsky | Miami Editor

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7:50 am
Restaurant Features
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One of the things we love most about Miami Spice is that it doesn’t just last for one month, it lasts for two whole months. This means that there’s still plenty of time to visit all your favorite restaurants—and some brand-new ones—and enjoy unmatched three-course Miami Spice menus at discounted prices (dinner: $39; lunch: $23).

As we try to hit up as many Spice menus as we can, here are five more of our favorites we don’t want you to miss:

1. BLT Steak & The Betsy {1440 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach; 305.673.0044}
Spice menu available for lunch Monday-Friday and dinner Sunday-Friday.

Veal & Pork Meatballs from BLT Steak

Veal & Pork Meatballs from BLT Steak

We love that Celebrity Chef Laurent Tourondel likes to keep things interesting—his blackboard menu changes daily—and that means he’s entirely revamped his Spice menu for the month of September. For appetizers, our hands-down first choice is the Veal and Pork Meatballs. Chef Tourondel served these babies up for us during a special preview dinner last March, and we’ve been dreaming about them ever since! For entrées, it’s a toss-up between the 12oz CAB Coulotte and the Grilled Black Tiger Prawns. To round out the meal, you’ll also be able to choose your own side and melt-in-your-mouth dessert. But that’s not all! Even though it’s Miami Spice, you’ll still receive the complimentary goodies that are brought to every table at dinner: Chicken Liver Mousse with artisan bread and pickled vegetables, and the famous giant Popovers dusted with Gruyère cheese.

2. Bulla Gastrobar {2500 Ponce de Leon Boulevard, Coral Gables; 305.441.0107}
Spice menu available for lunch and dinner daily.

Branzino a la Vasca from Bulla Gastrobar

Branzino a la Vasca from Bulla Gastrobar

There’s nothing more disappointing than arriving at your planned restaurant of the evening, sitting down at your table, and then having your server tell you: “We’re not offering our Miami Spice menu right now.” With many establishments placing restrictions on when their specials are actually available, it’s comforting to know that at Bulla, it’s always time for Spice. Just last week, the Spanish restaurant rolled out updated Spice menus, featuring items such as the Albóndigas de Cordero (lamb meatballs), Branzino a la Vasca, and the Torrija dessert. As an added bonus, for both lunch and dinner, you can enjoy TWO glasses of any of Bulla’s popular sangrías for just $10.

3. Atrio Restaurant & Wine Room {1395 Brickell Avenue, Brickell; 305.503.6529}
Spice menu available for lunch and dinner daily.

Pan-Roasted Monkfish from Atrio Restaurant & Wine Room

Pan-Roasted Monkfish from Atrio Restaurant & Wine Room

For Miami Spice, the Conrad Miami’s signature restaurant is serving up some of its classic dishes and seasonal favorites. For appetizers, we recommend the crisp Waldorf Salad, followed by the Pan-Roasted Monkfish, which is served with confit garlic, Mediterranean baby vegetables, and red wine reduction. And for dessert, don’t miss out on the gooey Chocolate Coulant Cake served with salted caramel ice cream. Plus, if you’re looking for a quick power lunch, Atrio’s got you covered. Simply ask for the special “Taste of Time” menu, which guarantees (if you so choose) that you’ll be in and out in 45 minutes or less. An hourglass will be placed on your table at the start of the meal; and if your meal isn’t completed in time, your lunch is on the house.

4. Scarpetta {4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 877.326.7412}
Spice menu available for dinner Sunday-Thursday.

Creamy Polenta from Scarpetta

Creamy Polenta from Scarpetta

Celebrity Chef Scott Conant’s menu at Scarpetta at the Fontainebleau is drool-worthy any time of year. But during Miami Spice, it becomes even more enticing. The restaurant recently revamped its Spice menu, giving you even more options to savor. For appetizers, we recommend the Creamy Polenta, which is served alongside a medley of truffled mushrooms (which happen to be a specialty of the restaurant this time of year). Continue the experience with the Short Rib Agnolotti Dal Pin before ending with the traditional dolce: Almond Panna Cotta. If you’re not in the mood for Italian, Fontainebleau’s three other flagship restaurants—Hakkasan, Michael Mina 74, and StripSteak—have also updated their Spice menus for the month of September.

5. The Bazaar by José Andrés {1701 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.455.2999}
Spice menu available for dinner Sunday-Thursday.

Bao con Lechón from The Bazaar by José Andrés

Bao con Lechón from The Bazaar by José Andrés

Decisions, decisions! Hands down, one of the most extensive option-filled Spice menus out there is from the SLS South Beach’s Bazaar by José Andrés. First, you’ll choose your appetizer, or “snack,” from five different options (we recommend the Bao con Lechón—pork belly on a Chinese bun). Next, you’ll select THREE options from an expansive menu that includes several “Verduras,” seven types of “Carnes y Mariscos,” and three “Fruits and Vegetables” dishes. And don’t forget: You’ll also get to choose a dessert, so be sure to save room!

