2. THE SCENE:  The mid-day Sunday drive was a breeze without all the weekday traffic. Take time to explore Coral Gables’ Miracle Mile, swim in the Venetian Pool or visit The Biltmore Hotel. As we turned off Douglas Road, we passed through the historic entry into the city’s business district —  the Alhambra Entrance, a stone structure that looks like a bridge with two towers. Just a few blocks away was the 1924 Mediterranean-style La Palma building, a fitting home for a French bistro. A huge bowl of flowers behind the reception desk, a gleaming, mirrored bar and an impressive display of seafood in curvy glass cases set the tone. The interior was designed by Keller’s long-time collaborator Adam D. Tihany of New York City. Colorful French country floor tiles, a parlor palm and prints of objects and their French names made it feel like the French countryside.

3. ENJOY THE WINE: We got some great recommendations: The 2016 Meursault, La Barre Dessus – Clos Marguerite was a smooth white wine that was a great palate cleanser. The Chateau DuTertre, Margaux 2011, a red Bourdeau blend, was light and smooth. An electronic tablet offers an extensive list of choices. The cocktail list includes the French 75, Bijou, St. Germain Spritz and Boulevardier.

4. STARTING OFF: The sectional-style baguette had a thin crispy outer layer and a very soft inside. The Escargot de Bourgogne came in puff pastries — great for dipping in the sauce. The endive salad was artfully arranged and had creamy soft chunks of blue cheese. The Foie Gras Saute was melt-in-your-mouth deliciousness and so was the Gnocchi á la Parisienne, which was a much more delicate pasta than the typical Italian version.

5. ENTREES AND DESSERT: The menu offers seasonally changing classic French dishes such as roast chicken, steak frites and croque madame. We split the Boeuf Bourguignon — braised short rib with fingerling potatoes, French round carrots, pearl onions, bacon lardons and a Bordelaise sauce. It had a masterful complex flavor and was fork-tender. The other entrée was Truite Grenobloise, sauteed Idaho rainbow trout with cauliflower florets, capers, lemon suprémes, brioche and beurre noisette. It was perfectly prepared and the filets slid right off the skin. The star side was the Champignons de Paris, button mushroom in a tasty veal juice. Save room for the Profiteroles with ice cream and a chocolate sauce poured tableside and the Chocolate Mousse.

SHORT TAKES

• Happy Hour: Tuesday-Saturday, 4-6 p.m.,
• Hours:
  Sunday: noon to 9 p.m.
  Monday–Thursday: 4-10 p.m. 
  Friday: noon to 10 p.m.
  Saturday: noon to 10 p.m.

• Bouchon emphasizes seasonal items and fall/winter brings Boudin Noir, blood sausage with potato purée and caramelized apples; Saumon Poêlé, pan-seared Scottish salmon with French green lentils, Matignon of root vegetables and red wine jus; and tender Confit de Canard, duck prepared in a multi-step time-consuming fashion.
• The prices at Bouchon are reasonable given the quality of the food and service, but you can get an extra boost with the recent three-course prix-fixe L’Express Lunch and Dinner menus.

WHERE: 2101 Galiano St., Coral Gables, FL, 33134

 PHONE: (305) 990-1360

WEBSITE: https://www.thomaskeller.com/coral-gables-florida/bouchon-bistro

The post The Dish: Bouchon Bistro appeared first on Lifestyle Media Group.

2. EAT CLEAN: Cósta is an eco-conscious restaurant that takes sustainability to heart, embracing a holistic approach to environmental stewardship. Its commitment to reducing waste is evident in its use of 100% compostable containers crafted solely from renewable resources like sugar cane and Ingeo plant-based bioplastic. The establishment prioritizes local, organic and non-GMO ingredients, forging partnerships with foragers and artisans to source sustainable products with a minimal carbon footprint. Extending its green practices beyond the menu, the restaurant composts all food scraps, maintains a robust recycling program and employs chemical-free disinfectants and essential oils for cleaning.

3. FRENCH-AMERICAN CUISINE: While Chef Coton’s culinary experience began in Las Vegas, the French influence in her career as a classically trained Le Cordon Bleu chef is evident on the menu and in every bite. The restaurant offers a blend of modern American cuisine with a touch of traditional French influence. The menu includes a variety of dishes, such as steak, seafood, pasta and enticing sauces. A recent visit allowed me to experience the culinary gem, starting with the baby beet tartare that showcases the chef’s creativity. The vibrant dish artfully combines a variety of local baby beets, creating a colorful base with a refreshing taste. I moved on to the “Wagu of the Sea,” featuring an Ora King Salmon exquisitely flavored for a clean, rich taste. The dish was complemented by shaved Brussels sprouts, perfectly crisp and glazed for a delightful contrast. For a sweet ending, the berry croissant bread pudding offered a delightful conclusion. The use of vanilla beans speaks to the restaurant’s commitment to quality, with every dish deserving high praise for presentation, texture, and flavor.

4. ALL-DAY MENU: Not only does Cósta offer an excellent dinner menu, but it is also open for breakfast and lunch with robust brunch offerings on the weekend. The brunch menu features favorites like P.B. Nana pancakes, Mimi’s maple walnut granola bowl, strawberry fields brioche French toast, the Doda Day omelet with bio-farmed eggs, the fat “Cochon” with glazed heritage pork belly and a unique “Toast Bar”. Guests can also enjoy cold-pressed juices and a variety of coffees. The lunch menu features the Wagyu steak burger, which is topped with muenster cheese, onion, arugula and truffle aioli on a brioche bun. All sandwiches, burgers and tacos come with house-made taro chips for a nice side dish treat.

