Over the river and through the woods… or more like over the causeway and through the traffic... to delicious restaurants we go! From Miami Beach to Downtown to MiMo and Wynwood some of Miami area’s best restaurants are hosting holiday festivities on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day itself. Be sure to make your reservations early and check ahead to confirm hours and all details.

Miami Beach:

The Continental- Playing off a fun Japanese tradition of eating fried chicken with champagne and chocolate cake for Christmas, and their global influences, Continental will be offering a Korean Fried Chicken Special. The complete meal will feature a green salad, Continental’s famous Korean Fried Chicken, a glass of bubbly and a slice of Millionaire's Chocolate Cake. The Continental 2301 Collins Ave. Miami Beach FL 305 604 2000

Juvia- Enjoy Christmas above the city in the penthouse of Juvia with family and friends! Juvia is offering a special Yule dessert (with a variety of flavors to choose from) every day starting Dec. 20 through the 31st. What better way to get into the Christmas spirit than indulging in this dessert along with their regular dinner menu. Juvia 1111 Lincoln Rd. Miami Beach FL (305) 763-8272.

Jaya at The Setai- On Christmas Day, Jaya at The Setai will be serving their signature Christmas themed buffet with two seatings at11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Priced at $125 per person and $63 per child, festivities will include live jazz featuring Christmas carols and a special appearance from Santa Claus. Jaya at The Setai 2001 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139 (855) 923-7899

The Dutch- On Christmas Eve, the $50 per person (excluding tax and gratuity) dinner will include a traditional Caja China Pig Roast, along with other savory Latin dishes prepared by Executive Chef Adonay Tafur. The Dutch is located inside W South Beach, 2201 Collins Avenue, in Miami Beach, Florida, 33139 (305) 938-3111

RestaurantsMIAbites TeamDecember 18, 2016MiMo/Upper East Side, Downtown, Wynwood, Best Restaurants, Miami Beach, MiamiComment

Saturday Sweets: Basic Sugar Cookies for Holiday Baking

Recipes, Saturday SweetsAmber Love BondDecember 17, 2016MiamiComment

Hanukkah Latkes: Chef Michelle Bernstein's Favorite

RecipesMIAbites TeamDecember 16, 2016Miami BeachComment

Weekly Nibble: Ugly Sweaters with Pizza & Burgers, Full Moon Party, Latte Art, La Parranda and more

Each week, MIAbites presents the Weekly Nibble, a curated listing of upcoming food events and new restaurant openings for Miami and Miami Beach. As always, please confirm details and prices ahead of time.

Thursday December 15th- Perez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) presents Poplife Social from 6-10pm featuring Indie Folk artist and Jay Thomas and DJ set by Arthur Baker. Art on The Plaza, Specialty cocktails and bites from Verde available for purchase. Free for Museum members, $16 pp for non-members. Museum open until 9 pm. PAMM 1103 Biscayne Blvd. Miami, FL 305 375 3000.

Weekly NibbleMIAbites TeamDecember 13, 2016Miami Beach, MiamiComment

Dining around at The Diplomat Resort in Hollywood

I am a big fan of tours: historical tours, museum tours, food tours. You name it, this nerd is DOWN. So, when I was invited to tour the three food and beverage outlets just opened at the newly renovated Diplomat Beach Resort in Hollywood, I was ecstatic.

An over $100 million renovation has been undertaken by Howard Wein Hospitality (HWH), The Diplomat Beach Resort and Thayer Lodging Group, to transform the Diplomat into both a vacation and dining destination from "coast to Intracoastal". When 2017 ends, over 10 new eateries and restaurants will be open including concepts by celebrity chef, Michael Schulson, Food Network TV star and Chopped judge, Geoffrey Zakarian, and a beachfront casual taco and Nuevo Latino spot helmed by Chefs Sue Torres and Darren Carbone.

For this inaugural visit, we made our way first to Diplomat Landing on the Intercoastal, where the afternoon started at Bristol’s Burgers, a trendy casual eatery serving up fresh grilled burgers on homemade buns paired with signature cocktails, local craft beers, gourmet milkshakes, and more.

MIAbites TeamDecember 13, 2016Broward, HollywoodComment

Saturday Sweets: Monster Milkshakes at Boca's House in Doral

It’s not often that I find myself in Doral, but when I heard about the insane milkshakes being served at Boca’s House, I knew I needed to check it out. Boca's House is a Peruvian-Venezuelan fusion spot boosting huge Tomahawk steaks and lots of ceviche options.

