October 9, 2026

Each Friday, we try to compile South Florida food-related news and events that we couldn’t fit on the site earlier in the week, as well as other local news that piques our interest. Want to be included in our next roundup? Shoot us an email at bark@miamifoodpug.com.

South Florida Seafood Festival Returns
New Cocktail Menu at Sexy Fish
North Italia Rolls Out New Offerings
Diwali Celebration at Rishtedar

South Florida Seafood Festival Returns

The South Florida Seafood Festival returns for its 13th year at Wynwood Marketplace on Sunday, November 8, 2026, from 11 AM to 7 PM, bringing together the city’s best seafood joints and seafood enthusiasts for an unforgettable day of flavor, music, and family fun.

Hosted by SWARM, this annual celebration of coastal cuisine captures the spirit of South Florida’s vibrant food scene with 15+ local seafood favorites, signature cocktails, live cooking demos, and immersive activities for guests of all ages. Kids under 12 enter free.

Event Highlights

15+ Seafood Vendors: Featuring everything from oysters and lobster rolls to stone crabs and ceviche.

Kitchen Lab Stage: Watch Miami’s top chefs bring their dishes to life with live demos and tastings.

Mixology & Sips: Enjoy mixologist-led live cocktail demos and sip samples throughout the day.

Family & Fun: Live music, and immersive activations to keep the whole family entertained.

VIP Experience: Upgrade to the Open Bar VIP Ticket for unlimited cocktails, shaded seating, private A/C restrooms, and lounge access.

Tickets (Kids under 12 enter free)

General Admission: Includes general entry to the festival

Open Bar VIP Ticket: Includes festival admission, unlimited complimentary cocktails, VIP lounge access, shaded seating, and private restrooms

Early-bird pricing is now live on Eventbrite — prices increase at the door.

Photo Credit: Swarm

New Cocktail Menu at Sexy Fish

Sexy Fish, the world-renowned Japanese-inspired restaurant and bar known for its award-winning, boundary-pushing drinks program, launches Depths, a new global cocktail menu inspired by the ever-changing world beneath the ocean’s surface.

Launching simultaneously across London, Manchester, Miami and Dubai on October 8, Depths marks the latest chapter in Sexy Fish’s evolution as a global bar destination. Developed collectively by the teams across all four cities, the menu has been created with the guest experience as its starting point, exploring how an evening naturally shifts in mood and energy – from the first aperitif through dinner and after dinner, to the late-night party.

Drawing on the changing light, atmosphere and energy of the ocean, Depths follows four distinct chapters – Surface, Sunlight, Twilight and Abyss – each reflecting a different moment of the evening.

THE FOUR DEPTHS:

SURFACE opens the journey with bright, crisp cocktails designed to awaken the palate, lift the mood and create anticipation for what lies ahead.
Clover Society – Cygnet 22 Gin, grapefruit, raspberry, lime, Aperitif Rosso (mid-strength)
Open Your Eyes – Haku Vodka, Aperol, thyme, strawberry, verjus
Champagne: Billecart-Salmon – Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru N.V.

As the evening progresses, SUNLIGHT brings color and energy to the table, with beautifully balanced cocktails designed to complement Sexy Fish’s Japanese-inspired cuisine and the rich, aromatic, and umami-led flavors of the menu.
Voy A Mi – Mijenta Blanco Tequila, prickly pear, sage, marigold, honeysuckle
Another Matcha? – Another Hendrick’s Gin, matcha, yuzu, Curaçao
Champagne: Laurent-Perrier – Grand Siècle No. 27

TWILIGHT marks a shift in pace, with richer, more contemplative cocktails made for conversation and the hours that unfold after dinner.
Last Dance in Havana- Zacapa No. 23 Rum, guava, corn, coconut, butter
Halcyon – Grey Goose Vodka, chamomile, pandan, passion fruit, yogurt
Champagne: Drappier – Rosé de Saignée N.V.

Finally, ABYSS descends to the ocean floor, where sunlight gives way to strange illuminations. The music grows louder, the cocktails become bolder, and the night becomes increasingly energetic as the experience shifts into the late-night party.
She’s Electric- Condesa Gin, rosé wine aperitif, suze, pomelo, sancho
Coral Margarita – Casamigos Blanco Tequila, yuzushu, watermelon, wasabi
Champagne: Perrier-Jouët – Grand Brut N.V. – from Magnum

The menu has also been designed with choice at its heart. Across each chapter, guests will find full-strength cocktails alongside mid-strength and no-alcohol options, creating a drinks experience that is deliberately more inclusive without compromising on creativity, technique, or presentation.

A defining feature of Depths is the integration of Champagne with cocktails on the menu, reflecting its longstanding importance to the Sexy Fish experience. Already a cornerstone of Sexy Fish’s wine program, Champagne now sits alongside the cocktails across each stage of the evening – from bright, aperitif-friendly styles and richer, gastronomic Champagnes chosen to complement the restaurant’s umami-led cuisine, through to celebratory serves designed for the late-night atmosphere.

Photo Credit: Caprice Holdings LTD

North Italia Rolls Out New Offerings

North Italia is launching its new seasonal menu on October 14, featuring new menu items, inspired by traditional Italian dishes, for both dine-in and takeout along with seasonal updates. Those looking to sample more of the menu for less can also indulge in North’s recent happy hour menu refresh and limited-time prix fixe dining deals, bringing its signature Italian fare and value-packed offerings to guests this fall.

A few highlights to look forward to…

Fusili Al Telefono – inspired by Rome’s famous Supli al Telefono, this new pasta dish features dinapoli tomato, mozzarella, and roasted garlic breadcrumb

Tripoline Alfredo – North’s modern take on a classic Italian pasta is made with tripoline instead of fettucine, complimented by grana padano and white vodka crema

Crispy Chicken Piccata – featuring strozzapreti, lemon, capers, arugula, roasted chicken jus, and marinated artichoke hearts (a first for North!)

Fontina & Ricotta Omelete (brunch) – North’s spin on the brunch staple is served with chives, toasted ciabatta, and hash potatoes

Double Pepperoni – this new pizza is made with mozzarella, ricotta, and grana padano. Pro tip: enjoy a flatbread version of the Double Pepperoni, exclusively during happy hour

Burrata di Stagione – the seasonal version of this fan-favorite starter is made with fuji apple, roasted butternut squash, hazelnut, herb breadcrumb, and calabrian agrodolce

Seasonal Vegetable Salad – a go-to for fall & winter, the salad features roasted brussel sprouts, cauliflower, grilled broccolini, golden raisin, crushed hazelnut, and white balsamic vinaigrette

Seasonal Sips – featuring Meet Me in Capri with limoncello, elderflower, smashed lemon, and prosecco; the Diavolo featuring banhez mezcal, calabrian chili amaro, tuscan spice, and lemon; and the Jam Session, a new zero-proof with smashed strawberry, pineapple, lime, and bubbles.

Those who leave room for dessert can indulge in the Wake Up Call made with shaken espresso topped with tiramisu cold foam and chocolate pearls or the Hazelnut Torta, served with salted caramel gelato.

Diwali Celebration at Rishtedar

This November, Miami diners won’t have to travel far to India to experience the colors, traditions and flavors of Diwali (Diwali is the Hindu Festival of Lights, celebrating the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and new beginnings).

From November 2–7, Rishtedar, Wynwood’s immersive Indian dining destination, will transform for Diwali, the Festival of Lights, with six days of special programming celebrating Indian culture through food, light, music, dance and tradition.

The celebration begins November 2 as the restaurant fills with rangoli decorations and traditional oil lamps, with an altar honoring Lakshmi adorned with flowers, incense and coins. Throughout the festival, each table will receive a candle symbolizing light, prosperity and unity, and guests who sign up for Rishtedar’s loyalty program will receive 20% off the regular menu throughout the celebration.

