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

MO Bar + Lounge

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

stripsteak

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

Sardinia enoteca

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

seafood bahia four seasons

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

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

Marc Irwin Piano concert in The Betsy Lobby

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

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

db Miami Wine Cellar by B. Milne

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

By Sherri Balefsky | Miami Editor

Made in Italy Gourmet

No plans for tonight? Consider the following:

All summer long, Wynwood’s new Italian restaurant and market Made in Italy Gourmet {10 Northeast 27th Street, Miami; 786.360.5671} presents “Summer Wine Nights,” a unique Thursday night wine dinner series presented by chefs Cristian Zappelletto and Marco Baruffaldi. The highlight of the series is TONIGHT, July 16, at 7:30pm, featuring the breathtaking island of Sicily and wine pairings that will elevate the experience with each bite! Tickets for the four-course wine dinner and two wine pairings are available for purchase at Made in Italy Gourmet at $55 (plus tax and gratuity). Call the restaurant to reserve your table NOW.

THE MENU

Zuppa di Ceci & Gamberi
Chick pea and shrimp soup

Involtini di Salmone e Caprino
Rolled salmon carpaccio filled with goat cheese
Paired with Principi di Butera Chardonnay

Ravioli di Speck & Fontina alla Crema di Funghi
Homemade ravioli filled with speck and fontina cheese served in a cream of mushrooms sauce
Paired with Principi di Butera Merlot

Amaretto & Goccie di Cioccolata
Amaretto cookies and chocolate-chip cake

the gang

By Sherri Balefsky | Online Editor

Hidden on an unassuming corner at North Miami Avenue and 35th Street is possibly one of the coolest restaurants ever make its way to Miami.

A faint wooden sign out front announcing The Gang {3500 North Miami Avenue, Miami; 305.570.9430} and a few wooden chairs draped in embroidered rugs is really all there is to the street view (it’s across from the bustling Shops at Midtown and opposite the much-acclaimed Gigi). But that’s hardly a preview for what to expect once inside. The eclectic space, which seems more characteristic of the heart of Wynwood, has a hip albeit curious décor.

the gang bar

The exposed piping and hanging light fixtures give the space an industrial feel, as does the line of washing machines that form the base of the bar. The walls are splattered with cutouts from old magazines, creating a ’50s diner feel. A classic Coca-Cola refrigerator, circa-’80s arcade game, and an old bicycle mounted to the wall are just a few of the other random knickknacks you’ll find inside.

Upon being seated, we were immediately greeted by a server in a white lab coat. Why? “Just like doctors,” Owner Bogdan Niculae told us, “a server needs to be making sure you are happy and well taken care of.” And that we were! Our water glasses—which were actually small ceramic mugs—were continuously refilled. The food came out perfectly timed almost to a science. And we were constantly asked if we’d like “one more glass of wine” (they have a fully stocked bar with an extensive wine list).

the gang appetizer

The menu is not overwhelmingly large, but there are certainly enough mouthwatering options from which to choose. Most of it is Asian-inspired—an interesting twist considering the décor evokes everything but!

For appetizers, we ordered the Tibetan Spring Rolls with chicken and the Boo Shrimp Tempura. All came out piping hot. The shrimp was lightly coated in a sesame seed crust, maintaining the juicy flavor of the shrimp but without the grease often associated with tempura.

the gang chicken dish

For our main courses, we selected the Samuiwok Chicken, a homemade Asian noodle dish mixed with fresh veggies, and the Hunan Chicken. We were warned that the latter would be spicy, but we found it appropriately seasoned—even those sensitive to spicy foods might not find it too hot.

Overall, we couldn’t have been more pleasantly surprised with our visit to The Gang. It certainly lived up to the reputation it touts of itself: “The Gang is a concept of life: Good food, good vibe, good Karma.”

Celebrate Father’s Day this year with an extravagant brunch fit for The World’s Greatest Dad.

R House

Start off the morning right at R House. (Of course, coffee is always an option, too).

 

Fountainebleau Miami Beach 

One of the many Father’s Day celebrations at the Fountainebleau is bound to be a match for Dad.

Celebrate with the Emperor special, featuring A Weekend Warrior Massage at Lapis Spa and lunch at Hakkasan. The cost is $189, for a savings of $16. Valid only on Father’s Day, June 15, 2014. Learn more here.

Or, opt for a traditional brunch with a contemporary twist at Vida. Enjoy classic favorites such as made-to-order omelets, malt waffles, and pancakes with fresh fruit compote. Action stations include Vida’s signature meat and fish rotisserie, a penne, chicken and risotto sauté station, mouthwatering sushi and raw bar selections, wood-stone oven pizza and flatbreads, a charcuterie and cheese presentation, and a sweet spread of tempting desserts. $65 per person, including limitless bloody Marys and mimosas, plus complimentary valet with validation (exclusing tax and gratuity). Learn more here.

