Miami Spice 2023 | Participating Michelin-Recommended Restaurants Part 1 Posted on August 21, 2023 by Sarah Elles Boggs Now that we have devoured the Michelin Starred and Michelin Bib Gourmet restaurants who are participating in Miami Spice 2023, we are moving on to another delectable category. The Michelin-Recommended restaurants. There are twenty of these restaurants in the Greater Miami area this year, so we chose our top favorites to begin the feature. These restaurants are not only delicious and offer impeccable service with well-thought out menus, but they also are sort of staples in our community. Next week, we will delve into some of the newcomers who have both made the Michelin-Recommended list and are participating in Miami Spice 2023. But what does it mean to be Michelin Recommended? – Many may ask. According to the Michelin Guide, to be Michelin Recommended is this: “A restaurant in the Recommended selection is ths sign of a chef using quality ingredients that are well-cooked; simply a good meal. It means that the inspectors have found the food to be above average, but not quite at star or Bib level,” said Michael Ellis, who is the International Director of the Michelin Guide Books. So, by visiting any of these locations, you are pretty much guaranteed an amazing meal. Here we go! By clicking on the name of any of these restaurants, you will be directed to their Miami Spice page, which details their prix-fixe menu with options, prices, days available as well as their website and a link to their OpenTable account in order to make reservations. Image credit: Joe’s Stone Crab Joe’s Stone Crab – 11 Washington Avenue (South of Fifth) To start off the list, we have to respect Joe’s Stone Crab. It is an iconic Miami Beach staple. It was established in 1913, before Miami Beach even had paved roads. Located on the corner of South Pointe Drive and Washington Avenue, what started as a small, beachy eatery now takes up much of the block. The menu features the requisite fresh stone crabs, but also amazing steaks that are Florida-sourced as well as more affordable options. If you’re in a hurry, you can also stop off at Joe’s Takeaway next door. Joes Stone Crab has also been a staple on the Miami Spice list since its inception. For Miami Spice 2023, they have a $35 lunch menu Friday through Sunday as well as both price tiers ($45 and $60) for dinner every Wednesday through Sunday evenings. Since their menu is so vast, I’ll touch on some of my personal favorites. For starters, you could upgrade any meal with a $20 Joe’s Mule, their take on a Moscow Mule cocktail that is served in a commemorative Joe’s Stone Crab copper mug. On the starters, I tend to choose the copped salad. It has so many ingredients and a rich depth in flavor with an array of textures. Plus it is not overly heavy, so you can be prepared for something rich and/or heavy for your main course. For the main course, you have to remember that the fried chicken was endorsed by the “Queen of Southern Cooking” herself, Paula Deen. It is to die for. There are also stone crabs for a slight upgrade and you obviously can’t go wrong with that. In the fish selections, the Jumbo Crab Cakes are always delicious and the 8oz Miso Cod has a very rich taste. The desserts are classics for Joe’s. The key lime pie tends to be the most popular, as it matches well with Florida things like stone crab, but the apple pie is a southern classic and is layered with warm spiced apples that match well with the fried chicken. Image Credit: Los Fuegos Los Fuegos at Faena Miami Beach – 3201 Collins Avenue Next we’ll head up to 32nd and Collins in the Faena District to visit Los Fuegos where Chef Francis Mallman is passionate about South American live-fire cooking. Set to the backdrop of the lush Faena Hotel or poolside, you’ll enjoy a meal that the Michelin inspectors described as “Theatrical”. From Monday through Friday, they are offering a $35 lunch menu and Sunday through Thursday there is a $60 dinner menu at Los Fuegos. The appetizers are served in a way that everyone at the table could order one, then share so that everyone tries a bit. The braised lamb empanadas have a deep flavor, wild salmon tartare is served with potato skins, roasted garlic and anchovy oil and, yes. This man even wood-fired romaine lettuce for a very interesting thing to try and write home about! On the lunch menu, the Organic Airline Chicken Breast is refreshing with a lemon butter caper sauce, or the Wood Fired Wild Salmon. For dinner, it is difficult to go to an Argentine restaurant and not have a steak, so the Milanesa Napoltana would be hard to pass over but the Mediterranean Branzino also looks to have a deep flavor with a refreshing lemon butter caper sauce. If you are vegetarian, the Spinach, Ricotta and Mascarpone Crepe is definitely worthwhile. The desserts are a selection of thoughtfully paired sorbets or ice cream. The Chocolate Crumble incorporates pineapple, which is something I’ve never thought to do but would be interested to try. The Pie De Limon and Strawberry Passion Fruit Gratin are both exotically paired and feel refreshing. Image Credit: Mignonette Downtown Miami Mignonette Seafood and Oyster Bar – 210 NE 18th Street Downtown Miami In Downtown Miami, Mignonette has been a staple for many years now. It is located in a 1930’s gas station that is now a chic eatery where you can pull up in a dinner jacket or flip flops and fit in just fine. It is very popular with the locals from all the surrounding neighborhoods. Their Miami Spice 2023 menu is a $60 dinner any night of the week and is as simple as their dress code. You can choose from any one of their appetizers, entrees and desserts from the menu. There are a few exceptions such as seafood towers, caviar and whole fish, but it is very straight forward. I love raw oysters, so that is my obvious go-to on their appetizer menu but there are other options such as Casino Clams that are served in bacon broth, Charred Octopus and Lobster Deviled Eggs that are all winners. The list of options is really more extensive at Mignonette than at most any restaurant we’ve seen so far. On the dinner menu, the Crispy Skin Snapper is amazing as are the Diver Scallops. I’ve found that many restaurants don’t do scallops any justice but this is not the case at Mignonette. For dessert, there are four options. The key lime pie is topped with berries and whipped cream, an obvious staple for Florida. They also have a fudgy chocolate cake served with a glass of cold milk, a rich carrot cake smothered in caramel pomegranate molasses or heath bar butterscotch bread pudding that interestingly comes with cayenne whipped cream. Any of these would be something to try and enjoy. Image Credit: Hakkasan Miami Beach Hakkasan – 4441 Collins Avenue Miami Beach Existing on the Michelin lists since 2003 and located within the famed Fontainebleau Hotel at 