Miami Spice is an annual restaurant promotion showcasing the very best of Miami cuisine with dining deals from August 1 to Sept. 30. For 2018, 200-plus restaurants are participating in the summer dining promotion, and some of Miami’s hottest new restaurants are among them. What better opportunity to cocktail, then, with three-course meals featuring signature dishes created by world-renowned chefs at reduced price.
Here are our drink and food recommendations at three hotspots participating in Miami Spice: Lobster Bar Sea Grille, Diez y Seis at The Shore Club and Bourbon Steak by Michael Mina
Miami Spice at Lobster Bar Sea Grille Miami Beach
This upscale seafood restaurant, located in the heart of Miami Beach’s South of Fifth aka SoFi neighborhood, has a stellar cocktail menu. Pre-dinner recommends will pair well with first course options, such as Lobster Bar Lobster Bisque “Au Cognac”, Grilled Mediterranean Octopus, or All Jumbo Lump Crab Cake “Maryland” over a lemon grain-mustard emulsion, ($6. supplement, worth every penny).
Cocktails at Lobster Bar Sea Grille
Morpheus
Boodles Gin, St-Germain Liqueur, Lavender Petals and Hibiscus Flower.
Achilles Heal
Michter’s Bourbon, Rosemary-Sage Syrup. Chamomile, Bitters and Lemon
For the main course, you have more hard decisions, -savory Whole 1.25 lb Nova Scotia Lobster Stuffed Lobster ($5. Supplement), or classic Steak & Lobster – 6 oz Nova Scotia Lobster Tail lightly fried in a buttermilk batter, accompanying by a Petite Filet Mignon – perfectly charred grilled for tenderness, over a lightly fried butter potato confit, and served with Greek honey-mustard aioli truffle and drawn butter sauces on the side.
Sweeten your last course – dessert, by adding Pano’s Private Reserve Coffee or, perhaps, a cordial like Lemoncello di Capri
Lobster Bar Sea Grille Miami Beach Details
404 Washington Avenue (SoFi), Miami Beach; buckheadrestaurants.com/lobster-bar-sea-grille-miami-beach
Summer Spice 2018 Dinner: Three course dinner for prix fixe of $42, available nightly from August 1st to September 30th.
Miami Spice at Diez y Seis
At Diez y Seis, Chef Jose Icardi adds a twist to Mexico’s culinary classics with a twist; -which also extends to their tequila and mezcal spirits-led cocktails. Enjoy your Miami Spice experience on the restaurant’s outdoor patio overlooking the iconic Shore Club hotel pool. Great antojos, or Mexican street food, on the three-course dinner menu includes Smoked Elote Guacamole or the luscious and heartier Empanada Suizas –filled with authentic Oaxaca cheese and roasted Poblano peppers.
Cocktails at Diez y Seis
Verde Es Vida
Absolut Elix Vodka, Montelobos Mezcal, Ancho Reyes Verde Liqueur, Lime Juice, Cucumber Juice and Cilantro Syrup.
Llorana
Maestro Dobel Tequila, Spiced Pineapple Shrub, Lime and Sidral (apple cider) soda (shown on left).
Puebla Special
Knob Creek Bourbon, Mezcal, Grapefruit Cordial and Mole Bitters (shown on right, above).
Order more cocktails with the Platos Principales (main course). The Steak Tacos on sweet plantain tortillas are perfect for lighter appetites, but, I recommend making room for the excellent Braised Short Ribs in Poblano mole sauce with baby potatoes.
El Chapulin Colorado
Avion Tequila, Mezcal, Watermelon, Agave, Lime and Habanero tincture with glassed rimmed with Chapulin (sun-dried grasshoppers) salt. (shown at top of picture, above)
Flor de Jamaica
Bulleit Bourbon, Sweet Vermouth, Jamaica (Hibiscus), Blackberry Marmalade and Lemon with garnished with Hibiscus flower. (shown at bottom of picture, above)
Dessert is Chef’s Choice; cross your fingers it’s his Red Velvet Churros, which would pair well with Las Mananitas – Grey Goose Vodka, Hazelnut Liqueur, Mexican Coffee Liqueur, Spiced Abuleta Chocolate and Sea Salt (not shown).
Diez y Seis Miami Beach Details
1901 Collins Avenue (in The Shore Club), Miami Beach; https://www.sbe.com/restaurants/brands/diez-y-seis/
Summer Spice 2018: 3 Course Lunch for prix fixe of $23; Monday – Friday, and, 3 Course Dinner for prix fixe of $39; Sunday – Thursday.
Miami Spice at Bourbon Steak by Michael Mina
For the ultimate in fine dining, head to Miami’s acclaimed American steakhouse, Bourbon Steak, from the James Beard award-winning chef and renowned restaurateur, Michael Mina, at Turnberry Isle Hotel and Resort. Along with classic cocktails, and their slightly different versions, you can sip from a selection of over 850 wines from their Wine Spectator Award winning cellar. Kick off your rich, red meat feast with a Classic Beef Carpaccio topped with baby arugula, summer truffles and parmesan Reggiano.
Cocktails at Bourbon Steak Miami
The Rising Sun
Iwai Japanese Whisky, Angostura Bitters, Orange Bitters, Water and Sugar.
Or, go classic, with an Old Fashioned -made with Angel’s Envy Bourbon, and served over an oversized ice cube.
Negroni
Nolet’s Gin. Punt E Mes. And Campari.
Or, try a wilder version, Mezcal Negroni – Vida Mezcal, Campari and Carpano Antica (sweet vermouth).
Kick off your rich, red meat feast with a Classic Beef Carpaccio topped with baby arugula, summer truffles and parmesan Reggiano. For your main, look no further than the delish Yemenite Spiced NY Strip – dry rubbed with a blend of spices, the oh-so tender strip steak in topped in a light Matbucha (slow-cooked tomato) sauce over a Peruvian potato purée.
As for wine by the glass, go with Sean Minor 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon from California’s Napa Valley. It is a classy Cabernet with aromas of cigar box and plum. Or by the bottle, consider the Cheval des Andes 2012 Bordeaux Red Blend from Mendoza, Argentina. A The bright ruby-red and classically dry wine has spicy, floral and blackberries notes; followed by dark cherry, plum and chocolate on the palate with a long, creamy finish that is firmly tannic. (64% Malbec, 28% Cabernet Sauvignon and 8% Petit Verdot)
Bourbon Steak Miami Details
19999 W Country Club Drive (in Turnberry Isle Hotel & Resort), Aventura, FL; turnberryislemiami.com/bourbon-steak
Summer Spice 2018 Dinner: Three-course dinner for prix fixe of $39; available August 1st to September 30th.
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