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Home / Posts Tagged "the biltmore hotel"

2:45 pm
Tips and Trends
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Much has changed since the days hotel bars were just a waystation for jet-lagged, bleary-eyed travelers. Players in hospitality are focusing more than ever on turning their onsite watering holes into buzzed-about hubs for locals and visitors alike. From speakeasy-style drinking dens, like The Blind Barber at Nautilus by Arlo, to gilded havens that harken to a glitzy past, like Le Sirenous at Four Season Hotel at The Surf Club, these Miami hotel bars are shaking up the scene with the first-class service, prime people-watching, and plenty of personality.  

Minnow Bar at Kimpton Angler’s Hotel

If you love gin, head to Minnow Bar at the reimagined Kimpton Angler’s Hotel (also home to Seawell Fish n’ Oyster). The menu here spotlights herb-infused craft cocktails made to complement unique gins from around the world. The atmosphere is great, too — sip a martini inside at the intimate counter, or enjoy a G&T al fresco in the bar’s breezy outdoor terrace. Not the biggest fan of gin? Don’t worry. The talented staff can shake up something delicious with pisco, cachaca, or white rum as a base, and there’s a great wine and beer list, too. 

660 Washington Ave, Miami Beach

Boulud Sud at JW Marriott

Beloved by Brickellites for its great daily happy hour deals, the bar and lounge at Boulud Sud inside the JW Marriott is perfect if wine is your thing. The selection sources heavily from the Mediterranean (though you’ll find some French, South American and domestic offerings). We especially love their Greek and Middle Eastern wine selection, which includes Assyrtiko from Santorini, Agiorgitiko from Nemea, and rose from Lebanon — all available by the glass and served with a side of gorgeous views.

255 Biscayne Boulevard Way, Miami

Zucca at Hotel Place St. Michel

Hotel St. Michel is one of Coral Gable’s best-kept secrets. A true hidden gem with nearly a century of history behind it, Hotel Place St. Michel is the best place to go if you’re looking for Old World charm in the heart of South Florida. The bar here is located inside the hotel’s acclaimed Zucca Ristorante and offers a great selection of light bites, charcuterie, global wines, and Italian-inspired craft cocktails.

162 Alcazar Avenue, Coral Gables

The Biltmore Bar

The Biltmore Bar is famous for a number of things — it’s where you’ll find the best Vesper martini in Miami and one of the city’s most extensive collections of vintage liquor and cognac (the hotel even keeps a cognac expert on staff to help guests navigate the menu). And with its dark wood paneling, gleaming marble floors, and dim golden lighting, it’s the perfect place to unwind like it’s 1926. Get there between 5 and 7 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and you’ll enjoy half-off select drinks. Premium cigars are also available to smoke in the bar’s loggia.

1200 Anastasia Avenue, Coral Gables

Le Sirenuse Champagne Bar at Four Seasons Hotel Surf Club

For those who like to sip champagne with a heady dose of glamor, there’s no place like Le Sirenuse Champagne Bar at Four Seasons Hotel at the Surf Club — the first U.S. outpost of the iconic brand in Positano. The bar seems to exist between two worlds; housed in a ballroom where legends like Elizabeth Taylor and Frank Sinatra once danced, with white wooden windows thrown open to reveal the Atlantic Ocean, a crowd that’s always smartly dressed, and white-jacketed bartenders that serve the greatest negronis in the country, Le Sirenuse keeps you wondering if you’re truly in Miami, or if you’ve fallen through the rabbit hole and emerged somewhere on the Amalfi Coast. 

9101 Collins Avenue, Surfside

Edge Steak & Bar at Four Seasons Miami

Also popular among downtown Miami and Brickell’s professional scene, Edge Steak & Bar at Four Seasons Miami checks all the boxes. It has a great selection of bites, like chorizo and cheddar croquetas, spiced lamb meatballs, spiced onion rings, and foie gras and truffle bonbons. The craft cocktails are top-notch, blended with housemade syrups and infused spirits (you can’t leave without trying the Double Cask Auld Fashioned). The wine list is well-rounded and robust. And during happy hour, which happens on weekdays from 4-7 p.m., you can enjoy it all at a discount.

