They're Baaack! The Return of The Stone Crabs
They're Baaack! The Return of The Stone Crabs

You have waited patiently since May, dealt with Zika Zones, survived Hurricane Matthew and now will be rewarded when stone crab season starts up on October 15th. Here are a few places to get your claws on those tasty claws.

Joe’s Stone Crab- 11 Washington Ave.  Miami Beach, FL 305 673 0365  

For over 100 years, Joe's is the institution that started it all.  Be prepared to wait as they don’t take reservations, or take your chances at lunch.  Three sizes of claws, traditional mustard dipping sauce, cole slaw and their famous fried chicken and key lime pie round out the meal.  Joe's Takeaway also next door if you want to rough it and sit in a more casual atmosphere or take it to go. 

George Stone Crab- Order ahead for delivery from My Ceviche partner, Roger Duarte’s George Stone Crab.  Reputed to be the largest provider of stone crab delivery in the country they deliver four sizes and dinners in Miami and all over the country. Shipped fresh overnight by FedEx and never frozen. Order online at http://www.georgestonecrab.com/

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MIAbites TeamMiami Beach, MiamiComment
Saturday Sweets: Best Pumpkin Desserts in Miami
Saturday Sweets: Best Pumpkin Desserts in Miami

It’s officially fall and even though it doesn’t feel like it (although, those two 75 degree days we had this week were heavenly) my mind is filled with all things pumpkin.  I’m a big fan of pumpkin treats, so made it my duty to set out to find some of the best spiced fall flavored deliciousness in Miami.

Here’s where you can get the best pumpkin desserts around town:

6.  The Elegant One

Pumpkin Cheesecake, The Forge

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Saturday SweetsAmber Love BondMiami Beach, MiamiComment
5 places to End Your 9 to 5 in Miami
5 places to End Your 9 to 5 in Miami

Welcome to new MIAbites contributor, Diana Rodriguez, who is a Cuban native with a flare for foodie finds. With a background in engineering and creative writing, Diana seeks to find the art and balance in each dish. You can follow her on Instagram at instagram.com/dmrodrigzz.

Happy Friday! Whether you are working from 9 to 5 or paving the career path to self-employment, we can always find time for a Happy Hour (somewhere). And although this scheduled period of entertainment usually involves discounts on specialty cocktails, beer and wine, we are lining up our favorites that also offer delectable bites to kick off the weekend right.

Pawn Broker in the Langford Hotel - 121 SE 1st Street. Miami, FL/ HH: M-F 5pm – 7pm

Go all the way up. This trendy rooftop bar is the newest establishment by The Pubbelly Boys and once again they have created a unique and buzzworthy spot. Try one of their twists on classic cocktails like the Daiquiri and Old Fashioned, or ask about their daily House Punch ($7). Then order something with a little more of a bite, like the Yellowtail Taquitos in ginger-sesame soy or the popular Wagyu Beef Tartare Sliders in a parmesan cream—both are two per order and just $10.

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MIAbites TeamMiami Beach, MiamiComment
Proper Sausages: Specialty Butcher Shop and Sandwiches
Proper Sausages: Specialty Butcher Shop and Sandwiches

It is challenge to find a good butcher in Miami.  Whole Foods and Fresh Market  attempt to mirror a butcher shop by offering cut to order meats behind a glass case, but if you have ever really been to a specialty butcher, you know you are buying antibiotic and hormone free, grass fed, organic meats and poultry from local independently owned farms and ranches and not from huge Corporate funded ranches across the country. 

Proper Sausages, in a small storefront in Miami Shores is exactly that…a specialty butcher shop making a variety of homemade artisan sausages, customized burgers, cut to order slab bacon and fresh cuts of rib-eye, pork and chicken.  The chalkboard behind the cases proudly lists their suppliers:  Beef from Jackman Ranch, Clewiston, Florida, Poultry from Lake Meadows Farms, Ocoee, Florida and Pork from Berkshire Pigs fed a natural diet and raised on Eden Farms, Iowa.

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Ellen BowenMiamiComment
Saturday Sweets: Dessert Showcase at Ritz Carlton Fort Lauderdale
Saturday Sweets: Dessert Showcase at Ritz Carlton Fort Lauderdale

It’s not often that I venture up to Broward, but on occasion I’ll make the trek just to see what’s out there.  This week I was invited to a Dessert Showcase at the Ritz Carlton in Fort Lauderdale, and decided it was time for a trip up north.  Traffic was terrible, but upon arrival I was immediately greeted with champagne and a gorgeous display of cakes.  The traffic was quickly forgotten. 

The Dessert Showcase’s purpose was to let local wedding and event planners and others in the industry get a chance to know about the in-house cake and pastry offerings Executive Pastry Chef Ryan Cross and his team of 8 pastry artists are making on site.

