Room Service Restaurant Lounge

Dim Lighting and Chic Decor
help create the sultry ambiance

You'll feel like you're in a 5-Star Hotel

You won't need your Do Not Disturb sign for this one. Just check in at the front desk, and then let the friendly "bellman" escort you to your "private suite". There's nothing like room service in a five star hotel and that's exactly what you'll feel like you're having when you step into Miami Beach's newest hotspot: Room Service Restaurant Lounge, located at 929 Washington Avenue, in the place where Club B.E.D. used to be.

Bar Area

Flat Screens in the "Private Suites"

Adding to the privacy

An innovative one-of-a-kind dining venue in Miami Beach, Room Service Restaurant Lounge mimics the experience of checking in to a five star luxury hotel, complete with "Bellmen", "French Maidens" and "Room Service" carts for dessert. The decor is impressive, creating a sultry ambiance with the leather couches and the flat screen T.V.s hanging on the walls of the "suites". Celebrated local chef, Miguel Emmanuelli has created a spectacular menu featuring both small and large plates, salads and mouth-watering desserts. While the Grand Opening is occurring tonight, September 27th at 8:00 pm with Black Carpet arrivals, champagne, passed hor d'oeuvres and signature cocktails, I had the opportunity to sample some of their dishes in a private tasting. I was mesmerized and enthralled by the surroundings, the scrumptious food and the delicious cocktails.

"Bellhops" will escort you to your "suite"
while "French Maidens" provide bottle service

Wine and cocktails

Grey Goose Creations

On this special evening, I enjoyed some excellent cocktails with Grey Goose that were beyond amazing. My favorite was made with Grey Goose Cherry Noir, strawberries, simple syrup, white grapefruit juice, orange juice, pineapple juice and topped with Sprite. Can you imagine the sweetness souffle I had going there? It sounds like all of their signature and specialty cocktails are going to be outrageous, made with premium brands and named using authentic hotel verbiage: Lights Out, Wake up Call, 3 Days 2 Nights and Presidential Suite, to name a few.

Check-In Welcome Champagne

Trio of Dips

Small Plates Sampler

Now all this is a lot of fun and totally original, but what about the food? It's a hit all the way. I sampled a selection of their signature small plates and they were delicious. The Trio of Dips, served with tri-colored tortilla chips, made me want to lick the dish. I tried the Spinach Artichoke Dip and the Asparagus Dip and I loved them both. They were warm, creamy and oh so tasty. It was difficult to choose a favorite. The next platter featured three of their small plates: the Steak Quesadillas, Coconut Panko Shrimp and Chicken Skewers. The steak in the quesadillas was tender and well-seasoned, and the warm, melted cheese oozed out like golden lava. I enjoyed the marinade on the juicy, flavorful chunks of chicken as well as the chipotle mayo sauce drizzled over them. My personal favorite, however, were the Coconut Panko Shrimp. Wow! I know I will have those every time I come in. The shrimp had a juicy, sweet taste, covered by the most delectable, Japanese breadcrumbs. You could taste the hint of coconut but what made it stand out for me, was the exquisite shallow pool of mango chutney it was sitting in. Divine!

Grilled Salmon

Chicken Ricotta

I sampled two of their entrees: the herb marinated Grilled Salmon and the Chicken Ricotta. The Grilled Salmon was served with purple mashed potatoes and asparagus. The fish was fresh and flaky, with a mild, pleasant flavor, while the purple mashed potatoes not only added a cool visual presentation to the dish, but also provided a creamy, slightly nutty taste to the experience. While I normally do not order chicken as an entree, I was fascinated by this one. Similar to a cordon bleu, the Chicken Ricotta consisted of a bacon-wrapped chicken breast stuffed with ricotta cheese, smoked ham and fresh herbs; served with grilled asparagus and roasted potatoes. The flavor profile created by the chef was incredible! Each mouthful of moist, tender chicken delicately combined with the crumbly texture of the ricotta cheese and the smoky flavor of the ham, creating an explosion of tastes that changed with each bite. Some other dishes on the menu that sound very enticing are the South Beach Cones, Lobby Sliders and the Volcano Skirt Steak.

