DINE Magazine has paired up with Vinamericas, the organizers of the Miami International Wine Fair and Florida International Wine Challenge to host the inaugural Fenadegas’ Annual Miami Tasting. Fenadegas, the national association of wine cooperatives in Portugal, is offering an unlimited sampling of approximately 100 whites, reds and ports with consumer tickets priced at $25 per person. The select group of Portuguese winemakers will be present to personally introduce enthusiasts and amateurs to different varietals and winemaking styles. A large portion of the proceeds will benefit the South Florida Chapter of the American Institute of Wine and Food. Participating producers include: Pegões, Santa Marta, Caves Vale do Rodo, Vercoope, Favaios, Almeirim and Udaca.
What: Fenadegas’ Annual Miami Tasting
When: Monday, March 8 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm
Where: Smith & Wollensky, 1 Washington Ave, Miami Beach
Cost: $25 – Save $5 by using the discount code WINE
Buy your tickets today.
Join DINE Magazine for a laid-back and relaxed evening out at The News Lounge located at the center of the 55th Street Station in the MIMO District (just north of Soyka). This charming gathering spot features comfortable couches, swings, and plush ottomans in an eclectic lounge-like setting. Spend time outside in the lush courtyard, indoors in the lounge area or even in the ‘Fantasy Room.’ The News Lounge features special weekly events such as special guest DJ’s, live music, art installations and more.
When: Tuesday, February 9
Time: 6:00 – 8:00 pm
Where: The News Bar & Lounge, 5580 NE 4th Court (The Courtyard @ 55th Street Station), Miami
Cost: $10 in advance, $15 at the door — This includes 1 glass of wine (Rocca Della Macie or Terrazze Della Luna) and a selection of complimentary hors d’oeuvres. As always, please RSVP and prepay in advance to secure your spot.
Menu:
Crostini Salmon – smoked salmon on toasted bread with caviar and lemon
Hummus on toasted pita bread
Puff Pastry Pizza topped with a variety of imported cheeses and cured meats
Crostini with Foie Gras and Brie
Get ready for some mouth watering menus. This Valentine’s Day will be one you’ll want to remember, so why not fill it with romance, passion and tantalizing gourmet menus? Take a look at what Miami area restaurants are offering diners on this special day.
Acqua Restaurant at Four Seasons
Acqua at Four Seasons Miami will offer a his and hers menu that is aphrodisiac-inspired. Standouts include Blue Point Oysters with a chili passion fruit granita, Cocoa nib crusted BBQ pork with holy basil risotto, Almond Crepes with Lobster & Shrimp and a Banana Malibu Souffle with chocolate sorbet. This aphrodisiac dinner is priced at $70++. Acqua is located at Four Seasons Miami, 1435 Brickell Avenue, Miami (305) 358-3535
Area 31 and Executive Chef John Critchley has created a fantastic menu inspired by martyrs — Valentine of Rome and Valentine of Terni. The first includes Tuna, Squid Ink Fettucini with cuttlefish and pecorino, Spiny Lobster with green salsa and pole beans and an Orange-Spica Torta. Valentine of Terni’s menu includes Sausage, Potato Gnocchi with golden raisins, truffle pecorino and Minus 8 vinegar, Roast Squab with chestnut puree and Gianduja Budino. Both are priced at $115++ and will be served from 5-11 pm. Area 31 is located at EPIC Hotel at 270 Biscayne Blvd Way in Miami. 305.424.5234
Asia de Cuba will be offering a 5-course family style menu with a champagne toast for $75++. The ladies will even get a box of chocolate truffles to take home. Highlights on the menu include: Tunapica, Pan Seared Jumbo Sea Scallops with pearls of Osetra caviar, Coconut Mustard Seed Sustainable Chilean Sea Bass, Sweet Soy Wild Salmon and a Roasted Half Rack of Lamb with Sweet Plantain Mofongo Cake. Asia de Cuba is located at the Mondrian South Beach, 1100 West Ave in Miami Beach. 305.514.1940
Atrio at Conrad Miami wants to have you dining on the 25th floor this Valentine’s Day. Their Valentine’s Day menu include Foie Gras Brulee, Asian Pear Salad, Pan Seared Sea Bream, Roast Squab, Orange Froth and a Strawberry & Champagne Parfait. Cost is $70/person or $90/person with wine pairings. Atrio is located at Conrad Miami, 1395 Brickell Ave. 305.503.6529
Blue Door at Delano rings romance making it a perfect choice for your Valentine’s Day. They will be offering a 4-course dinner for $90++ (an a la carte menu will also be available). This prix-fixe menu includes such culinary delights as Crab Cakes with hearts of palm remoulade, Rack of Lamb with Panko Pistachio Crust and a Milk Chocolate Mousse Crumble. Blue Door at Delano is located at 1685 Collins Avenue, Miami, Florida, 33139. For reservations and information please call 305 674-6400.
