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Home / Posts Tagged "Miami" (Page 6)

7:34 am
Restaurant Features
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Lique Miami

A trendy new restaurant and lounge has made its way to North Miami Beach and, within just a few months, it’s already talk of the town. Located on the Intracoastal Waterway, Lique {3957 Northeast 163rd Street, North Miami; 305.705.2425}, offers chic nautical décor, 1,000 feet of docking space, an inventive craft cocktail list, and an eclectic menu featuring seafood-inspired delights such as snow crab claws, oysters, and whole grilled branzino. We had a chance to catch up with Peter Cumplido, director of operations at Trust Hospitality Group, the restaurant group behind Lique, to discuss the concept, the décor, the menu, and more.

How did the concept for Lique come about? What sparked the idea?
The idea was sparked when I joined Alex Podolnyy almost two years ago. But we pushed it aside to create Sweet Nectar (on Las Olas Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale). Then, some of the founding members of Seaspice came to us very interested in the space, which created the spark again. So Alex and I decided to open what we’d always envisioned for the space and its capabilities.

How does the décor of the space reflect this concept?
The décor represents the concept and what we envisioned it to be. It’s a feeling of St. Tropez and the south of France, with rustic and organic textures and colors.

What sets Lique’s location apart from other places in the area?
Lique is a destination, a hidden gem, and one of the few properties in South Florida with waterfront views and water access. The neighborhood has nothing like it. In South Beach, you have many options that are similar to our concept, but our cuisine makes us stand out from other restaurants in South Florida. We brought the touch and feel of South Beach to the fast-growing neighborhood of Sunny Isles and North Miami Beach.

Lique Miami

What does “Lique” mean? Why was this chosen for the name?
We were just playing around with words and thought it was different and funny once we started using it. “I want to lick you.”

Tell us about the overall menu concept.
The menu consists of whole fresh fish from our charcoal grill and raw fish, and contains lots of ingredients from the Mediterranean and Asia. It’s not a typical match, but when you put the two region’s ingredients together, they make sense—great combinations with unique flavors and outcomes.

Lique sushi

What about the drink menu?
Our drink menu consists of lots of fresh fruit and exotic flavors. We have a very rare scotch and Cognac collection and over 80 bottles of hand-selected wines from all regions. It’s a very big rosé venue with Miraval and the only Stoli Elit “Ice Bar” in Miami

How does Miami play a part in the flavors and ingredients on the menu?
It plays a big part; being so close to the Caribbean and South America, we use those exotic flavors, spices, and herbs to enhance all of our food and beverage options.

What might surprise visitors about Lique if they are coming for the first time?
The entire place! The water views, décor, and charcoal grill smell. When you walk in, it’s a shell-shocker because of the plaza it’s in, the entrance itself, and our neighbors.

lique miami

What is your personal favorite item on the menu? What would you recommend to first-timers to try?
The raw fish from our raw bar and anything from the grill. And our housemade Peking duck.

What about Lique are you most proud of so far?
That it’s become so popular so quickly. And that our dedicated team shares the same passion and belief that Alex and myself have for the concept.

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1:41 pm
Restaurant Features
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taste of the gables

Tickets are now on sale for the Taste of the Gables, a celebration of food and fun to officially kick off Coral Gables Restaurant Week. Presented by Bacardi USA, guests will enjoy drinks, live music, and the chance to sample dishes from 20 restaurants—then vote for their favorite dish!

Taste of the Gables takes place on Thursday, June 4, from 6:30-8:30pm at the Westin Colonnade Hotel {180 Aragon Avenue, Coral Gables). You can purchase advance tickets here.

If you’re not able to make it to the event, be sure to head to downtown Coral Gables from June 8-28—that’s three weeks!—when more than 40 different restaurants are offering amazing prix-fixe lunch and dinner menus at incredible prices.

