Miami restaurant

Chinese New Year 2020 Roundup in Miami by Wok Star Eleanor Hoh

January 22, 2020 By Eleanor Hoh Leave a Comment

The most comprehensive round up of Miami Chinese restaurants and events to celebrate Year of the Rat!

Biltmore Hotel, Granada Ballroom, Coral Gables
Friday, Jan.24: 7pm
Specialty Cocktail, Chinese Buffet Dinner, Dancing, Lucky Charms and Fun.
$10 Cash Bar for all other libations.
Members: $45; General Public: $55
Must purchase tickets online. Tickets will not be sold at the door!
MUST BE 21+ TO ATTEND
Visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/chinese-new-year-at-the-biltmore-tickets-86331727521

Black Brick, Midtown
Jan.25: Regular menu, special prize to anyone who dines there that night.
Some of my favorites there: Cumin Lamb Chops, Salt & Pepper Shrimp, Twice Cooked Pork Belly, Asian Eggplant, Wok Green Beans.
Visit: http://www.midtownchinese.com/

Chinese Cultural Foundation, South Kendall
Sunday, Feb.16, 11am-6pm
$10 adult
Miami Dade College Kendall
Lots of activities, food and cultural shows.
Visit: http://www.chinesenewyearfestivalmiami.org/

China Town Miami, North Miami
Sat. Jan.25, 10-7pm
The 1st Chinese New Year celebration at Ifresh Market Parking Lot, new biggest Asian supermarket to open soon.

Food, performances, Dragon Dance, Sound healing demonstrations, and Chinese traditional clothing Photo Booth WITH MANY SURPRISES.
Visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/chinese-new-year-celebration-at-chinatown-miami-tickets-88180198347

Hakkasan, Miami Beach
Jan.25-Feb.8: Chinese New Year Menu available, see link below
1/25, 8pm : Lion Dance
Signature cocktail Cheng Zi
$98 (excl. tax, gratuity) Three course prix-fixe menu, highlights include: Golden treasure pockets with abalone and wild mushrooms, Scallops with taro mousseline and brown butter black bean sauce.

email: hakkasanreservations@fontainebleau.com
call: +1 786 276 1388 (after 12pm)
+1 877 326 7412 (before 12pm)
Visit: https://hakkasan.com/miami/menu/#chinese-new-year

Golden Marquess, Hollywood
Monday, Jan.27: 6:30-7:30pm Lion Dance
Regular menu
Visit: http://www.goldmarquess.com/menu.html

Hutong Miami, Brickell
1/25 9:15pm Dragon dance, passing out Chinese toy drums to waken the lions.

Regular menu. Elegant and beautiful. Same a la carte menu for lunch and dinner. Try Dim Sum Platter (see my review here) or Peking Duck, the experience is exquisite.
Visit: https://www.hutong-miami.com/

Jaya at The Setai, South Beach
Regular menu. Beautiful setting, sit by patio.
Visit: https://www.thesetaihotels.com/en-us/hotels/miami-beach/dining

Kon Chau, South Miami
Sunday, Jan.26: 12pm Lion Dance
Regular Menu.
Visit: https://www.konchauchinese.com/

KOMODO, Brickell
Contemporary South East Asian cuisine with hanging Peking Ducks as you enter. Regular menu.
Visit: https://www.komodomiami.com/

Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Brickell
Jan.25-Feb.3
Monday – Friday, 5 pm to 8 pm at MO Bar + Lounge
$25 Dim Sum Buffet.
Featured delicacies include spring rolls and Shu Mei paired with sweet chili sauce and lemongrass. No reservtions required. $17 “Good Fortune” cocktail
OR
Chinese New Year Specials at La Mar by Gastón Acurio.
$15 pork and shrimp wonton with tamarind sauce
$59 steamed brazino with fermented soy beans sauce, Chinese mushrooms, vegetables and fried rice.
Visit: https://www.mandarinoriental.com/miami/brickell-key/fine-dining

Mr. Chow, Miami Beach
Regular menu. I’ve only experienced their London restaurant. Can’t believe it.
Visit: https://www.mrchow.com/restaurant-miami-menu-map

