By: Maryanne Salvat
Just when you thought things couldn’t get any hotter or spicier, South Florida gears up for the 9thannual Miami Spice Restaurant Month. Joining the delectable venture is the highly revered Fontainebleau Resort. Gotham Steak, Scarpetta and Hakkasan, as well as its modern American café Vida,are all offering $35 three-course prix-fixe dinner menus. In addition, Hakkasanis offering an impressive family-style Dim Sum lunch menu for only $22. The iconic resort is also providing discounted valet parking to restaurant patrons. The prix-fixe prices do not include tax and gratuity and reservations are highly recommended. Here is a quick preview of the Miami Spice menu offered at these fine dining establishments from August 1 through September 30, 2010. Warning: Mouth-watering may occur as you read through.
Gotham Steak offers Local Heirloom Tomato Salad (refreshes your bouche as it is amused), Summer Corn &
Jumbo Lump Crab Risotto (mouthwatering and tantalizing), Grilled Prime Hanger Steak (tender and cooked to perfection), Miso Marinated Black Cod (elegant and refined) , Berkshire Pork Ribs( tangy and flavorful) , and Chef Portale’s classic Tuna Tartare with Shiso, Lime, and Ginger (light and inviting). Delectable desserts include Passion Fruit Mousse, Tiramisu Brownies and Milk Chocolate Candy Bars.
Hakkasan includes Grilled Shanghai Chicken Dumplings (absolutely amazing, a mouthful of happiness), Sweet Corn Soup (soul warming), Wok-Fried Silver Cod in XO-MarmiteSauce, Stir-Fry Wild Mushroom with Water Chestnuts, Crispy Szechuan Shredded Rib-Eye Beef (tempting and pleasing all at once), Stir-Fry Scallops (scrumptious), Vegetable Fried Rice, and Wild Mushroom Hand Pulled Noodles.
Designed for parties of two or more, Hakkasan’s Miami Spice
Dim Sum lunch menu appeals to both non-vegetarians and vegetarians alike. Highlights include a variety of classic Steamed, Grilled and Fried Dim Sum such asChinese Chive Dumpling, Three Style Mushrooms Cheung Fun, Char Sui Bun, Siew Long Bun, Grilled Shanghai Chicken Dumpling, Enoki Mushroom Roll, Pan-Fried Turnip Cake andSweet & Sour Prawn Wonton. The specialty menu also featuresCongees with meats, poultry and vegetables, Stir-Fried rice & noodle dishes, Barbecue dishes & platters, Wonton & Noodle Soup and a selection of ice cream or sorbets for dessert.
Scarpetta presents Spaghetti with Tomato & Basil and Creamy Polenta with a Fricasse of Truffled Mushrooms, ( luscious, scrumptious, and enjoyable). Additional highlights include Mediterranean Branzino, Spice Roasted Chicken and Bone-In Prime Aged Sirloin of Beef. Sweet treats include Amedei Chocolate Cake and Mocha Swirl Cheesecake. For additional information go to www.fontainebleau.com.
Toast to Taste of the Nation
photo credit: Manny Hernandez
Share Our Strength’s Taste of the Nation Miami 2010 was huge success, with the help and participation of over 40 of South Florida’s finest restaurants and chefs. The premiere culinary benefit that raises awareness and critical funds to help end childhood hunger, raised $85,000. The benefit made its way back home to the distinguished Fairmont Turnberry Isle and was emceed by the lovely Laurie Jennings, WPLG Miami news anchor and favorite local celebrity. Jennings was joined by co-anchor Calvin Hughes during the event and shared stories with guests as they mingled with the crowd. Participating restaurants included: The Forge, Gotham Steak, SushiSamba dromo, Asia de Cuba, Shake Shack, Red the Steakhouse, Joe’s Stone Crab, Preston’s, and Chef Allen’s, just to name a few personal favorites.
