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Home / Posts Tagged "seaspice miami"

10:15 am
Tips and Trends
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Not always so easy to find… but worth it when you do.

Seaspice on the Miami River

It’s a Miami-specific conundrum: so much water surrounding us, yet so few spots to actually enjoy it. But thankfully, there are many places that have been taking advantage of their waterfront locations for years and a few newer ones that have popped up recently to maximize that alfresco potential. We indulged in the views and all the fresh seafood to bring you this list of our favorite waterfront dining in the city.

Upscale Asian dishes complement a dock crowded with million-dollar yachts. If you’re looking to indulge, reserve a spot during their weekend brunch where the restaurant rolls out almost the entire menu: buffets of endless fresh sushi, skewers of marinated beef and vegetables from the robata grill, and prepared salads. Then there’s a bottomless glass of Louis Roederer Champagne in addition to Bloody Marys made with robata-grilled tomatoes. And it all goes perfectly with the waterfront views of downtown. 

La Mar {500 Brickell Key Drive, Downtown; 305.913.8358}

Peruvian Chef Gaston Acurio’s downtown Miami outpost occupies a gorgeous waterfront spot at Brickell Key’s Mandarin Oriental. The main dining room is awash in shades of watery greens, sandy grays, creamy beiges, and polished wood, but it’s the enticing outdoor terrace that offers glittering views of downtown. It provides the perfect backdrop to Chef Diego Oka’s contemporary Peruvian dishes with colorful tweaks.

Mondrian South Beach {1100 West Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.514.1910}

On Sundays, the place feels a bit like a Jay-Z video with bikini-clad pool lovers waving at the massive yachts that cruise the hotel’s enviable bayfront location. But during the week, the scene is more sedate with downtown skyscrapers twinkling in the distance and Mondrian Caffe’s menu of crowd-pleasing dishes like Kale Caesar and grilled skirt steak to keep you satisfied.

Garcia’s Seafood Grille and Fish {398 Northwest North River Drive, Downtown; 305.375.0765}

This Miami institution has been doing it right for years. Fresh seafood, reliable service, and a steady stream of locals tucking into platters of stone crabs and poached shrimp. Putter up to the back of the restaurant where waiters provide service directly onto the boats.

Seaspice {422 Northwest North River Drive, Downtown; 305.440.4200}

This two-building complex on the Miami River has already proven a hit with downtown’s well-heeled crowd. The restaurant’s large warehouse-like windows roll up giving the dining room a pleasant indoor-outdoor feel. The history of the spot dates back to Howard Huges, apparently it was his seaplane hangar and still has the rusted rigging intact to prove it. A dock that spans 250 feet with an additional dock across the river has hosted its share of mega-yachts that (sometimes) block the river views.

Kiki On The River {450 Northwest North River Drive, Miami; 786.502.3243}

And right next door is this boho-chic modern Greek taverna with those same Miami River views, this time framed by whitewashed nautical seating, lush greenery, and trees festooned with glass orbs. Chef Steven Rhee whips up food of the gods with mezzes, grilled seafood, lamb chops, and luscious feta-topped salads. 

Artisan Beach House {10295 Collins Avenue, Bal Harbour; 305.455.5400}

The restaurant at Ritz-Carlton Bal Harbour’s classy spot is the stuff of postcards.  The gorgeous sprawling dining room features floor-to-ceiling views of the ocean and the busy Haulover inlet, where speedboats regularly putter by. Whitewashed walls and comfortable leather booths balance the grandeur of the setting, but the best spot to dine is still the outdoor patio where ocean breezes mingle with views of Haulover marina and the bar’s loungey soundtrack. The seafood-centric menu features quinoa tuna poke and charred octopus with Vadouvan carrots.

Duffy’s Sports Grill {3969 Northeast 163rd Street, North Miami Beach; 305.760.2124}

This massive restaurant-lounge has a whopping 200 flatscreens, an outdoor pool, and a 500-foot dock. Located on the west side of the intra-coastal waterway, Duffy’s is known as a sports-watching haven and a popular happy hour spot. Extensive covered patio seating makes it an ideal spot to take in the salty breezes.

