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By Sherri Balefsky | Online Editor

Happy April everyone! While we’ve already covered the top Easter brunches in Miami for this weekend, there are plenty of other must-attend food and wine events to look forward to this month. Here, we round up the best of the best April events:

Ikra Passover Seder
Passover Seder at IKRA
Friday, April 3 and Saturday, April 4 at 8:30pm
For 17 years, Chabad of Sunny Isles Beach has been hosting traditional Pesach Seders on the first two nights of Passover, engaging community meals designed for those with or without religious experience. Hosted by Rabbi Yisrael Baron, this year’s Seder will take place at IKRA Restaurant & Lounge {16850 Collins Avenue, 106-A, Sunny Isles; 305.974.0081}. Participants will enjoy a six-course certified kosher meal, complete with shmura matzo, a complete Seder plate, and premium wines. Reservations are required and space is limited, so RSVP today!

Heart Fontainebleau ConcertBleauLive Presents Heart at Fontainebleau
Saturday, April 11 at 6pm (dinner); 8pm concert
This month’s BleauLive, Fontainebleau’s monthly concert series, presents the American rock duo and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees, Heart. With chart-topping hits such as “Alone,” “Barracuda,” and “Crazy On You,” Heart has and continues to shape the world of music. Witness as sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson capture Miami Beach with their distinguished sound at LIV nightclub. Packages start at just $125, and include entrance to the performance and a two-hour open bar. The best part: for just $25 more, you can add a pre-show prix-fixe dinner at your choice of Fontainebleau’s award-winning restaurants, ScarpettaStripSteak (sold out), or Michael Mina 74. Click here for tickets.

Cindy Hutson Book
Sunday Book Club “Read and Eat” at Ortanique
Sunday, April 12 at 6pm
Join Ortanique on the Mile {278 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables; 305.446.7710} for a special book club event in honor of resident Chef Cindy Hutson’s new cookbook, “From the Tip of My Tongue.” Chef Hutson will be in attendance, discussing her culinary journey and going through some of the stories in the book. Cost is $70 per person and includes a welcome reception, a signed copy of the cookbook, and a delicious three-course meal of Vanilla Bean Marinated Grilled Pineapple Salad, a choice of Pan-Roasted Atlantic Swordfish or Braised Beef Cheeks Pappardelle, and Heath Bar Bread Pudding for dessert (all of which are featured in the cookbook). 

Veritage MiamiVeritage Miami
Wednesday, April 15 through Saturday, April 18
Formerly the United Way Miami Wine and Food Festival, Veritage Miami is a four-day foodie celebration featuring local sommeliers, chefs, wineries, and breweries. For its 20th anniversary in 2015, events will include craft beer tastings at Wynwood Walls; wine tastings at the Village of Merrick Park; a celebrity chefs’ dinner at the InterContinental Miami; and an auction at Marlins Park. All proceeds go to United Way, a nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming people’s lives through various educational, financial, and health programs. Purchase tickets here.

Slow Food Miami Event
Slow Food Miami’s “Snail of Approval” Tasting Party
Friday, April 24, 7-10pm
Slow Food Miami, a nonprofit organization dedicated to “planting a fresher future for our children,” will hold its fourth-annual “Snail of Approval” event at the Miami Beach Botanical Garden. Attendees will join the evening’s ambassador, Emmy Award-winning journalist Belkys Nerey, along with celebrity guest judges for Miami’s “Freshest Night Out,” featuring bites from some of South Florida’s best farm-to-table eateries. Participants include Meat Market Miami Beach, Lido Restaurant & Bayside Grill at The Standard Spa, and Siena Tavern, among many others. Main event tickets are $85 and can be purchased here.

Fontainebleau Miami Beach

By Sherri Balefsky | Miami Editor

It’s hard to believe that in March 1915, Miami Beach was only a blip on the international radar. But in true form, the city has seen exponential growth, pushing and sprawling its way into becoming one of the world’s top travel destinations and hubs for dining, arts, history, and culture.

In honor of the 100th anniversary, the iconic Fontainebleau {4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.538.2000} presents several special celebratory offerings that are available throughout the month of March.

