Date Night: Happy Hour at DÔA and Magique at The Faena

Going out to dinner on Miami Beach has in many cases given new meaning to evening “entertainment”. The starchitect-designed restaurants, the global variety of ethnic cuisines, even the creative tableside presentations and beautiful plating has elevated dining to a new level of “showmanship”.

But, let’s not underestimate the talents of Miami’s artistic world as evidenced by PAMM, the Wynwood galleries, New World Symphony, Miami City Ballet and other art organizations.

On a late spring evening, I was invited to preview the newest show at the Theatre at The Faena, Magique, a high-spirited revue that features the illusionists, Kevin & Caruso, famous for their levitation tricks and mind-bending act, with special appearance from Madame Houdini, whose aerial and strait jacket escape finale is reminiscent of the master Houdini himself.

Events, Happy HourEllen BowenJune 16, 2017Faena, Magique, Kevin & Caruso, Madame Houdini, Magic, Happy Hour, Miami BeachComment

Miami Nibble: Coral Gables Restaurant Week, O.P.P., Rosé All Day, Steakhouse month, PB Burgers, and more

Each week, MIAbites features the Weekly Nibble, a curated listing of upcoming food events in and around Miami. Details are subject to change so please confirm ahead of time and make reservations as appropriate.

Thursday, June 1st- Friday, June 30th - National Steakhouse Month (Yes…that’s a thing).

Novecento, an Argentinian bistro-style restaurant boasting 12 locations in 10 cities, will offer a steak promotion that includes Picanha a la Parrilla ($50, per couple to share), a 32 oz. grilled Picanha Steak with a Chimichurri-Demi glaze and mushroom sauce, creamed spinach, mashed potatoes and Gorgonzola truffle French fries. Brickell, 1414 Brickell Ave. Miami, Florida 33131.Key Biscayne, 620 Crandon Blvd. Key Biscayne, Florida 33149 Aventura, 18831 N. Biscayne Blvd. Aventura, FL 33180 Midtown, 3201 Buena Vista Blvd. Miami, Florida 33127.

Celebrate Dad this Father’s Day on June 18th by treating him to a unique VIP Table Experience at StripSteak by Michael Mina located in the heart of the iconic Fontainebleau Miami Beach. The package includes a VIP table near the kitchen complete with a three-course prix-fixe dinner menu featuring a seafood tower, 28 oz. Dry-aged Bone-in Rib Eye and a boozy dessert. Complementing his meal is the tableside Japanese Whisky Ceremony, a signature part of the Michael Mina experience. Included also is a behind the scene tour to peruse the impressive Fontainebleau wine vault and pre-embargo cigar and rum collection. Priced at $165 per dad (excluding tax and gratuity), the package is available only once per night and must be booked 24 hours in advance. For more information, visit www.fontainebleau.com/specials/fathers-day-vip-experience-at-stripsteak Fontainebleau Miami Beach4441 Collins Avenue, on Miami Beach, FL 33140.

Events, Weekly NibbleMIAbites TeamJune 1, 2017Brickell, Events, Restaurant Week, Steak, Burgers, Miami Beach, MiamiComment

RECAP: Duck Duck Goose (Deux)

EventsMIAbites TeamMay 29, 2017Duck Duck Goose, foiegras, MiamiComment

Duck Duck Goose Deux Details: Menu Reveal

Creative and unique food events have become an important part of the Miami food community. Talented chefs support each other's new ventures, take chances with ingredients and techniques and the result is an enviable food scene.

And all of us food lovers benefit!

This Sunday’s Duck Duck Goose (Deux) is exactly that kind of special food experience not to be missed. Presented by Chef Jeremiah and featuring Miami's top chefs, each of which will be tasked with preparing locally raised and pastured fowl.

In it's second year, DDG Deux is bringing a star-studded line up of South Florida's most innovative purveyors of haute cuisine, gourmet street food, craft beer, and artisan cocktails curated by Jen Massolo of The Liquid Projects.

EventsMIAbites TeamMay 25, 2017foiegras, duck, food festivals, Duck Duck Goose, MiamiComment

Hamburger House Party Menu Sneak Peek

UPDATE: And the winning burgers at this week's Hamburger House Party presented by Burger Beast were Judges Choice: Hard Times Sundaes from Brooklyn NY, and Peoples Choice: Chefs On The Run.

Are you ready for a Hamburger Party? It's this Friday and it's a perfect way to end National Burger Month.

