When it comes to Peruvian food and drink, no one does it better than Pisco y Nazca Ceviche Gastrobar {8405 Mills Drive, Miami; 305.630.3844}. Brought to you by the talented team behind Bulla Gastrobar {2500 Ponce De Leon Boulevard, Coral Gables; 305.441.0107}, this popular chain puts a modern twist on traditional Peruvian favorites, serving up different anticuchos and causas, lomo saltado, parihuela and innovative ceviches like jalapeño, rocoto, ají Amarillo, passion fruit and more. After the success of its first Kendall location, which opened in late 2015, Pisco y Nazca opened a second location in Doral in June 2016.
Catering to Miami’s summer temperatures, Pisco y Nazca recently added new refreshing drinks and specials to its daily “Hora Loca” happy hour and weekend brunch. Along with the locale’s signature Peruvian cocktails, diners can now stay cool with one of three Peruvian Sangria Pitchers: El Shandy, Sangria Peruana, or Sangria Brava.
For a taste of these sweet sippers, head to either location during weekend brunch or Hora Loca, which runs from 5 to 7 p.m. daily. Go during the latter and order one of each pitcher… rumor has it they’re 50% off.
Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor
Head to the heart of the Magic City, to Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s Matador Room in the EDITION Miami Beach, and you’ll find one of the area’s most popular hotel bars of the same name. Paying homage to the art of mixology, Matador Bar {2901 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 786.257.4600} has become a staple for Miami’s finest. And with its craft cocktails, sleek black walnut-paneled walls, sexy vibes, and floor-to-ceiling windows with sparkling Atlantic Ocean views… it’s easy to see why.
Now on Thursday, September 22nd, patrons have another reason to stop by Matador Bar: the fourth installment of its monthly Bar Takeover series. From 9 p.m. to midnight, come and drink to your hearts content as the cocktail-savvy team from The NoMad Hotel, in NYC, brings their talents to Miami Beach. For one night only, James Beard Award-winning mixologist and NoMad Bar Director, Leo Robitschek, promises to give the Matador Bar a taste of the real Manhattan—perhaps both the city and the cocktail.
This Matador Bar Takeover will include $12 Nomad cocktails and live music. To find out more about it, visit the event’s Facebook page here.
See you there!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor
When it comes to good Italian classics, few do it better in Miami than the South of Fifth Staple, TiramesU {101 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.532.4538}. And on August 31st, this restaurant will wrap up Summer 2016 in style by hosting an Italian-inspired, beer-pairing dinner with none other than Varese-based brewing company, Birrificio Angelo Poretti. Priced at just $65 per person, this five-course feast is filling up fast, so see what food Chef Fabrizio Pintus has in store below and make your reservation(s) now.
Here’s what’s on the menu at TiramesU’s August 31st Birrificio Angelo Poretti dinner:
Aperitivo: Gamberie Fiori Di Zuvva in Tempura
Shrimp and zucchini flowers in tempura, paired with Birrificio Angelo Poretti 10 Hops Bollicine
Antipasto: Carpaccio di Salmone agli Agrumi
Marinated salmon, fennel orange salad and 4 HOPS sorbet, paired with Birrificio Angelo Poretti 4 Hops
Primo Piatto: White Lasagna
Sausage, chestnut, spinach and 5 HOPS jus, paired with Birrificio Angelo Poretti 5 Hops
Secondo Piatto: Petto D’Anatra
Kale, mango chutney, rapes and 6 HOPS reduction, paired with Birrificio Angelo Poretti 6 Hops
Dessert: Parfait Speziato ai 6 Luppoli
Spices 6 HOPS parfait and warm raspberries sauce, paired with Birrificio Angelo Poretti 10 Hops Rosé
Drooling yet? We know we are. This dinner will take place on August 31st at 8:30 p.m. Make your reservation now by calling 305.532.4538 or sending an e-mail to [email protected].
Happy Dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor
It’s the last weekend of Summer Olympics 2016, so if you haven’t gotten in the Rio spirit by now, it’s time to start. No matter who you’re cheering for, go for the gold with these Olympic-themed cocktails inspired by the Rio games. They’re sure to have you feeling like a champion in no time.