BLT Steak will offer a la carte Valentine’d Day specials priced between $7-$47. These include Celeriac-Foie Gras Soup with Brioche Crouton ($14), Prime Beer Filet Carpaccio, Black Truffles, Hearts of Palm and Arugula ($18), American Wagyu Flat Iron 10 oz served with Charred Onions and Salsa Verde ($38) and more. The regular menu will also be offered. BLT Steak is located at The Betsy Hotel, 1440 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach. 305.674.0044
Photo by Karl Petzke
Bourbon Steak will offer a 3-course prix fixe menu that includes the famous duck fat fries, a choice of appetizer (tuna tartare, Caesar salad, Maine lobster bisque or American caviar parfait), your choice of main entree (10 oz American kobe filet, Scottish salmon or roasted chicken breast) and end with a sweet dessert (chocolate molten chocolate cake, passion fruit panna cotta, beignets, ice cream/sorbet or a chocolate fondue for two. This dinner is priced at $105/person++ and includes a red rose and complimentary valet. Bourbon Steak is located at The Fairmont Turnberry Isle Resort & Club, 19999 West Country Club Drive in Aventura. 786.279.6600
The Cape Cod Room will offer a hybrid buffet brunch (11am – 3pm) for Valentine’s Day. This includes a brunch cocktail, an appetizer buffer that includes croissants, scones, fruit, cheese, tomato and potato salads, followed by a main hot plate. Brunch is priced at $33 for adults and $16 for children under 12. They will also offer a aphrodisiac-inspired Sunday Jazz Supper (starting at 6pm) paired with live jazz music. The Sunday Supper is priced at $60, but the a la carte menu will also be available. The Cape Cod Room is located at 5937 Collins Ave on Miami Beach. 305.864.1262
Cantina Beach at The Ritz-Carlton, Key Biscayne will offer a lavish chocolate buffet filled with chocolate specialties and other lovable ingredients like rose, lychee, almonds, coffee and more. The display will also include chocolate sculptures and tropical arrangements. In addition, a complimentary glass of Agavero will be served. Cost is $22/person. The Ritz-Carlton, Key Biscayne is located at 455 Grand Bay Drive in Key Biscayne. 305.365.4500
D. Rodriguez Cuba will offer a special prix-fixe menu, along with the regular menu. This 4-course tasting menu is priced at $95++ and includes a his and her menu. Highlights include: Fire and Ice (salmon marinated in lemon juice served with dill and jalapeno over cucumber yogurt granite), Duck and Foie Gras (crispy duck confit, smoked date puree, pickled radishes with foie gras shavings), Surf and Turf (Lobster Enchilado, Classic Spicy Cuban Tomato with Cachucha Pepper Sauce and a Seared NY Strip Steak with chimichurri and sweet onion sauce).