4441 Collins Avenue, Hakkasan features Chef Loo’s inspired and innovative Cantonese selections. Visiting the Fontainebleau for any reason is another activity that all Miamians do at some point during their tenure in the 305, and Hakkasan is a great reason to do so. For Miami Spice 2023, Chef Kenny Loo (his real name is Chef Jian Heng Loo, but everyone calls him Kenny so we will here as well) is offering Sunday brunch for $35 or a $60 dinner service Sunday through Thursday. This is a very popular brunch spot, by the way for tourists and locals alike. Dim sum baskets are offered on the appetizer menu, and I don’t know many people who dislike dim sum but even those people would likely enjoy these. They have a complex flavor that is very savory and delicious. On the dinner menu he also offers Jasmine Tea Beef Short Ribs, which are amazing as well and stays straight on the theme of innovative Cantonese classics. Of the main courses, you choose one protein and one side or vegetable. Sticking to theme, I really enjoy the Sweet and Sour Prawn with a side of Baby Pak Choi or the Peking Duck. Other stars of the show are the Crispy Orange Chicken and the Charcoal Grilled Honey Chilean Sea Bass. Getting to dessert you have Mandarin and Vanilla, which is an interesting and refreshing gelato that has lemongrass and vanilla with orange segments. Alternatively there is the Yuzu Smore, an interesting raspberry marshmallow, yuzu ice cream, raspberry gel, cashew crumble and hot milk chocolate sauce. Image Credit: Le Zoo Bal Harbour Shops Le Zoo Restaurant – 9700 Collins Avenue Bal Harbour Shops After a long afternoon of shopping at Bal Harbour Shops at 9700 Collins Avenue, you can stop by space #135 at the main entrance and enjoy a beautiful French Brasserie overseen by Chef Stephen Starr. This is Le Zoo Restaurant. The menu is reminiscent of the cafes in Paris and the shores of St. Tropez, nestled under the trees and in an alfresco atmosphere. It is a great place to meet the girls to catch up, or to impress a date. There are both lunch and dinner options, for $30 and $60 respectively. The Cucumber Soup is a refreshing choice as an appetizer either for lunch or dinner. Alternatively at lunch, you are offered Salmon Tartare and at dinner, Steak Tartare. They also have Escargot or Pate de Campagna which are both very rich. For lunch, you could choose between the white wine Moules Frites, St. Tropez-styled Grilled Salmon or a Steak Tartare. At dinner, the Trout Amadene would be my choice, followed by the Coq Au Vin, which is red wine braised chicken. There is also Pates a L’Encre de Calmar, which is squid ink pasta with fresh crab and calamari. On the dessert menu, there is a classic Creme Brulee, ice cream or Pot du Creme au Chocolate (chocolate mousse). Image Credit: MILA Restaurant South Beach MILA Restaurant – 1636 Meridian Rooftop South Beach The only rooftop option on our list is MILA Restaurant on South Beach. Still a relative newcomer to Miami Beach, the combination of MILA’s flamboyant venue, propensity of attracting celebrities (JBalvin, Jared Leto, Megan Fox and Machine Gun Kelly to name a few), and their inspired Japanese/Mediterranean fusion fare has jetted it to the top of the Miami Beach food chain. It is important to note that MILA does not accept walk-ins. You must call them at 786-706-0744 to reserve your spot. Now, on with what they have for their $60 Miami Spice 2023 dinner. I have mentioned before that I am a slave to a Mediterranean Greek Salad, so I will make a beeline to their Mila Greek Salad for my starter. Other offerings that also look appetizing are the Hirame Crudo, which would be amazing and refreshing on a rooftop while you feel the Miami Beach air, or the Fried Eggplant and Zucchini Chips that come with a very interesting tzatziki shiso. The entrees start with a vegetarian option, the Mushroom Hotpot with sticky rice. They also have Mediterrasian Whole Roasted Young Chicken, which seems interesting. My choice would likely be the Seared Salmon or Lobster Dynamite glazed in sake soy. They also have a beef tenderloin option. To wrap it up, there are three options that are difficult to choose from, so I recommend all three to share. The Molten Chocolate Lava Cake is always a good choice, Tropical Fruit Salad with Coconut Sorbet is refreshing and cool, but they have another offering. It is called a Coconut Sphere with mango-vanilla, passion fruit coulis and purple shiso. I do not know what it is, but it seems very delightful so I would order it just to be adventurous. Miami Spice is one of the most anticipated Miami promotions of the year each year. It is something the locals look forward to and the restaurants depend upon in order to keep their staff happy and busy and the Miami economy turning during low season. We hope that you will make it out to try at least one of these options this year. Featured Image Credit: Faena Hotel Miami Beach
Miami Spice 2023 | Riverfront Outings Posted on July 24, 2023 by Sarah Elles Boggs It is the dead of summer. The Sunshine State is outdoing itself (again). The heat is blazing and the tourists are scarce. This is a great time to go explore what I feel is an under-appreciated part of our city. The Miami River District. This area does have a storied past. The 1980’s and early 90’s saw some interesting cargo. Tony Montana was there, or others of his type at least. But today you will find a network of calm waterfront eateries, where you can watch the boats pass as you luxuriate over a charcuterie board or whatever. I really like the riverfront area of Miami because tourists haven’t caught on yet. There are some celebrity hotspots, yes. But this is largely a space for locals who want to be calm and by the water, completely unbothered. This week we will go into the Miami Spice offerings of such restaurants… so here we go! By clicking on the name of any of these restaurants, you will be directed to their Miami Spice page, which details their prix-fixe menu with options, prices, days available as well as their website and a link to their OpenTable account in order to make reservations. Seaspice – 412 NW North River Drive Starting off, Seaspice (pictured above) is the most attention-grabbing restaurant for our list today. If you want to see a celebrity, Seaspice is a really good place to start. They arrive by yacht, and you can too. It is like you are in Ibiza except you didn’t have to update your passport. The Kardashians have been there, all of the Real Housewives, sports stars, you name it. For Miami Spice, Seaspice has both lunch and dinner options. For me, the Watermelon Gazpacho is very refreshing and pairs well with the steak for the main course. If you are entertaining out-of-towners or just want a selfie-worthy night out, Seaspice will be your answer. Crust Miami for Miami Spice | Image Credit: Crust Miami Crust Miami – 668 NW 5th Street If you