Miami’s culinary scene just got even more vibrant with the arrival of Maíz y Agave, a lively tribute to Oaxaca, Mexico, where every dish and drink feels like a love letter to this rich and storied region.

Located in the heart of Coral Gables, Maíz y Agave invites you to dive deep into the essence of Mexico by artfully blending ancient Oaxacan traditions with a modern twist. The venue is a feast for the eyes, adorned with intricate Mexican artwork and craftsmanship that create an enchanting atmosphere, urging guests to immerse themselves in Oaxaca’s rich heritage.

A Culinary Expedition Across Three Floors

Imagine this: three distinct floors, each offering a unique culinary journey through Mexico. On the ground floor, El Patio’s vibrant décor and menu is filled with Oaxacan delights. From the tableside-prepared Guacamole Mexicano en Molcajete to the daring Tostada Vicosa pero Sabrosa with chapulines, each bite tells a story. But the stars of the show? The Mole Negro, Cochinita Pibil, and the traditional Tlayudas—each dish a testament to the richness of Oaxacan cuisine.

The Matsur Bar, also on the first floor, serves up cocktails that are as playful as they are potent. Sip on the Tacon De Madre or the cheekily named Pito Loco, and let the mezcal flavors elevate your night. The frozen mojitos—customizable with your liquor of choice—are a must-try. This isn’t just a bar; it’s the opening act to your culinary adventure.

Ascend to the second floor, and you’ll find Los Balcones, where the dining experience reaches new heights. Here, salsa is theatrically prepared table-side, and you might even be asked to lend a hand.

The menu is a symphony of traditional Oaxacan flavors, with Chef Christian Moreno, a proud Oaxacan native, presenting his top picks: Caldo de Piedra, Almond Mole with Duck, and the exquisite Lobster Tail in Oaxacan sauce. The steaks are exceptional, and you absolutely cannot miss the Aguachile de Ribeye Wagyu. It’s haute cuisine with heart, nestled in an elegant setting that promises an unforgettable evening.

La Azotea, the rooftop bar l, boasts an energy as high as the views. As the sun sets over Miami, unwind with a handcrafted cocktail or a premium mezcal, and let the stunning panoramas take your breath away. A DJ spins dance music and throwback hits from the ’90s (think Bash’s back patio circa 1998), perfect for singing along and dancing with friends, old and new. La Azotea is exactly the kind of place Coral Gables has been missing—offering a lively happy hour and an energetic late-night vibe (open until 1:00 am on weekends).

A Story in Every Corner

Every nook of Maíz y Agave tells a tale. From the handmade plates crafted by Oaxacan artisans to the traditional crafts that support over 100 families, this restaurant is a proud tribute to the culture of Oaxaca. Live Mariachi music three nights a week adds to the festive atmosphere, while signature cocktails and Oaxacan coffee selections tantalize the taste buds. For those with a sweet tooth, homemade Oaxacan chocolates and ice cream are the ultimate indulgence.

As I sipped my mezcal and watched the world from La Azotea, I felt a profound connection to the stories, flavors, and spirit of Oaxaca that Maíz y Agave brings to life so beautifully. Whether you choose El Patio, Los Balcones, or La Azotea, be prepared for an authentic Oaxacan experience that will linger long after the last bite.

For more information about Maíz y Agave, visit https://www.maizyagave.com/index.html 

Instagram: @MaizyAgaveCocinaMexicana

About Maíz y Agave Foundation

Maíz y Agave is dedicated to celebrating Mexican cuisine while supporting community development. All proceeds fund its foundation’s initiatives, enhancing education, skills, and economic sustainability for indigenous communities. By dining there, you’re not just savoring Mexico’s culinary history—you’re supporting growth and opportunity for those preserving the culture. Every visit fosters a brighter future for the communities that inspire the ambiance and cuisine at Maiz y Agave.

If you’re looking for an unforgettable dining experience in the Florida Keys, look no further than the newly re-opened Papa Joe’s Waterfront in Islamorada. Renowned for its breathtaking sunset views, we’re talking the sun melting into the ocean, Papa Joe’s offers an ideal spot to unwind and soak in the natural beauty of the area.