The week continues with special cultural experiences:

Thursday, Nov. 5 – Bollywood Night: A vibrant evening of music, dance, color and Bollywood-inspired entertainment.

Friday, Nov. 6 – Mehndi Night: An evening celebrating the traditional art of henna alongside music and Indian traditions.

Saturday, Nov. 7 – Grand Diwali Party at Rishtedar 305: The celebration culminates with lights, dancing, authentic Indian cuisine and a festive night at Rishtedar’s bar concept.

The post Nom News: October 9, 2026 appeared first on Miami Food Pug.

October 2, 2026

Each Friday, we try to compile South Florida food-related news and events that we couldn’t fit on the site earlier in the week, as well as other local news that piques our interest. Want to be included in our next roundup? Shoot us an email at bark@miamifoodpug.com.

COTOA Moves to New Location
Coming Soon: Apotheke
Mahjong Social at Sadelle’s
Now Open on Mondays: Daniel’s

COTOA Moves to New Location

Following a year of growth and national recognition, Ecuadorian chef Alejandra Espinoza is entering a new chapter with COTOA, relocating her MICHELIN Bib Gourmand restaurant to a larger home in North Miami. Opening on Thursday, October 22, the new 80-seat restaurant located at 1111 NE 125th Street, Suite 200 will offer an expanded menu, beverage program and dining experience while maintaining the same warm energy of the original.

Located just minutes away from its previous home, the move marks the next chapter for COTOA, which opened its first standalone restaurant in April 2025 and has since become one of Miami’s most exciting culinary destinations known for Espinoza’s modern approach to Ecuadorian cuisine.

The new space will further immerse guests in Ecuadorian culture through food, art and hospitality. Curated artwork from Ecuador will complement Espinoza’s cooking, creating a distinctly Ecuadorian experience that takes guests on a journey through the country’s flavors, creativity and culture.

“The first COTOA gave us the opportunity to introduce people to Ecuador and show how much depth, history and diversity there is within our cuisine,” says Espinoza. “The response to the restaurant has been incredibly special and we can’t wait to continue building on that. This new space gives us room to tell more of that story and give guests even more ways to experience the food and culture of my country.”

The larger kitchen will allow Espinoza and her team to expand the menu, continuing to represent Ecuadorian cuisine in a modern light, pairing traditional ingredients and preparations with Espinoza’s contemporary approach. Upon opening, the menu will introduce new dishes planned for each section of the menu, that complement COTOA’s beloved signature dishes.

Sourcing will remain central to COTOA’s cooking. Ingredients from Ecuador will continue to appear together with products grown and harvested closer to home, including produce sourced from Swank Specialty Produce, connecting the flavors of Espinoza’s home country with South Florida’s agricultural landscape.

The move also gives COTOA greater capacity to accommodate large parties, something that was much needed in the previous space. In addition to the main dining room, which seats 60, the restaurant will introduce TOA, an intimate eight-seat private dining room, along with a 10-seat bar. The new format offers more flexibility for everything from dinner with friends to private celebrations and special chef-driven experiences. COTOA’s existing beverage program, which includes an impressive wine list, will also evolve with Miami veteran bartender James MacInnes developing a new cocktail menu.

The expansion arrives at a particularly active moment for Espinoza, whose work continues to bring greater international attention to Ecuadorian cuisine. This fall, she is featured as one of three Florida chefs in Season Two of Apple TV’s Knife Edge: Chasing Michelin Stars, the documentary series that follows chefs and restaurants navigating the pursuit of MICHELIN recognition.

Espinoza is also preparing for the release of her forthcoming cookbook, an exploration of Ecuador through its ingredients, recipes, people and culinary traditions. The project is part of a broader body of work centered around preserving and sharing Ecuadorian food culture, which also includes a podcast project dedicated to documenting the people, traditions and stories behind the country’s culinary identity.

Born and raised in Ecuador and classically trained in France, Espinoza has built her career around reinterpreting the food of her home country without losing the traditions behind it. She is also the chef and founder of SOMOS in Quito, opened in 2019 and recognized among Ecuador’s leading restaurants. COTOA brought that vision to Miami, introducing diners to dishes and ingredients that remain underrepresented in the broader American dining landscape.

For Espinoza, each of the upcoming projects is part of the same larger mission: creating more opportunities for Ecuadorian cuisine and culture to be seen, understood and celebrated beyond the country’s borders.

COTOA will open on Thursday, October 22 at 1111 NE 125th Street, Suite 200 in North Miami. The restaurant will be open Wednesday and Thursday from 5:30pm to 10pm; Friday from 5:30pm to 11pm; Saturday and Sunday will have lunch service from 11:30am to 3pm, and dinner service from 5:30pm to 11pm on Saturday and until 10pm on Sunday.

Photo Credit: Monica Varela

Coming Soon: Apotheke

Apotheke South Beach, a botanical-infused cocktail concept designed for seekers and the inquisitive mind, officially debuts on October 16 in Miami Beach’s Art Deco District, behind an unmarked entrance on Washington Avenue at Moxy South Beach. The opening marks the latest chapter for Apotheke Mixology. The brand began in 2008 behind an unmarked oak door on New York City’s Doyers Street. Following the original location, Apotheke Los Angeles opened in 2018, followed by Apotheke NoMad New York City in 2022. Named for the old-world apothecary and rooted in the belief that plants are medicine, Apotheke Mixology brings its Original Formulas to South Beach for the first time. More than a bar, Apotheke is a cocktail apothecary, where high-proof spirits are used to extract what’s needed from botanicals, invoking the same practice that helped inspire modern medicinal mixology.

Behind an unmarked door on Washington Avenue, Apotheke South Beach is discreetly accessed from the street rather than through the hotel. Apotheke complements the property’s diverse culinary lineup, including Serena, a rooftop oasis serving Latin fusion specialties, and Naked Tomato by Chef Eyal Shani, a modern Israeli restaurant rooted in simplicity, seasonality, and ingredient-driven cooking. Apotheke South Beach reveals a botanical-infused cocktail lounge built for those who prefer to explore what others may overlook.

Apotheke South Beach invites guests to step off the beaten path and into a different kind of nightlife experience, one where human connection and mixology take center stage, alongside live music and surprising DJ selections that create a rhythm all their own. The result is a space designed for conversation and discovery, offering something distinctly different from the usual South Beach scene.

At the center of the experience is Apotheke South Beach’s Original Formula List, a collection of cocktails built around plants and botanicals to explore flavor, extraction and feeling. Curated by Apotheke’s Mixology Director, Nicolas O’Connor, the Formula List features nine all-new Original Formulas crafted exclusively for the Washington Avenue location, including Novia Del Sol, Write It Off, Dry Until Vitae, Dawn Patrol, Bait & Switch, Bilongo, Will-O’-The-Wisp, Ears to You, and Collins Cure. These exclusive offerings are complemented by rotating Historic Formulas from Apotheke’s New York and Los Angeles locations.

“Apotheke doesn’t just garnish with plants like an afterthought,” said Nicolas O’Connor, Mixology Director at Apotheke. “We build the drink in collaboration with them. That celebration of flora and life is what we’re so excited to bring to South Beach.”

The Formulas are organized by the feeling they are designed to evoke, with categories including Health & Beauty, Stimulants, Painkillers, Aphrodisiacs, Euphoric Enhancers and Stress Relievers, offering something for every mood.

Health & Beauty includes Novia Del Sol, made with vodka infused with Calendula, coconut and California Orange Cordial, tamarind, turmeric, Meyer Lemon, and a splash of club soda. Painkillers include Write It Off, a blend of bourbon, Amaro Montenegro, date nectar, tamarind, matcha bitters, and candied almond, while the Stimulants feature Dawn Patrol, combining dark-aged rum, ube, dark roast coffee, condensed coconut milk, cardamom, burnt cinnamon, and a sprig of mint.

