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Home / Posts Tagged "Miami" (Page 4)

7:54 am
Restaurant Features
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Chef Bee Oishi Thai

Piyarat Potha Arreeratn, aka Chef Bee, is no stranger to the kitchen. Growing up in northern Thailand, his parents were farmers, who taught him about growing and preparing his own food. His grandmother was also a cook, who taught him how to make various Thai street foods that she sold at the local market.

Chef Bee eventually made his way to Miami, where he worked up the ranks to ultimately become a sushi chef at Nobu Miami Beach. In 2005, he opened his first restaurant, Oishi Thai {14841 Biscayne Boulevard, North Miami Beach; 305.947.4338} to critical acclaim. This fall, Chef Bee will open his second restaurant, NaiYaRa {1854 Bay Road, Miami Beach}, in the burgeoning Sunset Harbour neighborhood. DiningOut had the chance to catch up with Chef Bee to discuss his new venture.

1. Tell us about your background. Where are you originally from? What made you decide to be a chef?
I’m originally from Thailand. I started cooking with my mother at a very young age, preparing meals for our family in our hometown of Chiang Rai. Throughout the years, I’ve worked as a dishwasher, a busboy, a server, a cashier, and a sushi chef. I’ve always known that I wanted to open my own restaurant.

2. What made you decide to come to the United States, particularly Miami?
I decided to come to the United States to study and open a business many years ago. Miami is one of the best cities in the world. I’m from the mountains in Thailand, but I’ve always loved the sun, beach, and sand. I love the people in Miami and the culture.

3. How did you get the nickname “Chef Bee”?
I am and always have been a workaholic. My friends started noticing how much I worked when I was in my 20s—I had two jobs and slept five hours a day! When I worked with Chef Kevin Cory at Siam River, I would open AND close the restaurant. Friends and customers started calling me “Busy Bee” and it stuck. Oishi Thai has been open for over a decade and you will always see me there—unless I’m sick.

4. How did opening Oishi Thai prepare you for opening a second restaurant?
When I opened Oishi Thai, it was in the middle of nowhere. It was wrong in every sense—there were no residents around, no offices—it was a mistake. But I’ve carried the restaurant through tough times for over a decade. Consistency in food and service is the key to success. NaiYaRa will open in Sunset Harbour, which is a popular destination, not like our first.

5. Tell us about the overall concept for NaiYaRa. How does it differ from Oishi Thai?
Oishi Thai has always been about me. I came to this country to take risks and open a business. NaiYaRa will be for and about my daughter (Naiya-ra is my daughter’s name—in Thai, it means elephant, friendly, honest, hard work, and long life). She was born and raised in America and this restaurant is to show her my roots.

6. And the menu?
The menu will be similar to Oishi Thai, but it will have an emphasis on Thai street food with organic and health-conscious dishes throughout. All the recipes are from my mother and my hometown. I want my daughter to discover and understand how I grew up and our roots.

7. How often do you travel back to your native Thailand and how does this influence your cooking?
I go to Thailand once a year to visit my father and mother. Whenever I’m home, my mother and aunt cook for my daughter and me. The cooking is based on whatever produce is available in their own backyard and in season.

8. What are your personal favorite items on the menu? What do you hope will be your signature dishes?
I have many favorite menu items. Two years ago, I started making a dish called Burmese Noodle Wraps—fresh chow fun noodles filled with roasted chile paste, palm sugar, lime juice, and ground peanuts. It originated in Myanmar, which is next to Chiang Rai. This year, I’m trying to support my Thai friends who are farmers in Homestead. Two signature dishes will be the Organic Crispy Bok Choy with garlic chips topped with sweet sesame soy, and the Crispy Chicken Dumplings with spicy garlic soy vinaigrette.

9. What Miami chefs or celebrity chefs do you admire?
Chef Kevin Cory from NAOE, Chef Brad Kilgore from Alter, Chef Aaron Brooks from Edge Steak, Chef Michael Schwartz of Michael’s Genuine, Chef Michelle Bernstein and Chef Duangwiwat Khoetchapalayook (aka Chef Danny) from Oishi Thai.

