Join Dine Magazine for a sumptuous wine dinner at Urbanite Bistro in Miami on Thursday, January 28 (Please note change of date, as we needed to do this to accommodate more people). This will be the first of a series of wine dinners to take place every month in 2010 with Dine.
When we first met Chef Frank Imbarlina at one of our weekly cocktail hours at Urbanite, we were inspired by his creative dishes like the Wild Mushroom Empanadas and the Lemon Grass & Red Curry Mussels. Because we were so impressed, we decided to return for a sumptuous and creative wine dinner that is sure to impress any food and/or wine connoisseur. This diner includes 5 courses plus a reception with passed hors d’oeuvres. You will also receive 6 different varieties of wine. There is complimentary valet parking.
For those of you who are unfamiliar with Urbanite Bistro, it is a warm and sexy eclectic bistro celebrating the culinary, libation and visual arts. Offering all natural meats & game, indigenous fish and vegetarian selections with European, Floridian and International influences, Urbanite Bistro is located two blocks west of the Performing Arts Center.
When: Thursday, January 28, 2010
Time: 8:00 pm
Where: Urbanite Bistro, 62 NE 14th Street, Miami
Cost: $60++
$55 ++ for members of Dine Magazine’s Wine & Dine Club (Members, email Dine to purchase your tickets.)
Here is the menu:
Reception with passed hors d’oeuvres
Mionetto “il” Prosecco, Veneto, Italy, NV
Smoked Salmon Mousse on Puff Pastry with Tobiko
Alligator Egg Rolls
Black Fin Tuna Maki with Sriacha Aioli
First Course
Blend, Devil’s Lair Fifth Leg Meritage, Western Australia ’05
Wild Mushroom Empanadas with Vegan Truffle Gravy
Second Course
Rosé, Domaine Houchart, Cotes de Provence, France ’08
Scallop Ceviche with Lemon Sorbet
Third Course
Tempranillo, Sierra Cantabria, Rioja, Spain ’06
Duck Confit on Brioche Toast with Balsamic-Strawberry Reduction
Fourth Course
NxNW, Columbia Valley, WA ’06
Red Deer Strip with Wild Mushroom Risotto,
Truffled Salsify & Gold Beets and Grenache-Shallot Reduction
Dessert
W&J Graham’s 20yr Tawny Port, Oporto, Portugal or Dow’s Trademark Reserve Port, Oporto, Portugal
Caramelized Asian Pear & Port Salut Napoleon
When people ask me to describe me weekly events, it’s a challenge. We have a formula on how things are supposed to be run, but each restaurant we work with has their own personality and we are only able to discover that personality when we visit them for an event. This week we visited two very unique locations – the first was Urbanite Bistro and the second was Paris in Town.
Urbanite Bistro is an eclectic, neighborhood destination located across from the Vagabond in Miami. It’s the perfect destination before or after a visit to the Adrienne Arscht Center, if you are looking for a restaurant with a relaxing, neighborhood feel or want menu options that are off the beaten path. You can’t get Alligator Egg Rolls or Shrimp Corn Dogs everywhere you go! When you walk inside the restaurant, what’s not to love? It’s a comfortable setting and Chef-Operator Frank Imbarlina immediately welcomes you inside. It’s his genuine demeanor and friendly disposition that will make you feel like Urbanite is your home away from home. Guests gathered in the bar area and enjoyed some fabulous wine from Urbanite’s incredible by-the-glass wine selection – they offer over 30 wines by the glass.
On Wednesday evening, the Dine club gathered at Paris in Town, an adorable cafe on the corner of US 1 and PGA Boulevard. Paris in Town is known by many to be a breakfast and lunch gathering point, but we discovered tonight that they have an incredible cheese selection, rich plates of escargot and crepes that will have you jumping on a plane to Paris. While we were busy indulging on French delicacies, we were able to snap some shots from the event.
Alligator Egg Rolls, anyone?