At Bleau Bar, the hotel’s hopping central lobby bar, guests can sip on the aptly named American Riviera, a lavishly curated cocktail featuring Grand Marnier 100 Year, Jack Daniel’s Sinatra Select, and angostura and Peychaud’s bitters topped with Champagne.

Fontainebleau Specialty Cocktail

At the acclaimed restaurant Michael Mina 74 (whose Chef de Cuisine Thomas Griese was recently named one of Zagat’s “30 under 30”), guests can celebrate the centennial in style with a three-course prix-fixe dinner for two for just $100.

Michael Mina 74

The menu offerings are as follows:

Amuse Bouche: Chef’s surprise

Choice of Appetizer:

  • Japanese Wedge Salad with carrot-ginger vinaigrette, red onion, and radish
  • Lamb Meatballs with ricotta dumplings, Meyer lemon, and date chutney
  • Ahi & Hamachi Poppers with Sriracha aïoli, cilantro, tobiko, and crispy riceHamachi Poppers Michael Mina 74

Choice of Entrée: 

  • Florida Snapper 
with crispy shrimp “fried rice,” pineapple, and curry broth
  • Lobster Cavatelli with poppyseed, lemon beurre blanc, and chervil
  • Braised Beef Short Rib with Moroccan-spiced carrots and vadouvan couscous

Choice of Dessert to Share:

  • MM74 Beignets with Macallan 18 and caramel pudding
  • Rocky Road profiteroles with milk chocolate, hazelnut, and marshmallow

For information or reservations, call 1.877.326.7412 or visit fontainebleau.com/100miamibeach. You can be sure to see us there!

By Erin Lavan | Associate Publisher

Sometimes, it’s best to leave the stress and fuss of holiday hosting and cooking to the professionals. Everyone needs a year off from time to time! Let one of Miami’s fine restaurants host you and yours for Christmas Eve dinner, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve dinners and parties, or New Year’s Day affairs.

Christmas Events

Traditional Mexican at Porfirio’s
Porfirio’s Restaurant is serving a prix-fixe traditional Mexican menu on Christmas Eve with a choice of one appetizer, a first course, a main course, and dessert for $65.

DB Bistro XMAS_NYE (2)

Dinner at db Bistro Moderne
From 6-10pm on Christmas Eve, db Bistro Executive Chef Jason Pringle will serve an á la carte menu of seasonal specials like Roasted Prime Rib and Nantucket Bay Scallops. What’s for dessert? A Classic Bûche de Noël.

Dinner at Trapiche Room
On Christmas Eve, join Trapiche from 6-10:30pm for an exquisite holiday dinner for $120 per person.

Classic Spanish Holiday Treats at Bellmónt
Bellmónt is sharing the Spanish holiday love this year on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Think traditional treats and a glass of Spanish cider, as is tradition in Spanish households. $150 per person, and $60 per child.

You can also enjoy Bellmónt’s signature “Cochinilla a la Leña” either at the restaurant or ordered for your own home with 12 hours notice. This whole suckling pig is roasted in a Spain-imported wood-fired oven.

Prix-Fixe Five Ways at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach
At any one of the Fontainebleau’s five concepts– Scarpetta, Hakkasan, Michael Mina 74, StripSteak by Michael Mina, and Vida–enjoy a special prix-fixe menu to celebrate the Christmas holiday. Visit the website for more info.

Christmas Fare at The Setai
On Christmas Eve, The Setai will offer two Christmas Eve menus (one vegetarian menu) for $110 per person with offerings such as Champs-Elysées Soup Bay Scallops with roasted morel-herb butter; Fish Fumet with Noilly Prat; Dover Sole Poached with garden nage and lemon thyme; Polenta Crispy Poached Egg with a fricassee of mushrooms and Burgundy truffle,  and La Buche De Noel Chestnut and Black Currant and Hazelnut Rum with chestnut ice cream.

On Christmas Day, The Setai will serve a holiday buffet to the tune of a modern jazz trip from 11:30am-3:30pm for $95 per person. Dig into dishes like ham, leg of lamb, Alaskan king crab legs, and desserts aplenty.

