A great deal has been written in the news about food allergies and the life-threatening dangers they pose to a large population. As we have become more aware of food allergies and more conscious of what we are eating, we are still in need of delicious dessert options that fit those needs and can still satisfy the sweetest of sweet tooth’s.
Enter White Star Café and Bakery, found off of Sunset Drive and 87th Avenue. This Kendall café is taking the area by storm. A husband and wife team that set out determined to build a safe environment for their son who suffered from severe food allergies.
The name White Star Café came from their desire to make a safe haven for those with dietary restrictions – a safe place for them to call home, “follow the white star and that’s where you’ll be”. They believe that great food is one of life’s greatest pleasures and everyone no matter what restrictions should be able to enjoy it, while knowing no shortcuts were taken, no preservatives were used, and only the best ingredients can be found in their treats. It took 5 years for the family to develop their recipes keeping in mind to specifically exclude: Milk (Casein), Eggs, Soy, Wheat (Gluten), Peanuts, Tree Nuts (except coconut), Fish, Crustaceans (a type of shellfish) Corn and furthermore, Artificial Colors, Preservatives or Flavors.
Read MoreRipe with Authenticity, Bar Primi Pop Up Entices Guests with Classic Italian Flavors
It may seem like every other week that The Dutch, located inside the W Hotel South Beach, puts on an event. From the summer BBQ series, to the Bar Primi pop up, Chefs Adonay Tarfur and Josh Gripper keep busy.
To close out the summer with a bang, the team at The Dutch have invited their sister restaurant Bar Primi from New York to enjoy that #MiamiLife and take advantage of our favorite time of year: Miami Spice Season. I was invited to join a few other food writers to experience this newest Spice twist.
Spearheaded by Chef Andrew Carmellini and Chef/Partner Sal Lamboglia, Bar Primi has become a New York Italian staple serving up classic, straight forward food straight from the motherland.
Read MoreEach week, MIAbites presents the Weekly Nibble, featuring curated food events and news in and around Miami. All listings are subject to change, so always call ahead to confirm details, prices and times.
Check out New and Ongoing for special new cocktails, menus and chefs!
Read MoreJust when you thought you had covered all your favorite and discovered some new restaurants for Miami Spice, the menus get switched up for the second half of the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau two month long Miami Spice.
Full menus and other details are available on I Love Miami Spice, but here goes a partial roundup of some the new and most popular menus for September.
At The Fontainebleau, La Côte, Hakkasan, Scarpetta and StripSteak by Michael Mina will offer Miami Spice dining opportunities seven days a week. Three course prix fixe dinners will be available nightly at Hakkasan, Scarpetta and StripSteak, while La Côte offers a breeze-fueled lunch every day. Additionally, Hakkasan will once again offer its legendary weekend Dim Sum lunch on Saturdays and Sundays. Vegetarian menu options will be available at all venues. Miami Spice pricing of $23 for lunch and $39 for dinner per person, exclusive of tax and gratuity, will be in effect; wine flights at an additional price are also on offer during dinner. As always, many of the menu favorites from Fontainebleau’s award-winning restaurants are featured as part of Miami Spice menus. The Fontainebleau 4441 Collins Ave. Miami Beach FL. 877 326 -7412.
Read MoreIf you are looking for a family friendly and frankly an "over the top" Sunday Brunch, Sugar Factory on Ocean Drive is here to save the day! This summer they hosted a Superhero themed brunch that took place the last Sunday of July. From 1-3pm diners were treated to an appearance from Wonder Woman and Batman in all their glory. The next Superhero Brunch date has not yet been set, but follow on Facebook for other upcoming events and themed brunches.
Read MoreEvery July, I spend a week in New Orleans to produce craft distiller shows within the program of Tales of the Cocktail, the world’s largest cocktail conference. This is one of my favorite trips because each time I get to visit some of the restaurants and bars I have come to love and to discover new ones in this charming and historic city.
Additionally, the Tales of the Cocktail’s week long program is chock full of over 200 events from tastings and seminars, to ‘spirited dinners’ and large-scale parties, some of which really open my eyes to new products and services. My trip began with a visit to one of NOLA's best craft cocktail bars, Bar Tonique on Rampart Street.
Read MoreLabor Day is suddenly upon us and even though it still feels like a million degrees, Fall is in the air. Well, not really. MIAbites Weekly Nibble features some Labor Day festivities in addition to Miami Spice, which heads into it’s second month featuring those $23 lunches and $39 dinners.
