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Visit these posh Miami restaurants if you regularly crave exquisite Italian food and jaw-dropping elegance

Authentic Italian at Cibo Wine Bar

Cibo Wine Bar in Coral Gables has no problem consistently pleasing the crowds. Be it the rustic exposed brick ambience, the large wine menu boasting both Italian regions and global varieties, lobster specials on Tuesdays, or brunches full of Italian bubbles on Sunday, Cibo has something for everyone, and it’s always authentically Italian. Take their Neapolitan-style pizzas: cooked to perfection in a wood-burning oven and complete with over a dozen varieties, including a whole wheat dough option. We like to order the simple but always perfect Mozzarella di Bufala, with buffalo cheese, fresh basil, and extra virgin olive oil. Another great is the Funghi, with wild mushrooms, fontini cream, and white truffle oil, because…well, truffle. Or you can kick things up with toppings like prosciutto, spicy soppressatta, Italian sausage, or even a variety of seafood in the Frutte di Mare. Now that’s authentic.

A Tasty Slice of Italy at Amare Ristorante

If you’re craving a trip to the iconic Italian coast, Amare Ristorante has you covered. Located in the South of Fifth neighborhood, Amare is ready to transport you to the beautiful Amalfi Coast by way of elevated Italian cuisine and equally romantic furnishings. A concept by Gino Iovino in collaboration with Michelin-starred Chef Cosimo Cassano, the expert team here prepares classic dishes made in-house with seasonal ingredients flown directly from Italy. Indulge in award-winning favorites such as the Risotto Tartufato, Costata Di Manzo, Tartare Tasting Trio, or the Spaghetti Vesuvio (Spaghetti al Nero di Sepia). Whether sitting indoors or on the outdoor terrace, the combination of the classic Italian cuisine along with the imported décor that includes hand-painted ceramic tiles, pottery, and sculptures, you’ll feel as though you’re on a luxurious Italian vacation. Benvenuto!



Dreamy Cocktail Infusions at Scarpetta

Sure, house-infused spirits, bespoke cold-brew cocktails, and tantalizing Italian dishes by none other than celebrity chef Scott Conant are reasons aplenty to stop in for a meal at Scarpetta (or at its cocktail lab and infusion bar, Sorso). But this summer, there’s one item on the menu we can’t stop thinking about. It’s called the True Bleau, and it’s a heavenly blend of Barr Hill gin and grapefruit soda served with a pea flower-infused ice cube. True to its name, this jewel-toned indigo stunner is just as Instagrammable as it is utterly delicious.

By DiningOut Staff

You’ve got two more weeks to dine like royalty. Make it count.

Los Fuegos Kitchen Prep

The annual restaurant extravaganza known as Miami Spice is quickly coming a close, so we’ve gathered our top picks for the best Spice menus in town. From celebrity chefs to neighborhood spots, there’s plenty to keep even the most discerning foodie happy.

Los Fuegos {3201 Collins Ave, Miami Beach; 786.655.5600}

Lamb Ribs

Argentine super chef Francis Mallmann is the mastermind behind this gaucho-inspired restaurant at the posh Faena Miami Beach. As such, expect rustic Argentine and Patagonian specialities like Oxtail Croquettes or Octopus A La Plancha for appetizers. For mains, we loved the Lamb Ribs with peach chutney, while the Local Snapper comes with an intriguing grilled polenta and tomato mayonnaise. Dessert keeps things simple with a Mascarpone Cheesecake with red berry sorbet.

Octopus A La Plancha

Boulud Sud {255 Biscayne Blvd Way, Miami; 305.421.8800}

Boulud Sud Dining Room

The plush downtown outpost of celeb chef Daniel Boulud’s homage to Mediterranean delights is a sophisticated spot to do a fancy Miami Spice lunch. The menu changes regularly, so there’s plenty of reason to keep coming back throughout the Spice promotion. We started with the Babaganoush appetizer and a “Horiatiki” Greek Salad, both of which were fresh and flavorful. For mains, we opted for the Branzino A La Plancha with freekah and apricot and the Lamb “Frita” with harissa aïoli, crispy potato, and onion compote. Desserts were showstoppers and included a Lavender-Peach Zalabia (a Tunisian donut filled with labneh mousse) and Chocolate Profitroles. And don’t forget to save room for those special warm madeleine cookies that are always served gratis!

Market at Edition {2901 Collins Ave, Miami Beach; 786.257.4600}

Crispy Salmon Sushi

Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s Market at Edition’s global cafe/patisserie/salumeria is one of our favorite spots, simply because there’s so much tempting food on display—from the crisp pizzas to the insane charcuterie. For our Spice lunch, we started with the Crispy Salmon Sushi and Summer Squash and Arugula Salad—both refreshing and light starters. The Roasted Beef Tenderloin is a solid choice for an entrée, complimented by goldbar squash, Parmesan cheese and a buttery hot sauce, while the Mushroom and Farm Egg Pizza will please any carb lover. For dessert, choose between the Strawberry Sundae or the Passion Fruit Cheesecake (or splurge for a slice of the Carrot Cake—one of the best in town).