5. ORGANIC SOURCES: Cósta is not shy about sharing the businesses they source their high-quality ingredients from. Biofarm Grass-fed Provisions in Okeechobee provide eggs from hens living on a pasture for natural foraging. Swank Farms Greens in Loxahatchee specializes in delivering high-quality, fresh vegetables for local chefs. Cósta also works with Gratitude Farms Organic Farm in Loxahatchee Groves, Tiny Leaf Urban Microgreen Farm in Riverland and sources fish from Captain Clay’s in Delray Beach to ensure the eat local, eat clean vibes are practiced every step of the way.

SHORT TAKES

• Happy Hour is from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday. It includes $5 local brews on tap, $6 global wines and $6 happy hour bites.
• Weekend brunch is offered on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., including two-for-one mimosas and Bloody Mary’s.
• Costa has a neighboring beachside café called OK&M Café in Boynton Beach.

WHERE: 502 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach

PHONE: 561-501-6115

WEBSITE: https://costabyokm.com/

The post The Dish: Cósta Delray Beach appeared first on Lifestyle Media Group.

MacLennan and Phillips met while working with James Beard Nominee Dean Max at his award-winning restaurant, 3030 Ocean at the Marriott Harbour Beach. They opened their Lauderdale-by-the-Sea restaurant at State Road A1A and Commercial Boulevard a few years ago and helped put the area on the map for a younger crowd of foodies.

MacLennan conducted a tasting for So Flo Flavors and talked about how the partners wanted to stake out the middle ground as a chef-driven restaurant that featured local seafood. For example, MacLennan loves the taste of locally caught kingfish when it’s smoked and its somewhat fatty nature works well as a fish dip ingredient. Mahi Mahi and grouper are also readily at hand, so why not use them in sandwiches and fish and chips instead of ubiquitous cod?

We started with an appetizer seafood-tasting platter. One nice touch was popsicle stick labels for the oysters, in our case, Blue Points from Connecticut and the less common Mamma Mias from Prince Edward Island. MacLennan loves oysters from super cold waters. The saltine crackers showed attention to detail since they were brushed with butter and then seasoned with Old Bay.

The hamachi (yellow tail snapper) poke bowl with edamame had a delightful sweet and spicy flavor with soy sauce and citrusy yuzu. The cocktail sauce was house-made with Fresno chiles, but there was also a nice change of pace: tarragon mignonette with vinegar, shallots, and pepper.

Then it was time for some yummy comfort food: Grilled cheese sandwiches made out of crab meat with brie cheese. Mama never made them like this.

The entrees were magnificent.

A Spanish styled version of charred octopus had a thin hot honey glaze. It was served over crispy fingerling potatoes, olives and some pickled golden raisins, which added a touch of sweetness. There were chunks of chorizo, which goes well with the potatoes, and some spicy greens. Add some salsa verde on the bottom and some lemon aioli on the plate and you have not only a banquet for the taste buds, but a feast for the eyes as well.

Keeping up with MacLennan’s liking of local seafood was a beautiful piece of cobia.

“When I was growing up, that was always like the fish that the fishermen kept, so we never got our local cobia,” he says. It came with a summer truffle with some corn, zucchini and blistered tomatoes. The buttermilk sauce was made with fresh cream. Then, there was another aioli with dill-infused oil plus some truffled gnocchi made in-house.

Contemplating the dinner with a wonderful espresso martini and a piece of the Canyon-style chocolate bread pudding, we decided there was no doubt that Even Keel is a chef-driven kitchen and a real catch compared with many seafood restaurants.

The post Even Keel: Seafood Done Right appeared first on Lifestyle Media Group.

Marina Village at Bahia Mar

Address: 849 Seabreeze Blvd., Fort Lauderdale

The Buzz: At the heart of the spectacular new Marina Village at Bahia Mar is The Shorely, a multi-level marvel repurposed from a 500-person ferry boat. You can’t get more up close to the water than this spectacular three-level-floating lounge and entertainment venue. Also at Marina Village, there’s The Promenade, an open-air food hall with eight diverse food offerings, including Blue Steel Pizza Co., Quore Gelato, Burgers and Shakes, Taco Vibez, Sushi Song, Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls, Fresh Garden Bowls, and YIP dim sum. And drinks flow freely at The Mainland Bar with cocktails inspired by the waves and vacation vibe: Set Sail, Tide Down, and Paradise Found, served in a keepsake palm tree cup.

Contact: (954) 945.6997 or www.marinavillageftl.com

Bokampers Fort Lauderdale

Address: 3115 NE 32nd Ave., Fort Lauderdale

The Buzz: Laid back mega sports bar is directly on the Intracoastal Waterway, this is the place for watching the boats roll by or, for that matter, tie up along Bokampers dock. Local boaters call ahead for dockside pickup and get the $99 sushi boat for the crew. There’s plenty on the menu, including a daily selection of oysters, wings, burgers, fresh catch of the day, and a Bokampers’ special, the must-try appetizer only found here: Buffalo Chicken Tater Kegs: jumbo tater tots are stuffed with shredded chicken, Wisconsin cheddar cream cheese, buffalo sauce and served with ranch dressing.

Contact: (954) 900.5884 or www.bokampers.com

Lona Cocina & Tequileria

Address: Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort, 321 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd., Fort Lauderdale.