Participating restaurants include Anacapri Italian Cuisine & Market, Bellmónt Spanish Restaurant, Bread + Butter, Bulla Gastrobar, Cibo Wine Bar, Morton’s The Steakhouse, Ortanique on the Mile, Uvaggio Wine Bar, and many, many more! Visit coralgablesrestaurantweek.com for participating restaurants and prix-fixe menus. We hope to see you there!

-Sherri Balefsky | Online Editor

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2:51 pm
Restaurant Features
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Soho Bay

Earlier this month, DiningOut had the opportunity to eat at one of South Beach’s newest Japanese restaurants—SOHO Bay {520 West Avenue, Miami Beach; 786.618.2788}

Hidden on a quiet bayfront perch just north of the MacArthur Causeway, this unassuming new restaurant has much to offer relative to its humble surroundings. The restaurant, which held its official grand opening party on April 2, is poised to be one of Miami’s go-to sushi spots, perfect for all occasions, whether it’s a romantic night out, a celebratory group dinner, or a laid-back happy hour spot for after-work drinks. In addition to its dining room and sushi bar (pictured above), SOHO Bay features an intimate covered patio looking out on the Miami skyline and Star Island as well as an outdoor lounge area out front.

Soho Bay Drink

Although new to the Miami scene, SOHO Bay is no stranger to the restaurant biz. In fact, the SOHO Bay brand has been in business for over 15 years in Brazil, boasting eight locations throughout the country. The Miami location (the first outside of Brazil) is helmed by Executive Chef Ricky Sauri, who brings more than 20 years of experience (including stints at Nobu, Touch, Bloom, and Khong River House) to the SOHO Bay team.

Upon being seating on the patio, which features wicker chairs and wooden tables, we were immediately greeted by our friendly server, who presented us with both a food menu and a tempting cocktail list featuring a number of exotic drinks that we were told will rotate with the seasons. The Japanese-inspired menu is designed to share—perfect for those of us who want to taste as many items on the menu as humanly possible.

Soho Bay Sunset

Our appetizers came out just as the sun was setting, creating a gorgeous orange-pink display over the horizon. We dug in to the Shrimp and Vegetable Tempura and the delicious Chicken and Asparagus Skewers from the robata bar. The skewers were some of our favorites, though we wished there were more of them! (An order includes three skewers with just three pieces of chicken on each.)

Soho Bay Sushi

Next came our sushi rolls: the succulent Spicy Tuna Roll, which was served with pickled cucumber and rolled with thin tamago and marinade ikura; and the Soho Ebiten Roll (a personal favorite), an interesting concoction of glazed shrimp tempura and goat cheese rolls with protruding slices of salmon. And for our main dish, we shared the Wagyu Picanha, a juicy beef dish that comes in thinly sliced pieces topped with wild mushroom chimichurri, roasted hearts of palm, and leeks.

Soho Bay Sushi Roll

Though sufficiently satisfied, we couldn’t resist trying the Key Lime Pie for dessert, which was actually served as more of a mousse next to a pile of crumbly graham cracker crust. While covering all the bases expected for your typical high-end sushi lounge, the exceptional atmosphere and amazing vistas combined with the excellent quality of the food, place this property ahead of the pack and at the top of Miami’s must-try list.

-Sherri Balefsky | Online Editor

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9:00 am
Restaurant Features
0

Fish Fish Chef

For the freshest seafood in town, DiningOut has always been a huge fan of Fish Fish {13488 Biscayne Boulevard, North Miami; 786.732.3124}. But now, we’re borderline obsessed! The restaurant has brought on Chef Peter Cadavieco, a Miami native previously of Red Fish Grill, the Doral Marriott (now the Trump National Doral), and Blue Point Ocean Grill at the Hard Rock in Hollywood. He has created a new and improved menu to go along with the restaurant’s already cool ambience and friendly atmosphere.

We had the chance to sit down with Chef Cadavieco to discuss his background, the new menu, tips for preparing fish, and much more. See below for the conversation that unfolded.