By Sara Liss, contributing writer

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10:22 am
Restaurant Features
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Sea spice Courtyard_Night

We were recently invited to Seaspice {422 Northwest North River Drive, Miami; 305.440.4200} to experience the newly updated menu by Executive Chefs Angel Lèon and Benjamin Goldman and Executive Pastry Chef Jill Montinola.

Entering Seaspice is visually stunning and captivating, as though you have just entered a private villa on the water. The entire space opens to the sparkling river, where private yachts and fishing boats occasionally sail by, adding to the nautical ambience.

We were seated at a table directly next to the water, where we were greeted by our lovely server, who articulated the specials of the evening and her not-to-miss dishes. The serene setting and outstanding service are hard to live up to, but it’s the food here that steals the show.

seaspice

We started with a special appetizer of Japanese Amberjack served tiradito-style with a spicy amarillo sauce. Each bite was an explosion of flavors and freshness—just enough crunch, just enough kick. We also had a special Salmon Sashimi appetizer (above), which was decadently drizzled with crème fraîche and sprinkled with salmon caviar. Both were exquisitely executed, artfully presented, and divine to taste.

seaspice wagyu

For entrées, we could not pass up the interactive hot stone experience, which is now offered as part of the restaurant’s main menu. As strongly encouraged by our waitress, we opted for the A5 Wagyu Hot Stone (above) with black lava salt. A modest portion of the coveted beef was presented simply sliced and ready for the very hot stone that came along with it. As instructed, we seared the meat briefly on each side, added a pinch of salt, and savored the finest cut of meat imaginable.

The special fish of the night was local Branzino, which was filleted and served with Thai raspberry vinaigrette and sprinkled with peanuts. The end result was a unique, delicately balanced flavor combination, and one of the most beautiful versions of the fish that we have ever experienced.

We had to round out the night with dessert, of course: a delightful plate of fruit, ice cream, and slices of white chocolate. Also worth mentioning is the restaurant’s fine selection of Port wine that complemented our dessert and our overall experience.

 —Erin Lavan | Contributor 

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11:07 am
Restaurant Features
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This Valentine’s Day, there are tons of romantic activities, dinners, and specials to celebrate in the Miami area. From lavish five-course dinners, to luxurious spa packages, we don’t know where to begin! Here’s our round-up of the ultimate V Day events to take advantage of.

Deals and Packages

Cleo airplane on bay 012

Cleopatra’s Love Package

Surprise your better half with a memorable Skyline seaplane tour and a romantic dinner for two at the famous Cleo South Beach {1776 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach}. Your night will begin with a 15-minute flight from the bay towards South Beach. You will pass over the eclectic Downtown Miami, Star Island and admire the trendy South Beach Deco Drive with its many hotels and restaurants. The package is just $395 for two, and is available February 14 and 15. Upgrade with a bottle of Moet Rose or Whispering Angel Rose for $445.

Valentine’s Day Spa Deals at The Mandarin Oriental

Indulge in one of the spa packages at The Mandarin Oriental {500 Brickell Key Drive, Miami}. The Couples Delight package is perfect for guests seeking a truly pampered and romantic experience, offering all the pleasures of the hotel’s five-star spa enhanced by amorous amenities. The package includes two hours of treatment time plus relaxation time in a VIP Couples Suite, Champagne, and an assortment of chocolate pralines. The package is $720 plus gratuities for two, or $360 plus gratuities for one, excluding advanced facials.

Perfect as a gift for a loved one or as a personal treat for Valentine’s Day, the spa is also offering the luxurious Perfect Beauty package. With an 80-minute Hydrating Oxygen Facial and a manicure, guests will leave feeling pampered, refreshed, and looking their best. The package is $285 plus gratuities.

Couples seeking an experience to treat the senses can enjoy the Couples Connection Journey, which includes Inner Strength Massage in the VIP Couples Suite, side-by-side Mandarin pedicures with mimosas, and his and hers perfume from Dossage to take home. The Journey is $845 plus gratuities, and is also available for one.

My Valentine Package at Azul 

Azul {Mandarin Oriental, 500 Brickell Key Drive, Miami} is offering the My Valentine Package, which includes overnight accommodations in a deluxe room, a full American breakfast at La Mar with mimosas, and a romantic welcome gift including a bottle of Piper-Heidsieck Champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries, for $739.