The Buzz: The ideal photo backdrop of Fort Lauderdale beach, this outdoor dining destination serves up bold Mexican cuisine with a modern twist. Chef Pablo Salas creates authentic dishes that pair with freshly made margaritas (you won’t find any pre-made mixes at this bar). Lona’s lively beachside Sunday brunch features bottomless margaritas, mimosas and Bloody Marys with Salas surprising regulars with some different menu items each week. The guacamole bar, however, is a staple, and features homemade toppings of fresh salsa, sour cream, pico de gallo and a bevy of jalapenos. Of course, a Mexican mariachi band is ever present at Lona.

Contact: (954) 245.3069 or www.lonarestaurant.com

SALT7 Fort Lauderdale

Address: 500 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale

The Buzz: The modern eatery on the New River takes advantage of its prime location in downtown Fort Lauderdale. Have a drink on the riverside terrace, which gathers a trendy crowd when the sun goes down, or take a seat at one of the waterfront tables, enjoy dinner, and watch the yachts go by. The menu is exquisitely curated with interesting openers such as the popular Spicy Tuna Sushi Pizza or fresh seafood from the raw bar. There are also plenty of entrée options, including SALT7’s prime steaks and even a 28 oz. rack of lamb. Their Sunday brunch is top-notch, too, and features a champagne cart with 15 bottle selections and an add-on caviar bump at $15 per person.

Contact: (954) 751.7258; www.salt7fll.com

The House on the River

Address: 301 SW 3rd Ave., Fort Lauderdale

The Buzz: Overlook the New River while enjoying a Tea Party at the House, a 125-year-old historic gem. High tea seatings are every Saturday where guests enjoy a three-tier table display of freshly baked pastries and savories including mini quiche, smoked salmon canapes, and small sandwiches such as a chicken salad crostini. Definitely a spread fit for a royal. In addition to its special High Tea service, a robust dinner menu as well as pre-fixe brunch boards and an a la carte brunch menu are served on weekends.

Contact: (954) 825.2929; www.thehouseontheriver.com

Shooter’s Waterfront

Address: 3033 NE 32nd Ave., Fort Lauderdale

The Buzz: A South Florida icon, Shooter’s has a prime spot on the Intracoastal Waterway with plenty of room to stretch out and watch the boats go by. The menu is extensive, and on weekends, live music is featured. Shooters also has a plentiful weekend brunch served buffet style or a la carte. Want to indulge in the cocktail menu and not worry about driving? Hop on Fort Lauderdale’s Water Taxi and get off at stop nine.

Contact: (954) 566.2855; shooterswaterfront.com

15th Street Fisheries

Address:

The Buzz: Reserve a table upstairs for the best seat in the house at this charming South Florida seafood house and enjoy the view of the Intracoastal waterway. Or try the casual waterfront experience that features lunch, dinner and drinks at Fisheries Dockside, where each table has a view of the waterway while boats pass by and come into Lauderdale Marina. Boaters love the convenience of 15th Street’s dock and dine with the restaurant’s location just north of the 17th Street Bridge.

Contact: (954) 763.2777; www.15streetfisheries.com

Boathouse at The Riverside

Address: 620 SE 4th St., Fort Lauderdale

The Buzz: Some of the best waterfront views in Fort Lauderdale and in the heart of the lively Las Olas district are from the restaurant’s tropical patio. The menu is full of flavorful seafood selections, and its $30 per person all-you-can-eat Mussel Mania is another draw – savory steamed mussels with house-made harissa, a spicy, smoky, peppery red chili paste, white wine, and garlic and served with a toasted baguette. A daily happy hour menu from 4 to 6:30 p.m. attracts regulars and visitors alike with $6 and $8 menu items, including Boathouse’s cowboy and Korean chicken sliders, plus wash it all down with half-off beer, wine, and spirits from the bar.

Contact: (954) 377.5494; www.boathouseriverside.com

Barefoot Dining at The Mariott Harbor Beach

Address: 3030 Holiday Drive, Fort Lauderdale

The Buzz: As the sun sets over Fort Lauderdale beach, a private table for set up for two oceanside offers more than a front-row seat. The dress code is casual; the vibe is romantic. Dine barefoot with a Champagne toast, a four-course meal paired with a bottle of wine selected by an expert sommelier from the hotel’s Sea Level Restaurant and Ocean Bar, and personal tableside service. Memorable, to say the least.

Contact: (954) 765.3128; www.marriott.com

Kaluz

Address: 300 E. Commercial Blvd., Fort Lauderdale

The Buzz:  The location is amazing and the food is equally impressive. The spectacular setting, just under the bridge that crosses the Intracoastal at Commercial Boulevard, makes the restaurant one of those waterfront finds that produces ooohs and ahhs, especially for out-of-town guests who envy those who live here all year round. Tables by the window offer the best views and there’s also outdoor seating. Kaluz opened in 2013 and has gradually expanded its menu. The fan favorite in the main course department is Kaluz’s Chilean sea bass, a hefty nine-ounce serving that’s hardwood grilled, which gives it an amazingly smoky flavor.

Contact: 954-772-2209; www.kaluzrestaurant.com

The post Indulge in Scenic Waterfront Dining in South Florida appeared first on Lifestyle Media Group.

