Pied a Terre at the Cadet Hotel

Elegant Splendor at Pied a Terre

Cozy and Captivating

It's always exciting to come across a true hidden gem; the kind you've never heard of and would rarely come across without a good pointing to. Such was the case for me very recently when I discovered Pied a Terre at the charming, timeless boutique hotel in South Beach: the Cadet Hotel.

Pool

Have a relaxing drink

Seeing the magic unfold

It would be impossible to talk about the magnificent food at Pied a Terre without first paying a bit of tribute to the hotel itself. Built in 1941, the Cadet Hotel has been a historical timekeeper located at 1701 James Avenue, since World War II. Initially built as a luxury hotel, it was used after the attack on Pearl Harbor, as a place for cadets to stay during the war. While most hotels in Miami Beach served the same purpose throughout this time, for some reason the Cadet left a significant mark and somehow kept that graceful elegance and magical aura synonymous with those years.

Dedicated visionary Dr. Vilma Biaggi

The cocktails were a work of art

Clark Gable

The Clark Gable Suite

Breast cancer specialist, Dr. Vilma Biaggi fell in love with the place close to 30 years ago. She made it her mission to restore the Cadet, adding special touches and antique details from around the world to every corner; ultimately creating a welcoming, homey ambiance that could be felt throughout. Being as hands-on as she is, she came across some old photographs in a crawl space at the hotel, while assisting during the renovation, and made those memories an integral part of the decor. Of course the hotel had one very famous cadet stay there during his Army training in the 1940's, more specifically in Room 224, and that was the legendary Clark Gable, most notoriously known for his performance in Gone With the Wind. Step into this suite, and feel like you're suspended in time, inhaling the subtle scents of lavender and the ocean breeze while traveling through an unforgettable era marked by romantic stories and heartfelt tales.

Outside Gardens

Oh how I would enjoy this...

The vibe and alluring decor don't stop there but continue through the lobby, gardens and the hotel's cozy restaurant, Pied a Terre. An ode to authentic French cuisine, the restaurant takes pride in offering over 256 award-winning wines especially selected by their talented and knowledgeable sommelier, Patrick, along with a tailored menu created by chefs from 2 and 3 Michelin-starred restaurants in France. Dr. Biaggi hand selects and invites these chefs, who come to the United States two or three times a year, create their sensual magic and then woo guests with a French seduction to the palate. I had the opportunity to experience that mystical moment for myself and I was transfixed.

Hand-painted plates 

Duo of Hudson Valley Foie Gras

Amuse Bouche

Sitting outdoors, across the glistening pool, in front of beautiful plates hand-painted by Dr. Biaggi's patients, I looked over the dinner menu and decided to start with the Duo of Hudson Valley Foie Gras. While we waited, the chef prepared an Amuse-Bouche that awakened the taste buds in preparation for the memorable feast to come. Both were superb. The Duo of Foie Grass was a warm and cold combination of the delicacy I had never had the pleasure of sampling quite that way before. The cold terrine was creamy and flavorful and served with a sweet chutney, while the warm bon bon was pan seared. For an entree, I decided on an original creation of Lobster, infused with French-Asian flavors that left a tingling sensation in my mouth.

Lobster French-Asian Flavors

Quinoa Salad

Valhrona and Chocolate Fondant

Chocolate Mousse

The dishes around us all looked spectacular and the presentation was detailed and well-thought out. After the savory part of the meal, we were lured with the promise of a sweet finale that didn't disappoint. I had a Valhrona and Chocolate Fondant, that was both decadent and a work of art, served with tuille and vanilla ice-cream, while I noticed a parade of other delights making my dining companions ooh and aah with every spoonful.

Dr. Biaggi playing the piano for us

The Cadet Hotel is a beautiful piece of history in Miami Beach that envelopes its guests in a relaxing ambiance so different from the hustle and bustle of SoBe. And be sure, at any point in time, you might run into Dr. Biaggi playing the piano for her guests. If you haven't been there, or had the pleasure of enjoying a magical meal at Pied a Terre, I highly recommend you do. For more information, you can visit their website at http://www.cadethotel.com.

