Monday, December 20, 2010

Humbug - Miami Christmas and New Years' Dining Options

Another year is nearly gone, but before it's over, there are Christmas and New Years Eve to celebrate. And for many of us, that means a night - and a dinner - out on the town. I confess that I usually try to avoid holiday fixed menu "deals," on the belief that more often than not, prices go up while quality and choices go down, plus customers often tend to behave like asshats. (Though I should also note that last year, we snuck into Michael's Genuine early and had a perfectly wonderful time). We tend to keep things simple, ideally at Chez Frod - you know, a tin of caviar, a couple spoons, a bottle of grower champagne. But not everyone is as curmudgeonly and Scrooge-like as myself. For those with more festive holiday spirits, here are a number of dining options for the upcoming holidays (unless indicated, all prices are exclusive of tax and tip, and generally speaking, advance reservations required):

1500º
Eden Roc Hotel
4525 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL
305.674.5594

6-course menu available 9pm-10:30pm for $145pp including welcome glass of champagne; also seating 6-7:30pm for $95

First Course (Choice of One)
Kumomoto Oysters
Shrimp Cocktail
Local Ceviche

Second Course (Choise of One)
Local Burrata and Tomato Salad
Cured Salmon, Swank Farms Greens, Citron Vinaigrette
Steak Tartare, Frisée, Quail Eggs

Third Course (Choice of One)
Maine Scallops, Sunchoke Risotto, Black Truffles
Wild Striped Bass, Chick Peas, Fennel Confit, Rouille

Fourth Course (Choice of One)
Bone-In Beef Tenderloin, Winter Vegetables, Foie Gras Butter
Dry-Aged Rack Of Lamb, Sweetbreads, Salsify, Mint Sauce

Fifth Course
Artisan Cheeses and Homemade Chutney

Dessert
Taster of Homemade Desserts

Area 31
Epic Hotel
270 Biscayne Boulevard Way, 16th Floor, Miami, FL
305.424.5234

Christmas Day 3-course menu including butternut squash soup, roasted Muscovy duck, fruitcake with mint ice cream, $45pp ($20 for children 12 and under) from 1pm-8pm.

New Years' Eve 5-course menu with wine pairings from new Chef E. Michael Reidt, $150pp.

BLT Steak
Betsy Hotel
1440 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, FL
305.673.0044

4-course menu, seating 8pm-midnight, $195pp (also 6-8pm seating 3-course menu $125):

Amuse
Foie Gras Mousse
Black Truffles / Sauterne Gelée

Butternut Squash Cappucino
Cranberry Espuma
or
Paradise Farms Organic Brassica Salad
Confit Shallots / Jamón Iberico / Braised Salsify / Tomato Compote

Caramelized Nantucket Bay Scallops
Parsnips Purée / Satsuma Oranges / Dried Black Olive
or
Tuna Tartare
American Caviar / Meyer Lemon / Avocado Crema

Prime Filet of Rib Eye 10oz.
Red Wine Jus / Black Winter Truffles / Maitake Mushrooms
or
"Surf n Turf"
Caribbean Lobster / Harris Ranch Smoked Short Rib / Potato Gnocchi / Cipollini

"Rocky Road" Chocolate Praline Cake
Espresso Ice Cream / Cointreau Créme Anglaise
or
Coconut Flan
Piña Colada Sorbet / Caramelized Pineapples

Lemon Madeleines
Chef Allen's
19088 NE 29th Avenue, Aventura, FL
305.935.2900

Special menu with 4- or 5-course dinner, pricing from $66 to $120 depending on seating time.

