Miami Spice 2024: A Lifestyle Culinary Celebration

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Miami Spice Restaurant months are here again to delight Miamians & visitors to the best culinary adventures.

The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) launched Miami Spice months in the summer of 2002 with only 50 restaurants; this year and 320 participants later is one of the most anticipated summer experiences to showcase the best restaurants in the area, a variety of cuisines and pre-fixe menus to satisfy the most demanding palates. 

With an array of flavors, TEN concepts within Vida & Estilo Hospitality Group are included in 2024, from well known participants like Barsecco, Mercato della Pescheria, PaperFish, Marabu, Havana 1957, Oh! Mexico, News Cafe & Cafe Americano, to NEW to Spice, Osteria del Mar in South Beach & the steakhouse Asian inspired, Salty Flame . 

But first, let’s take a glance at the highlights of this year’s Spice offerings across Vida & Estilo, the keywords to your next perfect experience, and help you plan your visit.

 


Where to:  Brickell area / Brickell City Center /33131
Among the 3-4 levels of excellent shopping, dining & entertainment, there are two options to choose from: Cafe Americano on the 2nd floor & Marabu on the 4th floor.

@Cafe Americano lunch time, can’t miss it,  we talk about the Double Smash burger (pictures worth a thousand words, so here we go) with smashed double patties, double cheddar cheese, caramelized onions, shredded lettuce, tomato, special sauce & butter toasted brioche bun, served with french fries. Going at dinner time? Indulgence times are required for a molten chicken parmigiana  (trust me on this one).
No meat? No problem. For pasta fans, cacio e pepe daytime & cavatelli later on.
Dessert? Ay ay ay, french toast a la mode for dessert (at the end of the day is all day breakfast or brunch, or both).


Curious about how to tailor a Cuban cocina al carbon delicia during Spice?
Say no more, @Marabu Restaurant we got it covered.

Lunch time going Maduro en Tentacion.
Did you know that this is a countryside Cuban dish, served at the grandparents of concept chef Jorge (aka Jorgito)? The sweet plantain is placed whole on the charcoal and opens up with the heat. It is then removed and a rum syrup, according to the original recipe, is added. At Marabu, we give it a twist by adding—wait for it—bacon and then gratinating it with mozzarella cheese on the charcoal for a few more minutes before serving it at the table. The epitome of deliciousness.

Dinner time, must-try Tasajo over Tamal en Cazuela, another countryside classic, and now speaking of curated meats (correct, from where no fridge, no electricity, pass me the salt). Marabu tasajo is made with Black Angus short ribs, curated and marinated with salt for 7 days, slowly cooked for 5 hours in the charcoal oven (aka the Josper), and stewed with roasted vegetables and red wine. It is served over tamal en cazuela made with tender Cuban ground corn.

 

Where to:  Brickell area / going 33130
Miami’s vibrant financial district, where modern skyscrapers meet chic boutiques, trendy restaurants, and lively nightlife.

First stop, PaperFish Sushi Bar
Embark on a culinary journey at PaperFish Sushi Bar with a tasting menu featuring delectable options like Paper Tuna and Salmon Aburi. If you’re seeking an elevated sushi experience, enjoy sushi platters, Black Cod, and Short Ribs for dinner, with Mochi Ice Cream as a must-have dessert.
Q&A: Is PaperFish South Beach, located on Espanola Way, also participating in Spice days and nights? Absolutely, YES!

Weekend Brunch: Barsecco
For a fantastic brunch, head to Barsecco, where the menu boasts Smoked Salmon Bagel Crostinis, Mexi-Cali Avocado Toast, Classic French Toast, Bongiorno Breakfast, Barbacoa Chilaquiles, and Birria Benedicts. The stylish and lounge Barsecco also serves Spice dinners every night.

New to Spice: Salty Flame.
Introducing Salty Flame, the recently opened Asian-inspired steakhouse that’s creating a buzz with its trendy menu. Salty Flame offers lunch and dinner nightly, and brunch on weekends.