Dinners and Meals

La Mar Chocolate Mousse HR

A Special Evening at La Mar by Gastón Acurio

La Mar by Gastón Acurio {Mandarin Oriental, 500 Brickell Key Drive, Miami} will serve a trio of special dishes created in celebration of romance, with Biscayne Bay and the Miami skyline serving as the backdrop. Available on an á la carte basis from 5:30-11pm on February 14, the Power, Passion, and Spicy menu is priced from $9 to $25 per dish and includes:

  • Power Cebiche with scallops, oysters, and uni in a creamy rocoto leche de tigre with chalaca
  • Passion Tiradito with thinly sliced salmon, peanut sauce, and passionfruit leche de tigre
  • Spicy Parihuela, a traditional Peruvian soup with chiles, served with toasted baguette

Valentine’s Day Dinner at Azul

At Azul {Mandarin Oriental, 500 Brickell Key Drive, Miami}, a sumptuous five-course Valentine’s Day menu will be served from 6:30-11pm on February 13 and 14 for $148 per person, plus tax and gratuity. Guests will enjoy:

  • Two glasses of Champagne per couple
  • Beausoleil Oyster with herb granita and Tellicherry
  • Citrus Marinated Beets with caviar, crème fraîche, fennel, and radish
  • Maine Lobster Espagnole with tomato, saffron, lavender, potato, and garlic
  • Wagyu Beef Duet with au poivre, onion mousse, pickled shallot, black truffle, and forest mushroom
  • His and Hers Desserts: Passionfruit Mascarpone Cream Dehydrated Strawberries with white chocolate sorbet, and Chocolate Truffle Cream Salted Caramel Crunch with peanut ice cream

Un-Valentine’s Day Boozy Brunch at Barceloneta 

Chef Juliana Gonzalez has singles and couples covered at Barceloneta {locations in South Beach and Miami Beach}. From noon to 4pm, guests can celebrate their singlehood at the Un-Valentine’s Day Boozy Brunch. For $30, one can enjoy specials à la carte and an open bar that includes: well liquors, draft beer, Aperol, and citrus popsicles, tangerine Mimosas, and a make-your-own sangría bar, including three different types of sangría with fresh fruit.

Valentine’s Day Dinner at Barceloneta 

At Barceloneta {locations in South Beach and Miami Beach}, couples can enjoy a six-course dinner for two, plus a bottle of Juve Camps Reserva de la Familia Cava, for $90. Sample menu items include Salmon Crudo with raw salmon with a citrus vinaigrette, watermelon radish, pickled grapes, and garnished with salmon roe; Fig Toast with rustic flatbread with herbed goat cheese, Port-poached figs, Forum reduction, and Paleta Iberico de Bellota Ham; Grilled Langostines with grilled prawns over a bouillabaisse broth and garnished with a fresh fennel salad; and Strawberries and Cream with compressed strawberries, stracciatella gelato, balsamic reduction, and sugared rose petals. Call for reservations.

A Special Menu at L’echon Brasserie

Chefs Jose Mendin and Josh Elliott are letting couples celebrate Valentine’s Day from Friday throuh Sunday at L’echon Brasserie {Hilton Cabana, 6261 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach}. Guests will enjoy a special menu including dishes such as Foie Gras Torchon with Sicilian pistachio, rhubarb chutney and confit, aged balsamic, and brioche; and Butter Poached Maine Lobster with sauce Américaine, orange, braised fennel, and lobster mushroom. Call for reservations: 786.483.1640.

Oratnique Interior

Lovers Lane Martini at Ortanique on the Mile

Enjoy menu specials and this V Day cocktail at Ortanique on the Mile {278 Miracle Miles, Coral Gable} from 5-11pm. Or, shake up the martini yourself with this recipe!

Lovers Lane Martini

Muddle 2 ounces watermelon in a shaker. Add 1/2 ounce St. Germaine, 1/2 ounce lychee juice, and 2 ounces Bacardi grand melon, and shake vigorously. Serve in chilled martini glass with a watermelon garnish.

The Biltmore

Valentine’s Day at The Biltmore

At Palme d’Or {1200 Anastasia Avenue, Coral Gables}, enjoy a five-course tasting menu prepared by Chef Pugin for $135 per person. Over at Fontana {1200 Anastasia Avenue, Coral Gables}, a three-course dinner for $95 per person tempts. Fontana is also offering La Settimana del Tartufo–a week of truffles! Chef Beppe will serve four courses featuring truffles for $75 per person. Make your reservations online or by calling 305.913.3200.

