Easter Dinner To Go: Holiday Dining during COVID-19

Easter Sunday is Sunday April 12th, and the threat of COVID-19 prevents us from going to church for Easter services, having large family gatherings and even family-friendly Easter Egg hunts

Holiday Eating, Restaurants, Todays FeatureEllen BowenApril 5, 2020Miami, Easter, COVID-19Comment

Miami Responds: How to help in the time of COVID-19 Via: Eater and Miami Herald

In the span of just a few weeks, Miami’s thriving hospitality scene has come to just short of a screeching halt. With the temporary closing of city’s bars, restaurants, and now hotels, many members of the community are now out of work and are scrambling to figure out how they are going to continue to support themselves and their families.

Ways to help Support Local via James Beard Foundation and Forbes

In this stressful time of COVID-19, supporting local food and beverage establishments is critical to the economy and well-being of our city.

Features, Restaurants, Todays FeatureMIAbites TeamMarch 15, 2020COVID-19, Miami, James Beard Foundation, CoronavirusComment

Saturday Sweets: Jenny Hales of Grateful Hospitality

As the very outdated saying goes, “Behind every great man is a great woman”, or some version of that, yet, Chef Richard Hales( Grateful Hospitality, Blackbrick Chinese, Sakaya Kitchen, Bird & Bone, Society BBQ, Din Ssäm a Go-Go) would be the first to say that his wife, Jenny, has been his rock through the many ups and downs.

Boia De: James Beard 2020 chef nominees in Little Haiti

“Get Out of the City and Into the Strip Mall” is one of the top 6 rules for dining out and finding some of the best food as noted by The Atlantic Magazine.

This describes perfectly the hot new restaurant Boia De in Little Haiti. Helmed by newly named 2020 James Beard Best Chef South nominees, Luciana Giangrandi and Alex Meyer, this spot boasts fresh pasta, creative dishes, unique small plates and all in a space with 24 seats…and in a strip mall next to a Bravo supermarket.

Restaurants, Todays FeatureEllen BowenMarch 11, 2020Little Haiti, Buena Vista, Miami, Boia De, James Beard Awards, Italian, La PollitaComment

Slow Food Miami: "Snail of Approval" Tasting Party on March 12th, 2020

Join celebrity host, Kelly Blanco of NBC 6, at Slow Food Miami’s “Snail of Approval” Tasting Party on Thursday, March 12, 2020. BUY TICKETS HERE

Sushi ERIKA: Carrying on the Family tradition

When Japanese Market and Sushi Deli closed in 2017, fans of the freshly made sushi at the tiny spot in the back of the market were sad and disappointed, but when the owner and master sushi chef, Michio Kushi suddenly passed away, it was a final devastating blow to the many loyal patrons. I admit to having never made it to Japanese Market and so was excited to hear of its continuing legacy through the hands of Michio’s daughter, Erika at Sushi Erika.

Wellness Wednesday: 6 Places to Eat Vegan and Plant-based in Miami

A few years ago, Miami vegetarians and vegans had few options for dining out. A few juice bars offered fresh salads and wraps, but enjoying a healthy or plant-based lunch or dinner out was non-existent.

Restaurants, Todays Feature, Wellness WednesdayEllen BowenFebruary 26, 2020Vegan, Plant-based, Miami Beach, Wynnwood, Miami, Healthy EatingComment

A Taste of Liguria: Riviera Focacceria in Midtown

Midtown is a busy place. Anchored by Target, Marshalls and Nordstrom Rack, it continues to grow as a walkable dining, shopping, living destination. So on a rainy Saturday of shopping, I returned to Riviera Foccaceria for lunch, revisiting a place I first reviewed in 2016.

Restaurants, Todays FeatureEllen BowenFebruary 18, 2020Midtown, Miami, Italian, Ligurian Cuisine, Midtown MiamiComment

Abiaka: Fine Dining at The Guitar Hotel at Seminole Hard Rock

It was two weeks before Super Bowl LIV, and I invited Chef Dayanny Delacruz, Executive Chef at Hard Rock Stadium to join me for a media tasting dinner at Abiaka in the Guitar Hotel of Seminole Hard Rock Hotel.