1435 Brickell Avenue, Miami

Blind Barber at Nautilus by Arlo

Speakeasy-style bars have become as commonplace in Miami as vape counters and exotic car rental shops. But Blind Barber at Nautilus by Arlo has managed to maintain ]a high cool factor with its unique brand story, its barbershop-meets-bar concept, and its delicious drinks. Cocktails here are creative, pairing flavors like hibiscus-infused vodka with sparkling wine, sage, and grenadine, or reposado tequila with Campari, sweet vermouth and cacao nibs. And while there’s a solid menu of small bites to choose from, the real gem here is the bar’s selection of artisanal grilled cheese sandwiches (there are five varieties in total).

1825 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach

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11:14 am
Restaurant Features
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This year, the Fourth of July falls on a Saturday, which means you have an entire weekend to celebrate (and, perhaps, recover). Here are our picks for the top Fourth of July events in Miami this year.

Unknown1. Red, White, and Woods 4th of July at Hyde Beach Miami
Hyde Beach at the SLS {1701 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.455.2990} is known for its wild weekend pool parties, and Saturday, July 4, will be no exception. The fun starts at 11am and will feature guest DJ Michael Woods, who is currently holding down his new residency at LiFE at the SLS Las Vegas.

IMG_4554

2. MOB Burger To-Go
If you’ve already been planning your own Fourth of July shindig, consider adding a bit more spice to it by serving burgers prepared by Executive Chef Ralph Colon of Midtown Oyster Bar {3301 Northeast First Avenue, Midtown; 786.220.2070}. The special recipe combines the perfect blend of prime beef, including brisket, short rib, and chuck, blended with a seasoning mix that includes paprika, lemon pepper, brown sugar, cayenne, onion, and garlic powder. Anyone can order a minimum of four 10-ounce patties that can be picked up at the restaurant on the morning of fourth between 10am and noon. You MUST order before Thursday, July 2, at 2pm. To place your order, email: [email protected].

slide-july4th3. Fireworks Spectacular at The Biltmore
The Biltmore Hotel {1200 Anastasia Avenue, Coral Gables} will once again be hosting its famous annual fireworks extravaganza. But in addition to this brilliant display of lights, you can join in on an entire evening of patriotic fun. The event starts at 5pm when the open bar begins (through 8:30pm), and is then followed by an extravagant Stars and Stripes Barbecue Dinner featuring all your favorite Fourth of July eats like hot dogs, hamburgers, barbecue chicken, and more. Afterward, stick around, because you won’t want to miss the incredible fireworks, which begin at 9pm. For reservations, call 855.666.1727 or email [email protected].

But that’s not all! From July 3-5, Biltmore Fontana will serve special breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus that will include barbecue specials created by Italian Chef Beppe Galazzi. Also for the fourth, Palme d’Or at the Biltmore will be offering a special $55 three-course menu (from noon-3pm and 5pm-close), starring American classics with a French twist.

Delano miami pool

4. Independence Day Night Swim at Delano Beach Club
Get ready for a unique Independence Night at the Delano South Beac {1685 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.924.4071} for a pop-up swim night and pool party, starting at 7pm. Hosted by YesJulz and DJs Tito, Arlette Carlin, and Dave Sol, sounds will be bouncing off the legendary hotel pool, keeping the party going ’til the early morning. Guests will enjoy grilling in the orchard and ice cream carts, while dancers and models provide in-pool performances with glow-in-the-dark beach balls and floaties up for grabs. To rsvp, contact [email protected].

5. An All-American Barbecue, Tamarina-Style
Tamarina Restaurat & Bar {600 Brickell Avenue, Brickell; 305.579.1888} is pulling out all the stops this year with a live band, an endless supply of traditional barbecue staples (including the restaurant’s brand-new, never-before-seen sliders), and unlimited Peroni and Four Roses bourbon. Fifty-six men signed the Declaration of Independence, which inspired the restaurant to offer this special package for just $56.

Oceanaire 4th of july

6. Red, White, and Blue for Two at Oceanaire
The Fourth of July doesn’t necessarily have to be a group holiday. The Oceanaire Seafood Room {900 South Miami Avenue, Brickell; 305.372.8862} is offering a special three-course menu designed for two. Choose from a selection of first, second, and third courses in addition to your choice of bottle of Campanile Friuli Grave Pinot Grigio or 14 Hands Columbia Valley Merlot—all for just $60. If you can’t make it on the Fourth, don’t worry. The menu will be offered from July 1-7.

