Rosé themed Staycation, a fun all day celebration at Wynwood Brewing Company coming up, perfect day outing for summer at the Yellow Green Farmers Market, Miami Spice pick, nightime Mexican party brunch (yes, you read right), and more, all in Eating News for August, Part 1.
Are you a lover of Rosé wine? Then this is made for you: Kimpton Palomar South Beach has launched its “Tour de Rosé” staycation package. It offers guests an opportunity to raise a glass and enjoy the last sips of the summer season. Available through Labor Day Weekend, those who book the package will receive:
- Overnight Accommodations
- Two complimentary bottles of rosé to be enjoyed in-room or poolside
- A guided rosé tasting for two at new Miami hot spot, Osteria Morini, featuring distinct wines and a rosé-inspired cocktail
- Rosé themed amenities and sweet treats including rose macarons
Rates start at $185 a night.
On August 28 Wynwood Brewing Company will be celebrating its 8th anniversary with all kinds of happenings all day where you can expect:Rubia Rides starting from the brewery at 7 a.m. (details/tickets here)
- Afternoon festivities with bites from Cluckin’ Right Chicken and Madrecita’s Bistro
- Live DJ and outdoor games such as cornhole, giant Connect Four and giant Jenga
- Favorites like La Rubia, Apple of My IPA and Lock On
Originally from Puerto Rico, founders Luis Brignoni and Luis “Pops” Brignoni Sr. made their passion for beer into a career by opening WBC in 2013. Drawing inspiration from their culture and Miami’s thriving art scene, the father-son duo created a year-round portfolio of beers – including flagship La Rubia, a crisp and flavorful ale made for the Magic City’s hot weather; Laces IPA; Father Francisco; and Pop’s Porter. Since then, La Rubia has been named The Miami Heat’s official craft beer and the brewery has received national and regional awards for its portfolio. Wynwood Brewing Company, 565 NW 24th Street, Wynwood 33127.
Bombay Darbar, a favorite neighborhood spot for Indian food, is doing their version of a very good lunch special in Miami which I had the chance to try (and enjoy!). Besides the value, what I liked a lot about it is they featured many of their most popular dishes, along with tastes of the side dishes Indian food lovers crave in all of the specials. This includes dal lentil soup, vegetable samosa, piping hot naan bread, rice, and the traditional rice pudding dessert. To that you choose an entree from the vegetarian ($14.95), chicken ($16.95) or lamb offerings ($18.95) — five choices in each category.
I opted for tandoori chicken which was delicious, and my friend enjoyed the coconut chicken curry. Other favorites on the selections were saag gosht, chicken tikka masala and lamb roganjosh. Want a glass of wine? There’s a large selection of wines by the glass for $9.50 to $10. Another great feature, they have a reasonable $15 corkage fee if you want to bring your own bottle. Choose indoor or outdoor seating. The indoor seating area is spacious, there’s an appealing bar, and you can catch up on the latest Bollywood films. The special is offered Monday through Friday (no holidays) from 11:30 to 3 p.m. Bombay Darbar
- 2901 Florida Ave, Miami, FL 33133
- (305) 444-7272
Want to add some excitement to your Sunday night? Keep the party going for your Sunday Funday? Mayami in Wynwood has a novel solution: night brunch on Sunday, from 5 p.m. to 12 a.m. The word has already gotten out about the danceable music, entertainers (after 10 p.m depending on the weather), special menu and crowd that comes to have serious fun. It all happens in a spacious outdoor courtyard that extends into the bar/lounge area .
We went for what was a fun evening with some incredible outfit watching, and enjoyed special night brunch items including a lobster roll on buttered brioche with addictive chips, very fresh and tasty ceviche, and our favorite, the taco bowls ($21-$23). I opted for the bowl with baby shiitake mushrooms, chicken, red onion, chihuahua cheese and soy glaze, one of five choices. Mr. W had the filet mignon. Other choices include a vegetarian option of mixed mushrooms, bacon bowl and crispy shrimps. The bowl comes with yummy corn tortillas and guacamole so you make make your own taco or just enjoy the bowl on its own.
There’s also a raw bar menu and other specials with lots of seafood options ranging in price from $18 for an octopus tostada to $65 for a surf and turf. Don’t miss the Xocolate mousse cafe that was almost like candy with its dark chocolate icing and inside made with crispy crepe flakes and almond sponge. An extensive beverage menu includes over a dozen special cocktails, micheladas, mezcals, insect infused mezcal shots and, besides the usual liquors, mocktails, hookah, wines and bubbly. There are also almost two dozen tequilas, many offered by the glass, including the of the moment Don Julio 1942 for $40 a glass. As you can imagine, the noise level is energetic. Mayami, 127 NW 23rd St., Wynwood 33127 (786) 660-1341. Street parking.
Every time I’ve gone to Chotto Matte which is many times, I marvel at how glam and attractive it is, and more so since they added the cherry blossom trees (not real but they look it). Great bar area, too. My latest excuse for going was trying their Miami Spice offering for dinner, selections from their Nikkei cuisine, a fusion of Japanese and Peruvian flavors .
A friend and I who also names Chotto Matte among her faves, went and dubbed our picks of the dishes, the seared salmon tataki with spicy mango salsa, crisy filo and cilantro and a refreshing and novel lychee ceviche with sweet potato, Peruvian corn and cilantro that I wish more places would offer. We also really enjoyed the Asado de tira – Slow cooked BBQ beef, purple potato purée, teriyaki jus, and chives.
We couldn’t choose which dessert we liked more, the crowd pleasing brownie adorned with Mango chilli, lime sorbet, and mixed berry coulis or Strawberry garden , a novel melange of sweet crema, white soil, wild strawberry granita, and mixed herbs. Miami Spice dinner menu is offered Sunday through Thursday. Chotto Matte, 1664 Lenox Avenue, Miami Beach. 33139 (305) 690-0743. Parking lots nearby.
Sunday Afternoon Outing: Yellow Green Farmers Market
A perfect day outing in summer is an afternoon at the Yellow Green Farmers Market in Hollywood with lunch from Hunny ‘Z. It can get packed in winter, so now is the ideal time to go. Our first visit, we went on a Sunday and got there in under a half hour with little traffic. The visit combined shopping for fresh produce, a look at the dozens of owner operated shops, and a cheap, delicious lunch.
The “shops” are housed in a large barn like structure, several aisles of everything from fashion and accessories, beauty products and plants, to quality produce, home made food items and baked goods, and much more.
Hungry? Find stands inside selling all manner of international cuisines and juices.
Outside, too, you’ll see more stands, predominantly Mexican, Jamaican and Latin American food though even find Ethiopian, and freshly made juices and smoothies. We opted for half of a barbecue chicken on the grill from Hunny’Z , one of the best I’ve ever eaten and a bargain at $12. They also sell ribs, loaded potatoes, jerk chicken and some fierce sounding cakes (next time).
We teamed it up with a combo of lemonade, pineapple and watermelon juices. Seating is on picnic tables under thatched roof palapas. Want to linger? There’s an outdoor restaurant with live music. Plenty of parking in two lots, too. Yellow Green Farmers Market, 3080 Sheridan Street, Hollywood 33021.
