Earls Kitchen + Bar: Summer Menu

Earls Kitchen + Bar in Dadeland Mall invited us in to have a taste of their light and fresh summer dishes. We were fans already, but now we might just become regulars.

The evening stated with a lighter flare, the Quinoa and Avocado Powerbowl is dressed to the T. It's made with roasted squash, beet, pumpkin seeds, and crispy chickpeas — all contrasting beautifully with hues of green — and then dressing making this a fantastic summer salad.

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Summer Ceviche Recipe:  My Ceviche Shrimp & Watermelon Ceviche

In case you didn't know, June 28th is National Ceviche Day and lucky for us,  My Ceviche, and Zuuk Mediterranean owner Sam Gorenstein shares this cool and refreshing summer ceviche recipe featuring Key West Shrimp and Watermelon. Make it today, for July 4th festivities or any day to cool off from Miami's heat.

My Ceviche, which currently has six locations including in Midtown and at MIA Airport, prides itself on using fresh local fish in a variety of ceviches, poke, tacos, burritos and bowls.  Each location offers both eat in and take out in a casual "beach shack" setting. Order online to skip the line or schedule delivery. Or stop by and try the current shrimp ceviche tossed in Ponzu Shoyu sauce with Watermelon, Thai Basil, Red Onion, and Cilantro.

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OMG! Dinner & A Movie Returns to O Cinema

Gotta love Summer in Miami. OMG! Dinner & A Movie makes a triumphant return to O Cinema Wynwood with creative movie screenings paired with mouthwatering menus by the culinary masterminds at Michael Schwartz Events, the creative team behind Miami's culinary hotspots like Michael's Genuine and Harry's Pizzeria, under the direction of James Beard Award-winning chef Michael Schwartz.

Celebrate terrific food and film in a relaxed atmosphere- all taking place on-site at O Cinema Wynwood.  Dinner is served starting at 6pm on old school cafeteria trays where you'll be able to eat in your seats and the film will get underway at 7pm. Tickets are $55 and include your 5-course meal served with soda or water and the film.  As always there will be beer or wine available for purchase. 

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Saturday Sweets: McDonald’s Debuts New Premium Desserts

The following Saturday Sweets is a paid sponsored post

McDonald’s has always been a great constant when it comes to the simple, quick, and classic vanilla soft serve ice cream cone. As a kid I always loved when my grandma’s sweet tooth kicked in while we were running errands, because I knew that meant we were making a stop at McDonald’s for an ice cream cone. Fast forward nearly 3 decades of ice cream memories and it’s still just as satisfying as it was when I was a kid. Desserts have been a favorite at McDonald’s for almost 60 years. Last summer alone, McDonald’s customers enjoyed 68 million vanilla soft serve cones across the country.

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First Taste: Sushi, Sake and Sunny at Sushi Garage

Summers in Miami call for refreshing new menus. And so we were excited to be invited to get a first taste of what Chef Sunny Oh of Sushi Garage had created for Summer 2017.

It is called Sushi, Sake & Sunny and it is meant for two to share. Priced at $70 for two, bring your best foodie friend for the ride.

We sat a few tables across from the open kitchen and quickly reviewed the tasting menu. The clean contemporary lines in the room’s décor complemented the items on the menu.

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Saturday Sweets: Cool for the Summer Milkshakes at Sweetness Bakeshop

In anticipation of the hotter months in Miami, Sweetness Bakeshop is getting together with some local favorites in the blogger community to create milkshakes that will make the summer a little bit more bearable. The Cool for the Summer Series of Shakes will be available starting June 15th - all the way until Labor Day.

Of course, my love for Sweetness Bakeshop landed me a spot on their list repping MIAbites, along with Sef aka Burger Beast, Cari aka Fatgirl Hedonist, and Gio aka Chat Chow TV.

Here are the drool-worthy milkshakes you can expect:

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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.

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Stephen Starr's Steak 954: Worth The Drive

It is a rare occasion that I’ll drive to Fort Lauderdale for dinner, especially on a Tuesday during rush hour. But sometimes I step out of my comfort zone, put on some good music, and just make the trip. I did exactly that last week and once I was sipping on a cocktail and watching the sunset on the beach, I immediately forgot about all the insane traffic I had to go through to get there.