2. Notable Food Vendors: Baoshi has five standout food vendors: Temple Street Eatery, Gangnam Chikn, Poke OG, Gold Marquess and Boba Street Cafe. Each vendor offers unique choices catering to a variety of plates. A recent visit allowed me to experience all the vendors in all their glory. I started with the Potato Jeon from Gangnam Chikn, which is an Asian staple I had never experienced, but one bite of the Korean-style pancake turned me into a fan of the dish and of Gangnam Chikn. The dim sum sampler at Gold Marquess was next. It featured shrimp dumplings, siu mei, pan-fried pork dumplings and Shanghai spring rolls for a perfect culinary variety. The Asian-American comfort food at Temple Street Eatery was my go-to source for the main dishes. The Katsu Burger delivers a satisfying bite with its crispy panko-crusted patty, offering a unique fusion burger. I couldn’t visit an Asian food hall without sampling some fresh sushi. Poke OG’s ‘Dante’ sushi roll featuring panko fried shrimp, avocado and torched salmon was packed full of flavorful bites, rivaling any upscale sushi restaurant. Boba Street Cafe has an array of tempting treats for dessert and the eatery’s tiramisu cake is expertly crafted to bring a delightful end to the culinary experience.

3. A Family Legacy Continues: Baoshi occupies the space once home to Gold Marquess, which owner Filbert “Fil” Ip’s parents ran for eight years. With their retirement, Fil Ip saw an opportunity to evolve the family business, creating a modern food hall that caters to a wide range of tastes while paying homage to the family’s culinary roots. “At Baoshi, we’re not just serving food; we’re creating an experience,” Ip says. “Our goal is to offer the best in Asian cuisine and beyond, all in a dynamic and engaging setting.”

4. A First for Pembroke Pines: As the only Asian food hall in the area, Baoshi fills a void by providing a unique dining destination in the area. The lively atmosphere and diverse Asian offerings, including Chinese, Japanese and Korean influences within the vibrant market, make it a must-visit for those seeking authentic Asian cuisine and a trendy, relaxed dining experience.

5. Multifaceted Space: Divided into four distinct areas, Baoshi offers a seamless experience for visitors. From the sleek Asian market that greets guests at the entrance to the dynamic bar and lounge and dine-in seating for families or large gatherings, the space caters to a range of dining needs. Whether it’s grabbing a quick bite, sitting down with friends and family, enjoying a craft cocktail, or watching sports on the bar’s LED screens, Baoshi provides an engaging experience for all.

SHORT TAKES

• During Happy Hour, guests can enjoy $5 well drinks, draft beers, wines, and select shots from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, with a Late-Night Happy Hour from 10 p.m. to close on Friday and Saturday.
• Baoshi hosts Ladies’ Night from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. every Wednesday, offering complimentary well drinks, draft beers and select winesat the bar.
• Its brunch service occurs from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, allowing guests sitting at the bar to experience bottomless mimosas and bloody marys for $25 per person (two-hour limit).
• The bar area and lounge with Japanese pop-art murals provide 30 indoor and outdoor seats steps away from the main dining.

Where: 8525 Pines Blvd., Pembroke Pines

Contact: (786) 898-8868

Website: www.baoshifoodhall.com

The post The Dish: Baoshi Food Hall appeared first on Lifestyle Media Group.

Level 6

Address: 3408 Main Highway, Coconut Grove

The Buzz: Influenced by the world’s swankiest rooftop bars, watch the sailboats on Biscayne Bay, overlook tree canopies lining Bayshore Drive, and catch a glimpse of the Miami skyline above the upscale Amal restaurant. Unlike the downstairs Lebanese cuisine, the rooftop’s menu has Spanish flair – tapas such as salt cod croquettes, a Spanish charcuterie, and other shareables for a happy hour bar price. The Sunday brunch is inventive — everything from Spanish French toast to three different omelet tortillas. This is a hideaway that’s ready to be discovered.

Contact: (786) 800-2080; www.level6miami.com

McSorley’s Beach Pub and Rooftop

Address: 837 North Fort Lauderdale Beach Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale

The Buzz: Where else can you get Bangers & Mash or authentic Shepard’s Pie while taking in the beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean facing the beach in an open-air setting? But there’s more to McSorley’s than stout and spuds. For sports fans, more than 40 TVs have every game playing – so down a pint or two and cheer on your favorite team.

Contact: (954) 565-4446; www.mcsorleysftl.com

Escape Rooftop Bar

Address: 2900 Riomar St., Fort Lauderdale

The Buzz: It’s, bar none, one of the best Intracoastal views in all of Fort Lauderdale. With its west-facing rooftop, watch a perfect sunset while enjoying specialty cocktails and select wines for Sunset Hour, plus a selection of tapas. There’s also a hearty lunch menu. Try the classic mussels escabeche recipe, plump mussels in an aromatic marinade, or the falafel pita and the one-of-a-kind porchetta panini. On the drinks side, perfect for a cool down on hot days are the frozen liquor drinks, refreshing with watermelon and agave or another that boasts passion fruit and vanilla.

Contact: (954) 908-7301; theescaperooftopbar.com

Rooftop@1WLO

Address: 1 West Las Olas Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale

The Buzz: On the seventh floor of the One West Las Olas building, it’s a place to see and be seen. The open-air patio décor, with its lush green and wood-crafted décor, makes the atmosphere a relaxing haven in a sky garden. Some of the best bites are the Manchego cheese croquettes, pickled fries (don’t knock ’em til you’ve tried them) with black garlic and truffle oil and the matcha tiramisu for a sweet treat. Seven stories above Las Olas Boulevard and the New River, the setting offers panoramic views of Fort Lauderdale’s downtown skyline.