Throw a Pig Roast
If you’re hosting a Christmas dinner and haven’t yet figured out your main course, we have excellent news for you. Through December 24, you can order a whole-roasted six-pound suckling pig from Pubbelly Chef Jose Mendin. This Puerto Rican tradition is sure to floor all your guests. It serves five to seven people and comes with mofongo, tostones, arooz mamposteao, and a six-pack of Medalla with Pubbelly sauces. Place your order soon as a 48-hour pre-order is required. The pig is priced at $250 plus tax and service. Email [email protected] to order.

Siena Tavern_Holiday_Miami

Holiday Tasting Menu at Siena Tavern 
Join Siena Tavern for Christmas Eve and/or Christmas Day four-course dinners from 6-11pm for $85 per person, and $35 for wine pairings. The courses will include an antipasti of Octopus Carpaccio, a choice of  Pasti, an entrée of Branzino or Herb-Crusted Bone-In Prime Rib, and Spiced Brioche Bread Pudding for dessert.

Holiday Menu at Seasalt and Pepper
On Christmas Day, Seasalt and Pepper will serve a holiday menu from noon-11pm.

image1 (1)

Lobster at Semilla
For $59 from December 24-30, enjoy a lobster menu at Semilla Eatery and Bar. The dinner will include a lobster appetizer (like the Lobster Causa Croquettes with tartar sauce), an entrée (like the Lobster and Truffle Risotto), and a dessert.

New Year’s Eve Events

Toast to 2015 at The Bazaar by José Andrés
The Bazaar menu blends Andrés’ Spanish heritage and personal ingenuity with influences from the local Latin culinary tradition. The $175 per person menu will feature dishes like Cotton Candy Foie Gras and Tuna Ceviche. The first seating is at 6pm, and the second is at 9pm. Make your reservation online.

Sushi and Robata at Katsuya
Enjoy Katsuya Chef Uechi’s signature sushi and robata with new touches inspired by Miami’s local Latin flavor this New Year’s Eve. The first seating is at 6pm, and the second is at 9pm. The $145 per person menu will be served family-style and feature courses like Wagyu Carpaccio, Yakimon Whole Fish, and the Chef’s sushi selection. Make your reservation online.

NYE 2015 Vintro Hotel

A Five-Course Dinner at Vintro Kitchen
At 9pm, enjoy a five-course dinner at Vintro Kitchen with bottomless red, white, and rosé wines and Prosecco for $150 per person, plus tax and gratuity. Afterwards, enjoy a party in the Scorpion Bar.

Party at Casa Juancho
Casa Juancho‘s doors open at 8pm. A special prix-fixe menu will be available. Make reservations by calling 303.642.2452.

Wine Pairing Dinner at Tamarina
This special evening at Tamarina will be divided into two seatings. The first seating at 7pm will feature the fixed menu for $95 or $130 with expertly paired wines of Vermentino, Macon-Villages, Tempranillo, Riesling, and Limoncello.

The second seating at 9pm will also feature the fixed menu for $95 or $150 with the paired wines and a New Year’s Eve after party with an open bar package that includes Russian Standard vodka, Beefeater gin, 10 Cane rum, 4 Rouses bourbon, Olmeca tequila, Gavi di Gavi white wine, Corvina red wine, Sommariva Prosecco, domestic and imported beers, soft drinks, coffee, and tea.

homepageNYE2

Something Different at Uvaggio
For $250 per person, Uvaggio Wine Bar brings you the best Champagnes from France and the US, oysters, caviar, crab, and so much more. Call to reserve your spot: 305.448.2400.

NYE 2014 Menu A fish called avalon

Five Courses at A Fish Called Avalon
For $250 per person, enjoy five courses and Laurent Perrier Champagne split bottle at A Fish Called Avalon. Mediterranean Meze, Lobster Thermidor, and Latin-Caribbean music, oh my!

A Special Menu at Tuyo
Tuyo‘s first seating is at 6pm, and the second is at 9pm. Call 305.237.3200 for more information.