Palmar, Wynwood
Tuesday, Jan. 28
$59 Top secret, set dinner menu, with Chef from Jaguar. Will be unveiling a new Chinese mole. Very small, so reservations a MUST.
Visit: https://www.palmarmiami.com/

Phuc Yea, North Miami
1/25: 8:30pm lion dance
$39 includes a complimentary cocktail, goodie bag, fortune tellers.
Lunar New Year Party with Campari featuring cocktails & DJ. Viet-cajun cuisine with pop-up food stations: a whole hog china, chicken & veggie curry station, cajun fried rice, summer & veggie rolls.
Visit: https://chinesenewyearpy.eventbrite.com or call (305) 602-3710

Tanuki, South Beach
Jan. 23 – Jan. 25
Chinese New Year Feast, two prix-fixed menus…
First menu: $45 pp, one welcome cocktail, bottomless sake (for up to two hours), 12 pieces of dim sum and gyoza and one dessert.
Second menu: $55 pp, one welcome cocktail, bottomless sake (for up to two hours), one appetizer or maki; one main course, and a special Chinese New Year dessert.
Visit: https://www.tanukimiami.com/

The Wharf, Miami River
1/25: 12-6pm
Dragon Dance, $12 Lychee Mojitos all day
EATS BY: Lung Yai Thai Tapas, MOJO Donuts + MOJO Donuts Ice Cream by Hershey’s, CRACKED by Chef Adrianne, La Santa Taquería, Spris Artisan Pizza, OG Ceviche Seafood & Grill
Visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/chinese-new-year-celebration-at-the-wharf-miami-tickets-88067005785

Tony Chan’s Water Club, Biscayne Bay, Edgewater, inside Grand Bay Hotel
Sunday, 1/26: 8:30pm Lion Dance
Regular menu
Visit: http://www.tonychans.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/tony-chans-table-menu-20151.pdf

Tropical Chinese, South Miami
1/24 7:30pm Lion dance
1/25 8:15pm Lion dance
Regular menu this year
Visit: http://www.tropicalchinesemiami.com/

Traymore by Michael Schwartz at Como Hotel

July 28, 2019 By Eleanor Hoh Leave a Comment

Smart move Como Metropolitan Hotel, Miami Beach! Opening a restaurant with a James Beard award-winning chef, Traymore by Michael Schwartz guarantees immediate success.

The reason for his success? That’s easy…his philosophy has always been to cook what’s local and seasonal and provide a “Genuine” dining experience, LOVE that! He puts so much flavor and panache into his dishes. Schwartz created Genuine Hospitality Group in 2007 with his wife and partner, Tamara and has been dominating the Miami culinary scene with 9 restaurants so far and no end in sight. His pan-Asian fusion dishes fit perfectly with Como’s Asian roots.

Michael, you definitely nailed it. Thank you for giving us uncluttered Asian flavors with an upscale ambience!

I love that they respected the Art Deco curved ceiling inlay details accented with lights and soaring columns flanked with huge pots of greenery giving the dining room a tropical look that’s tropical chic yet casual.

About the decor:

It’s a place where people feel comfortable and cozy and appeals to both hotel guests and locals. Como originated from Singapore, founded by Christina Ong and boasts 9 hotels and resorts in Asia, 3 in Europe. I am so thrilled to hear this because my mom was born in Singapore and it feels good to know this luxury brand has chosen Miami Beach as their first USA location.

Como Metropolitan Hotel, Miami Beach’s Lobby, zen and clean.

Porch setting for those who enjoy a little humidity!

Cute area which can be curtained off for private functions!

Banquettes on the back wall. Thank heavens for this, my hubby has a superstition and likes to sit with the wall behind him.

About the food:

“I have always loved the ingredients and tastes of Asia” says Schwartz. As a long time fan of Chef Michael Schwartz, we were pleased to see his signature Wok Charred Salmon on the menu as well as the inclusion of Black Rice in many dishes, another of his favorites from when he helmed the kitchen at Nemo back in 1995. I’m so happy Chef Michael gets to bring back his love of Asian flavors at Como. His culinary genius is respecting each ingredient and bringing out its best potential with sourcing from excellent purveyors.