7. Fourth of July Brunch at Seaspice
Planning on heading out on the water this weekend? Be sure to fuel up first by docking at Seaspice {422 Northwest North River Drive, Miami; 305.440.4200}. And we don’t mean your yacht. On Saturday and Sunday from 11:30am to 3pm, the waterfront restaurant is offering a special Fourth of July seafood-inspired brunch with menu items include Deviled Eggs, Baked Shrimp and Eggs Casserole, Oysters Rockefeller, and a selection of premium caviar.

american social

8. American Social Brickell’s Supersede Group Takeover
What better place to celebrate our nation’s independence than at Miami’s very own red, white, and blue American-themed restaurant and bar, American Social {690 Southwest First Court, Brickell; 305.223.7004}? Join in the fun overlooking the Miami River, with music by the band Locos Por Juana and DJ Spiff. They’ll also be featuring $10 AmSo Burgers and Kobe beef hot dogs and $4 Tito’s cocktails and Bud Lights. Come for brunch and stay well into the night.

By Sherri Balefsky | Online Editor

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9:12 am
Restaurant Features
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Whether dad wants to enjoy an elegant sit-down dinner, a hearty steak, or an all-you-can-eat brunch buffet, Miami’s got the perfect place for you and your family to celebrate. Be sure to make reservations soon so that he can spend Father’s Day the way he wants. Here are some of our suggestions:

STK Miami

STK Miami {2311 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.604.4988}
Normally, STK touts itself for being “not your daddy’s steakhouse.” But on Father’s Day, everything changes. From 6-11pm, STK Miami is offering exclusive specials for dads, including a complimentary Black Rye Affair cocktail–a mix of Templeton Rye, lemon juice, blackberries, and mint.

Cleo {Redbury Hotel, 1776 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.534.CLEO}
Sip Shanks and Shawarma! On Father’s Day, Cleo is offering an appetizer, lamb shawarma dish, and beer pairing for just $40 per person.

BLT Steak

BLT Steak at The Betsy {1440 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach; 305.673.0044}
In honor of those dads who like a hearty slab of meat as the basis for their meal, BLT Steak is offering what it calls: WOW! Himalayan sea salt-rubbed, 30-day dry-aged, double-cut, 32oz bone-in, NY Strip Steak for $80. (Try saying that one three times fast!) In addition, the restaurant’s General Manager David Weiss has a created a unique cocktail—the Smoky Martini—just for dads. It’s three ounces Oxley London dry gin, 1/4 ounce of Lagavulin 16-year Scotch whisky, and 1/2 ounce Noilly Prat dry vermouth with a garnish of smoked salmon jerky.

Biltmore Brunch

The Biltmore Hotel {1200 Anastasia Avenue, Coral Gables; 305.913.3200}
Every Sunday, the Biltmore offers an extravagant buffet brunch with delicacies such as caviar, smoked salmon, shellfish, carved meats, fresh omelettes, pasta, sushi, and more. Father’s Day is no exception. The whole family can enjoy this impressive event, which features live entertainment and bottomless Champagne and Bellinis.

Morton’s The Steakhouse {multiple locations}
In honor of Father’s Day, all Morton’s locations are offering a three-course menu for just $59 per person. Includes choice of salad (Morton’s Salad, Caesar or Slice Beefsteak Salad); choice of entrée (8oz Filet Mignon, Double-Cut Prime Pork Chop, Braised Beef Short Rib, Chicken Bianco, or Honey-Chile Glazed Salmon Fillet; choice of vegetable or potato; and choice of dessert (Double Chocolate Mousse, Key Lime Pie, or Individual Soufflé).

Cipriani Miami

Cipriani {465 Brickell Avenue, Brickell; 786.329.4090}
Cipriani Downtown Miami has a prix-fixe Father’s Day menu for just $70 per person. Includes choice of appetizer (Baby Artichoke Salad, Homemade Spinach and Ricotta Ravioli, or Steak Tartare alla Cipriani); choice of main course (Grilled Filet of Beef “Tagliata,” Pan-Roasted Chilean Sea Bass, or Eggplant alla Parmigiana); and individual Saint Honoré for dessert.

Vintro Kitchen {2216 Park Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.674.9200}
Treat dad to “a real man’s” Father’s Day brunch at Vintro Kitchen. From noon-4pm, the restaurant is hosting an exceptional brunch featuring its world-famous grill. After a delicious meal surrounded by family, he can go enjoy a cigar out on the terrace.