If your Dad is a soccer fan, watch the 2014 World Cup at Fontainebleau’s glamorous poolscape in a private cabana. Relax and absorb the seclusion and solitude of your own oasis while remaining amidst the action of Fontainebleau’s festive atmosphere. Get the score here. 

 

The Setai

At The Setai, Father’s Day brunch will run from 11:30am-3:30pm and be all about stations. There’s a Rotisserie Station with meats like Caramelized Leg of Lamb and Porchetta. At the Seafood Station, freshen up with Alaskan King Crab Legs and Blue Point Oysters. Spice up Dad’s life at the Indian Station where Eggplant Masala awaits. At the Sun Coast Station, you’ll find Italian flavors in the pastas, salads, and antipasti. Last stop: The Pasty Station where marshmallow eggs, tarts, and more treats await. For the picky kids in your party, a Kids Station offers pizza, hot dogs, and sliders. Tickets are $110 per adult and $55 for children over age four (taxes and service charge not included). The price includes free-flowing Champagne, Bellinis, mimosas, and Bloody Marys. Make reservations by calling 303.520.6400 or email [email protected]thesetaihotel.com

 

The Biltmore Hotel

Visit this gorgeous property for Miami’s  most popular brunch this Father’s Day. $95 per person. biltmorehotel.com

 

Big Fish

For a waterfront brunch with Italian pizzazz, head to Big Fish, offering 10-percent off its regular brunch menu for Father’s Day. thebigfishrestaurant.com

Big Fish

Take a seat in the sun at Big Fish.

 

 

The Ritz-Carlton, Coconut Grove

If your father loves beer, treat him to a one-of-a-kind brunch at the Ritz-Carlton’s Bizcaya restaurant. Their chefs are teaming up with Wynwood Brewing, Miami’s first craft production brewery, to host a Beer-B-Que Brunch. The brunch includes live music, barbecue dishes, and unlimited mimosas, bloody Marys, and (most importantly) beer! The brunch will be available from noon to 4pm. $55 per person, $20 per child (ages four to 12), and $20 for unlimited beer, mimosas, and the bloody Mary bar (plus tax and gratuity). Reservations strongly recommended. Call 305.655.4680 or visit ritzcarlton.com/coconutgrove. 

 

Bulla

Give your Dad the best of many dishes with Bulla’s Brunch Tasting Menu. Pick and share from 12 of their best brunch choices for $27 per person. Selections include Huevos Benedicts, Revuelto ‘Lucio’, Bisteca Caballo, Churros con Chocolate, and many more. Bonus: pair your brunch with bottomless sangrías and mimosas for $15 per person. And last but not least, the chef has prepared a 25oz rib-eye drizzled with idiazabal cream, mojo picon, and mojo verde, served with salt-crusted potatoes, piquillo peppers, and grilled asparagus, called the Cowboy “BULLA” Steak. bullamiami.com

Bulla

The huevos at Bulla come with a blanket of thinly-sliced meat.

 

R House 

At R House, Father’s Day happens fo fall on Sunday Sauce day, which occurs on, naturally, Sundays from 11:30am-4pm. The Sunday Sauce Brunch Party at R House Wynwood features unlimited brunch appetizers and one main entrée for just $35, and bottomless mimosas, bloody Marys, bloody Marias, and sangría for just $22. Get them both for just $52. This great deal is complete with outdoor dining and a live DJ. The party continues with special drinks until 8pm. rhousewynwood.com

Tokyo Blue

Tuyo {415 Northeast Second Avenue; 305.237.3200}

Tuyo’s new executive chef, Victor Santos, has big shoes to fill, but the bright, young Brazilian-native has two things going for him with a culinary school degree and a hefty amount of experience in fine-dining restaurants under his belt. On where he’s taking Tuyo’s cuisine, Chef Victor Santos says, “We want to separate ourselves from the New-World cuisine that he [former Chef Norman Van Aken] so successfully did throughout his career, so I’m taking more of a modern American approach with a strong French influence with Asian and Latin touches.” For a cross-cultural tasting experience, Santos recommends the oven-roasted Red Snapper with coconut jasmine rice, lemongrass, and ginger-lime vinaigrette, topped with a black bean and pineapple salsa. tuyomiami.com

Old Lisbon {1698 Southwest 22nd Street; 305.854.0039}

After what feels like far too long, the culinary delight that is Old Lisbon has re-opened its doors at the historic Coral Way location. Servers carrying authentic Portuguese dishes walk out from a rustic open kitchen, while guests sit at white-clothed tables, surrounded by white walls, in a space adorned with hand-painted art of Old Lisbon, and all around is an atmosphere of Old-World charm. Take a seat, order the Bacalhau na Cataplana com Ameijoas (a stewed Norwegian codfish), and you’ll be transported to Old Lisbon. oldlisbon.com