The ocean views were a perfect backdrop for the large intricate cakes on display.  Even the tasting portions were decorated beautifully making it an all-around classy affair, as one would expect when on a Ritz Carlton property. 

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Saturday SweetsAmber Love BondMiamiComment
Weekly Nibble: Mendin & Friends, Bleau goes Pink, Pizza Month, Lunch at The Continental and more
Weekly Nibble: Mendin & Friends, Bleau goes Pink, Pizza Month, Lunch at The Continental and more

We are relieved to report that Miami basically dodged the Hurricane Matthew bullet with our thoughts to our Northern and Caribbean neighbors who suffered such devastation. Please consider making donations to The Red Cross or other relief funds to help those most affected begin to recover and rebuild. 

Below are the upcoming MIAbites Weekly Nibble food events and happenings.  Please check to confirm details. 

All of the  Veritage Miami Wine and Food Festival events have been postponed until Spring 2017.  Many restaurants will be closed both Thursday 10/6 and Friday 10/7.  EATER Miami posted this Hurricane Matthew Guide to Open and Closed Restaurants, so check before you head out.   

 

 

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Weekly NibbleMIAbites TeamMiami Beach, MiamiComment
Earls Kitchen + Bar: Teenager Approved
Earls Kitchen + Bar: Teenager Approved

Almost three years ago, Earls Kitchen + Bar, the matriarch of upscale casual dining, hailing from my home of Vancouver, Canada, opened up in Miami.  Their stunning 2nd floor location in Dadeland Mall boasts a vibe that has proved appealing to millenials and families alike.

The over 9000 sq ft of space includes a massive, opulent open kitchen which provides the back drop to the intimate banquette area, the craft cocktail bar, the circle sports bar, the high top picnic tables, long communal tables all draped in amazing sunsets through the glass walls.

This past week marked two newsworthy mentions for Earls’ in Florida.  First, the opening of their Orlando location and then the launch of their Fall menu.  I have been going to Earls as far back as I can remember (over 30 years) and the launch of a seasonal menu has always been their forte and something worth making a special trip for.. 

I was invited to sample Earls’ Fall menu items, but knew it would be tough to get through all of them on my own so I enlisted the help of my always hungry 16 year old son, Lucas. 

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MIAbites TeamMiamiComment
Saturday Sweets: The Salty Donut x Uvaggio Wine Bar
Saturday Sweets: The Salty Donut x Uvaggio Wine Bar

I honestly didn’t think it was possible, but my intense love for The Salty Donut has grown once again.  This time it’s because last week they paired up with another fabulous local spot, Uvaggio Wine Bar on Miracle Mile, to host a donut and wine pairing dinner.  Yes, you read that correctly DONUTS AND WINE.  Cue The Sound Of Music and Julie Andrews – My Favorite Things lyrics, please. 

The dinner included four amazing donuts from our friend and recent Cooking Channel Sugar Showdown winner, Max Santiago that were perfectly paired with wines by my favorite wine experts, Craig DeWald and Heath Porter.  Tickets to the event were limited, as Uvaggio’s intimate setting only allows for a 25 person occupancy.  I’m glad I bought my $40 ticket immediately because it sold out within an hour of being announced.  Donuts for dinner sounded like the best idea ever for this sweet lover, even though I’ll admit I had no idea what I was getting myself into. 

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Saturday SweetsAmber Love BondCoral Gables, MiamiComment
Celebrate Rosh Hashanah with Chef Danny Serfer
Celebrate Rosh Hashanah with Chef Danny Serfer

The Jewish High Holy days begin at sundown on Sunday October 2nd with the celebration of the Jewish New Year 5777 or Rosh Hashanah.  The “MasterBraiser”, Chef Danny Serfer of Blue Collar and Mignonette, is doing the cooking for you by creating Rosh Hashanah baskets for $35 per person that include latkes & apple sauce, Marsha's salad, Serfer’s braised brisket and roasted potatoes plus a choice of veggie side and dessert. The restaurant is taking orders 48 hours in advance prior to pick up via email at info@bluecollarmiami.com. Please email for order form.

For those traditionalists, who want to prepare the meal at home, below is recipe for Chef Serfer’s Braised Brisket.  If you have ever had any of Blue Collar’s braised meat dishes…especially his signature braised oxtail, you know that is why MIAbites calls Chef Serfer  the “MasterBraiser”.  Recipe below:

Blue Collar Rosh Hashanah Braised Brisket

 

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RecipesEllen BowenMiamiComment
Celebrate National Coffee Day in Miami
Celebrate National Coffee Day in Miami

Yes, today is National Coffee Day, so whether you like your coffee as a drip, pourover, as espresso, cappuccino, latte or cold brew, Miami has many great spots to caffeinate.

