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Eleanor Hoh

Miami Spice 2022: Mega WOW FACTOR at Sexy Fish!

September 2, 2022 By Eleanor Hoh Leave a Comment

What an introduction to Miami Spice 2022…The minute you step into Sexy Fish, you’re immediately hit by the mega WOW FACTOR!  The sensory overload starts with a few humungous sea creatures so you feel like you’re inside an aquarium and museum like fantasy, definitely worth a visit just for this thrilling experience. Do not miss this fabulous opportunity during Miami Spice Lunch. If you’re an Asian food lover, I’ve put together a list of 29 Asian restaurants to explore.

Sensory overload galore!

Brainchild of Richard Caring, London businessman and restauranteur, he opened the first Sexy Fish in London’s affluent Mayfair drawing stylish crowds and celebrities. He’s brought his unique vision to Miami, currently the only outpost in America, and we are always ready for over the top design, exotic entertainment and Asian food. 

Dine under Octopus!

About the food & service…

Exotic Asian seafood centric and robata grilled meats are their main focus. Their description, “full of carefree character and adventurous spirit” is so accurate! 

Miami Spice menu is only available for Lunch, Monday to Friday from 12-3:30pm. 

Choose 3 dishes out of 16 and if you skip the dessert, you can opt for a 4th savory. I was definitely in for that. I went with top Miami food blogger, Karen Miami Curated so we shared all the small plates. This is a lovely way to try many different flavors and textures. Ha, ha, my own fault for not keeping tabs, I was missing my fourth dish, the Salmon Tataki, phooey. 

Grilled Tiger Prawns with Chili, Lime was my favorite, oozing with flavor and so tender.
Crispy Tofu with avocado, another favorite.

There were 4 extra dishes at additional costs. Figure out what you want before going, it’s bam bam bam cause they are so busy. Here’s Sexy Fish’s Spice Menu.

Spice Lunch Menu, only Monday through Friday
Kimchi Fried Rice & Pork, Crispy Chicken & Creamy Nuoc Cham, Steamed Sea Bass with cilantro, chili
Spicy Yellowtail Maki
Warm Cinnamon Donuts with chocolate & exotic curd
Our server, Jonathan was well trained, he rattled off the names of the sculptor, architect and designer and proud to wear his Versace vest.
Chefs who make it all happen!

About the decor…

Wrap this WOW FACTOR round your head…$20 million’s worth of Damien Hirst seaworld sculptures, 90 year old Frank Gehry’s over the top architecture and Versace colorful aqua costumes for all staff. Even their bathrooms are eye candy and a must visit, so bring your phone to capture some. They are located upstairs, there’s a lady who’ll help take photos for a tip. 

Front of House staff all decked out!
Bathrooms are eye candy, so bring your phone!
Gotta take photo with Bond Daniel Craig!

About the bar…

Good luck getting a seat there, seemed very popular and of course, look up for extravagant sea creature sculptures. Check out their drinks menu online, I believe there are very exotic concoctions.

Exotic cocktails, exotic ambience.

It’s definitely an experience you won’t want to miss and Miami Spice is the perfect opportunity to do that. Remember only weekday lunch till end of September! Here’s that list of 29 Asian restaurants for you to try.

ENJOY. 

Drop a comment, I’d love to hear what you’ve tried at Sexy Fish and what dishes you enjoyed? 

Filed Under: blog, Miami restaurant, Miami Spice Tagged With: 'Miami Spice', "Miami Asian food", "miami foodies", "Miami restaurant review", "Miami restaurant", Miami Spice 2022, Sexy Fish Miami, Wok Star Eleanor Hoh picks

Miami Spice 2022: 29 Restaurants for Asian Food Lovers!

August 17, 2022 By Eleanor Hoh Leave a Comment

If you love Asian food, Miami Spice 2022 from August 1 to September 31 gives you a chance to try a three course meal at a reasonable cost from their regular menu. From Chinese, Korean, Japanese to Pan Asian, Miami Spice is a great way to get a taste of restaurants you want to try and possibly was beyond your budget.