“Olympic-Rings”
The Place: The Lounge at The Setai {2001 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.520.6000}
From Opening to Closing ceremonies, this lounge will transform into a mini “Copacabana Beach” where guests can watch the games on the big screen, sip on this Olympic-Rings cocktail, and cheer on their team in style.
The Drink: It’s a mix of vodka, lemon, lime, and champagne, served with Life Savers or gummy rings to make sure you get those five, Olympic-level rings.
“Banana Batida”
The Place: Mondrian South Beach {1100 West Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.514.1500}
It’s available at the outside bar, by the pool, during the hotel’s new 5-day happy hour. It runs Monday to Friday, from 4 – 7 p.m.
The Drink: Inspired by Brazil, the Banana Batida is a sweet and refreshing summer slushie made with coconut-infused Avua cachaça, bananas, pineapple, and condensed milk.
“Soul Cachaca”
The Place: American Social Brickell {690 SW 1st Court, Brickell; 305.223.7004}
The Drink: Launched solely for the Olympic games, Soul Cachaca is a two-week-long cocktail menu inspired by the Brazilian spirit. From August 5th to August 21st, fans can drink around the world with five variations of the traditional Caipirinha cocktail, each representing a different country: the United States, Brazil, Mexico, Spain, or Italy.
“Kiwi Caipirinha”
The Place: SUSHISAMBA Miami Beach {600 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach; 305.673.5337}
The Drink: Cachaça is Brazil’s national spirit, and the base of this Rio-inspired drink. Here, it’s muddled with kiwi and lime and garnished with fresh kiwi slices.
Cheers!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor
In Florida, the only thing we love more than avocados is coming up with fun, new ways to eat them. Luckily, we here in Miami have Executive Chef Venoy Rogers III—the mastermind behind Essensia Restaurant + Lounge {3025 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.908.5458} and our personal guru on all things delicious, good-for-you cuisine—to make sure that happens. Fusing his own “New American” twist into Essensia’s local, seasonal, farm-to-table menu, Chef Rogers came up with a fun way to enjoy this favorite South Florida fruit, with a little indulgence thrown in for good measure.
Want to try this dish for yourself? Head to Chef Rogers’ must-try restaurant, in The Palms Hotel & Spa, and order his Tempura Avocado. Then, when you love it, go home and use the recipe below to whip it up on your own.
Tempura Avocado from Executive Chef Venoy Rogers III of Essensia Restaurant + Lounge
serves four to six
The Ingredients
Tomato Chipotle Jam:
1 c Roma tomato, diced
1 medium red bell pepper, diced
3 tbsp sugar
1/2 c red wine vinegar
2 tsp Chipotle Purée
1/2 small red onion, 1/4 c diced
salt and pepper, to taste
Cilantro-Lime Crème Fraiche:
1 lime, juice and zest
1/2 c crème fraiche or sour cream
1 tbsp cilantro, chopped
salt and pepper, to taste
Tempura Batter:
2 egg whites
1 c All-Purpose Flour
2/3 c cold water
Tempura Avocado:
2 avocados
6 c oil, excluding olive oil
sea salt, to taste
The Method
For Tomato Chipotle Jam: Sauté onion in a large sauté pan for four to six minutes. Add diced tomatoes and cook for an additional four to six minutes. Deglaze the pan with vinegar. Add all remaining ingredients, and allow everything to simmer on medium or low heat for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the liquid has reduced and the consistency resembles jam. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
For Cilantro-Lime Crème Fraiche: Combine all ingredients in a bowl and season with salt and pepper.
For Tempura Batter: Beat egg whites until frothy. Fold flour and cold water into the egg whites until the batter is barely mixed.
For Tempura Avocado: Remove the skin and pit from the avocado. Slice each avocado into six even wedges. Using a fork or a skewer, dip each avocado wedge into the tempura batter and shake off the excess batter. Fry each wedge in oil at 355 degrees for two minutes, or until golden brown. Remove the wedges from oil and season immediately.
To Serve: Drizzle Cilantro-Lime Crème Fraiche directly on the serving plate, and space battered avocado wedges evenly across. Fill the curve of each wedge, where the pit used to be, with a dollop of the Tomato Chipotle Jam and serve.