Scarpetta {4441 Collins Ave, Miami; 305.674.4660}

Branzino

The Italian restaurant at the Fontainebleau is always a winner for Spice, if not solely for the fact that they consistently offer their legendary Spaghetti Pomodoro as a Spice entrée and it is consistently, delectably, life-changing. That said, we were a tad disappointed that their Creamy Polenta with Mushrooms was not offered on this year’s Spice menu, but we understand the need to innovate—in its place, we loved the Mediterranean Octopus with capers and olives. For mains, there’s the classic Spaghetti, a beautifully crisped-skin Branzino, the Duck and Foie Gras Ravioli, or Chicken Breast with Pancetta. Desserts selections of Coconut Tapioca and Chocolate Amedei Bar with hazelnut crunch were lovely.

Chocolate Amedei Bar with Hazelnut Crunch

Maska {3252 NE 1st Ave Suite 109, Miami; 786.971.9100}

Crab Tadka Dumplings

Chef Hemant Mathur, the first Indian Chef in the U.S. to receive a Michelin Star, has opened a high-end homage to Indian cooking in midtown.  The dining room is an opulent space with crystal chandeliers, plush blue chairs, an open kitchen and a lounge and wine cellar. Be prepared to eat modern Indian dishes with creative spins like the Maska Chicken, the restaurant’s version of a butter chicken, Khoya Mushroom (paneer stuffed portobello mushroom), Crab Tadka Dumplings, and a variety of Kulcha (stuffed bread). Maska’s Miami Spice offering includes a complimentary cocktail—the Aam-Chi Martini—a gin-based cocktail topped with mango lassi foam. Next door to Maska, Mathur has also opened Cho:Tu, which focuses on Indian street food with a more casual atmosphere.

Khoya Mushroom

By Sara Liss, Contributing Writer

The latest room package includes up to three complimentary Miami Spice meals

Miami Spice is an exciting time in the Magic City. Giving locals and visitors yet another reason to check out Miami’s mouthwatering restaurant scene, these tasty two months of the year are when the city’s most popular, and often most expensive, restaurants offer three-course lunch, brunch, and dinner menus for just $23 and $39 per person, respectively. This year, guests can couple Miami’s most iconic restaurant deal with its most iconic hotel! Thanks to the Fontainebleau Miami Beach’s new Spice & Stay Package, you have no reason not to indulge in both.

Fontainebleau Miami Beach {4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 800.548.8886}

The deal is simple: Stay at the Fontainebleau between August 15 and September 30, and for every night you stay, you’ll get a free Miami Spice dinner for two at Scarpetta by Scott Conant, StripSteak by Michael Mina, or Hakkasan. These are the hotel’s three signature restaurants, and where you choose to take advantage of the deal is completely up to you. In addition to meals, you’ll get an Ocean View room or higher, complimentary overnight valet for one vehicle, and a copy of the “Little Bleau Book”—which offers coupons and savings throughout the hotel—when you check in. The best part? Rooms start at just $249 a night.*

MIAMI SPICE CUISINE

As it goes every year, the Miami Spice 2019 offerings at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach won’t disappoint. Guests of Scarpetta, the hotel’s world-renowned destination for Italian fine dining, can choose from options like its famous Spaghetti, Mediterranean Octopus with smoked crema, and the Amedei Bar dessert with a hazelnut crunch, passion fruit, and praline ice cream. If a steak dinner is more your style, StripSteak by Michael Mina will offer choices like “Instant Bacon”—braised pork belly with smoked pineapple and radish salad—Salmon Bourguignon, the 8-ounce Moyer Farms Filet Mignon with a charred onion soubise, and housemade Key Lime Pie with a blackberry-ginger frozen yogurt.

Mediterranean Octopus at Scarpetta

The best Miami Spice offer of all, however, is undoubtedly at Hakkasan. Both the lunch and dinner menu requires a two-guest minimum, and for good reason: all appetizers and entrées are brought to the table and served family-style, so guests get a taste of everything on the menu. On weekends, Miami Spice ties in with the restaurant’s popular Dim Sum Lunch, serving top dishes like Hakkasan’s Dim Sum Basket, Sautéed Shanghai Pak Choi with Mushroom, and Stir-Fry Udon Noodles with Duck and Black Pepper. On the dinner menu, find plates like Beef Fried Brown Rice, Sautéed Diced Chicken in a black pepper sauce, and Steamed Snapper with green ginger. Both menus let guests pick their choice of an individual dessert, either the Mango Custard with coconut sorbet or the Black Sesame Cheesecake with blackberry yuzu sherbet. 