Tell us a bit about your background. Where are you originally from? How did you get started in the food world?
I was born and raised in Miami. It’s pretty rare these days, as most people here are transplants from somewhere else. I started cooking at an early age because my grandmother was a terrible cook. My mother subscribed to Gourmet magazine, and I just started experimenting. My mother actually forbade me to go to culinary school out of high school. So, I went to FIU and tried to do it like everyone else. But eventually, I made it back to the kitchen.

What drew you to Fish Fish?
I was looking for a small, privately owned business that I could team up with and create something special. This was a unique opportunity to do that with a beautiful restaurant with owners that care and a customer base that was eager for a breath of fresh air.

Fish Fish Ceviche

Tell us about the new menu. What changes have you made?
The new menu is a much more modern approach to seafood. It’s simple yet with complex flavors. The focal point is the fresh fish and ingredients that stand out on their own. Some of the new items include Grouper Reuben Sliders and Coconut Curry Mussels. I also introduced an authentic ceviche (pictured above)—bold, tart, and spicy.

How did your background influence these changes?
I am probably in the minority of chefs whose background really doesn’t influence their cooking. I grew up eating simple Cuban food. Honestly, if I never eat arroz con pollo again, I will die a happy man.

What do you hope to expand upon in the future?
As we grow our business, I hope to introduce more fresh catch-of-the-day items. We are also introducing a Burger Night on Sundays that will feature one beef burger and some type of seafood burger each week. The first Burger Night takes place on May 24 and will feature a Shrimp and Pork Belly Burger with watercress and spicy mayo and a Barbecue Bison Burger with housemade barbecue sauce, fried leeks, and fire-roasted poblanos.

shrimp scampi fish fish

Favorite new menu items?
It’s a toss up between the Shrimp Scampi (pictured above) and the Whole Grilled Lobster. The Shrimp Scampi is different in that we serve the whole head-on prawns. It really adds to the flavor of the dish—and the presentation is magnificent. Our Maine Lobster is truly a sight to behold: a two pound lobster split in the middle, brushed with garlic butter, and grilled whole. It’s served with a massive bed of truffle fries and Carolina-style coleslaw. I’m getting hungry just thinking about it!

What tips would you give for someone preparing fish at home?
Preparing fish is all about getting the freshest fish possible. Unfortunately, the major grocery stores are not very good with their handling of fresh fish. For cooking, I always recommend to stay clear of heavy cream sauces. Use vinaigrettes instead. They will enhance the fish’s wonderful flavor.

What do you love most about working at Fish Fish so far?
The fact that it’s a small restaurant and that I have control over the food and have the last say with it. Another great plus is that I get to interact with the guests at their tables and talk food with them. It’s a rewarding experience when you see the smile on guests’ faces after they eat your dish.

Fish Fish Chef

Do you have a favorite food or guilty pleasure?
My favorite food on this earth will always be foie gras. I don’t use it in the traditional sense. I actually use it more like a butter to add fat in my food. Of course, it is an indulgence. I have to say my everyday favorite food is a properly smoked beef brisket sandwich. That and some scratch-made mashed potatoes and I’m a happy guy!

-Sherri Balefsky | Online Editor

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9:57 am
Restaurant Features
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Bulla - Miami, Florida

Last month, DiningOut was invited to a special media dinner at Bulla {2500 Ponce de Leon Boulevard, Coral Gables; 305.441.0107}, a unique Spanish-style gastrobar that is consistently cited as one of the best in Miami. Not only were we able to try some amazing dishes, but we learned more about the restaurant’s parent company, Centurion Restaurant Group, and its plans for expansion. There are several projects in the works, including a new Peruvian concept called Pisco y Nazca, slated to open at Town & Country in Kendall this August, along with second locations of both Bulla and Pisco y Nazca at the brand-new Shops at Downtown Doral in 2016.

We had a chance to sit down with Bulla’s Executive Chef Diego Solano, who joined Bulla in June 2014, to talk about the restaurant’s concept, menu, what’s in store for the future, and more.

