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Home / Posts Tagged "South Beach" (Page 3)

8:26 am
Restaurant Features
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October is more than just tricks and treats—though there are plenty of those this time of year. It’s also a month for giving back to the community. Here are nine can’t-miss Miami happenings this month.

South Beach Seafood Festival

1. South Beach Seafood Festival
When: October 21-24
Where: Seventh Street and Ocean Drive, Miami Beach
What: The South Beach Seafood Festival hits the sand, featuring live music, culinary and mixology demonstrations, a kids’ zone, a health village, and more. Mini cafés on the sand will showcase mouthwatering plates of fresh stone crabs, mahi sliders, oysters, shrimp tacos, and lobster mac and cheese, from restaurants such as A Fish Called Avalon, Cibo, the Oceanaire Seafood Room, SOHO Bay, Midtown Oyster Bar, and more. Click here to purchase tickets.

Wine on Harvest Moon Deering Estate

2. Wine On Harvest Moon – Spirits, Spells, and American Lore
When: Saturday, October 24, 7:30-10:30pm
Where: Deering Estate {16701 Southwest 72nd Avenue, Palmetto Bay}
What: The Deering Estate Foundation’s Wine On Harvest Moon returns with a theme of “Spirits, Spells, and American Lore.” Guests will spend an enchanted evening at the historic bay-front property as they celebrate the allure of American folklore through fine wine, spirits, and tasty vittles paired by local chefs such as Olivier Rodriguez of the Biltmore Hotel, Diego Solano of Bulla Gastrobar, and Kareem Anguin of the Oceanaire Seafood Room, among others. Guests will also enjoy themed entertainment, including chilling musical performances, haunting vignettes, contemporary art, and an enticing live auction. For tickets, call 305.235.1668 x263 or click here.

march of dimes signature chefs

3. March of Dimes Signature Chefs Auction
When: Thursday, October 29, 6:30-9:30pm
Where: The Westin Colonnade Coral Gables {180 Aragon Avenue, Coral Gables}
What: The 18th-annual Miami Signature Chefs Auction presented by GOYA is the premier event benefiting the March of Dimes and has become one of the most exciting and exclusive fundraising events in South Florida. Guests will enjoy samplings from local chefs and a silent auction, followed by a seated dessert and live auction featuring unique dining experiences, travel, and more. All proceeds support the March of Dimes’ mission to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature births, and infant mortality. For sponsorship information, click here.

4. Drink Pink to Support Breast Cancer Awareness Month
When: October 1-31
Where: Hyde Beach Kitchen + Cocktails {111 South Surf Road, Hallandale Beach; 954.699.0901}
What: SBE and Related Group’s newest lifestyle property is inviting guests to join in supporting Breast Cancer Awareness Month by drinking pink. During the month of October, HBKC’s luxurious second-floor restaurant will be donating 10-percent of proceeds from the sale of every bottle of Whispering Angel Rosé to the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

db Burger

5. Burger & Bordeaux at db Bistro Moderne
When: October 1-31, dinner only
Where: db Bistro Moderne {255 Biscayne Boulevard Way, Miami; 305.421.8800}
What: During the entire month of October, guests are invited to experience the Miami winner of Zagat’s “Best Burgers in the USA” with an appetizer, dessert, and a glass of Bordeaux for just $39 (a $72 value). Credited with launching the gourmet burger movement, the ground sirloin db Burger is stuffed with red wine-braised short ribs and foie gras and presented on a homemade toasted Parmesan and poppyseed bun with a touch of fresh horseradish and oven-roasted tomato confit. Sommelier Alan Feldman is pairing the decadent burger with a glass of 2010 Château de Ricaud, Bordeaux Supérieur, Cadillac-Côtes de Bordeaux.

6. Tantalize Miami Supports Breast Cancer Awareness Month
When: October 1-31
Where: Tantalize Miami {330 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach; 305.695.1401}
What: During the month of October, Tantalize Miami will offer a special prix-fixe dinner menu (just $45 per person) and signature pink cocktails—the Pink Tantalizer (St. George vodka, Giffard Crème de Violette, fresh lemon juice, Thai chile syrup, and Col de Salici prosecco with grenadine) and  the Pink Cosmo (Cîroc vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice, and lime juice)—with a percentage of each one sold benefiting the Sandy B. Muller Breast Cancer Foundation.