Dim Sum Basket at Hakkasan

Miami Spice dinner menus will be available at Scarpetta by Scott Conant, StripSteak by Michael Mina, and Hakkasan every night of the week. Hakkasan will also offer a Miami Spice lunch menu on Saturdays and Sundays only.

*In order to take advantage of this deal, bookings must be made before September 30 and stays must happen between August 15 and September 30. Each stay can only be a maximum of three nights. Bookings can be made here. Use the promo code “SPICESTAY” to get the deal. Blackout dates: August 30-31, September 1, and September 22-23. Nightly room rates exclude tax and gratuity.

By Jennifer Agress, contributing writer

Bleau Bar

Looking for a new Friday night date idea? Well, look no further than our own backyard—at the iconic Fontainebleau Miami Beach {4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.538.2000}. With 11 restaurants, eateries, and bars to choose from, just hop in the car, head to Miami’s most popular hotel, hand your keys to valet, and make a night of it… a whole night.

For a date that’s fun, fancy, and delicious, follow this guide for a Fontainebleau bar crawl like you’ve never had before:

Go early, and start with Day Drinking at Bleau Bar

We won’t judge you for actually day drinking, but this time, we’re referring to one of Bleau Bar’s best summer cocktails. As the saying goes, it’s 5 o’clock somewhere, so grab your sweetheart and head to the Fontainebleau right after work. The first place you’ll see when you walk in is Bleau Bar, so belly up and order two Day Drinking cocktails: it’s a mix of Pavan Liqueur de France, Whispering Angel rosé, lychee purée, and a mint and fruit garnish. Just remember to sip it slowly… after all, it is meant to be something you drink all day long.

Move on to Talladega Days at Hakkasan

Shake n’ Bake! This Talladega Days cocktail is just what you need for a hot summer night. Hakkasan is a world-renowned hotspot, and its talented team of bartenders spare no luxury in this mix of Corzo Tequila Silver, Cointreau, orange and pineapple juices, and guava purée. Throw in a hint of Filthy Black Cherry Syrup, garnish it with a fresh orchid, and drink up. Ricky Bobby!

Indulge in a Vita di Luxuary at Scarpetta

You’ve had a couple light drinks, and now it’s time to move on to the serious stuff: like this Vita di Luxuary cocktail. Part Sauternes Wine, Spring gin, Domain de Canton, lime juice, and hibiscus syrup, this drink will taste delicious when you pair it with Scott Conant’s famous spaghetti (which we also won’t judge you for ordering). The Hibiscus blossom and citrus foam garnish? Well, that just adds more pizzazz.

Finish the night with a Perfect Hemingway Daiquiri at StripSteak by Michael Mina

There’s nothing more “Florida” than this Perfect Hemingway Daiquiri: two kinds of Diplomatico Reserva rum, grapefruit juice, simple syrup, Luxardo Maraschino, and one Amarena cherry. To really treat your special someone, pair it with a sweet slice of key lime pie with caramelized honey, graham cracker crust, and lemongrass sherbet. It’s also very “Florida.”

Happy dining!

By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor

mother's day

Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 8. Have you made your dining plans yet? Below, the only guide you’ll need to decide where to treat mom on her special day. Be sure to make reservations as soon as possible!

Adena Grill & Wine Bar {900 Silks Run, Hallandale Beach; 954.464.2333}
From 11am-4pm, the elegant steakhouse at Gulfstream Park will host a very special Mother’s Day brunch buffet featuring a variety of gourmet stations serving both breakfast and lunch options. Breakfast offerings include a home-baked bread station with homemade waffles, pancakes, bagels, and more, as well as a custom omelet and fresh fruit station. Lunch options will feature shellfish, sushi, and pasta stations, plus a meat-carving station and various entrées. $49 per adults; $20 for children 10. Adena’s regular à la carte dinner menu will be available from 4-10pm.

Apeiro Kitchen & Bar {3252 Northeast First Avenue, Midtown; 786.800.5389}
The acclaimed Delray Beach restaurant that recently opened in Midtown invites guests to Mother’s Day brunch from 11am-4pm. Specials include Stracciatella with pickled cantaloupe, watermelon, and crispy prosciutto; Bouillabaisse of mussels, clams, shrimp, octopus, and tomato broth atop cuttlefish capellini; and Rib-Eye with roasted fennel, fingerling potatoes, and saba reduction.

The Bazaar by José Andrés {SLS South Beach, 1701 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.455.2999}
Visit The Bazaar from 11am-2:30pm for “The Brunch Table,” which will include a selection of Spanish cured meats and cheese, Iberico porchetta, smoked salmon, caviar selection, fresh fruits, pastries, and assorted yogurt parfaits. Guests can also choose one à la carte entrée, like the Huevos a la Cubana, Olive Oil Mini Pancakes, SLS Eggs Benedicto, Wild Alaskan Salmon Veracruzana, and more. Top off the meal with a choice of dessert. $75 per adult; $35 per child.