10. Do you have a favorite food or guilty pleasure?
I can eat barbecue all day. Tom Jenkins BBQ is my favorite.

By Sherri Balefsky | Miami Editor

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8:57 am
Restaurant Features
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Wynwood Kitchen_Wynwood Benedict

Wynwood Kitchen & Bar {2550 Northwest Second Avenue, Wynwood; 305.722.8959}, known for its hip, artsy vibe and flavorful, tapas-style menu, is finally giving locals what they’ve been asking for ever since the eatery opened almost five years ago: Sunday brunch.

The classic eatery has always been closed on Sunday … but not anymore. Starting this weekend, Wynwood Kitchen will be open on Sunday from 11:30am-4:30pm, serving a rotating menu of classic brunch dishes in addition to its regular menu. The new items were crafted by Venezuela-born Executive Chef Miguel Aguilar and inspired by traditional Latin breakfast staples.

Some highlights of the Wynwood brunch include the Wynwood Benedict (pictured above), featuring poached egg with crabmeat, chipotle hollandaise, and polenta; Perico, scrambled eggs served with queso fresco, black beans, and arepas; Cachapas, sweet yellow corn cakes smothered in queso mano, queso fresco, and crema; and Tostada (pictured below), a sunnyside-up egg with tomato purée, black beans, Cojita cheese, and crema.

Wynwood Kitchen_Tostada

And it’s not just the food menu that’s getting a Sunday brunch makeover. The restaurant has also introduced a number of delicious brunch-friendly libations, including Prosecco cocktails mixed with your choice of Hibiscus, Palomimosa, Applish, or Blue Pisco; Bloody Marys (such as the Tomatilla Sangríta with Jose Cuervo Special and a tomatillo blend); and red, white, and green sangrías served by the glass or pitcher.

By Sherri Balefsky | Miami Editor

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10:41 am
Restaurant Features
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The Continental- Exterior (credit Alex Markow)

Earlier this month, DiningOut had the privilege of eating at one of South Beach’s newest and most anticipated restaurant openings of the summer: The Continental {2360 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.604.2000}. Yes, that’s right—it’s the same Continental as the famed Philadelphia eatery and martini bar that launched the career of restaurateur extraordinaire Stephen Starr.

This is the fourth dining venture that the restaurant mogul has brought to South Florida (following in the successful footsteps of Steak 954 at the W Fort Lauderdale, Makoto at Bal Harbour Shops, and Verde at the Pérez Art Museum Miami). It’s a fitting time for this opening, as the original location is currently celebrating its 20th anniversary.

The Continental- Interior (credit Alex Markow)

Though inspired by its Philly roots, The Continental Miami (designed by Shawn Hausman Design) has a vibe of its own, a sort of tropical-retro décor featuring greenery and bamboo accents throughout. The aesthetic translates onto the front patio facing Collins Avenue with white wrought-iron chairs and bold red and blue cushions.

Cocktails are a driving force behind the success of the original Continental, and the Miami location is no different. Working at DiningOut has its perks, and we were able to try three of the restaurant’s signature cocktails: the Dominicana Old Fashioned, La Florida Daiquiri, and the Island Thyme Sangría (pictured below, left to right). All were beautifully presented and equally tasty in their own way.

Continental Miami

At the helm of the kitchen is Chef Matthew Oetting, who most recently was executive chef of Starr’s Caffe Storico in New York City. He worked closely with Erik Battes, Starr’s corporate chef, who has worked at New York’s Morimoto and Jean-Georges, to develop the menu. The result is an amalgamation of international flavors, from the Chinese specialties to the Puerto Rican Crispy Pork to the build-your-own sushi, where tuna, salmon, sushi rice, toasted nori, vegetables, and garnishes are presented in a bento box with instructions on how to be your own sushi master.

Philly cheesesteak eggroll

We started off with two amazing appetizers: the fantastically gooey, melt-in-your-mouth Cheesesteak Eggroll (above), another nod to the restaurant’s Philly roots, and the succulent Burrata with Heirloom Tomatoes and Berries salad (below).

Continental Miami

For our main course, we split two standout dishes: the peppercorn-crusted Steak au Poivre—a juicy slab of beef with just the right amount of kick—and the Sizzling Seafood Wor Bar, mixture of lobster, shrimp, scallops, and seasonal veggies in a light garlic-based sauce, which comes out of the kitchen steaming hot like fajitas.

