So much going on in October, I had to do Eating News in two parts! One of Miami’s favorites, Estiatorio Milos rolls out a monthly Winemaker’s Table Dinner, Two Star Michelin Chef of Paris’ Mr. T teams up with another acclaimed chef Frederic Joulin for a four day French gastronomic adventure, Asian Night Brunch, review of new Italian restaurant that could be plucked out of Naples, another new Italian venture but in Wynwood, all this and more this month.
On October 29th, Estiatorio Milos will be rolling out a monthly special Winemaker’s Table Dinner. Each month will feature a unique theme consisting of a six-course paired menu, featuring hard-to-find Greek wine varietals and seafood in Miami. The theme for October is, “Indigenous Varietals in Northern Greece.” Priced at $79 per guest ++, the prix fixe menu includes classic Milos Miami dishes, like Salmon Sashimi and Rosemary and Thyme Roasted Lamb Chops, served family style. Each course is paired with a Greek wine. Guests can make a reservation by calling 305.604.6800 or online, here.
More on stone crabs, if you can never get enough of the tasty crustacean, here’s your chance. Greek estiatorio Ouzo Bay in Mizner Park, Boca Raton is offering All You Can Eat Stone Crab Mondays + Tuesdays starting today. The promotion will be offered daily from 4 p.m. Feast on fresh medium claws, a side salad and one side for $79.99 per person plus tax and tip. For more information or to make a reservation, call (561) 757-0082 or visit www.ouzobay.com.
La Piazzetta could be a neighborhood restaurant in Naples, Italy. Not surprising since its owner, team of chefs and pizza are Neopolitan. Owner and manager Michele Abate has a similar successful restaurant in the island of Margarita in Venezuela. After doing research and checking pizzerias here, he decided Miami needed the real Neopolitan pizza, with its light crust baked in a high temperature wood burning oven. Along the way he managed to pick up an award for the best pizza in Miami at the Las Vegas Pizza Expo.
We went with friends to check it out, going after the movies. We immediately felt at home with the warm, friendly service, and super casual setting. There’s no pretension here, just solid, tasty food made with quality ingredients at a very fair price. Our starter was the the crostone pecorino e prosciutto, hot bread from the wood oven with the cheese and proscuitto. It was almost like an open face panini (cheese and prosciutto sandwich). Next up was the main act, two different pizzas from a menu of 28 different kinds .
We’re talking a solid cappriciosa with Italian sauce, mozzarella, ham, black olives, artichokes and mushrooms and an emilia, the classic with tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella and a tower of prosciutto di parma and fresh basil. Both were delicious, made with quality ingredients, all imported from Italy. Pizzas are from family recipes developed over 50 years. To accompany them we ordered grilled vegetables, a new take with cut up mushrooms, string beans, red peppers, and others, a new favorite way with the popular menu item. With the starter, vegetables and two pizzas for the four of us, it was a perfect amount of food. Desserts include a Nutella pizza you can design, Italian fruit tart and cheesecake, strawberry tiramisu, and ice cream confection with three flavors called Zuccotto.
Our bill with a bottle of wine was under $100 for four. La Piazzetta is at 5143 N.W. 2nd Avenue (T.786-409-3693) with plenty of free parking. On weekend there’s a DJ who plays nostalgic tunes at just the right volume. And yes, you can get up and dance (there’s room). It’s open for lunch and dinner.
Speaking of Italian restaurants, as of two weeks ago Wynwood has a new one — Doma, featuring Southern Italian cuisine with an emphasis on seafood. Executive Chef Vincenzo Salvatore has worked in the kitchen of several Michelin two-star restaurants around the world including Torre Del Saracino on the Amalfi Coast and Capri Palace in Naples. Doma has a full bar, indoor seating and an outdoor veranda. In addition to dōma’s culinary offerings, the Italian restaurant also has a curated selection of wines by sommelier and co-owner Luca Lomonaco as well as a cocktail program offering a selection of classic cocktails, signature libations featuring fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Dōma is located at 35 NE 26th Street Miami, FL 33137 and is open Monday through Thursday from 6PM – 11PM and Friday and Saturday from 6PM – 11:30PM.