The Biltmore Hotel {1200 Anastasia Avenue, Coral Gables; 305.913.3200}
From May 6-8, the Biltmore’s signature French restaurant, Palme d’Or invites guests and their mothers to a spectacular six-course tasting menu with a complimentary glass of Champagne to toast the occasion. In addition, don’t miss out on the Biltmore’s Sunday Champagne brunch, an extravagant buffet that takes place every week in the hotel’s courtyard with delicacies such as caviar, smoked salmon, shellfish, carved meats, fresh omelettes, pasta, sushi, and more.

Café des Arts {22 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.534.2555}
South of Fifth’s Café des Arts’ has a new chef, Patrick Kirschner, who is offering a special Mother’s Day seafood tower for two paired with a bottle of rosé for only $60. In addition, all moms will receive a $20 gift card, so they can come back and try any of the other dishes they crave.

Cleo {The Redbury Hotel, 1776 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.534.2536}
Along with its nightly menu, Cleo at The Redbury will be offering a special prix-fixe Mother’s Day menu. All mothers who opt for the prix-fixe menu will receive a complimentary glass of prosecco with strawberries. $65 per person. Click here for full menu.

db Bistro Moderne {255 Biscayne Boulevard Way, Downtown; 305.421.8800}
Treat mom to a bubbly Sunday brunch at Daniel Boulud’s downtown Miami eatery. Chef Clark Bowen is serving up a seasonal three-course prix-fixe menu from 11am-3pm along with a bottle of Moët & Chandon to share for every two guests. $70 per person; $50 per person without Champagne; $35 for children 12 and under. Click here for full menu.

Hyde Beach Kitchen + Cocktails {111 South Surf Road, Hallandale Beach; 954.699.0901}
Along with views of the Atlantic and beats by DJ YSL, this Hallandale Beach hot spot will be offering a brunch buffet that will include a complimentary mimosa or Bellini that will perfectly pair with its Blueberry Pancakes, Fried Chicken and Waffles, an omelette from the omelette station, and more. $45 per adult; $18 for children 5-12; free for children under 4.

Katsuya {SLS South Beach, 1701 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.455.2995}
Join Katsuya for Mother’s Day dinner, where all moms will receive a complimentary Champagne cocktail. Enjoy bites such as the Crispy Rice with spicy tuna; the Hamachi Sizzle Roll, an array of options from the robata bar, and more. After dinner, all moms will receive complimentary chocolate-covered strawberries to end their night on a sweet note.

La Mar by Gastón Acurio {Mandarin Oriental Miami, 500 Brickell Key Drive, Brickell; 305.913.8358}
Mandarin Oriental’s signature Peruvian restaurant will be offering a special Mother’s Day brunch from noon-3:30pm featuring unlimited Champagne and brunch cocktails and savory entrées such as Egg-topped Lomo Saltado and Pescado Chorrillana. An elaborate seafood station with cebiches, causas, tiraditos, and Peruvian-style sushi rolls, as well an anticucho grill providing skewers, empanadas, sliders, and whole fish will also be available. $85 per adult; $35 for children ages 6 to 12.

Midtown Oyster Bar {3301 Northeast First Avenue, Midtown; 786.220.2070}
Chef Pierluigi Angioi has created Mother’s Day deals on several signature dishes, including a beautifully plated Whole Branzino, Oysters Rockefeller, and Seafood Paella. In addition, the restaurant is offering bottomless Syltbar sparking rosé for $25 per person, along with $7 Bloody Marys, $5 mimosas, and amazing select wines by the glass for $6. Not to mention, select oysters will be half-off all day long.

Quattro Gastronomia Italiana {1014 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach; 305.531.4833}
In addition to its regular dinner menu, Lincoln Road’s upscale Northern Italian eatery is celebrating Mother’s Day with special à la carte dishes such as Insalata Mista Di Crostacei (seafood salad with Maine lobster, shrimp, scallops, clams, mussels, and lemon dressing), Paccheri con Polpo (pasta with octopus, cherry tomato, Taggiasca olives, and light red sauce; Filleto Di Manzo (seared filet mignon wrapped with prosciutto); and more.

The Restaurant at The Raleigh {1775 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.612.1163}
The Raleigh Miami Beach is offering an à la carte menu from noon-4pm. The Restaurant will also be featuring a raw bar that will include multiple varieties of oysters, king crab legs, poached lobster, and shrimp cocktail with assorted accompaniments and sauces. Every mother will receive a complimentary glass of rosé and chocolate-covered strawberries.