Read More

Larios on the Beach is Back - And It's Hotter Than Ever

Since opening in 1992, Gloria and Emilio Estefan's award- winning restaurant, Larios on the Beach has been known as Miami Beach's go-to destination for authentic, award-winning Cuban cuisine, world famous mojitos and a stunning view of South Beach's Ocean Drive. Having undergone a complete renovation to its interiors, Larios on the Beach reopened to the public this past Friday, May 16.

This week's events drew out a host of celebrity guests who joined Gloria and Emilio in celebration of the newly-remodeled original location, and I was ecstatic to be a part of it! Among the list of notable guests were Creator and Host of popular Spanish-language show Sabado Gigante Don Franciso, Emmy Award-Winning Journalist Belkys Nerey, Host and Producer of Spanish-language news program Al Rojo Vivo Maria Celeste, WSVN television anchor and co-anchor of the popular entertainment show Deco Drive Louis Aguirre, Cuban Journalist Maria Elvira Salazar, CBS4 Entertainment Reporter Lisa Petrillo, Miami-based Contemporary Artist Carlos Betancourt, Brazilian Neo-pop Artist Romero Britto, Father Alberto Cutié, RHOM Philanthropist Lea Black and singer Frankie Negrón. Guests enjoyed  new menu items as well as signature Cuban specialties. Grupo Tiempo al Tiempo, the restaurant's live band, which plays every evening from Wednesday to Sunday, had guests dancing the night away. 

In collaboration with the restaurant's Executive Chef, Odell Torres, the Estefans created a tempting new menu featuring traditional favorites as well as Cuban-inspired specialties. New menu offerings run the gamut, from sweet and salty bacon-wrapped maduros, black bean hummus served with crisp plantain chips, to a fresh tropical ceviche and a sizzling chicken vaca frita. Fans of Larios on the Beach will also be happy to know that the restaurant's signature dishes including award-winning lechón (roasted pork), house-made pork tamales and the classic arroz con pollo, will remain on the menu. Decadent desserts include traditional flan, arroz con leche (rice pudding), natilla (vanilla custard) and chocolate tres leches.

A new feature to the Larios on the Beach's menu is the Triple C: "Calorie Conscious Cuban" - a selection of delicious, guilt-free Cuban staples created by Gloria herself.   Items include marinated & grilled fresh grouper, baked plantain chips, vegetarian black beans and baked sweet plantains, among other selections.

 

"Experience our tried and true Cuban Cuisine, tastes like it's right out of abuelita's kitchen and indulge your taste buds with our new surprising culinary sensations," said Gloria Estefan. 

The concept behind the new design was to bring Miami Beach inside the restaurant, for guests to feel enveloped by the ocean. Emilio Estefan conceived the interior design along with Architect Aldo Garcia (Revuelta Architecture International) and Set Designer Charlie Daboub (CD Projects). An array of sea shells and marine fossils were carefully placed on the walls by Emilio himself. In keeping with the overall design, the floors are also made of sea shells and recycled glass.

"We are proud to have a part in the success of Miami Beach's Ocean Drive, one of the most famous streets in the world. For over 22 years, Larios on the Beach has been a destination spot for the local community and tourists from all over the world," said Emilio Estefan.

To decorate the interior at Larios on the Beach, the Estefans proudly commissioned a three-dimensional site specific sculpture by Miami-based, multi-disciplinary artist Carlos Betancourt in collaboration with Alberto Latorre.  With this artwork, the artist celebrates and continues to reinterpret the past while exploring issues of memory. The sculpture created exclusively for the Estefans, consists of over 100 three-dimensional objects that appear to be suspended in time. The memory charged treasures range from a microphone used by Ricky Martin and Gloria Estefan (Mi Terra), Shakira's harmonica, drumsticks from Shelia E, Tito Puente and Emily Estefan, to elements from Betancourt's iconic artworks, most notably from his Re-Collection series. This one-of-a-kind art installation is both radiant and complex, bursting more than a dozen red tones, loaded with symbolism. 

Also new at Larios on the Beach is the open dining design, that encompasses an outdoor café,  espresso bar and a lounge area. Audio One and Monster Cable teamed up to create a state-of-the-art technology system at Larios on the Beach.  The restaurant was wired using the finest cable available in the world, by Monster. 

