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Home / Posts Tagged "michael mina" (Page 2)

8:42 am
Restaurant Features
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MM74 Tap Takeover

There’s always something brewing at Fontainebleau Miami Beach {4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 877.512.8002} and this month is no exception.

M.I.A. Brewing, the Doral-based brewery, taproom, and beer garden is currently partnering with the hotel’s signature restaurant, Michael Mina 74, for a one-of-a-kind “tap takeover.” From now through October, all eight of the MM74’s taps will be pouring an array of  the brewery’s handcrafted beers, ales, and stouts.

In celebration of this partnership, tomorrow, Wednesday, September 30, at 8:30pm, M.I.A.’s brew master Michael Demetrus will join Chef Thomas Griese for a special five-course beer-pairing dinner.

Here’s what you can expect:

First Course: Duo of Diver Sea Scallop “Chaud-Froid”
Scallop espuma, hibiscus gel, sweet corn royalé, and herbed sabayon
Paired with: Regresa a Mi
Berliner Weisse fermented with guava and hibiscus

Second Course: Maine Lobster Pasta
Hand-cut pappardelle, garden squash ribbons, and lemon verbena
Paired with: Fontainebru
Saison (dry farmhouse ale) fermented with lemon verbena

Third Course: Jerked Caribbean Quail and Foie Gras
Cannellini bean purée, macadamia nuts, and saffron-infused mango
Paired with: Rye Tortugas
Galaxy red rye malt-forward ale

Fourth Course: Coffee-Rubbed Prime Skirt Steak Churrasco
Passionfruit brown butter, coffee textures, and tarragon
Paired with: Czar Face
Russian Imperial stout

Fifth Course: Double Chocolate Raspberry Torte
Aerated Tahitian vanilla-bean ice cream, raspberry cells, and cocoa nibs
Paired with: Moo-Over Miami
Roast dark chocolate full-bodied stout with cocoa nibs and vanilla bean

The prix-fixe menu is priced at $85 per person, exclusive of tax and gratuity. Reservations are required and tickets can be purchase online here.

By Sherri Balefsky | Miami Editor

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

MO Bar + Lounge

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

stripsteak

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

Sardinia enoteca

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

seafood bahia four seasons

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

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

Marc Irwin Piano concert in The Betsy Lobby

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

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

db Miami Wine Cellar by B. Milne

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

By Sherri Balefsky | Miami Editor

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11:31 am
Restaurant Features
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Miami Beach’s iconic Fontainebleau {4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.538.2000} hotel has a reputation for being the destination of choice for locals and visitors wanting to dine, drink, and dance the night away. To help beat the heat this summer, the sprawling property has launched a number of cool and innovative libations perfect for summertime sipping in Miami.

Caribbean Swizzle

Caribbean Swizzle

The hotel lobby’s central Bleau Bar has added 12 new cocktails that range from spicy to exotic to classic, and everything in between. If you want a bit of a kick, try the Fire in the Hole, with poblano pepper-infused Cabeza tequila, passionfruit-vanilla syrup, lime, Chichicapa mezcal, and jalapeño.

For a tropical treat, try the Caribbean Swizzle, made with Brugal 1888 rum, Ancho Reyes, honey ginger syrup, lime, and mint. And if you have a sweet tooth, go for the Chocolate Old Fashioned, made with Bulleit bourbon, Tempus Fugit Crème de Cacao, orange bitters, and angostura bitters, garnished with a handmade praline from the hotel’s coffee and pastry shop, Chez Bon Bon.

Bari

Bari

Chef Scott Conant’s Italian comfort food mecca Scarpetta is also offering new cocktails named after some of Italy’s most vibrant regions. The Lombardia is made with Bacardi 8 rum, Bulleit Rye whiskey, angostura and orange bitters, dry Sherry, and simple syrup, garnished with candied pancetta, while the Bari refreshes with Corzo Blanco tequila, watermelon, jalapeño, basil, cilantro, agave syrup, and lime juice.

Pisco Punch 2

Pisco Punch

Fontainebleau’s Chinese cuisine staple, Hakkasan, is rolling out new cocktails that complement the restaurant’s contemporary Asian fare. The Western Smash, for example, is made with High West Rendezvous Rye whiskey, fresh mint, blackberry purée, lemon juice, and simple syrup, while the Pisco Punch is a combination of Kappa Pisco, Lillet Rosé, hibiscus syrup, pineapple juice, lime juice, and fresh herbs.

Pimm's Cup 74

Pimm’s Cup 74

Celebrity Chef Michael Mina’s namesake Michael Mina 74 restaurant is known for incorporating its beverages with new age techniques. Summertime libations include the Samba Pa Ti, a modern take on a classic caipirinha consisting of Avuá Amburana Cachaça, passionfruit, Chinese five spice, and CO2 effervescence. The Pimm’s Cup 74, a twist on a classic Pimm’s Cup with peppercorn-infused with Plymouth gin, pineapple, Pimm’s No. 1, lemon, and mint.