Everything we ordered was exquisitely executed, very tasty and well presented. Quite reasonable considering this is Miami Beach. Raw Bar ranged from $17-$29. Market Table were $6-$10. Appetizers, $12-$20. Entrees, $21-$42. Dessert, large $12, small $5.

Miami Spice starts August 1st and continues to September 31, with lunch and dinner menu. It’s a great way to get a sampling. Umm, just saw Pork Belly Ramen and Black sticky rice with mango, I’m so THERE!

About the service:

As this was a media tasting, the Como staff as well as the restaurant managers were there to greet us, we appreciated the attention! Our server ‘knew’ the menu and shared his favs.

Top: Broccolini with Thai peanut sauce and black rice, staff know how to wok it, crispy crunchy. Tuna Sashimi with kaffir lime vinaigrette, very refreshing and light.

Lobster stuffed Zucchini blossoms, preserved lemon dressing. Light and fluffy.

Pan Fried Pork & Kimchi Dumplings with Papaya Mustard. I couldn’t taste the Kimchi though? Otherwise, this crispy disc was genius. Who doesn’t love crispy dumplings?

Wanted to show how each dumpling was underneath!

Grilled Rib Eye, green sambal, chile fried long green beans and black sticky rice in small plate. That was one of the most TENDER and juicy steaks I’ve ever had. It had the perfect temperature for medium rare. Stir Fried Thai Eggplant Curry was also delicious. Of course, so good as leftovers next day.

I loved how a server poured hot water to make the Vietnamese coffee which seeped into Sundae beneath and when she removed it, TA DA, there was our Vietnamese Coffee Sundae!
I posted on my Instagram story @wokstar Switch on notification for latest updates.
Vanilla ice cream, sweetened condensed milk, sesame-hempseed crunch, toffee, whipped cream, house maraschino. With Hemp Seed Balls from the Small Bites section. I’m not sure how we managed to fit this in but we did! Very rich, blame it on my hubby for ordering it, I would have preferred Miso Flan.

Disclosure: this media tasting was complimentary. As a cooking teacher and authority on Asian food, my audience enjoys my reviews and recommendations.

Chinese New Year Miami Roundup 2019

February 3, 2019 By Eleanor Hoh 1 Comment

Kung Hei Fat Choy! Pick from 5 of my fav restaurants to celebrate Year of the Pig, some with Special Menus and Lion Dance. ENJOY!!
The Year of the Pig starts TUESDAY, February 5 and festivities last 2 weeks. Since I’m not organizing a Chinese New Year gathering this year, I’ve put together a list of Chinese/Asian restaurants celebrating Year of the Pig so you can experience it.

You can catch me on Facebook Live talking Chinese New Year with Linda Gassenheimer on Food News & Views and get tips for a Simple Skirt Stir Fry! We continued with a radio interview on 880thebiz, hear it as a podcast!

So, what’s the significance of Chinese New Year?

Chinese New Year is a time to spend with family and friends and celebrate LIFE! My mom used to cook for days, there was one of everything, so duck, beef, pork, shrimp, you get the drift. The whole table would be filled, it was our favorite time of the year, what a feast for the eyes and tummy. And we got red packets filled with money when we visited our cousins or friends.

Chinese New Year gives you another chance to wipe the slate clean and start over if you’ve fallen off the wagon with your New Year resolution. It’s an opportunity to kick old habits and start new ways of doing things that bring you happiness.

If you’re superstitious like me and don’t want to chance it, here are a few things I do…
• No sweeping on New Year’s Day or you’ll sweep away good luck, great excuse for no housework.
• Wear red or gold or both and eat things like Dumplings, wontons or gyozas resemble gold ingots. They signify Prosperity, Longevity, Good Luck and Happiness.

Find out Pig traits, compatibility, predictions of fame and fortune and celebrities who are Pigs.

