WALL Gives Back Donations for the Victims of the Central Italian Earthquake

Italian born Nicola Siervo and partners at WALL Miami are arranging a donations endeavor to alleviate the devastation of the Umbria, Lazzo and Marche regions of Italy.  In lieu of entrance fees, WALL simply asks for donations at the door in addition to their pledge of a portion of bar sales.  Starting on Tuesday, August 30th, WALL invites its guests to join their cause and see that looking good and doing good can be one in the same.

Quattro Gastronomia Italiana Supports Victims of Italy’s Earthquake

On Wednesday, August 24, 2016, a Magnitude 6.2 earthquake hit Central Italy, killing at least 290 people and devastating the town of Amatrice. To assist those affected by this terrible disaster, Quattro Gastronomia Italiana will be offering Amatriciana pasta for the entire month of September, with proceeds from the dish going to the victims of the earthquake.

Amatriciana is a famous pasta sauce originating from the town of Amatrice, the site of the earthquake’s epicenter. Guests can order the pasta plate, made with tomato sauce, onions, guanciale and Pecorino Romano cheese, knowing that proceeds will go towards providing earthquake relief for the victims and their families.

“Our prayers go out to Italy and the victims of the earthquake. We encourage guests to order the Amatriciana pasta so that we can assist with relief efforts and create awareness for the affected region,” said Quattro general manager/partner Roberto Sanso.

Quattro Gastronomia Italiana is located at 1014 Lincoln Road in South Beach. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner daily. Reservations are strongly suggested. Telephone: (305) 531-4833. Follow Quattro on Facebook: @quattromiami, Twitter: @quattromiami, Instagram: @quattromiami. www.quattromiami.com

We have loved the Betsy- South Beach Hotel for years and for so many reasons:  its elegant Old Florida ambiance, cozy and welcoming interiors,  “hidden gem” appeal…but most of all, for the elevated dining experience provided by Executive Chef Laurent Tourondel, who has recently opened LT Steak & Seafood, (where one of our favorites, BLT, used to be).  LT Steak and Seafood, much like its predecessor is dedicated to serving the best, most refined American steak and seafood on Miami Beach.  LT is a fitting dining room within the historic hotel, the Greater Miami area’s only Forbes Four Star and AAA Four Diamond rated boutique hotel.  LT Steak & Seafood offers diverse dishes that draw inspiration from the distinct energy of Miami. Chef Tourondel, one of the region’s strongest culinary voices, has created seasonally-inspired American menu that showcases a deep appreciation for the local landscape, combining beloved aspects of steak and seafood houses together under one very elegant roof. LT Steak & Seafood offers innovative takes on familiar dishes, with menu highlights featuring expansive sushi and raw bar offerings such as Crunchy Curried Peekytoe Crab and Freshwater Prawn Coconut; large seasonal salads including Lemon Poached Lobster Salad with grapefruit oil and Watermelon & Heirloom Tomatoes with feta, hot peppers and pomegranate vinaigrette; seafood entrees like Grilled Red Snapper with smashed fresh peas and lime-shiitake ginger vinaigrette; followed by a vast selection of U.S.D.A. Prime steaks from the grill, offered with rotating market sides. LT Steak & Seafood serves breakfast, lunch and dinner daily.  Our favorites included the Alaskan King Crab claws and the New York strip- a perfect steak, prepared to perfection.

To complement the menu, an extensive beverage program created by LT Steak & Seafood F&B Director David Weiss, consists of a range of literary-inspired original cocktails, along with some signature classics inspired by Tourondel. The restaurant’s wine program includes a diverse, international list to match the bold menu items.  We would be remiss if we failed to mention the outstanding service, from start to finish!

The new look at LT Steak & Seafood has been brought to life by the award-winning design team at The Betsy-South Beach, led by Diamante Pedersoli and Carmelina Santoro. Clean lines, rich textures and an understated elegance define the space, exuding true warmth and comfort. The restaurant’s signature large picture windows from the original L. Murray Dixon Art Deco Design further enhance the airy, open space.

During the months of August and September, diners can take advantage of LT Steak & Seafood’s Miami Spice offerings. To view the featured lunch and dinner menus, available for only $23 and $39 dollars, respectively, visit:  www.miamiandbeaches.com/restaurant/lt-steak-and-seafood/.

The  three course pre fixe lunch ($23) and dinner ($39) menus include Kampachi Ceviche with citrus juice, red onion, sweet potato, avocado, hauncaina sauce, and cancha and Pan Roasted Bronzino with brown butter mushroom mojo, crispy garlic, and ultra-watercress.

The opening of LT Steak & Seafood has coincided with the larger expansion of The Betsy-South Beach, which will be adding impressive new facilities to elevate the guest experience, while preserving the commitment to a high level of personalized service. Along with LT Steak & Seafood, the property’s expansion will include two additional culinary concepts overseen by Tourondel, scheduled to open in fall of 2016. LT Steak & Seafood is located at 1440 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, FL. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served daily from 7:00am – 10:00pm Sunday through Thursday, and 7:00am – 11:00pm Friday through Saturday. For reservations,  call 305-673-0044. All major credit cards accepted. For additional information, visit www.thebetsyhotel.com/dining.  