The newly opened Gibraltar, under the helm of Chef Jeff O’Neill will offer a 4-course Valentine’s Day menu. It is priced according to where you are seating — Inside will be $150/person, loggia dining will be $175/person and dining on the rocks will be $250/person++. Start off with a Tarragon Lobster Salad with boutique caviar, then enjoy a Sweet Pumpkin Veloute with lavendar and crisp rye, choose between a Watermelon and Watercress Salad with Shallot Dressing or Coho Salmon. For your third course, enjoy Roasted Sea Scallops in a saffron mussel broth or Burgandy Braised Short Ribs with truffled black cherries and winter mushrooms and end with a Valrhona Tart and Creamy Flan with puffed rice and brandy caramel. Gibraltar is located at Grove Isle Hotel & Spa, 4 Grove Isle Drive in Coconut Grove. 305.857.5007 groveisle.com
Top Chef Contestant Micah Edelstein takes center stage at Grass Restaurant & Lounge. Guests will enjoy a 6-course sensual dinner priced at $70/couple. Be sure to try the Almond & Vanilla Bean Pana Cotta with Flambeed Bananas and Chili Caramel. Grass Restaurant & Lounge is located at 28 NE 40th Street, Miami 305.573.3355
The Grill on the Alley, located at the Aventura Mall will offer Valentine’s Day menu items in addition to the regular menu. These include Vine-Ripened Tomatoes and Buffalo Mozzarella, Parmesan Crusted Chilean Sea Bass, a Prime Rib Dinner and a Filet and Lobster Tail. Dessert specials include a Grand Marnier Creme Brulee, and a Double Chocolate Layer Cake. The Grill is located at 19501 Biscayne Blvd in Aventura. 305.466.7195
If you are craving Italian cuisine this Valentine’s Day, you might want to try out the newly opened Il Grissino in Coral Gables. Guest will enjoy a 3-course dinner, a glass of Prosecco and a rose for $55++/person. Highlights include: Thinly Sliced Salmon Carpaccio stuffed with scallops, dill, pink peppercorn and a grapefruit vinaigrette, Grilled veal chops in a creamy porcini mushroom sauce reduction, and a Green Apple Sorbet and Calvados. Dinner will be served from 5:00 pm – midnight. Il Grissino is located at 127 Giralda Avenue in Coral Gables. 305.461.3391
Jaguar Ceviche Spoon Bar and Latam Grill (3067 Grand Ave. Coconut Grove) and Talavera (2299 Ponce de Leon, Coral Gables) will offer a special dessert titled — The Aphrodisiac Lovebird. This molten chocolate cake with a Damiana Liqueur Center, dark chocolate frosting, whipped cream, spicy almonds, fresh berries and a crispy caramel cookie comes with 2 glasses of champagne and is $24.
La Goulue at Bar Harbour will offer a romantic dining experience filled with live entertainment and 4-course prix-fixe meal for $55++. Begin your dining experience with a glass of Rose and Cream of Asparagus Soup. Choose an appetizer from the menu, like the Smoked Duck Breast Salad, an entree such as the Oven Roasted Fresh Dorade with Fennel and a signature dessert. Ladies will go home with a Valentine’s Day surprise courtesy of La Goulue. Dinner starts at 5pm, and the live music begins at 6pm. La Goulue is locate d on the 2nd floor of the Bal Harbour Shops, 9700 Collins Ave in Bal Harbour. 305.865.2181
La Marea at The Tides will ignite your senses this Valentine’s Day. Why not start your meal off with a Lavatini (Jalapeno Infused Vodka with Chili and Wild Bee Honey)? Other highlights include Kumatmoto Oysters, Osetra Caviar, Sake Foam and Yuzu Gelee; South Carolina Fluke Sashimi with Hass Avocado, Compressed Cantaloupe, Banyuls Vinaigrette and Grains of Paradise; Pan Roasted Sea Bass with crispy pork belly, red lentils, caramelized pumpkin, curry and blood orange confit. This 4-course menu will be served on Sunday, February 14 and is priced at $85++. The Tides South Beach is located at 1220 Ocean Drive on Miami Beach.
Solea at W South Beach will offer a special prix-fixe Valentine’s Day menu priced at $100++. Highlights include Chilled Almond Soup with White Grapes and Shrimp Confit, Artichoke Heart Confit with Quail Egg and American Caviar, Creamy Coconut Rice with Maine Lobster and Piquillo Peppers, Filet Mignon with Potato-Bacon Terrine and Port Sauce and Lemongradd Flan with Almond Crumble, Pineapple Sorbet and Lychee Soup. Solea is located at W South Beach, 2201 Collins Avenue on Miami Beach. 305.938.3111
Sushi Maki wants to spice things up with a tasting menu for 2. This 4-course menu priced at $65++ is available all Valentine’s Day weekend and includes your choice of appetizer, 2 sushi rolls, an entree and a bento dessert.
Chef Marco Ferraro at Wish has created a sumptuous Valentine’s Day menu priced at $65.00++. This 3-course menu includes Tuna Sashimi, Braised Short Ribs with cauliflower puree, cilantro, mint, pickled fresno chilies and passion fruit vinaigrette and a Chocolate Souffle with macerated cherries and whipped cream for dessert. The a la carte dinner menu will also be available. Wish is located at The Hotel, 801 Collins Ave on Miami Beach.
DINE Magazine celebrated the week before Christmas with some spectacular Happy Hour events. On Monday, we stopped at the recently opened Mai Tardi in the Design District, one of the best outdoor dining spots in the area. Guests gathered around the brand new outdoor bar area and sipped on glasses of wine.