Housemade Blueberry Cheesecake
and Chocolate Mousse

Red Velvet Cake and Carrot Cake

To end the room service adventure, came a sampling of their celestial, signature desserts. The first ones were the Housemade Blueberry Cheesecake and the Chocolate Mousse. Spectacular! The cheesecake was completely different than any I had tried before. The fruity creation was not only pretty to look at but a treat to the taste buds. The chocolate mousse was smooth, creamy and sweet; a refreshing finale. The other two desserts were the Red Velvet Cake and the Carrot Cake. Both cakes were moist and the cream cheese frosting was remarkable.


I had an amazing time at Room Service Restaurant Lounge and I cannot wait to return tonight for the Grand Opening. If you are going, you will be in for a treat. If not, make plans to visit them soon and let them pamper you - you may just never want to check out! For more information, you can contact them at  305-763-8330 or visit them online at http://roomservicemia.com/web/.

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1500° at the Eden Roc Renaissance Hotel - Dessert for Dinner

1500 Degrees

Elegant and Chic Decor

You know how your parents always told you you couldn't have any dessert until you finished all of your dinner? Like me, you probably sat there and fantasized about what life would be like if there were no dinner, but just dessert. I lived out my dream recently by having a "Dessert for Dinner" adventure at 1500°, located at 4525 Collins Avenue in the Eden Roc Renaissance Hotel in Miami Beach. Featuring Pastry Chef Sole Nizzero's inventive desserts, it was the kind of night you wish would repeat itself over and over just like the one Bill Murray had on Groundhog Day.

Talented Chef Paula Da Silva

Assortment of Chutneys

Fresh fruit and cheese platter

1500° opened its doors in October 2010 and features creative, seasonal cuisine, following a farm-to-table approach. Using only the freshest local ingredients under the direction of award-winning Executive Chef Paul DaSilva, artisan dishes are carefully prepared, offering delicious flavor combinations that provoke the senses. Although I was embarking on a mind-blowing journey of sweetness overload, the evening started with some canapes, fruits and cheese tastings paired with housemade chutneys. 

Creating some tasty dishes

Tuna Poke on a Wonton Crisp

Grilled Watermelon & Ham Roll

The salty prelude of the night was so incredibly good, it was difficult not to overindulge. The chutneys were perfect and paired well with the variety of hard and soft cheeses. There was also a basket of housemade Lavash that was fresh and tasty. Unable to restrain myself, two canapes kept me casually strolling back to the table: the Tuna Poke on a Wonton Crisp and the Grilled Watermelon and Ham Roll. Amazing! The tuna was skillfully cut and seasoned with soy, pickled cucumber, toasted rice pearls, and sriracha aioli to create an exotic, refreshing bite that was addicting. The Grilled Watermelon and Ham Roll had a kick to it that said "Go ahead, I dare you to take another" and I just love a challenge. It was divine; combining the salty taste of prosciutto with the sweet flavor of fruit.

Pastry Chef Sole Nizzero

Banana Cream Pie

Coconut Rum Batida

Fast forwarding to Pastry Chef Sole Nizzero's Sugar Fest, the fun began with a Banana Cream Pie with Dulce de Leche Ice-Cream and Milk Crumb, paired with a Coconut Rum Batida. The room went silent as we put the first spoonful into our mouths. It was creamy and rich; the milk crumb giving it an extra texture that was fun and blended well with the cool dulce de leche ice-cream. The Coconut Rum batida was a great pairing that cleansed the palate and balanced the flavors. All the spectacular cocktails were created by mixologist Rafa Dulanto.

Roasted Figs with Corn Cake

Fig Bourbon Martini

The next treat was the Roasted Figs with Corn Cake, Goat Cheese Cream and Balsamic Ice-Cream, paired with my favorite drink of the night, Fig Bourbon and Roasted Maple Syrup Martini. Pastry Chef Sole Nizzero's creativity was busting at the seams with this one. The unexpected union of the roasted figs with the corn cake enticed the palate while the subtle taste of the ice-cream contributed a unique depth of flavor to the dessert. It all came together with the aromatic martini that brought a modern take to a timeless classic.

Learning about the decadent feast we were enjoying 

Benton's Bacon Doughnuts

Ice-Cream Float

My heart was racing and I couldn't stop smiling as I thought about how exciting this dinner was; continuous courses of desserts, now that's heaven on earth.  I looked down at my next sinful delight. It was one I had been anxiously awaiting: Benton's Bacon Doughnuts With White Chocolate Guinness Sauce, paired with Guinness and Chocolate Hazelnut Ice-Cream Float. Oh that combination of sweet and salty, creamy and crispy is something I cannot resist! And who thinks of white chocolate guinness sauce? Pastry Chef Sole Nizzero, that's who! I loved it. The bacon was bold and smoky while the doughnut was airy and light. Opposites definitely attracted here. The Guinness and Chocolate Hazelnut Ice-Cream Float was decadent and rich and the Guinness gave it a strong, unexpected taste.

