Photo By Felipe Cuevas
Leku's Arroz de Setas a la Brasa
Miami Spice, the 2-month promotional dining program which began August 1 and runs through September is a food lover's dream come true. Created by the Greater Miami Convention and Visitor's Bureau 21 years ago in an effort to lure more diners out to eat during South Florida's slow season, it has since become a celebrated culinary extravaganza boasting the participation of over 200 restaurants.
How does it work? It's simple: there are prix-fixe 3-course Miami Spice menus for lunch, dinner and/or brunch. At $28 for lunch/brunch and new year this, the option of $45 or $60 for dinner, the price is too good to be true. And while there a too many delicious spots to list here, we've rounded up some top contenders not to be missed.
*Note: Restaurants' days/times offering Miami Spice vary, so be sure to click on the restaurant links for schedule and complete Miami Spice menu.
Outdoor courtyard at Abbale Telavivian Kitchen
This charming Israeli restaurant in Miami Beach's trendy South of Fifth neighborhood will transport you straight to its namesake city, known for its vibrant, European-style cafe scene. Relax in the comfortable outdoor patio or head indoors to bright decor and flavorful dishes like Grilled Peach and Halloumi, Sumac Chicken Shashlik and Whole Fire Roasted Branzino. Don't miss desserts like Sticky Date-Feta Caramel Cake by renowned Pastry Chef Hedy Goldsmith.
James Beard Award-winning chef José Andrés is a master in pushing the culinary envelope, a skill most notable in his restaurant in the heart of South Beach. The cuisine is grounded in Andrés Spanish roots and the regular menu is cleverly divided among traditional dishes and more avant-garde ones. For Miami Spice, the eatery presents a generous selection of the greatest hits, which includes Andrés's unique interpretation of the classic Tortilla Española as well as a memorable Cuban Coffee-Rubbed Churrasco With Passion Fruit Coulis.
Camarones Enchilados
Those craving Cuban food with an elevated touch will want to head to this Coconut Grove favorite helmed by Chef Michael Beltran. Fresh off the heels of an expansion, there's ample indoor seating and a thriving, lush outdoor courtyard as well. Expect comfort food magic that includes Camarones Enchilados (grilled prawns with sofrito and rice), Pan Con Bistec (the traditional Cuban meat sandwich) as well as Abuela's Plate: a choice of grilled chicken or Lechón (pork) served with white rice, black beans and banana. Save room for dessert, the passion fruit pie is a must!
Butchers Block
This is one of Miami's newest — and most buzzed about — high-end steakhouses, and for good reason. Having recently been awarded a coveted Michelin star, the upscale Korean steakhouse has personality and cuisine well worth the trek south. Like its sister location in New York City, this Design District hotspot knows how to treat its patrons right — beginning with exceptional cocktails all the way to the fun desserts. For Spice (lunch only) we recommend leaning in fully to your carnivore side with the Steak Tartare and The Butchers Block. We promise you won't be disappointed!
Fusilloni Al Pesto
You'll find this special occasion Italian gem packed on any given night. That's because both the ambiance and superb dishes under the talented direction of Executive Chef Danny Ganem have earned South Florida's heart. Sample the magic in their Miami Spice menu with starters like Colors Of The Garden Salad (farmer’s field lettuces, goat cheese, avocado and edible flowers ); Hamachi Crudo with peaches, lemon agrumato and apricot puree and Bison Steak Tartare with parmesan crema. Main courses include Fusilloni Al Pesto, Braised Berkshire Pork Shoulder and Grilled Wood Oven Delmonico. There's also a lovely brunch with favorites like Pepper Crusted Beef Carpaccio and Roman Shell Carbonara.
Gambas Al Ajillo
Tucked inside the Rubell Museum, this high-end restaurant shines a light on the outstanding cuisine of the Basque region of Spain. Sample favorites like Gambas Al Ajillo (Key West pink shrimp with garlic sauce), Terrina De Foie Gras de Pato, foie gras terrine dusted with corn nuts and served alongside Pedro Ximenez marmalade, Arroz de Setas a la Brasa (wild mushroom rice) and Carré de Cordero a Baja Temperatura, slow-cooked rack of lamb au jus. Every dish tastes as good as it looks.
Chef/Owner Michael Bolen
A new addition to Miami's thriving culinary scene, this contemporary American is the go-to spot for foodies. Chef/owner Michael Bolen puts his heart and soul (and extraordinary talent) into each dish, transforming a meal into a creative culinary experience. For Miami Spice, diners are privy to White Asparagus Ajo Blanco with white cucumber and pickled cherry; Mimmo's Burrata with blistered snap pea, honey and pineapple mint; Braised Pork Cheek and Sausage Ragu with polenta and walnut pesto and, for dessert, Pluot Ice Cream with ricotta mousse and anise hyssop.
Sun Ray Clam Bucatini
Focusing on wood-fired cuisine, this popular eatery inside THesis Hotel is helmed by celebrated local chef Niven Patel. Much of the produce used here comes from his own Homestead Farm, Rancho Patel. For Miami Spice, sample the Spicy Tuna Tartare with preserved lemon, calabrian chili and foie gras; Chicken Milanese and legendary Sun Ray Clam Bucatini with fermented peppers, lemon and chives. Don't miss dessert! There's Warm Chocolate Cake with salted caramel, cacao nibs, vanilla ice cream and Creme Fraiche Panna Cotta with blackberry compote and mango granita to choose from.
Photo courtesy of Sérêvene
Lobster Uni-Alfredo
This classy spot in The Greystone Hotel serves contemporary Japanese-French cuisine inspired by French rotisserie traditions and Japanese izakaya. Led by Award-winning Executive Chef Pawan Pinisetti, dishes include Beet Tartare with Asian pear, chive, carrot and strawberry; Lobster Uni-Alfredo (butter poached lobster, bucatini al dente, parmesan crust and caviar) and for dessert, Pour Le Chocolat, a chocolate soufflé with chocolate ganache.