It took a little bit of time to get the party started, but after the first tray came out, the hors d’oeuvres didn’t stop — jumbo mushroom tortellini, venison ravioli, pistachio crusted goat cheese on beet chips and more. And delicious they were!
Photo by Jen Weiss
Our regular guests and some new faces came out to join us for our last Happy Hour event of 2009, but know that good times are soon to follow in 2010. Mai Tardi is located at 163 NE 39th Street in Miami. If you’d like, they are also on facebook, so you can become a fan to learn about the latest happenings. Feel free to check out more photos from our event.
On Wednesday, we were up in Palm Beach Gardens and it was time for a Mexican fiesta with Corralejo Margaritas, Chips and Salsa and Cheese Quesadillas. There is something about a margarita that adds a little zest to a happy hour, and Cantina Laredo made everyone happy at this event. The people, the lively bar scene and the incredible food and drink specials all made for a successful event. Did you know that they have a 3-course $15.99 dinner special going on right now? Try to beat that one! Thank you Cantina Laredo and Tequila Corralejo for making this event a success.
Cantina Laredo is located at 4635 PGA Blvd in Palm Beach Gardens. Let me recommend joining their facebook page. They offer weekly specials for their fans like free drinks, appetizers and more. If you’d like to see photos from our event tonight, you can check them out here.
Happy Holidays! What better way to ring in the holidays then to enjoy the gourmet delights at the area’s top restaurants. Here is a list of restaurants that will be offering special menus for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Be sure to make your reservations early.
Atrio Restaurant & Wine Room at Level 25 at Conrad Miami will serve a 4-course dinner on Christmas Eve for $65/person and a brunch on Christmas Day for $52/person, $22/kids 8 and under. Conrad Miami is located at 1395 Brickell Avenue in Miami. 305.503.5629
Celebrate Christmas at an authentic French brasserie in South Beach at Au Pied du Cochon. They will be open on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The 5-course Christmas Eve menu will be served from 5:00 – 11:00 pm and will cost $85.00 per person, plus tax and gratuity. A smaller a la carte menu will also be availalbe. This prix-fixe menu will feature an amuse bouche, Goat Cheese Crouton and Chanterelle Mushroom Salad, Lobster Bisque with Black Caviar Cappuccino, your choice of Roasted Sea Scallops with Celery Root and Truffle Puree or Grill Filet Mignon over Wild Mushrooms and Foie Gras Cromesquis and Le “Buche.” On Christmas Day, a brunch will be served from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm, and they will also be open for dinner. Au Pied du Cochoon is located at 81 Washington Avenue in Miami Beach. (305) 674-1844.
Caffe Abbracci will be open on both December 24 & 25. Start off with your choice of Tortellini stuffed with beef or Silky Chestnut Soup, then choose between the Roast Quail stuffed with Italian Sausages, fresh herbs, raisins and pinenuts or Medallions of Beef Tenderloins topped with pfifferlinger mushrooms and Barolo wine and finish off with a traditional Christmas Chocolate Cake Log. Cost is $40/person and $20/children. Caffe Abbracci is located at 318 Aragon Avenue in Coral Gables.
Chef Allen’s Modern Seafood Grill will be open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. For $62 ++, guests will enjoy creative dishes like Smoked Salmon Cream Puffs, Oysters Rockefeller with Sambuca, Green Apple and Crispy Panko Crumbs, Coriander Scented Mahi Mahi with Stone Crab Couscous, West Indian Pumpkin and Lobster Bisque, Spice Route Roasted Duck with Forbidden Black Rice, Cranberry-Mango Chutney and Pomegranate Syrup and a Baked Apple and Macademia Nut Cobbler. Chef Allen’s is located at 19088 NE 29th Avenue in Aventura. (305) 935-2900
Cioppino at Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne will be serving up sumptuous menus for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. On Christmas Eve from 6:00-10:30 pm, feast on a salad of radicchio, arugula, roasted artichokes and lemon vinaigrette; Ricotta and black truffle stuffed ravioli, parmesan and butter sauce; Pan seared 8 oz prime filet mignon, porcini sauce, rosemary potatoes; Tronchetto di Natale; and more. Cost is $100/person and $30/child. If brunch is more for you, savor the culinary stations of international dishes like sushi, caviar, artisanal cheeses and meats, fresh breads, homemade pastas and more. End the meal off with an entire room of sweet delicacies from Pastry Chef Patrick Lassaque. Seatings for the lunch buffet will be at 12:30 pm, 2:00 pm and 2:30 pm and for the dinner buffet at 6:00 and 8:30 pm. Cost is $82/person or $40/child. The Ritz-Carlton, Key Biscayne is located at 455 Grand Bay Drive in Key Biscayne. 305.365.4286
Eos will offer a 6-course tasting menu to satisfy your naughty and nice food cravings featuring dishes like Grouper ceviche, Roasted Scallop and Pork Belly with Chablis Butter Sauce, a Ricotta Ravioli and a Lobster paella. The cost is $75/person and an additional $35 for a wine pairing. This is available from 7 to 10 pm on Christmas Eve and from 11am to 3pm and 7pm to 11pm on Christmas Day. 305.503.0373 Eos is located at Viceroy Miami at 485 Brickell Avenue in Miami.
