Miami restaurant

How to celebrate Chinese New Year in Miami, 2021

February 11, 2021 By Eleanor Hoh 1 Comment

Welcome Chinese New Year with feasting, lion dances and a magnificent Light show, ENJOY!

Kung Hei Fat Choy! Chinese New Year is Friday February 12.
It’s Year of the Metal Ox. Celebrations go for 2 weeks culminating with Lantern Festival on February 26.

Chinese New Year Radio Interview
WDNA with radio host, Linda Gassenheimer
Ensure your luck through Chinese Year, get tips what to eat, do’s and don’ts.
Receive Chinese New Year gift for 50% discount to my online class here. Use code: LINDAG2021, all uppercase, expires February 14!

Here are some wonderful ways to celebrate Chinese New Year starting with…

ILLUMINATE CORAL GABLES
link to download map and artists bios

Do NOT miss this light exhibit!
Get yourself there!!! You’re welcome.

A first of its kind stunning interactive art, video projections, and light sculptures will be activated on Chinese New Year, this Friday, Feb 12 in downtown Coral Gables. A free month-long exhibition with 8 amazing artworks to experience created by 16 local, national, and international artists. Artworks 24/7.

Colorful, handcrafted, lit lantern “Fireflies” artfully hung from pedicabs by internationally acclaimed Chinese artist, Cai Guo-Qiang will be the first I want to see!
Local Cuban artist Carlos Estevez with his animated, light projections, Urban Universes are best viewed when dark from 6-10pm, Wed.-Sun.

This exhibit is curated by Lance Fung Collaboratives whom I’ve gotten to know and really enjoy his sense of humor.

Then FEASTING…

TRAN AN and Zitzsum (indoor/ outdoor)
This is the most fun collab!
Sunday, February 14th ONLY, takeout available
2 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. (or sell-out)

Announcing first-annual YEᗩᖇ Oᖴ TᕼE O᙭ socially-distanced festivities. Tran An will team up with Zitzsum for a Chinese New Year inspired collab that promises to ignite the senses. Chef Jon Nguyen of Tran An and Chef Pablo Zitzmann of Zitzsum(opening soon), will be serving up a-la-carte selections brimming with authentic and nostalgic flavors! The limited-release menu (see flyer) is designed to promote prosperity, longevity, unity, luck and other aspects of good fortune for the coming year. First come first serve. See you there!

2KoreanGirls (takeout only)
Ghost kitchen for pickup and delivery only
Check for hours on their website

2 Korean Girls is celebrating Lunar New Year with an exclusive Korean New Year dish offer, Impossible Kimchi Mandu ($10) and Spicy Crab Mandu ($12), only available this weekend for takeout and delivery. The Korean Dumplings are served with a side of Umma’s special Korean Teriyaki sauce for dipping.

To round out your New Year feast, order these dishes with cute names: OB, Original Bibimbap, Ribeye Bulgogi; Kimchi Fried Rice and Napa Cabbage Kimchi; Fish Better Have My Money! –Korean Miso Cod; Phat Buddha – Adashah; Impos-Seoul-ible – Impossible Bulgogi Meatballs.

P.S. The gals use my cast iron wok and gas stove to cook your dishes, you’ll notice the superb flavors and textures people! In their words, “it’s a game changer!”

P.P.S. will post about them in separate blog, love story how they learnt to cook from their mom.

Palmar (indoor/outdoor)
Friday, Feb.12

Modern Chinese with a tropical vibe, like that. I couldn’t get a definitive, I think they have 3 special dishes for Chinese New Year and this is one of them, Fried Rice. So, call before you go!

HAKKASAN at Fountainbleau Hotel, Miami Beach (indoor)
Lion Dance Friday, Feb.12, 8pm
$108 pp prix fixe, Feb.11-15

The Year of the Ox is centered around the principle of “Peace, Love and Sharing” with Chinese New Year itself falling on Valentine’s weekend this year. Dishes include The Celebration Garden, an authentic Cantonese salad made with Smoked eryngii mushroom carpaccio with bee pollen and plum dressing; ingredients renowned in China for bringing prosperity and good fortune. Other dishes include Double Treasure Fortune with Quail blossom puff paired with a Seafood jade dumpling; Braised Abalone Roasted Duck Fried Rice and more.

Signature cocktail – Fire and Grace – with Don Julio Reposado.

P.S. Remembering when Hakkasan hosted a 13 course Yum Cha for my Wok Star Supper Club gathering. People still rave about it to this day. If interested in joining my gatherings, sign up for my free newsletter in right side bar —>>
so you’ll be first to know and get access.

HUTONG in Brickell (indoor/outdoor)
Friday, Feb.12, lion dance, music
$168 pp available only for this night

This is one of our favorite restaurants, decor, service and excellent execution.

Example of Chinese New Year feast:
WAGYU BEEF MILLEFEUILLE;
GOOD LUCK CHAO SHOU: Scallop & prawn wonton in a homemade chilli oil.

PHUC YEA (indoor/outdoor)
Thursday, Feb. 11, lion dance
$55 pp with take-home surprises

5 course prix fixe menu like…
Five-Spiced Duck Confit with curried chickpeas, cranberries, water chestnuts;
Truffled Fried Rice and Bun Bo Hue made with oxtail, cha lua, cabbage, pineapple in a spicy beef broth.

$13 hand-crafted cocktails featuring Espolon Tequila, Montelobos Mezcal and Campari.

DJ set by La Negra Fabulosa

MANDARIN ORIENTAL HOTEL, Brickell (indoor/outdoor)
Lion Dance with beating drums, cymbals and gongs
Feb. 12, Feb. 13, 7pm

MO Bar + Lounge will serve Dan Dan Noodles including pork roasted peanuts, green onion, chili oil [USD 20] and Pork & Shrimp Shu Mai including tobiko and black truffle aioli [USD 16]. Specials are available February 1-15.

“Sip for Luck” cocktail made with Oxley gin, sparkling sake, passion fruit, lemon and ginger syrup [USD 17].

La Mar by Gastón Acurio will serve Min Pao steamed buns filled with Chifa flavours, XO, scallops, lobster and water chestnut [USD 25] and Long Life Noodles including wok stir fried egg noodles, vegetables, duck, shrimp and pork [USD 55].

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.