Restaurants, Todays FeatureEllen BowenFebruary 11, 2020Miami, Hollywood, Hard Rock Hotel, The Guitar Hotel, Abiaka, Fine DiningComment

Where to Celebrate Valentine’s Day In South Florida

Romance is in the air, and whether you think Cupid is stupid or you’re smitten with your Valentine, MIABites has you covered with the perfect recommendations on where to spend a romantic Valentine’s Day with your sweetheart or pal-entines!

Events, Holiday Eating, Restaurants, Todays FeatureChristina M Ramos February 10, 2020Miami, Miami Beach, Broward, Fort Lauderdale, Valentine's Day, Fine DiningComment

dōma: A taste of Southern Italy and Greece in Wynwood

My destination this evening was the distinctive black and white striped exterior of, dōma. This Southern Italian inspired restaurant recently celebrated its first birthday and has proven to be a favorite in the neighborhood.

Restaurants, Todays FeatureMIAbites TeamJanuary 29, 2020Miami, Wynwood, Dōma, Italian, Greek Comment

Best Restaurants in Miami: Super Bowl Dining Guide

Super Bowl LIV is almost here and everyone is asking us "Where should we eat in Miami?" Here are some of MIAbites Contributors Best Bites for "am to pm" dining in and around Miami, Miami Beach, Wynwood , the Design District, and some other standouts.

Byblos: Mezze and Turkish cuisine on Miami Beach

As Miami awaits the onslaught of Super Bowl LIV, some favorite restaurants that have been on top deserve to be highlighted. One of our favorites is, Byblos, in the 1940’s Shorecrest Hotel next to the Royal Palm Hotel, which has brought Turkish, Lebanese, African and Eastern Mediterranean flavors to Miami Beach.

Restaurants, Todays FeatureEllen BowenJanuary 19, 2020Miami Beach, Byblos, Turkish, Persian, Mediterranean food, MiamiComment

All about Chinese New Year and Where to Celebrate.

This year, MIAbites is giving you all the best recommendations on where to celebrate the Year of the Rat. So take your red envelopes, order some Peking Duck and enjoy at the following South Florida locations:

Events, Restaurants, Todays FeatureChristina M Ramos January 17, 2020Miami, Miami Beach, Chinese, Chinese New Year, Year of The Rat, Peking DuckComment

Chef Timon Balloo returns to his roots with new downtown restaurant, Balloo

Chef Timon has returned to his roots with Balloo, inside the lobby area of the Ingraham Building in Downtown Miami. A Caribbean oasis awaits as you walk down the long brightly lit lobby hall to Balloo, where Chef Timon’s delightful wife, Marissa, and daughter greet you.

Restaurants, Todays FeatureEllen BowenJanuary 12, 2020Miami, Balloo, Sugarcane Raw Bar Grill, Downtown Miami, Asian, CaribbeanComment

Chef Richard Hale's Society BBQ: a gift for all

MIAbites loves when fellow food bloggers share their visits to fun and favorite places, and Eleanor Hoh (aka Wokstar) recently visited Society BBQ in the Citadel Food Hall.

Food Halls, Restaurants, Todays FeatureEleanor HohJanuary 10, 2020Society BBQ, Miami, Little River, TheCitadel, Richard Hales, BBQComment

Miami's Restaurants that defined the Decade via Food For Thought

Editors Note: I started MIAbites about 4 years ago, as a celebration of the creative chefs, bartenders, farmers and the emerging food scene here in Miami. Thank you, David Rosendorf (aka Frodnesor) for the time and thoughtful way you took to highlight these amazing restaurants in Miami and for allowing MIAbites to share for our readers. Here is an excerpt with link to the full article. Happy New Year to all!