Experience Urbanite Bistro, the latest addition to Miami’s Media & Entertainment District. Bringing you contemporary bistro fare in a cozy and fun environment, be one of the first to experience this eclectic restaurant. Join Dine Magazine for a glass of wine and a selection of complimentary hors d’oeuvres.
When: October 13
Time: 6:00 – 8:00 pm
Where: Urbanite Bistro, 62 NE 14th St in Miami
Cost: $10 in advance, $15 at the door (includes 1 glass of wine and a selection of complimentary hors d’oeuvres)
Free Valet Parking
Menu:
Pork & Shrimp Savories with Ginger-Scallion Tamari dip
Wild Mushroom Empanadas with Truffle Gravy dip
Shrimp Corn Dogs with Mango Ketchup & Chinese Mustard dips
Lemon Grass & Red Curry Mussels on Chinese Soup Spoons
Alligator Egg Roll bites with Mango & Roasted Jalapeno Crème
Alligator Egg Rolls, anyone?
Experience Urbanite Bistro, the latest addition to Miami’s Media & Entertainment District. Bringing you contemporary bistro fare in a cozy and fun environment, be one of the first to experience this eclectic restaurant. Join Dine Magazine for a glass of wine and a selection of complimentary hors d’oeuvres.
When: October 13
Time: 6:00 – 8:00 pm
Where: Urbanite Bistro, 62 NE 14th St in Miami
Cost: $10 in advance, $15 at the door (includes 1 glass of wine and a selection of complimentary hors d’oeuvres)
Free Valet Parking
Menu:
Pork & Shrimp Savories with Ginger-Scallion Tamari dip
Wild Mushroom Empanadas with Truffle Gravy dip
Shrimp Corn Dogs with Mango Ketchup & Chinese Mustard dips
Lemon Grass & Red Curry Mussels on Chinese Soup Spoons
Alligator Egg Roll bites with Mango & Roasted Jalapeno Crème
Urbanite Bistro quietly opened up just over two weeks ago moments away from the Adrienne Arsht Center. This neighborhood bistro reminded of my days in Minneapolis – artsy restaurants in small (almost hidden) neighborhood outlets. The interior was painted in warm colors of navy, red and mahogany and the walls were decorated with the work of local artists. (I hear this will be changing on a monthly basis.)
After a long day of running around, it was great to sit down in this relaxing setting. As soon as you take a look at the menu, you will want to try everything (good thing we were there for a tasting) and they use some different ingredients in their menu options such as the Alligator Egg Rolls, Bison Burgers, Roasted Boar Tenderloin and Tempeh Burgers.
While we tasted our way through the menu, the small plates were my favorite, and I can see myself going in to there to eat my way through the small plate menu, while enjoying a creative concoction from their mixology menu. The small plates all sounded so good, it was tough to decide on just one or two or even three. Duck Confit Ravioli with roasted Garlic, Shallots, Cream, Chervil and Armagnac and the Vegetable Shu Mai with Ginger-Scallion Tamari were among my favorite. Great texture and flavor combination would make these repeat choices. Though, I kind of regret not trying the Alligator Egg Rolls. (People have been raving about these.)
Ancho Glazed Grouper
My recommendation for an entree would definitely be the grouper. Ancho Glazed Grouper with Cucumber salsa, Blue Cornbread, sautéed Broccoli & Malanga – I like my food with a bite (this just had a touch of spice, nothing overpowering) and this satisfied my craving. This was paired with the cucumber salsa and made for a nice hot/cold combination. Add in the cornbread, and I have to say I enjoyed all elements of this dish.
Urbanite Bistro is also vegetarian-friendly, so it’s great for vegetarians and carnivores alike. Vegetarian options include tempeh burgers, Miso-Orange Glazed Roasted Tofu and even a vegetarian version of the Orecchiette.
Urbanite Bistro is open for lunch (M-F), dinner (M-Sat) and late night (Th – Sat). It is located at 62 NE 14th Street in Miami (305) 374-0662. There is complimentary valet parking available.
