Miami Shoot

Advertise with MiamiShoot.com

May 31, 2025
June 16, 2016
June 4, 2016
May 27, 2016
May 24, 2016
May 6, 2016
May 5, 2016
May 4, 2016
April 28, 2016
April 21, 2016
April 18, 2016
April 14, 2016
April 12, 2016
Menu

Culinary

Culinary

The Wayfarer of the Culinary World: Chef Alfredo Alvarez

/

By Nycole Sariol / Photography by Imani Ogden Once known as a river awash with darkness, perniciously welcoming the wrongdoings of drug-traffickers, Voodoo zealots, and spiritual, Santeria rituals, the Miami River’s banks have recently wiped its – then daunting – slate clean and sings a new aubade these days. The reasoning behind this jovial redemption: to shine light on Miami’s new hotspot, Seasalt and Pepper, and to serve as a culinary playground for Chef Alfredo Alvarez. “I was ready to come back to Miami,” Alvarez confesses about his 305 hiatus and the departure from his big-city tenure at Trattoria Dopo Teatro in New York. The chef’s comeback though impactful, was the breath of fresh air that the patrons of South Florida deeply beseeched – or a Mediterranean breeze. A bevy of the freshest sea-food, oven roasted pizzas, and Volcan clay casseroles flagrantly make up Chef Alfredo’s menu of simplistic inventions and add to the nautical, Mediterranean aura that hangs as sea ropes and a suspended installation turn chandelier innovated by local artist, Carlos Betancourt, depicting the history and ex-reputation of the Miami River. “I saw the place and I thought right away that the concept of the menu should be a Mediterranean cuisine where you feel like you’re in St. Tropez; you feel like you’re in Positano; you feel like you’re in Santa Margarita, Italy,” professes the world-class traveler/chef. Having spent most of his life abroad, bouncing from New York to Italy to Miami to New York for round two and back to Miami again, the Venezuelan-born chef has also experienced a real life at sea instead of the decorative one he portrays behind the walls of Seasalt and Pepper. “I decided to go work on a cruise ship as a consulting chef,” the chef recalls, “I stayed there for three years, traveling to places like Tahiti and then all over the world.” It was inevitable that this Lemuel Gulliver of the kitchen would come back with only the most profound flame of inspiration, serving as a compass that would lead him to his latest recognition and the masterful Seasalt and Pepper menu. However, Chef Alfredo isn’t the only one with a pocket full of “travelers’ tales”. For the food being brought out to the daily quintupling guests in tow of its tantalizing aroma, traveling is the norm. “We grab from all over the world,” the chef speaks of the fresh, upscale products being used day-in and day-out. “We fly the Black Cod from Alaska…the clams we bring from Manila…the Caputo flour from Italy.” That’s not including the savory vegetables that cross the country from California, save for the Heirloom tomatoes that hop over the backyard fence from Homestead. The Frankenstein amalgam of international ingredients accrue for the gastronomical makeup for such plates as the Octopus Plancha, a steadfast force and a propitious crowd-pleaser among the influx of Magic City locals and the musically royal that swarm the dining room tables like Beyoncé and Jay-Z. “There’s no where in the world you could find Octopus like that,” the tastemaker says of his tender, grilled octopus with a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Though the food evokes a sense of magic from within the Miami food-lover’s heart, the real magic is conjured up in the kitchen. “My chef de cuisine is Venezuelan, my pastry chef is from Turkey; one of my chefs is from Africa, another one from Italy, and another from France.” Joining Alvarez in his 200-person kitchen and intensifying the subject of international imports further. In spite of the obvious subtext gravitating toward traveling and worldwide everything, perhaps the main component behind the radiance being transmitted from Chef Alfredo’s hands is knowledge – accumulated knowledge. “This menu is my whole career; all thirty-six years of cooking put down on this menu,” romance beaming out of from his eyes, expelling innate love from his body and signifying the severity of his most prized possession and what it means to him. “This menu is my life, this menu is who I am.” Click here to view full story in our March/April 2014 issue.