For something more indulgent, Aphrodisiacs include Bilongo, featuring dark-aged rum, açai, pistachio cream, lime, goji berry, perilla, maca root, sea salt, and Dubai Chocolate Bitters. Additional categories include Euphoric Enhancers and Stress Relievers, with the full Formula List offering an extensive mix of spirits, organic produce, herbs, botanicals, and other ingredients.

Apotheke South Beach is designed to become a ritual, open daily from 6:30 p.m. until late, with walk-ins welcome as capacity allows.

Photo Credit: Max Milla

Mahjong Social at Sadelle’s

Bring your mahjong game to Sadelle’s Coconut Grove for a morning of tiles, toasts, and team play with Abby of Mahj in Miami, a modern mahjong movement based in Miami. Designed for skilled players already familiar with the game, the two-hour social offers a morning of friendly competition and community over Sadelle’s breakfast and brunch favorites.

Each $40 ticket includes one player seat and a choice of a Sadelle’s matcha latte or smoothie, with the restaurant’s full à la carte menu available to order throughout the morning. Guests may RSVP for one, two, or three seats, though tables of four cannot be guaranteed. No lesson will be provided. RSVP here.

Photo Credit: Douglas Friedman

Now Open on Mondays: Daniel’s

Daniel’s, A Florida Steakhouse will officially be open on Mondays starting October 5th and is excited to also announce the launch of Monday Night Wine & Dine. Guests can enjoy 25% off the entire wine list, featuring selections from the restaurant’s award-winning wine program curated by Wine & Beverage Director Daniel Bishop, alongside four sommelier-selected wines available by the glass for $15 each.

For burger lovers, Mondays will also offer a limited opportunity to try the Florida Wagyu Burger for $38, made with Suwannee River Wagyu and served on a homemade bun. With only a few burgers available on Mondays, the offering gives guests an exclusive way to experience the restaurant’s Florida-focused approach to steakhouse classics. Guests can also take advantage of 15% off their check for ITB members and Happy Hour will run from 5–7 PM at the bar. Whether it’s a glass of wine at the bar, a limited Florida Wagyu burger or a full steakhouse dinner, Monday Nights at Daniel’s brings a new weekly reason to make the start of the week feel a little more special.

The post Nom News: October 2, 2026 appeared first on Miami Food Pug.

September 25, 2026

Each Friday, we try to compile South Florida food-related news and events that we couldn’t fit on the site earlier in the week, as well as other local news that piques our interest. Want to be included in our next roundup? Shoot us an email at bark@miamifoodpug.com.

Miami Chef Mika Leon Celebrates New Cookbook
SNDWCH Rebrands as Adriano’s Italian Sandwiches
Negroni Week at Rum Bar
Wine Dinner at CARBONE VINO

Miami Chef Mika Celebrates New Cookbook

Miami chef, restaurateur, and television personality Mika Leon, who is celebrating the October 6 release of her debut cookbook, Cuban Soul: 100 Vibrant Recipes from Mi Cocina, has two special pop-ups bringing some of her beloved dishes back to Miami.

The pop-ups will feature the return of a Caja Caliente favorite, a classic Cuban sandwich from her new cookbook, and signed copies of Cuban Soul available for purchase at both events.

Tuesday, October 13 | Vaca Frita Taco Pop-Up

Mika is bringing back Caja Caliente’s popular Vaca Frita Taco for one day only at Wolf of Tacos (550 NW 1st Ave., Suite 230-A2, Miami). Available while supplies last, the taco gives guests the chance to enjoy a favorite from her former Coral Gables restaurant. Signed copies of Cuban Soul will also be available for purchase.

Friday, October 16 & Saturday, October 17 | Pan con Bistec Pop-Up

Mika will head to Frankies & Wally’s (216 Palermo Ave., Coral Gables) to serve her Pan con Bistec, a classic Cuban steak sandwich featured in Cuban Soul. Inspired by her family, Miami upbringing, and Cuban heritage, the sandwich reflects the flavors and food traditions that shaped her culinary journey. Guests will also have the opportunity to purchase signed copies of the cookbook during the two-day pop-up.

Leon will also celebrate the book’s official Miami launch with a book signing at Books & Books in Coconut Grove on October 12, for a special conversation about the cookbook, her Cuban family traditions, her Miami upbringing and the stories behind the recipes. Guests can meet Mika, take photos, and get their copy of the cookbook signed. Tickets are $35 + tax and include admission for one guest and one copy of Cuban Soul upon entry. She will end her book launch celebration at UMA House South Beach on October 18th. Tickets are $35 + tax and include Havana Club cocktails, a live Cuban band, and passed bites by Chef Mika herself.

SNDWCH Rebrands as Adriano’s Italian Sandwiches

SNDWCH has officially rebranded as Adriano’s Italian Sandwiches, marking the next chapter for the chef-driven concept founded by husband-and-wife team Chef Adrian Patron and Dominique Hawit-Patron.

Since opening in Doral in 2023, Adriano’s has grown to three Miami locations, an expanding catering business and a loyal local following. The new identity brings the founders, Italian inspiration and Miami roots behind the concept to the forefront while staying true to its signature promise: “Always Sliced to Order.”

Adriano’s also offers a lineup of weekly specials:

TUESDAY | Half & Half Tuesdays: $12–$13
Half of a 4-inch sandwich + choice of Caesar Salad, Creamy Tomato Soup, Caprese Salad or French Fries*. Prosciutto sandwiches are $13.
*Fries available at Coral Gables & FIU only.

WEDNESDAY | $10 Wednesday
One rotating sandwich drops to $10, often nearly 50% off its regular price. The sandwich is announced Tuesday night, with pre-orders opening at 10 p.m. and available Wednesday until sold out.

THURSDAY | 2 for $30
Choose two Signature Sandwiches for $30, available all day Thursday.

FRIDAY | Adriano’s $15 Lunch Club
All Signature Sandwiches are $15 each from 10 a.m.– 4 p.m.

Images (Photo credit: Adriano’s Italian Sandwiches)

Negroni Week at Rum Bar

Rum Bar, nestled within the lobby of The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, Miami, celebrates Negroni Week with classic pours and creative twists, all benefiting Slow Food. Guests can sip the Classic Negroni with Hendrick’s Gin, Campari and Carpano Antica Sweet Vermouth; the lighter White Negroni with Hendrick’s Another Gin, Luxardo Bitter Bianco and Lillet Blanc; or the whiskey-forward Boulevardier with Jefferson’s Ocean Rye, Campari and Carpano Antica Sweet Vermouth.

Wine Dinner at CARBONE VINO

CARBONE VINO is pleased to partner with Bruno Giacosa, one of Piedmont’s most storied Barolo and Barbaresco producers, for an exclusive tasting experience and four-course prix-fixe dinner centered on a vertical of the estate’s acclaimed single-vineyard wines. Taking place October 1 at 6:30 p.m., the event will showcase bottlings from Falletto, Rabajà, Asili and Le Rocche, with vintages dating back to 1998.

The evening will begin with a Champagne reception featuring Tuna Toast and Mozzarella & Carozza canapés, paired with NV Charles Heidsieck ‘Réserve.’ Guests will then move through a guided tasting and four-course dining experience featuring CARBONE VINO’s signature dishes.

The menu opens with Baby Eggplant Scapece and Caesar alla ZZ alongside the 2024 Arneis, followed by Spicy Rigatoni Vodka, Mario’s Meatballs and Cavatelli Sausage & Rabe paired with the 2023 ‘Valmaggiore’ Nebbiolo and 2022 ‘Asili’ Barbaresco. The third course brings Lamb Chops Giudia and Veal Milanese, served alongside Garlic Broccolini and Potatoes Louie, paired with the 2019 and 2022 ‘Le Rocche’ Barolo, before closing with Un Cotto and a cheese course alongside the 1998 ‘Rabajà’ Barbaresco and 1998 ‘Falletto’ Barolo. Make your reservation here.