At the bar, guests can nosh on scrumptious bar bites such as fire grilled skewers, baked Cuban empanadas and enjoy a unique selection of refreshing beverages including hand-crafted cocktails and premium wines. The remodeled 2nd floor serves as a private event space for parties and offers breathtaking views of South Beach and the bustling Ocean Drive. 

Larios on the Beach is located at 820 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, FL and is open daily from 11 a.m., serving both lunch and dinner. Valet parking available. For reservations or more information please call (305) 532-9577 or go to www.lariosonthebeach.com.

Read More

Ocean 2000 - An Evening Under the Moon

Ever wonder what the stars say about you? Or if that person you just met on Match.com is "The One"? (I know... you don't do Match.com) Well, imagine finding out over an amazing dinner just steps from the ocean, as you listen to the waves crash against the sand. That is the setting at Ocean2000's monthly dining series "An Evening Under the Moon". Ocean 2000, located in the luxurious Pelican Grand Beach Resort at 2000 N. Ocean Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale, is hosting this dinner, during each month's natural full moon cycle, featuring a special menu created by their Executive Chef Todd Lough, and a personalized table-visit from South Florida's top astrologer.

Executive Chef  Todd Lough

As always, a dinner experience here is truly dynamic. Ocean 2000 is the only restaurant in Fort Lauderdale that is practically sitting on the sand, just steps away from the water. Enjoying the decadent food and luscious drinks on their sweeping veranda, while the full moon glistens on your face, is enough to make a Love Connection happen immediately. (Too bad I was alone - but not for long according to my new best friend, the astrologer.) Another fun element Ocean 2000 adds to the evening is the opportunity to gaze at the moon up close with over-sized telescopes strategically placed on the deck.

Even on a cloudy day, the view is breathless

Amouse Bouche

Pelican Brief

We started off the evening with an Amouse Bouche of a Caramelized Red Onion and Cabrales Blue Cheese Tart. It was the perfect bite to awaken the palate. I paired it with my favorite cocktail at Ocean2000, the Pelican Brief, a refreshingly sweet concoction of veev, pomegranate juice and blueberries, and I was instantly feeling like Neil Armstrong.  For appetizers, there was a choice of Grilled Octopus Salad, Blue Crab Fritters and Fresh Burrata. I chose the Grilled Octopus Salad. It was out-of-this-galaxy (no pun intended). The salad was served with baby greens, red pepper garbanzo puree, toy box tomatoes, and micro cilantro, then drizzled with aji amarillo vinaigrette.

Grilled Octopus Salad

Riesling Granita

Pan Seared Florida Snapper

Before we were served the entrees, we were given an Intermezzo to cleanse our palates. It was a Riesling Granita that refreshed our taste buds and had us ready for our next course in seconds. The choices on the menu were Pan Seared Florida Snapper, Char-Grilled Filet of Beef and Grilled Lamb Chops. I was in the mood for fish so I went for the Pan Seared Florida Snapper. The tender, flavorful fish was served over grilled ramps, compressed cucumbers, fingerling potato confit, garlic cured black olives, citrus poblano beurre blanc and crispy fried capers. It was cosmically delicious. I looked over to the entree next to me, the Grilled Lamb Chops, and I immediately started to salivate. I think my friend noticed because she offered a bite. It was an amazing flavor explosion of juicy lamb chops served with crushed Peruvian potatoes, a white asparagus ceviche, and garlic chips over a pool of cilantro demi glace.

Grilled Lamb Chops

Chocolate Raspberry Parfait

Passion Fruit Panna Cotta

Already in a galaxy of gastronomical proportions, I anxiously awaited dessert. As I did, I admired the beautiful full moon and hoped the predictions I was told would come true. I don't know if I'll find my love match as quickly as the stars said but I can tell you I was definitely in lust when I dipped my spoon into my Chocolate Raspberry Parfait. A sweet chocolate indulgence, it was served with an almond biscotti. I also enjoyed a taste of the Passion Fruit Panna Cotta, topped with pineapple confit. Both were refreshingly light endings to a most mystical meal.

For more information or to make reservations for the next An Evening Under The Moon, visit their website at Pelican Grand Beach Resort.

Read More

Top 5 Burgers To Bite Into During National Burger Month

It's May. Spring is in the air, the basketball playoffs are in full swing and there's a National Holiday at the end of the month (Yessss)  to which we're all counting down to. But, there's something else going on in May that brings happiness to the heart and soul. It's National Burger Month. Thirty-one days dedicated to those juicy patties of meat we salivate profusely to whenever their image comes to our mind.