In the last few years, Specialty Coffee has really taken root in Miami-Dade. There has been a marked rise in restaurants and hotels that genuinely care about their coffee programs. Not to diminish the mothership of Miami specialty coffee, Panther Coffee in Wynwood, Coconut Grove and Sunset Harbour, a small group of new roasters have moved into the 305 including Eternity Coffee Roasters, Relentless Coffee Roasters, Per’La Specialty Roasters , and more are on the way. We have also been treated to some great cafes that have paid attention to both “how” to brew and “what” to brew. At the top of their game are Café Curuba in the Gables, Threefold Café in both Coral Gables and South Miami, Miam Café in Wynwood, All Day in Downtown Miami , Vice City Bean, as well as The Grind Project next to the Hungry Bear across from Miami Dade College in Kendall. Between these new cafes and Panther’s three locations in Wynwood, Coconut Grove and Sunset Harbour Specialty coffee lovers in Miami are driving fewer miles for a great pourover, cold brew or espresso drink.

This National Coffee Day, check out the new Setai Blend created just for the 5 Star Forbes Setai Hotel by Miami local Per’La Specialty Roasters. Guests can pick from a cold brew, drip/American or decaf espressos or if you are in the mood for a kick, try the Espresso Martini  The Setai 2001 Collins Ave. Miami Beach FL 305 520- 6000

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MIAbites TeamMiami Beach, MiamiComment
Fall into the Season at these Miami Restaurants
Fall into the Season at these Miami Restaurants

This past week saw the beginning of Fall in Miami, and with it cooler, less humid days and nights and a chance to savor some local Fall produce like heirloom tomatoes, pumpkin, eggplant, root vegetables, roasted carrots, crispy brussel sprouts and the newest Fall veggie staple, cauliflower. 

Here are some MIAbites favorite restaurants and their Fall menu additions so you can start off the season with some fresh and new seasonal dishes.

And we even included a recipe from Makoto for their popular and delicious Asian Crispy Brussel Sprouts for you to try at home.

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MIAbites TeamWynwood, Bal Harbour, Miami Beach, MiamiComment
Saturday Sweets: Sweetness Bakeshop, Neighborhood Favorite
Saturday Sweets: Sweetness Bakeshop, Neighborhood Favorite

The dessert scene in Miami has been steadily growing for years now, but do you remember in 2010 when mini cupcakes were taking over the world?  Sweetness Bakeshop entered our lives at just the right time and was ALL over that craze. 

I remember the first day I stepped foot into Sweetness Bakeshop, I was in between classes and had stopped in to visit my grandmother on my lunch break when she showed me a flyer she picked up about a bakery opening that very day.  Naturally I left my next class and immediately made my way there. 

The moment I walked in, I knew I found my new home away from home.  Cupcakes, coffee, and WiFi was all this college kid needed.  Within a few weeks I was on a first name basis with the entire family behind this delicious little bakeshop.  But I wasn’t the only one obsessed with them, they gained a cult-like following fairly quickly.

Sweetness Bakeshop is owned and operated as a total family affair.  Stephanie Diaz graduated with a Business Degree from FIU in December 2009 and with her mom, Yami’s love of baking and the entire family’s support – Sweetness Bakeshop was up and running by March 2010.

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Saturday SweetsAmber Love BondMiamiComment
Lekoke Wine & Bites: Wine bar in Little Havana
Lekoke Wine & Bites: Wine bar in Little Havana

As much as I love the new, hip, “see and be seen” spots all over our gorgeous city, it’s always nice to have the unknown, hidden, quiet spots under your belt as well.  That’s where Lekoke Wine & Bites on Calle Ocho comes into play.  A quiet unassuming wine bar with fresh homemade tapas is the perfect way to celebrate #WineWednesday or really any day for that matter.

The walls are lined with unique décor and rows and rows of wine.  All price points and varieties can be found here, there’s something to make every wine lover happy as well as making a wine novice a pro. Owners Laura and Ronald were aware that many local Little Havana Miamians are more drawn to beers and hard liquors and wanted to find a way to make them aware of the wonderful wine options that are available in our community.  Lekoke was inspired by Ronald’s nickname, Koko – the ‘Le’ was added to give it a French feel because they wanted to create the allusion that you aren’t on just Calle 8 but somewhere diverse and upscale.  They wanted to be part of the modernization and expansion of the well-known Little Havana area. 