IMG_2611

With just enough room for dessert, we decided to try the most curious of the bunch: the Crackerjack Sundae, a mixture of popcorn ice cream, caramel popcorn, toasted peanuts, and caramel sauce. We were unsure about the popcorn ice cream, but in reality it tasted a lot more like vanilla, creating a decadent salty-sweet combination of flavors.

In all, it was a fun and flavorful evening with attentive and accommodating service. We’re looking forward to returning soon—especially once The Continental launches its forthcoming lunch and brunch menus.

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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10:12 am
Recipes
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Roasted Peach Gazpacho Atrio Restaurant

Looking for the perfect dish to beat the heat? Try Atrio Restaurant & Wine Room’s Peach Gazpacho, made with ripe peaches and other fresh ingredients. Stop by the restaurant at the Conrad Miami hotel to try it for yourself, or make your own at home using this super-simple recipe.

Peach Gazpacho from Executive Chef Virgile Brandel of Atrio Restaurant & Wine Room
serves four

Ingredients

Gazpacho:
5 Roma tomatoes, quartered
3 ripe, fresh peaches, quartered and seeded
2 cucumbers, peeled and seeded
1/2 red onion, sliced
3 garlic cloves
1 red bell pepper
2 basil springs
1 c tomato juice
1/4 c red wine vinegar
1/4 c olive oil
salt and pepper

Garnish:
6 slices of roasted peaches
1/4 c of chopped Marcona almonds
micro-herbs

Method

In a container, place all the prepared ingredients together. Refrigerate and let marinate overnight.

In a blender, place the ingredients and blend until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve chilled in a bowl and garnish with the peaches, almonds and micro-herbs.

By Sherri Balefsky | Photo by Jessica Gonzalez

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11:36 am
Restaurant Features
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La Mar Anticucho Bar LR

Although we celebrated our nation’s independence earlier this month, Peruvians are getting ready to celebrate theirs on July 28. And Miami’s leading Peruvian restaurant La Mar by Gastón Acurio {Mandarin Oriental Miami, 500 Brickell Key Drive, Brickell; 305.913.8358} is celebrating in style with a weeklong roster of culinary events and specials.

The festivities begin this Sunday, July 26, from noon until 3:30pm, with a special Paella Brunch featuring live Peruvian music; a live-action paella station of Arroz con Pato, made with confit duck, black beer, squash, corn cider, and cilantro; a Cebiche Bar with a delicious selection of seafood cebiches, causas, tiraditos, and Peruvian-style sushi rolls; and an Anticucho Bar that will offer hot specialties such as Grilled Anticucho Skewers, empanadas, sliders, and whole fish. Guests will also enjoy their choice of one Peruvian entrée specialty, Chaufa Aeropuerto for the table, unlimited brunch cocktails, and decadent desserts.

La Mar Cebiche Bar Chefs

For the rest of the week, diners can order off of Chef Diego Oka’s exclusive dinner menu that pays homage to traditional Andean cooking and the centuries of culinary fusion that have influenced modern Peruvian cuisine. Through August 1, Chef Oka will present festive family-style platters that will include Piqueo Frio with Cebiche Mixto, Causa Cangrejo, and Seafood Jalea, and Piqueo Caliente with Anticucho de Corazon, Aji de Gallina Empanadas, and Yuca with Ocopa Sauce.

La Mar Piqueo Frio

The flavorful dishes can be paired with La Mar’s special Peruvian Independence Day cocktails: the cucumber-basil Albahaca Pisco, the refreshing Eucalyptus Mule, and the Tiki Limeño with spicy-infused Pisco, rum, gin, passionfruit, fresh citrus, Falernum liqueur, and nutmeg.

On July 28, the live band will return, providing a fun, celebratory atmosphere all in honor the country’s 194 years of independence.

By Sherri Balefsky | Miami Editor

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2:07 pm
Restaurant Features
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Chef Angelina Bastidas

The Village of Merrick Park’s newest eatery Piripi {320 San Lorenzo Avenue, Coral Gables; 305.448.2423} opened its doors in March with a bang. Already, it’s stirring the pot by introducing a brand-new executive chef: Angelina Bastidas.

