Category: Food

Here's our monthly picks of the best special things to do in Miami in September -- from food, beverage and culture to entertainment offerings. Plus, there's the Miami Trail Festival bringing together nature and adventure lovers as they participate in different running trails, mountain biking routes and other off-road expeditions.
There’s nothing like a gelato in summer. And I’ve found THE best gelato in Miami. Not only is Bio Bio a neighborhood gem, but it’s a destination in its own right. Plus, besides the scrumptious dairy treat straight, they feature tantalizing confections and “slush” ices. And it’s all organic, with lots of selections for Vegans made with almond milk.
Where is the authentic Cuban sandwich from?  Ever hear of the International Cuban Sandwich Festival in Tampa in March? How about a Cuban sandwich in South Korea? What's my favorite one? Even if you’re don’t like the Miami mainstay, I think you’ll find this interesting and, after all, it’s part of our local culture.
Here’s a great pick for a Miami Spice Italian restaurant that Vegans and vegetarians will love, along with their fellow diners who like traditional (non-Vegan)  Italian cuisine. La Moderna takes the Italian classics like parmigiana, carpaccio, cannelloni and makes them Vegan with great success (gluten free as well) and has crowd pleasers too,  classic non-Vegan dishes. Then there are the generous “add ons” for Spice, and the super charming Italian manager Ugo.
Over 250 restaurants are participating in Miami Spice 2019 with offerings for a three course brunch and lunch ($23) and dinner ($39). Besides choosing my picks based on the quality of the kitchen, I thought I’d bring in other criteria, especially for dinner -- the plus, along with menus of some of the most popular restaurant choices.
I’ve probably been to the Lobster Bar Sea Grille a half a dozen times and it’s always a top of the line dining experience by any measure. Plus, during Miami Spice Lobster Bar Sea Grille offers exceptional value with whole grilled fish, lobster and beef tenderloins on the special menu. These items alone are worth more than the entire cost of the Spice menu, considering what you pay for these dishes in other fine restaurants. Then there’s the professional and friendly service and ambiance that evokes the Oyster Bar in New York City’s Grand Central Station with its white subway tiles, arched ceilings, mahogany walls and art deco inspired chandeliers.
I’m in love with Amare restaurant, a new Italian entrant South of Fifth. It was several years in the making, its owners wanting to get it just right, as in a labor of love. But as we know, especially in Miami it takes more than passion – it takes serious experience and talent.  The restaurant is a collaboration between restaurateur Gino Iovino, owner of award-winning restaurant Girasole in Atlantic City, along with Franco Ricatti and Chef Cosimo Cassano of Bacco Osteria, the Michelin-starred concept in Puglia, Italy. Cassano oversees the kitchen. Their specialty is Southern Italian cuisine with a refined and elegant touch . Plus, it is offering Miami Spice for lunch and dinner and includes a number of the top dishes I like.
New, delicious and well priced restaurants for lunch in Miami to add to your list . Plus, a summer dinner special from one of my favorite restaurants in town, Mandrake (pan Asian food and "a stunner"). This and more in Eating News for July.
There’s so much going on in Miami in July 2019, from the much awaited spa month,  Dionne Warwick in concert,  a mango festival, and major movie happenings in the Bahamas, to performances by international ballet stars, Miami Swim Week 2019 and more. Looking for something new to do in the Magic City? Try one of the events listed below. We love them—and we think you will, too!
Fish lovers will be happy to hear there’s a new restaurant in Little Havana that specializes in delicious fresh seafood, and it’s from the owners of Old Havana Cuban Car and Cocina, a popular “go to” place a few blocks away. And then there’s the nightly live music and happening bar, a new spot for their four hour happy hour.