Two Dinners or the Lounge at db Bistro Moderne
For the earlybirds, db Bistro will serve dinner at 5:30pm for $75 per person. Courses include dishes like Oyster Velouté, Black Truffle Risotto, Maple-Glazed Duck, and Coconut and White Chocolate Cake. There will be a five-course Gala Dinner at 9pm with complimentary Champagne for $195 per person wherein you can dine on Tuna Carpaccio, Black Truffle Ravioli, and more.

Or, head to the cover-free lounge anytime between 5pm-3am for a $50 prix-fixe raw bar and charcuterie meal (until 10pm), or an á la carte menu, bottle service, and a live DJ.

An All-Out Buffet at Trapiche Room
At the JW Marriot’s fine-dining restaurant, between 7:30pm-1am, enjoy a buffet and live entertainment.

Classic Spanish Holiday Treats at Bellmónt
Bellmónt is sharing the Spanish holiday love this year on both New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. Think traditional treats and a glass of Spanish cider, as is tradition in Spanish households. $150 per person, and $60 per child.

Five Dinners at the Fontaniebleau
The iconic Fontainebleau is home to Scarpetta, Hakkasan, Michael Mina 74 and StripSteak by Michael Mina, and this New Year’s Eve, they will each prepare especially lavish and delicious four and five-course menus to help ring in the New Year. Visit the website for more information.

Ring in 2015 at The Setai
The New Year will mark The Setai, Miami Beach’s 10 Year Anniversary. They’re commemorating this milestone with a New Year’s Eve celebration dinner for $625 per adult. The menu will feature dishes like Lobster-Poached Maine Lobster with lemon potato mousse, truffle vinaigrette, and fresh Burgundy truffles; and Wagyu Beef Filet Mignon Rossini roasted with red wine-braised onions and foie gras.

On January 1, return for a New Year’s-themed buffet, SBS Flamenco, and a Mediterranean jazz trio from 11:30am-3:30pm for $110 per person. The buffet will include items from the rotisserie, an extensive array of seafood, Mediterranean specialties, and a dessert buffet. Passed hangover drinks with raw egg yolk, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and black pepper will be offered as well.

4x6

Prix-Fixe at Siena Tavern
Siena Tavern‘s first seating will be from 6-7:30pm for $195 per person for a four-course menu. The second seating will be from 9-10:30 pm for $295 per person for a five-course menu. A cocktail package for bar seating is also available.

On New Year’s Day, Siena Tavern will host a brunch from 11am-4pm.

Photo Credit: Satya Murthy

Photo Credit: Satya Murthy

Focus on family, friends, and fun this year–instead of stressful cooking and dishes–by heading out for the big meal. We’ve rounded up restaurants that will welcome Thanksgiving diners, as well as spots hosting spectacular holiday events.

Seasalt and Pepper {422 Northwest North River Drive, Miami; 305.440.4200}

Enrich your Thanksgiving with incredible seafood and gorgeous waterfront dining this year. They’ll be open for the holiday. Contact the restaurant for details.

Fontainebleau {4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.538.2000}

On Thanksgiving, Michael Mina 74 will offer a prix-fixe menu at $75 per person from 6pm to 1am, Scarpetta will offer a prix-fixe menu at $75 per person from 6pm to 11pm, and the new STRIPSTEAK will offer a Thanksgiving feast from noon to 4pm to 10pm.

Edge Steak and Bar {Four Seasons Hotel, 1435 Brickelle Avenue, Miami; 305.381.3190)

For $59 per person, Edge is serving a special three-course dinner, featuring classic seasonal flavors. It’s the perfect way to enjoy an intimate Thanksgiving in Miami. Á la carte menu options will also be available.

BLT Steak {The Betsy, 1440 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach; 305.673.0044}

Chef Danny’s Thanksgiving blackboard menu of three courses will be available from 4 to 9pm for $80 per person plus tax and gratuity.

Cibo Wine Bar {45 Miracle Mile, Miami; 305.442.4925}

For $40 per person, guests can enjoy Cibo’s three-course Italian Thanksgiving Feast! Choose from a primi–like the Spinach Salad or the Beef Carpaccio with fontina and black truffle fondue. Then pick a secondi–think a Risotto or a Roasted Turkey Breast with bacon and rosemary. Then ditch the pumpkin pie for a Cannoli filled with pumpkin and ricotta.