STK Halloween

7. STK’s Day of the Dead Halloween Eve Party
When: Friday, October 30, 7-10pm
Where: STK Miami {2311 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.604.6988}
What: On the frightening “Day of the Dead,” STK Miami hosts a spooky themed night featuring an open bar “Boos and Booze” package for just $50. Guests are invited to engage in the enchanting magic of Halloween and dress to impress, with prizes awarded to the best costumes. Halloween Eve will be filled with surprises, including a phantom performance yet to be revealed.

fontainebleau frank sinatra

8. Fontainebleau Celebrates Frank Sinatra
When: Through December 12
Where: Fontainebleau Miami Beach {4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.535.3283}
What: The legendary Fontainebleau hotel celebrates the legacy of Frank Sinatra and his upcoming centennial birthday with 100 days of unique programming. Highlights include:

  • Jack Daniel’s Throwback Dinner at StripSteak by Michael Mina (October 8)
  • Cocktails and Brunch with Frank, featuring a vintage menu from the 1950s (every Sunday, 11:30am-3pm)
  • Nightly Toast with Frank, Jack, and You at Bleau Bar, where guests raise a complimentary glass of Jack Daniel’s Sinatra Select in honor of Sinatra’s upcoming birthday (daily at 6:30pm)

Villa Azur Thursday

9. Villa Azur’s Thursday Night Dinner Party
When: Every Thursday night
Where: Villa Azur {309 23rd Street, Miami Beach; 305.763.8688}
What: The weekly Thursday Night Dinner Parties at Villa Azur attract Miami’s finest as the restaurant showcases gourmet cuisine, Champagne, and sparklers with breathtaking performances by the theatrical Zhantra dancers, a live saxophonist, and DJ Stephan M mixing his own personal mash-ups along with original works to keep the tempo upbeat throughout the evening.

By Sherri Balefsky | Miami Editor

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8:03 am
Restaurant Features
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Quattro Miami

Photo by Gary James

When you think of South Beach’s Lincoln Road, most likely you think crowds of tourists, bustling outdoor eateries, endless shopping opportunities, and street performers. But lo and behold, there exists a quiet, authentic Italian restaurant right in the middle of the action: Quattro Gastronomia Italiana {1014 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach; 305.531.4833}.

Since summer 2006, this KNR Restaurant Group restaurant has been wowing locals and visitors alike with its decadent Northern Italian cuisine, excellent wines, and inviting ambience.

Inside, the romantic space, which was designed by New York-based Studio A Design, feels worlds away from the busy pedestrian-only thoroughfare that it faces. Warm browns and deep pine greens are offset by the glimmering custom Murano glass chandeliers overhead. The focal point of the space is a Calacatta marble bar that’s surrounded by the sleek two-story wine cellar that showcases the hundreds of award-winning wines on offer. Even Quattro’s outdoor tables that line the sidewalk seem more intimate than their neighbors, as though they were plucked from a cozy Italian café and dropped straight into the South Florida sunshine.

Quattro Miami

The menu reflects this unassuming atmosphere: extensive, but not overwhelming. Overseen by Executive Chef Alex Portillo, this is Italian cuisine at its finest, with seasonal dishes that reflect the Piedmonte region of Italy, which is known for its fine cheeses, hearty local game dishes, and exotic white truffle mushrooms. In fact, the mushrooms are such an important ingredient that during truffle season (mid-October through December), the restaurant offers a special white truffle menu.

Quattro Melanzane

Parmigiana di Melanzane in Forma

We started with the Burrata, Pomodori, e Basilico, a gooey mozzarella and tomato dish; and the Parmigiana di Melanzane in Forma, a melt-in-your-mouth, baked eggplant covered in melted mozzarella and tomato sauce. Both appetizers were excellent, and we licked the plates clean. (What was leftover, we unabashedly sopped up with the oven-fresh bread that was brought to the table.)