Contact: (954) 523-1956; www.rooftop1wlo.com

Rosa Sky

Address: 115 SW 8th St., 22nd Floor, Miami

The Buzz: Perched high above the city in Brickell, 22 floors in fact, the lounge recently introduced a new menu and upped its game on its cocktails. How about The Panda-Monium with tequila and Thai coconut milk or the Melon-Dramatic with Tito’s vodka mixed with a Red Bull Watermelon energy drink? The food offerings are top tier, too. We recommend the Rosa Sky Fries with a Spanish spice crust and chipotle ketchup. Pair them with Cuban “Cigars,” Rosa’s crispy take on the Cuban sandwich.

Contact: (786) 745-7486; www.rosaskyrooftop.com

Olivia Restaurant at Circ

Address: 1780 Polk St., Hollywood

The Buzz: At the corner of Polk Street within the chic Circ Hotel in downtown Hollywood, here’s the perfect place for a romantic rooftop date. Olivia serves its extensive Sicilian-inspired restaurant menu on its rooftop, The Muse. On weekends, the rooftop features music to dine by. On Sunday, The Muse opens for lunch at noon.

Contact: (954) 541-9664;  www.oliviarestauranthollywood.com

Rosewater Rooftop

Address: 233 NE 2nd Drive, Delray Beach

The Buzz: One of Delray Beach’s most stunning rooftop restaurants and lounges, world-renowned Chef Akira Back brings a melting pot of global cuisine with hot and cold bites. But where things really heat up at Rosewater are late nights where DJs spin sets, VIP tables are filled, and bottle service is flowing while everyone enjoys the twinkling 360-degree views of downtown Delray all the way to the beach.

Contact: (561) 739-1700; www.therayhotel.com

Pier 6 Rooftop Pompano Beach

Address: 200 North Ocean Blvd., Pompano Beach

The Buzz: The restaurant and bar scene is popping up in Pompano, and add Pier 6 Rooftop to the top of the list. Atop the new Home2/Tru By Hilton one street over from A1A, the beach-chic rooftop setting has great views that look onto the Pompano Beach pier and the Atlantic Ocean. Reserve one of the VIP fire pit lounges for up to 10 of your closest friends (it’ll cost you), complete with comfy couches and chairs and the best view in the house, or in this case, on the roof.

Contact: (954) 943-2525; https://pier6rooftop.com/

Nubé

Address: 505 North Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd., Fort Lauderdale

The Buzz: Take the elevator up 26 floors at the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort, where you’ll find the exquisite entrance to Nubé with a greeting spelled out on the floor: “Welcome to The Top.” And what a welcome it is: sky high above Fort Lauderdale Beach, this oceanfront expanse is 4,500 square feet of indoor and outdoor head-in-the-clouds bliss. A wrap-around glass balcony gives the illusion that the walls are disappearing into the ocean. The food presentation is cool, too. Caesar’s Hand Dip is actually served in a folded hands clay bowl, and you’ll find the hand holders as other serving dishes. Splurge on the Caviar in the Clouds ($70), imperial caviar, fluffy Manchego cheese and potato chips

Contact: (954) 466-9113; www.nuberooftop.com

RH Rooftop Restaurant

Address: 500 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach

The Buzz: Here’s a place with a rooftop in its name; the restaurant is atop the 80,000-square-foot giant Restoration Hardware (now known as RH) upscale store. The atmosphere here is opulent – a chandelier hangs from the ceiling; the most requested tables are by the fountain. Fan faves on the food menu include the lobster roll, shaved ribeye on charred garlic bread, and truffle grilled cheese on artisan sourdough. Dinner offers most of the same as lunch but adds salmon and steaks. One drawback is all entrees are served a la carte, so you’ll have to order your sides separately. There’s a good selection of Champagne and wines, including 40 wines by the glass. Buy the living room furniture before heading upstairs to eat. Worth the experience, but not cheap.

Contact: (561) 804-6826; https://rh.com/us/en/westpalm/restaurant

The post On Top of the World: Discover Rooftop Bars and Restaurants in South Florida appeared first on Lifestyle Media Group.

2. ALL HAIL KING CAESAR: If you’re undecided about where to start, the Brooklyn Caesar will not disappoint. The restaurant elevates the beloved classic to new heights, with crispy bits of Italian-cured meat generously scattered throughout, satisfying my meat craving with excellent flavor throughout every bite. Along with the crisp Tuscan kale, a perfectly cooked egg sits on top, complementing the vast flavors. The dressing blends garlic, anchovies and Parmesan with just the right balance between tangy and savory.

3. COMING BACK FOR MORE: The menu mainstays at Louie Bossi’s Italian Ristorante Bar Pizzeria are what made the eatery famous, and they — like the restaurant — aren’t going anywhere. The classic Italian meatball is perfected with a rich San Marzano sauce, offering a tender yet juicy bite. I must confess this wasn’t my first time at Louie Bossi’s and usually I head straight for the classic rigatoni dish. This time, I tried the Malfadinne featuring pork with ricotta. The heavy sauce was delightful, and the pork and ricotta combination made for a blend of flavors, making the dish one of the go-to’s on my next visit. Another Italian staple the restaurant perfects is its pizza, which is made in a wood fire oven. The Rossa Ricotta with fresh basil, Calabrian oregano and hot honey was exquisite in its simplicity yet bold taste. “Italian is already a well-loved concept with craveable flavors,” Summa says. “We produce a consistently high level of food with the integrity of our ingredients and hand-made dishes. We put a lot of love into these recipes.”