Pubbelly {1418 20th Street, Miami Beach; 305.532.7555}

While Pubbelly isn’t hosing a Thanksgiving dinner, they are hosting a brunch the following Sunday in honor of their 4th anniversary! On Sunday, November 23rd from Noon-2pm or from 2-4pm (you pick your time slot), you can enjoy a $50 prix-fixe menu (plus tax and gratuity) from the Pubbelly boys with Guest Chef Brad Kilgore of the forthcoming Alter Restaurant at Wynwood. Another $25 will get you bottomless cocktails to kick the fun up a notch.

PubbellyAnniversary

Fontainebleau {4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.538.2000}

Fontainebleau is a beacon of Miami glamour for many reasons, one of them

The Fontainebleau

The Fontainebleau

being the amount of fine-dining options under one roof. Dive into the bold Asian flavors at Hakkasan; have a tête-à-tête over French cuisine at La Côte; indulge in the rich Italian cooking at Scarpetta; and finally, top off your night at Fontainebleau’s latest venture, Michael Mina 74, part restaurant and part ultra-lounge set inside one of the hotel’s former clubs. fontainebleau.com

Avalon Hotel {700 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach; 305.538.0133}

Located on one of Ocean Drive’s busiest blocks, the Avalon Hotel is an icon of Art Deco glory. It also happens to house one of South Beach’s most iconic

The Avalon

The Avalon

restaurants, A Fish Called Avalon, which epitomizes everything you’d ever want from a dining experience in Miami. avalonhotel.com

JW Marriott {255 Biscayne Boulevard Way, Miami; 305.421.8600}

The JW Marriott has a secret: Drakes. This lounge has the feel of a private club, where only Miami’s most powerful and elite congregate, but it’s every bit as inviting as you’d expect for a restaurant at the Marriott. marriott.com

SLS Hotel South Beach {1701 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.674.1701}

Such an emphasis was placed on dining at the SLS that the hotel forewent a lobby, choosing instead to greet guests with the sumptuous smells of small plates from the kitchen of The Bazaar by José Andrés. Beyond that, the doors to Katsuya lead to one of the most tantalizing sushi experiences ever to hit your taste buds. sbe.com

The Catalina Hotel and Beach Club {1732 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.674.1160}

Whether you’ve headed to Maxine’s for a post-party burger or you’re just starting out your night with drink specials and Korean barbecue at Fung Ku, The Catalina never fails to provide a fabulous ambience and great food. Just remember: What happens at The Catalina, stays at The Catalina. catalinahotel.com

The Setai {2001 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.520.6000}

The Setai

The Setai

An air of mystery may surround The Setai upon first inspection, but one bite into any dish from The Grill or The Restaurant and you’ll realize quickly that these establishments are so grand, they need no name to be recognized. thesetaihotel.com

The Four Seasons {1435 Brickell Avenue, Miami; 305.358.3535}

Whether you come for happy hour on EDGE Steak & Bar’s rooftop terrace, or you’re slicing into a juicy cut of meat in the restaurant’s bustling indoor dining area, there’s no doubt that EDGE is one of the best establishments to have happened to Brickell Avenue. fourseasons.com

The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne {1 Lincoln Road, Miami; 786.276.4000}

One need not go to Mexico for an authentic Mexican dining experience. The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne houses Cantina Beach, an intimate outdoor oasis where you can dine under a breezy tiki hut and pair your meal with the perfect tequila as recommended by the restaurant’s tequilier. ritzcarlton.com

Hilton Bentley Miami/South Beach {101 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach; 305.938.4600}

No time spent in Miami is complete without a solid meal at a Cuban establishment; with a vibrant ambience, an extensive cocktail and food menu, and a prime location on Ocean, De Rodriguez at the Hilton Bentley is one you must try. hilton.com

The Essex Hotel {1001 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.534.2700}

The Essex House is a boutique hotel in Miami Beach done right, especially when it comes to dining at Zen Sai, the Asian fusion grill located within its Art Deco walls. Whether sipping on sake or enjoying any of the restaurant’s delectable seafood dishes, a meal at Zen Sai is everything right about Asian cuisine. essexhotel.com

