Category: Food

There’s a lot of boasting these days about being farm-to-table, buying locally and through specialized purveyors. I tend to think it’s often just talk. One restaurant, Essensia Miami, has always been true to that mission, even having a garden steps from the restaurant’s terrace where they grow their own herbs, eggplant and even shishito peppers. And now they have a new chef, Ilde Ferrer, who brings his varied and impressive background at Le Bernardin, French cuisine and seafood; the Setai, Asian; Union Square Café, American; and Ortanique, Caribbean, to the table. The result is dishes that are creative, while bringing out the flavors of the ingredients. And two of the dishes are earmarked for my roundup of Best of the Year.
Since my return from the long trip, I've been making up for lost opportunities, out on the eating trail. Here's juicy Eating News for the month -- a serious find for fruit pie lovers (and just in time for July 4th), great lunch and happy hour deals, a Russian restaurant and nightclub, new restaurant and eatery openings you'll want to know about.
A baby spa Miami, delicious coffee in 60 seconds without a machine, Spanish bookstore, nail salon that gets the details, my verdict on the Movie Pass, a new bakery and more news in Coconut Grove, all in Karen's Kudos for June.
When we walked into Mira Five Stars and saw the sumptuous decor, my first thought was maybe this restaurant would be about show and not substance. What I happily found was food and a dining experience that matched the quality of the surroundings, plus Mirko Caldino, the talented Executive Chef from Liguria who has worked at Putin’s dacha outside of Moscow. Even better news is they’re offering luncheon and dinner prixe fixe menus that offer quality and value as an introduction to the new restaurant.
Looking for a wonderful spot for lunch Miami that's also a deal? Here are our eight favorites around town. Most aren't cheap, but considering the stylish settings, service, quality of the food and you get three courses, they offer value for the money. Plus, you get a chance to try hot spots that are a lot pricier at night. Happy lunching!
The beat keeps on in Miami in June with lots of events. Our picks for the month: from the first ever Coral Gables Culinary Month, French Fete de La Musique and Redland Summer Fruit Festival, to a special flamenco performance of the famous "Amor Brujo" and astronomy happening. We love them—and we think you will, too!
Get ready for lots of Eating News this month. Read about a fave new spot for comfort food in Wynwood straight from Amsterdam, another newcomer to the Brickell area with American and Venezuelan favorites, Malibu Beach Miami at the Nobu Eden Roc, famed chef Thomas Keller's new restaurant opening, sure- to- be- a- new hot spot Novikov, and more “light bites” you’ll want to know about.
By Eleanor Hoh. No Name Chinese was started by frustrated Chinese food lovers, Heath Porter and Craig DeWald, partners from Coral Gables’ Uvaggio Bar & Restaurant fame. Together with Colombian Executive Chef, Pablo Zitzmann and pastry chef and wife, Natalia Atuesta, they’ve made us proud. Anyone who has lived where there’s good Chinese food laments about Miami’s lack of it and I couldn’t agree more. No Name Chinese set out to turn that around and succeeded with flying colors.
If I were to give the formula for a successful restaurant in Miami I’d say good or very good food, a party atmosphere (or if not party, at least very “buzzy”), and attractive décor. Of course, a must is professional management, which is usually a restaurant group. Witness the staying power – no small thing in this town – of Baoli, Bagatelle, Zuma, and then there’s the relatively new La Petite Maison. Now there’s a new addition to the list from London that promises to be a serious hot spot – Chotto Matte at 1661 Lenox Avenue. Chotto Matte is high power – the management and culinary team, the eye popping décor, and the elaborate menu offerings.
Don’t know where to take Mom for Mother’s Day? Fortunately, Miami is packed with options for every palate and price point. Read the list below to find out our favorite ways to celebrate Mother’s Day in Miami this year, from brunches and tea to dinners, and a Seersucker Social at Vizcaya.