Laughing Bird Shrimp Ceviche
Cucumber, Starfruit, Frisee

Taylor Bay Scallops
Steamed with Lemongrass, Yellow Curry, Kaffir Lime, and Glass Noodles
or
San Marzano-Braised Lamb Ragout
Fresh Black Truffle, Tagliatelle, Basil

Watercress and Red Pears
Maytag Blue, Glazed Walnuts, Pickled Shallot
or
Escarole and Fresh Fig Salad
Dolce Gorgonzola, Crispy Serrano Ham, Caramelized Onion Vinaigrette

Rare Duck Breast and Crispy Duck Confit
Roasted Mushrooms, Brussels Sprouts, Edamame Succotash
or
Wood Grilled Swordfish
Smoked Tomatoes and Spinach, Roasted Onions, Ciabatta Toast, Chimichurri
or
Kobe Beef Short Rib
Yellow Corn Polenta Cake, White Truffle, Haricot Verts, Tomato Chutney

Bittersweet Chocolate World
Hazelnut Mousse, Pistachio Crema, Spicy Hot Chocolate

DB Bistro Moderne
JW Marriott Marquis
255 Biscayne Boulevard Way, Miami, FL
305.421.8800

A la carte menu 6:30pm seating; 5-course menu, $199pp 8:30pm seating:

AUSTRALIAN KING FISH
Citrus Cured with Toasted Coriander
Persimmon and Shiso Cream
Jean et Sebastian Dauvissat, Chablis
Premier Cru les Vaillons 2003

FOIE GRAS TERRINE
Compote of Turkish Apricots, Pistachio
Fennel, Muscat Gelee
Zind Humbrecht Pinot Gris Indice 2 2008

ROASTED TURBOT
Creamy Endive, Marmalade
Black Truffle, Speck Ham
Thierry e Pascal Matrot
Meursault les Genevrieres 2007

DUO OF VEAL
Roasted Loin and Tender Brasied Cheek
Artichoke Gratin, Spinach Soubric, Porcini
Lucien et August Lignier Morey
St. Denis 2005

COFFEE AND CHOCOLATE CREMEUX
Jivara Mousse, Candied Buddhas Hand
Jianduga Ice Cream
Château Tirecule de Gravière Monbazillac 2003

(continued ...)


Viceroy Hotel
485 Brickell Avenue, 15th Floor, Miami, FL
305.503.0373

Christmas Day: 3-course prix fixe, menu similar to the New Years' Eve menu listed below. 1pm-8pm, $55pp ($35 for 12 and under), wine pairing $25pp.

New Years' Eve: 3-course menu, 8:30pm-midnight, $125pp (+$50 for wine pairing); also 6pm-7:30pm seating at $65pp.

Amuse Bouche

First Course (Choice)
Crab Tower
Crème Fraiche, Caviar
Organic Beet Salad
Truffle Vinaigrette, Roquefort
Scallops Ceviche
Coconut Milk, Curry, Lemon Grass

Second Course (Choice)
Veal Medallion
Truffle Marsala, Puree Potatoes, Baby Carrots
Pan Seared Halibut
Clam Chowder Style, Potatoes, Little Neck Clams
Beef Tenderloin
Wild Mushroom, Chestnuts, Black Truffle Beurre Fondue

Third Course (Choice)
Pumpkin Cake
Stone Fruit Compote, Sage Ice Cream
Triple Chocolate Fondant
Valrhona Chocolate, Cherry Cognac
Napeleon Milefeuille
Fresh Berries, Tahitian Vanilla Ice Cream, Passion Fruit

Petit Fours

The Palms Hotel and Spa
3025 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL
305.908.5458

"Palms Eleven" dinner menu, $175pp.

1 - Welcome Cocktail - Wild Raspberry Bellini
2 - Amuse Bouche - Peruvian Shrimp Ceviche with Citrus and Cilantro
3 - Soup - Maine Lobster Bisque with Truffle Foam and Chive Flower
4 - Appetizer - Grilled Organic Winter Vegetable Napoleon
5 - Intermezzo - Organic Basil-Pomegranate Sorbet
6 - First Main - Rice Flour-Dusted Pan Roasted Hog Fish with Truffle Scented Maine Lobster Risotto,
Black Trumpet Mushrooms, Baby Carrots and Yellow Pepper, Orange Cumin Sauce
7 - Second Main - Petit Pan Seared Grass Fed Angus Beef Tenderloin with Parmesan Yukon Gold Potato Gratin,
Herb Roasted Shallots and Port Wine Au Poivre
8 - Dessert - Bittersweet Chocolate Hazelnut Croquant Torte
9 - Mignardises - Chocolate Caramel Praline accompanied by coffee and tea service
10 - Coffee and Tea – Starbucks coffees and espressos and Tazo teas
11 - New Year’s Toast – One bottle of Veuve Clicquot champagne per couple


Fontainebleau Miami Beach
4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL
877.326.7412

"Anticipation" 5-course dinner, $295pp, 9:30pm seating (also "Inspiration" 4-course dinner, $175pp, 6:30pm seating).

