25 Things We Love About Dining Out in Miami
In no particular order
In no particular order…
1. Keeping Up with Chef Chan of MR CHOW
Located at the W Hotel South Beach, MR CHOW has been a dining staple among celebrities and local foodies alike since 2009, taking authentic Chinese cuisine to gourmet heights. Since the restaurant’s opening, the kitchen has been spearheaded by Executive Chef Hing Fung Matt Chan, who every day conquers the almost impossible challenge of staying “on trend” with Miami culture while maintaining the authenticity of Beijing’s cuisine. DiningOut spoke with Chef Chan to learn more about his time in the kitchen and his culinary creations Miamians have come to crave.
DiningOut: You were part of the opening team at MR CHOW 10 years ago, what brought you to Miami?
Chef Hing Fung Matt Chan: I wanted to see the world and travel, so when I learned about the opportunity at MR CHOW through a well-known chef in Hong Kong, I thought it would be a great experience and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
You began your cooking career in 1992 in your hometown of Hong Kong; did you always want to be a chef?
Yes, even at a young age I pictured myself becoming a chef. My chef mentor not only taught me how to cook but also taught me about life.
What is your essential cooking tool in the kitchen?
A frying pan and kitchen knives!
Can you drop a hint on any new dishes you’re cooking up this season at MR CHOW?
I have made a few new dishes this season that will incorporate shredded chicken in Beijing sauce and sweet-and-sour pork.
What is your guilty pleasure on the MR CHOW menu?
I would say the Chashu (Cantonese roasted pork) on the MR CHOW Miami menu is one of my favorites. Although the MR CHOW menu is mostly based on Beijing cuisine, this is one of our best dishes, in my opinion. It’s a complex dish to make and every step of the cooking process is very important. Every dish is made to order here.
How do you stay up to date with the Miami food trends while still paying tribute to old authentic Beijing cuisine?
My idea is to keep the plating and garnishing trendy, but the cooking method has to follow the traditional way.
MR CHOW is famous for the best prepared Beijing Duck in the world—what sets this dish apart from everything else on the menu?
Beijing roast duck is much different compared to other dishes. Not only does it have a long history, it also has a complicated cooking process. The chef who is responsible for making the Beijing duck has to be highly skilled and have proper training. The taste of the duck skin is the most flavorful part and the key to this is to make it crispy but not greasy! Ideally, each piece should come with skin, sliced, wrapped with slices of scallion, and served with cucumber and a special duck sauce. MRCHOW.COM
2. Fresh New Favorites from Plant Miami
Known for organic, plant-based, vegan, and kosher cuisine, Plant Miami at Sacred Space just debuted a slew of new seasonal dishes. One of our favorite new additions to the menu is the Forbidden Roll. Inspired by the traditional Japanese Bagel Roll, this delightful bite features avocado, black rice (or forbidden rice), almond cream cheese, nori, smoked carrot, and wasabi mayo. Plant Miami’s chefs Horacio Rivadero and Veronica Manolizi said they “really wanted to take something very familiar and transform it into something plant-based.” For the Forbidden Roll, the duo chose to highlight the carrot, because they say it is often seen as the underdog in plant-based cooking. The result, lucky for us, is an elevated and refreshing treat that’s perfect for the summer months. SACREDSPACEMIAMI.COM
3. Social Hour at Pizza & Burger by Michael Mina
Fontainebleau Miami Beach might not be the first place that comes to mind when you’re chasing drink specials, but Pizza & Burger—the resort’s casual-cool dining concept helmed by the award-winning Chef Michael Mina—has some of the best libations in town. During Social Hour from 5-7pm, you can sip half-priced beer on tap plus a selection of wines hand-picked by the sommelier. And if you order a specialty cocktail or punch off the menu, you’ll enjoy the second one for just a dollar. Night-owls can also take advantage of these deals during Reverse Hour from 11pm-midnight. Not to mention, you can round out your drink selection with any of Chef Mina’s decadent takes on pizza, burgers, and other classic bar bites. So go get your drink on already. FOUNTAINBLEAU.COM/DINING/DINING/PIZZA-BURGERS/MIAMI-RESTURANT
4. 52 Weekends of Brunch at CORSAIR kitchen & bar