4. COCKTAIL DELIGHTS: As the popularity of crafted cocktails continues to increase, Louie Bossi’s is not being left behind. The restaurant recently introduced five new cocktails created by Ervin Machado, CSW, Beverage Director of Elisabetta’s. The new cocktails include Arrivederci, Venetian Daiquiri, Cherry Negroni, Cherry Spritz and Casoni Spritz to meet a variety of refined tastes.

5. DESSERT FRIENDLY: For a nightcap, I went with the Tiramisu recommendation from our friendly server, and it certainly proved to be on par with the deliciousness of all the other dishes. This classic Italian dessert was culinary perfection, offering an outstanding balance of richness and lightness. While I only wanted to try a bite, I couldn’t resist and one bite turned into savoring the entire dish, which I am more than happy to report.

SHORT TAKES:

• For South Florida residents to the north, another Louie Bossi restaurant is open at 100. E Palmetto Park Road in Boca Raton.
• Its sister restaurant, Elisabetta’s, is located at 185 Banyan Blvd., West Palm Beach, and 32 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach.
• Happy Hour, which features food and drink specials, is available daily at the bar from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
• Every Wednesday, the restaurant offers its Roman Holiday special, offering half off every bottle of wine under $99 with an entree.
• Weekend brunch offerings feature unlimited mimosas, Bloody Marys, Bellini or Aperol Spritz for $19 with the purchase of an entree.

WHERE: 1032 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale

PHONE: (954) 356-6699

WEBSITE: www.louiebossiristorante.com

The post The Dish: Louie Bossi’s Italian Ristorante Bar Pizzeria appeared first on Lifestyle Media Group.

“It’s funny. We never have ever in our careers — David and I have been together working for about 25 years — brought anything back. We’ve closed a couple and we vowed almost never, ever to go backwards. And that’s kind of how I have lived my whole life is I never go back,” she says. “But, there’s just something that has always itched us about Sra. Martinez and wanting one more shot at it because it died a little young and it was really not because the restaurant did poorly.”

Real estate was the problem with the former post office building not exactly ideal for a restaurant. Now, 12 years later, Chef Michy’s Sra. Martinez will return at the former site of The Open Stage, 2325 Galiano St., Coral Gables.

Bernstein says she and Martinez have learned a lot since the first version of Sra. Martinez closed.

Dining trends change

“Everything’s changed in dining so much in the last 10 years. First it changed just as things naturally do, but then after Covid, it changed again,” she says. “Dining became much less intimate and a lot more informal and food started coming onto the table whenever it was ready. This is what became the new norm. And then after Covid, I think things almost went back a little bit to the intimate. … It’s very interesting how we’ve gone through this whole crazy cycle.”

Her experiences in recent years with Café La Trova and Sweet Liberty show that people want experiential dining.

“It’s more than just going to eat a meal,” she says. “It is, ‘I want everything. I want it all in one place and I want a whole evening.’ And I get that, because who doesn’t want that? But the thing is, it’s really hard to give great quality food, a great quality experience, amazing cocktails, and then service to boot. It’s really hard.”

But Senora Martinez — that’s where the Sra. abbreviation comes from — gives credit to her husband for honing right in on great service. Besides co-owning restaurants with his wife, Senor Martinez has partnered at other highly respected bars, such as Medium Cool on Miami Beach, which has nightly live jazz and DJs, and the upcoming Zebra Club at the Townhouse Hotel in Miami Beach.

“He has more bars that I don’t even know if people know that he’s a partner of, but he spends a couple nights a week making sure that everyone is getting a great experience, even if they’re just going to a cocktail bar, the kind of service that you would get at a five-star restaurant,” Bernstein says.

Amidst juggling all their business interests (Bernstein admits to liking a bit of chaos), the couple have a 12-year-old son, Zachary.

“He’s been offering an opinion of my food since he was about five. And I hate to say it, I don’t want him to hear me, but he is usually right. ‘It’s terrible, mom. I don’t think this is quite how it used to be.’ And I’ll feel very offended at first and kind of hurt. And then as he walks away, I’ll taste it and I’ll think, ‘he’s right.’”

She doesn’t expect their son to follow them into the restaurant business, saying he is a whiz at math and science.

Zachary’s parents met when Bernstein was the chef at the Mandarin Oriental’s Azul. David started as a waiter and became a manager. They were great friends first and then Bernstein says her crush turned into marriage.

Their first venture was MB from Michelle Bernstein at a hotel in Cancun. “They really wooed us into opening a restaurant there,” she says, noting that they didn’t actually own it. MB is still there but now it stands for Muy Bueno.

In 2005, they got married, bought a house and prepared to open Michy’s (based on her nickname) and helped start the gentrification of Miami’s Upper East Side.

“We realized how well we worked together, and I was the back of his front and he was the front to my back. I never venture into the dining room. I am actually quite shy, and so it’s not something I ever feel comfortable with,” she says. “David’s just so wonderful with hospitality, so good at making people feel good. He just injects this great happiness and service and so good at what he does.”

The transition to their own business wasn’t easy.

“We were in a very cushy hotel, Azul, and I had always worked for other people, and you learn about the good and the bad part of opening your own business,” she says. “You have to fix your own oven. You have to make sure that all the paychecks go through. You pay everybody before you ever get anything yourself.”

