Saturday Sweets: One on One with Chef Josh Gripper of The Dutch Miami
Saturday Sweets: One on One with Chef Josh Gripper of The Dutch Miami

A couple weeks ago I was lucky enough to spend a fantastic evening with some of my favorite food blogger friends at The Dutch Miami in the W South Beach Hotel.   (http://www.miabites.com/home/2016/5/22/the-dutch-summer-on-miami-beach).

All of the savory dishes were amazing, but I was beyond impressed with the desserts, so I knew I had to circle back and chat it up with Pastry Chef Josh Gripper.  With 15 years of pastry under his belt he continues to be passionate about what he’s doing.  Yesterday I spent a rainy afternoon with him, and I not only got to eat more delicious desserts, I got to learn how he got his start in such a sweet world and even discovered his love for ice cream – more specificially, Häagen-Dazs Mint Chocolate Chip!

Tell us a bit of your background and what made you decide to go into pastry?

I went to school for savory because that’s what I thought I wanted to do.  I first went to Butter (in New York before Alex Guarnaschelli was there) and it was more of a crazy club restaurant with a chef named Keith Harry and a couple club owners.  I went in before they opened and talked to the chef and asked him for a job.  He said they weren’t open yet and had no positions so I told him I would work for free until he opened.  So I did, I went there every day for a month after school. 

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Saturday SweetsAmber Love BondMiami Beach, MiamiComment
Taste of The Nation June 17th Benefits No Kid Hungry
Taste of The Nation June 17th Benefits No Kid Hungry

 

Benefit No Kid Hungry: South Florida’s Taste of the Nation June 17th.

Gearing up for its 28th year, South Florida’s Taste of the Nation for No Kid Hungry – the region’s premier culinary benefit featuring top chefs from Miami-Dade and Broward counties –will showcase over 80 of the hottest restaurants from Dade and Broward counties, top chefs, sommeliers and mixologists and an impressive array of auction items. 

On Friday, June 17, 2016 from 7PM (6PM VIP) to 10PM, the annual event migrates to Wynwood’s artsy neighborhood and takes place at Soho Studios, a 50,000 square-foot warehouse that will transform into a foodie oasis where top restaurants will showcase their concepts’ delectable bites. The soirée continues with an exclusive after party for VIP ticketholders and chef participants at R House in Wynwood from 10:30PM to midnight. While dishes will differ with bountiful savory and sweet options, one thing will remain the same: the evening’s goal to raise money for No Kid Hungry’s work to end childhood hunger in America. 

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EventsMIAbites TeamMiamiComment
The Genuine Summer Series in Miami Design District
The Genuine Summer Series in Miami Design District

The Miami Design District and it’s art and retail-centric Palm Court is the perfect setting for James Beard Award-winning chef Michael Schwartz' all-new events series celebrating food and culture – The Genuine Summer Series, presented by Lynx Grills. 

For a three month run, the creative neighborhood’s nucleus with the distinctive Buckminster Fuller Fly’s Eye Dome and the oversized Le Corbusier blue torso by French artist Xavier Veilhan, will reimagine classic outdoor summer pastimes from grilling and picnicking, to a film screening and beer garden, with food by Michael’s Genuine® Food & Drink and its acclaimed chef/owner as host.

The Palm Court is also the home of Schwartz’s light and airy café, ella, making it an ideal destination for the season’s hottest gastronomic events including: 

Sundown Grillout June 10

OMG! Picnic & A Movie July 8

Genuine Beer Court August 12

Details and Specific menus below:

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EventsMIAbites TeamDesign District, MiamiComment
Chef Scott Conant "Chops" it up with new menu items at Scarpetta
Chef Scott Conant "Chops" it up with new menu items at Scarpetta

MIAbites welcomes new contributor, Alex Beck for this mouth-watering recap of Scarpetta’s new and classic favorite menu items.  You can read her full bio here.

In Italian, “Scarpetta” means “shoe” and lovingly refers to the act of using a piece of bread to scrape any remaining bits of saucy goodness from plates of food. It is seen as a sign of respect and gratification. 

Aptly named, Scarpetta at the Fontainebleau accentuates Scott Conant’s culinary ‘chops’ and begs guests to scrape every plate thoroughly with fresh, house-made bread.  In a “sea” of failed or mediocre celebrity chef restaurants that have come and gone on Miami Beach, Conant’s Scarpetta has thrived since 2008, with some of the best chefs at the helm, including Michael Pirolo and Nina Compton.   

As invited media guests, our reception at the bar started with a San Remo cocktail. Reminiscent of the classic Negroni, the cocktail incorporates fresh citrus juices, St. Germain, sweet vermouth, bourbon and an orange garnish. The cocktail served as the perfect start to a meal with bright notes of fresh citrus. 