DiegoSolano2

What drew you to Bulla?
Much like those famous gastrobars in Spain, the bar at Bulla is the center of attention; but the emphasis on quality gastronomic creations is what drew me the most! Bulla (pronounced boo-ya), is slang for “chatter” or what people are talking about. It is devoted to delighting you by serving your favorite Spanish and Catalan dishes.

You went to Spain with Carlos Centurion and Juan Carlos Marchan [the top executives of Centurion Restaurant Group] when you were first hired. How did this change your culinary philosophy or techniques?
It definitely enriched my culinary experience. Spain is known for its inventive dishes that combine various ingredients. I was able to taste a variety of Spanish cuisine staples, from paella to tapas. I was exposed to the best chefs and had the opportunity to observe their cooking techniques, which has helped me create our menu.

How does your Costa Rican background influence your menu and style of cooking?
Tico cuisine incorporates several staples of Latin American cuisine, but differentiates itself by being much healthier with the inclusion of an array of fresh fruits and vegetables. This makes me strive to search for seasonal and quality products to ensure I deliver all of our menu items with excellent flavor and freshness.

Zarzuela de Mariscos Bulla

Tell us about the weekly market menu. How do you come up with the dishes every week?
We want to take our guests on a gastronomic journey that fuses new flavors beyond our daily menu. Our weekly menu focuses on of-the-moment ingredients that revive and rethink classic Spanish dishes for the Miami palate. Every Tuesday, we carefully curate a menu, creating and tasting recipes, and reviewing the balance of the plate, presentation, and flavor. The menu is designed to be creative with the use of fresh elements and food trends, ultimately lending to an outstanding culinary experience.

Diners can expect items such as Zarzuela de Mariscos, a seafood stew with clams, shrimp, mussels, monkfish, calamari sofrito, pine nut, picada, and white wine (pictured above); Solomillo con Polenta with filet mignon, polenta fries, portobello mushrooms, and Port reduction; and Panna Cotta de Miel y Yogurt, a honey and Greek yogurt panna cotta made of citrus sponge cake, lychee foam, and organic honey. Additionally, the house mixologist revs up for a new cocktail each week.

What might surprise new visitors about the menu at Bulla?
We are not your standard restaurant; we are proud to describe ourselves as a gastrobar that features a large variety of tapas and a full bar, allowing us to bring the flavors of Spain to the Coral Gables community. We are proud to be listed in top 10 as one of the most vibrant bars in all of Miami.

Huevos Bulla

What would you recommend to first-timers?
Huevos Bulla (pictured above) is definitely a must for first-time guests. This dish is prepared with homemade potato chips, Serrano ham, potato foam, and truffle oil.

What can you tell us about Centurion Restaurant Group’s new concept, Pisco y Nazca?
Pisco y Nazca Ceviche Gastrobar is a chef-driven concept that will serve authentic Peruvian dishes in a fun and casual setting designed by Celano Design Studio (responsible for Bulla and STK in Las Vegas and Miami). The menu will feature a variety of dishes paired with an innovative beverage program with 100 types of artisanal crafted beers and handcrafted liquor cocktails–the first of its kind in Miami. With Miguel Gomez, one of the best Peruvian chefs in the U.S., at the helm, paired with the expertise of the Bulla Group, we have no doubt this will be a hit.

-Sherri Balefsky | Online Editor

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2:47 pm
Restaurant Features
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modern garden

By Sherri Balefsky | Online Editor

We couldn’t have been more excited when we were invited for an exclusive dinner at Modern Garden {422 Northwest River Drive, Miami; 305.440.4200}, one of the most innovative culinary concepts to ever hit the Miami River. Just minutes from downtown, this hidden oasis along the water feels worlds away from the bustling city streets.

Modern Garden shares its serene waterfront space with sister restaurant Seaspice (formerly Seasalt & Pepper), both original concepts from Owner Carlos Miranda. Upon entering, we were greeted by our hostess who escorted us to the right, to an intimate, dimly lit room with wood-paneled flooring, comfortable white seating, and rows of white and purple orchids. The interior is anchored by a permanent wooden tree-shaped art installation by Architect Santiago Jose Palaez, which was unveiled in December during Art Basel.

modern garden

Had we been escorted to the left, we would have been led inside Seaspice, though the two all-but overlap one another on the patio. They also share 500-plus feet of dockage—the ultimate VIP parking space for luxury yachts looking to drop anchor.