Enjoy!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor
“Something With Cucumber” at Il Mulino New York, South Beach (photo credit Erika Cespedes)
August 16th is National Rum Day, and that calls for a celebration! This Tuesday, show the holiday some respect by quenching your thirst with a tasty rum drink from one (or more) of Miami’s best restaurants. Don’t know where to start? Try some of our favorites, listed below:
“Something With Cucumber”
Where you’ll find it: Il Mulino New York, South Beach {840 1st Street, South of Fifth; 305.372.1221}
What’s in it: Atlantico Private Cask Rum, Bianco Vermouth, a cucumber-mint cordial, and fresh lime
Price: $8.50, during happy hour (4 -7 p.m. daily)
“BACARDÍ 8 Old Fashioned”
Where you’ll find it: Bulla Gastrobar {2500 Ponce de Leon Boulevard, Coral Gables; 305.441.0107}
What’s in it: BACARDÍ® 8 Años rum, sugar, Angostura Aromatic Bitters, water, and an orange peel for garnish
Price: Special Price (limited-edition offer)
“Proper Rum & Coke” at Pisco y Nazca
“Proper Rum & Coke”
Where you’ll find it: Pisco y Nazca {8405 Mills Drive, Miami; 305.630.3844}
What’s in it: Ron Zacapa 23, Coca-Cola, cherry and chocolate bitters, and a cinnamon stick
Price: $12
“Rum Old Fashioned”
Where you’ll find it: db Bistro Moderne {255 Biscayne Boulevard, Downtown Miami; 305.421.8800}
What’s in it: AFROHEAD Briland 07, Demerara, and Angostura
Price: $15
“Guayabera”
Where you’ll find it: Wynwood Kitchen & Bar {2550 NW 2nd Avenue, Wynwood; 305.772.8959}
What’s in it: Zacapa Rum 23, guava juice, lemon juice and Sprite
Price: $14
“Jungle Bird” at Pizza & Burger–Michael’s Backyard Kitchen
“Jungle Bird”
Where you’ll find it: Pizza & Burger–Michael’s Backyard Kitchen {4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 8
What’s in it: Cruzan rum, Amaro, pineapple juice, and lime
Price: $15
“Sicilian”
Where you’ll find it: Tamarina {600 Brickell Avenue, Brickell; 305.579.1888}
What’s in it: Rum, Campari, Galiano, and grapefruit
Price: $12
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor
No matter where you are in the world, one thing’s for sure: there is no season more perfect for rosé than summer. And no place knows that better than the iconic The Standard Spa, Miami Beach {40 Island Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.673.1717}.
New this summer, The Standard Spa, Miami Beach has not only added 20 bottles of the pink vintage to its wine list, but it’s also come up with and released its very own “wine guide,” where in-house wine expert Amy Demoga teaches us which bottles are best for which occasions. Follow her suggestions below, and then go there for yourself and start ordering them one by one.
Rumor has it there’s even some rosé cocktails, including a frozen F’rosé concoction, along with one special rosé you won’t find anywhere else: The Standard’s own Sunset Beach Rosé by André Balazs, served by both the glass and the bottle.
Read below to get The Standard’s standard on the best rosé for every occasion:
Brunching:
- Sunset Beach Rose, André Balazs Collection, Channing Daughters, Long Island New York ‘15
- Peuch-Haut, Saint Drezery, Languedoc-Rouissillon ‘15 (Grenache and Syrah)
- Domaine de Fontsainte Gris de Gris, Corbieres Languedoc-Rouissillon ‘15 (Grenache, Cinsault, Mouvedre, Carignan)
Poolside:
- Villa Pereire Provence, Fr ‘15 (Grenache, Cinsault, Rolle (vermentino), Carignan)
- Whispering Angel, Provence, Fr ‘15 (Grenache, Cinsault, Rolle)
- Miraval, Provence Fr. ‘15 (Grenache, Cinsault, Rolle, Syrah)
- Domaine Ott ‘15 (Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon)
Eating a fancy dinner:
- Chateau d’Esclans “Garrus” Provence, Fr ‘15 (Grenache, Rolle)
- Chateau Simone, Pallette, Fr ‘15 (Grenache, Cinsault, Mouvedre, Syrah and others)
- Les Dauphins, Rhone, Fr ‘15 (Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault)
Eating tapas:
- Chateau La Gordonne, Provence, Fr ‘15 (Grenache and Syrah)
- Il Rosa di Casonoves, “La Spinetta” Tuscany ‘15 (Sangiovese, Prugnolo Gentile)
- Marques de Caceres “Excellens” ‘15 (Grenache, Tempranillo, Viura)
- Muga ’15 (Grenache, Tempranillo, Viura)
By Jennifer Agress
Don’t know where to celebrate America’s birthday? Don’t worry. We do! This weekend, head to the restaurants below and pay homage to Uncle Sam with some fun, tasty drinks–and like all of our favorite events here at DiningOut Miami–lots of delicious food.
