You’ve got two more weeks to dine like royalty. Make it count.
The annual restaurant extravaganza known as Miami Spice is quickly coming a close, so we’ve gathered our top picks for the best Spice menus in town. From celebrity chefs to neighborhood spots, there’s plenty to keep even the most discerning foodie happy.
Los Fuegos {3201 Collins Ave, Miami Beach; 786.655.5600}
Argentine super chef Francis Mallmann is the mastermind behind this gaucho-inspired restaurant at the posh Faena Miami Beach. As such, expect rustic Argentine and Patagonian specialities like Oxtail Croquettes or Octopus A La Plancha for appetizers. For mains, we loved the Lamb Ribs with peach chutney, while the Local Snapper comes with an intriguing grilled polenta and tomato mayonnaise. Dessert keeps things simple with a Mascarpone Cheesecake with red berry sorbet.
Boulud Sud {255 Biscayne Blvd Way, Miami; 305.421.8800}
The plush downtown outpost of celeb chef Daniel Boulud’s homage to Mediterranean delights is a sophisticated spot to do a fancy Miami Spice lunch. The menu changes regularly, so there’s plenty of reason to keep coming back throughout the Spice promotion. We started with the Babaganoush appetizer and a “Horiatiki” Greek Salad, both of which were fresh and flavorful. For mains, we opted for the Branzino A La Plancha with freekah and apricot and the Lamb “Frita” with harissa aïoli, crispy potato, and onion compote. Desserts were showstoppers and included a Lavender-Peach Zalabia (a Tunisian donut filled with labneh mousse) and Chocolate Profitroles. And don’t forget to save room for those special warm madeleine cookies that are always served gratis!
Market at Edition {2901 Collins Ave, Miami Beach; 786.257.4600}
Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s Market at Edition’s global cafe/patisserie/salumeria is one of our favorite spots, simply because there’s so much tempting food on display—from the crisp pizzas to the insane charcuterie. For our Spice lunch, we started with the Crispy Salmon Sushi and Summer Squash and Arugula Salad—both refreshing and light starters. The Roasted Beef Tenderloin is a solid choice for an entrée, complimented by goldbar squash, Parmesan cheese and a buttery hot sauce, while the Mushroom and Farm Egg Pizza will please any carb lover. For dessert, choose between the Strawberry Sundae or the Passion Fruit Cheesecake (or splurge for a slice of the Carrot Cake—one of the best in town).
Scarpetta {4441 Collins Ave, Miami; 305.674.4660}
The Italian restaurant at the Fontainebleau is always a winner for Spice, if not solely for the fact that they consistently offer their legendary Spaghetti Pomodoro as a Spice entrée and it is consistently, delectably, life-changing. That said, we were a tad disappointed that their Creamy Polenta with Mushrooms was not offered on this year’s Spice menu, but we understand the need to innovate—in its place, we loved the Mediterranean Octopus with capers and olives. For mains, there’s the classic Spaghetti, a beautifully crisped-skin Branzino, the Duck and Foie Gras Ravioli, or Chicken Breast with Pancetta. Desserts selections of Coconut Tapioca and Chocolate Amedei Bar with hazelnut crunch were lovely.
Maska {3252 NE 1st Ave Suite 109, Miami; 786.971.9100}
Chef Hemant Mathur, the first Indian Chef in the U.S. to receive a Michelin Star, has opened a high-end homage to Indian cooking in midtown. The dining room is an opulent space with crystal chandeliers, plush blue chairs, an open kitchen and a lounge and wine cellar. Be prepared to eat modern Indian dishes with creative spins like the Maska Chicken, the restaurant’s version of a butter chicken, Khoya Mushroom (paneer stuffed portobello mushroom), Crab Tadka Dumplings, and a variety of Kulcha (stuffed bread). Maska’s Miami Spice offering includes a complimentary cocktail—the Aam-Chi Martini—a gin-based cocktail topped with mango lassi foam. Next door to Maska, Mathur has also opened Cho:Tu, which focuses on Indian street food with a more casual atmosphere.
By Sara Liss, Contributing Writer