But unlike Seaspice, which is known for its cooked entrées such as the Prime US Veal Chop and Australian Rack of Lamb, not to mention its unique wood-fired casseroles, Modern Garden sings a different tune. The menu consists of delectable crudos and hot-stone dishes, where meat is served uncooked and diners prepare it to their liking on 850-degree slabs of on the table.

Luckily for us, Chef Angel Leon selected some of his favorite dishes to bring out for us to try, saving us from our initial dilemma of deciding which of the menu’s mouthwatering bites to choose!

modern garden salad

We started off with the color Purple Watercress Salad with green goddess dressing, which was both deliciously tangy and sweet. Then the crudos started coming—and kept coming! The plates were artfully presented, so colorful and decadent that that we were hesitant to dive in for fear of ruining the presentation.

modern garden salmon

Our favorites here were the Salmon Rosettes (pictured above) and the Kimne Dai, which was an interesting take on chips and dip (the chips were actually crispy sunchoke, while the dip—though it looked like guacamole—was a mix of yuzu paste and tangerine mojo and had a texture more similar to hummus.

Next, it was time for the main event, as we were presented with two piping-hot black slabs and wooden chopsticks. One slab was for the Diver Scallops, which were served with a bagna cauda sauce; the other was for the juicy pieces of raw Spinelis (rib-eye). Our attentive server showed us the proper way to prepare each dish, then we were left on our own to finish the process.

modern garden dessert

Sufficiently stuffed, we couldn’t pass on dessert, which we, of course, devoured. Needless to say, it was definitely worth it.

As the night came to a close, we were in a bit of a dreamlike state. With our bellies full and satisfied, we watched as the last of the mega-yachts untied from the dock and sailed away down the river. I’m sure they’ll be back … we definitely will be, too.

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12:00 pm
Restaurant Features
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Mandarin Oriental Spa

The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Miami

By Sherri Balefsky | Online Editor

Mother’s Day is just around the corner. Of course, you’ll do brunch. But wouldn’t an even better present include both brunch AND a sumptuous spa treatment from one of our city’s many luxury hotels? Here, we round up some of the best places in Miami that successfully offer both.

1) Mandarin Oriental, Miami {500 Brickell Key Drive, Brickell; 305.913.8288}
What’s for Brunch: La Mar by Gastón Acurio will serve up a sumptuous Peruvian meal that includes unlimited brunch cocktails with savory entrées such as Egg-Topped Lomo Saltado and Grouper Chorrillana with bacon-mashed yucca in addition to a seafood station with cebiches, tiraditos, and Peruvian-style sushi rolls and an Anticucho Grill station. A dessert carousel completes the meal while all mothers will receive a sweet surprise gift to take home.
Spa Specials: The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Miami is offering four rejuvenating Mother’s Day treatments throughout the month of May: Elegant Wellbeing, a half-day experience that includes a 60-minute Time Ritual massage and a Hydrating Oxygen Facial; Mom’s Escape, a customizable package with choice of massage, plus mini facial and Oriental Scalp Massage; New Beginnings, designed for moms-to-be; and Mother & Daughter, where moms and daughters can relax and reconnect in a VIP Couples Spa Suite with treatments for each.