Read MoreDessert has always been a guilty pleasure for many. One of the advantages of the two month long Miami Spice is that dessert is included, so no more, “ Bring two spoons, we’ll share” as everyone gets their own dessert.
So in this abundance of dessert options, “Classic” as a trend may seem like a paradox, but tradition has more value than any fad.
As we peruse various dessert menus, we see the pendulum swinging from whacky “instagrammy” desserts in favor of classic favorites done right. When you’re over those over-the-top desserts and need some solid, classic options, these Miami restaurants should be your go-to.
Read MoreIf you have not yet been to the Perez Art Museum Miami located in Downtown Miami, then I think you need to plan a daytrip there starting with brunch (and of course dessert). The PAMM is a modern and contemporary art museum that was opened in 2013. Inside the museum right along the water is an adorable restaurant called Verde. Chef Kaytlin Brakefield is dishing out some amazing desserts that pair perfectly with the newly added mocktails being offered by the restaurant.
Read More“Of all the spirits in your home, rum is the most romantic,” wrote bon vivant James Beard in 1956. Whether you agree or not, let the summer drinking continue with National Rum Day which happens to fall on Tuesday August 16th.
Rum has been one of the more misunderstood spirits with numerous myths surrounding it’s history. Although all rum is made from sugar, that doesn’t mean it’s sweet and needs to be mixed with fruit juices to be enjoyed. Some of the best rums are aged and meant to be served and savored “neat”. While believed to be a Caribbean spirit associated with West Indian pirates, prior to the American Revolution, they were many rum distilleries in New England and today craft rum is made in many states throughout the US.
Here are some local Miami spots for delicious rum drinks and even some recipes to try at home. Let’s get ready to “RUM ble”!
Read MoreThis week’s Saturday Sweets is dedicated to the SWEETEST woman I’ve ever known – my grandma! She passed away last week after living 86 years of a wonderful life. While I’m incredibly heartbroken, I’ve found comfort in raiding her recipe box and making one of her favorite recipes to share with you.
I’ve always said I was blessed with my grandpa’s pretty hazel eyes and my grandma’s sweet tooth. Some of my first memories took place in my grandma’s kitchen making brownies – even when I was too little to reach the counter she was prepared with a mixing bowl and a spoon for me on the floor so I was sure to never miss a beat. As I got older and we would often go out to eat, she would remind me during our entrees to slow down if I was getting full. In her words, “you can always box that up and take it home – you HAVE leave room for dessert!”
Read MoreEach week, MIAbites will feature the Weekly Nibble, highlighting Miami food related events, recent news and special promotions for the upcoming weeks. Please note that specific details, dates and prices are subject to change, so please call ahead to confirm event details. In addition to the ongoing Miami Spice $23 lunch and $39 dinner menus, here are few non-Spice happenings to enjoy!
Wednesday August 10- B Bar Tapas & Grill is an internationally influenced tapas restaurant offering a diverse menu and energetic vibe located in North Miami Beach, and will be celebrating their grand opening with an evening of tapas, craft cocktails and live entertainment on Wednesday, August 10 from 6-8 p.m. B Bar Tapas & Grill 2995 NE 163rd Street North Miami Beach, 33160
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Conquer the Summer Blues and enjoy the Wok Star Supper Club at Drunken Dragon on Sunday, August 14th from 5-7 pm with local cooking teacher, Eleanor Hoh aka Wok Star. Join her as she promises you delicious food, beautiful ambience and fantastic camaraderie.
Drunken Dragon, Miami Beach’s Asian hot spot greets you with steamy photography of Japanese bondage on one side and on the other, a 300-pound table made out of reclaimed Douglas fir suspended by chains. Meet and mingle at the Bar with half price cocktails and curry salt truffle fries. Then chow down to a special 3 course sit down dinner for $45 including tips and tax PLUS a visit to Foxhole Bar after with first drink free.
Read MoreAs I am sure you are well aware, it’s that wonderful time of the year where many Miami restaurants feature Miami Spice menus with 3 course lunches for $23 and dinners for $39. A perfect chance to get out there and try something new. And while many times people “skip” dessert, Miami Spice INCLUDES dessert as part of those 3 courses.
Now, I don’t know about you – but I always determine my Miami Spice dining based on how yummy their dessert looks. There are many restaurants that have a great starter and entrée but then finish it off with a “selection of sorbets.” As refreshing as that sounds, I still want a DESSERT. Gotta satisfy that sweet tooth! So in honor of my sweet tooth I’ve scoped out five of the most exciting desserts being offered for Miami Spice.
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