Flavors of Miami Spice - Morton's The Steakhouse (North Miami Beach)

Chef Pablo Guarella

Enjoying pasta from Il Mulino

September 6th was a big night around the world for fashionistas. From Milan to Miami, and everywhere in between, Fashion's Night Out was a huge success. Celebrating its fourth glamorous year, stores in over 13 markets worldwide and 500 cities nationwide, participated in the after hours shopping extravaganza; showcasing models, makeovers and merchandise.

DJ spinning some tunes

I'll take a Mojito please

How about a refreshing brewski?

Miami took it a step further. With FNO events taking place all over the city, Macy's at Aventura Mall teamed up with the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau and added an extra "umph" to their festivities. They incorporated Flavors of Miami Spice; a culinary experience highlighting the Miami Spice promotion taking place from August 1st to September 30th. Several participating restaurants handed out samples of their cuisine while guests enjoyed complimentary Mojitos and Pina Coladas from Bacardi, as well as refreshing beer from Stella Artois.

Delicious Pasta from Il Mulino New York-Miami

Chef Gaston Sanchez from Larios on the Beach
 and Bongos Cuban Cafe

Chef Sanchez's Arroz Con Pollo was addicting!

Niki Taylor and Yours Truly

Striking a pose with Countess LuAnn
De Lesseps

Participating restaurants included Larios on the Beach, Bongo's Cuban Cafe, Il Mulino New York- Miami, and Morton's The Steakhouse (North Miami Beach). It was an exciting evening filled with music, fashion and delicious food, and it wouldn't be complete without picture-taking moments with models Nicky Taylor and Countess LuAnn De Lesseps.

Chef Pablo Guarella working his magic

Mouthwatering and delicious

I took this opportunity to chat with Executive Chef Pablo Guarella from Morton's The Steakhouse (North Miami Beach), located at 17399 Biscayne Boulevard, and bring you a glimpse into the ins and outs of this talented chef, the popular restaurant, and their fabulous Miami Spice menu.

To view their Miami Spice menu, as well as a list of participating restaurants, visit http://ilovemiamispice.com/. For more information on Morton's The Steakhouse in North Miami Beach, you can contact them at 305-945-3131 or visit them online at http://www.mortons.com/northmiami/.

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Cioppino

It is impossible to think about Italy without craving their delicious Italian food. Sophia Loren said it best when she said, "Everything you see I owe to pasta." When I embarked on my most recent adventure to Italian culinary gem, Cioppino, located in the Ritz Carlton of Key Biscayne, at 455 Grand Bay Drive, I expected to receive outstanding service and savor excellent cuisine. The experience went way beyond that; combining the elements of detail, personalized service, and authentic food, to ultimately create a night to remember.

I have visited Cioppino several times, including to indulge in their famous Sunday Brunch (which I know has been revamped since the last time I went and I can't wait to try it). There is always something special and unique about each experience. This evening, Cioppino once again outdid themselves. We were wowed not only by Chef Ezio Gamba's delectable talents and culinary skills, but also by our server, Victor, who ensured every detail of our meal was perfect; from the moment we sat down at our table, to the moment we walked out of the restaurant.

It was a Saturday night, and the Miami Spice menu was not available, but since I was intrigued by some of the items that are featured in both their lunch and dinner menus, I decided to try them anyway. We started with a signature plate I always rave about. It is their Burrata, a creamy, round, extravagant take on mozzarella cheese that came wrapped in a layer of Prosciutto, with pesto arugula and toasted pine nuts. The Ritz Carlton flies the burrata in from the region of Puglia  twice a week and you can literally taste the freshness and decadence in every pleasurable bite. You'll be happy to know the burrata can be found in their Miami Spice Lunch Menu.

Ravioli Di Aragosta

Gnocchi De Patate & Ravioli
Stuffed with Mushrooms

Next, we ordered the Ravioli Di Aragosta, a dish of lobster & ricotta stuffed ravioli and bay scallops, bathed in a celery infused cream sauce. Mamma Mia it was good! The plump little pillows of pasta were bites of paradise filled with succulent, sweet lobster. It was colorful not only for the eyes, but for the taste buds as well. This dish is offered in the lunch menu for Miami Spice. Our next entree was a combination of two pastas: the Gnocchi Di Patate al Pomodoro Fresco and a chef's special for the evening, a housemade Ravioli Stuffed with Porcini and Portobello Mushrooms and Topped with Wagyu Beef. The Gnocchi were delicious; with a light and fluffy taste and a springy texture that was pleasing to the palate.  I could savor the fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs in each bite. The robust and complex flavors of the mushrooms blended well without competing for attention, and the pasta practically melted in my mouth. I loved the balance of textures between the crispy wagyu beef and the creamy, delicate sauce. Excellent creation Chef!