are a fan of history and perfectly-plated food, you will love Crust. The owners have repurposed a 1950’s-era Art Deco building and made it a welcoming spot for locals who love elegant plates with deep flavors. For their Miami Spice menu, my favorite is the beet & goat cheese salad. The flavors go so well together, I may fight someone over it (light joke but the salad is something to write home about). For a main course, there are so many options. I’m looking at the lobster ravioli with peas and cream sauce. It seems decadent and fulfilling, especially with the atmosphere of the restaurant. This is where you will go on your own or if you have company coming and you want to show them high-quality food and an “I’m in the know” vibe. Because you are in the know. Casablanca Fish Market for Miami Spice | Image Credit: Casablanca Fish Market Miami Casablanca Seafood – 400 NW North River Drive You don’t earn your Miami card until you have gone to Casablanca. This is a Miami staple. Casablanca Miami is both a fish market and a restaurant. It’s a little bit fancy and a little bit casual, but it is necessary. If you are cooking fresh seafood dishes at home, Casablanca is the recommended getting spot over Publix and we love Publix. Today, let’s talk more about the restaurant. The Miami Spice menu is offered from Monday – Friday with both lunch and dinner options. They do have meat dishes on the menu, but I go all-out seafood since fresh seafood is kind of their thing. The seafood ceviche is an amazing chilled starter, followed by a Corvina “Al Pescador”, which is a corvina fillet topped with shrimp, calamari, black mussels and octopus with aji amarillo sauce and this is something to write home about. Capital Grille Brickell for Miami Spice The Capital Grille – 444 Brickell Avenue We spoke about Casablanca being a Miami staple for seafood, but The Capital Grille is also a staple. If you are a banker in Brickell, the international finance hub of the United States, and you have never been to the Capital Grille then you are not a banker at all. That’s just it. You should also make it a point to visit this restaurant soon as it is in the throes of new development. The institution will continue, but we don’t know about the physical building. Related Group is currently building Baccarat Residences next door and some Tequesta artifacts were discovered during the construction process. The artifacts trouble could affect the building where The Capital Grille serves, but the institution remains. When I eat at the Capital Grille, I tend for the wedge salad and a steak. If you are interested in a familiar, high-quality meal that never disappoints, The Capital Grille is where you go. The mystery of the artifacts is pretty cool too in my personal opinion. American Social Brickell for Miami Spice | Image Credit Ra-Haus Fotografie, LLC American Social – 690 SW 1st Court American Social is just that. American and Social. This is where you go to see a person you met on Hinge or gather with your neighbors who all support the same soccer team. It is the neighborhood Brickell hangout. You can arrive by boat, or you can walk over. Their Miami Spice menu is also varied so there is something for everyone. They do a brunch on the weekends and a special menu for dinner 7 days per week. My favorite for the starters fluctuates between the hummus or loaded guac, but I imagine the steamed clams with chorizo are also interesting. For the main course, there are solid go-to’s that include fresh seabass or a steak, but also a more adventuresome cauliflower steak. This is intriguing to me but I haven’t mustered the aim to order it yet. This is a solid choice if you want to walk over with friends and just hang out. Miami Spice is one of the most anticipated Miami promotions of the year each year. It is something the locals look forward to and the restaurants depend upon in order to keep their staff happy and busy and the Miami economy turning during low season. We hope that you will make it out to try at least one of these options this year, we will certainly be there ad look forward to expanding our culinary horizons.
Miami Spice 2023 | Restaurants To Try In Coconut Grove Posted on July 17, 2023 by Sarah Elles Boggs Miami Spice is a very special time of year for Miami as a whole. For one, it helps our valuable culinary scene to remain strong during the slower season, when many are traveling to other beaches and enjoying their summer breaks. Miami Spice also offers a unique opportunity for Miamians to taste test restaurants that maybe they otherwise would have missed. With special three-course prix-fixe menus at a reduced cost, Miami residents and tourists alike are able to sample the cuisine of world-famous chefs and trendy eateries. These are restaurants that we might skip over if we didn’t already know a bit of what to expect, as they are not traditionally inexpensive options. Adding Miami Spice months is the opportunity to try the cuisine at a reduced rate so that we know where we will want to splurge when we go out during high season. It’s a win-win for the entire community! For 2023, there are a record 208 local restaurants participating in Miami Spice, which runs from August 1 – September 30 each year. With this number of options to try, we obviously cannot give a summary of each restaurant. Instead, we will break down the list into our favorites and arranged them by neighborhood and atmosphere. For this week, we will start with our own stomping grounds, Coconut Grove. By clicking on the name of any of these restaurants, you will be directed to their Miami Spice page, which details their prix-fixe menu with options, prices, days available as well as their website and a link to their OpenTable account in order to make reservations. Amal Lebanese Restaurant Miami Coconut Grove Entry Amal Miami – 3480 Main Highway If you are a fan of Lebanese food or have been curious to expand your palate, Beirut-native Charles Khabouth’s Amal Miami is a great place to start. For Miami Spice, they are offering a three-course lunch on Monday through Friday for $30. The appetizers are a choice of several authentic Lebanese dips with flatbread, my favorite would be the hummus or tabbouleh, but when eating Miami Spice menus, I always encourage each person at the table to choose a different appetizer and dessert so that you wind up with an extensive tasting menu. The main entrees offer a choice of beef and lamb in the form of Pistachio Kababs or Kefta, homemade Amal Falafels or Salmon with chickpeas, tomatoes, sweet pepper and eggplant. To wrap up, you will choose between assorted homemade Baklava or Mistkeh cotton candy and pistachio ice cream. Bayshore Club Coconut Grove Patio | Image Credit: Bayshore Club Bayshore Club – 3391 Pan American Drive One of the newer locations in Coconut Grove, The Bayshore Club is located in the newly-redesigned Regatta