Riviera Focacceria Italiana {3252 Northeast Buena Vista Boulevard, Midtown; 786.220.6251}
Midtown Miami’s authentic Ligurian restaurant is launching its weekly Sunday brunch on Mother’s Day. Look for menu items such as the Polpettone Faglioni e Patate, a unique vegetable “meatloaf” with eggs, Parmesan, string beans, and potatoes, and a traditional home-cooked Frittata. Order either one with the restaurant’s new Basil Bellini, a refreshing cocktail of prosecco, peach purée, a touch of housemade basil syrup, and ground local sweet basil.

Scarpetta {Fontainebleau Miami Beach, 4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.535.3283}
From 11am-3pm, Fontainebleau’s signature Italian restaurant will host an Italian-inspired buffet with countless options from an ample spread of Italian meats and cheeses, a frittata action station, live-action carving station, fresh seafood, a pasta station, and a cornucopia of desserts. $75 per adult; $37.50 per child under 12; free for children under four.

The Setai Hotel {2001 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 855.923.7899}
South Beach’s exclusive Setai Hotel always offers a lavish jazz brunch every Sunday, and Mother’s Day is no exception. From 11:30am-3pm, experience a delightful buffet with all the brunch staples you could imagine, along with limitless Louis Roederer Champagne and Bloody Marys while listening to the sounds of live jazz.

TiramesU {101 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.532.4538}
South Beach’s landmark restaurant is celebrating Mother’s Day with bottomless mimosas for just $25 per person. In addition, Chef Fabrizio Pintus will serve an à la carte menu with selections such as Tartare di Tonno, served between layers of pane carasau, a crispy flatbread from Sardinia; Grigliata di Pesce, an assortment of grilled scallops, head-on prawns, salmon, and tuna; and Ravioli with spring vegetables, ricotta, and sage butter sauce.

—Sherri Balefsky | Miami Editor

Fontainebleau

Fontainebleau by Fontainebleau

From its crisp white walls to its ocean-facing curves, the pulsing neon of its club to the refined elegance of its food, Fontainebleau is a modern marvel.

But this Miami landmark is no creation of the early aughts; its origins date back to 1954, when a modest 520 rooms housed guests in a hotel a third the size of Fontainebleau’s current property. In 1978, real estate mogul Stephen Muss bought the property and hired Hilton to manage it. It was only in 2008 when the now-majestic hotel really began to take form under direction from developer Jeffrey Soffer.

The first addition to the property was the Versailles Tower, adding 380 rooms. Then came two more towers, bringing the grand total to 1,504 rooms—the most of any property in greater Miami. While the additions were designed to modernize Fontainebleau with updated design and top-of-the-line amenities, they also stayed true to the property’s designation as a historic landmark. Thanks to this architectural foresight, guests can now enjoy the best of midcentury modern and 2016 aesthetics in the same space.

Not surprisingly, the renovation brought with it several brand new restaurants and serious culinary talent. Grounded in authentic Chinese cuisine, Hakkasan is what Vice President of Culinary Operations Thomas Connell calls a “concept-driven, not chef-driven, restaurant.” But guests can also find the culinary genius of celebrity chefs employed with panache, notably in Michael Mina 74, a casual American concept; Stripsteak by Michael Mina—a steak-centric Mina creation; and Scarpetta, the regional Italian inspiration of James Beard Award- winning Chef Scott Conant.

Unlike other hotel properties, where leased space leaves restaurants to their own devices, Fontainebleau has crafted a brilliant support structure that balances the experience of celebrity chefs Mina and Conant with Connell’s daily oversight and the innovation of each concept’s head chef. Thanks to recent additions to the hotel, the chefs can also lean on a full suite of onsite facilities—including banquet halls, a bakery, expansive storage, space for onsite butchery, and other research and development facilities.

“Fontainebleau’s unique model for collaboration works when you have common vision between founding chefs and property staff,” Connell says. “We always have open dialogue, and the chefs are onsite at least monthly so that they can interact with guests and review their concepts.” Thanks to this approach, nearly every concept on the property is leading its respective empire in revenue—while helping to define Miami as a culinary destination.

“Michael Mina 74 leads the brand,” Vice President of Food and Beverage Joshua Summers says. “And Hakkasan—which we brought over from London—outperforms all other Hakkasan locations. That’s because Chef Connell’s skills keep menus fresh and focused.”

Part of that focus is keen attention to sourcing. The chefs’ collaboration has ensured that only the best ingredients find their way into the hotel’s restaurants—including fish caught off the hotel’s boat, meat sourced fresh daily, and produce picked within miles of Fontainebleau.

Another perk of having top-notch restaurants in the same hotel: custom dining itineraries. “You can be here for days and not leave the property,” Summers says. Guests often craft their own hours-long enjoyment of Fontainebleau’s culinary talent, stretching from Champagne at Michael Mina 74 to light seafood indulgences at Scarpetta, to continental steak entrées at StripSteak. Some lucky diners have even been invited to the onsite pâtisserie, where they can pick and choose chocolate indulgences from the hotel’s pastry case.