Chilled Maine Lobster Salad
Roasted Baby Tri-Colored Beets, Karat Caviar,
Creme Fraiche Dressing, Red Ribbon Sorrel

Fresh Ricotta Cavatelli
Iberico Ham, Baby Arugula, Espelette Emulsion, Pamesan Reggiano

Roasted European Dover Sole Filets
Yukon Gold Potato Purée, Champagne Oyster Beurre Blanc, Braised Baby Leeks

Trio of Prime Beef
Petit Filet Mignon, Braised Shortrib, Oxtail Foie Gras Ravioli,
Salsify Purée, Baby Brussels Sprouts, Black Truffle Sauce

Dessert (Choice)
Raspberry and Chocolate
Bittersweet Chocolate Mousse, Raspberry Chantilly, Sicilian Pistachio Gelato
Lemon and Lime
Vanilla Biscuit, Key Lime Cremeux, Crunchy Meringue, Meyer Lemon Sorbet

Fontainebleau Miami Beach
4401 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL
877.326.7412

"Anticipation" family style dinner, $295pp, 9:30pm seating (also "Inspiration" family style dinner, $175pp, 6:30pm seating).

Starter
Combination of
Stone crab claw in black pepper sauce and
Oyster shooter with golden Oscetra caviar
(served as an individual platter)

Soup
Hot and Sour Lobster Soup
(served individually)

Main
Charcoal grilled silver cod
Champagne and Chinese honey
Braised abalone, homemade tofu, wild mushroom
White truffle sauce
Sautéed diced chicken
Dried chile in Szechuan style
Black pepper beef tenderloin
Assorted bell pepper
Stir fried seasonal vegetables
Braised rice
Seafood in lobster bisque
(served individually)

Dessert
Ginger Manjari mousse, Marcona almond biscuit and honey pear sorbet

2506 NW 2nd Avenue, Miami, FL
305.438.0488

Two set menu options plus regular menu, 6pm-12am

CAPODANNO GOOD LUCK MENU # 1 ($55pp)
Glass of Prosecco
Golden Soft Shell Crabs with Tomato, Endive and Garlic Mayo
Basil Mousse with Parma Ham and Walnuts
Lobster and Crab Ravioli with Pescatora Sauce
Mediterranean Sea Bass Fillet with Prawns, Lemon and Mint Sauce
Taste of Cotechino and Lentils
Panettone with Custard Cream

CAPODANNO GOOD LUCK MENU # 2 ($80pp)
Glass of Prosecco
Bay Scallops wrapped in Bacon with Pomegranate Sauce
Mussels and Clams Guazzetto
Garganelli with Lamb Ragout and Truffle Sauce
Nettle Gnocchetti with Crab Meat and Arugula Sauce
Sliced Beef Tenderloin with Mustard and Fig Sauce
Taste of Cotechino and Lentils
Tiramisu or Pandoro filled with Vanilla and Chocolate Cream

160 Andalusia Avenue, Coral Gables, FL
305.914.1300

4-course menu, $150pp, includes 2 glasses of wine, 1 glass of port, champagne toast.