Bellmont Spanish Restaurant

Bellmónt Spanish Restaurant {339 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables; 786.502.4684}
From 10am-3pm, Bellmónt is hosting its honorary Father’s Day brunch featuring all-you-can-drink sangrías and mimosas and the restaurant’s specialty: suckling pig roasted on wood-fired oven, “cochinillo a la leña” (pictured above).

Bulla Gastrobar {2500 Ponce de Leon Boulevard, Coral Gables; 305.441.0107}
For the dad who loves Spanish fare, Bulla’s Chef Diego Solano will be serving up a special Father’s Day prix-fixe at $39 per person. Standout dishes include: Montaditos de Pancetta with homemade waffle, mushroom purée, pork belly confit, quail egg, pork reduction, and truffled honey and the NY Strip y Piperrada with roasted bell pepper, wrinkled potatoes, and mojo Canario.L'echon brasserie

L’Echon Brasseri {6261 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 786.483.1611}
If dad wants to sit back, relax, and slowly drink the day away, take him to L’Echon Brasserie, which is offering a number of inventive “Godfather” cocktails: the Godfather I with Dewar’s, Amarula cream, and hazelnut liquor; the Godfather II with sweet vermouth, cherry liquor, and orange juice; and the Godfather III with Bombay Sapphire, cardamom and pineapple shrub, yellow chartreuse, lemon, and pineapple juice. Buckets of Miller Light will also be available for just $15.

Villa Azur {309 23rd Street, Miami Beach; 305.763.8688}
This Father’s Day, show how much you love dad by taking him to Villa Azur, the South of France-inspired eatery located in the heart of South Beach. The Mediterranean cuisine venue is pampering the gents with a complimentary glass of Johnnie Walker Green Label, while offering its usual mouthwatering menu. Acclaimed Pastry Chef Sebastien Feneyrol has also crafted a special Monsieur Liégeois dessert that consists of an indulgent combination of guanaja, coffee Liégeois, and coffee-flavored ice cream and foam.

By Sherri Balefsky | Online Editor

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8:00 am
Restaurant Features
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db Bistro moderne easter

By Sherri Balefsky | Online Editor

Still looking to make Easter brunch plans? Atrio Restaurant & Wine Room {1395 Brickell Avenue, Miami} isn’t the only place that’s celebrating this year. We’ve put together a roundup of some more of the best places to score a reservation for next Sunday, April 5.

db Bistro Moderne {JW Marriott Marquis, 255 Biscayne Boulevard Way, Miami; 305.421.8800}
From 11am-3:30pm, Chef Daniel Boulud’s Downtown Miami French bistro is offering a three-course prix-fixe menu for only $52 per person ($30 for children 10 and under). Click here for menu details.

Morton’s The Steakhouse {Locations in Brickell, Coral Gables, and North Miami}
All three Miami locations of the popular steakhouse will be open early for Easter Sunday. Along with the regular menu, Morton’s is offering a Steak and Lobster Special for only $55 per person.

The Oceanaire Seafood Room {Mary Brickell Village, 900 South Miami Avenue, Brickell; 305.372.8862}
The Oceanaire will be opening its doors at noon on Easter (it’s typically only open on Sundays for dinner). Along with its regular menu, the restaurant will be featuring special brunch items such as Smoked Salmon Eggs Benedict, Crab Cake Eggs Benedict, and Brioche French Toast.

Oceanaire French Toast

The Biltmore Hotel {1200 Anastasia Avenue, Coral Gables; 855.311.6903}
Not only will the Biltmore be hosting its signature Sunday Champagne brunch buffet, but from now through Easter Sunday, it will be selling special chocolate Easter eggs handcrafted by Executive Pastry Chef Olivier Rodriguez. The confections have been filled with a variety of treats, from candy to complimentary massages, cabana rentals, and afternoon tea. Five lucky kids who find a golden ticket inside their chocolate egg will gain entrance to Chef Rodriguez’s Marvelous Chocolate Making Workshop, where they will learn how to make their own chocolate confections at The Biltmore Culinary Academy.

Bulla Gastrobar {2500 Ponce De Leon Boulevard, Coral Gables; 305.441.0107}
For only $27 per person (plus $15 per person if you opt for the bottomless mimosas and sangria), you can choose any three dishes from Bulla’s special Easter Brunch Tasting Menu, a delicious mix of huevos, tapas y raciones, platos familiars, and dulce. Expect offerings that include Cordero y Setas (braised lamb with crimini, oyster mushrooms, poached egg, and mint oil) and Voulevant con Espinacas (with creamed spinach, quail eggs, and hollandaise sauce)—and much more.