Scarpetta at Fontainebleau

Scarpetta at Fontainebleau

2) Fontainebleau {4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.538.2000}
What’s for Brunch: At Chef Michael Mina’s innovative steakhouse, StripSteak, guests will be greeted by the signature cocktail, the Fizzy Bellboy, and freshly baked breads and pastries. The feast continues with choice of appetizer, entrée, and dessert. Meanwhile, Scarpetta is offering a succulent Italian-inspired buffet-style brunch that includes choice of a Bloody Mary, Bellini, or signature cocktail along with a spread of hot and cold appetizers, live-action carving station, delectable pasta station, and a bevy of desserts.
Spa Specials: Give Mom the gift of relaxation with a day of renewal at Fontainebleau’s award-winning Lapis Spa. Select one of the signature Mother’s Day treatments, such as the Queen of the Day, an Instant Foot Relief Massage with Lapis Soak and a Take A Load Off My Back Massage, or A Mother’s Love, a Lapissage Massage with Radiance Express Facial.

Spa at Betsy Hotel

The Wellness Garden & Spa at The Betsy

3) The Betsy Hotel {1440 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach; .305.531.6100}
What’s for Brunch: BLT Steak at the Betsy is offering a special Brunch Blackboard featuring a tasty array of signature dishes, including Wild Smoked Salmon Salad with baby frisée, red onions, local radish, brioche crouton, and grainy mustard vinaigrette; Open Face Double Cut Bacon Jalapeño Biscuit with heirloom tomato, pickled red onions, and local arugula; Brown Butter Waffles with wild berries and honey Chantilly cream; and much more.
Spa Specials: The Wellness Garden & Spa at The Betsy—Miami Beach’s only outdoor spa—is designed to soothe the senses with Zen-inspired wood, stone, bamboo, and natural fibers all shaded by retractable sails and private cabanas. Choose from a number of unique spa therapies, such as the signature Wood Stone Ritual with chilled stones or the indulgent Coconut Hot Towel Facial.

The Biltmore Hotel

The Biltmore Hotel

4) The Biltmore {1200 Anastasia Avenue, Coral Gables; 855.311.6903}
What’s for Brunch: The spectacular Biltmore is famous for its sprawling Sunday brunch buffet, which continues to be ranked among the best in all of Miami. If you’d rather celebrate Mom later in the evening, The Biltmore Palme d’Or is offering an authentic French culinary dinner with Chef Pugin’s special tasting menu, while Chef Beppe at The Biltmore Fontana is offering a special three-course dinner in the courtyard.
Spa Specials: Let Mom pick out her own treatment with a $200 gift card to the award-winning Biltmore Spa. As an added Mother’s Day bonus, she’ll receive a complimentary Vosges four-piece Praline Truffle collection and Soy Delicious Travel Candle.

The Setai Courtyard

The Setai Courtyard

5) The Setai {2001 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 855.923.7899}
What’s for Brunch: The Restaurant at The Setai’s elaborate Sunday brunch features all your favorite brunch staples, bottomless Champagne, and a few surprises like caramelized legs of lamb; truffle-roasted chicken; and a raw bar with ceviche, shrimp, and muscles all to the cool beats of live Spanish and Flamenco jazz music.
Spa Specials: The Spa at the Setai by Thémaé is offering a special Pampering Ritual throughout the month of May. For just $300, you can treat Mom to hours of indulgence with this exclusive package, which includes the Aromatherapy Foot Polish, a 60-minute traditional Balinese massage, and a 60-minute Thémaé Rejuvenating Facial.

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8:02 am
Restaurant Features
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Chart House

By Sherri Balefsky | Online Editor

Still no reservations for Mother’s Day? No problem! We founded up our favorite places for both brunch and spa, but many more options for Mother’s Day dining in Miami exist. Since there’s never too many ways we can celebrate Mom this year, below are a few more places in Miami offering specials on Sunday, May 10.

1. Chart House {51 Chart House Drive, Coconut Grove; 305.856.9741}
As Coconut Grove’s favorite waterfront restaurant, you can’t really go wrong by booking your family’s Mother’s Day brunch here. Chart House’s sweeping salad bar, selection of fresh fish dishes such as the signature Macadamia Crusted Mahi or Snapper Hemmingway, and a decadent Hot Lava Chocolate Cake are all waiting to be enjoyed.