Photo Credit: Nico Schinco

The post Nom News: Friday, September 25 appeared first on Miami Food Pug.

September 18, 2026

Each Friday, we try to compile South Florida food-related news and events that we couldn’t fit on the site earlier in the week, as well as other local news that piques our interest. Want to be included in our next roundup? Shoot us an email at bark@miamifoodpug.com.

Negroni Week at Sexy Fish
New Happy Hour at North Italia
New Brunch Menu at Luma
The Big Woof Fest at Bayshore Club

Negroni Week at Sexy Fish

Sexy Fish Miami joins the global Negroni Week celebration, spotlighting one of the world’s most beloved cocktails while supporting Slow Food, a movement creating positive change through food and beverage in over 160 countries.

In honor of Negroni Week, Sexy Fish Miami will feature Our DNA, a tropical, rum-based interpretation of the classic Negroni. Priced at $18, the cocktail blends coconut-infused Havana Club, pineapple-infused Campari, and banana peel-infused sweet vermouth, finished with a red dehydrated edible pineapple slice and aromatic coconut spray.

Our DNA – $18
Coconut-infused Havana Club, pineapple-infused Campari, banana peel-infused sweet vermouth.
Garnished with a Red dehydrated edible pineapple slice and a coconut spray.

New Happy Hour at North Italia

North Italia has kicked off a brand-new Happy Hour program bringing new craveable Italian bites, and unbeatable value to the table.

Available every Monday – Friday from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the bar, North Italia’s refreshed menu makes for the perfect post-work deal, go-to game day destination, or just a good excuse to gather with the crew to kick off the fall season.

Here’s what’s cooking and pouring from the new happy hour:

Craveable/Shareable Bites ($10–$12): Dive into savory highlights like Grilled Mortadella Skewers, Baked Burrata alla Diavola, fan-favorite White Truffle Garlic Bread and exclusive happy hour-only handcrafted Double Pepperoni Flatbread.

Discounted Sips for Every Vibe: Sip on $10 spritzes, $12 craft cocktails, $10 featured wine pours, $35 featured wine bottles, $6.50 craft beers, and $8 zero-proof creations.

Bundles Built for the Group: With the Spritz & Snacks combo, choose your favorite happy hour spritz and pair it with a trio of Zucca Chips, Campari-glazed nuts, and Castelvetrano olives for only $15. Perfect for sharing, the Sangria Social ($30) bundle pairs a pitcher of House-Made Red Sangria with your choice of a Margherita or Pepperoni Flatbread.

Live DJ Series: Keep the energy going every Thursday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. (September 17 – October 15) featuring live sets by DJ Zog.

New Brunch Menu at Luma

Luma at The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, Miami introduces its newly redesigned brunch menu, available every Saturday and Sunday from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. Led by Chef Patrizio and the culinary team, the menu spans Bakery & Sweet, Starters, Eggs, Handmade Pasta and Sandwiches & Mains. Highlights include Lemon-Ricotta Pancakes for $27 with whipped honey-mascarpone butter, Eggs Benedict for $29 with crispy pancetta, prosciutto, pecorino hollandaise and toasted focaccia and Mushroom Crostata for $32 with wild mushrooms, whipped ricotta, poached egg and fresh truffle. From the Handmade Pasta section, Tagliatelle alla Bolognese for $32 features slow-braised Wagyu beef, pork and veal ragù, while Sandwiches & Mains includes the Luma Burger for $29 with dry-aged beef, fontina, Calabrian chili aioli, caramelized onion, bacon and arugula.

The Big Woof Fest at Bayshore Club

The Pet Journal Magazine in partnership with The Big Woof Festival is celebrating the launch of South Florida’s Top Dog Search at Bayshore Club this Sunday. Dog lovers and their furry friends are invited to enjoy an afternoon of local vendors, music, drinks, and plenty of puppy fun.

Guests can grab the latest issue of Pet Journal Magazine, strike a pose with their pups, and see if they have what it takes to be South Florida’s next Top Dog!

Biscayne Bay Brewing will be among the event sponsors, giving attendees the chance to enjoy local craft beers while celebrating their four-legged friends and soaking up the Coconut Grove atmosphere.

Event Details:
Sunday, September 20 | 2–5 PM
Bayshore Club | Coconut Grove
Free admission

The post Nom News: Friday, September 18 appeared first on Miami Food Pug.

September 11, 2026

Each Friday, we try to compile South Florida food-related news and events that we couldn’t fit on the site earlier in the week, as well as other local news that piques our interest. Want to be included in our next roundup? Shoot us an email at bark@miamifoodpug.com.

La Mar Pops Up at JARANA
Reopening This Fall: Havana Harry’s
New Menu Items at Fuku

La Mar Pops Up at JARANA

For four nights only, La Mar is returning to Miami. This Hispanic Heritage Month, acclaimed Peruvian chef Diego Oka will reunite Miami diners with some of La Mar’s most beloved flavors through La Mar Nights, an exclusive, reservation-only dining experience hosted at JARANA at The Abbey at Aventura.

Taking place every Saturday from Sept. 19 through Oct. 10, La Mar Nights offers the restaurant’s loyal Miami following a special opportunity to experience its cuisine once again while the brand prepares for its next chapter in the city.

Oka’s connection to La Mar spans more than two decades and several cities, beginning with the original Lima location and continuing through La Mar kitchens around the world. In 2014, he brought that experience to Miami, opening and leading La Mar’s Brickell Key location throughout its celebrated 11-year run and building a loyal following among local diners. That legacy continues today, as La Mar is planning its return to Miami, with additional details to come.

“La Mar holds so many memories for Miami, and I wanted this menu to feel personal, joyful and familiar,” Oka said. “These are some of my favorite dishes, the flavors I love and the dishes I’m most excited to share. Hispanic Heritage Month is the perfect time to celebrate where we come from and the Peruvian cuisine that continues to bring people together.”

Guests will be seated in an intimate, exclusive area within JARANA accented with thoughtful La Mar touches, including signature-inspired placemats, glassware and floral arrangements. The experience begins with complimentary chips and ají amarillo sauce, followed by a daily amuse-bouche and a three-course tasting menu, including:

First Course (family-style)
Causa Crab — Beet causa with king crab, avocado, smoked trout roe, huancaína sauce, cherry tomato and quail egg.
Tiradito Lujoso — Japanese hamachi with blue crab chalaca, avocado, smoked trout roe, radish and roasted peppers.
Cebiche Chifa — Peruvian trout with pickled vegetables, cilantro, scallions, sesame oil, peanuts and crispy noodles.

Second Course (individual)
Conchitas Oka — Oka’s take on the classic, featuring two grilled jumbo scallops with 24-month-aged Parmesan, Parmesan foam, lime and garlic crumbs.

Third Course (family-style)
El Achupado — Bucatini with grouper, calamari, octopus and shrimp in a chupe sauce with rocoto, tomatoes and huacatay.
Whole Fish — A 1.5-pound crispy, deboned yellowtail snapper chicharrón drizzled with Nikkei sauce and served with white chaufa rice.

La Mar Nights will take place Saturdays, Sept. 19 and 26 and Oct. 3 and 10, 2026, from 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. at JARANA at The Abbey at Aventura, 19505 Biscayne Blvd., Suite 5150. The experience is priced at $90 per person. Reservations are required and may be made by calling 786-840-8840.