Bulla Easter

Larios on the Beach {820 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach; 305.532.9577}
Keeping with tradition, Larios on the Beach will host its annual family-friendly Easter event. From 11am-4pm, guests can enjoy a special Easter menu, live entertainment, goodie bags, and even a visit from the Easter Bunny.

The Restaurant at The Setai {2001 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 855.923.7899}
The Setai will host its Easter Sunday Jazz Brunch featuring an endless array of gourmet offerings, bottomless Champagne, mouthwatering desserts, live jazz, and more. Guests dining with kids should not miss out on the exciting Easter Egg Hunt that will take place in the Courtyard at 11am. Cost is $110 per adult; $55 for children ages five-12.

Setai brunch

La Mar by Gastón Acurio {Mandarin Oriental Miami, 500 Brickell Key Drive, Brickell Key; 305.913.8358}
In addition to La Mar’s delectable Peruvian-inspired buffet brunch ($85 or $120 per person, including unlimited brunch cocktails and Champagne, $35 for kids ages 6-12), you can expect a fun-filled Easter-themed day at Mandarin Oriental. From 11am-noon, families are invited to participate in an Easter Egg Hunt on the hotel’s private beach, and from noon-2pm, the Easter Bunny will make an appearance, greeting children and posing for photos in the hotel’s lobby.

StripSteak {Fontainebleau Hotel, 4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 877.326.7412}
Start the day off with a sumptuous complimentary signature cocktail. You’ll then select your choice of first and second courses in addition to enjoying a seasonal seafood bar, a Greek yogurt parfait station, and endless artisanal pastries, lavish sweets, and fresh fruit. Cost is $68 per adult, $34 per child ages 4-12. After brunch, take part in Fontainebleau’s annual Eater Eggstravaganza. From 2-4pm, kids and their parents can enjoy Easter treats, art and crafts, egg decorating, interactive family-friendly shows, and the hotel’s exciting Easter egg hunt.

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7:40 am
Restaurant Features
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By Sherri Balefsky | Contributing Writer

March isn’t just about green beer and parades. Miami has much to offer this month in the way of parties, dinners, and special menus. Here are the five Miami food events you just can’t miss.

Semilla French Gastro Week
1. French Gastro Week at Semilla
Monday, March 9 – Saturday, March 14
Chef Frédéric Joulin of Semilla Eatery & Bar has invited his Michelin-starred and Maîtres Cuisiniers de France friends (Chef Jean-Jacques Noguier of La Ferme de l’Hospital Restaurant in Bossey, France; Chef Jean-Christophe LeBascle of La Manufacture in Issy-les-Moulineaux, France; and Chef Yvan Zaplatilek of Paris’ Yvan Restaurant) to join him in his kitchen for a weeklong celebration dedicated to French cuisine. To make reservations, call 305.674.6522.

hearts and stars gala

2. Hearts and Stars Gala
Saturday, March 14
The Little Lighthouse Foundation, a local charity dedicated to helping children and families that struggle with educational, financial, and medical hardships, will host its annual Hearts and Stars Gala: Casablanca at the private waterfront in Miami Beach.  Sponsored by Haute Dining and Credit Suisse, this intimate soirée is one of South Florida’s premier philanthropic events, where guests can enjoy an open bar of top-shelf beverages, light hors d’oeuvres from some of Miami’s best restaurants, and live entertainment from Drums of the Sun all while supporting a very important cause. While the gala is now sold out for the fifth year in a row, guests can still attend the Hearts & Stars Gala Kickoff Party, which will take place on Friday, March 13, at Hyde Beach at the SLS. Donations can be made at hydebeach.com/heartsandstars.Fontainbleau Cellar Wine Series

3. Cellar 1954 Wine & Dinner Series
Tuesday, March 17
The Fontainebleau hotel announces the return of its monthly Cellar 1954 wine series with a decadent meal at its newest dining venue, StripSteak by Michael Mina. Presented by Chef du Cuisine Derrick Roberts, diners will enjoy an exclusive four courses, each paired with a different varietal from Sonoma Valley’s Adobe Road Winery hand-selected by Owner/Winemaker Kevin Buckler.