While I did stuff myself with dinner instead of diving straight into dessert, I made sure I had plenty of room to try a few of their shakes. We tried the three most popular flavors and could instantly see why their Instagram account has grown to over 171k followers in such a short period of time, with most tagged photos being of the famed milkshakes.

First up: The Tres Leches Milkshake

Saturday SweetsAmber Love BondDecember 10, 2016Doral, MiamiComment

Dress to Excess at Michael Mina's Pizza & Burger Ugly Sweater Party

EventsMIAbites TeamDecember 9, 2016Miami Beach, MiamiComment

12 Places to Eat Healthy in Miami: Juice Bars, Organic Markets & Vegetarian/Vegan Dining

The Holiday overeating and overdrinking season is upon us. Take a break from the overindulging at these Miami places to eat healthy and maybe even keep some of those extra pounds at bay. Here are MIAbites favorite spots for Juice, Organic produce and Vegetarian or Vegan dining:

Jugo Fresh- Jugofresh sells organic cold-pressed juices, smoothies and vegan foods (bowls, salads, sandwiches). Seven locations in Miami-Dade County including Wynwood Walls, Sunset Harbour and South Pointe Park. Jugofresh Wynwood Walls 222 NW 26th St (786) 472-2552

Temple Kitchen- Neighborhood whole food, plant-based kitchen." Menu features a variety of flavorful salads, noodle or vegetable baskets, hot pots and soups. Numerous smoothies, juices, elixirs and other drinks available. Also, delicious parfaits. Open for breakfast. Delivery available. Closed Sunday.831 Sunset Drive South Miami 33143 (305) 397-8732

Dr Smood- Fresh juices, snacks and healthy eating options. 2230 NW 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33121

Green Gables Cafe- Small eatery specializing in to-go and delivery orders. Try the roasted eggplant & hummus wrap, a salad, Green gazpacho or other vegan soups made daily. Smoothies, organic vegetable and fruit juices, tea and coffee (soy, almond and rice milks available). Local and organic ingredients. Open Monday through Friday for breakfast and lunch, 7:30am to 4:30pm. 327 Alhambra Circle Coral Gables, FL 33134 (305) 445-7015

Choices Cafe- The all-vegan, 95% organic menu at Choices includes wraps, quinoa bowls, pizza, salads and soups. The Mental Lentil wrap (lentil patty, black beans, quinoa, pico de gallo, plantain, sauteed onion, avocado, tahini sauce) is one of their popular, signature dishes. Juices and smoothies, delicious desserts, and beer and wine are also available. Friendly, knowledgeable staff. Clean, modern atmosphere. Breakfast served daily (tofu scramble, pancakes!). Ask about their weekend brunch. 646 NE 79th Street Miami 33138 (786) 803-8352.

The Last Carrot- No-frills deli serving tofu or hummus pita sandwiches, salads, soups, fresh juices. Vegan desserts. 3133 Grand Avenue Coconut Grove 33133 (305) 445-0805

Whole Foods Downtown Miami - Fresh produce, juices and healthy options. 299 SE 3rd Ave. Miami, FL

Ten Fruits - great acai bowls, healthy juices and smoothies. 143 NE 3rd Ave
Miami, FL 33132 (305) 373-7678

Jar + Fork - smoothies, juices and they have vegan options as well. 270 E Flagler St, Miami, FL 33132 (305) 364-5643

Seasons 52 - Recommended for its vegan options, including the Winter Market Vegetable Plate (roasted vegetables, grilled tofu and cracked wheat tabbouleh). Also, vegan soups, salads and appetizers, and delicious flatbreads that can be made vegan. Tofu may be substituted for meat in other dishes (ask your server). 321 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables, FL, 33134 (305) 442-8552.

DIRT- where clean eating and great taste coexist in Miami Beach. DIRT is a new fine food served fast dining experience in Miami Beach: a farm-to-counter eatery and wellness bar combining fresh, great-tasting food with health, convenience, and simplicity. Simply put, we believe in high-quality, nutritious food, served quickly and affordably. 232 5th Street, Miami Beach 305 239 3000.

MIAbites TeamDecember 8, 2016Wynwood, Coral Gables, Coconut Grove, MiMo/Upper East Side, Miami Beach, Miami Comment

Home SWEET Home for The Salty Donut

Amber Love BondDecember 7, 2016Wynwood, MiamiComment

Chef Brad Kilgore: Passport to International Food Star

Jamaica Food & Drink Festival pictures include Chefs Brad and Leah, Miss T's Kitchen, Brad and Leah's Pork Dish and Crackerjack with Jerk Bacon by Smoked Marlin. Photo Credit: Andrew Giambarba.

