Miami Spice Returns
Plus, Boozy Snow Cones, Bodega Olympic Discounts, and Winnie's Eyes
My Picks for Miami Spice
It’s mid-summer in Miami and that means record heat waves, tropical storms, toxic toads, and one good thing — Miami Spice. The program, sponsored by the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB), offers a two-month promotion from August 1 to September 30, where more than 250 Miami restaurants offer prix fixe, three-course meals for $30 or $35 (depending on the restaurant) for lunch and brunch, and $45 or $60 for dinner.
Miami Spice started as the Magic City’s version of New York City’s Restaurant Week and now enters its 23rd year. The program both serves to attract visitors to Miami during its historically slow time and helps keep restaurants afloat until the fall season arrives.
The big question, of course, for locals, is which restaurants to choose. Before I name my recommendations (which will likely be quite divisive), let me give you a pro’s tips for picking your best-in-class list:
It may be elementary, but the old saying, “an educated consumer is the best customer” is the gospel truth. Miami Spice lists most restaurant’s menus right there on its site for you to peruse. If you want to do your homework, compare that menu with the prices on a restaurant’s website. Miami Spice offerings should reflect a 30 to 40 percent discount from the regular menu. If that’s not the case, pass…
Look out for restaurants that “phone in” their Miami Spice menu. All too often, I’ve been pleased to find a stellar restaurant participating in Miami Spice until I read the offerings of airline chicken and salmon.
There are a ton of chains participating this year. Unless it’s a local chain, take a pass (I’m talking to you — the NY-based burger restaurant that has the gall to offer fried pickles and a burger as a Miami Spice menu)….
Let’s also talk about steakhouses that upcharge for steak and seafood places that offer non-local catches. Look, we all know that food costs are rising and rent is expensive, but if you can’t do Miami Spice right, just opt out — or at least put one value-added loss leader on the menu as a show of good faith.
There’s a new tab on the Miami Spice restaurant marked “Michelin” — if you’re looking to dine at Michelin-rated restaurants, here’s a good place to start your Miami Spice journey. With restaurants like Cote Miami and Le Jardinier on the list, it’s a great start — but beware of lazy menus and upcharges.
Sure, Miami Spice is a good way to try out new places, but don’t forget your favorite tried and true favorites. Summer is a tough time for the industry, so show some love to the places you adore.
Now, here are my picks for Miami Spice:
Amara has my vote for the loveliest restaurant in Miami. The problem with Miami restaurants with views is that they tend to be loud, douchey affairs filled with resident DJs, drunk party people, and lousy food. If you want a view without the pretense, then Amara hits the spot. Plus, the food is pretty amazing: Michael Schwartz has drafted chef Ivan Barros to helm the kitchen and his food is delicious. One more reason why Amara gets my seal of approval — there’s local fish on the Miami Spice menu and not some frozen hunk of cod or salmon.
I will die on my Blue Collar sword — Danny Serfer makes food that we want to eat — no weird foams, no edible flowers, no surly waiters “explaining” your food before you eat it. Instead, there are incredible burgers, a hearty chicken parm, latkes, and Key Lime pie. And now, Blue Collar offers cocktails — it’s like the culinary equivalent of a “greatest hits” album. And it looks Like Blue Collar’s Serfer knows his audience because his Miami Spice menu is….well, it’s everything on the menu. For $60, just choose any appetizer, any entree, and any dessert. Easy, peasy.
If you want an interactive experience that’s dinner and a show, then Cafe La Trova is the perennial favorite. Of course, with a dream team like Michelle Bernstein and Julio Cabrera, you cannot go wrong. The Miami Spice menu is filled with classics, but for me, it’s a tossup between the fresh catch and the arroz con Pollo. Bring a friend and share.
Though I'm disappointed that Hakassan has discontinued its excellent vegan Miami Spice menu (one of the few good offerings for vegans and vegetarians), I’ll always choose this restaurant at the Fontainebleau for its dim sum basket offered as an appetizer. Vegetarians can opt for the “vegetarian” chicken for an entree (there’s also regular chicken and prawns. Steer clear of the half peking duck — it comes with a $35 upcharge.
I admire chef/owner Peter Vauthy and you should too. The chef eschews being a “celebrity chef” on TikTok or whatever. Instead, he hunkers down in the kitchen at Red South Beach every day to put out some of the best beef in Miami. Vauthy is a class act and so is Red. His Miami Spice menu is filled with some A-list items including Angus beef, bone marrow, and lamb. Add a lobster tail for an upcharge (or stick to the menu) for a memorable meal that pulls out all the stops. Bonus: Red offers Miami Spice on weekends (even Saturdays), so you can have a proper night out on the town. Spicy!
Chef Jeremy Ford is one of Miami’s most talented (and nicest) chefs and Stubborn Seed is a shining example of a restaurant offering innovative tasting menus that evolve with the time. Ford’s Miami Spice menu isn’t the multiple-course tasting menu, but there’s still great value. If you haven’t been, this is a great time to try the restaurant without the commitment of a meal lasting several hours.
Boozy Snow Cones in Coconut Grove
It’s freaking hot out — so hot I can’t even walk my doggos. Seriously, it’s tough to think of a whole meal in this summer heat.
So, maybe you need something else. Maybe you need a boozy snow cone and a dozen oysters.
The Oyster Bar at CocoWalk offers boozy snow cones in three flavors: Mango Tequila Tajin, Piña Colada, and a rotating virgin flavor. While you’re there, stay for the oysters. Brain Freeze!
Bodega Offers Limited Time Discounts for Olympics
Bodega Taqueria y Tequila is honoring the Olympics with a series of brand-wide discounts available for all app and online orders placed from July 25 through August 11. Spend $30 and get $5 off with code Bronze, Spend $55 and get $10 off with code Silver, and Spend $70 and get $15 off with code Gold. Ring in the Olympic season with steep discounts and enjoy them while they last! Available for all orders placed on the app or online at all locations. Champion Deal!
Look Deeply into Winnie’s Eyes
I swear, this sweet girl is looking straight into my soul. If Winnie’s eyes are making you fall, then call it a date and adopt her today. Winnie is a spayed three-year-old female brown brindle collie mix. Her number is A2355032 and she’s in kennel A18. Blue eyes….baby’s got blue eyes…!
Batch Gastropub is the sponsor of our dog adoption section. If you adopt one of these guys (or any dog because of Miami Checklist), Batch will supply you with a gift card for the amount of the adoption from MDAS. So get a dog, get a burger…or something like that. Contact me for details.
Go all in at Miami-Dade Animal Services. 3599 NW 79 Ave., Doral; 305-884-1101; miamidade.gov/animals
If you have an event or a story you’d like us to share, email lainedoss@gmail.com.
Sharing is caring — spread the word and help us grow!
Why not buy us a beer by subscribing to the Miami Checklist?