Palme D'Or

4. Louis XIII Whiskey Dinner at Palme d’Or
Friday, March 20
The award-winning Palme d’Or restaurant at the Biltmore hotel in Coral Gables will host Louis XIII de Rémy Martin Ambassador Victor Blanquart for an exquisite dinner prepared by Chef du Cuisine Gregory Pugin and paired with selected wine. A highlight of the evening will be the rare chance to taste of the famous Louis XIII Cognac.

Uvaggio BBQ

5. Uvaggio’s Booze, BBQ, and Blues Birthday Bash
Sunday, March 22
Uvaggio Wine Bar celebrates its one-year anniversary in Coral Gables with a fun-filled afternoon of live blues music, barbecue dishes prepared by the restaurant’s very own Season 5 Top Chef contestant Bret Pelaggi, and, of course, lots and lots of wine. Another bonus: all ticket proceeds will go toward the Buckhams, a local family whose young daughter was recently diagnosed with Wilms’ Tumor and has been undergoing chemotherapy for the past few months.

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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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9:39 am
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biltmorefontanafood

We can always count on The Biltmore to offer the dining experience that we crave. There’s Cascade for a fun yet casual lunch or dinner. Palme D ‘Or makes it a date, or the perfect place to take visitors or guests for fine French cuisine. And then there’s Fontana—an Italian romance on the plate and in the ambience. Whichever setting you prefer, there’s many a deal to be had, and many a party to look forward to. Here’s a roundup of some of our favorite happenings this month.

Bastille Day Festivities 

The United States celebrates its national holiday with barbecue and ice cream, while France commemorates Bastille Day (Monday, July 14) with brasserie fare like steak frites and tarte tatin. Celebrate at Cascade at the Biltmore with a Pétanque Tournament and Ricard Cocktails.

Pan-American Member Party 

Join the pan-American member party on Friday, July 18 from 7-9pm in the Alhambra ballroom in a member guest celebration of the Americas at The Club at the Biltmore. Come enjoy an assortment of flavors, music, and culture from ALL of the Americas at this ALL-of-a kind celebration!

There will be dominoes, cigars, specialty foods, and drinks to take you on a glorious trip throughout the Americas. Come out and dance, imbibe, embrace, and enjoy! Different specialty cocktails, wine, and food included in price, plus a five dollar cash bar. Tickets are $20 for members, and $30 for guests.


‘Round the Clock Rendezvous  

Here’s the regular lineup of specials and fun.

Daily Happy Hour
Monday-Friday, 5-7pm
Half-priced featured drinks

Afternoon Tea
Daily at 2pm and 3:30pm in the lobby
For a more subdued experience, have a cup at daily afternoon tea in the hotel lobby with live harp. Call 305.913.3200 to make reservations.

Champagne Tuesdays
Bubbly buffs can get their fix at the Palme D’ Or, when selected bottles are $75, or $18 for a glass.

Early Dining Special at Palme d’Orbiltmorepalmedor
Tuesday-Thursday 6-7:30pm
This new specials allows you to enjoy a three-course dinner at Palme D’ Or for only $45.

Cigars Under the Star
Thursdays at 7pm at the Cascade
Live music, drink specials from Flor de Caña, and hand-rolled cigars.

Live Music Poolside
Thursdays at 7pm
Join us every Thursday evening at Cascade for live music and an extended Happy Hour until 10PM.

19th Hole Bar & Grill
A flight of craft beers for only $10 during your favorite sporting events!

A Taste of Italy at Fontana
A tasting menu offered all month with regional specialty dishes created by Chef Galazzi. Prix-fixe dinner is $39.

For the Love of Pasta at Fontana
Chef Giuseppe “Beppe” Galazzi presents “For the Love of Pasta”: $13 Pasta menu every Thursday!

Business Power Lunch at Fontana
$19.99 per person includes complimentary valet parking.

Braised Meat Wednesdays at Fontana
Enjoy a braised meat special menu—Tuttu Brasato—every Wednesday. Lunch is $29 per person; dinner is $39 per person.

For more info on events at the Biltmore, visit: biltmorehotel.com/resort/events.asp

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10:04 am
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Biltmore

By Josh Tyson | Contributing Writer

Most cities with a culinary culture as robust and vigorous as Miami’s are peppered with French restaurants. These are seen by most food aficionados as benchmarks of a city’s seriousness in the matter of fine dining—France being the birthplace of many of the techniques and recipes used in modern kitchens worldwide.