And now for the roundup of 5 of my fav Miami restaurants celebrating Chinese New Year, contact them to find out about menus etc. and order some of those good luck foods. Do call them PRIOR to going to reserve and check for Lion Dance appearances to avoid disappointment, I’m just the messenger.

Hakkasan
February 5- February 24, 7:30PM
$108pp
Reserve here.

I took my Wok Star Supper Club for Chinese New Year Yum Cha a few years’ ago and it’s been the talk of the town ever since! Check it out here, you’ll understand why! It’s elegant, the food is exquisite and you get treated like royalty.

Hakkasan celebrates the Year of the Pig with a limited edition menu created by International Chef de Cuisine, Jian Loo alongside an exclusive cocktail and dessert. There’ll be a special lion dance on February 5 at 7:30PM only. Known for its modern take on authentic Cantonese cuisine, you’ll enjoy New Year dishes like Peking duck with crispy bean curd and mango, Fortune Macaron and Liáo liáo cocktail. Every dish features ingredients believed to bring good luck and prosperity in the New Year.

No Name Chinese
February 5, 5:30-10pm
$45pp + $30 wine tasting
Call 786-577-0734 or on OpenTable

I have really enjoyed No Name Chinese for its interesting fusion and modern takes, check my review and video here.

One-night-only 4-course tasting menu. Chef Pablo Zitzmann will be serving dishes like “the Crudo Yusheng that is a really celebratory dish. We got a red braised pork belly that is eaten during Chinese New Year for wealth, long Lo Mein Noodles for longevity and whole roasted fish for a good start and end of the year.”

OG Supper Club and 1-800-Lucky
February 6, 6:30-9:30pm
$55/pp
Tickets here.

1-800-Lucky is the only hip, Asian food hall in Miami with outdoor garden lounge and offers everyone’s favorite dishes like Dim Sum, Chinese roast duck, Thai, ramen, you get the drift.

A Chinese New Year filled with Good Fortune and Good Food…
Upon arrival, each guest will receive his or her own map to present to each of Lucky’s vendors to receive one of their signature dishes.

Throughout the evening, indulge on specialty, holiday cocktails, snap pics at the event’s pop-up photo booth, enjoy live entertainment and partake in a live karaoke competition held one night ONLY in the venue’s outdoor patio with special prizes for three selects winners and much more!

Sugar at East
February 5, 8pm
Lion Dance and Chinese drummers
Check here.
This is a fabulous rooftop garden bar lounge with exquisite Asian accents. Small bites and amazing panoramic skyline views make this one of the best venues.
It doesn’t look like there’s an extra charge for the Lion Dance, so just pay for drinks and eats.

Tanuki
Monday, February 4 to Saturday, February 9
$45pp

This modern, zen Japanese restaurant also offers Chinese Dim Sum and South Asian cuisine. What a clever idea their Chinese New Year menu…

Tanuki is ringing in the Year of the Pig by offering a special 4-course menu (full of pig). Pork Belly Fuku Buns, Pork Gyoza, Pork Fried Rice ending with Miso Chocolate Mousse with Pork Crackling Crumble and Pink Peppercorn Ice Cream.

Other specials include: A whole Roasted Pig Porchetta for $26 (limited availability) and Korobuta Double Chop for $35.

Restaurants not celebrating with special Chinese New Year menu but you can still enjoy without the fuss?…
Black Brick
They’ll be celebrating Spring Lantern Festival, Feb.19. Check menu here.
Komodo
They didn’t post anything special for Chinese New Year. Check their menu here. I went when they first opened, ambience, food and execution was excellent.
Novikov
I must say for a Russian owned Chinese restaurant, it was one of the best dining experience I’ve ever had, see my post here.

If you want to experience a Chinese New Year Festival with a Lion and Dragon Dance, Chinese food, with lots of activities for kids, The Chinese Foundation puts on an annual event at the Miami Dade Campus.

KUNG HEI FAT CHOY everyone!
May your year bring you much happiness, good health and prosperity!

Miami restaurant

About the decor:

About the food:

About the service:

Disclosure: this media tasting was complimentary. As a cooking teacher and authority on Asian food, my audience enjoys my reviews and recommendations.

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