Reopening This Fall: Havana Harry’s

Miami’s beloved Cuban comfort-food destination returns to Coral Gables this Fall, welcoming back the recipes, generous portions and warm hospitality that have defined it for more than three decades.

After more than a year behind closed doors, Havana Harry’s is preparing to welcome Miami back. Located at 4612 South LeJeune Road, the sprawling Coral Gables landmark returns with a fresh, relaxed look that brings more color, culture and subtle tropical influences into the space, from green leather booths to lush greenery, mosaic tiling and traditional Cuban-inspired art. But the spirit of the place hasn’t changed: the same approachable prices and neighborhood warmth that guests have loved for years remain untouched.

“Our responsibility was never to reinvent Havana Harry’s,” said Carlos Centurion, Founder of Centurion Restaurant Group. “It was to protect what generations of guests have loved, while building a restaurant that will serve this community for many years to come.”

Founded in 1995, Havana Harry’s has earned a reputation as one of Miami’s premier destinations for authentic Cuban comfort food, recognized by the Michelin Guide and repeatedly named one of Miami’s “Best Cuban Restaurants.” It has been the setting for birthdays, graduations, business meetings and Sunday family lunches, the countless everyday moments that became lifelong memories for generations of South Florida families.

Havana Harry’s has been under the Centurion Restaurant Group umbrella (Bulla Gastrobar, Pisco y Nazca and Beehive Kitchen) since 2022, and the group has taken great care to preserve the original recipes and community spirit that have long defined it. Rather than a quick refresh, ownership chose to build a restaurant designed to serve the community for decades to come.

Reopening for daily breakfast, lunch and dinner, Havana Harry’s will once again serve the menu guests love, from tostones and croquetas to Cuban sandwiches and main plates like the bestselling Ropa Vieja, Arroz con Pollo and Lechoncita. Topping the list is the Chicken Vaca Frita, the restaurant’s signature dish of shredded chicken sautéed with onions, garlic and a proprietary blend of seasonings until crispy. Mornings bring classic Cuban breakfasts and coffee specialties like café con leche, cortadito and colada, while the dessert menu spans traditional flan, cakes and tres leches to the signature “Overdose” milkshakes.

“We can’t wait to welcome our guests back,” Centurion added. “Families have been asking us every week when they can return, and now we are finally ready for them.”

New Menu Items at Fuku

Fuku is freshening up its menu with new offerings that take the brand’s signature crispy brined chicken in a lighter, more versatile direction while staying true to the bold flavors Fuku is known for. The new $15 Gem Salad pairs crispy chicken with Little Gem lettuce, scallion green goddess dressing, pickled onions, pumpkin seed, furikake and herbs, while the $15 Chicken Rice Bowl layers it over ginger garlic rice with cabbage, pickled red onion, furikake and Fuku mayo. Rounding out the additions is the $7 Transfusion Slushie, a refreshing blend of grape and lime juices with fresh ginger. Whether craving something fresh, hearty or frozen, the new lineup gives Fuku fans more ways to enjoy the brand’s signature flavors.

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September 4, 2026

We took a break last week, but now we’re back. Each Friday, we try to compile South Florida food-related news and events that we couldn’t fit on the site earlier in the week, as well as other local news that piques our interest. Want to be included in our next roundup? Shoot us an email at bark@miamifoodpug.com.

Mexican Independence Day at Cantina La Veinte
Champagne & Caviar Dinner at Daniel’s
Bourbon Heritage Month at American Social
New Seasonal Menu at Tacocraft

Mexican Independence Day at Cantina La Veinte

This Mexican Independence Day, Cantina La Veinte is bringing a taste of Mexico’s biggest celebration to the heart of Brickell. On Tuesday, September 15, the waterfront restaurant will celebrate the eve of Mexican Independence Day with a night of traditional flavors, mariachis, DJ entertainment and, of course, El Grito.

At around 11 p.m., Cantina will take part in El Grito, the tradition celebrated across Mexico each year on September 15, when crowds come together to cheer “¡Viva México!” and officially kick off the Independence Day festivities.

For the occasion, guests can also try Cantina’s traditional Chiles en Nogada, available throughout the entire month of September. Considered one of Mexico’s most iconic dishes, it features a poblano chile filled with picadillo, topped with a creamy walnut sauce and pomegranate seeds, creating the green, white and red colors of the Mexican flag.

Champagne & Caviar Dinner at Daniel’s

As part of Daniel’s Miami’s signature program of elevated dining experiences and wine dinners, the Coral Gables steakhouse will host an exclusive LVMH Champagne & Caviar Dinner on Thursday, October 1. In collaboration with Petrossian Caviar and LVMH, this one-night-only experience invites guests to an indulgent evening of exceptional food, celebrated Champagne, wine and European-style hospitality. The dinner will include a curated multi-course menu featuring Petrossian Caviar Service with Ossetra and Tsar Imperial Ossetra, an Hiramatsu A5 Wagyu amuse bouche, Hokkaido Scallop with clam velouté and Petrossian caviar first course, Pear and Ricotta Tortellini with brown butter and sage middle course, and a 6 oz Australian Cobungra Station Wagyu Filet with Sauce Foyot and caviar potato pavé entree course. The dessert course will conclude with a Warm Apple Tarte Tatin with Crème Fraîche and Caramel Sauce.

Throughout the evening, guests will enjoy an impressive lineup of pours paired with each course including Krug 2013, Krug Grande Cuvée 172ème Édition, Dom Pérignon Plénitude 2/2008 Épernay, Le Petit Cheval 2021, Joseph Phelps Insignia Cabernet Sauvignon 2019, Château d’Yquem 2007, and Hennessy X.O. This exclusive dinner offers a rare opportunity to experience Daniel’s Miami in an intimate setting while exploring a thoughtfully curated elevated cuisine.

Reservations are extremely limited and can be made on RESY. Photo Credit: Louis Collection.

Bourbon Heritage Month at American Social

September is Bourbon Heritage Month, and American Social is marking it the way bourbon deserves: unhurried, unfussy, and built around the barrel.

Beginning September 1, American Social will showcase a curated bourbon collection, bourbon-forward cocktail and a flight built for people who want to taste the difference time makes. The selection:

– Buffalo Trace
– Eagle Rare 10 Year
– Blanton’s Single Barrel
– Colonel E.H. Taylor Small Batch
– Corazon Reposado, AmSo Private Select – a tequila aged in an E.H. Taylor bourbon cask. Because American whiskey doesn’t follow the rules.

The menu features a number of favorites, too. Including:

Smoked Old Fashioned – $18. Your choice of bourbon, simple syrup, Angostura bitters, orange peel, black cherry.
The Heritage Flight – $24. Choose any three. 0.75 oz neat pours, side by side.

New Seasonal Menu at Tacocraft

Tacocraft Taqueria & Tequila Bar, Falsetto Hospitality’s trendsetting Mexican concept, is embracing the flavors of Fall with a new limited-time seasonal menu that puts a festive spin on its bold Mexican-inspired cuisine. Available at all Tacocraft locations including Lauderdale-By-The-Sea, Plantation, and Coral Springs, the seasonal menu kicks off September 1st and runs through November 30th, bringing a lineup of savory dishes, sweet treats and Fall-inspired sips to the table.

New menu items include a Fire-Roasted Sweet Potato Taco ($6 each), with roasted sweet potatoes, black beans, kale, stracciatella cheese, pepitas, and Mike’s Hot Honey drizzle on a corn tortilla; the Harvest Wagyu Steak Bowl ($26), with Australian Wagyu skirt steak, cilantro rice, whole black beans, roasted sweet potatoes, charred corn, avocado, pepitas, and chimichurri aioli; and the Pumpkin Tres Leches ($14), a seasonal twist on the restaurant’s classic tres leches featuring pumpkin purée, warm spices, cinnamon, and vanilla. Behind the bar, the Pumpkin Espresso Martini ($15) is available with Santos Reposado Tequila, J.F. Haden’s Espresso Liqueur, espresso, pumpkin purée, and cinnamon-infused simple syrup, finished with cinnamon dust.