Cold Appetizer (Choice)
Ceviche de Pescado o Mixto
Fish or Seafood Briefly Marinated in Leche de Tigre
Crab Meat Causa
Jumbo Lump with Wasabi, Avocado in Oriental Mayonnaise Sauce

Hot Appetizer (Choice)
Baby Octopus
Grilled and Served with Tomatoes, Capers, Botija-Olives and Basil Ragout
Scallops au Gratin
Broiled Scallops in a Parmesan Lemon Sauce Served in the Shell

Entrée (Choice)
Salmon
Scottish Salmon, Pan Seared with a Quinoa Taboule and Served with Huacatay Butter Sauce
Lomo Saltado
Filet Mignon Sautéed with Onions, Tomatoes, Red Wine, Vinegar and Soy Sauce
Served with Parmesan Risotto
Lamb Shanks
Braised and Marinated in Beer, Aji Panca and Aji Amarillo
Served with Canary Beans and White Rice

Dessert (Choice)
Cremoso de Chirimoya
Chirimoya and White Chocolate Cremeaux, Salted Caramel,
Chocolate Chunks and Crispy Meringue
Goat Cheese Ice Cream
With Mixed Berries, Port Wine and Balsamic Reduction


3253 NE First Avenue, Miami, FL
786.369.0430

5-course menu from 5pm-10pm, $50pp; starting at 10pm $60pp, or $110pp with open bar. Family style menu includes choices of salsas and guacamoles, ceviches and botanas, tacos, sides, and dessert. Menu options here.
6927 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami, FL
305.759.2001

5-course prix fixe menu available 6pm-11pm, $110pp

First Course (Choice)
Baby Green Salad - Heirloom Tomatoes, Burratini, Hazelnut Vinaigrette, Candied Hazelnuts
Toro Wrapped Kumomoto Oysters - Caviar, Citrus Espuma
Foie Torchon - Studded with Cherries and Pistachios, Brioche Points, Cherry Marmalade
1 ounce Tin of California White Sturgeon Caviar- Blinis, Crème Fraiche ($25 Supplement )

Second Course (Choice)
Lobster Bisque- Lobster Fennel Salad, Rye Croutons
Pickled Duck Confit Salad - Frisée, Pumelos, Champagne Vinaigrette, Crispy Lardons
Seared Foie Gras - Buckwheat Crêpe, Braised Oxtail

Third Course (Choice)
Pan Seared Halibut - Wild Mushroom, Salsify Ragout, Parsley Velouté
Tiny Diced Seafood Risotto - Coral Seafood Nage, Sea Urchin Crema
Pappardelle Pasta - Shaved White Truffles ( $25 Supplement )

Fourth Course (Choice)
Roasted Prime Rib of Beef - Cauliflower Gratin, Melting Marrow Demi
Grilled Lamb Chops - Crispy Lamb Sweetbreads, Baby Eggplant, Harissa Lamb Jus
Braised Pork Shoulder - Crispy Pork Belly, Blood Orange Marmalade, Toasty Garlic Confit

Dessert Chef’s Choice

Trump International Beach Resort
18001 Collins Avenue, Sunny Isles Beach, FL
305.692.5770

Christmas Eve Dinner: smoked bacon biscuits and cornbread muffins to start, goose liver paté, "Santa Claus" salad with roasted chestnuts, Haitian joumou soup, shepherd's pie, butter basted turkey, seared halibut, traditional accompaniments, "Yule Log" and eggnog cupcakes. 4pm-9pm, $55pp.

Christmas Day Buffet: pumpkin cheese balls, smoked salmon, braised short ribs, rosemary stuffed turkey, Florida grouper, bone-in ham, red velvet cupcakes, eggnog bread pudding and more. 4pm-9pm, $65pp ($25pp ages 6-12).

New Years Eve: 4-course dinner featuring American sturgeon caviar-sour cream dip with brioche chips, lobster bisque or baby greens salad with smoked maple vinaigrette, miso glazed black cod, filet mignon with black truffle butter, or roast chicken and gnocchi with braised mushrooms, dessert of flourless chocolate torte or strawberry sorbet with sparkling macerated strawberries. Seatings 6-8pm, 9pm-midnight, $95pp.

1014 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach, FL
305.531.4833

New Years' Eve specials plus regular menu available 6:30pm-midnight.

