Photo from Savannah online

To kick things off, we visited Smith & Wollensky – home to the 1st Annual Fenadegas’ Annual Miami Wine Tasting. Attendees tasted from the 100+ wines from Portugals, mingled with the winemakers and discovered some new favorites.

On Wednesday, we met upstairs at Don Ramon Restaurant on Clematis Street, to satisfy our cravings for Cuban food. We enjoyed some favorite Cuban specialties like plantain chips, rice & beans and chicken croquettes. These paired nicely with one of Don Ramon’s specialty drinks — sangria. This was a nice beginning for another party just moments away at the new waterfront in downtown West Palm Beach where Pucci fashions, body painted models and upbeat energy added a nice vibe to our Wednesday night. We managed to snap a few shots of the group.

On Friday, we braved the wonderful Florida weather to find a hidden gem in Miami Beach. Located at the Angler’s Resort on Washington Avenue, this cozy lounge and restaurant was a welcome escape from the normal bustle of South Beach. Quiet enough to have a conversation, yet still having enough of that South Beach charm, we felt that we discovered a hidden gem in the middle of South Beach. It also helped that we were spoiled with some scrumptious gourmet treats from Chef Giorgio Rapicavoli like the Porcini Mushroom Croquetas, and you can’t forget the Prickly Pear Margaritas. Take a look at some of the pictures of our night out.

(and those Prickly Pear Margaritas) made for some happy Dine Club members.

We are back to our Tuesday night events and this week we’ll be at Cafe Sci Sci at Brickell. Combining traditional Southern Italian fine dining with a swanky lounge-type atmosphere, you are sure to enjoy the chic setting, the gourmet cuisine and the outdoor patio. Perfect for the after-work business crowd, yet still evoking a trendy feel, we thought it would be a perfect destination for one of our Dine Magazine events.

Where: Cafe Sci Sci, 1053 Brickell Plaza, Miami

When: Tuesday, March 16

Time: 6:00 – 8:00 pm

Cost: $10 in advance, $15 at the door – guests will receive 1 glass of wine and a selection of complimentary hors d’oeuvres including Fried Risotto, Meatballs and Fiocci (Pear and Cheese filled purses).

Everyone’s Irish on St. Patrick’s Day, so come on out and join Dine Magazine for a happy hour St. Patrick’s Day style. Secrets, one of our favorite gathering spots, has created a fantastic buffet of traditional Irish specialties with a modern twist. For this event, we thought we’d kick things up a notch — so it’s green all-around — enjoy a contemporary version of a Blarney Stone cocktail, green decor, and of course, green costumes, if you choose. Prizes will be awarded for best costume, so start planning now and get in that festive spirit.

When: March 17

Time: 5:30-7:30 pm

Where: Secrets Piano Bar at Windsor Gardens Hotel, 11360 US Hwy 1, Palm Beach Gardens

Cost: $10 – includes 1 Blarney Stone cocktail and a selection of complimentary hors d’oeuvres

Menu:

Scottish Quail Eggs
County Cork Smoked Chicken “Corn Dogs”
Sheppard’s Pie Tartlets
Braised Guinness Beef
Traditional Soda Bread

Walk into Hakkasan at the Fontainebleau, Miami Beach and instantly feel enveloped in a mysterious Asian environment.  As you enter the restaurant you’ll be led through a number of peek-a-boo carved wood paneled-room separators, which gracefully divide the various dining areas. Past royalty in China were treated to similar sensual Feng Shui interiors.

Hakkasan has created an elegant yet warm atmosphere with impeccable service. In less than one short year after opening, they have also received a Zagat rating as Best Newcomer. Expect to taste traditional, authentic Chinese Dim Sum, a la carte lunches and dinners.  They recently added brunches on weekends too.