Park along the Biscayne Bay. For Miami Spice, they are offering both a lunch menu at $35/person and dinner option for $60 as you enjoy the sea breeze on the patio or in the open-air bar area. For lunch, you can choose between fresh ceviche and a niçoise salad for your starter, with blackened mahi or a grilled jerk chicken sandwich for your main dish. Both are dressed with tropical fruits and fixings. After your meal, you can cure your sweet tooth with a slice of cheesecake or bowl of seasonal sorbet before heading back to the office. The dinner option is available Sunday through Thursday and starts with hearty steamed mussels or salmon tartare tostadas. The main dish is Jalieta, a crispy calamari, fish and seafood mix with yucca fries and avocado tartare, or a more healthy grilled fresh protein skewer (fish, beef, shrimp, chicken, onion, zucchini, and bell peppers) with yucca mash. The dinner finishes with your choice of cheesecake or churros. Bill Hansen Catering Coconut Grove | Image Credit: Shea Christine Photography Bill Hansen Catering – 2167 South Bayshore Drive Something outside of the box this year is Bill Hansen Catering’s Miami Spice Menu. The menu itself is as decadent as you would expect at any time of the year from the renowned event-planning service. What is different is that Miami Spice is offered for parties this year. If you have an event of 50+ attendees, you will have the option of a lunch or dinner menu to offer your guests. The appetizers involve several different salad offerings from arugula and watercress, caprese with buratta cheese and charred tomatoes, crab cakes or more traditional caesar salad or iceberg wedges. The entrees will allow the host to choose two options between fish, steak, chicken or lobster. There are several varieties on each menu with different preparations. Finishing up, you are offered a chocolate torte or strawberry cheesecake. Botanico Coconut Grove | Image Credit: Botanico Botanico Gin & Cookhouse – 3015 Grand Avenue Cocowalk In Cocowalk, Botanico blew our mind with their offering for Miami Spice. They pulled out all the stops with a comprehensive menu for both lunch and dinner every day of the week. This is a menu you will be able to visit several times in order to get a taste of everything. The appetizers offer seven options for lunch and eight for dinner. As an added flex option, if you are dining with a companion, you may switch one of the appetizers for two glasses of any of the house wines. The main entrees also offer seven options for both lunch and dinner. You can choose anything from a large salad, a gourmet burger, sauteed salmon, tuna steak, sirloin steak, filet or ribeye. The list is extensive. Before calling it a meal, you will choose between two options of key lime pie, seasonal sorbet or vanilla gelato. Glass and Vine Coconut Grove | Image Credit: Glass & Vine Glass & Vine – 2820 McFarlane Road In Peacock Park, Glass & Vine is one of our favorite places to have a family-friendly date night. There is a kiddie play area within walking distance for our daughter, and plenty of romantic ambiance with a casual garden and inspired menu with Latin and European influences. For Miami Spice, they are offering a $30 lunch option Monday through Friday as well as a $45 dinner option on Sunday through Thursday evenings. The menu is filled with summer-friendly choices such as watermelon feta salad, branzino crudo with cucumber, radish and citrus, and charred cauliflower with green tahini and lemon. Main dishes are also well-rounded with steaks, seared scallops, citrus brined chicken, seared mahi or spicy rigatoni. The meal completes with a southern staple, banana pudding or your choice of guava bread pudding or key lime pie. Isabelle’s Grill Room and Garden Ritz Carlton Coconut Grove | Image Credit: Isabelle’s Grill Room & Garden Isabelle’s Grill Room & Garden – 3300 Southwest 27th Avenue If you find yourself at the Ritz Carlton Coconut Grove, you will want to partake on Isabelle’s Grill Room & Garden’s Miami Spice offering. Available Monday through Thursday for lunch ($35) or dinner ($60), you will dine in the comfortable elegance of the indoor grill room or the outdoor garden terrace if you prefer the fresh air. Your starters will include Ricotta Bruciata, Pomodoro Verdi Fritti, or Beef Tartare, all which incorporate summer tomatoes with cheeses and protien in light portions. The main dish choices are also thoughtfully chosen and well-rounded. There is a Pasta Pomodoro, a Surf & Turf or Heritage Roasted Chicken accompanied by seasonal sides. Wrapping up, you can choose between a Chocolate Budino Tart or Tropical Napoleon with sorbet and mousse. Jaguar Restaurant Coconut Grove | Image Credit: Jaguar Restaurants Jaguar Restaurant – 3067 Grand Avenue No matter the day of the week, Jaguar Restaurant is going to have a Miami Spice lunch or diner for you. The lunches are priced at $35 and dinners are $60 per person, but if you have yet to try Jaguar, this is a great time to get in on one of Coconut Grove’s staple eateries. The Peruvian-inspired menu offers shrimp in aji amarillo sauce, ceviche, fish croquetas or three-cheese quesadillas for appetizer options. For dinner you can try a Fresh Whole Snapper, roasted with salsa and orange mojo, or Caribbean Chicken Patagonia. The lunch main courses are beefy Lomo Saltado or seared Salmon Norma. Finish up your meal with a creamy Flan de Queso. Like Mike Italian Taste Restaurant Coconut Grove | Image Credit: Like Mike Italian Taste Like Mike Italian Restaurant – 3433 Main Highway During the work week, Like Mike Italian Taste on Main Highway is offering an authentic contemporary lunch or dinner menu for Miami Spice. The $30 lunch includes a soup or salad, four main course options that incorporate chicken, fish or vegetarian pastas with fresh sides. To wrap up, you can choose between homemade Tiramisu or Cannoli. During dinner, which runs $60 per person, guess are offered additional choices for salads that include a beet and pear salad, beef carpaccio or Salmone Marinato. The entrees include two seafood options, a roasted chicken or slow cooked beef and pork ragu. For dessert, they have made Chocolate Caprese, which is a gluten free chocolate cake, or Semifreddo Amalfi, a lemon cream and chocolate crumble that is divine. Key Club Coconut Grove Entry The Key Club – 3015 Grand Avenue If you are a fan of Groot Hospitality’s offerings, The Key Club in Cocowalk is going to be your first stop in Coconut Grove during Miami Spice. Since it opened in 2022, The Key Club has been an ever-growing destination for nights out with good food and good company. Let’s face it, Dave Grutman is good at what he does. Since the restaurant caters toward the social crowd, they are offering a $35 brunch on the weekends and a $45 dinner any night of the week. The brunch offering includes snapper ceviche, a bourbon sticky bun, baby