With everything going on, you can tell we’re entering “the season”. Check out eating news for December with the opening of the star power Brooklyn Chop House Miami, an incredible Cuban rum cake for the holidays, Palm Beach Food & Wine Festival, a cabaret well worth checking out, new restaurant openings and a food hall taking the place of Time Out Miami.
Combine the Asian food favorites of Philippe Chow and the top steaks of Peter Lugar in Brooklyn with an ex-MILA culinary maestro plus light and healthy options Miami loves, and you get the inspiration behind the new Brooklyn Chop House Miami at the Moxy Hotel in Wynwood. With several locations in New York and some novel menu items, it’s a favorite of stars like 50 Cent, Cardi B and Jamie Foxx. No wonder that we went on a recent Tuesday night shortly after its opening and both the restaurant and rooftop bar were packed.
The owners certainly know their audience judging by some of the original menu choices.
First the “chop” part of the menu which features 7 selections of American and Japanese Wagyu, dry aged (starting at $58 for a 10 ounce skirt steak), rack of lamb ($69), with a choice of optional sauces. The Asian dishes are prominent and include several options for noodles, fried rice, crispy and steamed dumplings, satay, maki and Chinese chicken dishes (most priced in the 20’s). Also in the “light” category are several choices of fish and beef carpaccio ($22), vegetables ($14) and grilled or roasted fish ($58-$74).
As we all know, Miami loves the luxe wows, and here we have them. There’s complete caviar service with champagne pairing, a seafood tower, three chef tastings ranging from $125 to $250 per person including one called “boujee”. My favorite that’s also practical if you’re a small group and want to splurge is the L.S.D., a wonderful meal serving 4-5 people and includes a 1 lb salt pepper lobster, 1 pound ginger garlic lobster, 7 pound Peking duck and 34 ounce prime dry aged tomahawk steak. It is served with baby bok choy, truffle fries, egg fried rice and assorted sauces. Price? $495. For those who want a very fine glass of wine they have several selections from the Coravin which is a wine preservation system that allows you to savor your favorite wines without uncorking the bottle so every pour is fresh.
We imagined the steaks would be reliably excellent, so focused on the Asian fare. It was a tough choice from the appealing menu selections, but we decided on the pastrami gyoza, Peking duck bao and the Peking fried rice. Our favorites of the evening were the steamed truffle edamame dumplings which were rich and creamy, the salmon truffle maki made with blue crab, and the crispy seaweed made with kale and candied walnuts (not to be missed). Dessert was an old fashioned style ice cream sundae that was a perfect coda to our meal.
There’s a good selection of wines, spirits and cocktails which range in price from $20 to $25. My friend ordered a spirit free dragon berry beast made with dragon fruit, Andean mora and lemon which she liked so much she got another one. A glass of wine starts at $14 . For an after dinner drink there’s also the option of the indoor/outdoor rooftop bar.
Service is attentive and friendly. It’s open for dinner seven days a week. There’s valet parking for $25 (larger vehicles $35).
For more information on the Brooklyn Chop House Miami, click here.
OMG was this delicious — the limited-edition Vicky Bakery x Havana Club Rum Cake complete with dollops of soft meringue on top!!! It’s offered from now through January. Here’s the story: Vicky Bakery, Florida’s iconic Cuban bakery brand, and the real Havana Club, forced from home and aged in exile, but forever Cuban, are coming together once again just in time for the holidays with the limited-edition cake offered at all Vicky Bakery locations.
This special-edition rum cake combines recipes from Vicky Bakery, dating back to the1950s, and the Arechabala family’s, who founded Havana Club, from the 1930s, resulting in a rich, moist, just the right amount of sweet cake.
The limited-edition eight-inch rum cake comes in a custom Vicky Bakery x Havana Club box, priced at $39.99 – $49.99 and serving 8–10 people. Preorders can be placed by calling or visiting any Vicky Bakery location.
The annual Palm Beach Food & Wine Festival (PBFWF) in partnership with Wine Spectator, will take place Thursday through Sunday, Dec. 11–14, 2025. This year’s Festival features 22 events blending debuts and long-time favorites, offering guests the best in food, wine, and hospitality across Palm Beach County. Tickets are available now at PBFoodWineFest.com.
