Posts Tagged ‘miami restaurants’
You are invited to a fabulous wine dinner at Timo Restaurant on March 25. Timo, owned by Chef Tim Andriola (who has spent time working with the famed talent of Chef Allen Susser, Mark Militello and Charlie Trotter) and partner/GM Rodrigo Martinez (formerly of Escopazzo and Norman’s), is known for it’s wonderful selection of modern Mediterranean cuisine. Recognized by both local and national food and restaurant critics, Timo is one of the few restaurants that consistently offers exceptional food, impeccable service and a remarkable wine list. For this event, Chef Tim Andriola has created a sumptuous menu this will have your taste buds dancing for joy. Our wine editor, Patrick Sullivan, will walk you through the tasting.
When: Thursday, March 25
Time: 6:30 pm reception, 7:00 pm dinner
Where: Timo Restaurant & Bar, 17624 Collins Ave, Sunny Isles
Cost: $89 all-inclusive ($84 for paid members of Dine Magazine’s Wine & Dine Club) Please RSVP and prepay in advance. Complimentary Valet Parking.
Members email me to get your tickets at the discounted price.
Hors d’oeuvres
Passed, Chef’s Choice
Nino Franco Prosecco “Rustico”, Valdobbiadene, Veneto, NV
Appetizer
Black Truffle and Duck Confit Agnolotti in a Rich Roasted Duck “Brodo”
Mormoraia Chianti Coli Senesi, Chianti, Tuscany, ‘07
Fish
Pan Roasted Dorade with a Puree of Herbs and Parmesan,
Vegetables Sous-Vide and Shellfish Vinaigrette
Chateau Pesquie Quintessence Blanc, Coteaux du Ventoux, ‘07
Meat
Whole Spit Roasted Spring Lamb with Roasted Shallots Agrodolce, Fava Beans,
Baby Artichokes and Pecorino Romano
Tomaresca Masseria Maime Negroamaro, Salento, ‘03
Dessert
Pineapple “Ravioli” with Vanilla and Mascarpone Gelato and Caramelized Finger Bananas
La Spinetta Moscato D’Asti, Piedmont, ‘08
As always, Timo has offered us an incredible deal on this dinner, as it would normally be priced at over $150.
We are going back to our roots for this DINE Magazine event as we return to Grass Restaurant and Lounge. Grass, the location of our very first DINE event back in 2007, brings the creative cuisine of former Top Chef contestant Micah Edelstein (who was also one of the first people to attend our events) to the Design District. When you enter Grass, you are entering an urban oasis filled with cushy white banquettes, plush sofas and a full bar illuminated by a wall of apothecary jars brimming with colorful flora. Chef Micah Edelstein is ready to tantalize our taste buds with her sensual and edgy global menu. She combines her world travels with her love for organic and natural ingredients to create sexy nibbles that are sure to delight all your senses.
Where: Grass Restaurant & Lounge, 28 NE 40th St, Miami
When: Thursday, March 4
Time: 6:00 – 8:00 pm
Cost: $10 in advance, $15 at the door – includes 1 glass of wine and a selection of complimentary hors d’oeuvres
Gibraltar Exterior
Even though this is Florida, waterfront dining can be hard to come by. Romance, sumptuous cuisine and elegance is what we desire, but when it comes to making that reservation, our mind wanders trying to find that perfect destination. That is — until you point yourself in the direction of Grove Isle in Coconut Grove. Tucked inside the Grove Isle Hotel & Spa lies the newly opened Gibraltar, formerly Baleen. While Baleen sported hanging monkeys and a rotating lineup of chefs, Gibraltar brought in a contemporary feel, enhanced views of the bay and the extraordinary talent of Chef Jeff O’Neill.
Chef Jeff O'Neill
This talented chef, most recently from Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, but has also worked with Eric Ripert and Daniel Boulud, has created a seafood-forward menu paired with complex sauces and layers of flavor. He prides himself on using sustainable seafood and organic poultry, so expect nothing less than the best ingredients out there. While our dining experience was first-class all around — the staff is classy, attentive and knows the menu inside and out – I had found some new favorites before our main entrees had even arrived.
First in line was the Mandarin Scented Carrot Soup. A bowl of sweet peas, crouton-like pieces of toasted pumpernickel and a dallop of mascarpone cheese were presented at the table, and were soon covered with the sweet, creamy carrot soup that the waiter poured. The luscious, creaminess of the soup paired perfectly with the crunchiness of the peas and pumpernickel. Never soggy, just delightful, this was a dish to remember.
Roasted Pumpkin Tortellini
Another standout dish was the Roasted Pumpkin Tortellini. Having been told that this was one of chef’s signature dishes, I couldn’t pass it up and it did not disappoint. This pillowy-soft pasta filled with the sweetness of the pumpkin lay perfectly amid the foam of maple and sage. The spiced pistachios added a surprising contrast in texture to an otherwise smooth pumpkin filling.