Tiramisu

I was very excited when it came time for dessert. I have a shameful love affair with Tiramisu and I was ready to let my passion roll. We were celebrating a special evening, and the staff at Cioppino did not forget. They brought out a beautifully decorated Tiramisu that was almost too exquisite to eat. I say almost, because I was dying for my first spoonful. Glorious! On my most recent visit to Rome, in Italy, I visited a square called Piazza Argentina. There was a small cafe there that was very charming and we had their Tiramisu. It was unforgettable! I remembered it as soon as Ciopinno's Tiramisu caressed my lips. So authentic, it was made with imported Mascarpone cheese and a hint of Expresso ladyfingers, then whipped with Italian liqueurs. The result? A creamy indulgence that made me want to swoon.  Oh Sole Mio! By the way, enjoy because they offer it for dinner on their Miami Spice Menu.

The Miami Spice menu is currently being offered at Cioppino for both lunch and dinner and you can check what days it is available on http://ilovemiamispice.com/participants/cioppino.htm. Additionally, the restaurant will be hosting its Annual White Truffle Dinner in November; an exclusive gastronomic journey showcasing the rare and highly-coveted White Truffle Mushrooms.  For more information on Cioppino, or to make reservations, you can contact them at 305-365-4286 or visit them online at http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/KeyBiscayne/Dining/Cioppino.

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Rusty Pelican - Miami Spice

Wine Room

Welcome to the new Rusty Pelican 

There's something irresistibly comforting about walking into a familiar place after a while of being absent and seeing it is still the place you remembered. However, sometimes we have to take a leap of faith and embrace change to see where it takes us.  This is the route my next adventure took. The Rusty Pelican, located at 3201 Rickenbacker Causeway, in Key Biscayne, has gotten a nine million dollar face lift. Gone is the tropical feel, the ocean motif, and the rustic decor that has been a Miami landmark for 40 years.  In its wake, it has left a sleek, contemporary dining venue, with a trendy ambiance and an impressive wine room. This is the new and improved Key Biscayne seafood hot spot. The pelican ain't rusty no more.

By the firepit enjoying the view

Inside Dining Area

Outside Patio

If you're a Miamian, you can rewind a few years back and reminisce on the popular Rusty Pelican Sunday Buffet Brunches, the mouth-watering cheese bread, and the salad dressings that made us lick our silverware. Nine months ago, however, the Rusty Pelican reopened its doors after closing them for over 5 months to completely revamp the restaurant; from its interior layout and decor, to the food and beverage offerings. The place was so completely transformed, adding paneled walls and dark furnishings, it took me a few minutes to take it in. But it was nice; a sort of renaissance that I was nostalgic yet excited to embrace.

Incredible views

One thing remains exactly the same and that is the spectacular view. Our table afforded us a beautiful panoramic look at Biscayne Bay while the city lights twinkled in the distance. Cameron, our waiter, came over to greet us with a welcoming smile on his face. He spent some time explaining the menu to us and helping us decide on what to order. I have to say the service was impressive and stood out for the entire meal. In addition to the impeccable attention to detail from the wait staff, Derek, one of the managers, consistently walked around the dining room talking to the guests and ensuring all was well. Now on to the food...When they set the bread basket in front of us, I was a bit hesitant; half expecting the warm, soft cheese bread we all know and love. I slowly grabbed one of the Lavash breads and put some of the Red Pepper hummus on it. A smile began to curve! Then I grabbed a piece of the Ciabatta bread and spread some Plugra butter on it. I took another bite and I was ready for change.