Antipasti
Fonduta Tartufata Con Crostini E Tartufo Bianco…48
Fontina Cheese Fondue, Poached Egg Yolk and Toasted Focaccia Croutons and White Truffle
Tartare Di Filetto All’Albese E Tartufo Bianco ….55
Tartar of Fillet Mignon, Artichoke Salad and Crispy Parmigiano Reggiano and White Truffle
Torcione Di Fegato D'oca Con Conposta Di Cipolle E Salsa Di Pistacchi Siciliani…28
Foie Gras Torchon with Onion Coulis and Pistachio Sauce

Primi Piatti
Tagliolini Con Aragosta E Zafferano…32
House Made Tagliolini with Lobster Saffron Sauce
Risotto Con Toma Ossolana E Tartufo Bianco…75
Risotto with Piemontese Toma Cheese and White Truffle
Raviolini Del Plin Al Foie Gras E Saba…23
Foie Gras Stuffed Ravioli with Creamy Foie Gras Sauce and Saba

Secondi Piatti
Scaloppina Di Vitello E Tartufo Bianco…75
Veal Scaloppini in a Truffle Wine Sauce, Spinach Flan and Truffle Shoestring Fries
Cotechino Con Lenticchie…34
Boiled Sausage with Lentils and Mashed Potatoes
Robespierre Di Filetto Con Porcini…75
Thinly Sliced Beef Tenderloin with Sautéed Porcini Mushrooms

Dolci
Sabotaggio Al Cioccolato …14
Flourless Chocolate Cake, Milk Chocolate Panna Cotta, Gianduja Mousse and White Chocolate Gelato

Setai Hotel
2001 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL
305.520.6400

5-course dinner menu available 7:30pm-2:00am, $588pp with glass of champagne at midnight and live music. Vegetarian menu also available.


Cocktail Reception
Selection of Passed Hors d’oeuvres
Setai Smoked Salmon, Buttered Brioche and Goat Cheese Vacherin, Fresh Herbs
Parma Ham and Pearl of Cantaloupe Melon
Hamachi Tartare Yuzu/Olive Oil
Lobster Pana Cotta and Caviar

Crème of Butternut Squash and Spice Marshmallow
Casa Marin Sauvignon Blanc, Calchuagau Valley, Chile, 2009

Maine Lobster Napoleon, Osetra Caviar, Fresh Blinis and Quail Egg, Kushi Oysters and Pearls of Mignonettes
Vermentino di La Spinetta, Toscano, Italia, 2009

Foie Gras “Torchon”
Riesling Late Harvest, Paul Cluvner, South Africa, 2008

Scallops Black Tie, Fresh Black Truffle and Perigourdine Sauce
Chardonnay, Ramey, Napa Valley, California, 2008

Tangerine Sorbet and Bubble

Prime Beef Fillet Mignon, Parsnips Mousseline, Potato Sarladaise, Confit Shallots
Cabernet Sauvignon, Cask, Francis Coppola, Napa Valley, CA 2006

Dessert TBD

1801 Purdy Avenue, Miami Beach, FL
305.531.2228

New Years' Eve menu $100pp

Appetizers (Choice)
Polipo alla Griglia Grilled octopus with borlotti beans and limoncello vinaigrette
Cotechino di San Silvestro Traditional New Years' Eve sausages with lentil stew
Nantucket Bay Scallops Tartare with cold caponatina
Zupetta di Aragosta Lobster stew with saffron fregola broth

Frst Course (Choice)
Cannonau Stained Papardelle with wild boar ragu
Black Spaghetti with rock shrimp, red chiles and bottarga
Potato Gnocchi with wild mushrooms and burrata
Risotto with baby asparagus, fresh peas and black truffle

Second Course (Choice)
Orata al forno with primavera fregola salad and bottarga
Fennel Spiced Yellowfin Tuna with golden beets, roasted potatoes and salsa verde
Bistecca alla Fiorentina 24oz T-bone with roasted potatoes and braised endive
Colorado Lamb Chops "Scotta Dita" with swiss chard and garlic potatoes purée gratin

Dessert
Selection from our home made desserts

Fontainebleau Miami Beach
4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL
305.674.4660

"Anticipation" 5-course dinner, $295pp, 9:30pm seating (also "Inspiration" 4-course dinner, $175pp, 6:30pm seating).