The Ritz-Carlton South Beach

There are myriad restaurants facing the ocean, but surprisingly none with an actual ocean view. DiLido at The Ritz-Carlton is the only fine dining establishment on Collins to boast this view, which is comparable only to the restaurant’s perfectly crafted menu. ritzcarlton.com

The Biltmore {1200 Anastasia Avenue, Coral Gables; 858.311.6903}

Two concepts anchor the world-class Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables: Palme d’Or and Fontana. At Palme d’Or, an upscale ambience welcomes guests both

The Biltmore

The Biltmore

local and distant, serving Chef Gregory Pugin’s Michelin-starred French cuisine that “has a twist of modernity to it.” At Fontana, the hotel’s courtyard restaurant, Chef Beppe Galazzi dazzles with local and farm-fresh ingredients, rounding out an Italian-inspired menu for any meal. We love Palme d’Or’s flaky Chilean Sea Bass, and Fontana’s potato-ricotta Gnocchi. biltmorehotel.com

The Conrad {1395 Brickell Avenue, Miami; 305.503.6500}

Located within the Conrad Hotel, Atrio is cozy and intimate, save for the grandiose view of Miami’s skyline. The choice cuisine is locally-sourced and sustainable, from the produce to the fish, and the option of sitting within the restaurant’s wine room for a private tasting with friends makes this a definite Magic City gem. conradhotels3.hilton.com

Fez

Michael Mina 74 {The Fontainebleau Miami Beach, 4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.538.2000}

Award-winning chef and restaurateur Michael Mina and The Fontainebleau Miami Beach come together this winter to bring you Michael’s newest concept, brought to life in the elegant lobby of the legendary hotel. Michael Mina 74, which was created uniquely for the hotel, will be the first of its kind, delivering a dynamic, chef-driven culinary and social destination that blurs the lines between restaurant, bar, and ultra-lounge. True to his philosophy that “balance in everything creates memories and experiences,” Chef Mina has produced a sophisticated American bistro-style menu, where his passion for unlocking fantastic flavors and irresistible combinations complement and satisfy the high-energy rhythm of Miami.

Seasalt & Pepper {422 Northwest North River Drive; 305.982.8946}

Seasalt & Pepper, a waterfront modern American brasserie and lounge, is helmed by Executive Chef Alfredo Alvarez, this American bistro embraces the idea of sophisticated techniques and heartfelt commitment to quality. “After closing my Miami restaurant 10 years ago, I’ve traveled all over the world and created a menu that is a culinary snapshot of all of my travels,” says Alvarez in a Miami.com interview. He’s spent time at highly-reputed eateries like Tratoria Dopo Teatro in New York City and Giacosa Restaurants in Coral Gables. At Seasalt and Pepper, the menu is all about fresh produce, harmonious flavor pairings, and eye-catching presentation. The wood-burning oven delivers roasted seafood and vegetable casseroles, the sumptuous grass-fed Rib-Eye Steak and Veal Chop, and a variety of carefully-curated raw bar selections, pastas, and risottos. A post-industrial warehouse outfitted with sleek, nautical touches seats 200, with several private areas for corporate and special events. Catering and takeout services are offered as well. An added bonus: there’s a private docking for boat enthusiasts.

Mina’s Mediterreano {749 Northeast 79th Street; 786.391.0300}

Just down the street from BarMeli is another fabulous new eatery spicing up the culinary scene of this ever-growing neighborhood. Owner Yasmine Kotb has been working for over a year to bring this fabulous space to life, and her hard work has paid off. Chic and industrial, it welcomes with grand lofty ceilings and gracious warehouse windows flooded with light. The walls are tickled with colorful framed posters depicting glorious scenes from the Mediterrenean sea. Passed down from family recipes, the dishes offer traditional fare from France, Italy, Morocco, Spain, and Israel. Diners can feast indoors, at the welcoming bar, or in the glorious, expansive outdoor herb garden. minasmiami.com

Setai {The Setai Miami Beach, 2001 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.520.6800} 