Quattro Miami

Paccheri di Gragnano con Zucchine e Gamberi

Of course, we had to try the pastas, which are made in-house daily in an imported La Monferrina machine, a pasta-making device that is rarely found in the U.S. Both the Preparazione Casalinga dei Ravioli di Casa Savoia Tartufati (fontina and Taleggio cheese ravioli drizzled with white-truffle flavor) and Paccheri di Gragnano con Zucchine e Gamberi (paccheri di Gragnano with zucchini and shrimp) were exquisitely rich in flavor, and certainly filling enough to be a meal in and of themselves.

Though we made our primi piatti our main course, our waiter informed us that the seafood here is top-notch, and recommended that next time we try the Branzino Intero in Crosta di Sale Marino (Mediterranean sea bass baked in salt crust with sautéed vegetables). He also recommended the Scaloppine di Vitello al Limone (seared veal scallopini with lemon sauce, broccoli, and rosemary potatoes).

Quattro Miami

Scaloppine di Vitello al Limone

We couldn’t resist having a look at the dessert menu, and settled on the Bomboloni della Casa (made-to-order Italian doughnuts filled with vanilla custard, Nutella, and apricot jelly) and the Semifreddo al Gianduja (chocolate hazelnut semifreddo, torrone gelato, and caramelized bananas).

The verdict? The next time you find yourself strolling Lincoln Road, be sure to stop in at Quattro Gastronomia Italiana. You won’t be disappointed.

By Sherri Balefsky | Miami Editor

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1:00 pm
Restaurant Features
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hakkasan

When it comes to Chinese food in Miami, it really doesn’t get much better than Hakkasan {4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 877.326.7412}, the AAA Four Diamond restaurant that’s often cited as one of the top 50 restaurants in the entire world.

Just one of several signature restaurants at the trendy Fontainebleau hotel, Hakkasan stays relevant and popular with its cool, low-lit vibe and its mix of authentic Cantonese cuisine and traditional dim sum, offered every evening and for lunch during the weekends. And, starting next week, Hakkasan will present a special menu in honor of Golden Week, a seven-day holiday in China during the first week of October where all Chinese workers are given paid time off; consequently, it’s a popular time for the Chinese to travel around the world, visit family, and experience luxury offerings.

Although it’s only a seven-day holiday in China, Hakkasan will be celebrating Golden Week for almost a month—September 21 through October 18—when the restaurant will offer a traditional upscale Chinese feast priced at $138 per person.

Hakkasan dumpling

The meal starts off with Crispy Eggplant with dried fish floss and the Supreme Dim Sum Platter, which includes a lychee and lobster dumpling, abalone shumai with caviar, Alaskan King crab dumpling, and the Dover sole dumpling with black truffle.

Hakkasan dumpling 2

For the main course, specialty items include the Steamed Red Snapper in royal supreme sauce with golden enoki; Braised Boston Lobster in superior stock; Wok-Fried Rib-Eye Beef with lotus root and black pepper; Stir-Fry Asparagus with morel, ginkgo nut, and lotus seed; and Fried Rice with Diced Abalone.

Golden Week_Gold Macarons

The feast includes a specialty Colden Iced Tea cocktail; and for an indulgent dessert, each guest receives a bag of golden macarons. Perhaps all that glitters is gold.

By Sherri Balefsky | Miami Editor

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6:56 am
Restaurant Features
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miami beach edition

We just LOVE the Miami Beach EDITION {2901 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 786.257.4500}. On any given day of the week, this five-star beachfront hotel (a project by none other than famed hotelier Ian Schrager) is bustling with beautiful people lounging by the pool or sipping cocktails at the secluded outdoor Tropicale bar. But we must say that one of the main draws to this swanky hotel is its restaurants, Market at EDITION and Matador Room, both under the watchful eye of chef extraordinaire Jean-Georges Vongerichten.

Market at Edition

Market at EDITION, the more casual of the two (with equally impressive and quality fare), is a take on a gourmet marketplace, where you can just as easily order something grab-and-go as you can sit down for a leisurely three-course meal. The chic open space is essentially a series of food stations, which includes a raw bar, a charcuterie station, a sushi bar, and a gourmet pastry station featuring freshly baked cakes of all flavors.

market at edition

Be sure to start off with a cheese and charcuterie spread, where you can mix and match selections of specialty cheeses such as Burrata and Manchego, meats such as Spicy Coppa and Chorizo, and fish like Pickled Herring and Smoked Sturgeon.