Banquettes are made with luxury leathers and are all hand stitched. Every detail is tailored for comfort.  The expertly crafted Nurumi bone china was chosen by perfectionist Alex Conti who is the eatery’s GM.  He also chose the rich back comfy cushions that are distributed throughout the restaurant. He even selected the cherry wood chopsticks, which are washed and re-oiled nightly, preferring the elegant eating utensils over cheap splintery common chopsticks.  The tables are made of 2-inch thick, blocks of dark wood and the chairs are tapered and relaxing.  One central LED light descends from the ceiling onto each table, which gives the restaurant a favorable Zen-like ambience.

Photo by Marguerite Gil

There are a wide range of light dishes served family style that are meant to be shared. Come with a healthy appetite because the menu includes a variety of dumplings, congees, stir-fried rice & noodles, barbeque platters and more. Daily made Dim Sum are creative and in addition they make all of their own syrups.

We started with a tasty hot broth in a large hand-thrown stoneware bowl that had two really big Shrimp Wontons in it, surrounded by light angel hair noodles, bok choy and finely cut herbs. Next we shared the Har Gau ($8) which are bite size dumplings, folded like a spring roll with a perfectly cooked shrimp inside.   Our waiter also brought out a serving of Prawn Cheung Fun ($8), wrapped with a rice sheet, containing a large steamed prawn that was enveloped with small strips of bamboo shoots.  As well as steamed selections, the menu offers a variety of cooking techniques such as grilled and deep fried. Steamed Char Sui Bun ($6), is similar to Baozi but smaller and is filled with a honey-pork interior. The accompanying sauce is created with fine strips of ginger soaking in Chinese black vinegar.  The Soy Sauce Chicken contains sweet and sour strips of chicken, noodles laced with spices, soy and herbs. Yummy.

Photo by Marguerite Gil

Their menu is written in Chinese and includes the English version of the dishes but has very little explanations as to what each dish contains.  So unless you can read Chinese, you’ll have to rely on the wait staff to help you choose your meal. Our waiter Chris, chose everything that we ate and everything was exceptional.

There are of course, staples such as Roast Duck with Singapore Vermicelli, Sweet and Sour Pork and Fish platters.
Desserts are beyond decadent.  We shared a Chocolate and Banana Fondant that was gently hugged by a rich banana ice cream (be still my heart).  All sorts of “adult beverages” are available as well as teas from around the world.

Alex Conti said “We could charge more, like the restaurants in South Beach but we don’t want to deceive our guests. We want our clients to keep coming back over and over again.”

Prices range from $6-$22 for menu choices.  Cocktails are pricey but Chris assured us that the bar uses only the best spirits for their drinks.

Hakkasan is located in the Fontainebleau Hotel, 4441 Collins Ave., Miami Beach. Dim Sum lunch is served every Saturday and Sunday from noon – 3:00 PM. Dinner is served daily starting at 6:00 pm. For reservations, call 877-326-7412.

The evening brought in a combination of regular attendees and new faces — who all enjoyed in the night of activities. As always, we snapped some photos, and you can see all of the photos here.

We switched things up in Miami a bit this week. Instead of our weekly Tuesday night event, we gathered together on Thursday evening. With the space heaters in full force, we gathered at Grass Restaurant and Lounge to experience the sexy nibbles from Top Chef alum Micah Edelstein and a glass of wine.

Chef Micah Edelstein and daughter

Known for presenting a perfect combination of flavors and textures in every bite, Chef Micah dazzled our taste buds with her delicious offerings like the Caramelized Shallot Focaccia with Hibiscus Rosemary Mascarpone, Black Lava Sea Salt and Truffle Honey & Campari Tomatoes with Ciliegine Mozzarella and Ricotta Salata with Cashew Pesto finished in the finest unfiltered EVOO.

Guests cozied up to each other, sipped some fine wine and enjoyed the beautiful outdoor setting of Grass Restaurant & Lounge in the Design District. You can see some photos from our night out here.