Olive Oil and Yogurt Panna Cotta

Basil Limoncello Granita

For some reason, the Toys R Us song kept playing in my mind. I don't know if it was the whole "I don't want to grow up" part that was awakened by all these inspiring desserts or the "More Desserts More Drinks Oh Boy" lyrics I rewrote, but I definitely didn't want this adventure to end. Next, we were served the Olive Oil and Yogurt Panna Cotta With Tomato Jam, paired with a Basil Limoncello Granita. As you can see in the picture, the colorful presentation of this dessert was gorgeous; a true work of art. It had a smooth and creamy texture, and the tomato jam gave it a well-balanced medley of flavors that made the taste buds dance. The Basil Limoncello was whimsical and refreshing and served as an excellent palate cleanser. I could visualize myself drinking it as I lounged by the Eden Roc pool.

S'mores in a Jar and
Sweet Potato Ice-Cream Sandwich

Coffee and Assorted Liqueurs

Sadly, it was time for the last pairing. Everything was phenomenal up to this point, but I believe this was the moment we had all been waiting for; the star of the show; the grand finale: S'mores In A Jar. Let me elaborate. Imagine homemade toasted marshmallows, smoked chocolate peanut butter and graham cracker ice-cream joined together in sweet harmony. I don't remember much conversation during the moments we first dipped into this decadent masterpiece; just a series of happy moans. Next to it, sat a Sweet Potato Ice-Cream Sandwich made with a ginger cookie, pecan dust and toffee caramel. Outrageous! It was served with coffee and a shot of Kahlua and Bailey's. What an enchanted way to finalize this creative and original adventure.

The Amazing Team at 1500 and the happy dessert fanatics

Throughout our meal, the service we received from the team at 1500° was outstanding. They truly transmit their passion and dedication for what they do and Pastry Chef Sole Nizzero is a culinary gem. Two of these desserts are currently being offered on their menu: the Banana Cream Pie and Benton's Bacon Doughnuts, while the others may be available soon. If you haven't had a chance to visit 1500° at the Eden Roc, I highly encourage you to do so. I am very excited to be returning real soon for a dinner experience, and I can't wait to see what other gastronomical surprises they have in store. For more information on 1500°, you can contact them at  305-674-5594 or visit them online at http://www.1500degreesmiami.com/.

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Miami Culinary Tours - South Beach Food Tour

Enjoying the Art Deco District 

Did you know that back in the day architects designed "brows" on the buildings in South Beach to keep the sun's heat out? What about the reason why there are arrows pointing in a single direction on the floor of the Essex Hotel? It's funny how you can live in a place all your life and not really know all there is to know about it. That is one of the cool things I absolutely loved about Miami Culinary Tours - South Beach Tour.  I found myself utterly surprised and pleasantly intrigued as I ate my way through the Art-Deco District of Miami Beach in this fun-filled, mouth-watering tour.

So much history behind the decor

Miami Culinary Tours was born out of a passion for food and a desire to share that passion. It's founder, Grace Della, came up with the idea about 10 years ago as she was having a heart-to-heart conversation with her mother about food, cooking, cultures and people. Since then, Miami Culinary Tours has evolved into a popular destination for both tourists and locals alike; offering a taste into the different flavors and cultures that make Miami the attractive culinary melting pot it is.

Natalie Fong, Our Tour Guide

Every tour is different and the stops can change depending on what is fresh at the moment, restaurant availability and what the chefs and cooks are creating on that particular week. When we arrived at our meeting point, Natalie, our friendly tour guide, was there to greet us. She encouraged us to mingle while we waited for the rest of the participants. I have to say the cohesiveness of our group was perfect from the beginning. An interesting aspect of these tours is that aside from interacting with locals who want a new perspective on the dining scene or are perhaps celebrating a special occasion, you also get the opportunity to meet so many visitors to the Miami area. Our new friends included people from Manchester in Britain, Brisbane in Australia,the Dominican Republic, Italy and a local couple celebrating their 22nd wedding anniversary.

