Welcome to Miami, Michelin Guide. What took you so long? Part 1

It hasn’t happened. Yet. But it DOES seem to be in the works. Full stop. Que? Suzie Sponder, Senior Director of Communications at the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau, confirmed there is not only interest but there should also be an update next week when they meet with the Michelin Guide… again. “We are waiting for them to finalize a contract that will be signed between Miami, Visit Florida, Orlando, and St. Pete.” Sure, this isn’t official yet and it might take a long time for a guide to actually happen. But we are allowed to be a little excited, right?

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Post-Quar Success for Miami Restaurants: Ariete and Stubborn Seed

Week 2 of post-quarantine dining did not disappoint. It’s true, the fate of the restaurant industry as a whole, amidst the coronavirus era, remains to be determined. Pero also, those who say it can’t be done shouldn’t interrupt those doing it, and doing it well. Enter Stubborn Seed and Ariete. Jaw-dropping opening weekend.

Instead of simplified versions of their pre-quarantine menus (as they ease into the new routine), both restaurants charged full-steam ahead. All aboard!

If you were looking for a sign on when to take the plunge and venture back out…this is it.

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Habitat by José Mendín

I waited for the dust to settle before visiting the new Habitat by José Mendín. The space, formerly occupied by Chef Tom Colicchio’s Beachcraft, seemed untouched. And that’s a good thing. The interiors, in sandy neutrals and beachy woods, remain as stunning as ever. Now, I”m hopeful this new venture by the Food Comma Hospitality Group (Pubbelly Noodle Bar, Pubbelly Sushi, Baja Bao, PB Ysla, and PB Burger) can survive our temperamental dining scene. This is Miami, after all, restaurant revolving-door capital. Offering a complete sea to table experience, Mendín’s new dishes aim to apply modern techniques to create new flavor profiles drawing from Spanish, Latin and Asian traditions.

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Stubborn Seed

Miami soil is sprouting up some excellent eats. This new South of Fifth gem couldn’t have arrived at a more perfect time; our dining scene is on an exciting upswing. It’s harvest season, 305 style.

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Byblos

Located in the beautiful space formerly used by Catch (by Season 3’s  Top Chef winner Chef Hung Huynh, who is no longer with the company) and within the Shorecrest building, Byblos delivered an impeccable experience I’m eager to repeat. I had every intention of solely trying their Miami Spice Menu. And I did. Sort of. After being cheerfully greeted by the hostesses, our […]

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Beachcraft

Gone are the dark, sultry, and clubby STK interiors that existed before Beachcraft’s big remodel. The result is gorgeous. The Meyer Davis interior design team (also the designers responsible for The Dutch) did an incredible job creating a Hamptons-meets-SOBE look. The chic interiors may scream glam, yet they are still warm and inviting. I wouldn’t mind moving in! But, sadly, that’s where the restaurant props end.

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