Key Lime Pie from The Green Gourmet, photo by Joe Woolf

Sunday, March 7: Chef Joey Giannuzzi, formerly of Henry’s in Boca Raton, created much buzz back in November when he opened up The Green Gourmet, a popular organic eatery. He is shaking things up again as he just launched the brand new West Delray Organic Green Market. Located in the parking lot outside The Green Gourmet on Sundays from 8:00 am – 4:00 pm, this green market will include all of your favorite organic products to one place. The Green Gourmet is located at 16950 Jog Road (in Shoppes of Addison Place), Delray Beach. 561-455-2466

Monday, March 8: The Fenadegas’ 1st Annual Miami Wine Tasting will take place on Monday at Smith & Wollensky. This event  is open to the public and will introduce guests to over 100 from Fenadegas, the national association of wine cooperatives in Portugal, as they enjoy an unlimited sampling of wines from this region. The event takes place at Smith & Wollensky on Monday, March 8 from 5:00 – 7:00 pm. Cost is $25 or $20 when you use the code WINE. Buy your tickets today.

Tuesday, March 9: El Scorpion launched their Taco Tequila Tuesdays recently and this will fulfill all your taco and margarita cravings. Located in the old Tuscan Steak location, El Scorpion offers fabulous discounts on Tuesday evenings from 7:30 – 11:00 pm such as 2-for-1 house margaritas, $30 pitchers, mini tacos for $1 and $9 ceviche. El Scorpion is located at 433 Washington Ave; South Beach, 305.532.4544.

Wednesday, March 10: We are hosting one of our weekly happy hour events at Don Ramon Restaurant on Clematis Street in West Palm Beach from 5:30-7:30 pm. Enjoy a glass of sangria and a selection of complimentary hors d’oeuvres for just $10, while you mix and mingle. Don Ramon is located at 300 Clematis St., West Palm Beach.

Thursday, March 11: It might be a good time to check out SUGARCANE Raw Bar Grill. From 4:00-7:00 pm, Monday – Friday, kick back and enjoy their happy hour specials like the $5 signature cocktails, $18 pitchers of beer or sangria and a selection of small bites discounts. SUGARCANE Raw Bar Grill is located at 3250 NE First Ave, Miami. (786) 369-0353

Friday, March 12: Dine switched things up this week, as we moved our Tuesday night happy hour to Friday night. We will be at 660 at The Anglers on Miami Beach. Guests will enjoy a glass of wine and a selection of Mediterranean-inspired hors d’oeuvres from Chef Giorgio Rapicavoli. Cost is $10 in advance, $15 at the door. Buy your tickets today.

Saturday, March 13: We’ve been looking forward to the American Fine Wine Competition Gala for quite some time now, and finally the time has come where we will be able to enjoy a sumptuous menu created by the area’s top chefs like Oliver Saucy (Cafe Maxx), Cindy Hutson (Ortanique), Michael Wagner (Lola’s on Harrison) and Johnny V (Johnny V on Las Olas) and the 500+ wines entered into the competition at Lincoln Culinary Institute in West Palm Beach. Cost is $195, and proceeds from this event go to benefit the American Red Cross and the Quantum House. More information.

Photo, from left to right: Lynn Manero, Khloe Kardashian, David Manero, and Kourtney Kardashian at DeVito South Beach, for the filming of the E! Entertainment show ""Kourtney & Khloe Take Miami" on March 5, 2010.

Restaurateur David Manero and his wife, Lynn, welcomed the Kardashians to their restaurant. David Manero states, “It was a pleasure having Kourtney and Khloe film their show here and have dinner at DeVito South Beach. They were both very beautiful and gracious young ladies.” Kourtney and Khloe were welcomed with Laurent Perrier Rose Champagne and they dined on a variety of delicious dishes at the restaurant, including the Original Old School Meatball, the burrata and tomato salad, and the tortelloni with four cheeses and roasted pear, in a black truffle cream sauce. Kourtney and Khloe took time out to speak with other diners, that evening, and posed for many photos, as well. DeVito waiter, Chadwick Mahle said that Kourtney told him that this was the best restaurant that she’d been to in “forever.” How classic!

