By: Mary Jo Almeida Shore
Miami’s got no shortage of great restaurants. Here are a few places we’ve recently discovered. Whether you crave good a flame grilled burger, an authentic lobster roll or an Argentine parrillada, our picks are sure to delight your palate.
BurgerQ’s Flame Grilled Burgers
There’s no need to track BurgerQ on your GPS, as the aroma of the perfectly flame grilled burgers will guide you to this trendy, quality burger restaurant in Downtown Dadeland.
Burger lovers will rejoice in the unique flavor that can only come from an open-flame grill. The restaurant uses locally sourced ingredients, and boasts a one-of-a kind “beer wall” where you can select from as many or as few of the 16 craft beers on tap as you’d like to sample.
Friendly owner-operators, husband and wife team Gabriel and Maria Teresa Argüello have created an extensive menu of signature burgers and sandwiches. Our favorites were the mushroom, dripping with house-made truffle mayo and the onion jam. You can also build your own burger and be sure to try the fantastic onion rings. Also save room for a shake or dessert.
The menu at BurgerQ was designed to re-create the spirit of a traditional burger and barbecue spot: casual, welcoming, and ideal for the entire family, serving southern barbecue inspired dishes such as grilled-to-order burgers, fresh salads, and handmade signature shakes. The sides and accompanying home-made sauces are worth a mention.
“We are so appreciative for the welcome we have received by the city and local community. We designed our space to be inviting, with “earthy” textures, open layout and kitchen, and retro-upscale décor. As owners, we are elated to share our “backyard BBQ” concept. We look forward to serving our local community and hope they appreciate what we have created,” stated Maria Teresa. From our perspective, the Arguellos have far exceeded their goal!
BurgerQ is located at 8970 SW 72nd Place, Miami, FL 33156 in Downtown Dadeland. Visit the restaurant online via www.burgerqrestaurants.com on Social via @BQBurgers.
Izzy’s Fish & Oyster
For an authentic New England experience, head to Izzy’s Fish & Oyster, acclaimed chef and restaurateur Jamie DeRosa’s highly anticipated second venture in Miami Beach’s vibrant South of Fifth neighborhood. Izzy’s serves the freshest, genuine New England fare combined with expert service, quality ingredients, and the best lobster roll this side of Kennebunkport.
“It was important for me to create a space that gives diners a chance to casually meet and connect with one another through the verve, tradition and excitement that lives within New England and its cuisine,” said DeRosa. “With trips to this region representing a large part of my childhood’s food culture, the menu will introduce dishes and ways of cooking that are familiar to this landscape. Beyond the kitchen, everything from the design to the hospitality will be committed to transcending the guest. For some, it will be reminiscent of similar memories along the coast and, for others, a first sense of quintessential New England right here in Miami Beach.”
The restaurant’s décor, just like the food and drink, celebrates the spirit and nostalgia of the seaside shacks that dot the coast, juxtaposed with the casual sophistication of Miami Beach. The petit, airy 40-seat interior space welcomes with grey stone-tiled floors, antique tin and reclaimed wood ceilings, ornate details of metal mesh suggestive of lobster traps and plush leather banquettes. The gleaming raw bar harboring the fresh catches of the day also resonates with the sounds of oysters being shucked and prepared in that moment, with a full vantage point of the action from the sleek, 15-seat white marble bar. There’s also a 20-seat outdoor café.
Alongside executive chef/partner DeRosa is chef de cuisine William Crandall, who maintains the fresh, simple and focused menu direction while enhancing the natural sweet, salty, grassy and briny flavors of the seafood. This approach is especially applied to the Raw Bar selection, which presents six ever-changing varietals of east coast oysters exclusively from Island Creek Oysters in support of its Farm & Foundation. Don’t miss Clams with lemon salsa, Ceviche with chili, cilantro and citrus and PEI Mussels bruschetta-style with white balsamic. The Bay Hopper, a shareable shellfish platter provides (four each) oysters, clams, mussels and shrimp with blue crab salad and ½ lobster.