Burger Beast Feasts presents the annual Hamburger House Party happening on Friday, May 26th at Magic City Casino from 7pm to 10pm. GET TICKETS HERE

Over 20 restaurants will be competing for Best Burger in South Florida. This year features a rogue competitor, Hard Times Sundaes, coming all the way from Brooklyn to see if they have a shot at taking home to crown. Jr’s Gourmet Burgers are back to try to reclaim their crown for the 3rd year in a row. We’re wondering if they have what it takes to win again, right off the heels of their recent 2017 SOBEWFF Burger Bash win.

Weekly Nibble: PAO Omakase, Hamburger House Party, Duck Duck Goose, New Menus & Happy Hours

Events, Happy HourMIAbites TeamMay 17, 2017Miami Beach, MiamiComment

Brickell Restaurant Week 2017 May 5- May 21

The Second Annual Brickell Restaurant Week(s) kicked off Thursday, May 4th with Savor Brickell, a tasting preview poolside at the W Miami.

From atop the gorgeous 50th floor, Savor Brickell featured some of the local Downtown and Brickell restaurants participating in this year's BRW.

We are now one week into Brickell Restaurant Week and have you made your reservations yet?

BRW features special 3-course ‘prix fixe’ lunch and/or dinner options at many of Miami’s finest and newest restaurants such as Pubbelly Sushi Brickell City Centre, Coya, Spaghettino, 11 Rooftop, Tac

EventsMIAbites TeamMay 11, 2017Brickell, Downtown, MiamiComment

"In Search of Israeli Cuisine" Opens May 5 at South Florida Theatres

EventsMIAbites TeamMay 1, 2017Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, MiamiComment

RECIPE: Carol's Papaya Salad at MKT by bazbaz

It was a hot hot hot Saturday at this week’s HOOD FOOD at MKT by bazbaz Art installation and Marketplace at 2100 North Miami Ave., but that didn’t keep the local artisans, food vendors and many attendees from strolling thru the various stalls, tasting the local food offerings from Jucy Lu, Smart Bites, LadyFingrs popsicles, Mary's Brigadeiros and Lesage Bakery. and enjoying the electronic pop sounds from the very talented Ari Blik.

But,one of the highlights of the afternoon was the presentation from Carol Lopez-Bethel, the Development Director for Slow Food Miami and owner of Swirl Wine Consulting.

Carol took the stage in the amphitheater and talked about Florida’s fresh food scene, and the fact that we have TWO growing seasons. While the rising temperatures will soon end the season for traditional produce like tomatoes, asparagus, and peppers, the little appreciated season for tropical fruits and vegetables begins.

Events, Recipes, Wellness WednesdayEllen BowenApril 30, 2017Healthy Eating, Wynwood, Miami Comment

MKT by bazbaz: HOOD FOOD in Wynwood this weekend

Events, Wellness WednesdayEllen BowenApril 26, 2017wynwood, MiamiComment

RECAP: Cake Thai Japanese Craft Beer Dinner

Did you know that most of the familiar brands of Japanese beer available in the United States are produced right here in the US or in Canada? Anheuser-Busch produces Kirin in Virginia, while Sapporo and Asahi are both produced in Canada.

And so began our introduction to the Japanese Craft Beer Dinner this past Wednesday at Cake Thai Wynwood. The craft beers produced in Japan with names like Echigo Kishuhikari Rice Lager and Iwatekura Oyster Stout were paired expertly by Chef Phuket Thongsodchreondee’s, (@KZCake) authentic Thai cuisine for a five course tasting menu. It was a delicious evening with some of the longest names I have ever seen on a menu.

EventsEllen BowenApril 23, 2017MiamiComment

Local Miami Restaurants Giving Back On Earth Day & Arbor Day

Earth Day is officially over but you can still support their efforts year round! It’s an annual event celebrated on April 22. Worldwide, various events are held to demonstrate support for environmental protection. First celebrated in 1970, Earth Day events in more than 193 countries are now coordinated globally by the Earth Day Network. And now, more than ever, we all need to do our part to support our fragile environment. A few of our favorite spots in Miami are doing their part to give back on Earth Day.

EventsMIAbites TeamApril 21, 2017earth day, wynwood, giving back, Miami Beach, MiamiComment

Italian Culinary Tours in Miami: 4 Neighborhoods 4 Restaurants 4 Courses

The Italy- America Chamber of Commerce Southeast is excited to announce the first edition of The Italian Culinary Tour in Miami for April 25-26, and May 2-3.

As the tourist season winds down and Miami returns to mostly local residents, The Italian Culinary Tour supports those local restaurants and hard working chefs that are here for us year round. The tour bases itself on the concept of a mobile meal, where participants can not only taste different food and wines, but also have the possibility to follow a true “Path of Taste” moving from one restaurant to the other in order to explore new locations and the Italian Lifestyle.