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MIAbites TeamMiami BeachComment
Saturday Sweets: Icebox Cafe in Sunset Harbour
Saturday Sweets: Icebox Cafe in Sunset Harbour

Sunset Harbour is creeping its way into my heart as one of my favorite areas on the beach, especially now that I’ve discovered Icebox Café and their AMAZING cakes. 

Icebox Café is located on Purdy Avenue next to Panther Coffee – cake and coffee, can it get any better?  The name Icebox may sound familiar to you probably because their Chocolate Delight cake was on Oprah’s Favorite things in 2007.  She called it the “Best Cake in America” and after eating my way into a serious sugar coma with their cakes I can absolutely see why. 

Fun Fact: The Chocolate Delight was originally called the Chocolate Bomb, but after expanding and opening a location at Miami International Airport the name had to be changed since you can’t have a bunch of people ordering “Bombs” in the airport. 

The Chocolate Delight is just one of the deliciously decadent cakes you can find on the menu here.  There are 17 different cakes (and a few pies) to be tried.  For those, like me, who can’t possibly pick just one they have the awesome option of 3 half portions for $16 or 5 half portions for $21 – it’s a total steal since these cakes are huge and all priced under $10 a slice. Great way to grab some friends and meet for dessert.

Here’s a rundown of the SEVEN slices of cake I ate – just remember I did this for you guys!

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Saturday SweetsAmber Love BondMiami BeachComment
What I ATE: MIAbites Contributors Best Bites for May
What I ATE: MIAbites Contributors Best Bites for May

If you follow MIAbites and any of our Contributors on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook, you are constantly bombarded with some pretty amazing pictures of food and drink that has been consumed , it seems almost endlessly. 

How can anyone eat and drink ALL that food and go to ALL those places?  

Well Our Contributors do, from evenings out with friends, to lunches at favorite classic spots, to events hosted by restaurants, fellow bloggers and spirit purveyors.  It is hard to keep up and so as a special exclusive MIAbites feature we bring you.... 

What I ATE:

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MIAbites TeamMiamiComment
Donuts or Doughnuts: Top Donuts for National Donut Day
Donuts or Doughnuts: Top Donuts for National Donut Day

To Donut or Not to Dough-not, that is the question. June 3rd is National Donut Day. And Miami has embraced this sugary item as more than just a breakfast treat. 2016 has truly become the Year of The Donut. 

In addition to FREE donuts at National chains Dunkin Donuts and Krispy Kreme, Miami’s first artisanal donut shoppe, The Salty Donut, is hosting a SOLD OUT exclusive release party on Friday June 3rd from 7-10 pm in celebration of its partnership with LYFE Brand, a local lifestyle fashion brand for the introduction of a limited edition t-shirt for National Donut Day.

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MIAbites TeamMiamiComment
Sangria Summer at Vizcaya Cafe: RECIPE
Sangria Summer at Vizcaya Cafe: RECIPE

Summer in Miami. Ahhhhh.  Don't let the heat or humidity get you feeling sluggish. Head over to Vizcaya Cafe for their Summer Sangria menu. Beginning in May and continuing through September, the Summer Sangria menu is available every Saturday and Sunday from 11:30 am to 4:30 pm. This cool, refreshing, sangria is offered by the carafe or 1/2 carafe with a tapas platter that includes includes chorizo, prosciutto, manchego cheese, olives, fresh fruit and toasted baguette.

Below is recipe shared with MIAbites by A Joy Wallace Catering for their delicious summer sangria for you to share at home with your friends and family, but don't miss out stopping in the Vizcaya Cafe to sit back and enjoy all that summer has to offer. 

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MIAbites TeamMiamiComment
Chef Jeremiah hosts Duck Duck Goose on Saturday June 4th
Chef Jeremiah hosts Duck Duck Goose on Saturday June 4th

Chef Jeremiah Bullfrog, chef/owner of gastroPod Miami and creator of the popular PIG (Pork is Good), presents Duck Duck Goose (DDG), a new culinary event taking place Saturday, June 4, 2016 from 5pm-9pm.  DDG features 12 of Miami’s top chefs showing off their creativity and skill with locally raised and pastured fowl from Lake Meadows Naturals in Ocoee, Florida.

For six years running, Chef Jeremiah has brought together some of Miami’s most exciting chefs to showcase the power of the mighty pig, offering tasty tid-bits such as chicharrónes, smoked pork butt bao buns, a porchetta-rolled whole pig, and bacon ice cream. Now he and his friends are turning their creativity to all things winged. “PIG has more of a rock ‘n’ roll and whiskey vibe,” says Bullfrog. “But Duck Duck Goose is going to be a lot more Champagne and bossa nova. We look forward to fattening your livers!”.