Of course, Tacocraft’s year-round menu continues to deliver the signature guest favorites, from its Crispy Pork Carnitas Taco and El Jefe Taco Salad to its Tijuana Caesar, plus rotating specials like the Chef’s Seasonal Beef and Butternut Squash Empanada.

Tacocraft continues to bring the fiesta to the weekend with Weekend Brunch every Saturday and Sunday from 11AM to 3PM with a live DJ. The brunch offering is $25 Bottomless Margaritas and a chef-driven brunch menu including dishes like Cast Iron Skillet Pancake, with maple syrup and agave butter; French Toast Lollipops – churro dusted and served with horchata crème; and Short Rib Birria Benedict with jalapeno cheddar corn bread and chipotle hollandaise. For those looking to keep the good times going, Happy Hour is Monday through Sunday from 3PM to 6PM and 10PM to close, featuring $3 tacos, $3 margaritas and $3 draft beers. Taco Tuesday takes over every Tuesday all day with $5 tacos, $5 beers and $8 Margaritas.

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August 21, 2026

Each Friday, we try to compile South Florida food-related news and events that we couldn’t fit on the site earlier in the week, as well as other local news that piques our interest. Want to be included in our next roundup? Shoot us an email at bark@miamifoodpug.com.

Bartender Series at Four Seasons Fort Lauderdale
Sake Dinner at YASU Omakase
New Offerings at El Toro Loco Steakhouse
Giselle Miami Debuts New Menu Items

Bartender Series at Four Seasons Fort Lauderdale

ViceVersa founder Valentino Longo welcomes four celebrated Miami bartenders, who are taking a brief vacanza (vacation) from their day-to-day in Miami and heading north to Four Seasons Hotel and Residences Fort Lauderdale to showcase their signature cocktails at the recently opened lobby lounge. Each Saturday from 7 p.m. – 10 p.m., beginning August 29th until September 19th, guests, residents, and locals are invited to enjoy special end-of-summer sips alongside energetic vibes courtesy of a DJ. No reservations needed, walk-ins welcome.

Guest Bartenders include:
August 29th – Jacopo Rosito, Septimo, Four Seasons Hotel Miami
September 5th – Christian Delpech, 19-times Flair Bartending World Champion
September 12th – Derek Stillman, Bar Kaiju
September 19th – Larry Olea, Champagne Bar, Four Seasons Hotel and Residences at The Surf Club

Sake Dinner at YASU Omakase

On Friday, August 28th, YASU Omakase will welcome Shichiken Sake, a historic Japanese brewery from Yamanashi, Chef Yasu Tanaka’s hometown in Japan, for a one-night-only 10-course omakase paired with five sake selections.

The collaboration draws on Tanaka’s personal connection to Shichiken and their shared roots in Yamanashi. For the evening, Tanaka will feature rare selections hand-carried from Japan, including the brewery’s celebrated sparkling sake and bottles not typically available in Miami. Crafted with pure, soft water from the Japanese Southern Alps, the sake’s clean, refined profile will complement Tanaka’s precise approach to omakase, centered on pristine seafood flown directly from Tokyo’s Toyosu Market alongside premium Florida fish, progressing from delicate otsumami to expertly prepared nigiri.

The evening will be limited to two intimate seatings at 6:00 PM and 8:30 PM, accommodating just 8-9 guests each, and priced at $395 per person. Each guest will also receive an exclusive gift from the Shichiken brewery to commemorate the collaboration.

New Offerings at El Toro Loco Steakhouse

El Toro Loco Steakhouse is expanding its menu with an impressive lineup of premium, rare and unexpected cuts. The Miami-based steakhouse added a selection of premium Wagyu and hard-to-find cuts, bringing together Japanese A5 beef, dry-aged Wagyu, Spanish Ibérico, lamb and venison for a menu that goes well beyond the traditional steakhouse experience.

Among the newest additions:

– Japanese A5 Ribeye Cap — an exceptionally rich and highly marbled cut prized for its tenderness and flavor.
– Guga’s Favorite Dry-Aged Wagyu Picanha — finished with El Toro Loco’s signature Wagyu Seasoning Blend and a honey glaze for a sweet-savory finish. Youtube star Guga Food’s favorite cut at the steakhouse.
– Wagyu Skirt Steak with Shrimp — combining premium Wagyu with shrimp for a surf-and-turf-style dish.
– Ibérico Secreto — expanding beyond beef, guests can now explore a specialty Spanish pork cut known for its tenderness and rich flavor.
– Lamb Picanha — putting a unique spin on the classic picanha cut.
– Venison Tenderloin & Venison Chops — bringing lean, game-forward flavors to the lineup.

Giselle Miami Debuts New Menu Items

Giselle Miami, the downtown rooftop dining destination known for its globally inspired fusion cuisine, is introducing a collection of new dishes to its dinner menu from Executive Chef Gustavo Zuluaga. New additions begin with the Giselle Volcano Roll ($30), layered with king crab, crispy shrimp, avocado, jalapeño and eel sauce; Octopus Carpaccio ($26) with smoked bean purée, confit potatoes and hazelnut vinaigrette; and Chilean Sea Bass Gyozas ($26), paired with barley miso, roasted corn, truffle and shishito dressing.

The new Prime Ribeye Cheesesteak ($30) brings together pão de queijo, smoked gouda fondue and maitake mushrooms, while seafood lovers can discover the Prawn Milanese ($36), featuring coconut panko, saffron reduction and creamy shrimp ceviche. For a heartier centerpiece, the 24-ounce Reverse Cowgirl Ribeye ($148), designed to serve two, arrives with a trio of sauces and pomme purée. Giselle’s Seafood Tower ($175 small; $295 large) has also been refreshed with Maine lobster, king crab, oysters and shrimp.

Photo Credit: Ruben Pictures

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August 14, 2026

Each Friday, we try to compile South Florida food-related news and events that we couldn’t fit on the site earlier in the week, as well as other local news that piques our interest. Want to be included in our next roundup? Shoot us an email at bark@miamifoodpug.com.

Clevelander Celebrates National Dog Day
The Mexican x Pangea Collab
Donna Mare Debuts Lunch Service

Clevelander Celebrates National Dog Day

On Wednesday, August 26, Clevelander South Beach is inviting pups and their humans to stop by for a special Yappy Hour from 2–9 p.m. right on Ocean Drive.

For the occasion, Clevelander is extending its usual happy hour pricing for the day, including Buy One, Get One draft beers, frozen drinks and well cocktails. Guests can choose from $11 draft beers, including La Rubia Blonde Ale, Goose Island IPA, La Playita Pilsner, Yuengling and Stella, or cool off with one of Clevelander’s famous $18 frozen drinks, including the Colada Bacardi, Caribbean Punch, Miami Vice, Sobe Lemonade, Margarita and Dreamcicle. House cocktails are also available for $16.

There are plenty of bites to pair with the drinks, with options starting at just $6. The happy hour food menu includes $6 chicken or beef tacos, $8 mozzarella moons, jalapeño poppers, loaded fries and nachos, $9 flatbreads, $12 coconut shrimp and $14 Angus sliders.

With seven hours of Yappy Hour, plenty of drinks and bites, and pups welcome to join the fun, it’s an easy excuse to grab the leash and head to South Beach for National Dog Day. Whether stopping in after a walk along Ocean Drive or meeting up with fellow dog parents, guests can settle in for a drink while their furry best friends tag along.