The Restaurant at The Raleigh/The Raleigh Hotel: On July 3 and 4, SBE’s iconic The Raleigh Hotel {1775 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.534.6300} will host an All-American Cookout with American-style grub like: grilled oysters with charred scallion and yuzu vinaigrette; Alaskan king crab legs with a lemon garlic aïoli; grilled St Louis ribs with kimchee barbecue, pickled coleslaw, and grilled sweet corn; and a Wagyu beef “Hot Dog ‘Everything’ Bun” with sauerkraut relish, beer mustard, and dirty chips. The party will continue for two full days, and will include family games like giant Jenga, giant Connect Four, ping pong, and corn hole, all with poolside ‘Americana’ tunes playing in the background. Adding to the festivities, $25 beer buckets and Red Bull + Ketel One buckets will be available, along with a live raw bar sitting right next to the grill. If that’s not freedom, we don’t know what is.
SOHO Bay Restaurant: On Sunday, July 3 from 11am-4pm, celebrate Fourth of July one day early with a brunch day party at SOHO Bay Restaurant {520 West Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.498.4644}. For just $29 per person, guests can feast on all-you-can-eat West Indian curries, Escovich fish, jerk chicken, jerk and roast pork, Ackee and saltfish, Callaoo, salt fish fritters, balmy, fried dumplings, soups, salads, and much more. Drinks aren’t included, but bottomless mimosas are available for just another $25 per person. The magical Biscayne Bay views and beats by Jazzy T? Those luxuries are free.
A Fish Called Avalon: On Monday, July 4, A Fish Called Avalon {700 Ocean Drive, South Beach; 305.532.1727} invites patrons to drink to America with a special wine deal: five glasses of select American wines for just $35. Taking place from 6-11pm, guests can pair their wine with tasty finger foods, all while watching the fireworks over the beach.
Bagatelle Miami Beach: At Bagatelle Miami Beach {220 21st Street, Miami Beach; 305.704.3900}, celebrate Independence Day like the French do–early and with a boozy brunch. To toast to the (American) red, white, and blue, enjoy French favorites like le pain perdu, a barbecue pulled pork “The Piggy” sandwich, spicy crab Benedict, Chateaubriand for two or three, a truffle-oil pizza, and more; all while being entertained by DJ Gotta.
Rusty Pelican: Want fireworks with a view? The Rusty Pelican {3201 Rickenbacker Causeway, Key Biscayne; 305.361.3818} has got it. To celebrate the day, this iconic Key Biscayne spot will have an American-style buffet with hearty entrées like brisket barbecue sliders, chicken wings, hot dogs, its signature mac ‘n’ cheese, potato salad, and more; all for $52.70.
KLIMA Restaurant and Bar: The brainchild of duo Pablo Fernández-Valdés and Yago Giner, KLIMA Restaurant and Bar {210 23rd Street, Miami Beach; 786.453.2779} gives diners near and far a taste of authentic Barcelona. Sitting in the heart of the historic district in Miami Beach, head there on the Fourth for a tasty, three-course American-inspired menu of dishes like pork ribs with a pimenton glaze, a prime beef burger, Key lime pie, and more. A vegetarian prix-fixe menu is also available, and the whole meal costs just $39 per person.
By Jennifer Agress
Want to get social? Do it at DIRT {232 Fifth Street, Miami Beach; 305.763.8548}! On Tuesday, July 12, everyone’s favorite Miami Beach-based health-conscious haunt will host the next “Snail Social” happy hour by Slow Food Miami–a nonprofit organization dedicated to furthering awareness of good, clean, sustainable, and fair food in South Florida. This happy hour will take place from 6pm to 8pm, and is open to the public.