Macarthur Causeway

And finally, Fontainebleau’s newest signature restaurant, StripSteak by Michael Mina, has introduced a few new cocktails to complement the steakhouse’s fine cuts of meat: The Real McCoy, with Facundo Eximo rum, anise-infused brandy, crème de menthe, pineapple crème, and Cara Cara orange; the MacArthur Causeway, with Ransom gin, Fresno and lemon preserves, velvet falernum, and crème de violette; and the Japanese Whiskey Drink #8, made with Nikka Taketsuru 12-Year, blood orange, yuzu, simple syrup, and angostura bitters.

By Sherri Balefsky | Online Editor

 

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9:00 am
Restaurant Features
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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!

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8:50 am
Restaurant Features
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enb crowd

By Sherri Balefsky | Contributing Writer 

The whirlwind weekend that is the South Beach Wine & Food Festival officially kicked off on Thursday, with dozens of events scattered throughout the city. Here’s a look inside the most exciting weekend (for food lovers!) in Miami, and our three favorite events during the festival weekend.

1. The Italian Al Fresco Feast

On Thursday evening, we headed for the tents, which spanned several blocks on the sands of South Beach. Despite the brisk temperatures, there was no way we were missing the festival’s first-ever Italian Al Fresco Feast on the Beach hosted by the Cooking Channel’s Debi Mazar and Gabriele Corcos. The evening was sponsored by storied pasta brand Ronzoni, which was celebrating its 100th anniversary.

Ronzoni Pasta's 100th Anniversary: Al Fresco Feast Sponsored By MIAMI Magazine Hosted By Debi Mazar & Gabriele Corcos - 2015 Food Network & Cooking Channel South Beach Wine & Food Festival

This night was all things Italian, featuring over 30 chefs from around the nation offering hungry event goers variations on their signature pasta dishes—spaghetti, linguini, rigatoni, ravioli, tortellini, and more in red sauce, pink sauce, Alfredo, pesto—every delectable combination you could imagine, all paired with Folonari Amore Italia wines. Several notable south Florida restaurants participated, including Chef Israel Mora of the new Brickell eatery Tamarina with a Spinach and Ricotta Ravioli topped with sage butter sauce, and Fabio Viviani of Siena Tavern with delicious wagyu meatballs.

Ronzoni Pasta's 100th Anniversary: Al Fresco Feast Sponsored By MIAMI Magazine Hosted By Debi Mazar & Gabriele Corcos - 2015 Food Network & Cooking Channel South Beach Wine & Food Festival

2. Best of the Best at the Fontainebleau

On Friday evening, while many Sobe Festers returned to the tents for the ninth annual Amstel Light Burger Bash, we headed to a more intimate affair at the Fontainebleau hotel. Aptly named the Best of the Best, the Wine Spectator-sponsored evening was arguably one of the more exclusive events of the weekend, attended only by the who’s who of Miami, New York, and beyond.

Fontainebleau Miami Beach Presents Wine Spectator's Best Of The Best Sponsored By Bank Of America And Merrill Lynch - 2015 Food Network & Cooking Channel South Beach Wine & Food

The event, which took place inside the hotel’s Sparkle Ballroom, was an overwhelming maze of over 60 featured restaurants, each serving up samplings of their best gourmet dishes. Restaurants were interspersed with equally impressive wineries offering sizable tastings and interesting tidbits about their varietals. True to its name, this event certainly was the best of the best, especially since all of the wines offered were rated 90 points or higher on Wine Spectator’s prestigious scale.

Top chefs came from all over the United States, though many of them were from right here in Miami, including the Fontainebleau’s very own Chefs Scott Conant and Michael Mina. Other notable South Florida restaurants in attendance included db Bistro Moderne, Katsuya, Seaspice, BLT Steak, and the Biltmore’s Palme d’Or, among many others.

Fontainebleau Miami Beach Presents Wine Spectator's Best Of The Best Sponsored By Bank Of America And Merrill Lynch - 2015 Food Network & Cooking Channel South Beach Wine & Food Fontainebleau Miami Beach Presents Wine Spectator's Best Of The Best Sponsored By Bank Of America And Merrill Lynch - 2015 Food Network & Cooking Channel South Beach Wine & Food

3. Eats & Beats Miami

On Saturday night, we switched gears, opting for a more low-key experience: the second-annual Eats & Beats Miami, an event–that’s not officially part of SoBe Fest–that took place at the glitzy Moore Building in the Design District. Luckily, we arrived early, because by the time we were through (about two hours in), the line to get in had snaked around the block.

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A combination event for both foodies and music lovers, the evening featured four floors of local restaurants offering a smorgasbord of tastings, from Asian-inspired dishes, to juicy slabs of rib-eye, to Indian curry, to empanadas, to sushi. The beverage offerings were diverse as well—wine, beer, Champagne, tequila, rum, vodka, you name it—Eats & Beats had all its bases covered.

The DJ booth didn’t miss a beat, which included sets by Michelle Leshem, Sean Drake, Chris Valencia, and Malone. All in all, it was the perfect ending to a very hectic—but very enjoyable—weekend. We can’t wait to see what’s in store for next year! Until then, our palates won’t quite be the same.

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9:26 am
Restaurant Features
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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

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8:16 am
Restaurant Features
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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.

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