For one month only, this September, Tredici (114 South 13^th Street, 267-928-2092) will celebrate the debut of their new sister restaurant in Washington, DC with La Grande Dame, a raw bar plateau featuring a diverse and exciting assortment of fresh seafood and shellfish.   La Grand Dame ($150) will also benefit Living Beyond Breast Cancer: $10 from each platter sold will be donated to the Bala Cynwyd-based charity, providing programs and services to help those whose lives have been impacted by breast cancer in honor of their 25^th anniversary later this year.   La Grande Dame includes:

• 1 oz. of Hackleback American Sturgeon Caviar, served with egg whites, chives, red onion and blini
• 2 Joe’s Crab Claws, served with caper aioli
• 4 fresh, seasonal oysters, served with mignonette and horseradish
• 4 jumbo shrimp, served with cocktail sauce
• 4 pieces of rare seared Ahi tuna

WHERE: Tredici, 13^th and Sansom Streets in Philadelphia   WHEN: September 1-30, 2016   WHY: On November 12, 2016, Living Beyond Breast Cancer will hold their 25^th Anniversary fundraiser, the Butterfly Ball, presented by White House| Black Market. Tredici’s owners, Greg and Emily Dodge, are co-chairs of the black tie benefit, and created La Grande Dame to give back to Living Beyond Breast Cancer in a personal way. The Butterfly Ball will be held at 801 Market Street, honoring Dr. Jennifer Chalfin Simmons with the Founders Award; Andi and Abraham Morris with the Corporate Leadership Award; and Jenny Burkholder, Ayanna Z. Kalasunas and Judy Weinstein with the Going Beyond Award. Tickets are $350/person and can be purchased at lbbc.ejoinme.org/ButterflyBall2016

By: Dr. Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

Heavenly bodies graced the runways in South Beach for Swim Week Miami, the largest platform for the swim wear industry in the United States, during the second week of July. 2016. From the tents at FUNKSHION between 21st and 22 streets in Miami Beach to SWIM MIAMI at the W Hotel, to shows at the Setai and newcomer, Faena Miami Beach, next season’s hottest styles were presented with flair, despite the typical summer storms we’ve come to expect this time of year. Here are a few of our favorites. Read the rest here »

Experience some of Miami’s finest restaurants, all while helping those in need.  Miami magazine calls on all foodies as it prepares to showcase 20 of the Magic City’s most outstanding restaurants and Chefs during the 8th annual “To Live and Dine” lavish soiree on August 17. Publisher Diana Riser will host the event at the new and innovative Private Key Club in Wynwood where over 400 guests will converge to feast over sample signature menu items and mingle with the local celebrity chefs. In addition to indulging in the sweet and savory bites from Hall of Famers DB Bistro, Bulla, STK, Katsuya, Scarpetta, The Bazaar and newcomers Pao, Los Fuegos, River Yacht Club, Kaori , among many others, to the beat of DJ Michael Sarz, guests will enjoy many interactive activities, including a fun photo booth and a beautiful display of the latest luxury cars from BMW. Open bars and thirst quenchers will be provided by Russian Standard vodka, Slow Press Wines, Concrete Beach Brewery and sparkling waters and juices from Alta Palla. Channel 7 Anchor Belkeys Nerey, Giovanny from Chat Chow and Miami magazine contributing food writer Jen Kavetchnik will judge the “Best of Show” competition. The winner will be announced post event through social media. The event benefits Chapman Partnership. For more information please contact Sofia Ponce de Leon at sponcedeleon@moderluxury.com. To reply and purchase your tickets please go to the ticket link – liveanddine2016.eventbrite.com

Izzy’s Fish & Oyster Party Benefitting Share Our Strength “No Kid Hungry” 

On Thursday, June 30, get your captain hats ready as Miami Beach’s award-laden neighborhood restaurant, Izzy’s Fish & Oyster, is set to celebrate the summer season with a fête, fit only for one of the world’s largest boating capitals. To properly launch its new summer cocktail menu by Bar Captain Jaime Russo, Izzy’s Fish & Oyster’s suitably appointed “Drinks Ahoy” summer party will offer a complimentary taste of all six new drinks, each named after and inspired by common fishing boats, as well as enlist in James Beard Award-winning chef Allen Susser to create bar snacks to pair. In addition to the bar offerings and beachside beats by Miami’s favorite DJ YSL, guests will fall hook, line and sinker for the restaurant’s classic Summer Fish Fry offering fried local fish, fried oysters, fried shrimp, onion rings and the signature seasoned waffle fries combined with unlimited Narragansett and a cup of chowder – all in the spirit of New England. Tickets for the event will cost $35 per person and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to Share Our Strength’s “No Kid Hungry” campaign, ending childhood hunger in America by ensuring all children get the healthy food they need every day; for reservations or more information, please call 305.397.8843 or visit www.izzysmiami.com.   

