Restaurant Happenings South Florida

RESTAURANT HAPPENINGS 12.12.07

 

CHEF MICHAEL BLUM REOPENS MICHAEL’ S KITCHEN IN SUNNY ISLES

Michael’s Kitchen at the Newport Beachside Resort, 16701 Collins Avenue in Sunny Isles Beach, (305) 749-2110. www.michaels-kitchen.com

 

Executive Chef and owner Michael Blum has closed Michael’s Kitchen in Hollywood where it’s been operating for three years and has reopened the new Michael’s Kitchen at the Newport Beachside Resort in Sunny Isles. The eclectic American bistro with a contemporary feel and a friendly atmosphere features dishes such as Movie Theatre Popcorn Rock Shrimp ($14), “Chimichurri” Skirt Steak ($24) wrapped around grilled corn on the cob and served with Yucca fries, and an Over-the-Top Baked Alaska.

 

 

THE TIDES HOTELS REOPENS AFTER TRANSFORMATION

The Tides, 1220 Ocean Drive, (866) 891-0950, www.tidessouthbeach.com

 

The Tides South Beach, an icon of Art Deco architecture of the 1930s, has just reopened under the ownership of Kor Hotel Group with Brad Korzen as CEO and founder. Executive Chef Pietro Rota has built his menu around seasonal ingredients and Italian-Mediterranean seafood, and the restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, tapas and dinner.  Interior designer Kelly Wearstler has redesigned the hotel’s 45 ocean-view guest suites, grand public spaces, Martini Bar, the lobby lounge area and the indoor/outdoor La Marea restaurant.

 

ACCLAIMED CHEF/RESTAURATEUR OPENS BOURBON STEAK AT FAIRMONT TURNBERRY ISLE RESORT & CLUB, DECEMBER 20

Bourbon Steak, A Michael Mina Restaurant at The Fairmont Turnberry Isle Resort & Club, 19999 West Country Club Drive in Aventura, (786) 279-6600.

 

James Beard award-winning chef Michael Mina has appointed Andrew Rothschild as executive chef and John Riccardo as GM for the soon to open Bourbon Steak at the Fairmont Turnberry Isle Resort & Club in Aventura. Mina treats diners to “Michael’s Classics” ($22-$46) — a selection of signature dishes including Maine lobster pot pie and whole-fried organic chicken accompanied by truffled mac & cheese.

 

DOGMA GRILL OPENING NEW NORTH MIAMI OUTPOST

Dogma Grill, 899 NE 125th Street, (305) 759-3433, www.dogmagrill.com

 

Owners of Dogma Grill, South Florida’s original hot dog hot spot, will open their eagerly anticipated new location in North Miami this December.  The newest Dogma Grill will serve up the same delicious all natural beef, vegetarian and turkey hot dogs, a variety of gourmet toppings, hand cut chips, fries, wraps, salads, and assorted noshes at the newest eatery.

 

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE AT CHRISTABELLE’S QUARTER

Christabelle’s Quarter, 3157 Commodore Plaza,(786)-517-5299, www.christabellesquarter.com

 

There’s something for everyone at Christabelle’s Quarter. Enjoy Live Jazz Sunday Brunches from 11:00am to 4:00pm, Happy Hour every Tuesday to Friday

from 5:00pm to 7:00pm and Wine Tastings with wine educator Barry Alberts Fridays from 7:00pm to 9:30pm.

 

PACIFEIC NORTHWEST vs. BURGUNDY WINE THEME DINNER DECEMBRE 19

Palme d’Or, The Biltmore Hotel, 1200 Anastasia Ave, 1-800-915-1926

 

Compare and contrast the styles of Pacific Northwest wines with French Burgundies while dining on dishes prepared by Chef Ruiz, with exceptional service overseen by Sommelier and Maître D’ Verrier.  Members $89, Non-members $109.