L’Echon Brasserie {62nd Street and Collins Avenue; phone TBD}

To say Andreas Schreiner, Segio Navarro, and Jose Mendin (AKA The Pubbelly Boys) are on a roll would be a massive understatement. In less than four years, the trio has made huge culinary strides, opening six restaurants and most recently adding a seventh concept to their repertoire: L’Echon Brasserie. Their newest Pubbelly-style eatery makes its home at the renovated Hilton Cabana, where Chef Jose Mendin takes on the world of French cuisine with a twist by adding his unmistakably classic yet playful Pubbelly touch to a menu of shareable plates. A gorgeous indoor/outdoor setting with oceanfront views and two waterfalls provide the perfect space to bite into his French-inspired dishes. lechonbrasserie.com

Uvaggio {70 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables; 707.224.2254}

“Top Chef” contestant Bret Pelaggi has partnered with former Wine Director Heath Porter and Owner Craig DeWald to open Uvaggio, a high-end, European-style wine bar. The three restaurateurs combined their passion for wines to create an upscale wine bar (with plenty of class but without the typical stuffiness) and curate a menu of wine-inspired dishes. It’s a unique process they call “tasting backwards,” where boutique wines are first carefully selected, and then their aromas, flavors, and textures help create and pair a corresponding dish. Uvaggio welcomes wine lovers with open arms. uvaggio.com

Big Fish {620 Northeast 78th Street; 305.373.1770}

Formerly located in Downtown Miami, the Italian eatery known as Big Fish has re-emerged—twice as delicious—on Biscayne Boulevard and 78th Street. The seafood emphasis here is bold and clear, with fresh fish dishes made even more delectable by friendly service, affordable prices, and a perfectly fitting ambience. Order the whole Branzino and lay back on the outdoor patio as you indulge, while white curtains move in the breeze and sailboats float gently along the river. The Big Fish legacy continues. thebigfishrestaurant.com

R House {2727 Northwest Second Avenue; 305.576.0201}

Come on over to R House, and experience Chef/Owner Rocco Carulli’s new sensory experience in Wynwood. It’s a restaurant, lounge, and art gallery all in one. R House boasts a menu of shareable contemporary American dishes sprinkled with Latin, Asian,  and Mediterranean influences. The restaurant is also home to the White Porch Gallery, which features an innovative movable wall system showcasing the work of various artists. And, of course, R House’s cozy lounge provides an ideal space for guests to enjoy the DJ’s tunes and sip on home-infused cocktails. Come check it out—R House is your house. rhousewynwood.com 

La Mar {500 Brickell Key Drive; 305.913.8288}

As a Gaston Acurio restaurant, La Mar could have chosen no lovelier nor more elegant setting than the Forbes five-star, award-winning Mandarin Oriental. At La Mar, Acurio’s acclaimed cuisine—an eclectic combination of Peruvian-Asian fusion and nuovo-Andean fare—is served in a stunning space with panoramic water views. A truly unique Miami experience, with just the right touch of luxury and creative tastes, awaits you there. mandarinoriental.com

Colette {1223 Lincoln Road; 305.534.7888}

Behind this quaint and charming French eatery on Lincoln Road is Frederic Boldron, a highly knowledgeable chef with over 18 years of culinary experience, who brings his passion for French cuisine to the charismatic Colette Little French Bistro. Under the supervision of Colette’s owner, Francis Pittilloni, Boldron dishes out French classics in a warm and inviting setting, ideal for a pre-dinner bottle of rosé or a post-movie alfresco meal. There’s always the option for a romantic meal in the sunshine, too, since Colette is newly open for lunch as well. coletterestaurant.com

Tokyo Blue  {4040 Galt Ocean Drive, Fort Lauderdale; 954.566.2122}

When a restaurant taps not one, but two former Nobu chefs, the outcome is most likely going to be something beyond wonderful. Tokyo Blue has done just that at the new Downtown location, having added the highly skilled Chef Mai, specializing in Thai delicacies and Japanese food; and Sushi Chef Jo, who works exclusively with the freshest ingredients of the highest quality. And at Tokyo Blue, dining on five-star Eastern dishes doesn’t break the bank, to the delight of our palates and wallets. tokyoblueonthebeach.com 

Dry de Luxe {2000 Collins Avenue, Suite 4; 786.484.4260}

When you go out for a special meal, you want to look your best. To achieve your most stunning, drop-dead-gorgeous look before a romantic dinner or a night out with the girls, leave it up to the most capable hands in town, Dry de Luxe. The Miami Beach blow-dry lounge will not only update your ‘do to supermodel status, but they’ll also shape your brows and apply your make-up, leaving you looking absolutely fabulous. After all, your dinner shouldn’t be the only thing looking beautiful. drydeluxe.com