At only 25 years old, Bastidas has had more than her fair share of culinary experience. She was still a student at Le Cordon Bleu when she began her career at Wish with Marco Ferraro (a Jean-Georges protégée). She then honed her skills in a number of Miami’s top dining destinations before taking on the position of chef de cuisine at South Beach’s popular Tongue & Cheek, where she was selected by Zagat Miami as one of the 30 Under 30 Miami Rock Stars Redefining the Industry.

Just weeks into her new position at Piripi, we had the opportunity to talk with Chef Bastidas about her background, her inspiration, what changes she has in store for the new menus, and even her guilty pleasures.

1. Tell us a bit about your history.
I am originally from the Bronx, but I was raised in Miami and my background is Dominican-Colombian. I have been interested in food since I was a young girl—I grew up with it as part of our family culture. As soon as I graduated high school, I enrolled at Le Cordon Bleu, and after two weeks, I started working in the kitchen at Wish. I’ve also worked at Area 31, The Bazaar by José Andrés, The Biltmore Palme d’Or, and Tongue & Cheek.

2. What drew you to Piripi?
As soon as I heard there was a restaurant opening named Piripi, I was intrigued. To me, it’s a word that perfectly describes Miami (“piripi” is Spanish for “tipsy”). I remember the first time I walked into the restaurant; I was really impressed with the space itself—it’s beautiful and immense—and I guess I felt a little “piripi” myself just walking in the door.

3. Tell us about the new menus. What are some changes you’re making?
We are introducing new brunch, lunch, and kids’ menus, and at some point, a happy hour menu. We have such a great bar, I’d love to see some dishes suited just for dining there. I am also restructuring the dinner menu; there will be a mix of new dishes, plus re-creations of some that are already on the menu. New dishes that I’m excited about are the Chistorra Piripi, the Roasted Beet Salad, and the classic Shrimp al Ajillo. In the future, I also plan on expanding the charcuterie menu, where we can feature housemade meats, torchons, terrines, etc.

4. What is your personal favorite menu item?
My personal favorite has to be the Chistorra Piripi. It’s probably going to be the biggest hit for Piripi yet. It has crispy potatoes, poached egg, and pan-fried chistorra with a Manchego espuma that melts in your mouth!

5. What might surprise visitors about Pirpi if they are coming in for the first time?
I think the first thing guests notice when they walk in has to be the extravagant artwork over the bar. I also think that some of the new dishes and composed plates we are presenting will surprise visitors—even those who are regulars. We are not changing the cuisine, we are reinventing it. At our core, we are still a Spanish restaurant, but we are ready to have fun with our food, with different textures and flavors.

6. How does Miami play a part when creating menu items, selecting ingredients, etc.?
Our location in Miami always defines my menus. I love to embrace what’s local and in season—that’s key to how I create my menus.

7. What Miami chefs or celebrity chefs do you admire?
Florida chefs I admire would have to be Norman Van Aken, Lindsay Autry, and Jeremy Ford. Celebrity chefs I admire are Curtis Duffy, Emeril Lagasse, and Daniel Barber.

8. Do you have a favorite cooking show on TV?
If I had to pick, it would probably have to be “Kitchen Nightmares.” Although it gives me major anxiety, it helps me improve on “cleanliness!”

9. Do you have a favorite food or guilty food pleasure?
My go-to has to be Hershey’s Pie. It relieves me from all the stress I deal with at work.

10. What do you love most about working at Piripi so far?
Working with the Piripi family has been a pleasure. Everyone is committed to doing their best and working as a team. When you’re around great energy, the workflow is just so much smoother.

