Juniper on the Water, a hidden gem located off of the Intracoastal Waterway, offers diners an unforgettable view and a unique ambience. Whether looking to hear great live music, catch a glimpse of the romantic Intracoastal waterfront, or enjoying the elegant dining room inside, Juniper on the Water will surpass all expectations.

About a year ago, owners Scott, Sho and Chris put their heads together and transformed an industry passion into reality. Juniper, meaning strength and “to bloom or flourish”, symbolizes the vision, heart and culinary passion combined by the owners. Read the rest of this entry »

Pasta Vino Miami is a hidden gem nestled in a quaint shopping center in North Bay Village. If you didn’t set out looking for it, chances are you’ve driven down the causeway and missed out on this fantastic neighborhood spot. Here, executive Chef and Owner Yiannis Devert prepares authentic Italian cuisine, with a twist.

Chef Devert uses his classic French training along with his Greek and Italian background to prepare a menu of unique dishes as well as daily specials that run the gamut of French, Greek and even Thai cuisine. Chef Devert’s passion for his craft is evident as he busies himself between the kitchen and interacting with his customers, excitedly blending dishes and offering customers something creative and memorable that keeps them coming back for more. Must-try dishes include the eggplant parmigiana, Risotto al Funghi, lasagna, vongole white, homemade pizzas and the Veal Scalopina al Fungi. And don’t forget the fantastic chocolate mousse cake and authentic Tiramisu for dessert.

Pasta Vino offers unbeatable deals that make the high-quality cuisine even more irresistible–daily happy hour from 5-7 PM with 25% off drinks and dinner; “Buy One Get One 50% off Pizzas;” and delivery options that include a complimentary bottle of Italian wine with any order above $80.

Pasta Vino Offers lunch, dinner, happy hour and delivery and is located at 1624 NE 79th JFK Causeway, North Bay Village.

By: Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

We suspected Byblos was going to be something extra special when we attended the opening celebration in June, which featured everything from exquisite bites and drinks to a full concert by Marina and the Diamonds; on-the-spot poets and an A-list crowd. But we had no idea just how extraordinary this jewel of a restaurant would be. Fast forward a month later and we were treated to one of the most elegant, unique and outstanding dining experiences to date. Most noteworthy is the attention to detail that is prevalent throughout the entire Byblos experience- from the attentive staff (Arturo spoiled us) to the beautiful and eclectic, traditional one-of plates and silverware to the rituals, such as the French press service- served in antique tea cups; tableside spirit infused cold tea trolley and the desserts which are served atop a silver platter. Read the rest of this entry »

Maryannesalvat@aol.com

Now on its 14th year, the Miami Spice Restaurant Program, the popular restaurant promotion organized by the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB), offers diners an accessible way to experience more than 190 of the finest restaurants in the region, including 54 new 2015 participants. Miami Spice kicked off in August with dining deals that include lunch priced at $23 per person and dinner priced at $39 per person. Prices include an appetizer, entrée and dessert, and exclude alcohol, tax, tip and service charges. The celebrated restaurant program will continue to bring the heat up through September, presenting savvy diners with tempting culinary experiences at unbeatable prices. Miami Spice is proud to partner with Citibank, Stella Artois and Terrazas de los Andes on this year’s program. New participating restaurants include Tom Colocchio’s Beachcraft, CENA by Michy, Cleo, Corsair by Scott Conant, Coya, El Cielo, Fooq’s, Izzy’s Fish & Oyster, Klima Restaurant & Bar, Marion, Market at Edition, Morimoto, Piripi, Prime Fish, Quality Meats, the Redlander Restaurant at Schnebly Winery, Seagrape at Thompson Miami Beach, the Social Club, Stripsteak by Michael Mina, Tantalize Miami, Tamarina, Vagabond Restaurant and Bar, Via Verdi Cucina Rustica and Vintro Kitchen & Bar.

Additionally, the GMCVB has partnered with OpenTable, a leading online restaurant reservation site, throughout September to promote Miami Spice and the participating restaurants in Greater Miami and the Beaches. Residents and guests can visit the GMCVB’s dedicated website – www.iLoveMiamiSpice.com – which serves as a one-stop shop for additional information on the various dining experiences by neighborhood, restaurant menus and participating days, hotel packages culinary events and more.