Supposing loyal diners are keen on learning the ins and outs of Scarpetta’s pasta, or the secrets to pairing wine with steak, Fontainebleau also offers classes open to the public. Interested foodies can even have classes and events customized to fit their interests—and with such a diversity of concepts, the theme can be almost anything.

“Our culinary offerings are truly the majesty of Fontainebleau,” Summers says. It helps, of course, that the luxurious property is steps away from the deep blue ocean, and that there seems to be no limit to the talent and potential within its walls. If Fontainebleau aims to elevate Miami dining—indeed, to redefine it—it’s well on its way.

Dining Highlights at Fontainebleau

Stripsteak: For something a bit different, be sure to try the Japanese Whisky Ceremony— perfect for whisky aficionados and novices alike. Multiple varieties of Japanese whisky are brought to your table and your server will guide you to the whisky that most suits your taste. They then perfume the glass with ingredients and aromas naturally found in the whisky. Participants complete the ceremony with a luscious taste of the whisky they prefer.

28oz Dry-Aged Bone-In Rib-Eye—If you’re coming to StripSteak, this most regal of steaks is not to be missed. Dry-aged in the restaurant’s own butcher shop to enhance the flavor and tenderness, the rib-eye is then grilled over a wood-burning grill to perfection. The result is a beautifully marbled, tender steak that you will never forget.

Tuna Tartare—A classic featured at many Michael Mina restaurants, the Tuna Tartare is one of the property’s best-selling dishes. Spicy and sweet play well together in this blockbuster dish; sushi-grade tuna is mixed tableside with garlic, chile, and Asian pear for the perfect balance of flavors.

Hakkasan: Opt for the carefully curated dishes and drinks on the $45 three-course dim sum lunch menu—from authentic Peking Duck combined with caviar, to the crafted cocktails and eclectic wines. Don’t miss the the Smoky Negroni Cocktail, either. Must-try dishes include Pepper Steak and Honey Sea Bass.

Michael Mina 74: This is undoubtedly one of the best places in the city for innovative cocktails; there are three mixed drinks on tap, three barrel-aged concoctions, and three carbonated creations, all made in-house. Plus, you can enjoy the seafood cart filled with bounty from the hotel’s own boat. Necessary menu indulgences: Ahi Tuna Poppers and the Dry-Aged Steak Burger with American cheese.

To learn more about Fontainebleau, its amenities, and the many dining possibilities on property, visit fontainebleau.co

1. Shanghai Nights at Bazi

When: Every Sunday beginning April 10
Where: Bazi {The Marlin Hotel, 1200 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.695.0101}
What: Starting April 10, every Sunday, Bazi will offer a special Shanghai Nights menu allowing diners to indulge in some of their favorite dishes—such as Chicken, Beef, or Shrimp Lo Mein; Beef and Broccoli, General Tso’s Chicken, and Mu Shu Pork—for only $10 each.

Quattro Miami Interior Photo credit Gary James

Quattro’s Wine Tower

2. Bacco Nights at Quattro

When: Every Monday night
Where: Quattro Gastronomia Italiana {1014 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach; 305.531.4833}
What: Lincoln Road’s top destination for authentic regional Italian cuisine introduces Bacco Night every Monday during dinner, where bottles of wine on La Bucca di Bacco, Quattro’s impressively diverse wine list of over 200 bottles from 20 different Italian regions, will be 50-percent off.

3. Half-Off Wine Bottles at TiramesU

When: Every Tuesday through October
Where: TiramesU {101 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.532.4538}
What: At its new South of Fifth location, the 25-year-old TiramesU continues to bring familiar flavors to the next level by creating specials that feature fresh seasonal produce and imported ingredients. Starting this month, every Tuesday, the restaurant will offer any of its bottles of wine at 50-percent off, a weekly occasion to indulge in one’s expansive taste or try different wines.

4. Administrative Professionals Day

When: Through April 27
Where: Bulla Gastrobar {2500 Ponce de Leon Boulevard, Coral Gables; 305.441.0107}
What: In honor of Administrative Professionals Day on April 27, Bulla is offering a free glass of sangría or dessert to all administrative professionals just by showing their business card. Bosses too can show their appreciation: Purchase a gift card for your assistant and receive a $10 gift card for every $100 you spend!

DIRT recipe

Beet & Goat Cheese Toast by DIRT’s Jeff Latulippe

5. StarChefs 2016 Rising Stars Gala

When: Wednesday, April 13, 6:30-9:30pm
Where: Marlins Park {501 Marlins Way, Miami}
What: StarChefs honors up-and-coming chefs and hospitality professionals who represent the vanguard of the contemporary American dining scene. The 2016 winners, which include Chef Diego Oka of La Mar by Gasón Acurio and Jeff Latulippe of DIRT, will be honored and will showcase their finest dishes alongside the winning sommeliers and bartenders. A portion of the ticket sales will be donated to Feeding South Florida, a nonprofit food bank that distributes more than 40 million pounds of food per year. General Admission: $85 per person. Click here to purchase tickets.