CORSAIR kitchen & bar’s “The 52” brunch is an ever-changing buffet-style spread of our favorite meal of the day, switching out every weekend of the year (hence, the name). Rotations focus on brunch classics, like egg skillets, egg sandwiches, and açai bowls, to name a few. Mimosas are available year-round (because, why not?) and to stick with the theme, this all-you-can-eat meal is priced at $52. For an extra $8, diners are granted access to the 52-ingredient Bloody Mary Bar which includes yummy add-ons like thick cut bacon, jumbo shrimp, plantain chips, and hot sauce, allowing you to never settle for anything but the best. JWTURNBERRY.COM/AVENTURA-RESTAURANTS/CORSAIR-KITCHEN-AND-BAR
5. Legendary Tapas at Casa Juancho
Escape to Spain in this traditional Spanish restaurant offering tapas that will whisk you straight to the Iberian Peninsula. Just one of many fan favorites on the menu is the Jamón de Bellota—Iberian ham considered the finest in the world served with Manchego cheese and chistorra a la plancha (grilled Spanish sausage links). Seafood-lovers will find sanctuary among dishes like Sepia a la Plancha (grilled cuttlefish), Boquerones Fritos (fried fresh anchovies), and grilled octopus with potatoes. Save room for the paella, crowned the best in town by many, and, in true Spanish fashion, explore the expansive collection of extraordinary wines. CASAJUANCHO.COM
6. Sunday Brunch at Isabelle’s Grill Room and Garden
Nestled inside the Ritz Carlton, this chic new restaurant is named in honor of Isabella Peacock, one of Coconut Grove’s earliest settlers. The classy interior is steeped in warm palettes and rich woods, inspiring intimate, meaningful conversation. However, it is the trellised outdoor garden terrace with oversized potted plants and comfortable outdoor seating that draws in those seeking South Florida alfresco dining—particularly when it comes to Sunday brunch. Begin with the bottomless Bloody Marys or mimosas ($22), then dive into offerings like the Chicken and Waffles served with jalapeño honey, the Challah French Toast with Nutella and bananas, or the Lemon Ricotta Hotcakes with blueberry compote and crème fraîche. ISABELLESCOCONUTGROVE.COM
7. The Seventh Annual South Beach Seafood Festival
Are you ready to put your toes in the sand, get a cocktail in your hand, and enjoy some of the best seafood in Miami? This fall, the South Beach Seafood Festival returns for its seventh consecutive year. Brought to you by William Hill and presented by Jack Daniel’s, City of Miami Beach, GOYA Foods, and Baptist Health South Florida, the South Beach Seafood Festival is taking over Miami from October 22-26 to showcase some of the area’s leading chefs and culinary masterminds. Touted as one of the fastest growing festivals in Miami Beach, the beachfront event—which features over 70 different restaurants and mouthwatering eats from Florida’s freshest seafood hotspots—spans five blocks and welcomes over 14,000 seafoodies for a day of fun in the sun in South Beach style. For $49, guests can enjoy seafood dishes paired with complimentary all-day open bar service. If you choose to splurge on the VIP experience ($150) you can enter to win the Land Rover South Dade VIP Hospitality Village and enjoy VIP access to Joe’s Stone Crab Miami, plus a ton of other awesome perks. The five-day event is the perfect combination of gourmet cuisine, wine pairings, live music at three different stages, chef competitions, and seemingly endless interactive experiences, all to benefit a great cause in Miami Dade County: CI Foundation’s EAT SMART program. The South Beach Seafood Festival has become the number three top recurring event on South Beach behind Art Basel and SOBEWFF. Kick off the fun with exclusive experiences at some of South Beach’s favorite spots, such as Meat Market, The Mondrian, or the Shore Club! Tickets can be purchased for all events at SOBASEAFOODFEST.COM
8. Lavish late-nights at Villa Azur
Fantasies of a night out in Miami come true at this glamorous and singular South Beach setting featuring delectable French-Mediterranean cuisine. From the sparkling chandeliers to the plush white couches and the fabulous tropical patio setting, Villa Azur offers a slice of paradise to everyone who visits. DJ music encourages dancing under the stars, making this a true late-night Miami hotspot. Indulge in the Pâte a la Meule, a decadently rich dish combining linguini, mushroom sauce, and fresh truffle flambéed tableside, or opt for the Cornish Hen en Cocotte, a classic French favorite. Whatever you choose, rest assured a stop by Villa Azur will take any night to new heights. VILLAAZURMIAMI.COM
9. Honest, Fresh Fish at The River Oyster Bar