The Mexican X Pangea Collab

On Tuesday, September 1st, The Mexican, known for its high-end contemporary Mexican cuisine and refined design, is teaming up with Chef Eduardo Morali from Pangea, one of Mexico’s most celebrated Michelin-starred restaurants, for an exclusive one-night experience of world-class cuisine. Following last year’s successful collaboration at The Mexican’s flagship restaurant in Dallas, Executive Chef Santiago Hiriart is looking forward to bringing a unique flair to this latest iteration.

The recently opened Miami restaurant is partnering with one of Mexico’s most beloved and prestigious Chefs to bring the coveted Michelin experience to the shores of Brickell Key. For the past ten years, Pangea has been named one of Latin America’s 50 best restaurants and has held its Michelin star for the past 2 years for its contemporary cuisine of northeastern Mexico.

For one night only this September, the two Mexican concepts are teaming up for Chef Eduardo to present a masterful culinary experience to delight the senses. The multi-course tasting menu will offer guests a rare opportunity to experience Michelin-starred Mexican cuisine, complemented by The Mexican’s highly coveted hospitality without leaving Miami.

“We’re excited to partner with Pangea to bring a uniquely authentic Michelin-star Mexican experience to our new Miami audience,” said Roberto González Alcalá, owner and founder of The Mexican “The roots of Mexican culture are the heart of what we do, and partnering with Pangea again this year allows us to fuse our concepts to create a completely new approach for guests to enjoy this time around.”

Guests can expect a 4-course menu highlights including Scallop Raspado with fresh scallops married with tomatillo, green apple, and Kaffir lime, Summer Corn Velouté with a cremeux foie gras and chilhuacle chile, and perfectly seared Wagyu Carne asada paired with barbacoa stuffed onion, smoked potato, and charred chile adobo.

Only 350 tickets will be available for the exclusive event, divided between two seatings from 12 p.m. – 3 p.m and 5 p.m – 10 p.m. Tickets are $225 per guest, with an optional $85 wine pairing. Guests may select either pairing individually or enjoy both for the complete Michelin dining experience. Reservations are available exclusively through OpenTable and early reservations are strongly encouraged as spots are limited.

The Mexican is located at 601 Brickell Key Drive, Suite 100, Miami, FL 33131. Restaurant valet service is available, and self parking is offered in the adjacent garage.

Donna Mare Debuts Lunch Service

Offered daily from noon to 4 p.m., the new lunch menu features a full range of Donna Mare favorites scaled for an earlier meal. Antipasti and insalata selections include Nonna’s Giant Meatball ($16) with whipped ricotta; Burrata Italiana ($17) with roasted tomato and olive tapenade; and Caesar Salad ($15) built on little gem lettuce with focaccia croutons and shaved Parmesan.

The wood-fired oven remains the centerpiece of the lunch menu, turning out pizzas such as the Margherita ($16) and Prosciutto e Rucola ($19), alongside calzones like the Calzone Classico ($18) with ricotta, soppressata and prosciutto cotto. Guests can also order handcrafted pasta including Spicy Rigatoni alla Vodka ($18), Bucatini all’Amatriciana ($18) and Chitarra Limone e Gamberi ($24) with Gulf shrimp and Amalfi lemon. Rounding out the menu is a new panini and panuzzi program, featuring options like the Panuzzo Salsiccia e Friarielli ($18) with Italian sausage, broccoli rabe and smoked provola, and the Prosciutto e Mozzarella Panini ($17), each served with a side of pasta salad.

The lunch beverage program includes a dedicated Spritz Collection, ranging from classics such as the Aperol and Hugo spritzes to more distinctive options like the Limoncello Spritz. Guests can also enjoy a Cocktail D’Italia menu featuring Italian-inspired drinks such as the Donna Mare, made with Malfy Gin, Cocchi Americano Bianco and Mediterranean tonic. Donna Mare also offers zero-proof options and an award-winning wine program that earned Wine Spectator’s 2026 Award of Excellence.

“Lunch has always felt like an obvious next step for Donna Mare,” said Miguel Faget, director of food and beverage at Cadillac Hotel & Beach Club. “This is a spot where people want to linger, and now they have another opportunity to do so—whether it’s a business lunch, a break from the beach or an afternoon with friends. We wanted a menu and pace that fits into the middle of the day, while still delivering the Donna Mare experience guests know from dinner.”

Photo Credit: Aura Groupe

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August 7, 2026

Each Friday, we try to compile South Florida food-related news and events that we couldn’t fit on the site earlier in the week, as well as other local news that piques our interest. Want to be included in our next roundup? Shoot us an email at bark@miamifoodpug.com.

Stormy Monday Becomes Permanent
Bet & Brunch Wagering at Ten Palms
National Dog Day at InterContinental Miami

Stormy Monday Becomes Permanent

After a successful five-month pop-up, Stormy Monday is here to stay. The neighborhood cocktail bar founded by Miami bar veteran James MacInnes has officially become a permanent fixture on Miami Beach, in the former home of neighborhood favorite Macchialina (820 Alton Road). The bar reopened Thursday, August 6 following a refresh of the space and menu.

Originally introduced as a seasonal concept, Stormy Monday quickly earned a loyal following among locals, hospitality professionals and cocktail enthusiasts, establishing itself as one of Miami Beach’s newest neighborhood gathering spots. It has reopened with an updated bar bites menu, a new standing bar counter, refreshed furnishings and revamped weekly programming with a focus on locals. Stormy Monday is also making the experience more approachable, including lower cocktail prices and expanded specials designed to make the bar a place guests can return to regularly, not just save for a special occasion.

Named after the classic blues song, Stormy Monday celebrates South Florida through thoughtful cocktails, warm hospitality and an atmosphere that feels both elevated and approachable. Since opening, the bar has become known for its craft-driven cocktail program, carefully curated music and welcoming environment where industry professionals, neighborhood regulars and visitors feel equally at home.

As part of its evolution, Stormy Monday is introducing a new bar bites menu that puts a playful Floridian spin on classic bar fare. Menu highlights include croquetas with caviar, Waldorf Salad lettuce wraps, coconut shrimp cocktail and Old Bay French fries, designed to pair perfectly with the bar’s cocktail program.

The cocktail menu remains a standout part of the experience with signatures including the Mucho Mango, which features a jasmine and bergamot gimlet adorned with aromatic mango chutney foam; Dahlia, pairing mezcal with Thai basil, smoked red grape and bitter bianco; and Sierra Madre with agua chile re-imagined into a sparkling grapefruit paloma.

Beyond the refreshed menu and space, Stormy Monday is introducing a lineup of ongoing specials and neighborhood-focused programming inspired by the community that embraced the pop-up from day one.

Sunset Hour, offered from 5PM to 7PM Thursday to Monday, features $10 signature cocktails, $12 bites, $8 glasses of wine and $5 beers, making it easy to drop in after work or kick off an evening on Miami Beach.

Available throughout August and September, Stormy Monday will offer a Summer Cocktail Omakase, a $45 experience featuring three half-sized cocktails paired with two bites, giving guests a fun way to explore the team’s favorite seasonal drinks and pairings.

Fully embracing Miami’s famously unpredictable summer weather, Stormy Monday is making the forecast part of the fun. Whenever it rains (which, let’s be honest, is almost daily this time of year), the bar will kick off its Perfect Storm special, pouring $5 Dark & Stormys until the skies clear. The special turns afternoon downpours into the perfect excuse to order another round or head to Stormy Monday, because in Miami, there’s no better place to wait out a storm than your favorite neighborhood bar.

Finally, to thank the community that helped turn a seasonal pop-up into a permanent home, Stormy Monday is launching a Locals Appreciation Program. South Beach residents with a valid ID will receive a Stormy Monday Locals Card, which gives them 15% off every visit. It’s one more way the team hopes to continue to build a true neighborhood bar where familiar faces quickly become regulars.