6. (Mostly) Jazz at The Betsy

When: Wednesdays and Thursdays, 8-11pm
Where: The Betsy-South Beach {1440 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach; 305.760.6900}
What: Twice per week, guests are invited to enjoy sumptuous BLT Steak cuisine at the Lobby Bar while enjoying the live jazz music. Upcoming performances include:

  • Wednesday, April 13: Roxana Amed / Martin Bejerano
  • Thursday, April 14: Mike Gerber
  • Thursday, April 21: Liz Bieler
  • Wednesday, April 27: Davis and Dow Duo
  • Thursday, April 28: Markus Gottschlich
Quality Meats_Double Rib Steak for two

Quality Meats Double Rib Steak

7. Quality Meats Three-Day Steer Roast

When: April 14-16
Where: Quality Meats {1501 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.340.3333}
What: Over the course of three nights, Executive Chef Patrick Rebholz is partnering with up-and-coming Chef Norberto “Negro” Piattoni for a whole steer cookout extravaganza. A 900-pound steer will be cooked in a specially constructed “fire kitchen” on Quality Meats’ expansive terrace. Events are as follows:

  • Thursday, April 14: Asada Barbecue ($59 per person including beer pairings) with whole ribs, sausage, and various steaks including bavette, hanger, flank, and skirt steak.
  • Friday, April 15: Family-Style Meal ($79 per person including wine pairings) with menu items such as Beef Liver Pâté, Fried Ground Beef Empanadas, Smoked Brisket, and Roasted Bone Marrow.
  • Saturday, April 16: Formal Night, a seated four-course affair ($99 with wine pairing) with a sophisticated menu to match featuring a main course of tender grilled Bone-In Rib-Eye with wild mushrooms and Charred Beef with grilled bok choy and dashi. Click here to reserve your space.

8. COYA Miami’s One-Year Anniversary Celebration

When: Thursday, April 14, at 7pm
Where: COYA Miami {999 Brickell Avenue, Brickell; 305.415.9990}
What: Brickell’s chic Peruvian eatery COYA is celebrating its first year in Miami with a special celebration featuring complimentary Para Picar and Pisco Sours in the Pisco Bar until 8pm. Guests who make dinner reservations will also receive complimentary bubbles and dessert. RSVP here: [email protected].

9. Fontainebleau’s Cellar 1954 Wine & Dinner Series

When: Thursday, April 14, at 8pm
Where: Scarpetta at Fontainebleau {Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 877.326.7412}
What: Fontainebleau’s Cellar 1954 Wine & Dinner Series continues with dinner at Scarpetta featuring Napa Valley’s legendary Opus One Winery. The evening will be hosted by France Posener, sales director for the winery. Diners will enjoy a five-course menu prepared by Chef de Cuisine Neil O’Connell, each of which will be paired with a different varietal from the winery. Price is $350 per person, inclusive of tax and gratuity. Reservations are required and can be made by clicking here.

10. Standard Sounds Presents Jazz Lounge

When: Thursday, April 28, 8-11pm
Where: The Standard Spa, Miami Beach {40 Island Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.673.1717}
What: The Standard Spa, Miami Beach is bringing live jazz to The Lido. The hotel has teamed up with Peroni to bring you the best of Magic City’s scene the last Thursday of every month, April through June, curated and hosted by Dr. Chad Bernstein, trombonist, social entrepreneur, and lover of mollusks. Click here to RSVP.

Snail of Approval chefs and hosts

Slow Food Miami’s 2015 Snail of Approval chefs and hosts

11. Slow Food Miami’s Snail of Approval Tasting Party

When: Friday, April 29, 7-10pm
Where: 1 Hotel & Homes South Beach {2341 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach}
What: Join world-renowned chef, restaurateur, and TV host Tom Colicchio for Miami’s “Freshest Night Out.” The fifth-annual celebration will welcome South Florida’s best farm-to-table chefs, including Anthony Sitek of Apeiro Kitchen & Bar, Nicole Votano of Dirt, Mark Zeitouni from The Lido at The Standard, and many others. All event proceeds benefit Slow Food Miami’s Edible Garden Program. Click here to purchase tickets.

12. Las Olas Wine & Food Festival

When: Friday, April 29, 7:30-10:30pm
Where: Las Olas Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale
What: The 2016 LOWFF will welcome 45 wineries and 60 restaurants to take over Las Olas Boulevard, one of the few nights of the year Fort Lauderdale’s main thoroughfare closes down to pedestrians. This year, the American Lung Association has partnered with CI Management to create an unforgettable evening. Each street will have a little flair with live music, DJs, culinary and mixology demonstrations, interactive retail displays, and more. Also new this year: Best of the Best Restaurant Competitions on the main stage featuring various dueling restaurants. An expert panel of judges from will decide who will be named best of the best. For a complete lineup of events and ticket information, visit lasolaswff.com or call 954.727.0907.