There are two words that cannot exist without the other: fish and fresh. And, according to executive chef and owner of The River Oyster Bar, David Bracha, the key to fresh success is a rare and often uncommon secret—whole fish and in-house slicing. Results of this best-kept practice are evident at The River Oyster Bar where freshness is second to none, bringing delicious and sustainable seafood right to the heart of Brickell. For 17 years, The River has held a reputation of top quality food offered at fair prices. Look if you must, but you won’t find local, honest seafood like this anywhere but The River. THERIVERMIAMI.COM
10. Boulud Sud’s Chicken Tagine
Chef Daniel Boulud’s passion for Mediterranean flavors is evident in this downtown eatery. The menu’s Chicken Tagine—a Moroccan dish traditionally prepared in a clay vessel by the same name—has been a bestseller from day one. The secret lies in the cooking style, which lends itself to a moist and flavorful end result, as well as the combination of spices used. Boulud collaborated with spice guru Lior Lev Sercarz of La Boîte in New York to create a unique blend that includes rose petals, cumin, cardamom, and coriander. Presentation of the dish varies by season. In the summer, it is served with zucchini, yellow squash, and tomatoes while the winter months feature a garnish of cauliflower, turnips, and onions. Preserved lemons, Sicilian olives, and cilantro leaves complete the dish year round. BOULUDSUD.COM/MIAMI
11. Nobu Miami’s Cocktail Stars of the Month
Nobu Miami, a culinary destination notorious for their imaginative blend of Peruvian and Japanese cuisine has become the benchmark for everything fusion. Known for its amazing food, hip crowds, and a large celebrity following, the boldness and fusion extend beyond the signature dishes and into the delicious cocktails. While some say there’s a cocktail suited for every season, Nobu has a cocktail for every month. How’s that for keeping it fresh? The “cocktail of the month” program has featured fan favorites such as the Sensei, a tequila-based cocktail with açai purée, Banane du Brésil, lemon juice, and basil seeds with a touch of agave. Another month featured the Hermosos Pisco, a perfect meld of Tulsi Hibiscus tea, thyme, monkfruit syrup, and lime juice to complement the Caravedo Pisco. In everything it does, Nobu embodies simple, yet extraordinary, and the cocktail of the month is certainly no exception. NOBURESTAURANTS.COM/MIAMI
12. Brunch O’ Clock at Sardinia
Since opening Sardinia in 2006, Restaurateur Antonio “Tony” Gallo and Chef Pietro Vardeu have won over foodies time and time again with authentic Sardinian cuisine and a collection of wine most sommeliers would covet. Lunch and dinner here is always a good idea, but brunch is an event all its own. Served weekends from 11:30am-4pm, the menu encompasses the classics, like traditional Eggs Benedict and Omelets any way you like, plus brunchified Mediterranean dishes like Spaghetti Carbonara with eggs and wild boar bacon. The best part? You can sip mimosas, Bloody Marys, and Aperol spritzes all day long for less than $8! Or really indulge with bottles of Veuve Clicquot Brut for $50 and bottles of rosé for $85 until 6pm. SARDINIA-RISTORANTE.COM
13. Powerful Pies at Call Me Gaby
Think back to the last time you had pizza. Did it leave you feeling uncomfortably full? Well, at Call Me Gaby, a cozy and romantic eatery located in the South of Fifth neighborhood, you will only feel comfortable bliss after eating the shop’s Pinsa Romana-style pizza. Why? It’s all about the dough, which undergoes an intense process of 72 hours of leavening. In turn, guests can enjoy an extra hydrated, light, airy, highly digestible, and delicious pizza. Named after beautiful and strong women—like Gabrielle “CoCo” Chanel (allegedly the restaurant’s namesake)—some of the favorite gourmet pies include bold creations like the Carla, made with Mortadella, basil pesto, and pistachio crumble, or the Andrea, made with fig jam, fresh stracciatella, speck Alto Adige, and fresh rosemary. The Pinsa possibilities are endless at Call Me Gaby. Between the dose of girl-power mixed with fierce pizza and an atmosphere resembling the French Riviera, it makes for a perfect dining experience you won’t stop talking about. CALLMEGABY.COM
14. Authentic Italian at Cibo Wine Bar