 

Regions of Spain Wine Tasting – Tuesday, January 15

The Biltmore Hotel, 1200 Anastasia Ave,  1-800-915-1926, 7pm – 8:30pm,

 

Enjoy a walkabout tour of Spain’s most acclaimed wine-producing regions, sampling a selection of white and red wines with tunes of DJ Pierre Zonzon.

 

SOUTH FLORIDA RESTAURANT HAPPENINGS

WINE FRIDAYS AND NEW LUNCH MENU AT AZUL
Azul, 500 Brickell Key Drive, (305) 913-8254
Sommelier Cynthia Betancourt is introducing Wine Fridays, a weekly wine bacchanalia, offered during lunch and featuring $20 per person bottomless pours of amazing wines. To complement Wine Fridays, try the new lunch menu that features yogurt marinated swordfish skewers and a grilled trout salad with wild mushrooms, truffle vinaigrette and fried egg.

“Azul’s Way” is also available, featuring a special three course tasting menu for $35 per person, excluding tax and gratuity. Changing regularly, the menu features your choice from three appetizers, three entrees and a set dessert.

ANDÚ RESTAURANT & LOUNGE OPENS THIS WINTER
Andú, 141 SW 7th street, (786) 871-7005
Andú Restaurant & Lounge is opening late December at 141 SW 7th street. Owned by brothers Antonio and Juan Pablo Viejo, Andú will feature an eclectic menu of Mediterranean cuisine with international influences, created by consulting chef Jason McClain (formerly of 8½) and executed by executive chef Nate Martin. Designed by architect Tom Telesco of Miami-based Telesco Associates, the 4,600 square foot space will seat 150.

The Menu: Lighter fare offers choices such as interesting panini’s and sandwiches ($10.50-$14.50), including a spiced lamb gyro filled with grilled asparagus, feta and alfalfa sprouts. Main plates are Family Style ($24-$29) or Andú Signatures ($18-$27). Desserts ($6-$8) will include delicious offerings like Florida orange glazed doughnuts with white hot chocolate.

LEVEL 25: REDESIGNED RESTAURANT & LOUNGE LAUNCHES
Atrio at Level 25, 1395 Brickell Avenue, (305) 503-6529
Level 25 has re-opened at the Conrad Miami with new spaces and menu concepts. Executive chef Michael Gilligan oversees the menus for the signature restaurant, Atrio, as well as at The Bar at Level 25.

The Menu: The dinner menu offers a slate of enticing new dishes that blend the flavors of the East and West. Among the new entrees ($28-$42), Chef Gilligan presents succulent pan seared day boat sea scallops, with a sautéed morcilla slice, couscous tabouleh and a chili-garlic yuzu sauce. Atrio’s wine list has also undergone a renovation, featuring 40 wines by the glass.

GRASS RESTAURANT AND LOUNGE – UPDATED WINTER MENU
Grass Restaurant and Lounge, 28 NE 40th Street, (305) 573-3355
Check out the updated winter menu at Grass. Signature Cocktails are half off at happy hour every Wednesday thru Friday from 6-8pm.

WINE DOWN WEDNESDAYS AT CHEF ALLEN’S
CHEF ALLEN’S, Aventura, (305) 935-2900.
Wednesday, December 12, Wine Down Wednesdays at Chef Allen’s includes a multi-course dinner prepared by Chef Allen Susser. The dinner featuring Bracco Wines and is hosted by Special Guest Lorraine Bracco from “The Sopranos” series who is also the proprietor of Bracco Wines. $95 per person

ALTA COCINA OPENS IN SOUTH MIAMI
Alta Cocina, 5837 Sunset Drive, altacocinarestaurant.com

Chef-spouses Juan Mario Maza and Vani Maharaj are serving up culinary flair in their new South Miami restaurant. Together Maza and Maharaj have created a menu that blends their Caribbean and Latin American influences, producing dishes that add a fresh twist to salads, meats and seafood and are full of delights right from the beginning. For dinner, Alta Cocina offers something for everyone from chorizo-stuffed chicken over cream corned rice to the Filet Mignon served with wild mushroom cream sauce and house cut cube fries.