Guests can look forward to rare collaborations of highly esteemed chefs, lively walk-around tastings, intimate dinners, and kid-friendly classes. From new events like the first-ever Oceano walk-around tasting, Par-Tee at The Park, and the return of the spirited Bubbles & Bites: A Yacht Rock Experience to long-standing favorites such as Daniel & Friends and the Grand Tasting, this year’s lineup promises captivating experiences for every palate.
The 18th annual PBFWF continues to expand its refined selection of wine and spirits through its partnership with Wine Spectator, renowned for spotlighting the finest in food and wine craftsmanship. This collaboration ensures that all wines poured throughout the Festival hold a prestigious 90+ rating, with the Grand Tasting once again featuring more than 100 wineries as a highlight of the closing day. “
Several ticket options are available for purchase. Ticket packages include the “Pick 4, Save 15%” option; and the Pick 3, where guests can save 10%. An Early Bird ticket option is available for Grand Tasting until September 30th.
For more details about individual events, participating chefs, or to purchase tickets please visit pbfoodwinefest.com or call 800.210.0689. For daily updates, follow the festival on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @pbfoodwinefest.
New Restaurant Openings
Another new addition to Coconut Grove dining, AVA MediterrAegean from the Riviera Dining Group. The cuisine is described as elevated Greek cuisine and a lively atmosphere to go with it.. As part of the flagship, RDG will also debut AVA MM, a secluded members-only retreat within the property.
The culinary program is led by RDG Partner and Head of Culinary, Chef Michaël Michaelidis, alongside Executive Chef Frédéric Aumeunier. The menu captures the essence of the earth and sea, and pays tribute to the Cycladic region, balancing tradition with modern interpretation. Guests can expect dishes such as Aegean Tuna Ceviche, Mediterranean Seabass Carpaccio, Lobster Pasta and Lamb Moussaka.
Designed by Lazaro Rosa-Violán AVA blends Greek island minimalism with Miami’s coastal spirit, featuring natural Mediterranean materials, custom furnishings, and commissioned artworks. The restaurant features an open-air terrace and sculpted dining room, as well as the intimate members-only sanctuary: AVA MM.
The team behind Mexican restaurants Bakan in Wynwood, Koko in Coconut Grove, and Talavera in Coral Gables, have a new outpost in Aventura — .Jacinta, Located near Bloomingdale’s inside the Aventura Mall, its décor is inspired by the beach destination of Tulum, so expect natural materials and color palate. The food leans toward coastal cuisine (i.e. seafood) but also Mexican favorites including tacos, enchiladas, as well as grilled items. It’s open for lunch and dinner daily.
Here’s a tip from MIA Bites food blog — A neighborhood favorite offering French inspired new American cuisine, Silver Lake Bistro is sisters to a partner Cabaret, La Poubelle Cabaret and Piano Bar. Situated in an alley between two dumpsters (hence the name La Poubelle, which translates as the garbage can) is an unmarked door with a red light just behind Silver Lake.
Shows are scheduled every week though they wrote they sell out quickly. You might still be able to get tickets for a special New Year’s Eve party with Miss Bouvee and Rick Leonard.
They offer a full bar and menu from Silver Lake and parking in the alley. Check their Instagram for upcoming events including ticket info for the very special New Years Eve party! La Poubelle Theatre ,1207 Mai Monides St, Miami Beach. SilverLake Bistro, 1211 71st St., Miami Beach.
I lamented the closing of Time Out Market at 1601 Drexel Avenue so was happy to read in Miami New Times that its space will be taken over City Food Hall , the food hall brand with locations in Florida and Georgia.
As reported in the City Food Hall website, there will be over 10 local restaurant concepts by local chefs offering up international cuisines – think Mexican, Israeli, Japanese, Nashville hot chicken, Caribbean, ramen and more. It’s scheduled to open next summer.
You can keep up with the opening by following @cityfoodhall on Instagram.
