Category: Beverage

Salud! Miami, citywide cocktail celebration with more than 50 participating bars, Taste America dinner for the James Beard Foundation and new restaurant openings with all kinds of cuisine, all in Eating News in Miami for October 2026.
What are the best bars in Miami? Of course it depends on your criteria which could be many. To me a “best bar” is classy, chic, and with some glamour, great service and special touches I dub “amenities”. It’s the kind of bar you find in some of the world’s finest landmark hotels. I’ve just found my favorite in Miami, Septimo at the Four Seasons Miami that has a lovely restaurant, Nuna,  as well with some exciting dishes. And if you want to make it a day, the hotel offers day pool passes. To find out more, look for the link in the post.
One of my go-to spots when I’m in New York City is the iconic King Cole Bar at the St. Regis. Stepping inside always feels like an immersion into a bygone era—a time when elegance was  a deeply desired way of life. Even as modern fashion has shifted toward the casual, the bar still hums with the phantom glamour of patrons who treated dressing up as a celebrated ritual. Finding a truly spectacular hotel bar has become a rare feat—even in Paris, where a recent high-profile spot left me thoroughly underwhelmed. Miami, on the other hand, is hitting all the right notes. For those who appreciate effortless glamour and a perfectly crafted cocktail, here are five must-visit spots, the best bars in Miami,  that get it exactly right.  For my reviews on the restaurants, look for the link at the end of each writeup.
February being the peak month of the peak season means top things to do in all our favorite areas -- food, culture and entertainment. Boating too! Check them out!
Everything from  tastings and celebrity chef demonstrations to a BBQ on the beach,  Wok n' Roll, Grand Tasting, Beachside brunch,  and the free family friendly picnic in the park with entertainment and artisan vendors, interactive food and wine experiences, a dining series  and more are in store at the seventh annual  Visit Lauderdale Food & Wine Festival (VLFWF)  January 19 – 25, 2026, in partnership with Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital. The Fort Lauderdale food and wine festival unites Michelin-recognized restaurants, James Beard-nominated talent, and national culinary stars for a weeklong culinary experience.
Though heaven knows I've been to a lot of Japanese restaurants and recently traveled to Japan, I realized how little I know about sake. Happily on my return from the trip my travel agent introduced me to Michael J. Simkin who is a representative of Uka,  a top sake brand which, interestingly enough, grows its rice in California. It is then sent to Japan for processing owing to a special kind of water there which is essential in producing its quality. He agreed to write a guide to sake with answers to key information to know and interesting facts such as there's a sake brewery in Miami. Here it is and as they say in Japanese to toast (cheers), 'Kampai". And if you're thinking of traveling to Japan, look at the end of the post for links to my blogposts on travel to Japan.
Best rooftop bars in Miami, now is the time to explore them, enjoy the breeze, take in the city and beach vistas, relax with friends and savor a refreshing cocktail. From casual venues to elegant ones with  fine-dining options, the rooftop bars can be found in Coconut Grove, Little River. Brickell, Edgewater,  Downtown,  and of course, South Beach. The list includes the newest addition, Amazonico on Brickell. Whether you’re in the mood for a casual Happy Hour, lunch or dinner, we’ve put together a list that won't disappoint. I've put an asterisk next to those I've done a full review on.
My award for classy happy hour goes to Lafayette Steakhouse. How so? The ambiance is sophisticated, the service impeccable, the food selection refined, not to speak of delicious. And it’s a top value given the price and quality, offered Tuesday through Saturday. My discriminating friend about town was impressed too. Stay tuned to the end of the blogpost for the recipe for the Hugo Spritz.
I rarely do promotional posts on MiamiCurated, but every now and then it feels right to break the rules—especially when it’s for my youngest son, Kevin, and the product truly deserves the spotlight.
First off, happy new year and all the best to you and yours!!! A year has passed since my last post on restaurant trends in Miami dining, and a lot has happened, so I decided to relook the changes in prices of eating out, cuisines that are on the move, new restaurant practices I’ve experienced,  what's new on the beverage front, and what's in store for 2025.  Want to know more? Check out the link to a 15 minute podcast I just did on Food, News and Views with Linda Gassenheimer.