Culinary

The Willy Wonka of Food Show Comes to Pinecrest Gardens

/

By Nycole Sariol In 2012, Mario Pi started a movement in Chicago called Fine Food Show – a culinary combustion of local up-and-comers and classic old-timers all giving praise to the their trade and the main ingredient that comprises it – food. Miami soon got jealous and wanted in on this chocolate jubilation, flowing with first class wines and spicy smoke procuring the air. Problem solved. Mario and his carefully selected, local 305 restaurants decided to bestow the general populous of Miami with a weekend-long “world of pure imagination” at the Pinecrest Gardens. Last week, 70 food and beverage vendors amalgamated together to pleasure us with sweet confections, salty carb-inducers, and a river of wines and liquors. In addition to the Chicago set-up, Pi introduced “The Miami Smoke Affair,” to its impressive roster. The affair to remember, dedicated to the cigar aficionado at heart, was sponsored by Cigar Cellar & Lounge and played host to 15 brands including Gurka and My Father Cigars. The guests were relished with exclusivities like complimentary valet, a swag bag full of goodies, and an unlimited open bar. James Beard award-winning Chef Allen Susser played teacher for the day to give all aspiring chocolatiers a 101 tasting demonstration called ‘A Bean-to-Bar Chocolatier’ in which the chef explains the harvest, fermentation, and drying of the cocoa bean turned chocolate process. But perhaps the highlight of the event was the line-up at Restaurant Row. The elongated expanse served as a culinary sidewalk of multi-ethnic restaurants, all representing its homeland with pride. Although all booths were equally tasty, there were those who ascended slightly higher than the rest. To assuage the saltier side of your tongue, Jimmy’s Kitchen and his mofongo-making crew caught our olfactory and salivary senses by surprise with their delicious balls of mofongo – a Puerto Rican postulation of mashed plantains – atop a bed of shredded lechon or ripped up chicken floating in a sea of red sofrito. For the sweet-tooth palettes, the boys over at Mr. PB&J, brought us back to the most affinitive place of nostalgia with their bespoke PB&J grilled sandwiches. Mr. PB&J grilled sandwiches Jimmy’s Kitchen Mofongo

Culinary

Crashing At R House For the Night

/

By Nycole Sariol Photos by Manny Hernandez “I hope we have many good times that we don’t remember,” said Chef Rocco Carulli toasting with the bundle of close friends at the official launch of his Wynwood restaurant, R House. Although R House has been opened since February, the restaurant made its presence known last weekend with it’s jovial grand opening, fully stocked with a buffet of the restaurant’s main menu residents, a flowing bar with all the cute bartenders one could fathom, and art. Art, you ask? That’s right, Chef Rocco also wanted to satiate his more artistic side because – to put it lightly – Wynwood is artsy! The ever-changing walls of Wynwood are no strangers to trendy restaurants and thought-provoking art galleries – hence, the ultimate assimilation of the two, resulting in what we now know as R House!  Tah-dah! The art-meets-food concept danced swimmingly together as guests enjoyed live music and floating hors d’oeuvre trays with delicious munchies such as cheese-engulfed sliders. Stop by R House for fine-dining Italian American fusion plates until the wee hours of the night (it’s open until 3am – party on, Wayne!), and while you’re at it, take some art home with you, too! Location and general information: 2727 NW 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33127 (305) 576-0201

Culinary

Lured in by Loews

/

Loews Miami Beach has yet another reason why people from all over the world are dropping their anchors by its shoreline. In late November, the grandiose SoBe Hotel has celebrated the arrival of its newest edition to its art deco quarters – Lure Fishbar. Emerging from the hustle and bustle of the big city life in New York – its flagship location – it was inevitable that the deluxe seafood restaurant would soon set sail to warm, Southern tides to give its people only the finest in oyster platters and the freshest catch of the day. Owners John McDonald and Joshua Pinkard alongside the culinary ingenious likes of Chef Josh Capon, aren’t just here to offer the very best in crustacean persuasion and word-class sushi on their menu, but premium customer service, as well! The staff of Lure strives to maintain an atmosphere that will insure ease and instill only the highest level of comfort, while still being surrounded by a luxury-induced ambience mixed with a vintage cruise-ship feel, and a spectacular ocean view. But let’s get to the good stuff already – the meat and potatoes, or better yet, the claws and gills, aka the food. The aquatic yet contemporary menu calls to anyone from traditional palettes to the most adventurous seafood enthusiasts – there’s something for everyone! If you’re looking to throw back a refresher to accompany your flaky fish filet, we strongly recommend the Catch and Release – a cool and collected watermelon cocktail, combining Absolut vodka, lime, orange bitters, fresh pressed watermelon, and topped off with a vibrant watermelon radish wheel. When it came time to assuage our hungry appetites, dishes like the Cheddar Scallion Biscuits, the Deviled Eggs, Sea Bass Ceviche, their renowned oyster of four impressive varieties, and the Tuna Tataki – accompanied with fresh slices of mango, drenched in tangy ponzu, and grained with scattered crispy onions – are the ideal taste bud tantalizers and serve as perfect appetizer choices! But perhaps the reigning champ of the night was by far the Grilled Whole Daurade – a Japanese black porgy grilled to perfection, topped with watercress, grilled lemon, and agrodolce. Digging into the whole-bodied fish, the meat flakes and collapses off of your unforgiving fork, indicating a guaranteed melt-in-your-mouth outcome. For a side, to further complement the zesty sea dweller, pair it with the Goat Cheese Polenta with Wild Mushroom Ragout – a creamy, grainy porridge, to which is befittingly integrated with the balanced potency of the goat cheese – a crowd favorite and ours, too! Located in The Lowes Miami Beach Hotel at 1601 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139 (305) 695-4550    