Stephen Starr’s concept, Steak 954, located in the W Fort Lauderdale is the kind of classic restaurant that you hope never changes. They’ve got a great wine list and a selection of classic cocktails, as well as a few that are a little more boozy and fun. The menu includes several fresh seafood options and a long list of steak choices. Pair that with their fresh take on classic appetizers and truffle macaroni and cheese and you’re pretty much set.

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Miami Spice Preview: Estefan Kitchen To Host Exclusive Dinner

Miami Spice is almost here! That means the preview dinners are right around the corner. This year will be the 16th year of the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB)’s Miami Spice Restaurant Program.

First up on the calendar of preview dinners, GMCVB will be teaming up with Estefan Kitchen for an exclusive preview of the hot new Design District restaurant’s Miami Spice menu before the program kicks-off August 1, 2017.

For one night only, on Wednesday, June 14, 2017, guests enjoyed a one-of-a-kind dining experience in a 1950’s Cuba inspired setting with Chef Odell Torres. The three-course meal will allow diners to relish in the flavors inspired by traditional Estefan family recipes and experience the new restaurant’s Miami Spice menu, available August through September. Priced at $55 per person (excluding tax, tip and additional beverage purchases) the dinner will include complimentary pours from Miami Spice sponsors Chandon, Stella Artois, Terrazas de los Andes and Fiji Water as well as the live entertainment the restaurant is known for.

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Weekly Nibble: Celebrate Dad

Father’s Day was Sunday! If you don’t have any plans that involve making dad feel extra special - we’ve got last minute ideas at a few of the best spots in town for you, plus some easy grilling tips from a top Miami chef.

Pao by Paul Qui at Faena Hotel Miami Beach is celebrating Father’s Day with an Asian-inspired epicurean adventure at Pao by Paul Qui. Enjoy Pao’s new prix-fixe Summer menu featuring signature menu items like Octopus Aguachile and East Side King Fried Chicken with new

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Saturday Sweets: Seaspice's No-Bake Lemon Mousse Recipe

Summer in Miami! This week’s Saturday Sweets is a sweet and refreshing recipe for No-Bake Lemon Mousse from Miami River hot spot, Seaspice. This treat is bound to satisfy your sweet tooth in no time, as this easy to make dessert is a perfect balance of sweet and citrusy notes. This is just the kind of dessert you’ll crave on a hot summer day.

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National Rosé Day is June 10th

This past Satruday June 10th was National Rosé Day. National Rosé Day is observed annually on the second Saturday in June.

Rosé is probably the oldest known type of wine, dating back as far as 600 BC. Rosé wines are generally made from red grapes and are very versatile wines that complement many types of food. Rosé is lighter than red wine and deeper than white wine.  

The pink color of rosé wine depends on the time the grape skin stays in contact with the juice, also known as maceration. There are rosé wines that are semi-sparkling or sparkling with different intense of sweetness levels and dryness.

Here are a few spots you can celebrate this refreshing wine holiday... and every day #AllDay:

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Lightkeepers Shines On Key Biscayne

Key Biscayne is one of those pretty parts of Miami that is rarely explored or talked about, at least not nearly as much as it should be.

It is home to tons of Miami history and El Farito, one of Miami’s oldest lighthouses. Lightkeepers, named as an homage to the lighthouse keepers who watched over Key Biscayne’s historic Cape Florida Lighthouse in the 1800’s, opened at The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne just a few months ago. It’s located just off the waters of Key Biscayne and has a contemporary, coastal-inspired dining room and a casual indoor/outdoor bar.

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Saturday Sweets: Summer's Light & Fresh Fruity Desserts

Summer is just around the corner (even though it feels like it’s already here) and it’s got me thinking about refreshing sweets covered in fresh fruit. I’m usually all about everything chocolate, but there’s something brought on by the heat of summer that converts me - just for a bit - to a fruity dessert fiend.

Here are some of my favorite desserts that can be found around town this summer:

 

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