The Avalon

Three-Courses at A Fish Called Avalon 

Choose from a medley of offerings to create three fantastic courses for your Valentine’s Day Dinner at A Fish Called Avalon {700 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach}. Sample selections include charcoal-grilled Mediterranean Octopus or Bang Bang Shrimp for the first course; an 8oz Roquefort Filet Mignon or Macadamia-Crusted Snapper for the main course; and  Chef Kal’s Cheesecake or Classic Key Lime Pie for dessert. Pricing depends on entrée choice, and ranges from $42-$180.

Seasalt

Valentine’s Menu at Seaspice

A five-course menu plus a bottle of Veuve Rose at Seaspice {422 Northwest North River Drive, Miami} is a splendid way to spend Valentine’s Day with your significant other. The first course is a dozen Shigoku Oysters served family-style. The second course is a Pan-Seared Diver Scallop. The third course is Alaskan King Crab Fettuccini, and the fourth course is the Wood Oven Roasted Chateaubriand with chestnut purée, Brussels sprout petals, and fresh shaved black winter périgard truffles. For dessert, look forward to the Strawberry and Rosewater Crémeux. The dinner is $500 per couple, excluding tax and service charge.

siena

Valentine’s Day Dinner at Siena Tavern

Siena Tavern {404 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach} is offering a four-course prix-fixe menu for $85 this Valentine’s Day. Add on an order of West Coast Oysters for $20 to start your evening, and a bottle of Champagne to make sure it stays lively and fun. Here’s a sampling of some of the dishes on the menu: Burrata with seared foie gras, walnut crème, pomegranate, and brioche toast; Beet Gnocchi; Pan Seared Branzino; and Red Velvet Cake with dark chocolate gelato and candied rose petals.

Valentine’s at Zen Sai

Indulge in a three-course dinner at Zen Sai {1001 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach} this Valentine’s Day for just $49 per person (plus tax and gratuity). The meal comes with one glass of wine or Champagne, or a specialty cocktail. Enjoy Asian-flavored dishes like Garbanzo Spring Rolls, Robata Grilled Organic Chicken Steak, and Fried Green Tea Ice Cream.

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10:45 am
Restaurant Features
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Logo Seaspice

By Erin Lavan | Associate Publisher 

Having just celebrated their one-year anniversary, Seasalt and Pepper—our cover story from the winter issue–has officially changed its name to Seaspice, while simultaneously launching Modern Garden, the venue’s new culinary outpost.

The name change is a result of another restaurant with the trademarked name, but with U.S. and international expansion plans in the works, Owner Carlos Miranda says, “The name Seaspice reflects our new menu that draws from flavors and spices from around the globe.”

A new menu indeed–new dishes with Mediterranean and global influences conceived of by an exquisite culinary team helmed by Executive Chef Angel Lèon; Sous Chefs Benjamin Goldman and Simon Stajonovic; Executive Pastry Chef Jill Montinola, and Pastry Chef Allen Abad.

The new menu journey begins with appetizers, soups, pizzettas, caviar, a raw bar, and salads. Next up, are Wood-Fired Casseroles, a stunning entrée list, and pastas and risottos. Some of our favorite dishes on this new menu include:

  • Roasted Vidalia Onion with shrimp, Cognac, and gratinee
  • Escargot Toast with oyster mushroom fricassee and country toast
  • Beet Coconut Soup
  • Chicken Tagine with Mediterranean couscous and tomato confit
  • Jumbo Prawns with Madras curry, coconut, lemongrass, and kaffir leaves
  • Australian Rack of Lamb with a pistachio crust and pomegranate molasses
  • Fettuccini with Alaskan king crab, preserved lemon, fresh herbs, and grated Parmesan
Modern Garden's gorgeous space

Modern Garden’s gorgeous space

And the exciting new concept, Modern Garden will start taking reservations February 1st, as they are booked with private celebrations until then.

Seaspice {422 NW North River Drive, Miami; 305.440.4200; [email protected]} is open Tuesday through Thursday, noon to 10:30pm and until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays; and on Sundays from noon to 10pm. 

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