Stuzzichino
Raw Yellowtail
Olio di Zenzero, Marinated Onions and Baby Greens

Primi Piatti (for the table)
Braised Short Ribs of Beef
Vegetable and Farro Risotto
Creamy Polenta
Fricassee of Truffled Mushrooms

Paste
With Fresh Shaved Tartufo di Alba
Tagliolini
Butter and Parmigiano
Piatti (choice of)
European Turbot
Porcini Mushrooms, Hazelnuts and Sunchokes
21 Day Aged Sirloin of Beef
Porcini Mushrooms, Marble Potatoes and Parmigiano

Dessert (for the table)
Amedei Chocolate Cake
Toasted Almond Gelato and Salted Caramel Sauce
Coconut Panna Cotta
Caramelized Pineapple and Guava "Soup"

W South Beach
2201 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL
305.938.3111

6-course menu, seating 9:30-10:30pm, $175pp (includes 1 glass of Veuve Cliquot); also a 3-course menu, $100pp for 6pm-8pm seating.


Surf ‘n’ Turf Tartare
Kobe Beef and Osetra Caviar,
Ahi Tuna and Salmon Roe, Apricot-Citrus

Chanterelle Mushroom Bisque
Shaved White Truffles

Octopus Crudo Salad
Baby Arugula, Pickled Vegetables, Squid Ink Pearls,
Pedro Ximenez Vinaigrette

Dover Sole Ala Plancha
Artichoke Coulis, Warm Lentil Salad, Champagne-Citrus Sabayon

Grilled Venison Filet
Pan Seared Foie Gras, Creamy Rice, Figs, Cognac Glaze

Dark Chocolate Mousse Bar
Passion Fruit Gelee, Tahitian Vanilla Crémeux

Pastry Chef’s Petit Four Selection

139 NE 39th St., Miami, FL
305.573.0707

5-course NYE menu, 10pm seating $150pp, including glass of Roederer champagne (early seating $110pp excl. champagne)

Insalata tiepida di astice e agrumi
(warm lobster and citrus salad)

Capasante rosolate con crema di avocado e olive
(roasted scallops with avocado and olives cream)

Ravioli di maialino al finocchio con crema di castagne e verdure al balsamico
(ravioli stuffed with pork and fennel, served in chestnut sauce)

Guancia di manzo brasata al chianti classico con pure di patata e porcini saltati
(braised beef cheek in chianti wine, served with mashed potato and sautéed porcini mushroom)

Saccotino di cioccolato alle spezie con crema al rum Zapaca
(spiced chocolate pie with Zacapa rum cream)

3969 NE 163rd St., North Miami Beach, FL
305.944.8411

Live music by Afrobeta and others, starting at 10pm. General admission $25, admission plus open bar all evening $50. Dinner seatings with prix fixe menu available.

801 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL
305.674.9474

8-10pm seating $195pp including welcome glass of Piper Heidsieck, admission to rooftop party, and bottle of Pommery Pop for NYE countdown; also seating 6-7pm for $125pp, which includes admission to rooftop party.


Stuffed Squid
Shrimp, Panko, Fennel, Yellow Bell Pepper, Pickled Fresno Chili,
Basil, Orange-Allspice Dressing

Parsnip Soup
Duck Leg Confit, Cardamom Croutons, Mint, Sour Cherry Compote

Butter Poached Maine Lobster
Butternut Squash, Cabbage, Celery, Carrots, Candied Ginger, Coconut-Vanilla Foam

Pan-Seared Beef Tenderloin
Short Rib-Wild Mushroom Terrine, Herbed Mashed Potatoes, Micro Greens, Bordelaise Sauce

Chocolate Trio
Warm Chocolate Cake with Macerated Cherries,
Dark Chocolate Cheese Cake with Caramel Sauce,
White Chocolate Peppermint Shooter


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