Charcuterie

Other menu highlights include the Hamachi Crudo with crushed olives, lemon, and dill; the flavorful Mushroom Garlic-Parsley Oil Organic Farm Egg Pizza; the Florida Snapper with bok choy and ginger dressing; and the fan-favorite Cheeseburger with Russian dressing and yuzu pickles.

market at edition

And the best news: Every Monday, guests enjoy 20=percent off dinner tabs from 6-11pm—a Miami Beach steal that pretty much can’t be beat.

Oh, and don’t miss out on Market’s Miami Spice menu, which is available for lunch and dinner daily through the end of September.

By Sherri Balefsky | Miami Editor

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7:50 am
Restaurant Features
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One of the things we love most about Miami Spice is that it doesn’t just last for one month, it lasts for two whole months. This means that there’s still plenty of time to visit all your favorite restaurants—and some brand-new ones—and enjoy unmatched three-course Miami Spice menus at discounted prices (dinner: $39; lunch: $23).

As we try to hit up as many Spice menus as we can, here are five more of our favorites we don’t want you to miss:

1. BLT Steak & The Betsy {1440 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach; 305.673.0044}
Spice menu available for lunch Monday-Friday and dinner Sunday-Friday.

Veal & Pork Meatballs from BLT Steak

Veal & Pork Meatballs from BLT Steak

We love that Celebrity Chef Laurent Tourondel likes to keep things interesting—his blackboard menu changes daily—and that means he’s entirely revamped his Spice menu for the month of September. For appetizers, our hands-down first choice is the Veal and Pork Meatballs. Chef Tourondel served these babies up for us during a special preview dinner last March, and we’ve been dreaming about them ever since! For entrées, it’s a toss-up between the 12oz CAB Coulotte and the Grilled Black Tiger Prawns. To round out the meal, you’ll also be able to choose your own side and melt-in-your-mouth dessert. But that’s not all! Even though it’s Miami Spice, you’ll still receive the complimentary goodies that are brought to every table at dinner: Chicken Liver Mousse with artisan bread and pickled vegetables, and the famous giant Popovers dusted with Gruyère cheese.

2. Bulla Gastrobar {2500 Ponce de Leon Boulevard, Coral Gables; 305.441.0107}
Spice menu available for lunch and dinner daily.

Branzino a la Vasca from Bulla Gastrobar

Branzino a la Vasca from Bulla Gastrobar

There’s nothing more disappointing than arriving at your planned restaurant of the evening, sitting down at your table, and then having your server tell you: “We’re not offering our Miami Spice menu right now.” With many establishments placing restrictions on when their specials are actually available, it’s comforting to know that at Bulla, it’s always time for Spice. Just last week, the Spanish restaurant rolled out updated Spice menus, featuring items such as the Albóndigas de Cordero (lamb meatballs), Branzino a la Vasca, and the Torrija dessert. As an added bonus, for both lunch and dinner, you can enjoy TWO glasses of any of Bulla’s popular sangrías for just $10.

3. Atrio Restaurant & Wine Room {1395 Brickell Avenue, Brickell; 305.503.6529}
Spice menu available for lunch and dinner daily.

Pan-Roasted Monkfish from Atrio Restaurant & Wine Room

Pan-Roasted Monkfish from Atrio Restaurant & Wine Room

For Miami Spice, the Conrad Miami’s signature restaurant is serving up some of its classic dishes and seasonal favorites. For appetizers, we recommend the crisp Waldorf Salad, followed by the Pan-Roasted Monkfish, which is served with confit garlic, Mediterranean baby vegetables, and red wine reduction. And for dessert, don’t miss out on the gooey Chocolate Coulant Cake served with salted caramel ice cream. Plus, if you’re looking for a quick power lunch, Atrio’s got you covered. Simply ask for the special “Taste of Time” menu, which guarantees (if you so choose) that you’ll be in and out in 45 minutes or less. An hourglass will be placed on your table at the start of the meal; and if your meal isn’t completed in time, your lunch is on the house.

4. Scarpetta {4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 877.326.7412}
Spice menu available for dinner Sunday-Thursday.