Helmed by Chef Nicole Votano, DIRT’s delicious, seasonal vegan, vegetarian, paleo, and gluten-free menus make it the perfect spot to host one of the ever-popular Snail Socials. DIRT is committed to sustainable food practices and environmentalism–with locally sourced produce from Sun Fresh Farm & Ranch, Seed to Sprout, Harpke Family Farms, Zak the Baker, Local Roots, and Jojo Tea–proving time and time again that amazing food can actually be healthy.
So, what’s on the menu at this Snail Social? Available during happy hour, DIRT invites attendees to feast on the following farm-to-table Snail of Approval small bites:
Tortilla Española made with Florida potatoes, melted leeks, and velvety Sun Fresh Farm & Ranch eggs, sided by a smoky aioli.
Local Roots Melon Salad with sugar cube muskmelon, crimson watermelon, nuoc mam, and toasted peanuts, all topped with freshly picked cilantro and mint
Jojo Tea Matcha Mango Cakes
Mini Blueberry and Peach Crostatas
Taking place the second Tuesday of every month, Slow Food Miami’s “Snail Social” events consistently feature different guest chefs and restaurants in the greater Miami area. To celebrate the cause, on July 12, DIRT invites all guests who attend to stay after the event has ended, and enjoy 20-percent off their meal.
Want to eat clean? See you at DIRT!
By Jennifer Agress
Valentine’s Day is less than two weeks away. Do you know where you’re spending it? Below, we offer the most complete roundup of V-Day offerings Miami has to offer. Here’s how to spend Valentine’s Day in Miami.
Downtown and Brickell
Atrio’s Raspberry Mille-Feuille
Atrio Restaurant & Wine Room {Conrad Miami, 1395 Brickell Avenue, Brickell; 305.503.6529}
Spoil your sweetheart with a three-course meal with choices such as Poached Oysters and Beef Tenderloin, and decadent Raspberry Mille-Feuille, all with a side of skyline backdrop from 25 stories up. Price is $65 per person; includes one glass of prosecco and complimentary valet parking.
Azul {Mandarin Oriental, Miami, 500 Brickell Key Drive, Brickell; 305.913.8358}
A five-course meal will be served Feb. 12-14 for $350 per couple. Includes bottle of Piper-Heidsieck Champagne, a box of handmade chocolates, and a rose petal decorated table. Menu items include Yellowfin Tuna, Whipped Foie Gras, Sea Scallops, Hibiscus Braised Short Rib, and a Couples Dessert.
Langoustine Scampi al Forno from Cipriani
Cipriani {465 Brickell Avenue, Brickell; 786.329.4090}
Celebrate V-Day Cipriani-style with an authentic three-course Italian dinner for $95 per person. Includes signature welcome Bellini; choice of appetizer; choice of entrée from Gnocchi al Pomodoro, Roasted Rack of Veal, or Langoustine Scampi al Forno; and choice of dessert. Click here for full menu.
db Bistro Moderne {255 Biscayne Boulevard Way, Downtown; 305.421.8800}
February 13-14, Daniel Boulud’s French bistro is offering a four-course menu for $155 per person, featuring choice of Peekytoe Crab Salad or Guinea Hen Terrine, followed by Black Truffle Risotto and your choice of a Duo of Beef or Butter-Poached Lobster. Sommelier Alan Feldman will offer wine selections to highlight the dishes. Click here for full menu.
La Mar by Gastón Acurio {Mandarin Oriental, Miami, 500 Brickell Key Drive, Brickell; 305.913.8358}
A trio of special dishes will be available 11:30am-11pm February 12-13 and 6-11pm February 14. Also on V-Day, indulge in a Peruvian-style brunch with cebiches, specialty entrées, and decadent desserts, plus unlimited Champagne and brunch cocktails for $85 per person.
Seaspice’s Seafood Carnival
Seaspice {422 Northwest North River Drive, Miami; 305.440.4200}
Enjoy the Seafood Carnival, market priced from $600-$750, which includes two two-pound lobsters, eight jumbo prawns, 24 oysters, Alaskan king crab, Florida stone crab, tuna sashimi, salmon sashimi, hamachi sashimi, salmon coconut ceviche, and 2oz Sevruga caviar. Tip: Ask for Table 85, a dimly lit riverside table overlooking the downtown skyline.