Gotham Steak at Fontainebleau will be open for both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day from 5-10 pm. Enjoy holiday specialties, along with items off the regular menu. Holiday-inspired dishes include a White Bean and Escarole Soup with Ham, Roasted Duck Breast and Crispy Leg Confit with Yam Puree and Fig Chutney and Beef Wellington. 305-695-2414
Indigo at Intercontinental Miami is open for Christmas Eve and will be serving a holiday buffet available from 6:00 to 10:00 pm. Cost is $45 for adults and $25/children 6-12. Savor holiday specialties like luscious Lobster Bisque with Cheddar Cheese Sticks and assorted French cheeses, Stone Crabs, Lobster, Fresh Oysters, Free Range Turkey with all the Trimmings, Home made Cranberry Relish, Honey Glazed Ham with Jalapeno Apple Sauce, Mongolian Beef Tips and a selection of desserts from around the world. On Christmas Day, it is time for a holiday brunch with a breakfast corner, a Mediterranean garden, fresh seafood (assorted sushi, sashimi, caviar, ceviche and more), a carving station and classic dishes like honey glazed ham, blackened salmon and more. Cost is $45/adults and $25/children 6 to 12. Those 5 and under are free.
La Marea at The Tides is offering a decadent 4-course holiday feast. For $85/person++, this dinner will be served from 3:00 to 10:00 pm (a limited a la carte menu will also be available). Enjoy Paddle Fish Rose, followed by your choice of Roasted Free Range Quail or Tempura Shrimp Fritters. Next, choose between the Yellow Tail Snapper with Forbidden Rice, Japanese Eggplant and Thai Chile Vinaigrette or the Butter Poached Ribeye with Tempura Maitakes Mushrooms, Horseradish Mashed Potatoes and Parsley Chimichurri and finish off with a Tarte Tatin of Caramelized Bananas and Maple Sugar Ice Cream. La Marea is located at 1220 Ocean Drive. (305) 604-5070.
One Bleu at One Bal Harbour Resort & Spa will offer a prix-fixe holiday menu on Christmas Day for $65/person from noon to 8:00 pm. Highlights include a Butternut Squash Bisque, a Citrus Grilled Shrimp Brochette with Watermelon and Heirloom Tomato Salad, Apricot Mustard Glazed Salmon with wild rice pilaf with sun-dried cranberries and haricot verts, Roast Prime Rib au jus with Horseradish Creme Fraiche and a multitude of desserts including a Chestnut Log and Caramelized Pean and Whiskey Chantilly. One Bleu is located at 10295 Collins Avenue in Bal Harbour. 305.455.5400
Scarpetta will offer a 4-course holiday menu for $75, along with a la carte menu options. Scott Conant’s sumptuous Spaghetti with Tomato and Basil, Roasted Black Cod and Coconut Panna Cotta will all be on that menu. Dinner will be served from 5-10 pm on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. 305-695-2414.
Smith & Wollensky will be open all day on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Feast on Iced Oysters, Dry-Aged Prime Rib of Beef, Hash Brown Potatoes, Apple Brown Betty and more for only $49/person or $20/children under 10. The regular menu will also be available.
Vida, Fontainebleau’s contemporary cafe will serve a 3-course prix-fixe menu for $55/person with modern American favorites like a traditional turkey, honey glazed ham and comfort desserts like pumpkin and apple pie. This will be served from 11am – 10pm on both days. 305-695-2414.
Photo Credit: globetrotter1937 @ flickr