Creamy Polenta from Scarpetta

Creamy Polenta from Scarpetta

Celebrity Chef Scott Conant’s menu at Scarpetta at the Fontainebleau is drool-worthy any time of year. But during Miami Spice, it becomes even more enticing. The restaurant recently revamped its Spice menu, giving you even more options to savor. For appetizers, we recommend the Creamy Polenta, which is served alongside a medley of truffled mushrooms (which happen to be a specialty of the restaurant this time of year). Continue the experience with the Short Rib Agnolotti Dal Pin before ending with the traditional dolce: Almond Panna Cotta. If you’re not in the mood for Italian, Fontainebleau’s three other flagship restaurants—Hakkasan, Michael Mina 74, and StripSteak—have also updated their Spice menus for the month of September.

5. The Bazaar by José Andrés {1701 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.455.2999}
Spice menu available for dinner Sunday-Thursday.

Bao con Lechón from The Bazaar by José Andrés

Bao con Lechón from The Bazaar by José Andrés

Decisions, decisions! Hands down, one of the most extensive option-filled Spice menus out there is from the SLS South Beach’s Bazaar by José Andrés. First, you’ll choose your appetizer, or “snack,” from five different options (we recommend the Bao con Lechón—pork belly on a Chinese bun). Next, you’ll select THREE options from an expansive menu that includes several “Verduras,” seven types of “Carnes y Mariscos,” and three “Fruits and Vegetables” dishes. And don’t forget: You’ll also get to choose a dessert, so be sure to save room!

By Sherri Balefsky | Miami Editor

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1:56 pm
Restaurant Features
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Looking for ideas on where to eat this upcoming long weekend? From rooftop parties to new restaurant openings to Miami Spice specials, we’ve got you covered.  Here are Miami Labor Day 2015 happenings.

Friday, September 4:

Gale South Beach

Gale South Beach Rooftop

Bubbles & BBQ at the Gale South Beach
Kick off the weekend right on the rooftop of the Gale South Beach {1690 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.673.0199} for a Bubbles & BBQ soiree. The party starts early—at 6pm—which means you’ll be there to watch the sunset while sipping a glass of Veuve Clicquot accompanied by delicious barbecue bites. Sounds from local band Psychic Mirrors and DJ Michelle Leshem will be bouncing off the rooftop pool until 11pm. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased here.

Saturday, September 5:

Torrijas Piripi

Torrijas from Piripi

Brunch Espectacular at Piripi
Merrick Park’s newest restaurant Piripi {320 San Lorenzo Avenue, Coral Gables; 305.448.2423} has now expanded its popular Sunday Brunch “Espectacular” to Saturdays. New Executive Chef Angelina Bastidas shows off her culinary prowess with a twist on traditional Spanish cuisine, offering a three-course prix-fixe brunch menu for just $27 per person. In keeping with the true meaning of Piripi (Spanish for “tipsy”) you can also enjoy bottomless sangría and mimosas for an additional $17 per person.

Cheesecake from Oceanaire

Cheesecake from The Oceanaire Seafood Room

Dinner for two at The Oceanaire Seafood Room
Head to Mary Brickell Village for dinner for a romantic evening at The Oceanaire Seafood Room {900 South Miami Avenue, Brickell; 305.372.8862}. For a limited time, the restaurant is offering a special three-course dinner for two plus a bottle of wine, all for just $75. Still full from brunch earlier in the day? Not to worry. This special is available from September 1-7.

Sunday, September 6:

american social

Sensation Sunday Party at American Social
Toast to having Monday off of work at American Social Brickell {690 Southwest First Court, Brickell; 305.223.7004} while enjoying tunes spun by DJ Madd Linx. Be sure to rock your best white attire, as it’s technically “unacceptable” to wear white after Labor Day. The party starts at 9pm, when ladies wearing all white will receive a complimentary glass of Champagne.

Monday, September 7:

Goat Cheese Salad from Brasserie Azur

Goat Cheese Salad from Brasserie Azur

Lunch at Brasserie Azur—Now Open
Brasserie Azur {3252 Northeast First Avenue, Midtown; 786.800.9993}, the highly anticipated sister restaurant to Miami Beach staple Villa Azur is finally open! Become one of the lucky firsts to experience a plethora of options, including a rotisserie station, a seafood bar, a massive wine list, a foosball table, hookah, and more. Oh, and the restaurant is offering a Miami Spice lunch menu, too (just $23 per person).