For its inaugural run, DDG is bringing a star-studded lineup of South Florida’s most inventive purveyors of haute cuisine, gourmet street food and craft cocktails, with familiar faces from PIG, new additions, and lots of live fire cooking of poultry on strings.

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EventsMIAbites TeamWynwood, MiamiComment
Saturday Sweets: All American Sugar Cookie Cake
Saturday Sweets: All American Sugar Cookie Cake

It is officially Memorial Day Weekend which means summer is right around the corner!  Even though it’s practically summer all year long in Miami, there is something special about Memorial Day that makes me want to break out in a summer bake-a-thon.  That’s why this week’s Saturday Sweets is a fun Red, White, and Blue treat to help get everyone into the spirit of the weekend. 

It’s a perfect addition to any BBQ you may be attending this weekend and a wonderful way to thank our Veterans or loved ones who are serving our great country.  It’s also a fun recipe to keep in mind for the 4th of July which will be here in the blink of an eye!

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RecipesAmber Love BondMiamiComment
National Burger Day: 10 Favorite Burgers in Miami
National Burger Day: 10 Favorite Burgers in Miami

Saturday May 28th is National Burger Day and the culmination of a month long celebration of the most American of foods, The Burger.

Every restaurant has their own version of a burger; traditional with cheese and maybe lettuce and tomato, Waygu beef, mixture of ground beef, brisket and short ribs, stuffed with foie gras, special sauce, or a Chefs “secret” blend of meats and….?

The James Beard Foundation has launched for the second year a Blended Burger Project Challenge encouraging chefs to combine meat with vegetables like mushrooms to create a healthier alternative. Five winning chefs will get to cook at a special event at the James Beard House in the Fall. More on that on a later MIAbites as The Pubbelly Boys are hosting some Miami notables as they create their own Burger the month of June with portion of proceeds to Blended Burger Project. . 

So in honor of The Burger, in addition to the earlier MIAbites highlighted Pincho Factory burgers( http://www.miabites.com/home/2016/5/10/national-burger-month-pincho-factory-miami?rq=pincho ) and the PB Station Burger ( http://www.miabites.com/home/2016/5/16/national-burger-month-pb-station-burger-by-the-pubbelly-boys?rq=PB%20Station).

Here are 10 Top Burgers we like in Miami:

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MIAbites TeamMiami Beach, MiamiComment
The Dutch: Summer on Miami Beach
The Dutch: Summer on Miami Beach

I have been a fan of Andrew Carmellini’s, The Dutch in New York City for years.  The comfy, home-style ambiance is on the corner of Sullivan St. in SoHo offering classic American cuisine.

The Dutch Miami is a different experience altogether, and I admire the fact that the NY flagship has allowed The Dutch Miami to be “who they are” and not try to be just another Miami Beach hotel NYC transplant.

As an invited guest to sample the new summer menu from Chefs Adonay Tarfur and Chef Josh Gripper, it was a chance to once again experience fresh Miami sourced ingredients and some pretty amazing desserts (but more on the desserts at a later date on Saturday Sweets from MIAbites' dessert expert, Amber Love Bond).

When one first enters The Dutch, off the sleek lobby of the W Hotel South Beach, the size of the restaurant is deceiving, as you are first met with a long bar and some high top tables.  Looks almost like a casual cafeteria.  But as you make your way into the main dining room you can feel the relaxed atmosphere of a well-designed restaurant. Even the acoustics are well designed to allow for conversation.

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Ellen BowenMiami BeachComment
RECAP: Saffron Supper Club Persian New Year at Byblos
RECAP: Saffron Supper Club Persian New Year at Byblos

Saffron Supper Club is the brainchild of two passionate South Florida foodies, Sara Liss and Maude Eaton.  Successful in their own right; Sara is a freelance writer for among others, Miami.com, and Maude hosts popular cooking classes and is an accomplished chef, they started gathering like minded food lovers for specially themed experiences focusing on Middle Eastern food, culture with a dash of poetry.

I was fortunate to attend the recent Saffron Supper Club at one of my favorite Miami Beach restaurants, Byblos, to celebrate Nowruz, the Persian New Year that actually fell in March this year.

Promoted only thru the Saffron Supper Club Facebook page, one must be “in the know” to find out about these well planned, well orchestrated and well priced dinner pop ups.   Saffron Supper Club, which describes itself as a “roving pop up dinner club” has hosted over 10 events since it’s inception, including this past January’s Open Sesame at Wynwood Yard…with a menu completely based on tahini.

The Byblos: A Persian New Year's Feast was a celebration that included many attendees dressed in authentic and colorful Persian accessories and jeweled headbands, and began at the downstairs bar and lounge at Byblos.