2. The Bazaar by José Andrés {1701 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.455.2999}
Enjoy a specialty brunch menu featuring dishes such as Huevos a la Cubana with fried rice, tomato sauce, bacon, banana, and fried egg; SLS Eggs Benedicto with poached eggs, English muffin, hollandaise air, and Canadian bacon; and Torrijas, The French Toast-Spanish Connection featuring sweet soaked Spanish toast, mango, and Garden of Ian hone. Click here for full menu.

3. db Bistro Moderne {255 Biscayne Boulevard Way, Downtown; 305.421.8800}
In addition to its regular menu, Chef Daniel Boulud’s downtown eatery is offering an elegant three-course prix-fixe menu featuring classic French-inspired dishes. Choice of main dishes include Maine Salmon with vidalia onion, sorrel, and pumpernickel; Omelette with ham, Gruyère cheese, wild mushrooms, and petite salade; or Local Dayboat Swordfish with potato causa, achiote, and tomato. And, of course, a full menu of decadent desserts will also be available.

Quattro

4. Quattro Gastronomia Italiana {1014 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach; 305.531.4833}
Lincoln Road’s go-to destination for fine Northern Italian cuisine is offering several specialty Mother’s Day items created by Executive Chefs Alex Protilo and Yoandry Garciga. Expect to find Maine Lobster Tartare with avocado, tomatoes, lemon dressing, and Tradition caviar; Risotto with Champagne, scallops, zucchini, and Tradition caviar; Seared Beef Filet Mignon wrapped in prosciutto with purple mashed potatoes, asparagus, and a truffle demi-glace sauce (pictured above); and a Coconut Millefoglie with a blackberry sorbet for dessert.

5. Piripi {Village of Merrick Park, 320 San Lorenzo Avenue, Coral Gables; 305.448.2423}
Celebrate Mom at the Village of Merrick Park with the shopping center’s newest restaurant. Enjoy a convivial journey across Spain with traditional dishes through Chef Najat Kanaache’s creative lens. In addition to homespun regional favorites, Chef Najat is offering all moms a complimentary dessert: Mil Hojas, Catalan cream with mango purée. Keep the day alive by taking Mom for a little post-brunch shopping spree. You know she deserves it.

6. Siena Tavern {404 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.534.5577}
For its first year open for Mother’s Day, Siena Tavern will be offering a special prix-fixe menu, which was inspired by Chef Fabio Viviani’s own mother. Start off with the Heirloom Tomato Salad with grilled asparagus tips, Gorgonzola dolce, Marcona almond vinaigrette, and white balsamic; next, enjoy the pan-seared halibut with artichoke caponata, pea shoots, sea salt, and grilled lemon. For dessert, indulge in the Meyer Lemon and Blueberry Bread Pudding with candied pistachio and toasted marshmallow. The specialty cocktail of the day will be the Spring Spritz, a combination of Grey Goose le Melon, aperol, pink grapefruit, and lemon.

bellmont spanish restaurant

7. Bellmont Spanish Restaurant {339 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables; 786.502.4684}
Not only will this Coral Gables gem be offering an expansive brunch featuring huevos rotos, eggs Benedict, goat cheese with langoustines, and more (all for just $39 per person), but the restaurant is featuring a special four-course prix-fixe menu featuring its unique “Cochinillo a la Leña” suckling pig (pictured above) roasted in a traditional wood-fired oven brought from Spain.

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7:54 am
Restaurant Features
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the gang

By Sherri Balefsky | Online Editor

Hidden on an unassuming corner at North Miami Avenue and 35th Street is possibly one of the coolest restaurants ever make its way to Miami.

A faint wooden sign out front announcing The Gang {3500 North Miami Avenue, Miami; 305.570.9430} and a few wooden chairs draped in embroidered rugs is really all there is to the street view (it’s across from the bustling Shops at Midtown and opposite the much-acclaimed Gigi). But that’s hardly a preview for what to expect once inside. The eclectic space, which seems more characteristic of the heart of Wynwood, has a hip albeit curious décor.

the gang bar

The exposed piping and hanging light fixtures give the space an industrial feel, as does the line of washing machines that form the base of the bar. The walls are splattered with cutouts from old magazines, creating a ’50s diner feel. A classic Coca-Cola refrigerator, circa-’80s arcade game, and an old bicycle mounted to the wall are just a few of the other random knickknacks you’ll find inside.