Cibo Wine Bar in Coral Gables has no problem consistently pleasing the crowds. Be it the rustic exposed brick ambience, the large wine menu boasting both Italian regions and global varieties, lobster specials on Tuesdays, or brunches full of Italian bubbles on Sunday, Cibo has something for everyone, and it’s always authentically Italian. Take their Neapolitan-style pizzas: cooked to perfection in a wood-burning oven and complete with over a dozen varieties, including a whole wheat dough option. We like to order the simple but always perfect Mozzarella di Bufala, with buffalo cheese, fresh basil, and extra virgin olive oil. Another great is the Funghi, with wild mushrooms, fontini cream, and white truffle oil, because…well, truffle. Or you can kick things up with toppings like prosciutto, spicy soppressatta, Italian sausage, or even a variety of seafood in the Frutte di Mare. Now that’s authentic. CIBOWINEBAR.COM
15. A Fresh Facelift at The Biltmore Palme d’Or
A favorite among world leaders and celebrities since its opening in 1926, the recently renovated Biltmore Hotel is offering its patrons a fresh new culinary journey at the hotel’s stunning signature French restaurant, Palme d’Or—one of the only AAA Five Diamond restaurants in Florida. Now, guests can enjoy a new four-course, à la carte menu that includes perfectly paired flavors, as well as personally curated elaborate dishes that fuse the authentic tradition of French cuisine with modern flavors and ingredients that are fresh, local, and sustainable. Palme d’Or is committed to transporting guests through the ultimate sensory dining experience that will keep them coming back for more. BILTMOREHOTEL.COM/DINING/PALME_DOR
16. Tasty Traditions at Old Lisbon
In Portugal, they say there are 365 recipes using bacalhau; one recipe for each day of the year. If you’re unfamiliar with bacalhau, it’s codfish that’s dried and salted and considered an absolute staple at most Portuguese dinner tables—and one that is rare to find here in South Florida. However, at Old Lisbon Restaurants, they bring the tradition to life by importing 16 tons of the specialized cod every year to offer customers the finest bacalao dishes in the Miami area. On its way to Old Lisbon, the fish is first fished from Norway, then salted and dried in Portugal. On a menu of over 20 seafood specialties, half of them feature this tasty tradition, and every bite you take is another moment of beachy Lisbon bliss. OLDLISBONRESTAURANTS.COM
17. Miami Spice Specials at Market at EDITION
Looking to spice up your dining options? Look no further than Market at EDITION right in the midst of Miami Spice (August 1-September 30). The EDITION hotel’s signature restaurant is pulling out all the stops for the area’s largest and longest food event of the season. Open for lunch Monday-Friday, and dinner Monday-Sunday, Market at EDITION is including fan favorites on its specialty Miami Spice three-course prix-fixe menu, including the Crispy Salmon Sushi, Angel Hair Pasta with asparagus pesto, and Mushroom and Farm Egg Pizza, just to name a few! And why stop there? Also included are signature cocktails and decadent desserts. Brought to you by Michelin-starred chef, Jean-Georges Vongerichten, Market at EDITION is proud to participate in Miami Spice—the perfect opportunity to enjoy Miami Beach’s finest fare at a reduced price but with the same extraordinary culinary experience. EDITIONHOTELS.COM/MIAMI-BEACH/RESTAURANTS-AND-BARS
18. Sunday Asado at Los Fuegos by Francis Mallmann
Nothing says “Sunday Funday” more than Sunday Asado at Los Fuegos by Francis Mallmann. Using live fire and traditional Patagonian cooking methods, watch as award-winning chefs prepare a buffet of slow-cooked meats, locally-caught fish, seasonal vegetables, and more—right in front of excited patrons. Priced at $95 per adult, from noon-4pm, pair your brunch with bottomless mimosas, sangría, or Bloody Mary pitchers. If that’s not tempting enough, Sunday Asado guests receive complimentary passes for Faena Beach to finish the morning in total relaxation. And yes, you can bring the whole family! Children are also welcome for $45 per child (ages 10 and younger). FAENA.COM/MIAMI-BEACH/RESTAURANT/LOS-FUEGOS-BY-FRANCIS-MALLMANN
19. Osteria Del Teatro’s Tribute to Timeless Classics
Situated in the iconic boutique Marlin Hotel in the Art Deco District of South Beach, Osteria del Teatro offers a nod to the past. Complete with black and white movies on display, soft jazz music playing in the distance, fantastic food, and signature cocktails, Osteria is the place to go when nostalgia strikes. Discover daily happy hour in the quaint lounge area from 5-7pm daily. For only $8, enjoy popular dishes such as the Casoncelli alla Bergamasca, made with handmade candy-shape ravioli and roasted veal stuffing, Parmesan cheese and crispy pancetta, all in a brown butter sage sauce. Try other greats, like the Agnolotti al Pesto or the Ravioli di Pesce. Pair your favorite bite with a signature cocktail, like the Sophia Loren, or perhaps a Bellini, an Old Fashion, or a Scotch Collins. If you ask us, it’s a savory way to unwind every day! OSTERIADELTEATRO.MIAMI