beet salad or smoked salmon rosti for the starters, and your choice of Cinnamon Toast Crunch French Toast, a spicy croissant sandwich, a Club Burger or Black Truffle Omelet followed by creme brulee or key lime pie to wash away your sins of the night before. If you would prefer to start the night off at The Key Club, they are preparing a similar offering of starters, adding a tuna roll or steak tartare, with your choice of branzino and lemon with capers, organic half chicken with salsa verde, bbw baby back ribs or skirt steak frites with chimichurri followed by a warm salted caramel brownie or key lime pie to finish up. Minty Z Plant Based Restaurant Coconut Grove | Image Credit: Minty Z Minty Z – 3206 Grand Avenue If these other menus are sounding too “meaty” for your taste, you’re going to want to check out Minty Z. This is where you’re going to find all of the Asian-fusion plant-based options you could possibly want. Minty Z is the only restaurant in Coconut Grove to offer so many different Miami Spice menus. They have a $35 lunch special during the week, or a $35 brunch menu during the weekend. If you visit for dinner, there is a menu that is $45 per person. or an expanded option that is $60 per person. Each menu features its own list of choices that vary quite a bit and could really warrant their own post just for this one restaurant. One ingredient that sticks out to me is the prosperity “beef”, which is prepared in an array of forms from classic bao buns to shumai, chow fun and more. Visit the website here to see all of the menu options. Sushi Garage by Juvia Coconut Grove Miami Spice | Image Credit: Sushi Garage Sushi Garage – 3015 Grand Avenue Cocowalk If you are new to the area, the idea of a “Sushi Garage” might sound quirky at first, but this restaurant group is a part of Juvia Group, a lineup of elegant Japanese cuisine in casual yet elevated settings. The juxtaposition is quite fun. As the restaurant is open for dinner seatings only during most of the week, they are not offering lunch menus. The dinner selections for Miami Spice begin with a complimentary specialty cocktail as you peruse the menu to decide your combinations. For appetizers, you can choose between black edamame, avocado crispy rice, Wagyu beef gyoza or shrimp tempura tacos. These are definitely shareable, so I suggest that each person in your party to choose one to share. The main courses are all served with miso soup and fried rice. You can choose between Maple Miso Seabass, Tenderloin Teriyaki or the Sushi Combo (Chef’s Choice). Before turning in, you can appease your sweet tooth with a choice of ice cream flavors, Lychee Rice Pudding or Chocolate Lava Cake. Miami Spice is one of the most anticipated Miami promotions of the year each year. It is something the locals look forward to and the restaurants depend upon in order to keep their staff happy and busy and the Miami economy turning during low season. We hope that you will make it out to try at least one of these options this year, we will certainly be there ad look forward to expanding our Groveite culinary horizons.
Miami’s Top Five Best Dog Parks For 2023 Posted on July 10, 2023 by Sarah Elles Boggs I feel like we have listed so many things for kids and grownups to do together in Miami this summer, but what about our four-legged family members? Miami is so rich in things you can bring your dogs to enjoy, and here is a list of our favorite dog parks in the area. David T. Kennedy Dog Park Located at 2400 South Bayshore Drive in Coconut Grove, the David T Kennedy Dog Park is a very well-maintained waterfront location that is quite popular for the locals of Coconut Grove as well as Brickell. There is a mid-sized fenced area with a leashing cage at the entrance to make getting in and out easy for everyone. The pup park is broken into different sections for large dogs and little ones and plenty of shade and seating areas for tired doggie parents to rest while Fido runs off his or her energy. If you’re looking for agility equipment, there are also A-frames and tunnels as well as doggy water fountains in both areas. Please be aware that parking can become a challenge during busy times, which tend to be weekend afternoons and weekdays in the early evening. Haulover Dog Beach Haulover is a sprawling off-leash dog area in Northeast Miami on Haulover Beach. With 177 acres, you will need to make sure your dog will not run for the hills if you let them off the leash as there is no fence. With that being said, it is beautiful and clean and also has a beach. Since the dog park is so large, it also never really gets overly-crowded. For those who are new to beach life, you will need to bring plenty of food and water as there isn’t any shade and if your dog drinks the ocean water they run the risk of becoming dehydrated. They do have water fountains for people as well as pets, but in my opinion it is better to be safe and have a backup. Margaret Pace Dog Park One of the most popular dog parks for those in Downtown Miami and Edgewater areas is Margaret Pace Park at 1745 N Bayshore Drive. With its bayfront location nestled under the glittering high rises, this dog park is not just popular for the pets, it is also popular for singles looking to mingle. There are multiple benches positioned underneath shade trees where you can get to know your neighbors while the pups spend their energy. There is also a nearby playscape if you have children who need to spend energy as well. The fenced area is separated into small and large dog sections with each covered in artificial grass. There aren’t any worries about dehydration as water fountains are positioned for the dogs and also for adults and plenty of cleanup stations. Given the size and location, this park is well-attended but does not get overly-busy except for the occasional Sunday afternoon. It’s a great option for a low key outing by the bay. Washington Dog Park Located in the chic South of Fifth neighborhood in Miami Beach, adjacent to Marjory Stoneman Douglas Ocean Beach Park, the Washington Dog Park is a mid-sized playground for all sizes of dogs. They have several options for ground cover including dirt, grass and pea-sized gravel as well as ample shade and seating areas. There are two separate play areas at Washington Dog Park. One is for small, shy or older dogs who prefer to play more calmly. If you have a big, rambunctious dog that likes to run and wrestle, there is another area for this so that everyone is safe and happy. The busiest days are Monday and Tuesday, with the rest of the week being more calm. When you are finished with the off-leash play in the dog park, you can also take your furry friend for an on-leash stroll along the bay and ocean at South Pointe Park, which is just 2 blocks away. Tropical Park Bark Park Inside the expansive Tropical Park at 7900 SW 40th Street in South Miami is the Miami Bark Park