Attendees will have the opportunity to not only discover new flavors but also to participate in culinary sessions with Chefs as well as Italian sommeliers for the wine pairings.

The event seeks to develop and promote the authentic traditions of Italian food products and upgrade the culture of Italian food and wine with local consumers. The tour showcases the best of Italian food, wine, and entertainment in one night through a guided tour of four of the most authentic and excellent Italian restaurants in Miami.

Each tour takes almost four hours with each restaurant stop about 30-40 minutes.

In some cases, transfers from one restaurant to the other will be by private coach, when the next stop on the tour is not within walkable distance.

The Italian Culinary Tour visits four neighborhoods: April 25 – 26 and May 2 – 3 and includes a four-course dinner in four local Italian Restaurants per tour and is priced at $50 pp per tour.

See schedule and ticket info below:

EventsMIAbites TeamApril 16, 2017Brickell, Coral Gables, Midtown, MiMo/Upper East Side, MiamiComment

Saturday Sweets: Donuts! Fest Returns For Its Second Year

Last year was the “Year of the Donut”, and while I haven’t figured out what this year’s biggest dessert trend is yet – it’s safe to say the donut craze is still very much alive.

This week the 2nd Annual Donuts! Fest presented by Vine PR took place at MAPS Backlot in Wynwood. Donuts from all over Miami Dade and Broward were present along with long lines of hun

Events, Saturday SweetsAmber Love BondApril 1, 2017Broward, MiamiComment

An Evening with Le Basque at Fairchild Botanic Gardens

Le Basque Catering, originating as the name suggests, from the Basque region and surely one of the most developed food cultures in the world, is one of Miami’s elite caterers and event producers, curating unique and creative events for both private clients and special events at The Fairchild Tropical Botanic Gardens.

Their flare for fantasy was clear from the minute I stepped through the gates of the beautiful Fairchild Botanic Gardens, being led by candles and handsome men holding flutes of chilled Pommery Champagne.

As an invited guest, the evening,“A Taste of Le Basque”, was designed to present the newest addition to Le Basque Catering, Executive Michelin star chef, Mikel Goikolea from Azurmendi, a 2016 Three Michelin Star Restaurant and #16 in The World’s 50 Best Restaurants in Spain, and Le Basque’s ability to amaze and delight us with their service and presentation.

EventsMIAbites TeamMarch 30, 2017Coral Gables, MiamiComment

Place Invaders in Miami: Zapata and Zacapa

PlaceInvaders, a pop-up dining series that hosts events in interesting and remarkable private homes across the country is coming to Miami for three dinners: Friday, March 31st, Saturday April 1st and Sunday, April 2nd to be hosted at a luxurious waterfront house on the Miami River.

Tickets are $100 per person and available here https://www.placeinvaders.com/tickets/miami

PlaceInvaders don't reveal their locations in advance, but have hosted dinners in cool lofts in NYC, private homes in the Hollywood Hills, a renovated barn in the Hudson Valley of New York State and at other unique and glamorous spots.

They partner with well-known local chefs across the country, and for Miami’s inaugural pop up they have partnered this time with Chef Cesar Zapata and Phuc Yea.

EventsMIAbites TeamMarch 26, 2017MiamiComment

Do NUT Miss This: Donuts! Festival Thursday March 30th

Do nut Miss this! Celebrate your love of donuts (or is it doughnuts? ) on Thursday, March 30th, 2017 at the 2nd annual Donuts!,South Florida's first and only Donut festival.

EventsMIAbites TeamMarch 26, 2017Wynwood, MiamiComment

Miami Weekly Nibble: Cochon555, Locales Festival, Oyster Day, Thai Brunch & Happy Hours

Spring Break is in full swing and Miami is hopping. The Weekly Nibble from MIAbites features some food-focused events, Brunch and new Happy Hours. Details are subject to change so always check ahead to confirm specific prices, dates and times.

Sunday March 26th- UPDATED: Chef Paula DaSilva of Artisan Beach House was the winning Chef and now moves on to Grand Cochon in Chicago. Cochon 555 Miami Culinary event and Somm Smackdown at Ritz Carlton Miami Beach. Five local chefs are each given one whole, heritage breed pig and one week to prepare the entire 200 pound animal. The winner is decided between a People's Vote and 24 Celebrity Judges, who then crown the winner, Miami's “Prince or Princess of Pork.” The winning chef advances to the year-end finale competition called Grand Cochon, to be held this year on October 1st in Chicago. $125 +. Tickets on Eventbrite link here. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cochon555-miami-tickets-29658558547?aff=es2.The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach 1 Lincoln Road Miami Beach, FL 33139.

Events, Weekly NibbleMIAbites TeamMarch 22, 2017Miami Beach, MiamiComment