Stormy Monday is located at 820 Alton Road on Miami Beach. Operating hours are Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Monday from 5PM to 1AM and Sunday from 5PM to 11PM. @stormymondaymia

Bet & Brunch Wagering at Ten Palms

Put your handicapping skills to the test at Gulfstream Park’s Bet & Brunch Wagering Tournament on Saturday, August 8, at Ten Palms. The tournament takes place from 11:20 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., with a $100 buy-in that includes the acclaimed Ten Palms buffet and tournament entry. Participants will compete by placing $4 Win/Place wagers across five designated Gulfstream Park races for the chance to win the tournament prize pool.

The first-place winner will also receive two VIP tickets to Taste at the Track on Saturday, August 29, while second through fifth place will each earn complimentary entry into the next on-track wagering tournament. Participants must be 18 years of age or older. Guests who prefer not to compete are welcome to take part in the Ten Palms buffet separately and enjoy the day’s live racing.

Reserve your spot.

National Dog Day at InterContinental Miami

It’s no surprise to dog lovers that the Hotel of the Year, in the 1st Annual Canine Hospitality Awards, presented in 2026 by global certification body Roch Dog, was recently awarded to InterContinental Miami. What better way to celebrate National Dog Day on Wednesday, August 26 then to treat your pup to a special edition of Paws Patio, a premium pup playdate. Paws Patio at InterContinental Miami celebrates National Dog Day and the dog days of summer with its End of Summer Paaawty. Four-legged friends are encouraged to dress in their favorite tropical gear. The tail-waggin’ good time takes place on the Picante Terrace from 5PM to 7PM (weather permitting) and includes a doggie pool, sprinklers, and complimentary pup cups.

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July 31, 2026

Each Friday, we try to compile South Florida food-related news and events that we couldn’t fit on the site earlier in the week, as well as other local news that piques our interest. Want to be included in our next roundup? Shoot us an email at bark@miamifoodpug.com.

New Bento Boxes at STAND.
Taste America Pop-Up Dinner
Biscayne Bay Brewing Opening This Fall
National Oyster Day at CHA CHA CHA

New Bento Boxes at STAND.

Beloved neighborhood Japanese cafe, STAND., is introducing a new lineup of bento boxes that reflect their commitment to fresh ingredients, authentic Japanese flavors, and approachable everyday dining.

The menu features six entrée options: Salmon, Chicken Karaage, Beef Yakiniku, Tofu, Pork Katsu, and Chicken Katsu, each served with steamed rice, miso soup, and three seasonal sides for a complete dining experience. As a result of this menu expansion, guests are invited to choose from signature sides such as: Edamame, Hijiki Salad, Spinach Shiro-Ae, Potato Salad, Cabbage Salad, Pickles and more.

Photo Credit: Salar Abduaziz

Taste America Pop-Up Dinner

The James Beard Foundation® (JBF), the organization behind the prestigious James Beard Awards®, announces that its Taste America culinary series returns to Miami with an exclusive dinner on October 28 at 7:00 p.m. at Wynwood Event Center. Presented by American Express and Resy, Taste America celebrates the chefs and local independent restaurants at the heart of communities—featuring one-of-a-kind evenings of exceptional food and drink in 20 U.S. cities from coast to coast.

The evening will be hosted by TasteTwenty chefs Raheem Sealy and Monika Dominguez of Shiso Miami, selected for the James Beard Foundation’s 2026–2027 TasteTwenty class—its annual “ones to watch” list recognizing chefs whose exceptional talent, creative vision, and leadership are helping shape the future of American dining. Chefs Raheem and Monika will present a one-night-only multi-course menu in collaboration with chef Sebastian of Los Félix, Krüs Kitchen, and Füm that blends their distinct styles.

Set at Wynwood Event Center, the evening will feature a four-course joint menu accompanied by thoughtfully selected beverage pairings blending Japanese and Caribbean smokehouse influences with vibrant Latin flavors and modern techniques. Each course will offer a unique expression of the chefs’ shared passion for exceptional ingredients and memorable hospitality.

Now in its 14th year, Taste America invites diners to experience their city’s food scene through the lens of celebrated local chefs—and the flavors, traditions, and innovations shaping American dining. Every event is a night to remember, offering a unique opportunity to experience exceptional food, support the JBF mission, and become a part of a vibrant culinary community. Proceeds directly benefit the Foundation’s national impact programming, championing a more sustainable, equitable, and thriving future for independent restaurants and the broader food system.

Tickets for the Taste America Miami dinner are on sale now. For more information, and to view menus, visit jamesbeard.org/tasteamerica.

Photo Credit: Kelly Curtis

Biscayne Bay Brewing Opening This Fall

This fall, Miami Marlins fans will have a new reason to arrive early and stay late. Biscayne Bay Brewing, the Official Craft Beer of the Miami Marlins, is proud to announce the opening of its fully operational brewery, indoor taproom and 1,800-square-foot beer garden at LoanDepot Park, creating an exciting new destination where baseball, locally brewed craft beer and Miami culture come together.

Located within the Home Plate Parking Garage, adjacent to the West Gate entrance of the ballpark, the Biscayne Bay Brewing takeover brings a one-of-a-kind brewery experience directly to Miami Marlins fans. The fully operational brewery features an indoor taproom and outdoor beer garden complete with picnic tables, umbrellas, and games, making it the perfect destination for pre-game meetups, post-game celebrations, or catching up between innings.

Guests can enjoy Biscayne Bay Brewing’s lineup of core beers, including Marlins Lager, Tropical Bay IPA, Regatta Double IPA, Miami Pale Ale and the recently launched Tropical Bay Pilsner, a crisp, refreshing golden lager brewed for South Florida’s warm-weather lifestyle. The taproom will also serve a curated selection of wines, creating an all-in-one destination for baseball fans and craft beer enthusiasts alike.

As the Official Craft Beer of the Miami Marlins, Biscayne Bay Brewing brings Miami’s flavor and spirit straight to the ballpark. Since 2012, Biscayne has proudly represented the city through bold collaborations, innovative brews, and expansions like this new LoanDepot Park brewery, taproom and beer garden, giving fans the perfect place to enjoy great beer and the game.

“We’re incredibly proud to open this new chapter for Biscayne Bay Brewing,” said Biscayne CEO, Sven Sommer. “Entering our sixth year of partnership, this moment reflects the strength of our long-standing relationship with Miami’s baseball community. This location is a celebration of Miami craftsmanship, community spirit, and the shared love of the game.”

The Biscayne Bay Brewing Brewery, Taproom & Beer Garden is located at 1588 NW 7th Street, Miami, FL 33125, within the Home Plate Parking Garage at LoanDepot Park, and will be open during Miami Marlins home games and stadium events.

Photo Credit: Carolina Ochoa Lozano

National Oyster Day at CHA CHA CHA

Celebrate National Oyster Day with one of Miami’s most crave-worthy seafood bites at CHA CHA CHA. The restaurant’s signature Ostión Michelada elevates the classic oyster experience with fresh, chilled oysters served in a vibrant michelada-inspired presentation, finished with a chili-lime Tajín rim and a fresh squeeze of lime. Available individually ($3.50 each) or by the dozen, these briny, refreshing oysters pair perfectly with an ice cold beer or CHA CHA CHA’s signature CHA Margarita, making for the ultimate way to toast the ocean’s bounty.

“Growing up in Mexico and Los Angeles, some of my favorite food memories were enjoying freshly shucked oysters and Tajin with family and friends. Our Ostión Michelada captures that same spirit, combining the natural brininess of fresh oysters with the sweet, tangy heat of Tajín and fresh lime. It’s a dish that’s bright, refreshing, and full of flavor—making it the perfect way to celebrate National Oyster Day.” Chef Daniel Saavedra

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