Devito South Beach is located at 150 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach. (305) 531-0911

Not with Maison Le Grand’s line of cold-processed sauces, tapenades and pestos. Once you open the recyclable package, these sauces last up to one month. They are made with fresh, raw ingredients and use no preservatives or added sugar pleasing even the strictest raw food, vegetarian and gluten-free diets. And boring they are not — these fresh pouches are packed with unique, zesty flavors that will quickly liven up your favorite sandwich, pasta, pizza or seafood dish.

Our favorite was the Spicy Olive and Sun-dried Tomato Tapenade. We spread some of this spicy tapenade over a pizza crust, added a mixture of leftover turkey and Mediterranean vegetables, sprinkled it with some freshly shredded Mozzarella cheese and voila! a new favorite.

Maison Le Grand offers a variety of flavors — Pestos (Garden, 4 Nuts & Cheese and Sun-Dried Tomato), Tapenades (Mild and Spicy Olive and Sun-Dried Tomato) and Aromatic Sauces (Lemon Confit & Pumpkin Seed, Orange & Sunflower Seed Aromatic Aromatic Sauce and Sesame and Pink Peppercorn). Available at Whole Foods and Fresh Market locations.

*Dine Magazine often receives a variety of food and wine products in the mail. Some we love, while others — not so much, but always be assured that the items we feature are some of our favorites.

Paradiso Ristorante, home to master chef and owner Angelo Romano, presents a fantastic wine dinner with Black Coyote (recently awarded the Best of the Best at the Key Biscayne Wine, Food & Silent Auction) and Robledo Wines. Vanessa Robledo, partner from Black Coyote and member of the Robledo family, will be at the dinner to walk you through the tasting. This dinner is a kick-off to Wine, Dine and Design – a celebration of art and wine scheduled to take place on March 20 in Palm Beach Gardens.

What: Black Coyote Wine Dinner at Paradiso

Where: Paradiso Ristorante, 625 Lucerne, Lake Worth

When: Friday, March 19

Time: The reception begins at 6:30 pm with the dinner following at 7:00 pm.

Cost: $100 all-inclusive – Purchase your tickets by calling 561.547.2500

MENU

Reception: Enjoy a selection of hors d’oeuvres and sparkling wine

1st Course: Burrata con Pomodorini Biologici with Butter-Cream Mozzarella and Organic Cherry Tomato served with Robledo Sauvignon Blanc

2nd Course: Paccheri con Langosta, Paccheri Pasta tosses with Florida Lobster served with Robledo Tempranillo

3rd Course: Branzino Granchio, Risotto Nero – Crab Meat encrusted Branzino, Black Risotto Primavera served with Robledo Pinot Noir

4th Course: Filetto di Bisonte – Bison Tenderloin with porcini emulsion served with Black Coyote Cabernet

5th Course: Panna Cotta & Gelato All’Azoto served with Lake Harvest Sauvignon Blanc

Join us for a glass of wine and complimentary hors d’oeuvres at 660 at The Angler’s. Simple, modern and elegant in design and located just steps away from Washington Avenue, you are sure to enjoy the cozy indoor or lush outdoor setting of this romantic hideaway. Chef Giorgio Rapicavoli has created a menu highlighting fresh, local seafood infused with a taste of the Mediterranean that is sure to tempt your palate.

Chef Giorgio Rapicavoli

When: Friday, March 12

Time: 6:00-8:00 pm

Where: 660 at The Angler’s, 660 Washington Ave., Miami Beach

Cost: $10 in advance, $15 at the door – This event is free for paid members of Dine Magazine’s Wine & Dine Club. Members must email DINE in order to get in for free.

Guests will enjoy a glass of wine and a selection of complimentary hors d’oeuvres

MENU:

Porcini Mushroom Croquetas
Tuna Tiradita
Artichoke Heart Bruschetta
Braised Short Rib Sliders
Bowls of Marinated Olives
Shots of Gazpacho Andaluz