HYDE beach kitchen + cocktails

Hyde Beach Kitchen + Cocktails

Mojito Monday at Hyde Beach Kitchen + Cocktails—Now Open!
More brand-new culinary adventures await this Labor Day at Hyde Beach Kitchen + Cocktails {111 South Surf Road, Hallandale Beach; 954.699.0901}. Mondays are dubbed “Mojito Mondays,” when you can enjoy $8 mojitos all night long. If you don’t make it in time for a table, you can enjoy your mojitos beachside. Watch the final sunset to the long weekend and toast to a delicious Labor Day weekend and the fall season ahead.

By Sherri Balefsky | Miami Editor

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7:56 am
Restaurant Features
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STK Miami

It’s been six years since Michael Jackson’s untimely death, but his legacy continues to be celebrated around the world. With 13 Billboard No. 1 singles and countless other chart-topping, everyone-knows-the-words hit songs, it’s only fair that we take the time to appropriately honor the King of Pop.

And STK Miami {2311 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.604.6988} is doing just that. In honor of what would have been Jackson’s 57th birthday, this Saturday, August 29, from 8pm-midnight, the South Beach steakhouse is joining other STK outposts for a unique dinner party featuring Jackson’s greatest hits.

The night will feature classic MJ tunes spun by DJs Danny Stern and Martial along with chef’s Jackson-inspired dishes and entertainment such as trivia games and special giveaways. There will also be specialty cocktails, including “Thriller Shots,” “Dirty Diana” (Brugal Anejo rum, ginger beer, and fresh lime juice) and the “Smooth Criminal” (Baileys Original Irish Cream liqueur, Bulleit bourbon, and Kahlua).

We hope to see you there! It’s going to be a “Scream.”

By Sherri Balefsky | Miami Editor

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11:09 am
Restaurant Features
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9beach miami

Just when you think that South Beach had exhausted its list of trendy nightlife destinations, a new place pops up that makes all its predecessors seem, well, a bit bland. 9beach Miami {1626 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 786.327.6073} has managed to do just that—emerging as one of the hottest places in town.

But don’t think that 9beach Miami is just another of-the-moment SoBe hot spot that could be uprooted at the blink of an eye. Owner Itay Sacish assured us that he and his partners are in this for the long haul. “We’ve only been open a month and we’re already packed several nights out of the week,” he says. And come November, just in time for the busy season, they expect to be at the top of every visitor’s must-do list.

9beach miami

Inspired by the original 9beach that opened in Tel Aviv in 2001, 9beach Miami is a mixture of Eastern and Western influences paired with a laid-back Mediterranean atmosphere. Dramatic flashes of purple, pink, and orange lights set the mood for this outrageous indoor-outdoor space, coupled with ornate hand-carved gold accents, brazen lion heads, and rock band lyrics splashed all around. And although the 5,000-square-foot patio sits along Collins Avenue, high booths, large white tents, and lush greenery make you feel more like you’re in a secluded garden than on a busy street.

9beach miami

The vibrant atmosphere, however, does not distract from the caliber of the restaurant’s cuisine. In keeping with the Mediterranean vibe, there’s plenty of hummus and couscous to go around. But the overall menu is as diverse as its surroundings. There’s even an entire menu dedicated to sushi. We recommend the Dragon Roll—shrimp tempura, asparagus, and scallion with avocado and kabayaki sauce on top.

9beach miami

Not expecting our plates to be large, we also order the Crispy Shrimp and Dumplings (pictured above) as an appetizer, which could be a meal in and of itself! For our main courses, we ordered the Filet Mignon and the Moroccan Chicken (pictured below). Both exquisitely presented and perfectly flavored.

9beach miami

We dined on a Tuesday night, which meant that as we were finishing our meal, the space was gearing up for “Pour Some Sugar On Me” Tuesdays. An exotic belly dancer appeared at the entrance, a DJ took over the music, and flocks of beautiful people started making their way into the space.