Hutong, Peking Duck carved at the table.

These are not reviews or even recommendations, just my personal observations from times I’ve dined at certain restaurants. I’m shocked how many I have been to. 

Below is my complete list of 29 Asian restaurants. For the list of over 200 restaurants, go to Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB). Go soon. This is a massive undertaking, so be understanding and patient. 

I’ve been slacking posting about Asian restaurants in S. Florida, be patient and you’ll be rewarded with some soon, I promise.

Enjoy! Drop a comment below which one you liked, your dining experience or if I missed any out.  And if you’re interested in joining one of my Wok Star Supper Club events where we visit usually a chef owned Asian restaurant, click on the CONTACT tab and specify you want to get on my list for this.  

Here are a few tips to help you get the best experience for Miami Spice…

Spice Menu… check to make sure you understand menu and options PRIOR to making reservations and if in doubt, call and have them clarify so you won’t get disappointed. 

Parking…check this prior to making reservations. South Beach is a challenge. 

Reservations…definitely a must, do not just show up. Mention you’ll be having Spice Menu.

Clarify…some Entrees have extra costs, check so you don’t get sticker shock. 

Certain Days & Times…make sure to double check the days and time range they offer Spice menu. It is posted on the GMCVB website. 

Lunch or Dinner…some only offer Lunch OR Dinner, some offer both. 

Two Dinner Menus…some offera $45 OR $60 menu or both. 

Cote, Korean BBQ, Design District. 4 oz. of hangar and rib eye steak with banchan

COTE Miami, a Korean Steakhouse
Today, I had a mini Butcher’s Lunch BBQ for extra $12 (total $40) with 2 meats, Ribeye and USDA Prime Hanger Steak, 4 ounces total but enough for me. Cooked by your server at BBQ table. Accompanied by 7 dishes of banchan which included a souffle. See photo. Tricky timing when other guests ordered the Prime Rib Baguette and finished much earlier, so they had to watch me eat and wait for their dessert. 

CH’I, pan Asian
Only had lunch bites from the Mercardo not restaurant when they opened. Beautiful modern Asian artwork. Restaurant is run by Chef Raffa who is very good with Asian flavors. I have not tried dinner there. It’s at Brickell City Center. 

Chotto Matte, Peruvian with Asian flavors
I went when they first opened. Everything was beautifully executed. Interesting decor and the front door is in an alley in South Beach! 

Da Tang Zhen Wei, Chinese 
I went when they first opened many years ago. It’s inside a condo hotel when you enter Key Biscayne. I see they’ve modernize and now specialize in Hot Pot. 

Dragonfly Izakaya, Doral. Dining and lounge area.

Dragonfly Izakaya & Fish Market, Japanese
I’ve been several times for lunch and dinner and really like it there.  Beautiful Japanese decor and high ceilings. So, I’m sure the Spice Menu will be delightful.

Drunken Dragon, Korean BBQ
Interesting restaurant/bar lounge with Korean BBQ.  I had a sold out Wok Star Supper Club when Chef Xavier Torres cooked up a feast including a very addictive Cracked Ribs. What we had was very well executed.  

Est.33 Thai Craft Brewery, Brickell City Centre. Asian flavors, American BBQ and Singha Beer

EST.33 Thai Craft Brewery & Kitchen, Asian
Thai food with craft brew right there! We had very good grilled meats, their pork belly was tender with a really crispy skin. Knockout venue, wide space filled with light and seating out on the balcony. It’s at Brickell City Center. 

Est.33 Thai Craft Brewery, Brickell City Centre serving Singha Beer

Hakkasan Miami Beach, Chinese
Fabulous chefs who know about Chinese techniques. Looks like a nice menu with lots of choices and Dim Sum, that’s what they specialize in. The traditional wood panels and decor is outstanding. Set inside Fountaineblue Hotel. 