20. A Tasty Slice of Italy at Amare Ristorante
If you’re craving a trip to the iconic Italian coast, Amare Ristorante has you covered. Located in the South of Fifth neighborhood, Amare is ready to transport you to the beautiful Amalfi Coast by way of elevated Italian cuisine and equally romantic furnishings. A concept by Gino Iovino in collaboration with Michelin-starred Chef Cosimo Cassano, the expert team here prepares classic dishes made in-house with seasonal ingredients flown directly from Italy. Indulge in award-winning favorites such as the Risotto Tartufato, Costata Di Manzo, Tartare Tasting Trio, or the Spaghetti Vesuvio (Spaghetti al Nero di Sepia). Whether sitting indoors or on the outdoor terrace, the combination of the classic Italian cuisine along with the imported décor that includes hand-painted ceramic tiles, pottery, and sculptures, you’ll feel as though you’re on a luxurious Italian vacation. Benvenuto! AMARERISTORANTE.COM
21. Adventurous Omakase Dinners at Pao by Paul Qui
Every month at Pao by Paul Qui, James Beard award-winning Chef Paul Qui and his culinary team whip up a one-of-a-kind omakase feast centered around a specific theme or ingredient. Set around a communal table where diners can mingle and interact, these intimate epicurean adventures aim to expose guests to flavors they’ve never tried before. Dinners start at $95 per person, with the option to upgrade the experience with a sake or Japanese whiskey pairing. Since the series launched earlier this year, editions have highlighted themes ranging from Wagyu beef and mushrooms to Texas barbecue and beyond. Sign us up! FAENA.COM/MIAMI-BEACH/RESTAURANT/PAO-BY-PAUL-QUI
22 Dreamy Cocktail Infusions at Scarpetta
Sure, house-infused spirits, bespoke cold-brew cocktails, and tantalizing Italian dishes by none other than celebrity chef Scott Conant are reasons aplenty to stop in for a meal at Scarpetta (or at its cocktail lab and infusion bar, Sorso). But this summer, there’s one item on the menu we can’t stop thinking about. It’s called the True Bleau, and it’s a heavenly blend of Barr Hill gin and grapefruit soda served with a pea flower-infused ice cube. True to its name, this jewel-toned indigo stunner is just as Instagrammable as it is utterly delicious. FONTAINEBLEAU.COM/DINING/SCARPETTA/MIAMI-BEACH-ITALIAN-RESTAURANTS
23. Cigar Social Thursdays at StripSteak by Michael Mina
Whether you’re a fan of cigars or just craving an elevated alternative to the traditional post-work happy hour, StripSteak’s Cigar Social offers a unique way to change up your weekday routine this summer. Every Thursday from 5-7pm, Michael Mina’s classic American steakhouse serves a cigar and spirit pairing on the outdoor terrace for $25. The selection rotates every month, which means you’ll have ample opportunities to sip and smoke your way around the world. Rally some friends or colleagues and make it your new Thursday evening tradition. FONTAINEBLEAU.COM/DINING/STRIPSTEAK/MIAMI-BEACH-STEAKHOUSE
24. Standards of Excellence at A Fish Called Avalon
If the 1955 Oldsmobile convertible parked in front of a Fish Called Avalon isn’t enough to make you say, “Wow,” the culinary experience will certainly do the trick! For nearly 30 years, A Fish Called Avalon has set the standard for culinary excellence. For the past 10 years, Executive Chef Kal Abdalla, a veteran of The Forge and a native of the Syrian island of Arwad, has created award-winning dishes adored by locals and travelers alike. To the croons of live music daily, indulge in the Jumbo Lump Crab Cake, the Chilean Sea Bass with a miso glaze, and for dessert, try the Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée. It will be the joy ride of a lifetime for your tastebuds! AFISHCALLEDAVALON.COM
25. The Boho Chic Rooftop Scene at Vista
Whether you’re looking for a pre-dinner bite or the perfect ending to your night, why not head to the rooftop at Vista Miami? The two-story modern-Italian restaurant located in the Upper Buena Vista area is a trendy concept combining Italian cuisine with Miami flavor and style. With prices ranging between $9-$29, enjoy delicious bites from the rooftop’s tapas menu—think coconut ceviche, oysters, or picoteo, then top it all off with an after-dinner drink special, like a Carajillo. With live music playing and the greenery surrounding, you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped into a tropical, boho chic dream. VISTAMIAMIRESTAURANT.COM
By DiningOut Staff