Culinary

Dinner in Paradise – Round Two

/

  Farms aren’t supposed to be pretty and lush with greenery; they are not supposed to be home to wild, exotic, edible flowers and tropical fruit. Rarely are they known for hosting intimate dinner parties, in which five, different chefs from five star restaurants prepare a very individual five-course menu; but that’s not the case for Homestead’s own Paradise Farms. Founded by Gabriele Marewski, this five-acre property emphasizes heavily on the concept of the exchange of energy from the deepest reach of the universe back down to our green home, earth. The belief of everything being tied together in a cohesive participation not only reflects on the staff that believes in a “green” life-style, but the supreme caliber of the flavors from the fresh, “in-house” produce. This month, the farm hosted the second Dinner in Paradise of the season, inviting the best local chefs to comprise a delicious and innovative five-course menu for their dining guests. Prior to the vegetarian food fest, the guests were able to tour the grounds and get a first hand experience of how farm life in South Florida was all about. Prior to suppertime, the guests were greeted with mouth-watering appetizers such as Yukon Gold Potato Corks, Compressed Mojito Watermelon, and Tempora Squash Blossom filled with Hiratake Duxelles. Finally, a bell was rung, indicating us that our vegetarian, culinary adventure of being wooed by only the best, local chefs had begun. Accompaning each very individual plate, were various Spanish wines – mostly hailing from Galicia – to complement and further enrich each savory bite. This dinner in farmland paradise was not only a night to boldly and organically awaken the taste buds, but to appreciate the simplicity and subtleties that only our beloved Paradise Farms can entertain. Until next time… First Course: Chef Phillippe Raynaud – Farmer’s Row of Tomato Tartar, Paradise Farm Vegetable, Herbs & Flowers paired with Penamonte – Verdejo 2012.             Second Course: Chef Richard Smith – Paradise Farm Garden Salad entailing Paradise Greens, Seasonal Radishes, Rainbow Carrots, Florida Avocados, Pickled Ginger Vinaigrette, paired with Viega Naum – Albariño 2012.                         Third Course: Chefs Jouvens & Joe Wiktorek – Paradise Farm Oysters Mushrooms & Maliber Spinach, Pierre’s Garden House Preserved Key Lime in Local Sea Salt and Prossecco Cream, paired with a full body Bodegas Riojanas – Crianza 2010 “Puerta Vieja” Rioja.                         Fourth Course: Chef George Patti – Pan Seared Maine Scallop, Paradise Farmed Arugula and French Breakfast Radish, Blood Orange Carambola Vinaigrette, House Smoked Paprika Romesco Sauce and Pickled Mustard Seed paired with a Bodegas Riojanas – Reserva 2006 “Vina Albina” Rioja.                         Dessert: Chef Santiago Puga – Crumble  Fruit Torte, Crispy Sable Bar with Rosemary Roasted Granny Smith Apples, Spiced Mango Crémeux, White Zinfandel Mascarpone Cream.                         By Nycole Sariol

Culinary

The Grand Opening of Sushi Samba Coral Gables

/

Orange was the color of the night this past Thursday for the Grand Opening of Sushi Samba Coral Gables! The evening’s guests were drawn to the Brazilian/sushi steakhouse without the slightest hint of hesitation – could you blame them? As this social summoning progressed, mojitos were being passed out, while the invitees munched on heirloom tomato kabobs and fresh tuna rolls to heighten this momentous occasion! Welcome to The Gables, Sushi Samba – we’ve been expecting you! By Nycole Sariol

