I’ve had some wonderful eating experiences in Miami in recent history, but fine dining, as you know ,is a special level. What is “fine dining”? Google sources define it as “exceptional cuisine characterized by innovation, quality ingredients and handsome presentation; upscale ambiance; and fine service”. Yes, that describes the one star Michelin Le Jardinier Miami in the Design District.  And, more, special for the summer season, Le Jardinier has a new three course lunch special at $39 and  prix fixe dinner offering at $68.     The cuisine at the hands of very tal ..read more

  We felt like we were transported to Cuba when we went to Kuba Cabana Miami, the seriously fun restaurant and cabaret at City Place in Doral. A classic red car serving as a bar at the entrance, the vibrant Latin music and entertainment set the tone. The wildly colorful décor with fluorescent lights, lush greenery, abundant reds and turquoise, and an infectious energy made the ambiance memorable. The Latin-inspired menu, with a special nod to Cuban cuisine, added to the experience. We went on a Sunday night, for their monthly special three hour Kubaret show,  which was a perfect co ..read more

  Steak frites   It’s good news for Miami’s culinary scene that French restaurants are making a comeback here, especially bistros and brasseries, with three new entries in the past year. Bouchon Bistro Miami, the latest, has the most impressive pedigree, including a one-star Michelin rating and a Chef/Owner Thomas Keller who has gotten three Michelin stars at multiple restaurants he has been involved with over the years including Per Se and the French Laundry. Keller’s point of difference is that Bouchon is the most authentic Bistro, a place that truly could have been lifted from Pa ..read more

  S’Mores cookies at Chip City Cookies, now in MiMO and Miami Beach   Much more eating news this month, here Part 2. Find a bubbly and delicious new happy hour on Brickell, foodie events like a guest chef dining series this summer from Uchi,  new waterfront dining restaurant option with boat docking,  restaurant openings and closings and more. If you missed Part 1, click here. Graziano’s Taste of Argentina   Taste of Argentina wining and dining extravaganza is being offered for one night only, June 27, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. The four course meal will be paired with wi ..read more

    Gekko lounge for happy hour   The dining beat totally goes on in June with a new Bad Bunny happy hour, Grilling Dinner to get ready for July 4, Mexican favorite Tacology new menu,  and reopening of the “new” icon Hoy Como Ayer in Little Havana. And there’s more! Stay tuned for part 2 of Eating News on Wednesday. Signature cocktail at Gekko   There are a lot more reasons to go to the Happy Hour at Gekkō besides the fact that one of the owners is Bad Bunny and some of the lounge music in the attractive bars is his. After receiving an invitation that was a WOW DIY co ..read more

Watr at the 1 Hotel South Beach   By Jan Engoren and Yours Truly   Rooftop restaurants Miami, now is the time to explore them, enjoy the breeze, take in the city and beach vistas, relax with friends and savor a refreshing cocktail. From casual venues to more elegant, fine-dining options, the rooftop restaurants and bars can be found in Coconut Grove, Brickell, Downtown, Wynwood and of course, South Beach. Whether you’re in the mood for a casual Happy Hour, lunch or dinner, we’ve put together a list to give you a heads-up and an edge on starting the summer season in style.   Here ..read more

      Eating a meal in every country of the world without leaving the five boroughs of New York is a mission writer Richard Morgan described in a recent New Yorker magazine. He’s up to 150! It’s seriously doubtful any other city in the US will attain that variety but, to me, variety of cuisines is an important factor in the making of a culinary capital and holds great appeal. Which leads me to Miami. I’m very happy to say that we’re now seeing restaurants with more ethnic cuisines.  And one of these is Essensia Restaurant in The Palms Hotel with its talented chef Diana Ta ..read more

  My sophisticated European friend summed it up  describing the new Parisian café Yann Couvreur Miami Pâtisserie that just opened. It says Paris in its casual yet stylish look, the fine pastries, and quality and presentation of the light fare. It’s a place where you go once and will surely be back, and with friends.     Chef Yann Couvreur, a leading French chef and top caterer in France,  has opened the first U.S. restaurant of Yann Couvreur Café in  Wynwood, joining 17 other shops from Paris and Seoul to Dubai and more. At the flagship café restaurant, he goes ..read more

  The Cleat Bar, Top Spot for Catching a Sunset   By Munisha Underhill and Yours Truly with contributions by Adelaida Palm   Next in the popular series of a Day In….is a day in Key Biscayne. Here’s everything you need to know, from things to do Key Biscayne, best shopping for food and fashion, and land and water sports to the best place to catch a sunset and where to stay. And for more in the series of a Day In…look at the end of the post.    Overview of Key Biscayne   Across the Rickenbacker Causeway, Key Biscayne is home to world-class beaches and lush parks. A ..read more

Blackened lobster from Nina Compton of Compere Lapin. She has a residency at the Four Seasons Hotel Miami this month   We’re coming into “off season” in Miami but there’s no let up in restaurant openings and other eating news including a high profile chef in residence at the Four Seasons Hotel Miami, a new option in luxury brunch offerings, a new chocolate destination with classes,  a great deal at Fogo de Chao Brazilian churrascaria. Plus, my review of Greek restaurant Bakalo Mykonos on Miami Beach.   Ben B Coco Edible Art   Happily I happened on a delicious new chocolate ..read more