IMG_7289

9Beach promises to not only be a nighttime spot, but a daytime destination as well—it’s open daily from 9am-noon for breakfast and from noon-4pm for lunch. There’s also a late-night menu served from midnight-2am. Come dressed to the nines or in your beach cover-up. At 9beach Miami, anything goes.

By Sherri Balefsky | Miami Editor

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10:41 am
Restaurant Features
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The Continental- Exterior (credit Alex Markow)

Earlier this month, DiningOut had the privilege of eating at one of South Beach’s newest and most anticipated restaurant openings of the summer: The Continental {2360 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.604.2000}. Yes, that’s right—it’s the same Continental as the famed Philadelphia eatery and martini bar that launched the career of restaurateur extraordinaire Stephen Starr.

This is the fourth dining venture that the restaurant mogul has brought to South Florida (following in the successful footsteps of Steak 954 at the W Fort Lauderdale, Makoto at Bal Harbour Shops, and Verde at the Pérez Art Museum Miami). It’s a fitting time for this opening, as the original location is currently celebrating its 20th anniversary.

The Continental- Interior (credit Alex Markow)

Though inspired by its Philly roots, The Continental Miami (designed by Shawn Hausman Design) has a vibe of its own, a sort of tropical-retro décor featuring greenery and bamboo accents throughout. The aesthetic translates onto the front patio facing Collins Avenue with white wrought-iron chairs and bold red and blue cushions.

Cocktails are a driving force behind the success of the original Continental, and the Miami location is no different. Working at DiningOut has its perks, and we were able to try three of the restaurant’s signature cocktails: the Dominicana Old Fashioned, La Florida Daiquiri, and the Island Thyme Sangría (pictured below, left to right). All were beautifully presented and equally tasty in their own way.

Continental Miami

At the helm of the kitchen is Chef Matthew Oetting, who most recently was executive chef of Starr’s Caffe Storico in New York City. He worked closely with Erik Battes, Starr’s corporate chef, who has worked at New York’s Morimoto and Jean-Georges, to develop the menu. The result is an amalgamation of international flavors, from the Chinese specialties to the Puerto Rican Crispy Pork to the build-your-own sushi, where tuna, salmon, sushi rice, toasted nori, vegetables, and garnishes are presented in a bento box with instructions on how to be your own sushi master.

Philly cheesesteak eggroll

We started off with two amazing appetizers: the fantastically gooey, melt-in-your-mouth Cheesesteak Eggroll (above), another nod to the restaurant’s Philly roots, and the succulent Burrata with Heirloom Tomatoes and Berries salad (below).

Continental Miami

For our main course, we split two standout dishes: the peppercorn-crusted Steak au Poivre—a juicy slab of beef with just the right amount of kick—and the Sizzling Seafood Wor Bar, mixture of lobster, shrimp, scallops, and seasonal veggies in a light garlic-based sauce, which comes out of the kitchen steaming hot like fajitas.

IMG_2611

With just enough room for dessert, we decided to try the most curious of the bunch: the Crackerjack Sundae, a mixture of popcorn ice cream, caramel popcorn, toasted peanuts, and caramel sauce. We were unsure about the popcorn ice cream, but in reality it tasted a lot more like vanilla, creating a decadent salty-sweet combination of flavors.

In all, it was a fun and flavorful evening with attentive and accommodating service. We’re looking forward to returning soon—especially once The Continental launches its forthcoming lunch and brunch menus.

By Sherri Balefsky | Miami Editor

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10:29 am
Recipes Restaurant Features
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TripleSol Segafredo

Shake off the summer heat with this cool new libation at Segafredo Espresso L’Originale {1040 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach; 305.673.0047}. This sweet cocktail is made with Solbeso, the world’s first spirit distilled from cacao fruit and the first to create a new category of spirits in the last 200 years. Naturally organic and 100-percent pure, Solbeso features a breezy floral aroma and light citrus taste that’s distinctive yet versatile.

Visit Segafredo to try the Solbesito for yourself, or follow the steps below to create your own:

Muddle a bunch of cilantro. Add 2-1/2 ounces Solbeso, 1/2 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice, 1/2 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice, and 1/2 ounce freshly squeezed orange juice. Shake once and strain over ice. Add lime wedge and orange wedge. Serve.

By Sherri Balefsky | Miami Editor

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