Upon being seated, we were immediately greeted by a server in a white lab coat. Why? “Just like doctors,” Owner Bogdan Niculae told us, “a server needs to be making sure you are happy and well taken care of.” And that we were! Our water glasses—which were actually small ceramic mugs—were continuously refilled. The food came out perfectly timed almost to a science. And we were constantly asked if we’d like “one more glass of wine” (they have a fully stocked bar with an extensive wine list).

the gang appetizer

The menu is not overwhelmingly large, but there are certainly enough mouthwatering options from which to choose. Most of it is Asian-inspired—an interesting twist considering the décor evokes everything but!

For appetizers, we ordered the Tibetan Spring Rolls with chicken and the Boo Shrimp Tempura. All came out piping hot. The shrimp was lightly coated in a sesame seed crust, maintaining the juicy flavor of the shrimp but without the grease often associated with tempura.

the gang chicken dish

For our main courses, we selected the Samuiwok Chicken, a homemade Asian noodle dish mixed with fresh veggies, and the Hunan Chicken. We were warned that the latter would be spicy, but we found it appropriately seasoned—even those sensitive to spicy foods might not find it too hot.

Overall, we couldn’t have been more pleasantly surprised with our visit to The Gang. It certainly lived up to the reputation it touts of itself: “The Gang is a concept of life: Good food, good vibe, good Karma.”

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3:55 pm
Restaurant Features
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Chef Tim Andriola & Belkys Nerey

Chef Tim Andriola of Basil Park & Event Ambassador Belkys Nerey

On Friday, April 24, 2015, the who’s who of the Miami food scene gathered at the Miami Beach Botanical Garden for an evening of small bites, beverages, and mingling with some of the city’s best chefs and local farmers. The occasion? The fourth-annual Snail of Approval Tasting Party—dubbed Miami’s “Freshest Night Out.” Presented by Slow Food Miami, the party raises funds to support the 100-percent volunteer nonprofit dedicated to “planting a fresher future for our children.” All in all, the event raises funds for 20 new edible gardens throughout the community.

Chef Alex Chang of Vagabond Restaurant & Bar

Chef Alex Chang of Vagabond Restaurant & Bar

All restaurant participants, which included previous Snail of Approval Winners such as Siena Tavern and Meat Market, embrace the farm-to-table movement, incorporating only fresh, local produce, fish, and meats into their dishes. All of the participating chefs honor the producers, purveyors, and artisans who contribute to food and beverage quality, authenticity, and sustainability.

Chef Paula DaSilva of 3030 Ocean

Chef Paula DaSilva of 3030 Ocean

Upon arrival, we were given a tiny clothespin and instructed to place it in the jar of the table that we thought offered the “Best Bite of the Night.” The options were near-endless, but several stood out in our minds, including the Roasted Tofu and Radish Sprout Summer Roll with cashew dipping sauce from Chef Mark Zeituni of Lido at The Standard; the GF Sapodilla Braised Wild Boar with local cheese arepa and root vegetable relish from Chef Kris Wessel of Oolite; and the fresh bread paired with Lucini Olive Oil from Zak “The Baker” Stern.

Snail of Approval chefs and hosts

Snail of Approval chefs and hosts

Around 8:30pm, Belkys Nerey, the ambassador for the evening and an Emmy award-winning journalist of WSVN’s 7 NEWS, took to the microphone to announce the winners for “Best Bite of the Night”: Chef Alex Chang of Vagabond Restaurant and Bar for his Cobia Tartare with yuzu, avocado, and quinoa; and Chef Paula DaSilva of 3030 Ocean for her Florida Rabbit Taco with Swank Farm slaw and fermented pepper sauce.

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