13. Villa Azur’s Five-Course Menu + Wine Pairing

When: Every Friday evening
Where: Villa Azur {309 23rd Street, Miami Beach; 305.763.8688}
What: Delight your palate with Villa Azur’s flavorful, refined, yet approachable Mediterranean cuisine with a five-course menu that changes weekly. Each dish is paired with a hand-selected wine—all for just $80 per person. Plus, on the last Friday of every month, the restaurant will feature live music to enhance your dinner experience. This month’s featured artist (April 29, 9pm-Midnight) will be the R&B/soul/funk musician Keba and her band.

—Sherri Balefsky | Miami Editor

Scarpetta at Fontainebleau

This Wednesday, February 10 at 8pm, Fontainebleau’s signature Italian restaurant Scarpetta {4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 877.326.7412} will host the next edition of the popular Cellar 1954 Wine & Dinner Series, which pairs the cuisine of the hotel’s award-winning restaurants with some of the most prestigious wines and winemakers.

This week, diners will enjoy a decadent five-course meal prepared by Scarpetta’s new Chef de Cuisine Neil O’Connell complemented by wines from Napa Valley winery Odette Estate and its sister wineries Cade and PlumpJack, presented by winemaker Jeff Owens.

Menu items include a trio of canapés—Roast Chicken Arancini, Hamachi Crudo, and Crispy Polenta—followed by Caramelized Veal Sweetbread, Truffle Raviolini, and Herb-Crumbed Loin of Lamb, topped off with a Walnut Financier for dessert.

Cost is $225 per person. Reservations are required and can be made by clicking here.

—Sherri Balefsky | Miami Editor

In anticipation of this Sunday’s Miami Marathon, Fontainebleau’s award-winning four-diamond Italian eatery, Scarpetta {4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 877.326.7412}, will offer marathon runners a special “Carb-Up” three-course prix-fixe menu specially crafted to ensure runners’ muscles are fueled and energy levels are high for optimal performance.

The menu is available from 6-7pm on Friday, January 22, and Saturday, January 23, for $45, exclusive of tax and gratuity. Items include:

Choice of Primi Piatti:
Burrata with broccoli rabe pesto, heirloom tomatoes, baby basil, and arugula
Arugula Salad with toasted pine nuts, pecorino, and truccioletto vinaigrette
Creamy Polenta with fricassée of truffled mushrooms

polenta scarpetta

Creamy Polenta

Choice of Piatta:
Spaghetti with tomato and basil
Duck and Foie Gras Ravioli with Marsala reduction
Short Rib Agnolotti Dal Plin with horseradish, red wine, and breadcrumbs

Spaghetti with Tomato and Basil

Spaghetti with Tomato and Basil

Choice of Dessert:
Coconut Panna Cotta with caramelized pineapple and guava “soup”
Amedei Chocolate Cake with toasted almond gelato and salted caramel sauce

Click here for more information.

—Sherri Balefsky | Miami Editor

Fontainebleau new years

New Year’s is quickly approaching. Have you made your plans yet?

Whether you’re looking for a happening celebration that continues into the wee hours of the morning or a low-key evening of great food, drinks, and close friends, Fontainebleau Miami Beach {4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.535.3283} has you covered.

The Weekend & KYGO Poolside Party: Tickets are still available for the hippest New Year’s celebration in town, when Fontainebleau welcomes music sensation The Weeknd and EDM superstar KYGO to its incredible pools for a night of drinking and dancing. Tickets start at $325 per person and all packages include premium open bar from 9pm until midnight. Click here for tickets and information.

StripSteak by Michael Mina: Fontainebleau’s newest restaurant by celebrity chef Michael Mina is offering a four-course prix-fixe menu. A vegetarian menu is also available.
First Seating (6-7:30pm): $195 per person
Second Seating (8:30-10pm): $295 per person

Hakkasan: Fontainebleau’s modern Chinese restaurant will be offering a four-course prix-fixe menu that begins with a family-style Dim Sum Platter. A vegetarian menu is also available.
First Seating (6-7:30pm): $195 per person
Second Seating (8-10pm): $295 per person

ScarpettaChef Scott Conant’s AAA Four Diamond award-winning restaurant will be offering a delectable four-course prix-fixe menu. A vegetarian menu is also available.
First Seating (6-7:30pm): $195 per person
Second Seating (8-10pm): $295 per person

Michael Mina 74The chic, yet laid-back contemporary American bistro will be serving a limited football menu from 11am-4pm and offering a three-course prix-fixe menu from 6-11pm for $150 per person.

All prices are exclusive of tax and gratuity.

—Sherri Balefsky | Miami Editor