The Setai, Miami Beach, with Executive Chef Mathias Gervais, is embarking on a new culinary direction this winter. The Setai Grill will be open only for dinner Wednesday through Sunday, serving its signature premium cuts of dry-aged beef, but adding a variety of Asian and Latin-American inspired dishes. Additionally, the hotel’s The Restaurant—which has been closed—will re-open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily. A brand new menu designed by Chef Mathias will feature his most adored Mediterranean and “Sun Coast”-inspired dishes of Italy, Spain, and Greece. The new “Cuisine du Soleil” menu will feature dishes cooked on a large plancha, or griddle, used to extract the versatility of flavors and aromas unique to these regional ingredients. The restaurant’s famous Sunday Jazz Brunch will continue to seduce with complimentary Champagne and Bloody Marys. thesetaihotel.com/dining/thesetaigrill

BarMeli Tapas and Wine Bar {725 Northeast 79th Street; 305.308.5253}

Liza Meli is back again, this time with her very own Mediterranean Bistro in her favorite neighborhood in the Upper Eastside. True to form, Barmeli will feature Spanish, Italian, and Greek treats served with simplicity and style. The food is fresh and flavorful, without a lot of fuss, and a boutique selection of obscure wines complements the tapas-style delights. As always, the vibe at Liza’s home-away-from-home is unpretentious and cool, with an artsy edge and smiling service. Europeans, expect nostalgia. Locals, expect your new neighborhood home. barmeli.com

Fez Restaurant {512 Española Way, Miami Beach; 305.672.4469}

The dining scene of South Beach’s Española way is coming back to life with the likes of Fez Restaurant, welcoming diners to a new Morrocan experience. Chef/Owner Faycal Bettioui has been cooking in Miami for many years, and is delighted to bring us his edgy, modern techniques in a sensual space titled after his nickname, Fez. Born in Casablanca, Morocco, Fez grew up experimenting with the fresh local ingredients. At the restaurant, he brings to life a new interpretation of Moroccan recipes. Fez’s cuisine is both creative and soulful, attracting those who have an affinity for Mediterranean cuisine, as well as those curious about the rich new taste.  fezmiami.com

L’Entrecote de Paris {1050 Brickell Plaza, Brickell; 305.755.9995}

With its one-dish menu of irresistible Steak Frites, L’Entrecote de Paris has officially opened its doors in Miami’s bustling Brickell area. Legendary Steak Frites is served to perfection with an unforgettable 21-ingredient secret sauce. Poised to introduce an old French tradition to Miami’s cutting edge culinary, the charming brasserie is designed after the famous Café de Paris, and brings a little piece of France to Miami with every bite. The steaks are carefully sourced from high-quality suppliers. Pair yours with their Salad Classique, Salad Saison, or the daily cheese platter, and then choose a bottle from the extensive wine list. Finally, don’t miss out on dessert (the Mousse aux Trois Chocolats and Crème Brûlée have us swooning). And for those truly Parisian among us, this indulgent French feast can be enjoyed alfresco. lentrecotedeparis.com.br/pages/home

Ozzi by Little Lotus {200 Southeast First Street; 786.704.8003}

Just what downtown needed—a zippy little gem of a sushi joint offering floating sushi boats for a quick-grab business lunch or takeaway meal. With a communal, social sushi bar, ambient lighting, and live bamboo lining the walls, this intimate space welcomes warmer occasions as well. For those who remember, Little Lotus was our downtown hidden jewel, acclaimed for authentic Asian eats. Now, Owner Sari Maharani has re-appeared with her signature style to create Ozzi by Little Lotus. This means that you can expect the best, whether it’s a cozy dinner for two or lunch in a dash. ozzibylittlelotus.com

Isushi {3301 Northeast First Avenue Suite 107; 954.473.1611} 

Midtown Miami is a mini-metropolis brimming with new places to dine, and Isushi is one of the newest contenders to hang its hat here. Born in Plantation, Florida, Isushi is not new to the business, and is sure to garner a following at this convenient new location. Famous for a vast selection of creative sushi rolls, combo plates, and party plates, Isushi serves high-quality sushi and Japanese cuisine at an outstanding value.  The space is modern and comfortable, and service is fast and friendly. And if you want to sip your miso in the privacy of your condo, their super-efficient delivery service is a good way to go. isushi.net