Basket of Lavash and Ciabatta breads

Seafood and Salmon Croquetas

Ahi Tuna Tacos

It didn't take me long to decide I wanted to try their Miami Spice Menu along with some other dishes that sounded very interesting. From the Miami Spice menu, we started off with the Seafood and Salmon Croquetas, served with roasted garlic aioli. They were creamy inside and the aioli, which had some squid ink for color, gave them an appealing, garlicky flavor.  As a second appetizer, we ordered the Ahi Tuna Tacos from the regular menu. The tacos were exceptional with fresh tuna, guacamole, shredded lettuce, espelette and fennel pollen. These blew me away; packing a spicy kick that left me wanting more.

Seafood en Papillote

Crispy Fried Whole Red Snapper

Our Miami Spice entree was the Seafood en Papillote, a moist and savory paella-like dish with jumbo shrimp, mussels and little neck clams; blended in with bomba rice and lobster broth. It was cooked "en papillote" which means the food is sealed in a package or bag, allowing the ingredients to mingle in their own flavorful juices to create a healthy, aromatic dish. I loved it. There was magic in the way each distinct taste infused with the other. The second entree we ordered came from the regular menu and it was the Crispy Fried Whole Local Red Snapper, served with Udon Noodles, Asian Slaw, and Soy-Honey Sauce. The red snapper was well-seasoned, battered and lightly fried; leaving the fish to fall right off the bone. Very nice.

Warm Cafe Con Leche

Miami Cheesecake

It was time for the sweet part of the meal. I was extremely curious about their Warm Café Con Leche, a decadent, warm White Chocolate cake, blissfully joined with Cuban Coffee, and a side of Cookies & Cream Ice Cream. It was unbelievable! I loved dipping the warm, creamy treat into the dots of raspberry puree adorning the plate. The best two forms of caffeine blended into one amazing dessert, and the taste was out of this world. Best part? It's on their Miami Spice Menu. Ready for one more, we had the Miami Cheesecake; an original mango cheesecake creation, sitting on an Oreo cookie crust and smothered in Milk Chocolate. Beautiful berries and tiny pieces of mango sat on the top creating a work of art. Gorgeous presentation and the taste: divine. We loved this grand finale.

Amaretto

Since it had been such a remarkable meal, we wanted to have an after dinner drink before heading back. We ordered our usual Frangelico and Amaretto. I do have a caveat here. The prices were a bit steep for these drinks. They were $14 and $12 respectively, which is substantially higher than the norm. So, you can choose to splurge or you can call it a night.


I loved the old Rusty Pelican but I am in love with the new one. While there was a bit of nostalgia at the beginning, the wonderful service, modern look and excellent food made the refreshed version of my old favorite quickly grow on me and I am excited to return, old friend. For more information, you can contact them at 305-361-3818 or visit them online at http://www.rustypelican.com.

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The Dining Room at the Inn on Biltmore Estate

 Beautiful Waterfalls

Breathtaking Mountains

Asheville, North Carolina is a small city well known for its natural beauty. It's majestic mountains, and cascading waterfalls are captivating, and a drive through the winding Blue Ridge Parkway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is an adventure in itself.. But it isn't just the natural beauty that brings visitors back. Asheville is also a hub for fine art galleries, antique stores and colorful boutiques; as well as the friendliest people you can imagine. And there's one particular place in Asheville that is a fairy-tale come to life; a place where beauty and elegance meet comfort and history. This place is the Biltmore Estate.

Biltmore House

Views of Inn at the Estate

Captivating surroundings

Writing about this adventure wouldn't be complete if I didn't mention the incredible setting in which it took place. The Biltmore Estate is an 8,000 acre estate nestled in the mountains of Asheville, where George Vanderbilt built his extraordinary home, and lush, awe-inspiring gardens. Today, it also houses the Antler Village and Winery, featuring several restaurants, shops, historical exhibits, and an Outdoor Adventure Center; all still owned by the Vanderbilt family.

Inn on Biltmore Estate

The Dining Room

Beautiful Fireplace

In addition, there is a hotel on the property, The Inn on Biltmore Estate, which offers luxurious accommodations in an ambiance befitting of the Biltmore experience. It is here, in their upscale restaurant, The Dining Room, located at 1 Approach Rd., where I had my first taste of Asheville. The Dining Room is a testament to the opulence found at the Biltmore Estate.  From its refined furniture to its grandiose fireplace, every lavish corner exudes elegance in its splendor.  The moment I stepped inside, I was mesmerized by the eye-catching chandeliers and plush decor; while the breathtaking mountain views framed the setting for what promised to be an unforgettable evening.