Tamarina {600 Brickell Avenue, Brickell; 305.579.1888}
February 12-14, enjoy the chef’s special tasting menu for $180 per couple. On February 13, there will be a free open-air movie, “The Book of Life,” at the Brickell World Plaza, where Tamarina will be serving Valentine’s sweets and gelato. On Sunday, the restaurant hosts its “Lovers Brunch,” featuring a live jazz band performing in the plaza.
The Trapiche Room {JW Marriott Miami, 1109 Brickell Avenue, Brickell; 305.329.3500}
Share a romantic dining experience with a four-course menu for $80 per person (or $105 per person with featured wine pairings). Includes amuse bouche, Chef’s Creek Oyster, and entrée selection of Chocolate-Dusted Prime Filet or Coho Salmon. Click here for full menu.
Miami Beach
Bagatelle {221 21st Street, Miami Beach; 305.704.3900}
Order the $185 Le Sobe, which includes 16 market oysters, half an Alaskan king crab, stone crab claws, one Maine lobster, eight littleneck clams, 12 mussels, 12 shrimps, seafood ceviche, yellowfin tuna tartare, and Scottish salmon tartare. Tip: Ask for Table 203, the restaurant’s most romantic table.
Bazi Dining Room
Bazi {1200 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.695.010}
Chef Michael Pirolo is offering a five-course menu for $75 per person. Start with Dressed Oysters, followed by Sweet Potato Dumplings, Shrimp and Crab Udon, and a choice of Miso-Marinated Grouper or Grass-Fed NY Strip Steak. Cap off the evening with a Molten Chocolate Bowl with passionfruit and Thai basil anglaise.
BLT Steak {The Betsy-South Beach, 1440 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach; 305.673.0044}
February 12-14, BLT Steak is featuring a three-course menu for $70 per person, with enticing selections such as Royal Red Shrimp Ceviche, Seared Yellowfin Tuna, Meyer Lemon Quinoa Risotto, and Raspberry Chocolate Cake. Click here for full menu.
Café des Arts {22 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.534.2555}
South of Fifth’s new Mediterranean café will offer a $75 menu featuring Maine Lobster Salad; a choice of Dorade Fillet or Tender Wagyu; and choice of dessert. Also includes a Love Kiss Shot (a cold shot of red beet and gin) and glass of Piper-Heidsieck Champagne. Click here for full menu.
Cleo {The Redbury Hotel, 1776 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.534.2536}
Enjoy a prix-fixe menu for $85 per person featuring choice of dip (hummus with tahini, cucumbers and yogurt, labneh with feta, or baba ghanoush); classic items such as the Brussels Sprouts, Spicy Cigars, Grilled Branzino, and chef’s selection of gourmet desserts. Click here for full menu.
Movie under the stars at the Miami Beach EDITION
EDITION Miami Beach {2901 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 786.257.4600}
Spend a romantic evening under the stars while enjoying a picnic basket for two and watching “Casablanca.” Baskets are $100 and include cheese and charcuterie, freshly baked bread, tuna tartare, gourmet popcorn, house-baked cookies, and a bottle of rosé. Movie begins at 7pm.
Jaya {The Setai, 2001 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 855.923.7899}
The Setai’s new restaurant will offer two five-course menus, one February 12-13 for $98 per person, and one on February 14 for $125 per person. Wine pairings are available for an additional $110 per person. Ladies receive a complimentary glass of rosé and delectable macarons. Click here for Friday and Saturday menu; click here for Sunday menu.
Katsuya {1701 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.455.2995}
Take a culinary journey with Chef Jose Icardi’s special family-style menu, offered Feb. 13-14 for $85 per person. Menu items include Toro Tartare, Wagyu Foie, Whole Lobster, chef’s dessert selection, and a complimentary glass of Champagne. Click here for full menu.
2 Hearts R Better Than 1 from the Standard
Lido Restaurant at The Standard {40 Island Avenue, Miami Beach; 786.425.0990}
Be sure to order Beverage Director Amy Demoga’s specialty Champagne cocktail, 2 Hearts R Better Than 1: Veuve Clicquot Rich over ice with red pepper hearts.
Macchialina {820 Alton Road, Miami Beach; 305.534.2124}
Miami Beach’s beloved rustic Italian eatery will offer a five-course menu for $75 per person featuring dishes such as Dressed Oysters, Yellowfin Tuna Crudo, Truffled Risotto, Veal Cheek Crepinette, and Molten Chocolate Cake.