By Sherri Balefsky | Online 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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8:29 am
Restaurant Features
1
db bistro moderne miami

Street View

If you’ve ever crossed over the bridge from Brickell Avenue into downtown, then you’ve certainly passed by db Bistro Moderne {255 Biscayne Boulevard Way, Miami; 305.421.8800}. But because of its unpretentious facade, you might have missed it. Those in-the-know know that on the ground floor of the luxe JW Marriott Marquis Miami is where Chef Daniel Boulud’s only South Florida restaurant finds its home. DiningOut recently had the opportunity to dine at this trés chic French eatery with the added bonus of spending some time chatting with Executive Chef Jason Pringle.

db bistro moderne miami bar

Bar & Lounge Area

Our first exposure to the restaurant was via the bar and lounge area, which was abuzz for happy hour (which takes place Monday-Friday 5-8pm). Young professionals and business execs find this casual haven to be the perfect spot for after-work drinks with friends or colleagues.

db bistro moderne miami

White Oak Dining Room

We were seated in the White Oak Dining Room, which features the same sophisticated vibe of db Bistro’s Manhattan and Singapore counterparts, but has been updated to reflect Miami’s tropical lifestyle. Designed by the internationally renowned firm Yabu Pushelberg, each distinct dining room (there are several, making this the perfect location for small groups and special events) feels as if it has been plucked directly from a hip SoHo establishment and pieced together to create one cohesive restaurant that’s worthy of serving up Boulud’s unrivaled cuisine.

chefs jason pringle and daniel boulud

Executive Chef Jason Pringle with Daniel Boulud

We were soon greeted by Chef Pringle, a San Francisco native with over 13 years of culinary experience under his belt. Prior to making his way to Miami, he worked at Boulud’s Michelin-starred Café Boulud in New York City. Though humble and soft-spoken, Chef Pringle shared with us the nuances of the menu, which changes seasonally and features only the freshest, locally sourced ingredients. When prompted to select his favorite dish on the menu, he said coyly, “I wouldn’t NOT recommend anything.”

db bistro

Trio of Appetizers

And so, our culinary journey began. To start, Chef Pringle sent out a trio of bite-sized appetizers, our favorite of which was the Tuna Crudo. Then came the first course: Florida Key Shrimp al Ajillo, local rock shrimp sautéed with butter and citrus, and the Heirloom Tomato Salad with arugula and fennel.

db bistro

Heirloom Tomato Salad

For our main course, we shared the Almond-Crusted Halibut (by far the standout dish of the evening), which is served with forbidden rice, orange emulsion, and bok choy, and the Spaghetti Chitarra, which was like a fettuccini served in a creamy citrus sauce. “I had a guest from Italy come in and said that we make excellent pasta for a French restaurant,” our server told us (who, by the way, was fantastic and beyond attentive).

db bistro

Almond-Crusted Halibut

db bistro

Spaghetti Chitarra

Dessert was certainly a grand finale. In addition to being treated to an assortment of chocolates and macarons and a warm basket of madeleines (which we boxed up and took home for later), we shared the Crunchy Chocolate Bar. This unforgettable delight was prepared with a caramel-praline glaze, brownies, candied hazelnuts, and served with a toasted marshmallow ice cream.

db bistro

Desserts

Our only regret? That we didn’t try the famous db Burger, which we hear is an experience unto itself.

By Sherri Balefsky | Miami Editor

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9:40 am
Restaurant Features
0

Made in Italy Gourmet

No plans for tonight? Consider the following:

All summer long, Wynwood’s new Italian restaurant and market Made in Italy Gourmet {10 Northeast 27th Street, Miami; 786.360.5671} presents “Summer Wine Nights,” a unique Thursday night wine dinner series presented by chefs Cristian Zappelletto and Marco Baruffaldi. The highlight of the series is TONIGHT, July 16, at 7:30pm, featuring the breathtaking island of Sicily and wine pairings that will elevate the experience with each bite! Tickets for the four-course wine dinner and two wine pairings are available for purchase at Made in Italy Gourmet at $55 (plus tax and gratuity). Call the restaurant to reserve your table NOW.

THE MENU

Zuppa di Ceci & Gamberi
Chick pea and shrimp soup

Involtini di Salmone e Caprino
Rolled salmon carpaccio filled with goat cheese
Paired with Principi di Butera Chardonnay

Ravioli di Speck & Fontina alla Crema di Funghi
Homemade ravioli filled with speck and fontina cheese served in a cream of mushrooms sauce
Paired with Principi di Butera Merlot

Amaretto & Goccie di Cioccolata
Amaretto cookies and chocolate-chip cake

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