Menu Highlights

  • Lunch Appetizers: Try the Orange Chicken Bowl with Sweet Orange Sauce, Pistachios, Milk Bok Choy, Green Onion, and Fresno Chili. Follow up with the Salty Flame Burger and end with Bread Pudding.
  • Dinner: Don’t miss the Korean Fried Chicken, Ribeye, and Chocolate Cake.
  • Weekends: Enjoy Breakfast Baos, Chicken Waffles, and an excellent selection of MOËTs at unbeatable prices.


Where to:  Miami Beach / South Beach 33139
Where pristine sands meet the azure Atlantic, Art Deco architecture, and an array of stylish dining—the ultimate destination for sun, style, and entertainment.

Cuban Cuisine: Havana 1957
Experience Un Dia en La Habana at @Havana 1957, offering a week-long Miami Spice experience for both lunch and dinner. For lunch, savor classics like the Cubano Sandwich and the highly acclaimed Ropa Vieja, or try the Pollo Asado Bowl. At dinner, indulge in signature dishes and the popular Cuban Sampler, known as La Orquesta Cubana. For dessert, choose between the timeless Homemade Flan or the moist and decadent Tres Leches. Spice menus are available at Havana 1957’s Miami Beach locations.

Mexican Food: Oh! Mexico
Mexican food enthusiasts visiting Lincoln Road, Espanola Way, or Ocean Drive can enjoy Spice Month offerings for lunch and dinner. At Oh! Mexico, lunch features Esquites, Al Pastor, and Churros, while dinner highlights include the Volcano (a crispy corn tortilla topped with melted Mexican cheese, avocado, and salsa verde) and Tampiquena Steaks. 

American with a Latin Twist: Cafe Americano
Cafe Americano on Ocean Drive and Collins Avenue offer lunch and dinner throughout Miami Spice. If you’re in Miami Beach, try the fresh and delicious Ceviche Sliders with Corvina, Shrimp, Aji Peppers, Avocado Green Goddess, Pico de Gallo, Pickled Red Onion, Cucumber, Cilantro, and Leche de Tigre on crispy tostadas. For dinner, consider the Spicy Shrimp Scampi or BBQ Pork Ribs. T-minus 3: Chocolate layer fondant cake for dessert.

Cucina Italiana: Mercato della Pescheria
“Qui si mangia”  Mercato della Pescheria on Espanola Way is a staple during Spice summers, offering pre-fixe lunch seven days a week. Enjoy Tableside Cacio e Pepe and the acclaimed Risotto di Funghi for lunch, while dinner features Italian favorites like Spaghetti alle Vongole and Parmigiana di Pollo. Going chocolate cake or key lime pie for dessert.

Last but Not Least: News Cafe
The iconic  NEWS CAFE returns to Miami Spice with its signature dishes. For lunch, try the local guavalicious Mozzarella Bites, Gianni’s Burger, Mahi Tacos, and Bucatini Carbonara. Dinner highlights include Chicken Lettuce Wraps, Molten Chicken Parmigiana, Grilled Mahi-Mahi with risotto and Spicy Shrimp Scampi. Save room for dessert with Chocolate Cake and Vanilla Ice Cream.


EXPERIENCE CULINARY EXCELLENCE
Get ready for 60 days of incredible dining from August 1st to September 30th, as Miami Spice takes over with Vida & Estilo Hospitality Group’s 9 concepts and 17 restaurants. From lunch and brunch to dinner, our tables are set, and we’re eager to welcome you for a season filled with exceptional culinary experiences. Join us and savor the best of Miami’s dining scene during Miami Spice 2024!

By. E Machado

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  • DASI4D

    • Seating Matters: Vida & Estilo’s Approach to Guest Experience.

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    Elevating Dining Experiences: Vida & Estilo Hospitality Group and Superior Seating on the Impact of Thoughtful Seating Design.

    In this interview, Jamil Dib, co-founder & owner of Vida & Estilo Hospitality Group, emphasizes the critical role of seating selection in enhancing the guest experience across VE restaurant locations.