Dog Park. If you can say it really fast 3 times, you become the mayor. We kid, but the Tropical Park Dog Park is amazing. It is very popular with friendly locals and since it is so spacious, it almost never gets overly-crowded. There is plenty of free parking as well. The grassy landscaping is perfect to exercise your pup and there are plenty of shade trees to avoid overheating. You can bring a picnic and set up for an afternoon of fun, as there are also shaded picnic tables with canopies in case you have less energy than your doggo. Throughout the park, you can find plenty of agility equipment where you can teach your pup some new tricks or just let them play and water fountains are provided. If your dog isn’t super friendly, you may want to plan a trip during the week when it is slower. Maybe they can ease into the more social weekend crowd. Also, cleanup bags are provided but since this park is very popular, they sometimes run out. You may want to bring your own as a backup. Of course, these are not the ONLY dog parks in Miami. The city has more dog-friendly spaces than we can even count. Some condominium developments even have their own private dog spaces. These are only our favorites, whether they are situated in an amazing location, or have different amenities to set themselves apart, any of these will be sure to thrill your fur baby and make you smile as well. Image Credit: Mark Felice by Unsplash
It’s Time For Miami Spa Months 2023! Here Are Our Favorite Spa Deals Posted on July 5, 2023 by Sarah Elles Boggs It is officially the dog days of summer. So many people are traveling, exploring foreign beaches while their kids are out of school, those who aren’t traveling are watching the tropics and it’s hot outside. Every city under the sun has a high season and a low season, it just so happens that Miami’s low season is during the summer. Our local businesses feel this as well. In order to keep businesses busy, there are a couple of fun things that the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors’ Bureau has introduced over the years. Every summer, during July and August the spas, salons, and med spas of Miami-Dade County all offer select services at a discounted rate. No matter how luxe the location may be, during Miami Spa Months, treatments and therapies start at just $109. This is an amazing time to rejuvenate and try out some of the locations that may not be as within reach during high season when the city is full. We like to consider it a mini-staycation. There are really so many spas that participate each summer, you can find the complete list here. Below you will find a handful of our personal favorites, separated by neighborhood. Brickell & Coconut Grove Ritz-Carlton Residences Coconut Grove The Ritz Carlton Coconut Grove – Being Groveites ourselves, of course we are going to feature The Ritz Carlton Coconut Grove. They are offering five special treatments at a reduced rate. The “Sunshine Locks and Honey Feet Package” will give you 70 minutes of relaxation with a silky blowout using Moroccan oil products and a luxurious pedicure with a honey heel glaze and warm towels while you sip champagne. They also have a Very Berry Antioxidant Facial, the Herbal Oasis Pinda Massage with agave nectar oil, or a Summer Treat Mini Package. Brickell Key Development Site The Spa at Mandarin Oriental on Brickell Key – The spa at the Mandarin Oriental is taking a special space on our list because of the planned upgrades/replacement to their facility. The Mandarin is very nice as it is, very peaceful and Zen-like. The new facility is going to be next-level. For Miami Spa Months, you can choose between the 80-minute MO Spa Mani/Pedi, a Brightening Facial, or a Lemongrass Tranquil Delight aromatherapy massage and body scrub. Ciel at SLS Brickell – Taking a celestial approach to Miami Spa Months, SLS Brickell brings us a full astrological calendar full of spa treatments that lead to serenity and balance. They offer to help you surrender to the healing touch and transformative energy as you navigate the depths of self-discovery, finding inner peace in harmonizing rituals. One of our favorite offerings is the “Aries the Healing Warrior Massage,” an 80-minute aromatherapy massage with palo santo-infused oil to clear any bad vibes and a crystal treatment to align your chakras. Click here to see all 12 of the options and choose according to your sign! Lux Spa at SLS Lux – Also offering a long menu of options, SLS Lux is including a free laser hair removal to the first 20 people who book a Miami Spa Month treatment with them. Many of their options are Miami-themed too. Our favorite is The Scarface Revival, an immersive hydrafacial that relaxes, rebalances and rejuvenates your face with a cleansing, sking analysis, exfoliation, steam treatments, extractions, a massage and customized mask, followup nourishment and more. South Beach & Miami Beach Valmont for The Spa at The Setai – Located at 2001 Collins Avenue, the infamous Setai offers not only elevated spa services, but they are including beach access as well. Monday through Thursday, you can have a beach chair and some zen time with the ocean. Friday through Sunday they add complimentary beach yoga at 8:30am. For their spa service offerings, our favorite is the Balinese Balancing Massage with Foot Scrub. For a full hour, you receive a luxurious massage to free your body of tension with agile, graceful strokes and comforting movements. It finishes with a relaxing foot scrub that leaves you with a rested mind and relaxed body. Away Spa at W South Beach – Next door to the Setai at 2201 Collins, the W South Beach also has spa offerings. Arrive extra early for your appointment here, as you will receive time in the herbal steam room and sauna leading up to your treatment. Afterward, relax on the beach and collect your thoughts before you resume your day. Our pick from their Miami Spa Months menu is the Chilled Rose Hydrating Facial. This is an hour-long facial that is personalized depending upon your skin’s needs. It is meant to reduce inflammation and promote circulation with an ice globe facial massage and a chilled rose mask. Your lips are later plumped and rehydrated with a luxury lip application that contains hyaluronic acid. The Residences at the Miami Beach EDITION The Spa at the Miami Beach EDITION – EDITION’s spa is designed to realign your chakras through color therapy. Our favorite of their five choices for Miami Spa Month is the EDITION House Massage. It alieviates built up anxiety on a cellular level with CBD, menthol and arnica tension diffusing ointment. You can choose light or medium pressure to enjoy a soothing experience and leave feeling refreshed and relaxed. The Carillon Miami Beach The Spa at The Carillon Miami Beach – The Carillon is a unique project in and of itself as it was designed around the spa and wellness experience. It