Restaurant Happenings South Florida June 18, 2008
RESTAURANT HAPPENINGS – 6.18.08
LOCAL CHEF MICHELLE BERNSTEIN OF “MICHY’S” WINS JAMES BEARD AWARD
Michy’s, 6927 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, 305-759-2001
Michelle Bernstein has won the James Beard Award for “The Best Chef of the South 2008.” Bernstein said in her acceptance speech that she was especially gratified for the win because her restaurant is located “in a part of city better known for prostitutes than for dining.” More information about the awards can be found at http://jbfawards.com/content/2008-nominees#books.
THE BOUTIQUE KITCHEN OPENS
The Boutique Kitchen,6815 Biscayne Boulevard,(305-756-0089).
The Upper East Side restaurant focuses on gourmet bistro fare: salads (Asian, Greek, Tex-Mex), sandwiches (chicken and sun-dried tomato, BBQ pulled pork), and classics (meatloaf, churrasco steak, spaghetti). Rotating specials include Caribbean-style paella (black rice, chorizo, shrimp, calamari, mussels) and coconut curry chicken. Though the spot is geared toward takeout and catering, its homey Southwestern decor, cheery yellow walls, and open kitchen invite you to order your beer “to stay.”
TICKETS FOR THE NEW YORK WINE AND FOOD FESTIVAL ON SALE NOW
October 9-12 see your favorite Food Network Star at the NYC Wine and Food Festival. Tickets and more information is available at http://www.nycwineandfoodfestival.com/2008/index1.php.
Sizzling Summer Specials at Prezzo!
Prezzo,18831 Biscayne Boulevard, Aventura, 305.931.5775, www.PrezzoFL.com
Prezzo Restaurant and Martini Bar in Aventura is reversing the trend of rising prices by offering sizzling summer specials, beginning Sunday, June 22. On the heels of its successful $12 Lunch Express and Prix Fixe Tuesdays, Prezzo has announced the following Summer Values: Prix-Fixe Dinners for $30, Monday through Thursday, 6 pm until 10 pm, includes a choice of Appetizer, Entrée, Dessert, Coffee and a glass of Champagne or Wine, all for just $30. Portions are plentiful, and the menu changes daily. Sunset Dining has been reduced to just $19.95 Sunday through Thursday, from 4 pm to 6 pm.
WINE, WOMEN & SONG AT AZUL
Azul at Mandarin Oriental, Miami, 500 Brickell Key Drive, (305) 913-8358.
New Wine Seminar to Offer Great Wines, Amazing Bites and Good Tunes. A longtime wine-lover and aficionado, Betancourt is a rarity in the wine industry – a female sommelier – a fact she finds ironic considering women purchase 57% of the wine consumed in the United States. In keeping with this trend, Betancourt is launching a series of special women-oriented wine seminars. Taking place this July, the Wine, Women & Song seminars will be the perfect way for burgeoning wine-lovers to learn the basics and more seasoned sippers to sharpen their tasting skills. Priced at $40 per person (all-inclusive), each class, held at the Azul Bar from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., will feature wine tastings with Betancourt, delicious bites from the Azul kitchen and a special Mandarin Oriental gift bag, featuring an array of complimentary goodies, including a CD of relaxing tunes from the hotel spa. Class size is limited; advance reservations required.
FRATELLI LYON, OPENS IN HEART OF MIAMI DESIGN DISTRICT
FRATELLI LYON, 4141 Northeast Second Avenue in Miami, 305-572-2901
Ken Lyon, director of the highly successful Lyon + Lyon catering company and former co-owner of the iconic Lyon Freres et Compagnie on Lincoln Road, has opened his new restaurant, Fratelli Lyon, an inviting Italian café notable for light, seasonal, high quality, handcrafted cuisine. Located at 4141 Second Avenue, in what is fast becoming Miami’s version of restaurant row, the Design District restaurant occupies a soaring modern space at the entrance to the chic Driade showroom. All the chic restaurant furnishings, from bar fixtures, chairs and tables to dishes, glassware, flatware and accessories, are sourced from Driade and available for purchase in the store — an unprecedented blending of art and design with great food and wine.
THE REGENT BAL HARBOUR TO HOST LAVISH FOR JULY 4 CELEBRATIONS
The Regent Bal Harbour, 10295 Collins Avenue, in Bal Harbour, 305-455-5400.
The Regent Bal Harbour, the luxurious new ocean front resort, offers revelers the ultimate destination for Independence Day celebrations on Friday, July 4, 2008. Perched directly on the water at the tip of Bal Harbour Village, the hotel’s beautiful Aqua Soleil pool area and chic The View Bar offer unparalleled locations for viewing South Florida’s annual fireworks extravaganzas while relaxing in a beautiful setting and enjoying incredible cuisine. The Aqua Soleil Independence Day Barbecue runs from noon to 7:00 p.m. and is priced at $65.00 per person exclusive of tax and gratuity. The View Bar Clambake Buffet takes place from 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. and is offered at $75.00 per person, exclusive of tax and gratuity. Both buffets are priced at $25.00 plus tax and gratuity for children under 12.