By Sherri Balefsky | Miami Editor

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8:29 am
Restaurant Features
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Miami Spice is in full swing and we still cannot contain our excitement. While we encourage you to visit ilovemiamispice.com for a full list of participating restaurants, we know that the sheer number of choices can be a bit overwhelming. Below, we’ve put together a quick guide to narrow things down for you.

Katsuya

Sushi and Sashimi from Katsuya

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

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

cipriani

Green Taglioni from Cipriani

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

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

a fish called avalon

Baked Escargot from A Fish Called Avalon

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

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

Wolfgang's Steakhouse

Filet Mignon from Wolfgang’s Steakhouse

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

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

Milos

Greek Salad from Milos

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

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

By Sherri Balefsky | Miami Editor

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9:43 am
Restaurant Features
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The Dog Days of Summer are here, and we’re certainly feeling it! But good news: Miami Spice is here as well. Check out ilovemiamispice.com to see the full list of nearly 200 restaurants throughout Miami that are offering special lunch and dinner prix-fixe menus from now through September 30. We also put together two previews of some of our favorite Miami Spice menus–check those out here and here. In addition to Miami Spice specials, here are our top Miami August events to help keep your mind off all this heat and humidity.

MO Bar + Lounge

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

stripsteak

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

Sardinia enoteca

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

seafood bahia four seasons

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

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

Marc Irwin Piano concert in The Betsy Lobby

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

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

db Miami Wine Cellar by B. Milne

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

By Sherri Balefsky | Miami Editor

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10:51 am
Restaurant Features
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Just before the official kick-off of Miami’s favorite foodie event, Miami Spice, we were invited for a sneak-peak preview of the featured menu at Seaspice {422 NW North River Drive, Miami; 304.440.4200}.

It was a rainy Friday night, but the trendy riverfront spot still drew quite a crowd. We were seated at a romantic window table for two and thrilled to be handed the official Miami Spice Menu. Our experience exceeded expectations, and the chef came out to explain the dishes and make suggestions.

The menu consisted of three choices for a first course, four choices for the second course, and a choice of three desserts, all for $39 per person.

Hamachi Crudo

For the first course, we opted for the Hamachi Crudo, which surprised us with delightful textures and flavors tickling the tongue. A habanero vinaigrette gave the fresh fish a little kick, while fried garlic added crunch and unexpected flavor. This dish stole the show for the first act.

Beet Salad

We also ordered the Beet Salad, which was beautiful and fresh, on a bed of spinach served with creamy Burrata and thinly sliced radishes.

Grouper

The second course may have been a tie between the Pan-Seared Black Grouper, served with calabazo and oven-dried tomatoes, and the Braised Short Ribs nestled on a bed of taro root purée. The latter was definitely the more decadent of the two, but both were perfectly balanced and beautiful dishes.

Chocolate Cremoso

Finally, and last but not least, was the dessert. Though the Orange Almond Butter Cake with apricot marmalade and orange blossom ice cream was a feast for the eyes, the Guanaja Chocolate Cremoso was dangerously delicious. The dish was a composition of subtle consistencies oozing with chocolatey goodness in cocoa nib crumbles, seaweed snow, and toasted rice mousse.

Want a taste of these dishes? Put Seaspice on your priority list for Miami Spice restaurant destinations.

By Erin Lavan | Contributor

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12:57 pm
Restaurant Features
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Because we can’t get enough of Miami Spice, our original Top 5 list of restaurants new to the program somehow seemed to be lacking. So, here are five additional restaurants making their Spice debuts that are giving classic establishments a run for their money.

Market at Edition

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

Red Ginger

Miso Sea Bass

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

tamarina

Spinach Ravioli

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

9beach miami

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

Tantalize

Lamb Foie Gras Meatballs

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

By Sherri Balefsky | Miami Editor

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9:07 am
Restaurant Features
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Miami Spice is less than a week away, and we can hardly contain our excitement! Throughout August and September, over 200 restaurants throughout Miami-Dade are participating in Spice by offering special prix-fixe lunch and/or dinner menus at discounted prices (lunch: $23; dinner: $39). This is the 14th year that Miami Spice has been in effect, so there are plenty of tried-and-true favorites on the list. But there are also some 50 restaurants entirely new to the program this year. Here, we’ve selected five of our favorite newcomers—and our Spice menu recommendations for each.

brasserie azur

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

Quality Meats

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

SOHO Bay

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

The Gang

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

StripSteak

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

By Sherri Balefsky | Miami Editor

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12:32 pm
Restaurant Features
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Courtesy of Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau – MiamiandBeaches.com

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

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

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

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

By Sherri Balefsky | Miami Editor

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