Hakkasan Dining Room, Fontainebleau Hotel, Miami Beach. Exquisite Chinese carved wood panels. Photo courtesy Hakkasan.

I had another sold out Wok Star Supper Club! They treated us like royalty and surprised us with a complimentary glass of champagne! 

Hakkasan, Fontainebleau Hotel. This is just an example of their dim sum, not ones offered during Miami Spice. Photo courtesy Hakkasan.
Hutong, Brickell City Centre, vibrant dining room and bar area

Hutong, Chinese
Hands down, is one of our favs, food is EXCELLENT. Modern, cheerful and tasteful decor and food was top notch. There’s option to have Peking Duck on the Spice Menu for extra cost! It’s just how I remember it made in Hong Kong. So, if you’ve not experienced it, it’s highly recommended. In Brickell but not City Center. Has lovely outdoor dining area as well. 

Jaya, at The Setai, Pan Asian
Only been a guest during South Beach Wine & Food Festival Indian dinner. Outdoor dining by the pool is lovely. 

Juvia Miami, International
Beautiful views from rooftop oasis, gorgeous plant wall with interesting International menu by Chef Sunny Oh. Went many years ago. 

Koari, Mediterranean with Asian flavors
Says Mediterranean but I know has Asian flavors cause Chef Raymond Li is there doing his magic. In Brickell but not the City Center. 

Kao Sushi & Grill, Japanese
Sounds like they have Argentinean influences with empanadas and flan. 

Katsuya South Beach, Japanese
Only been to an interesting art event with delicious sushi in their upstairs area, so not experienced their dining area.

Kosushi Miami, Japanese
Looks like a nice selection of dinner menu. I’ve never been. 

Kyu, Pan Asian
Went for lunch when they first opened, good grilled meats. Lovely dining room with few tables outdoors and an amazing plant wall.  

Minty Z, Coconut Grove. Fun murals with vegan cuisine and loads of dumpling options.

Minty Z Vegan, Pan Asian
If you’re vegan, you’ll be in heaven!  Cute dining area and fun artwork. There are a few outdoor tables.  There’s dumplings galore. Of course in my “adopted city” of Coconut Grove.  

Mr. Chow Miami, Chinese
I’ve only been to the one in London but I did pop in to take a look at spacious dining room and large outdoor dining, very nice. They are pricey, so might be a great way to get a taste! It’s inside W Hotel in South Beach. 

Pao by Paul Qui at Faena Miami Beach Pan Asian
Went when they first opened. The food was divine so was the service. Magical and beautiful settings. Go for walk round the gorgeous gardens after your meal and of course take photo with Damien Hurst’s famous gilded sculpture. It’s at Faena Hotel, notice exquisite artwork on the walls in lobby when you walk through.

Paperfish Sushi, Japanese
My talented friend is executive Chef Mike Asalie. His unique sushi/sashimi combinations really are exotic with gorgeous presentations. I’ve not been here yet but I’ve tasted Mike’s amazing creations. 

Planta Queen, Coconut Grove. Spectacular Singapore Noodles offered on Miami Spice!

Planta Queen, Vegan 
Dined there, beautiful classical Chinese decor and also a modern area. The co-owner chef is Malaysian (my mom was born in Singapore), so there are many dishes I was familiar with. Flavors were spot on. Yay, they have Singapore Noodles on Spice Menu, try it. Another in my “adopted city”, Coconut Grove. 

Planta Queen, Coconut Grove. Beautiful classical Chinese decor.

Pubbelly Sushi Miami Beach, Aventura,Brickell City Center,Dadeland, Japanese
Four locations! Everything there is so good. Chef Jose Medin is fabulous at making sure there’s consistency at all his restaurants. 

Sushiato, Japanese
Have some rolls and then the Oreo Tempura, ha, ha. 

Sushi Garage Miami Beach
Only been to their Happy Hour bites, in my “adopted city” of Coconut Grove, nice hanging out in courtyard at Coco Walk. Nice menu selection. 