The menu offerings are defined by way of Starters, From The Basket, Maines and Port & Starboard Sides. Signatures, both traditional and creative, include an indulgent Maine Lobster Roll- {our favorite) available in a hot preparation with lobster butter or cold with lobster mayo, New England Clam Chowder and Yukon Potato Gnocchi with oysters, American caviar and fresh herbs. Additional highlights include the Sugar Snap Salad, Fried Clam Bellies, and the Painted Hill Farms Sirloin Burger. For dessert, we recommend Classic Whoopies, made with a marshmallow fluff filling; a slice of Boston Cream Pie and Grandma Celia’s Lemon Meringue Pie. Go ahead- try all three! Izzy’s Fish & Oyster is located at 423 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach. For more information visit: http://izzysmiami.com.
Novecento
Founded in New York by Hector Rolotti in 1991, Novecento is an Argentinian bistro-style restaurant boasting 12 locations in 10 cities, spanning across four countries. South Florida, their most penetrated market, includes four locations – Brickell (2004), Key Biscayne (2010), Aventura (2013) and the brands latest expansion into the trending Midtown Miami district (2014).
Corporate Chef and COO of Novecento, Gabriel Medici, has shaped the brands fare to showcase a refined take on a blend of Pan-Latin and Argentine flavors. This culinary cross section, where South America influence meets French techniques, comes to life with approachable and robust entrée-sized salads, pasta dishes ranging from spaghetti to gnocchi, hearty fish and chicken dishes, and more than five cuts of beef. Novecento is not only a celebration of culture, but a celebration of family.
The menu immediately draws you in, with a wide offering of familiar favorites. While each menu is location specific, signatures include a selection of sandwiches like the Lomito Novcento beef tenderloin, mozzarella, ham, bacon, lettuce, tomato and mayonnaise on a baguette; meat entrees like a Ojo de Bife 16 oz. grilled rib-eye steak, sautéed spinach and roasted sweet potatoes to a Milanga Novecento a choice of lightly breaded beef with the option to add “A Caballo” two fried eggs on top, “Napolitana” with ham, cheese and tomato sauce or “Suiza” with Swiss cheese; as well as handcrafted beef, spinach & cheese, chicken & ham, and cheese Empanadas. Signature Picadas, sharing platters, are also available at each location and range from authentic Argentinean fare of grilled meats and empanadas to more traditional meat and cheese platters with offerings of nuts, olives and toast. Novecento’s signature dessert includes Panqueques con Dulce de Leche y Helado warm crepes, Dulce de leche, vanilla ice cream and whipped cream.
The beverage program includes a wide selection of international boutique wines, together with the addition of a full service bar. Signature cocktails range from $7 to $15 and include the Mojito Novecento made with Bacardi Superior Rum and Bacardi Limon; Classic Dewar’s 12 on the Rocks 12 year’s aged Scotch Whiskey on the rocks. All locations offer a daily Happy Hour from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., which includes 2-for-1 drink specials and bar bites; Wine Tuesdays with 50 percent off wine bottles; and Thirsty Thursdays with 50 percent off bottles of champagne and sparkling wine. Other weekly offerings include a Cigar Wednesdays and Pasta and Burger specials. For more information, visit: http://novecento.com.
On Wednesday, May 4 from 7:00 to 9:30 p.m., Rittenhouse Row celebrates the 2016 Spring Festival Preview Party presented by Capital One. Guests will enjoy and sample cuisines from Rittenhouse Row’s best restaurants, cocktails created from their best bartenders, informal modeling of spring trends from Rittenhouse Row member boutiques and salons, and a silent auction with Rittenhouse Row experiences and merchandise. The event will take place at the Westin Philadelphia; for tickets and more details 
Seaspice and Design Techo
Fathom Events and Turner Classic Movies (TCM) present John Hughes’ venerated comedy as part of the 
Bazi
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.
Aspire Eyewear is a new brand that offers a “barely there” fit and feel with optical and sunglasses frames that are lighter, thinner, stronger, and more pliable than anything previously launched in this