In Miami, however, there’s always been just one serious French restaurant to speak of: Palme d’Or in The Biltmore Hotel of Coral Gables. Overall, The Biltmore offers unparalleled dining excellence within each of its restaurants, from the chic Fontana to the fine French Palme d’Or, whose acclaim includes a four-star review in The Miami Herald and top ranking by Zagat.

In a move that seems to buttress the hotel’s long-standing reputation as one of Miami’s most pedigreed luxury resorts, the ownership recently brought in Chef Gregory Pugin to helm the Miami institution. A classically-trained French chef, Pugin brings serious ability and unique verve to the post.

Before coming to Miami, he was in Las Vegas running the kitchen at Le Cirque in The Bellagio. “I saw coming to Miami to work at Palme d’Or as a great opportunity,” Chef Pugin says. “We share the same vision.”

Prior to that, the James Beard nominee was handpicked to work in the laboratory of Jöel Robuchon, the meticulous master chef with more Michelin stars than anyone on the planet. Working closely with Robuchon for four years involved globetrotting, opening restaurants, and working on a television show, but the biggest lessons imprinted on Pugin were precision and consistency.

“I’m always thinking about the experience,” Chef Pugin says. “I want this to be the best meal Biltmoreanyone has ever had.”

Pugin sticks to classic recipes and techniques, but likes to finish his dishes with a twist, creating presentations that burst to life in Palme d’Or’s luxe dining room. The Langoustine au Caviar, for instance—langoustines marinated in a citrus vinaigrette with passionfruit tapioca and finished with an apple-vodka gelée-—has an elegant richness that matches the verdant romanticism of the setting.

“We’re very excited to have a chef of Gregory’s caliber,” Director of Marketing Danielle Finnegan says. “There’s nobody in Miami with a résumé like his, and he represents the new frontier of culinary experience at The Biltmore.”

Pugin notes that with the full support of ownership, his ultimate goal is to craft a culinary experience on par with the fine French restaurants of New York and Paris: “Palme d’Or has always been the best French restaurant in Miami, and now I want it to be recognized as the top of the top in America.”

Creating The French Laundry of Miami might seem like an otherworldly undertaking, but anyone who’s been to The Biltmore knows that sublimely otherworldly things are à la mode here.

In fact, The Biltmore has always been associated with high style. From the massive pool where silver screen siren Esther Williams worked out her underwater choreography in the 1940s, to the barrel-vaulted ceilings bearing hand-painted frescos that lend the property the air of a Venetian palazzo, to the Moorish Giralda tower that gives the impression of a Spanish castle, The Biltmore is an ethereal place where magic happens.

Another gustatory portal awaits at Fontana, where Chef Guiseppe “Beppe” Galazzi, a native of Ferrara, Italy, creates rustic, seafood-focused dishes that are bright, big, and savory. The courtyard restaurant has an idyllic bubbling fountain and resplendent views of the property, but the real draw is a menu of classic Italian dishes. Chef Galazzi travels home to Italy for inspiration, bringing back authentic dishes that are often new to guests. For instance, a fresh Fava Bean Salad topped with sweet red onion and ventresca (preserved tuna belly) offers fresh tastes for Miami’s discerning palate.

Biltmore

“This is something that lots of restaurants don’t have,” Chef Galazzi says, going on to describe a salad topped with tender octopus from the Adriatic Coast cooked in the restaurant’s wood-fired oven.

Of course, capturing the rustic delights of Northern Italy demands housemade pastas, and Fontana does not disappoint. Here, fresh pappardelle sings in a beef ragoût and homemade potato gnocchi radiates comfort in tangy pesto.

Fontana is also where you can find the Biltmore’s Champagne Sunday Brunch, a lavish affair with a reputation that stretches nationwide. Offering everything from caviar to carved meat, to fresh omelettes to sushi, the brunch is capped by a wall of desserts created by Executive Pastry Chef Olivier Rodriguez.

Like all of the best pastry chefs, he’s a bit of a mad scientist, and Rodriguez knows the hotel inside and out. He joins Pugin and Galazzi at The Biltmore Culinary Academy, a recreational school for guests that teaches them how to create some of the gustatory enlightenment the property is famous for.

And if Chef Pugin has his way, Palme d’Or might become something The Biltmore is famous for—in a whole new way.

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