Tanuki, South Beach

Tanuki Miami , Japanese 
I must say the chefs there have the Asian flavors down. I’ve been a guest to their Chinese New Year dinner and also SOBEWFF Asian Night. Both times, excellent. 

Zuma Miami, Japanese
Only been for lunch with foodie friends. Beautiful river views, it’s inside Epic Hotel in downtown Miami. Tricky parking. 

Filed Under: "Miami things to do", blog Tagged With: 'Miami Spice', "Miami Asian food", Asian food lovers, Miami Spice 2022

Lebanese food and lounges encourages guests to cozy up and eat more!

June 22, 2022 By Eleanor Hoh Leave a Comment

Dining out has become more about providing a “cozy home” experience than a traditional dining experience with just tables and chairs! At Amal, a new and modern Lebanese restaurant, they have succeeded in providing that lovely “cozy home” experience! 

Amal means story and hope, love that! The same hospitality group who opened the popular Byblos, focuses on Mediterranean food in South Beach is responsible for Amal. 

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About the decor…

There are two sides to Amal with three types of seating! You’ll be able to view your dish being prepared in a spotless, open kitchen on the left. I discover Executive Chef Wissam Baki knew my ex-assistant when they were at The Setai. 

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On the right side, you can choose to sit at sofas divided by dining tables for a leisurely dine. 

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On the left has more of the traditional tables and chairs kind of dining.

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Or for bites while enjoying your cocktail, there are high round smaller tables and very comfy high bar stools. These are on one side of the sofa arrangement and also by the glass windows looking out to the garden. 

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Then there are cushioned banquettes by the glass window with chair arrangements. This is where my dining partner @Epicurean305 and I sat, a “power table” to view everything on the right side of the restaurant. And what an incredible coincidence, we sat next to a friend and yoga instructor, Tanya Pergola who was celebrating her weeklong birthday. 

Heads up: Our server mentioned they’ll be opening their rooftop with 360 views of my adopted city, Coconut Grove and a separate menu soon, woohoo! 

About Lebanese food…

I love that @Epicurean305 and I like the same kind of food, so it’s easy to share dishes. 

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We started with 2 Lebanese appetizers from the Starter section. I chose Crispy Eggplant & Zucchini. What a beautiful presentation and so addictive, they were stood up and wrapped with a slightly pickled zucchini slice sitting on a bed of labneh and garnished with snow pea tip tendrils. Colorful pomegranate arils dotted around a special Amal platter. 

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The other was a popular Lebanese appetizer, Truffle Rakakat, such a cute name. It’s like a Spring Roll but has Lebanese akawi cheese wrapped in phyllo and very, very lightly deep fried, then tips are dipped in chopped pistachios. Honey drizzled around them, garnished with mint leaves and grapes gave them a nice pop of color. 

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Next dish was Black Cod, perfectly cooked on bed of tahini, piled high with crispy pita chips, cilantro and garnished with pine nuts and edible flowers. Such an interesting combination. 

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You can’t go to a Lebanese restaurant and not have a Skewer! Minced lamb and beef skewer with their own house spice blend came on a bed of biwaz, a mix of grilled onion and tomato topped with more onions but raw. And pita triangles. Very tasty. 

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Our sweet end was a Date Cake with pecan tuile, vanilla ice cream and drizzled butterscotch sauce with a bright blue flower garnish. Our server swayed us from the typical Baklava, ha, ha.

My Verdict…

What a superb dining experience, not only with the cozy home feel but Lebanese food is so good for sharing over conversations about more food.

My approach to eating out…

We took a stroll around Coconut Grove, my adopted city and bumped into another friend, Brie having fun with friends.

Would you believe it? My dining friend, @Epicurean305 had another sweet!  A gelato at Bianco Gelato to “clean his palate”, what an excuse! We bumped into a lovely Chinese couple who own Sushi Maki and their 3 kids. 

Get out there, enjoy a wonderful dining experience and meet people! 

Filed Under: blog, Culinary Events, Miami restaurant

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