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EventsEllen BowenMiami BeachComment
Weekly Nibble: The OBIES, Caviar Russe, Party at The Gale, PB Station collab, Duck Duck Goose and more
Weekly Nibble: The OBIES, Caviar Russe, Party at The Gale, PB Station collab, Duck Duck Goose and more

Happy Summer 2016! The “snowbirds” have returned North, the winter tourists are mostly gone and by the end of next weekend’s crazy Memorial Day weekend, Miami truly returns to the locals.  Many of our favorite restaurants gear up for summer with special menus, cocktails, Happy Hours, and unique events.  This week’s Weekly Nibble has compiled some of the best new menu additions and events to help you settle in for the summer heat. 

Tuesday May 24th- Newcomer Caviar Russe Miami is offering a one of a kind dining experience on Tuesday, May 24th 2016 at 7:30 pm. Renowned Chef David Valencia will take you on a six course journey around the world, featuring some of the most sought after delicacies starring Caviar, Sea Urchin, Blue Fin Tuna,  A5 Kobe, and more. The cost for this decadent experience is $750 per person. Each course is to be paired with Charles Heidsieck Champagne, highlighting "Rare" by Piper-Heidsieck.  Following dinner, an intimate and rare LOUIS XIII moment will be hosted by Victor Blanquart, LOUIS XIII ambassador. To reserve a seat, please RSVP to Events@caviarrusse.com Caviar Russe Four Seasons Tower 1441 Brickell Ave. Miami FL.

Thursday, May 26th- Kick-off Memorial Day Weekend at LDV Hospitality’s The Gale Rooftop with Time Out Miami for their first ever Summer Kick-Off Party. From 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., guests will enjoy live music by DJ Troubles and unlimited ice-cold Schöfferhofer beer. Named by Bravo TV as “Best New Restaurant,” Dolce Italian’s Chef Paolo Dorigato will serve up an array of delicious appetizers. The party will continue as the sun sets while guests take in breathtaking views of South Beach. Guests need to RSVP to events.ny@timeout.com to reserve their tickets.The Gale Rooftop Gale South Beach 1690 Collins Avenue Miami Beach, FL 33139

Thursday May 26th- Chef Jose Mendin along with his Executive Chef of PB Station, Guillermo Concha, will pair up with Juliana Gonzalez of Barceloneta to prepare a four-course menu, with each course consisting of a dishes from each chef. The special “Chef’s Choice” menu ($75 plus tax and gratuity) will be offered for one night only at PB Station beginning at 8pm with a special Gin & Tonic after party at the Pawn Broker Bar and Rooftop Lounge. Tickets are $75 per person (tax and gratuity not included) through this link http://pbstation.com/2016/05/12/first-stop-collaboration-dinner/ PB Station in The Langford Hotel 121 SE 1st St., Miami, FL 33131 305-420-2205

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EventsMIAbites TeamMiamiComment
National Burger Month: PB Station Burger by the Pubbelly Boys
National Burger Month: PB Station Burger by the Pubbelly Boys

The Pubbelly Boys have done it again!  The recently opened historic Langford Hotel in the former Miami National Bank downtown is home to the new PB Station and Pawn Broker Bar and Rooftop Lounge. 

In honor of National Burger Month, we thought we would highlight the delicious PB Burger. Created using their own blend of meat, bacon confit, Swiss cheese, and smoked bordelaise it is served on a brioche bun with plenty of crispy French fries.  The meat is juicy and cooked to perfection, while the bacon has just the right saltiness and the Swiss cheese balances it out.  The PB Burger is part of the $25 three course PB Station Express Lunch menu offered Monday-Friday from 11:30-2:30.

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Amber Love BondDowntown, MiamiComment
RECAP: Slow Food Miami “Snail of Approval” Tasting Party
RECAP: Slow Food Miami “Snail of Approval” Tasting Party

I find myself making the same statement over and over again when discussing the Miami food scene:

“This city has fundamentally changed in the last 5 years.”

You think that’s an overstatement? Look over the Miami New Times “Best of” list from 2011 here: http://www.miaminewtimes.com/best-of/2011.  With very few exceptions, the winners are either no longer or might not make a “best of” list in today’s competition.

By 2011, the foundational pieces of our current food scene had either started to gain critical momentum or were simply not even on the Miami radar.

Five years ago, Slow Food Miami had their first “Snail of Approval” Tasting Party. In April of 2016, they had their latest. Standing on the terrace of the very chic 1 Hotel South Beach, I felt both privileged to attend and staggered by the fact there were hundreds of us, in this gorgeous setting, celebrating farms and produce.

Miami? The same Miami that gets panned for habitually choosing style over substance? Yup, we’ve come a long way baby.

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EventsMIAbites TeamMiami Beach, MiamiComment