Kone Spiced Up Menu

For those who want to take advantage of an even better price than that of Miami Spice- head to Downtown Miami’s Kone sushi restaurant. Throughout September, Kone Sushi will offer a special “Spiced Up Menu” for only $30 per person. The special will include five mouthwatering courses, including appetizers such as Miso Soup and/or House Salads and fan favorites: Rock Shrimp, Fish Carpaccio, Master Ohata Roll (Mo Roll- shrimp tempura, avocado, cream cheese, scallions topped with roasted salmon masago and cusabi sauce.) in addition to the MO roll- we recommend ordering our favorites- the Crunchy Monster and the Shaggy Dog. Don’t forget dessert- three sweet little kones or Nutella Pie. Yummy! Voted Miami Beach’s “Best Sushi” for two years in a row, the Brazilian inspired restaurant will have your taste buds tingling with excitement. Don’t miss this phenomenal opportunity to enjoy this great meal with family and friends until September 30. For more information, visit: http://konesushi.com/come-try-our-kone-spiced-up-menu/

Swine Serves up Southern Hospitality and Spice

Upscale southern restaurant, Swine Southern Table & Bar has debuted 3-course Miami Spice menus for both lunch and supper, featuring seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients in dishes that showcase their signature Southern cuisine. Highlights on the dinner menu include: 1855 Black Angus Burnt Ends -creamy cornbread, Swine BBQ sauce, spiced corn nuts; Low & Slow Ribs – competition rub, cider vinegar mop, homemade pickles, and the decadent Death By Chocolate – rich chocolate brownie, chocolate pudding, chocolate ice cream, chocolate sauce, Coco Puffs- all for only $39 per person, Sunday through Thursday. Lunch favorites, proved at $23 Monday-Friday include: Fried Green Tomato or Crispy Pork Caesar Salad; Swine Burger – (one of the best burgers in town) short rib, brisket, and smoked pork blend, thick-cut house-smoked bacon, pickle, lettuce, tomato, American cheese, Swine special sauce, and Jack & Cookies – freshly baked cookies, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee honey milk.
Additionally, in conjunction with the Miami Spice menus, Swine is also offering their Summer of Wine specials, featuring an exclusive list of wines $30 and under, through September. These wines serve as a great complement to the Miami Spice menu and are available to guests dining with the regular menu, as well. To see the full Swine Miami Spice menus, visit: http://www.runpigrun.com.

River Seafood & Oyster Bar

If you haven’t been yet, now is the perfect time to plan your trip to Chef Bracha’s River Seafood & Oyster Bar as this year’s Miami Spice event is well underway! The iconic downtown Miami seafood restaurant has stood its ground since 2003 serving loyal patrons seven days a week. The River Oyster Bar uses the freshest product available to create a menu of dishes reflecting Chef Bracha’s decidedly modern twist on classic seafood cuisine. The restaurant has earned critical acclaim and has become a major downtown Miami dining destination.

The River and other Miami hotspots will be offering three-course lunch and dinner special meals until September 30th with lunch priced at $23 and dinner $39. A sneak-peak at the dinner menu includes: a Creamy Sea Urchin Polenta, Spiny Lobster Flatbread or Oyster Ceviche for appetizers; Sea Scallops a la Plancha, Fisherman’s Grouper Stew, Large Braised Shortribs for entrée, and the New York strip-priced at just $30 that rivals those served at the best steak houses in town; and for dessert, the Meyer Lemon Cheesecake, A Slice of Summer Sundae or Peanut Butter Mousse. These mouth-watering choices offer a diverse selection of some of the River’s favorite dishes.

We were most impressed by the taste, quality and variety of the dishes at award-winning, casual restaurant, M.E.A.T. Eatery And Taproom, located in Islamorada in the Florida Keys.   The cool joint is the brainchild of restaurateurs Chef George Patti and Sommelier Thomas Smith. Three years after their collaboration on the popular Caribbean/Asian Fusion restaurant, Tasters Grille & Market which opened 2009 in Key Largo, the pair decided to move forward on their fast casual concept M.E.A.T., which opened in July 2012. It is their vision of the next generation of food, incorporating fresher and more flavorful options for diners than the standard fast food establishments as the public becomes more health conscious and educated on food through media such as the Travel Channel, Food Network, various other TV food shows and the internet through videos, social networks, shows, tweets and blogs. It also provides more intimate service than most other fast casual establishments through its “taproom” service. Read the rest of this entry »

Mellow Mushroom, the Atlanta-based chain known for its stone-baked pizzas and hippie roots, plants a branch in South Miami, serving innovative craft pizza pies. Featuring pies with groovy names like Kosmic Karma, Magical Mystery Tour and Holy Shiitake, plus hoagies, calzones, “munchies” including stuffed mushrooms and pretzels, and 52 craft beers. Gluten-free and Vegan diners can have their pizza and eat it too, as all gluten-free pies are prepared separately and vegan pies using delicious “Daiya cheese” to substitute dairy cheese. The digs also veer towards the funky, with colorful banquettes, original artwork and ‘shroom murals, plus an outdoor patio.