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Amber Love BondLittle Havana, MiamiComment
Weekly Nibble: Key Lime Day, Bar Wars, Coffee Day, Wine at Alter, Gastronomy Congress, and more
Weekly Nibble: Key Lime Day, Bar Wars, Coffee Day, Wine at Alter, Gastronomy Congress, and more

September seems to be packed with “special” food holidays.  The entire month is Bourbon Heritage Month, September 25th is National Lobster Day, September 26th is Key Lime Pie Day and September 29th is National Coffee Day.  This week’s Weekly Nibble will try to cover all of those holidays with local options, in addition to regular food and drink events.

Sunday September 25th- National Lobster Day- FUN FACT: National Lobster Day was moved to September 25th in 2015 by an act of the U.S. Senate. The resolution was introduced by Maine Senators Susan Collins and Angus King, after no one could find any official approval of the National Lobster Day celebrated on June 15th. However the old National Lobster Day, June 15th, is still being widely celebrated today. Keep the old and the new, we say.

The Dutch Miami Beach features a refreshing Lobster Salad served in Vadouvan curry with mango and cashews in a coconut shell and is the perfect starter for any meal. The Dutch W South Beach, 2201 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139

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Weekly NibbleMIAbites TeamMiami Beach, MiamiComment
Counting Down Miami Spice: Izzy's Fish & Oyster
Counting Down Miami Spice: Izzy's Fish & Oyster

The days of Miami Spice are officially counting down, but before we say farewell to the off-season fixe prix special extravaganza that has most of us swearing off our bikini bodies till Spring, we have some musts that should be checked off the bucket list.

We are talking about South Beach’s seafood resto of choice, Izzy’s Fish & Oyster Bar, who recently upgraded some items of its Miami Spice dinner menu ($39) for the month of September.

Chef/Owner Jamie Derosa and Chef de Cuisine, William Crandall are staying true to New England roots with their authentic dishes and drinks. It’s a slice of Cape Cod just off the corner of 5th and Washington.

The menu offers the option of substituting your dessert for a beverage, which is the way to go unless you are one of the few dedicated souls who actually saves room. These options include house red or white wine, Narragansett on draft, Sam Adams Oktoberfest Ale or one of their signature Miami Spice Cocktails.

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Miami SpiceMIAbites TeamMiami BeachComment
Saturday Sweets: Chef Maria, Pubbelly Pastry Chef Extraordinaire
Saturday Sweets: Chef Maria, Pubbelly Pastry Chef Extraordinaire

Unless you live under a rock, you’ve heard about the Pubbelly Boys and their amazing savory creations, but not everyone knows about their sweet secret weapon – Chef Maria Orantes.  Chef Maria is the Executive Pastry Chef for all of the Pubbelly restaurants, including their newest adventures downtown at PB Station and out to sea at Food Republic on Norwegian Cruise Line’s largest ship, The Escape.  

While she’s busy creating amazing recipes for the new spots, her heart still very happily belongs to her Sunday Brunch Dough Bar 305 found at the original Pubbelly Sushi location in Sunset Harbour.  Each week Chef Maria features around six different delicious donuts available just for brunch. 

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Saturday Sweets, Features, ProfilesAmber Love BondMiami BeachComment
Weekly Nibble: Bourbon Month, Burgers, Babes & Booze, Gin & Jazz, Key Lime Pies, Lobster Day and more
Weekly Nibble: Bourbon Month, Burgers, Babes & Booze, Gin & Jazz, Key Lime Pies, Lobster Day and more

September seems to be packed with “special” food holidays.  The entire month is Bourbon Heritage Month, September 18th is National Cheeseburger Day, September 25th is National Lobster Day, September 26th is Key Lime Pie Day and September 29th is National Coffee Day. 

This week’s Weekly Nibble will try to cover all of those holidays with local options, in addition to regular food and drink events.

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Weekly NibbleMIAbites TeamMiami Beach, MiamiComment
Synchronicity at The Setai
Synchronicity at The Setai

When the new owners of The Setai Miami Beach took control of the luxury hotel in early 2015, they charted a course towards the vision of what the storied property could be. Included in this plan was a desire to integrate their vision with the best Miami has to offer. They wanted to be a location that could showcase local products that lived up to the very high standards of the Forbes five-star hotel and the expectations of the ownership group.

At roughly the same time, two buddies whose friendship began years prior at the University of Miami ( see photo below of then and now ), were discussing a possible partnership in Specialty Coffee. Paul Massard had put in years of work, rising through the ranks to become one of the approximately 350 Q-Graders in the US - the coffee industry equivalent of a sommelier. Originally from Colombia, not only was coffee in Paul’s blood, but he worked in all facets of the coffee industry after college. It was time to put his signature on a roasting operation of his own. His good friend from college, Chris Nolte, had honed his business skills in both corporate logistics and sales - in perfect preparation for an endeavor such as their newly minted Per’La Specialty Roasters.

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MIAbites TeamMiami BeachComment