Michael Mina 74 {Fontainebleau, 4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.674.4636}
Spoil your loved one at the Fontainebleau’s contemporary American bistro with a lavish four-course menu for $250 per couple (add wine pairings for an additional $100). The menu can also be served in a romantic private cabana for $500 per couple. Click here for full menu.
Quattro Gastronomia Italiana {1014 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach; 305.531.4833}
Lincoln Road’s upscale Northern Italian eatery is offering several à la carte dinner specials, including Tuna Carpaccio, Creamy Truffle Polenta, Gnocchi Pesto with Shrimp, and Rack of Lamb with beech mushroom sauce. Click here for full menu.
TiramesU {101 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.532.4538}
South of Fifth’s quaint Italian eatery is offering an à la carte dinner menu. “Each dish is meant to awaken passion, through your palette,” says Chef Fabrizio Pintus. A specialty cocktail appropriately named “Valentino” includes strawberries, basil, balsamic, and Effen vodka. Click here for full menu.
Coral Gables
The Biltmore {1200 Anastasia Avenue, Coral Gables; 305.445.8066 ext. 2373}
Let Executive Chef David Hackett personalize and prepare a custom menu for you within a private cabana nestled alongside the Biltmore’s world-famous pool. Four-course dinners start at $200 per person. Let the Biltmore Design Team enhance your cabana experience with flowers, live music, or special décor.
Bulla Cordonices con Rosas
Bulla Gastrobar {2500 Ponce de Leon Blvd, Coral Gables; 305.316.3631}
The Gables’ favorite gastrobar will offer a weekly à la carte Valentine’s-themed menu; highlights include Pargo a La Sal, Florida red snapper baked in salt; Codornices con Rosas, grilled semi-boneless quails; Carrilleras de Ternera Lechal, veal cheek fricassee; and Brazo Helado de Mango y Vainilla, Mango gelée roll filled with vanilla ice cream and yogurt.
Ortanique on the Mile {278 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables; 305.446.7710}
Chef Cindy Hutson will host a themed cooking class on February 13 from 11:30am-2:30pm for $108 per person. Dishes include: Hearts on Fire, steamed artichoke hearts, crisp greens in a pink peppercorn Caesar, and shaved Grana Padano; Sweet Cheeks, Niman Ranch braised pork cheeks and sweet corn polenta in a cherry chipotle agave glaze; and Making Whoopie, red velvet cookie cake filled with white chocolate cream cheese icing.
And Beyond
Hyde Beach Kitchen + Cocktails {111 South Surf Road, Hallandale; 954.699.0901}
From 11am-3pm, couples can revel in a $50 brunch buffet that includes dishes such as Fried Chicken and Waffles, Blueberry Pancakes, and thick-cut bacon topped off with $30 bottomless rosé. For dinner, there will be a $75 prix-fixe menu with plates such as the Pumpkin Brioche, Wasabi Tuna Tartare, Mushroom Gnocchi, and a selection of desserts. Click here for full menu.
Morton’s Valentine’s Day Surf ‘n’ Turf Special
Morton’s The Steakhouse {Locations in Brickell, Coral Gables, and North Miami Beach}
February 12-14, Morton’s is offering a taste of the good life by offering diners the chance to order a succulent steak AND a cold water lobster tail with drawn butter for only $55.
Riviera Focacceria Italiana {3252 Northeast Buena Vista Boulevard, Suite 110, Midtown; 786.220.6251}
For a quiet evening at home, order Riviera’s take-home basket for a Valentine’s dinner that you and your loved one can prepare together. Baskets are $45 and include Red Shrimp Ravioli with a creamy pink peppercorn sauce, chef’s choice of dessert, and a bottle of Syltbar Rosé.
Pisco y Nazca {The Palms at Town & Country, 8405 Mills Drive, Kendall; 305.630.3844}
Treat your love to a seat at the bar to share one of the special Valentine’s Day menu items. And don’t forget to order the Noche de Pasion cocktail, a mixture of Ron Cartavio Black, passionfruit purée, vanilla cinnamon syrup, lemon juice, Garnish black cherry, and sprinkled cinnamon.
—Sherri Balefsky | Miami Editor