    In the words of Jamil: “We currently have 27 operating locations of which 4 Cortadito Coffee House & full-service restaurants between Miami & Las Vegas. Our restaurants are located in vibrant cities such as Miami, Las Vegas, catering to diverse audiences and culinary tastes”

    When it comes to consistency & quality, here is what Jamil said: “Consistency and quality are at the core of our operations. We achieve this through rigorous training, regular quality checks, and a strong emphasis on maintaining our brand standards. Our partnerships, like the one with Superior Seating, also play a crucial role in ensuring that our design and aesthetic goals are met consistently across all locations”

    Vida & Estilo’s commitment to excellence is evident in their thoughtful approach to design, where each restaurant’s seating is carefully chosen to blend functionality with aesthetic appeal, ensuring a memorable and enjoyable dining experience for every guest.Established in 1997, Superior Seating has been helping businesses like Vida & Estilo create inviting and authentic spaces.


    Read the Interview

    Jamil Dib & Superior Seating

     

    Find out more about 

     

    New Times knows best, from margaritas & mojitos to cocina al carbon & orquestas Cubanas

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    When wondering, where to find the best Margaritas or Mojitos, what is the best restaurant or who has the best Cuban food, answer is just one list away, or you can find out right here.

    Best of Miami®: The Ultimate Guide

    The highly anticipated BEST OF MIAMI® is live! It covers everything from editorial winners to the popular readers’ poll every year. Compiled by a “bunch of inquisitive souls whose outdated laptops burn our thighs, surviving off well liquor at bars and meals at no-tablecloth restaurants when we scrape together enough to dine out,” according to Liz Tracy, Editor of Best of Miami, and voted on by Miamians and non-Miamians once a day until the poll closes.

    With more than 1 million users visiting  every month miaminewtimes.com and another 400K followers of the print edition, the popular & annual  BEST OF MIAMI® is a must-know for residents and visitors alike.

    This year, Vida & Estilo Hospitality Group concepts OH! Mexico, Havana 1957, and Marabu have been selected as winners in four different categories: Best Margaritas, Best Mojitos, Best Restaurant & Best Cuban. 
    mexicanfoody.com

    Best Margaritas in Miami

    And included in the Editorial Winners, we have OH! Mexico Restaurant with 3 locations in Miami Beach, from the flagship opened in 1997 on Espanola way, Lincoln Road & the one located on Ocean Drive, right next to News Cafe.
    With a consumption of about 150 every day, and over 50K every year, the extensive Margaritas menu at Oh! Mexico ranges from classic to fruity options, jalapeno and premium  cocktails like La Vieja & the Cadillac.

     

    Best Mojitos in Miami

    For another consecutive year, Marabu Restaurant at Brickell City Centre has been voted the best. Serving over 60 Mojitos daily, there is one innovation that stands out and is worthy of praise: the Marabu Mojito. Crafted with Bacardi Superior, guava, St Germain, lemon, and mint foam, this unique creation is a must-try.

     

    Reader’s Choice 2024: Best Cuban Restaurants

    Continuing with the Reader’s Choice 2024, there are two Best Voted winners, both Cuban restaurants.

     

    Havana 1957: Best Cuban

    First, Havana 1957 voted for the second consecutive year as BEST CUBAN. With four locations in Miami Beach, including Española Way, Lincoln Road, and two on Ocean Drive, as well as one in Pembroke Pines, Havana 1957 has been celebrating Cuban food in Miami for over a decade, delighting both locals and visitors. Take the Cuban sampler, also known as La Orquesta Cubana, a platter that includes a fantastic selection of signature dishes: Pollo Havana 1957, ropa vieja, and lechón asado, served with white rice, black beans, sweet plantains. This popular item is ordered over 100 times every single day.

     

    Marabu: Best Restaurant

    Last but not least, the BEST RESTAURANT winner of the Reader’s Poll in 2024 is none other than MARABU Restaurant. Opened in 2020, the restaurant specializes in charcoal grilling inspired by the Cuban countryside and cocina de autor by concept chef Jorge Cabrera. Marabu also offers fresh dishes like ceviches featuring local ingredients. To add to the greatness of charcoal cooking, Marabu features a Josper oven with the latest technology, combining traditional methods with modern innovations to deliver the true winner: the smoky flavor of the best cooking.

     

    Miami New Times: Celebrating Miami since 1987

    Founded in 1987, Miami New Times is a non-stop source of content about celebrating Miami, covering the things to do, music, arts and of course the culinary landscape including the Top 100 Restaurants, which in 2024 includes the iconic News Cafe.

    Learn more about all the Editorial Winners and Best Voted in 2024 at Miami New Times

     

    By. E Machado