I decided to spend the first week of the month checking out some burgers that sounded eye-rolling, toe-curling good and didn't particularly follow the status quo. I was looking for an original, tasty, and a leave-me-with-butterflies-in-my-stomach kind of feeling. Turning to foodie friends for recommendations (Big thanks to Alex from Caviar Chronicles) and asking Twitter peeps for guidance, I searched high and low and came up with a list of my Top Five Burgers To Bite Into During National Burger Month in Miami. I got the same foodgasmic experience from all five of these burgers, so I didn't rank them in any particular order. Now it's your turn to check them out and tell me what you think. You still got three weeks to try these morsels of pleasure while I go burn off the damage that inevitably followed  my...what shall I call it? "Research".

Top 5 Burgers To Bite Into During National Burger Month

1) Burger de Mayo from Lucky Strike in Miami Beach  

I wanted to dance la Bamba with this one. Picture this: A half-pound all-beef burger, topped with American cheese, layered with homemade guacamole, pico de gallo, chipotle mayo and shredded lettuce, then placed between two cheese quesadillas that serve as the "buns", and stuffed with a blend of white cheddar and oaxaca cheeses. Each half is then topped off with a roasted jalapeno and served with homemade chips. Pair this off with their Margarita, and you got yourself a Cinco de Mayo party all month long. Who wants to go bowling?

2) Blackened Burger from NoVe Kitchen & Bar

It's no secret I'm in love with this place for their fresh and creative sushi dishes. But they have a variety of gourmet burgers on their menu that can truly make you go "Mmmmmm".  One of these is their Blackened Burger made with 10oz of Certified Angus Beef, seasoned with a variety of spices, then grilled and served with pepper jack cheese.  The burger comes in a toasted kaiser bun, topped with lettuce, tomato and onions and served with french fries on the side. If you're trying to get ready for bikini season, you can order the Cedar Plank Shimburger, which is made from angus beef as well, grilled then smoked on a cedar plank but instead of with a bun, comes with veggies. Wow! Talk about retaining flavor!

3) Gabbys D'Lorean from The Filling Station & Garage Bar

Bacon and burgers, Nutella and rings...these are a few of my favorite things. And these are some of the toppings on this baby. Gabbys D'Lorean is a sweet and savory vice; a juicy burger topped with Nutella (that's right), caramelized onions, and peppered bacon. I couldn't help but ask myself with every bite: Am I having breakfast? Lunch? Dessert? I totally loved it! I had it with onion rings but you can also have it with their world-famous tater tots or a number of other sides. I'll tell you this though. Regardless of what side you choose, you have to try their Bacon Jalapeno Tater Tots. Don't take my word for it. Check out my Instagram feed for a peek. They are absolutely unbelievable. 

4) Hamborghini from The Filling Station & Garage Bar

So the burgers in this place are so hot, they made two spots on my list. And there were a few others I tried that were causing me to break into a sweat too. I don't know how they come up with these burger combinations, but they are genius. The Hamborghini comes topped with fried genoa salami, provolone cheese and their homemade pesto mayo. It was very flavorful and had a bit of a kick to it. I had these served with their house made fries. Another thing I loved about The Filling Station is that they make all of their dipping sauces in-house so they taste fresh and unique. My personal favorite was their Honey Mustard sauce. Hold me a parking spot because I'm definitely coming back soon.

5) Jack Daniel's Burger from TGI Fridays'

Last but most certainly not least, I went back to TGI Fridays' to get another taste of their Jack Daniel's Burger. It was as burgerlicious the second time as it was the first time. Actually, all of their Stacked Burgers are pretty unbelievable so you can't go wrong. And there's even a Spicy Craft-Beer Cheese Burger that comes drizzled with a regional craft-beer cheese sauce that will have you licking your lips. But it was a Jack Daniel's kind of night for me, and this one is made with fresh USDA choice beef, topped with Signature Jack Daniel's sauce, applewood smoked bacon and melted provolone cheese. It is placed between two freshly baked buns and left to melt in your mouth in awe-inspiring goodness. Oh my!

Read More