She gives a lot of credit to having one of Miami’s most famed restaurateurs as a partner at Michy’s.

“We were really lucky because we chose Steve Perricone as a partner. who has been in the industry for twice the amount of time that we have. He is such an important person in the restaurant/bar business in South Florida and beyond. So, he taught us a lot. We were learning as we went.”

Bernstein says she still gets stopped by people who beg her to open Michy’s again, 10 years after it closed.

Preparing for an opening

Now, the reopening of Sra. Martinez, expected in late September, sounds like the culmination of the couple’s talents.

They picked a top restaurant designer, whom they have long admired: Thomas Schlesser, the founding principal of New York’s Design Bureaux. His company is a three-time James Beard Award winner for outstanding restaurant design with Chicago’s The Publican in Chicago and New York City’s DBGB and Bar Boulud.

Bernstein says The Publican is one of her favorite designs. In the past, her sister has always designed the restaurants — “my sister almost knows me better than I know myself and she has better taste.”

The sister duo started talking about a European/Spanish flavored design. Sra. Martinez is going to have freshly poured green and pink terrazzo floors. There will be black and white tiles, plenty of plants, some wrought iron and a bar the whole length of the restaurant. The windows can all be pushed open during cooler weather and there will be a stage for entertainment.

Diners will be able to peek into the kitchen, but Bernstein avoided a design that makes the kitchen crew feel like they are in a fishbowl. Patrons will be able to see some of the meat hanging. She’s very excited about a large wood-burning oven where she can prepare whole chickens, fish over vegetables and finish off tortilla Española and a new oxtail paella topped by bone marrow.

At the time of the interview near the end of July, the menu was 70 percent done. She is bringing back British chef Andrew Gilbert, who was at the first Sra. Martinez. He’s also known for the since closed Seven Dials in Coral Gables.

“He and I have been really creating this menu together, and he’s very strong. He is strict and kind and very smart, and he’s really good with numbers. I think he’s going to make a fabulous chef at Sra. Martinez,” Bernstein says.

The menu will definitely have her ode to Spain, Bernstein says. “It will be old world meets very new world using new techniques and new styles and, for me, new recipes.”

She’s been experimenting a lot with croquettes, including one that has carbonara inside and an egg yolk aged for 12 days grated over the top. Shes also come up with a fake mozzarella made out of tofu and plans to serve it with tomatoes or plums if they are in season.

Bernstein is partnering with a few local farmers and shes planning a more seasonal menu than she usually does. Of course, the caveat is the growing season in our semitropical paradise is a lot different than up north.

She’s excited about the different options for patrons: You can have a drink and a bite at the bar and experience the music, or you can come and have a family meal in the dining room and listen to music. She’s promising amazing cocktail service and is excited about the Coral Gables dining scene and the location next to Graziano’s Mercado.

There will be some Latin music, but the couple also want to push the envelope a bit. Expect a vibe that varies from weekdays to weekends.

Does she expect people to get out of their chairs and dance? “God, I hope so. I hope so. I would love them to. I always told David, ‘I want a place that I can hang up my apron and go dance,’ so why not?”

The post Michelle Bernstein Readies for Next Venture appeared first on Lifestyle Media Group.

Modern refrigeration and transportation are one reason it’s safe to eat oysters around the year. Stasi also notes that farm-raised oysters are seeded and harvested all year around. During a purification process, seawater is treated with ultraviolet lights to kill off any bacteria that would be in its natural state.

The vast majority of his oysters come from Louisiana, where a government agency is tasked with checking the safety levels of about 30 harvesting zones. They only open up harvesting when water quality is optimal. His restaurant proudly uses “Louisiana Certified” logos.

The level of salt in the water is the crucial factor in the taste of oysters, Stasi says. A West Coast oyster will likely have a more mineral, vegetable, mushroom taste because of it’s low salinity, colder water, he says. Gulf oysters tend to be more briny.

Chef Staz especially likes oysters where the Mississippi River flows into the Gulf because of the nutrients coming down the river and the perfect mix of fresh and saltwater.

Wednesday is a big day for oysters at Shuck N Dive with a $1.50 an oyster special. “My guys, two or three guys, start shucking at two in the afternoon and they don’t stop till 10,” he says. They have hit up to 4,000 oysters in one night.

The array of oysters served at Shuck N Dive is impressive. The trinity of baked oysters near the top of the menu are:

• Black n Blues, topped with compound butter, a touch of blackening spice and crumbled blue cheese. It’s the restaurant’s signature dish.
• Oysters Rockefeller, topped with creamed spinach, onion and garlic, and simmered in Pernod Liqueur.
• Oysters Bienville, with shrimp, bacon, onion and green pepper in a cream reduction and topped with parmesan cheese.

There are also fried oysters and others that you just need to ask for even if they aren’t on the menu.

“We do a charbroiled oyster that probably is as good a seller as anything,” Chef says. “We also do a Louisiana-style barbecue oyster. It’s not like a traditional barbecue in the sense of a red sauce or something like that. It’s done as a traditional New Orleans barbecue like barbecue shrimp.” There is also a pesto and parmesan oyster.

Always take a look at the daily specials, Chef Staz says, because about 40 percent of the orders come off of that.

The post Oyster Lore Debunked appeared first on Lifestyle Media Group.