Eat Greek {1570 Alton, Miami Beach; 786.797.8164}

A little slice of heaven has landed on South Beach and it stays open ’til the wee hours of the morning. Owner and Athens native Billy Dimotakis understands late-night appetites, and has customized his hours to indulge the night owl crowd. Still, this little gem of Greek eats is not just a place for post-club munchies. The food here is fresh and authentic. Dimotakis makes everything from scratch, using mainly organic ingredients, and stays true to his heritage with recipes inspired by the bounty of Greece. Have your souvlaki stuffed with french fries, or lettuce, hummus, or tzaziki, or try a taste of everything—but be sure to save room for the homemade baklava. eatgreek.org

MICHAEL MINA 74

The adage, “not all who wander are lost,” couldn’t be truer of Chef Michael Mina. A native of Egypt, owner of successful restaurants from coast-to-coast, and frequent flier to places afar, the prolific and talented Chef Mina clearly has his culinary bearings. Now you can travel with him vicariously at MICHAEL MINA 74 at Fontainebleau Miami Beach, where each menu item is inspired by a journey past.

Congratulations on the new restaurant! With so many unique concepts in many different locations, what does MICHAEL MINA 74 share with your other restaurants, and what sets it apart?

MICHAEL MINA 74 is built on the same foundation as all our restaurants—great people serving great food and drink. What makes it different is that it blends a bar and ultra-lounge with a restaurant of global flavors—every dish is inspired by my travels. To complement the menu, we created a strong cocktail program including fizzy-lifting drinks and quality, hand-crafted cocktails that are available on tap, ready in a fraction of the time. It’s a science we have worked hard to perfect.

Tell us about The Bleaufish, Fontainebleau’s private boat. Do you catch all the fish for the menu on the boat? 

We do get some of our seafood from the Bleaufish, which goes out daily and brings back fresh product. It allows us to be innovative in the kitchen since we’re not sure what will come in that day. Our location in Miami offers us amazing access to the finest local seafood delicacies, including spiny lobsters, which we use in our Florida Lobster Pasta, as well as the Florida stone crab claws on our Shellfish Cart.

What kind of beer would you pair with your signature Truffle Donuts with Foie Gras “Frosting”? 

I would recommend a sour such as Rodenbach’s Classic Flanders Red Ale—its acidity helps cut the richness of the dish, and it has a slight earthiness from being aged on its lees. These flavors pair well with the earthiness of the truffles.

Does your Egyptian heritage inspire your menu in any way? 

I pull inspiration from all facets of life, including my heritage and family. There are definitely Middle Eastern influences on my menus—like the Dip & Chip with roasted eggplant and avocado dip, toasted pita, and fresh vegetables. We also have Lamb Meatballs with ricotta dumplings, date chutney, and Meyer lemon. One of my greatest childhood food memories is my mother’s falafel, which lends a comfort and warmth to my meals that I wanted to share with guests. At BOURBON STEAK Miami, I incorporated this into the Michael’s Mother’s Falafel Burger, served on a toasted brioche bun with tahini sauce, warmed heirloom tomato, and grilled scallion with cucumber and tomato relish, duck fat french fries, and tahini dipping sauce.

As a frequent traveler, does each new trip inspire you to tweak your menus with the new flavors and techniques you discover? Do you have any big trips planned soon?

My greatest inspiration comes from my travels, both close to home and far away. With MICHAEL MINA 74, I had the opportunity to incorporate pronounced, bold flavors I experienced around the world. My next big trip planned is back to Japan. I’ve always had a love for Japanese cuisine, both the ingredients and techniques, which I’ve showcased from MICHAEL MINA to PABU, a modern izakaya and sushi bar run in partnership with Chef Ken Tominaga of the famed Hana Japanese Restaurant in Sonoma County.

The dinner rush finally comes to a close at MICHAEL MINA 74. What’s your go-to order after a long day?

I love our Dry-Aged Steak Burger. It’s perfectly balanced, with pepper Jack and American cheeses, applewood-smoked bacon, a secret sauce, and housemade pickles.