Culinary

Martini Culture: Nostalgia Reigns

/

By Nycole Sariol Through the iconic doors of one of the most recognized hotels, securing the warm sand that powders the beaches of the infamous shores of South Beach and nestled on the corner of 18th St. and Collins, lies a hidden gem that allures comfort cravers with one swish of your favorite cognac and has been preserving that tradition for over 70 years. Although The Martini Bar in the Raleigh Hotel likes to keep an old-school approach to its warm setting and nostalgic décor, it also takes a modern curve by indulging its guests and local beach residents to a night filled with good company, savory alcoholic concoctions and top-notch customer satisfaction. Every Tuesday The Martini bar tingles our taste buds by providing the best beverages that only the science of mixology can guarantee us with Martini Culture, where the top mixologists of SoBe grace us with their necessary presence and show off two of their favorite signature drinks. Last month, David Ortiz, spirit specialist of Stacole Wines took the stage (or the bar) and didn’t fall short of perfection, sharing with us the night’s favorite – Harvest Moon – a blend of Half Moon Gin, Shrub & co., tart apple shrub, Bittermen’s Hiver Amer Liqueur, lemon juice and topped with powdered cinnamon, making us believe that Christmas had, indeed, come early to SoBe.

Culinary

The Seafood Diet

/

By Nycole Sariol It’s officially Stone Crab Season and South Beach kicked off this momentous inauguration of the sea with the 1st Annual Hess Select South Beach Seafood Festival! Flip flops rummaged through the baby powder-like sand as people raced from line to line, devouring the likes of the finest cooked crustaceans and prized catch of the day. Amongst the selected 10 restaurants to participate in such an oceanic jubilation were local heavy-hitters Café Avanti, City Hall The Restaurant and Red The Steakhouse, to name a few. Each restaurant that partook in this SoBe seafood shuffle carefully selected their favorite under-the-sea chart-toppers, some taking shape as stone crab claws and mahi-mahi sliders. Live entertainment commanded presence in the sea salt ridden air as guests munched on their soft-shell delights and sipped their chilled Sauvignon Blancs, watching their kiddies vault themselves back and forth in the bounce houses that resided within The Kid Zone.

Culinary

Too Busy to Eat? Kabuto Has You Covered!

/

By Carissa Davis Photography: Paul Clarke/London, Rick McCurry/NYC Having trouble finding the time to enjoy your entire lunch break? Research shows that only one in five people actually take their full one hour lunch. The fashion and food industries have responded to this with the unveiling of the ultimate fashion accessory, a bag that makes your lunch for you while you’re on the go! Research shows that only one in five people actually take their full one hour lunch break. Instant noodle makers, Kabuto Noodles has created the first ever handbag that contains a special insulated compartment for a pot, allowing the bag owner to eat lunch on the go and always do it in style. Most recently, the bag has made appearances this month at both New York and London fashion weeks. Kabuto wanted to give professionals who have little time to purchase or prepare lunch, a chance to experience exceptional dining regardless of their location or amount of free time. The instructions are simple; Just add water, pop on the lid and go! Kabuto Noodles CEO and founder, Crispin Busk said his product is perfect for professionals who are serious about both their work and style, “Kabuto Noodles are the perfect snack for those with a busy lifestyle so we wanted to create something stylish and practical for people to carry with them everywhere they go. Who wouldn’t want to eat noodles from their handbag?!” The handbag also has very practical functions. It contains two compartments for everyday items including but not limited to sunglasses, keys, loose change and your wallet. The bag also comes with a set of chopsticks totally convenient for your on-the-go activities. Designer of the Kabuto bag, Lara Lindsay discussed her pride in the bag’s stylish yet convenient style, “It was important for us to create the ultimate accessory that not only tastes good but looks good too. Having put a lot of effort into the design of the bag we’re extremely pleased with the slick results, a bag with a functional interior and chic, stylish exterior. We’re hoping for the Kabuto bag to be a real talking point this season, with it’s contemporary design combining italian leather and canvas, it’s set to be a hit with fashionistas at this years London Fashion Week.” The Kabuto bag’s appearances at New York and London fashion weeks have definitely created a serious buzz in the fashion world. Will you be trying this look?