The menu is a delightful celebration of fresh seafood and local ingredients, and an array of signature cocktails, each crafted to enhance your dining experience while you take in the picturesque scenery of the waterfront property.

Papa Joe’s offers a distinctive menu that showcases both local seafood and premium meats. Highlights include: Not Yo Average Tuna Nachos, Creekstone Farms Churrasco and the Plantain Crusted Chicken. The Everglades Style Triple Tail was fresh and expertly prepared with unique ingredients.

These dishes, combined with signature cocktails such as the PJ’s Sunset, Goldrush and Papa’s Pain Pillar and the stunning sunset views, make Papa Joe’s a standout dining destination in the Florida Keys.

Papa Joe’s is not just about the food and views; it’s also about history and community. Owned by Captain Charles Hertel, who has deep roots in the area, the property has been transformed from its original incarnation as Fowler’s Fish Camp, established in 1938. Charles, inspired by his parents George and Dorothy Hertel—founders of the Islamorada Fish Company—has revived this historic property with the help of partners Bob Lee and Mica Perry. Together, they’ve created a modern destination that honors the rich history of the Florida Keys.

Whether you’re visiting for the food, stunning sunsets, or the charming history, Papa Joe’s Waterfront promises a memorable dining experience in a truly stunning location.

For more detailed information and to view the full menu, you can visit their official website here.

In the heart of Downtown Doral, Bombay Darbar has opened its newest location adding colorful flavors to this growing community. The beloved restaurant that has been a fan favorite since 2011 originated in Coconut Grove and has received rave reviews as one of the top Indian restaurants in South Florida.

On our visit we were treated to some of the most incredible dishes; every bite was an explosion of flavors.

To begin our journey, we enjoyed the Chili Chicken appetizer, crispy bite size chicken with fresh bell peppers in a tangy chili sauce, the Samosa Chaat, a deconstructed deliciousness served with fresh yogurt and mint, and the Saag Paneer, the traditional Indian cheese simmered in a mixture of fresh spinach, onions, tomatoes, and Indian spices.

For our main entrée, our wonderful server took it upon himself to order some of the house favorites. Our top choices were the Mango Chicken Curry, a boneless chicken cooked in delicious cashew sauce, mango puree and spices was exceptional and the Fish Goan Curry, an aromatic curry with a blend of spices, garlic, ginger and onion along with fresh tomato and coconut, with of side of Garlic Naan, traditional Indian flat bread topped with garlic and cilantro.

For dessert, and you must make room for dessert, we had the Kheer,
traditional Indian rice pudding that is made in-house, lightly sweet, garnished with sundried grapes, pistachio and cashew nuts. Absolutely fantastic.

The restaurant itself is quite a beauty with a grand Buddha that strikingly stands in the main dining room. The bar has an extensive menu of craft cocktails as well as wine and beer.

Bombay Darbar’s atmosphere and service will make for an unforgettable dining experience that will surely transport you and your tastebuds to a flavorful destination.

Bombay Darbar located in Downtown Doral Park at 8405 NW 53rd Street, Suite E101 and is open for lunch and dinner.

For more information visit: Bombay Darbar .

The newly opened Fairways restaurant at the Biltmore Hotel Coral Gables is the perfect place for a quick bite and cocktails after golf, a great lunch or an elaborate dinner. The stylish and versatile restaurant boasts an eclectic menu with stunning, sweeping views of the golf course.  This charming spot combines the elegance of gourmet dining with the comfort of your favorite everyday meals, all set against the backdrop of one of the most picturesque landscapes in Florida.

As you sit by the expansive windows, you’re treated to sweeping vistas of the pristine golf course, its emerald greens contrasting beautifully with the azure sky. The historic charm of the Biltmore and its lush, tropical surroundings create a serene and inviting atmosphere-a perfect setting for a leisurely breakfast, a relaxed lunch, or a romantic dinner. 

The menu at Fairways, created by seasoned chef, Sean Bernal, is a delightful blend of gourmet creations and beloved comfort foods. Lunch and dinner menus offer an array of inviting, well-prepared options including seafood, steaks, chicken, handhelds, salads and an array of vegetarian and vegan dishes; ensuring that every guest finds something to enjoy. Appetizers include a great selection of oysters, crispy conch fritters and signature meatballs, to name a few. Our favorite dishes were the fall-off-the bone ribs- dripping with flavor and the churrasco, grilled to perfection. Be sure to try a side of onion rings. 