features unique Thermal Hydrotherapy Circuits, mirroring European traditions with nine hot and cold suites that you are free to enjoy before or after your spa treatments. We love the flexibility of their Wellness Your Way option. With this, you receive a 50-minute massage as well as two Touchless Wellness treatments of your choice. At a total value of over $400, this is really a deal. 1 Hotel & Homes Beach View Bamford Wellness Spa at 1 Hotel South Beach – Upon registering for your spa treatment at the 1 Hotel South Beach, don’t forget to also register for your beach day pass. Another project that is designed with wellness as the main focal point, the Bamford Wellness Spa has a host of creative offerings to indulge you. My favorite today is the Rose Quartz Collagen Facial. None of us is getting younger, but that doesn’t mean we can’t look like we are and also practice self love and compassion. This 80-minute antioxidant facial also activates your heart chakra, brightening your skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and correcting uneven skin tones and dark circles. We hope everyone takes advantage of at least one of these special promotions. Our locally-owned business help make the world go round in our little Miami bubble. It also helps to make good use of the time as we wait for cooler temperatures and high season to return. Have fun with it… and soon I will be back with a list of restaurants to try for Miami Spice! Image Credit: Engin Akyurt from Unsplash
Coconut Grove Will Celebrate 4th Of July With Sustainable Festivities Posted on July 3, 2023November 27, 2023 by Sarah Elles Boggs Happy Independence Day! Every year, the entire City of Miami and Miami Beach celebrate the Fourth of July in grand style. It seems that every neighborhood has a spectacular fireworks display that is free to the public so that we can all celebrate America’s birthday. This year, Coconut Grove is planning something a little bit different. In an effort to reduce waste and be more environmentally friendly, paired with our love of innovation, the Coconut Grove Family Fun and Field Day is going to take a sustainable turn. Join us in Peacock Park for an eco-friendly picnic contest, where you can enter your sustainable picnic setup and win prizes, enjoy refreshments and snacks from local restaurants, all served in plastic-free biodegradable dishes called Bekko Boxes, and as dark falls, there will be an innovative drone show to replace the traditional fireworks display! Coconut Grove 4th of July Field Day Map 2023 The drone show will eliminate not only the pollution to the Biscayne Bay and our beloved mangroves, but also will save our furry friends from their anxiety of the noise pollution. Additionally, we may not think of it first-hand, but the loud bangs of traditional fireworks incite the anxiety of many of our front-line veterans who fought in order to allow us to continue our freedom and traditions. There is no reason why we all can’t win, and the drone show is the perfect way to stay on the cutting edge, while being respectful to our environment and those around us. This year’s drone show is set to a spectacular concert led by The Miami Symphony Orchestra. We are so eager to see what they have in store, and seeing the tradition, music and nature converge in perfect harmony. When: Tuesday, July 4th, 2023 Time: 7:00 PM Where: 2820 McFarlane Rd, Miami, FL 33133 Coconut Grove 4th of July Field Day Bekko Boxes 2023 The participating restaurants with biodegradable Bekko Boxes include Narbona Coconut Grove, Juicense, Sushi Sake in the Grove, Meraki Greek Bistro, Aida Mexican Seafood, Like Mike Italian Restaurant, and The Oasis Lounge and Hookah Bar. We hope to see you there! Drone Show Image Credit: Verge Aero
Regatta Grove Opening Happens Today In Regatta Harbour! Posted on June 22, 2023 by Sarah Elles Boggs Today is an exciting day for Coconut Grove. The very much-anticipated Regatta Grove is opening along the waterfront at Regatta Harbour. Regatta Grove is so interesting because it is a conglomerate of 5 of Florida’s best chefs each bringing their talents under one roof. This will activate a full acre of the waterfront property, near where the popular Bayshore Club opened last summer. In addition to the gourmet food (which I’ll get to), the 400-seat eatery also offers 3 bars offering cocktails, beer, wine, and signature shareable cocktails made with fresh fruit. Rendering of Regatta Grove Breakwater Hospitality Group is behind Regatta Grove, they are also behind the uber-popular Wharf Miami, Carousel Club and JohnMartin’s Irish Pub. Emi Guerra from Breakwater recently told the Miami New Times, “Our vision for Regatta Grove is to create a vibrant community space that stays true to the essence of Coconut Grove. From the stunning location at Regatta Harbor to the coastal decor and tropical cocktail program, we want guests to feel like they can step away from the hustle and bustle, wind down, and make great memories here.” In order to bring this vision to fruition, Breakwater collaborated with Grove Bay Hospitality Group curating a collection of the best chefs in Florida to each showcase their talents and concepts in the al fresco eatery. Regatta Grove Chefs | Photo courtesy of Breakwater Hospitality Group Janine Booth and Jeff McInnis are James Beard semifinalist nominees. They founded Root & Bone and Stiltsville Fish Bar. Janine plans offerings from down under with Sunny Side Aussie Bites + Ice by Chef Janine Booth. Her menu will feature savory Aussie pies, sausage rolls, empanadas, avocado toast and cooling desserts like ice cream and sorbet. Jeff is going coastal with Tackle Box by Chef Jeff McInnis. This is a local seafood shack with casual items like fish tail sliders or more elegant choices like chilled stone crab and caviar. Jose Mendin is behind Pubbelly and also was nominated as a James Beard semifinalist. He’s going gangster with The Piefather. This is where you can get pizza with imported Italian toppings and the chef’s signature “Don” sauce. Up in Jacksonville, Kenny Gilbert started Silkies and was a finalist on Top Chef’s 7th Season. In Coconut Grove, he is doing fried chicken and artisanal drop biscuit sandwiches with his “Flavor Bomb” sauce. His post is called House of Birds & Drop Biscuits by Chef Kenny Gilbert. Jeremy Ford was featured here just a few weeks ago for his Michelin Star at Stubborn Seed on South Beach. He also won Top Chef Season 13. His Regatta Grove concept will be JJ’s Guilty Pleasures by Chef Jeremy Ford. It will offer different gourmet burgers including a soft-shell crab burger, tacos, truffle fries and onion rings. Rendering of Regatta Grove What a fun and talented lineup in an amazing location! If you go, you will want to RSVP, especially this weekend. But with an RSVP you get a free cocktail all weekend and some of us like to be the first to try. See you there!