Nikki Beach’s July 4^th BBQ

No one will host a better 4th of July Beach BBQ like Nikki Beach when they host their “12th Annual IndepenDANCE” event that also kick’s off Nikki Beach’s Weekly Saturday BBQ. Complete with top DJs like Victor Calderone and Chus & Ceballos, and their exclusive Nikki Beach fireworks show, dishes like pulled pork and fried baby back ribs are due to take center stage. Beachside, guests can feast on all of the ultimate BBQ favorites to include Baby Back Ribs, the ‘Meeerrrica’ Burger featuring American cheese and pork belly bacon smashed between two glazed donuts, deep fried Mac & Cheese Balls and many more! IndepenDANCE takes place July 4th with doors staring at noon and is 21+. Tickets start at $15.00 and BBQ features start at $9.00. For more information visit:www.independance.com. Nikki Beach is located at One Ocean Drive, Miami BeachFL. www.nikkibeach.com.

The Tapas Bar at KLIMA

The Tapas Bar at KLIMA introduces a new Tapas menu comprising of a series of small plates designed for sharing with friends and for those who prefer a slightly lighter alternative to the restaurant’s main menu.  Two stainless steel high top tables, each with a capacity of up to 10 people, are positioned at the front of the restaurant and adjacent to the bar, offering communal style seating – ideal for conversation and social interaction with like-minded food enthusiasts while watching passers-by. The Tapas Bar at KLIMA serves as the ideal “quick and casual” dining alternative to compliment KLIMA’s full service experience. The Tapas bar at KLIMA consists of a menu of small plates that represent a simple yet diverse range of rich and flavorful delicacies, ranging from between $2 and $22 per dish, showcasing the restaurant’s very best in Barcelona-inspired and Western Medittaranean cuisine.  The new tapas menu includes: Tortilla de Patatas (Spanish omelette) ($10); Patatas Bravas (spicy potatoes in paprika sauce) ($6); Calamares Andaluza (calamari Andalusian style) ($10); Gambas al Ajillo (shrimps in garlic sauce) ($14); Jamon Iberico (Iberico ham ‘5 jotas’) ($16); Croquetas de jamon (ham croquettes) ($2 each); Pulpo al Josper (squid from the Josper oven) ($14); Mini Burger ($8); Pimientos rellenos de mascarpone y miel (stuffed peppers with mascarpone cheese and honey) ($3 each); Tuna Toast ($3.50 each); Veal Cannelloni, ($10); Tosta de Escalibaba (toast topped with roasted vegatables) ($6); Tabla de Quesos (Spanish cheese plate) (Half $10 or Full $20) and Tabla de Embutidos (selection of cold meats) (Half $11 or Full $22).  Wine by the glass will also be available to compliment each plate on the menu.   KLIMA delivers an eclectic menu of seasonal fish, seafood, meats and pasta dishes on its main menu – conceived using a contemporary approach to western Mediterranean cuisine. Popular favorites from the Tapas and Raw Bar selection include Tuna Toast ($19), Jamon & Egg ($17), 5 Jotas Iberian Ham ($22/40) and Hamachi (Yellow Tail) Tiradito ($20) as the signature dishes.  A new addition includes the “Josper” Spanish Octopus ($18).  The Fennel Carpaccio ($15) remains a signature favorite on the salad menu, whereas the Idiazabal Cheese Ravioli ($25) has been added as a new signature dish on the pasta menu.   Favorite Iberian Cuts of meat straight from the “Josper” Charcoal Oven include NC Cheshire Pork Ribs ($28) and the Shoulder Tenderloin (Pluma Ibérica) ($36), which is a recent addition along with the Neck Loin ($49).  From the fish menu, the Chilean Sea Bass ($39) has been added to the menu’s signature plates, together with the Branzino ($31) – two seasonal dishes harvested fresh from Florida’s waters.   A unique choice of seven desserts have been created by the resident pastry chef, with favorites that include the Nutella Brownie ($12), Torrija (caramelized brioche, Greek Yoghurt ice cream) ($12) and Passion Fruit Crema ($11).  To complete the meal, KLIMA offers a Regional Spanish Cheese Board ($20) that includes Manchego, La Peral Blue, Payoyo and Idiazabal – considered to be the only cheese selection of its kind in Miami.   Select meats on the menu at KLIMA Restaurant and Bar are cooked to perfection in the Josper Oven – a unique charcoal filled oven from Spain that is especially created to grill meats evenly and with a perfect tenderness, resulting in a taste similar to that of an outdoor barbeque. The Josper Oven at KLIMA is only one of two currently being used in South Florida.   The culinary vision for KLIMA reflects the roots of the founders, Pablo Fernández-Valdés and Yago Giner, while combining the very best in local ingredients sourced from premium South Florida suppliers.   KLIMA Restaurant and Bar is located at 210 23rd Street, Miami Beach, FL 33139, and is open for daily dinner reservations from 6:00 p.m. by calling 786.453.2779 or by emailing Reservations@klimamiami.com. For more information, visit www.klimamiami.com and follow the conversation using @klimamiami and #klimamiami