Like the light from a really bright star, Chef Bradley Kilgore is on fire.

We would love to claim him in Miami as a native son, but we must admit we know that he is originally from Kansas City. The city of Chicago got to watch him shine during some of his formative years under Grant Achatz at Alinea (Boka and L2 as well). When he left the Windy City to come to Miami, few knew what we had just gained.

Soon though, his brilliance was difficult to miss at Azul and Jean-George Vongerichten’s J&G Grill. And then it was time for him to shine in a spot of his own. He collaborated with several local chefs for Basel week pop-ups as the finishing touches were being put on Alter.

When the doors opened in early 2015, night after night, diners sat down, dipped their spoons through a soft cooked egg, Gruyere crisp and scallop espuma and sighed.

Events, TravelBitesMIAbites TeamDecember 6, 2016MiamiComment

Miami Holiday Gift Guide 2016: MIAbites Contributors

RecipesMIAbites TeamDecember 2, 2016Miami Beach, MiamiComment

Happy Hour in Doral: Dragonfly Izakaya & Fish Market

Sometimes you just have to venture to Doral for some unique dining and good food. Earlier this month, Dragonfly Izakaya & Fish Market, located in Downtown Doral, rolled out some amazing new deals. These include Happy Hour specials, poke bowls and house-made Dragonfly sauces and seasonings to take home.

Izakaya refers to a type of casual Japanese pub, where eating and drinking go hand in hand. Sushi, Sashimi and Sake are the mainstays.

“Happier Hour”

Few things make me happier than a spot with happy hour seven days a week and Dragonfly is doing just that. Happier Hour is now offered Monday - Friday, 3 PM - 7 PM; Saturday and Sunday, 5 PM to 7 PM.

Choose from six Cocktails priced at $7, Better Wells priced at $5 or Wines and Local Drafts priced at $6. Cocktails were delicious, balanced and far from the typical subpar drinks offered at most happy hours.

I ordered the Musashi’s Paddle with Corazon Tequila, Agave Syrup, Yuzu, and Thai-Chili Tincture. The yuzu cut perfectly through the heat, which I love in a drink. I also had the Shocho Mojito made with Sweet Potato Shochu, a Japanese distilled drink, Lavender Simple Syrup, Lemon Juice, Black Cherries, Mint and Soda Water. This lower-proof drink was unexpected and incredibly refreshing. Premier, artisanal wines by-the-glass are available exclusively during Happier Hour and change monthly.

MIAbites TeamNovember 29, 2016Doral, MiamiComment

Soraya Kilgore: Taking the Pastry World by Storm

It’s safe to say everyone in Miami who loves food knows Brad Kilgore; James Beard Semifinalist, New Best Chef in America by Best Chefs America, one of Food & Wines Best New Chefs etc. But as the saying goes – behind every great man is an even greater woman. Enter: Soraya Kilgore, Brad’s incredibly talented right hand in life and pastry chef extraordinaire.

She may not be in the news as often, (or on the cover of Food & Wine Magazine, yet) but she’s got some serious talent.

As we move into Art Basel and Miami Art Week, it seemed appropriate for this week's Saturday Sweets to feature a talented artist, creating delicious and beautiful artwork every night at Alter and Brava by Brad Kilgore.

Soraya has loved pastry and baking for as long as she could remember. When she was a teenager, her parents decided to buy a bakery on a whim, and as she was off to culinary school they told her she could come back and run it. But of course, as many children do just to be rebellious, Soraya decided not to focus on pastry in school. It took her a few years, but she finally came back to her senses and returned to her first love – pastry and hasn’t looked back since.

Saturday SweetsAmber Love BondNovember 26, 2016Wynwood, Miami Comments

Weekly Nibble: Art Basel + EAT Basel

As over 75, 000 art dealers and art fans descend on Miami for the big shows like PULSE and UNTITLED on Miami Beach and Context/ArtMiami, Spectrum and the many smaller shows in and around Wynwood, a number of parties and food events are available to anyone who braves the traffic to Miami Beach, Wynwood, Midtown and other art-centric areas. Many kick off the beginning of the week and continue thru Sunday 12/4. Here is MIAbites Weekly Nibble curated listing for Art Week 2016.