Getting to know each other

From start to finish, the South Beach tour was about 1 mile long and took approximately 3 hours. Altogether, we made 7 stops, ranging from generous sit down meals and on-the-go bites, to a Cuban "colada" fix at a local eatery.




Take a look at some of the highlights from our tour and see why Miami Culinary Tours has received national and international recognition from travelers and local foodies alike. Since I think its much more fun to leave the stops a surprise, I'll just give you a bit of information on the locales we visited as well as share some of the foodporn with you.

Cheers with Refrajo

Cold Gazpacho

Artisanal Colombian Cuisine

The evening started at a popular restaurant inside a luxury boutique resort reminiscent of old Florida. Offering Nuevo Latino Cuisine, we got to sample a shot of a Cold Gazpacho that was both creamy as well as refreshing. From there, we hopped on over to a fabulous spot, whose rustic yet trendy decor was an eye-catcher from the start. Exemplifying the Miami/SoBe vibe, it unites a combination of South American flavors to bring an exotic fusion of Colombian, Peruvian and Venezuelan cuisine. We were treated to a sampling of different Artisanal bites: a golden meat empanada filled with bold flavors, a "patacon" consisting of  shredded chicken and cheese sitting atop a crunchy plantain, and a white corn grilled arepa topped with a delicious homemade sauce. We enjoyed this sampler with a Refrajo; a refreshing cocktail made with Aguila beer and Colombian soda.

The Chef, detailed as always, came to say hi to the group and describe the dishes

A Taste of Cuba

"Cafecito" Time

As we made our way to our next stop, we learned a lot of fun facts about the area;  its history,  its culture, and the beautiful architecture that makes South Beach such a visited hotspot.  I was excited to learn that the next location on our tour was a Cuban favorite of mine.  We sat down amidst the live entertainment and the breathtaking murals and enjoyed our exceptional meal: Ropa Vieja, Moros and Maduritos (Shredded Beef Flank Steak in a captivating sauce, Mixed Black Beans and Rice and Sweet Plantains). And of course, it wouldn't be complete without the warm, fresh baked bread that is such a special part of this place. Feeling nice and satisfied, we continued our walk through Ocean Drive, enjoying all the facts. In true Latin fashion, we stopped at a "cafeteria" and ordered a "Colada" to share; a Cuban expresso shot. Perfect complement to the delicious Cuban meal we had just indulged in.

A little bit of the Czech Republic on Ocean Drive

Amuse Bouche

Liquid Nitrogen Ice-Cream

The culinary fun wasn't over just yet although you're probably thinking, "More food?" The answer is yes. There were still a few more surprises in the mix. We strolled some more, had a near-death experience with a coconut which I'm sure we will all remember with a chuckle, and headed over to a relatively new place on Ocean Drive. Introducing modern European cuisine which features complex molecular gastronomy, this chic and upscale restaurant provides an exhilarating experience from the moment you walk in. First, we were treated to an "Amuse-Bouche", (literally translated to mouth amuser); a single bite-sized hors d'oeuvre that was an explosion of flavors to the palate. It was a small roll of salmon, stuffed baby carrot, melon sauce and a sprinkle of salad. As if we weren't impressed enough, they also prepared some Liquid Nitrogen Ice-Cream right in front of us, which made us practically jump for joy with anticipation. Only two places in the beach serve this sweet treat.

Delicious

Oh boy! More Sweets

Gelato Dreams

For the last two stops, we continued on the Dessert Trail; sampling some more culinary culture.  We visited a casual location that's become quite the institution on South Beach in the ten years it's been there.  Originally from Israel, its owner started his first restaurant in 1978, and they are open for business 24 hours a day.  Here, we sampled some traditional sweets and then moved on to our final stop of the evening: Italian Gelato. Offering a huge selection of flavors, we had trouble picking just one. It was a great ending to a memorable night!

Decisions Decisions

If this is what Grace envisioned as she sat in her mother's kitchen, and began her journey to creating culinary tours that would provide everything from delicious cuisine, to a fine cultural experience, she hit it right on the nail. Besides the South Beach Tour, there is also a Little Havana Tour, and a couple of City Tours (on a bus). If you prefer, you can also request a Private Tour. For more information, visit Miami Culinary Tours online at http://www.miamiculinarytours.com.

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