Culinary

Spice Up Your Life

/

By Carissa Davis Photos courtesy of Brustman Carrino PR Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau is hosting its 12th annual Miami Spice Restaurant Program offering exclusive gourmet culinary demonstrations to the public throughout the month of August. Miami Spice Restaurant Program, popular with Miami residents and visitors alike, is launching its annual program with a record-breaking number of participating restaurants, a new and improved website and an expansive lineup of promotions and events. This year Miami Spice is proud to host a month-long series of cooking demonstrations with chefs from various participating restaurants of top caliber. Chefs will showcase menu items from their respective restaurants at exclusive demonstrations being held in four locations- Whole Foods Market in Coral Gables, Bloomingdale’s and The Macy’s Home Store both at Aventura Mall and The Macy’s Home Store at Dadeland Mall. The culinary demonstrations, which are free and open to the public, will be given by some of the top chefs in the area including Scott Barrow of Devon Seafood + Steak, Cindy Hutson of Ortanique on the Mile, Dario Correa of Spartico and Brian Nasajon of SUSHISAMBA Coral Gables. In addition to enjoying the culinary demonstrations, guests can dine on three course prix fixe lunches and dinners at specially discounted prices. Guests can also enter to win irresistible prizes made possible by Miami Spice’s event sponsors, like one of eight cruises to the Eastern Caribbean on one of Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest ships. Other sponsors in addition to Norwegian Cruise Line include Mastercard Priceless Miami, BACARDI, Stella Artois and Wines of Chile. Demonstrations will run throughout the months of August and September. For more information on demonstration schedules and registration please visit www.ILoveMiamiSpice.com

Culinary

Design District neighborhood hotspot, Oak Tavern Now Delivers!

/

Design District neighborhood hotspot, Oak Tavern, has added a delivery option for customers to enjoy. Craving one of Oak Tavern’s wood-grilled shrimp salads or prosciutto pizzas but don’t have the time to get there for lunch? No worries! Owner/Executive of Oak Tavern, David Bracha, has launched the restaurant’s delivery service in response to a number of requests from its faithful regular customers. The restaurant’s delivery service, which was launched on June 17, is available Monday through Friday between 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Deliveries can be made to customers in Downtown, Midtown and the Design District between 15th and 50th streets and Biscayne Boulevard. Oak Tavern, known for its daily menu changes based on the freshness and availability of ingredients, has added a “To Go” menu to its main website to inform diners of available items for the day. The “To Go” menu includes a great selection of staple menu items including bacalao croquettes, salads, wood-oven pizzas, sandwiches, fish of the day and sweet desserts. Orders must be placed by telephone at 786-391-1818 at a minimum of $15. Orders will be delivered in one hour or less and include a $3 delivery charge. When you’re not tied down, feel free to visit Oak Tavern located at 35 NE 40th St. for weekday lunch and dinner and on Sundays for brunch. For more information visit oaktavernmiami.com. By Carissa Davis, MSM Editorial Division

Culinary

Mas Vino Wine and Spirits, Grand Opening in Hallandale.

/

By Carissa Davis, MSM Editorial Division Photos Courtesy of SPINHOUSE PR South Florida’s largest wine, spirits and beer retailer has opened its doors welcoming nearly 1,0000 guests to its Grand Opening in Hallandale. Mas Vino’s owner, Colby Terlip successfully celebrated the opening of his store in style with samba dancers, more than 50 live retailers, incredible giveaways and to top it off, special guest host Adriana De Moura of Real Housewives of Miami. The grand opening was held on June 15 at Mas Vino Wine and Spirits located at 704 East Hallandale Beach Blvd in Hallandale. Guests were offered free tastings of the finest and most rare wines skillfully paired with delicious foods to create an incredible taste experience. A handful of lucky guests took home amazing giveaway prizes. Some guests even went home with a magnum bottle of Veuve Cliqot, worth nearly $400. But style, incredible taste and the finest products are nothing new to Terlip and Mas Vino’s general manager Charles Ferrin. The two are wine experts with deep knowledge of wines from all over the world and knowledge of pleasurable food pairings. Both men are also bringing years of experience in the wine business into their newest project Mas Vino. Terlip and Ferrin feel that it is time for Miami and South Florida to have access to a luxury retailer offering fine wines, spirits, craft beer, sake, mixers, stemware and food from South America, Portugal, France, Eastern Europe, Spain and the United States. Terlip and Ferrin encourage South Florida visitors and residents alike to visit Mas Vino for the ultimate experience in fine wine and spirits. For more information, feel free to visit masvinomiami.com for Ferrin’s blog on wine and food.

Scroll to Top