Monday November 28th- Kick off the start of Art Basel with at LDV Hospitality’s Rooftop at the Gale South Beach on November 28th from 7pm – 10pm. Tasting Table and the Lincoln Motor Company will host the exclusive event. Tickets cost $45 plus tax and includes three drink tickets, specialty appetizers and shared plates and two interactive stations. Learn to make a Smoked Old Fashioned – blowtorch included, and how to make two different types of authentic Italian pastas Suitable for every kind of Basel-goer ( 21+ only), start your week at this trendy rooftop terrace. There will even be Live art mural by Miami artist Stuart Sheldon. Tickets on Eventbrite link here. Gale South Beach 1690 Collins Ave Miami Beach, FL 33139

Tuesday November 29th- Join Human Rights Campaign South Florida as our friends at the White Porch Gallery at R House Wynwood host a special event celebrating Art Basel and the HRC. Art for Equality will feature fun, food, drinks, and a DJ along with a silent auction featuring some of the most talented domestic and international LGBTQ and LGBTQ-allied artists. Tickets from $25 to $140 for full dinner on Eventbrite link here R House Wynwood 2727 Northwest 2nd Avenue Miami, FL 33127

Tuesday November 29th- Coyo Taco Wynwood invites all Art Basel attendees( and anyone else! ) to Come & party during #ArtBasel at a Major Rum and Bass block party with Walshy Fire and Friends. Very special guests will be dipping in from 7 PM to 2 AM. Tickets are $20-30 and on Eventbrite link here . Coyo Taco 2300 Northwest 2nd Avenue Miami, FL 33127

Events, Art BaselMIAbites TeamNovember 25, 2016Wynwood, Midtown, Downtown, Brickell, Miami Beach, MiamiComment

UPDATE: MIAbites named semi-finalist as Best Food Blogger

Events, Saturday SweetsMIAbites TeamNovember 22, 2016Miami Beach, MiamiComment

RECIPE: Allison's 2016 Cranberry Sauce

One our favorite writers and cook extraordinaire, Allison Riley, known to her followers as Y'all Taste This , spent Saturday cooking up cranberry sauce “her way”. Add these ingredients to your shopping list and make it “your way”.

While I know the turkey should be the star of the show on every Thanksgiving table, I've always held that a great plate of dressing, gravy, and cranberry sauce fulfills my every Thanksgiving desire. Because of that, I constantly find myself volunteering to bring those three dishes to every Thanksgiving pot luck. I just want to know that they are done properly. There is a "right way" to do them, and that way means more than following a recipe.

Every year, mine are slightly different, but always satisfying. When asked to contribute a recipe for MIAbites this year, I considered my changing ways, and instead, I'm providing both my "formula" for Cranberry Sauce and this year's final version.

RecipesMIAbites TeamNovember 19, 2016MiamiComment

Saturday Sweets: Cindy Lou's Cookies- Seriously Delicious

Miami is about to get its first Artisanal Cookie Shop thanks to Cindy Kruse and her cookie concept, Cindy Lou’s Cookies. In her words, “veggies might nourish the body, but cookies nourish the soul.” I couldn’t agree more! These cookies weigh a crazy five ounces each and are fresh baked daily. Cindy has been renting kitchen space on South Beach but is finally moving into her own space in Little River by the end of this year.

Not only will she be able to have her own space to crank out cookies that she’s hand delivering all over Miami by herself, but she’s hoping to one day open it to the public so everyone can have their cookie craving satisfied in an instant.

In the meantime you can enjoy her cookies at spots like Panther Coffee, Jimmy’z Kitchen, Vice City Bean, and Rail 71 Café. It wasn’t always about cookies though – Cindy has made her mark in famous kitchens all over the country while working under Wolfgang Puck, Emeril Lagasse, Charlie Trotter, Charlie Palmer and Jean Georges Vongerichten. She’s even made desserts for the Emmy Awards in Los Angeles.

Upon her arrival in Miami she was the Executive Pastry Chef at the Fontainebleau on Miami Beach until they closed for renovations where she then oversaw dessert production at Barton G. for two years. As much as she loved all those experiences, she says making her cookies has always been her dream.

Saturday SweetsAmber Love BondNovember 19, 2016Little River, Miami Comments

Finding comfort at Fi’lia by Michael Schwartz

It was the day after the Election, and even though I may have preferred to stay curled up in the fetal position, I knew that getting out and being with people was probably better therapy. I wanted a soothing spot with good food and decided to venture to the SLS Brickell to Michael Schwartz’s new Italian restaurant, Fi’lia.

From the moment we walked into the entrance, accessible only through the rather austere SLS lobby, the airy décor designed by Philippe Starck with it’s warm lighting, blond wood furniture and open kitchen felt welcoming and pleasing to my rather frayed nerves.

Ellen BowenNovember 17, 2016Brickell, MiamiComment