With an innovative menu, a gorgeous setting and a chef that is both genuine and extraordinarily talented, it will soon be hard to score a reservation at one of the most romantic restaurants in the area.
Gibraltar is located at the Grove Isle Hotel, 4 Grove Isle Blvd, Coconut Grove 305-857-5007
Michael Mina — celebrity chef, restaurateur, cookbook author, mentor — whatever you want to call him, Michael Mina is a star. He has been pleasing our palates with award-winning cuisine in his 17 restaurants, one being Bourbon Steak in Aventura. Whenever I dine at Bourbon Steak, I know that I am about to embark on a culinary (and foodgasmic) journey filled with offerings that are elegant, top quality and perfectly executed. So when I received an invite to dine at Bourbon Steak when Michael Mina was in town, I immediately rearranged my schedule to attend.
My evening was filled with multiple courses of Michael Mina’s specialties prepared by Michael Mina himself and executive chef Gabriel Fenton. Each paired with wines from Bourbon Steak’s sommelier, Matthew Turner.
Duck Fat Fries
A meal is not complete to any of Michael Mina’s restaurants without an order of his Duck Fat Fries so this seemed to be a perfect beginning. Going along with the “trio” concept that Mina is famous for, you are presented with 3 variations of the fries and 3 variations of dipping sauces. These are perfect to pair with any one of the sumptuous burgers (I still feel like they are the best around) or one of the spiked milk shakes, or as a starter to your meal.
American Caviar Parfait
Another classic not to be missed is Mina’s American Caviar Parfait. Layered atop a potato croquette cake, this masterpiece melded together the flavors and textures of smoked salmon, creme fraiche and nutty caviar.
Lobster Pot Pie
Another dish, that was downright perfect, was the lobster pot pie. Luscious, tender pieces of lobster were baked with carrots, potatoes, and mushroom with a truffled cream sauce inside a flaky pastry crust. The aromas, the flavors, everything about this dish was exciting, and a feast to remember.
Miso Glazed Sea Bass
And the feast went on… Miso Glazed Sea Bass with toasted pearl pasta brought a fatty fish that melted in your mouth and the trio of desserts included a molten chocolate cake, a passion fruit panna cotta and a plate of beignets with a trio of dipping sauces.
Beignets with trio of dipping sauces
A trip to Bourbon Steak is a feast for your senses, and although Michale Mina being at the restaurant definitely added to the experience, this is one place I can go, where I know I will get a near perfect dining experience every time.
Bourbon Steak is located at The Fairmont Turnberry Isle Resort & Club, 19999 West Country Club Drive, Aventura, FL 33180 (786) 279-6600
From Sunday brunch to dinner at the Delano, the DINE club really knows how to dine in style. This week was busier than most, but we were just preparing ourselves for the South Beach Wine & Food Festival next week. The week began with a sumptuous brunch at Secrets Piano Bar.
Located at Windsor Gardens Hotel in Palm Beach Gardens, we know Secrets more for their spectacular wine dinners and happy hours, but this week was the perfect time for a Valentine’s Day brunch. While we indulged on Grand Marnier Brioche French Toast, Eggs Benedict and Corned Beef Hash and sipped on mimosas, we knew we were helping out a great cause — Project Linus. This fantastic organization aims to provide love and a sense of security to children who are in need through the gifts of new, handmade blankets. For those of you who would like to help out Project Linus, but were unable to attend, you can contact Shirley at (561) 740-4672 for more information. Take a look at our sumptuous brunch treats.
On Tuesday, the DINE group headed down to Jaguar Ceviche Spoon Bar & Latam Grill. Known for their classic Latin menu items with a contemporary flair, we took our taste buds on a tour of Latin America on this Tuesday night event. Guests enjoyed trying the different ceviches and skewers of salmon, chicken and vegetables — and enjoyed this comfortable neighborhood restaurant in the heart of Coconut Grove. Take a look at some of our photos from the event.
Wednesday brought us back to CityPlace, as we explored another brand new restaurant. Wild Olives Cafe by Todd English — located just steps away from Macy’s — proved to be a crowd favorite. With ample room for the group, amazing flat breads and wine and beer to choose from, Wild Olives Cafe received rave reviews from everyone in attendance. While they didn’t serve my favorite – the fig & prosciutto – I now have multiple reasons to return. For a look inside the restaurant, at the food and of our group, check out some of the photos from the event.
Our week was not over yet, as we still had our sushi dinner at Blue Sea to attend. This popular event sold out in 4 days and I don’t think I’ve ever had so many phone calls from people trying to maneuver their way into a DINE event. This event was worth the wait. Situated on a community table in Blue Sea, our group savored multiple courses of fresh sushi and Japanese specialties. From a White Miso Soup to a Wagyu Tartare Roll, guests enjoyed this recently launched menu at the Delano. The combination of being in this elegant setting paired with new friends and flavor combinations, proved to be a fun-filled evening. These dinner events have proved to be quite the success, and we can’t wait for our next one at Timo on March 25.