Even Keel Fish Shack-Las Olas

Address: 1109 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale

The Buzz: You can get oysters prepared just about any style here — chilled, served with shrimp and fish dip, grilled with scallion lemon butter and sprinkled with parmesan or a platter that’s mega-sized. Called the Mega Yacht, there are a dozen and a half oysters, peel-and-eat shrimp, conch salad, poke, fish dip and shrimp ceviche — a seafood lover’s dream. On Tuesdays, grab as many oysters as you want for just 2 bucks each.

Contact: (754) 701-4895; www.evenkeelfish.com

Shuck N Dive

Address: 660 N. Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale

The Buzz: Something you won’t find anywhere else is Shuck’s trio of oysters baked on the half shell. Black N Blues are topped with butter, blackening spice, crumbled blue cheese, then finished under the broiler; or try the Oysters Bienville, invented at Antoine’s in New Orleans – shrimp, bacon, onion and green pepper in a cream reduction sauce; or the Oysters Rockefeller made Shuck’s way: creamed spinach, onion, garlic and simmered with Pernod liqueur.

Contact: (954) 462-0088; www.shuck-n-dive.com

City Oyster & Sushi Bar

Address: 213 E. Atlantic Blvd., Delray Beach

The Buzz: At City Oyster, ask for these bivalves by name: Barstool Cocktail, a shuck-ready cocktail oyster from Rustico, Prince Edward Island (PEI) with a clean, crisp, salty yet sweet flavor; the Mamma Mia from Canada with a slightly fruity finish; the Moondancer from Maine with its  sweet and briny kiss; and the Fat Dog, meaty like its name with grassy tones from Great Bay, New Hampshire.

Contact: (561) 272-0220; www.cityoysterdelray.com

YOT Bar & Kitchen

Address: 2015 SW 20^th St., Fort Lauderdale

The Buzz: Every day is YOT day but Thursday might be the best time to visit this picturesque dockside dining establishment within the Lauderdale Marine Center on the New River. That’s when the vodka and mollusks are flowing for martini and oyster night; $2 oysters washed down with $10 Grey Goose martinis, plus live music. And a terrific view.

Contact: (954) 953-9000; www.yotlmc.com

J&C Oyster

Address: 2035 Harrison St., Hollywood

The Buzz: Oysters from the raw bar have a bit of a different flair from this Asian-influenced menu.  Chilled and fresh, it’s the house made sauce accompaniments that set J&C’s oyster presentation apart – nam prik mignonette – a slightly sweet Thai chili sauce, a mango habanero or, for the purists, a horseradish cocktail sauce. Broiled oysters get their pizazz from the house-made yuzu kosho mayo.

Contact: (954) 300-1007; www.jandcoyster.com

G&B Oyster Bar

Address: 429 Seabreeze Blvd., Fort Lauderdale

The Buzz: There’s a reason why G&B makes sure oysters are front and center in its name: the raw bar’s must is the oyster and clam combo. From the bar, grab a vodka oyster shooter. There are Oysters Rockefeller and signature crispy oysters from the grill, but the crème de la crème here is the Surf & Surf Oyster — a special offering where the oysters are laden with fresh, lump crab meat. Quite the combo.

Contact: (954) 525-2421; www.gandboysterbar.com

Bubbles & Pearls

Address: 2037 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors

The Buzz: Grab your seat at the bar early — seating is limited in the small space — for the daily Champagne and oyster happy hour. This pearl of a place from the creative mind of Bravo Top Chef competitor Josie Smith-Malave does $1 Florida-sourced oysters every day from 5 to 7 p.m. and Sunday all day along with $5 glasses of bubbly. Don’t give up your seat until you’ve tried Josie’s take on the oyster shooter — beer, Tabasco sauce and lemons, or up the game with the tsunami shooter made with cucumber, raw miso and wasabi cream.

Contact: (954) 533-9533; @bubblesandpearls

Wild Sea Las Olas

Address: 620 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale

The Buzz: Inside the historic Riverside Hotel, the upscale ambience of Wild Sea with its cool blues is the place to savor oysters. During the week, some of the Las Olas business types pop in for daily lunch selections of East Coast oysters. On Mondays, pretty much all day, from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., enjoy Oyster Mania for $1.50. The lore of oysters as an aphrodisiac could certainly be tested here; at night, the atmosphere is ripe for a romantic dinner date.

Contact: (954) 467-2555; www.wildsealasolas.com

Southport Raw Bar

Address: 1536 Cordova Road, Fort Lauderdale

The Buzz: While landlubbers are regulars at this Harbordale staple, true Southporters arrive dockside by boat. Order up a half dozen Gulf oysters for $10.50, catch one of the many specials, and don’t miss out on the appetizer that’s the raw bar’s historic spin on Oysters Rockefeller — Oysters Southport made with Pernod liqueur.

Contact: (954) 525-2526; www.southportrawbar.com

Papa’s Raw Bar

Address: 4610 N. Federal Hwy., Lighthouse Point

The Buzz: With its motto of eat, drink and be local, Papa’s is a familiar favorite in northeastern Broward County. With seafood at Papa’s sourced from its market right next door, expect fresh. Go for half-off oysters during happy hour, Monday through Friday, which starts early beginning at 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. The Nolas (with parmesan) and the Black and Blues (with bacon and blue cheese) are chargrilled to perfection. Get the party started at Papa’s with an oyster shooter – your choice of either beer or vodka as the chaser.

Contact: (754) 307-5034; www.papasrawbar.com

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