Miami For Kids: Outdoor Activities & Parks Posted on June 19, 2023 by Sarah Elles Boggs There are so many family-friendly activities in Miami, this series could go on throughout the summer. Last week, we talked about things to do with the kids if the weather isn’t being cooperative. So this week, let’s talk about things to do on a more beautiful day. Miami Beach Botanical Garden Free Art Class Miami Kids 1 – Miami Beach Botanical Garden “The tropical oasis in the heart of Miami Beach” is an amazing outing for the kids. Among other things, the Miami Beach Botanical Garden has partnered with the Sunflower Society to bring free weekly art classes for the kids. Winsome Bolt and Denise Marlow assist young artists using mixed media. This year’s theme is insects & flowers. The classes take place every Wednesday from 10am-noon and run from June 21-August 16 with an art exhibition on August 16. Fairchild Botanic Gardens Mango Festival Miami 2 – Fairchild Tropical Gardens The Fairchild Tropical Botanic Gardens was ranked #1 Best Botanic Garden in the United States by USA Today. The Miami New Times also ranked it as the Best Outdoor Attraction in the area. Coming up is the annual Mango Festival, July 8 & 9. This celebrates our 30-year history with mangos and you can do almost anything imaginable during the festival. There is a mango brunch, classes about the fruit, shop mango plants, and also enjoy the other attractions in the park. For ongoing attractions, kids will love the summer camp, and even a dragons garden. There is a children’s garden and a discovery attraction where the kids can explore hidden corners. Loads of fun. Pinecrest Gardens Playground Miami Frog 3 – Pinecrest Gardens South Florida’s Cultural Arts Park is Pinecrest Gardens. One of our favorite programs there is called Little Lizards on alternating Wednesday afternoons. It is an informal science and art program with a monthly theme. Registration is required. In the summertime, there is the Discovery Lab where kids can become a true scientist. The sessions encompass all areas of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math). There is chemistry, energy, mechanical engineering, life science and others. And of course there is fun in the splash pad, the play park, the zoo, gardens and indoor facilities. If your kiddo is not yet big enough for the other activities but is potty trained, they can attend the Pinecrest Dance Project Toddler Camp. They also have a full menu of Mommy and Me classes that are ongoing. Ferre Park Downtown Miami Sculpture Garden 4 – Bayfront Park & Maurice A Ferre Park With the longest waterfront promenade in Miami, Downtown’s Maurice A Ferre Park and Bayfront Park off beautiful scenery, lots to do and offers direct access to the Phillip & Patricia Frost Museum of Science and the Perez Art Museum. There is an amazing new sculpture garden, access to restaurants and monuments to Miami’s rich history. In Bayfront Park, you will find a playground near the pavilion on the south side and direct access to Bayside Marketplace where you can experience the Skyviews Miami Observation Wheel. Boat rentals and tourist boats are also available in Bayside Marketplace. Tinez Farms Miami 5- Tinez Farm With a little bit of a drive, you can find something really special. Tinez Farm is a small family-owned center that is wonderful for kids to explore in. Jessica and Ruben Martinez are Miami-natives who realized how difficult it is to come by local, organically grown goods so off they went. Our daughter loves it here. She can waddle around and pick from the seasonal veggies and take a pony ride. There are animal interactions, guided tours, a garden maze, Tinez yard games, climbing, swings, a zip line and a tubing slide. Sometimes special characters arrive too, so check their Instagram page for special announcements. They also have a full menu of fresh, sustainably raised meats of all kinds. There is grass fed & finished beef, pasture-raised pig, lamb, goat, chicken, turkey and duck that were raised with zero hormones or antibiotics. It’s a really special place and we love that it’s locally-owned and operated. Knaus Berry Farm Sign BONUS – Knaus Berry Farm Speaking of locally owned and operated, we can’t have a list of outdoor things for kids in Miami to do without including the famous Knaus Berry Farm in Homestead. I added it as a bonus since they close for the summer and here we are, but from November-April this is not a spot to miss. Beginning as a small berry stand run by 2 brothers in 1956, a broker tasted the cookies made by Ray’s wife. He said they were good enough to sell and indeed they were! Be prepared to wait. You’ll see come November that local Miamians are proud to wait in the line for their famous cinnamon rolls and pecan rolls. For the kids, there is fresh berry picking and tomatoes which is an iconic Miami memory for generations. We hope you’re enjoying these new lists and coming up with new ideas for how to beat the heat in Miami with your whole brood!