Once we were seated, Hank, our server, immediately greeted us. I have to pause for a second to say the service at The Dining Room was impeccable and went beyond stellar to absolutely perfect from start to finish. Hank made sure this was an evening to remember; paying attention to every possible detail and going above and beyond to make us feel welcome. An interesting point to note is that The Dining Room strives to maintain Vanderbilt's vision of sustainable agriculture by providing fresh picked ingredients harvested  from their fields and picked from the property's gardens, as well as serving estate-raised beef and lamb.

She Crab Soup

Panzanella Salad

While we perused the menu, Hank brought us a complimentary shot of their special She Crab Soup. I've had this east coast delicacy before, even in Charleston where it is a signature dish, and none have compared. It was rich and creamy with a delicious blue crab taste. Moving to the small plates, we started with an appetizer they were offering for the evening. It was a Panzanella Salad with crabmeat, chopped heirloom tomatoes, scallion vinaigrette, frisse lettuce and topped with a boiled egg. Amazing! The crabmeat had a soft, delicate, and slightly sweet taste that stood out when combined with the salad and scallion vinaigrette. The boiled egg added yet another flavor profile to the dish that brought it all together.

Paella

Pork & Peach Sausage

The next appetizer we ordered was the Paella. It was made with Carolina Gold Rice, smoked chicken, lobster, shrimp, mussels, English peas, roasted peppers and saffron. The dish was unbelievable. Moist and boldly seasoned; each bite held a multitude of flavors that took you to culinary nirvana. While it was a starter, I didn't want it to end and could have easily had it as an entree. Going for one more, we ordered the Pork & Peach Sausage. Grilled peaches, vanilla whipped fennel and sweet and sour peach jus harmoniously combined with pork sausage to bring a medley of sweet and salty flavors to our taste buds. Definitely another hit and I couldn't wait to start the entrees.

Filet Mignon and Tempura Lobster

Carolina Bison

Bacon Wrapped Filet Mignon with Tempura Lobster Tail began the parade of our next course. This was another chef's special of the evening. Two succulent filet medallions were served atop a bed of creamy risotto and drizzled with truffle veal jus. Next to it,  two pieces of sweet tempura fried lobster tails were elaborately prepared over summer vegetables and bathed in their own delicate sauce. The dish was a delight to the senses and I just wish I could have savored a few more bites. Following this entree, we ordered the Carolina Bison, a juicy and tender meat served with fingerling hashbrowns and collard greens, and crowned with a farm egg and delicious veal jus. A creative interpretation of regional cuisine, the flavor and tender texture of the meat was heightened by its accompaniments and their fresh, farm to table taste. The last entree we feasted on was the Pan Roasted Diver Scallops. Buttery and practically melting in my mouth, the scallops were served over a saffron lemon fondue and covered with fennel and smoked almonds. There was a great combination of enticing textures and flavors in each bite.

Pan Roasted Diver Scallops

Pretzel and Bourbon Bread Pudding

Ginger & Dark Rum Creme Brulee

We sat back for a few minutes, meditating over the amazing meal we were having, and taking in the splendid ambiance. We couldn't wait to try their desserts. Hank, in his infinite attention to detail, helped us make our selections based on what we liked. We started with the Pretzel & Bourbon Bread Pudding. It sounded amazing and it was. The seemingly simple flavors created a complex combination of sweet and salty with a kick. Served with Brown Ale Caramel, Chocolate Ice-Cream and Walnut Nougatine, each spoonful was a surprise for the palate. The next sweet treat we had was the Ginger & Dark Rum Creme Brulee, served with key lime granite, key lime curd and crumbled gingersnaps. We loved it. The final dessert we ordered was their assortment of House-Made Sorbets. The three seasonal flavors were refreshing and sweet and paired well with the accompanying fruit.

Assortment of House-Made Sorbets

Reservations are strongly recommended and you must either have estate admission,  be a registered guest at the Inn on Biltmore Estate or be a Twelve Month Pass Holder to dine at The Dining Room. However, the experience is something you definitely have to treat yourself to if you're visiting the Asheville, North Carolina area. I guarantee that the meal will be a memory that will last a lifetime. For more information, you can contact The Dining Room at 828-225-1699 or visit them online at http://www.biltmore.com/visit/dining/dining-room.asp.

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