Our server, Amelia Garcia set the standard for impeccable service. With her genuine warmth and attentive service, Amelia ensured that our dining experience exceeded our expectations.

The decor at Fairways is a harmonious blend of classic elegance and modern comfort. Soft lighting, plush seating, and tasteful artwork create a space that feels both sophisticated and welcoming. The expansive bar is Fairways’ centerpiece, containing a wide range of top-shelf liquor options and rare casks and vintages. Try the signature cocktails. We recommend the Butterfly Kisses, AZ-85 Old Fashioned and the Negroni.

Whether you’re marking a special occasion or simply enjoying a meal out, Fairways at the Biltmore Coral Gables is a destination that promises to delight your senses. From the breathtaking views to the exquisite food and the stylish decor, every detail is designed to create an unforgettable dining experience.

Fairways at the Biltmore Hotel, 1200 Anastasia Ave., Coral Gables; 305-445-1926; biltmorehotel.com. Breakfast served daily 6:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. and lunch served 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dinner served Sunday through is Thursday 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., and Friday and Saturday 5 to 9 p.m.

Volcanic Sushi + Sake  has managed to elevate the gastronomic landscape of Gainesville, Florida. Yes, you read it correctly, Gainesville- a place not typically associated with haute cuisine. However, impeccable taste(s) and flavors know no geographical boundaries.

From the moment you step into Volcanic Sushi, the ambiance exudes a sense of sophistication that one might not expect in this quaint Florida town. The minimalist yet stylish décor sets the stage for what can only be described as a culinary performance. A far cry from the casual eateries one might associate with college towns, Volcanic Sushi proves that style and substance can indeed coexist.

Now, let’s talk about the pièce de résistance – the sushi itself. The name “Volcanic Sushi” might sound dramatic, but rest assured, it lives up to the hype. The rolls are nothing short of art forms, each piece meticulously crafted to perfection. The use of fresh, high-quality ingredients is evident in every bite, proving that even in Gainesville, one can find a sushi experience that rivals those in the culinary capitals of the world.

The menu boasts a selection of rolls that go beyond the ordinary, showcasing creativity and innovation.  From the delicate dance of flavors in the “Eruption Roll” to the bold statements made by the “Lava Dragon Roll,” each dish is a testament to the chef’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of traditional sushi. Volcanic Sushi’s loyal following has led to several specialty rolls being named after its regular guests. Our favorites include: Melissa Bites, Son’s Special, Alexander, Mark II, Newell Fox, and John I. Each bite we tasted was absolutely delightful. The sake selection is equally impressive, with each bottle carefully chosen to complement the unique flavors of the rolls.

Volcanic Sushi’s success is the result of the expertise and dedication of chef/owner, Nestor Espartero, whose official title is CEO and Chief Sushi Officer. It comes as no surprise that Espartero is a three time champion of Iron Chef Gainesville (2019,2020 and 2021) and double bronze medalist Sushi Master in a Miami Competition.

In addition to two Volcanic Sushi locations in Gainesville, Espartero has opened a Miami location. For his newest outpost, his vision is to own the most desired Asian Restaurant in the Cutler Bay area by providing outstanding quality innovative food, exceptional service and cleanliness. “Our mission is to bring great taste and happiness to each of our customers and to enhance the life of each or our staff members by providing them the right training and wisdom and to promote KAIZEN (a strong culture of constant improvement) as part of our daily lives.”

For more information about Volcanic Sushi, visit: https://www.volcanicsushisake.com.

February 18^th is National Drink Wine Day and Graziano’s is the place to be on this extremely important holiday. With wines spanning from several different countries coming from Italy to Spain to France to Argentina, Graziano’s vast wine selection has something that will be to accommodate to everyone’s liking. At Graziano’s good wine is always accompanied by extraordinary food: authentic Argentinian dishes expertly crafted and served with care.

Graziano’s extends its presence with 11 locations across Miami, inviting customers to explore both restaurants and markets situated in Bird Road, Coral Gables, Hialeah, Aventura, Doral, and Weston. Visit: https://www.grazianosgroup.com/