Wok Star Eleanor Hoh

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"Miami things to do"

Enjoy a Perfect Day in Miami Design District

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Enjoy a Perfect Day in Miami Design District, starting with strolling around and admiring all the luxury brand stores and ever changing whimsical sculptures!

If you’re visiting Miami, pondering about moving here or even if you live here, this is a great way to discover neighborhoods and I’ll be covering more neighborhoods for you to enjoy. Here’s a great site to visit for 17 premier bucket list of activities.

Best is to use the very detailed map of all the stores, restaurants organized by Miami Design District. Developer and art collector, Craig Robins of Dacra envisioned the Miami Design District two decades ago, dreaming of a vibrant neighborhood spanning four city blocks. Sign up for the Miami Design District events calendar—many events are complimentary.

Start at Buckminster Fuller’s Fly’s Eye Dome at Palm Court and walk along beautiful Paseo Ponti, a paved cobblestone lane. Stop for a coffee and croissant at Table by Antonio Bachour, the famous ‘pastry impresario” (always check opening hours).

Or go to end of the lane and try a Kakigori (Japanese shaved ice) from the most adorable mini truck called Japow or wander off the lane to the side and try a spirit-infused ice cream at Abu Ramsa.

Continue to Institute of Contemporary Art on 41st street. It’s free entrance and always has interesting exhibits. Definitely check out the store for a lovely gift to take home. And step outside to the garden for more art and enjoy. 

After all the art, you’ll be ready for lunch…Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink is always a fabulous choice with outdoor dining and seasonally driven menu, my fav is Pork Belly with Kimchi.

Mia Market back at Palm Court is a lovely food hall with 10-12 vendors. Jaffa, a wonderful Israeli-infuenced cuisine has a delicious Crispy Beef Kibbeh which comes on a beautiful tiered presentation, enough for two.

Walk off your lunch and stroll up to Upper Buena Vista, surrounded by lush foliage and huge trees, there’s something new going on all the time. There’s a lovely collection of unique boutiques, restaurants and a huge tiki hut for music events. Take a nap under one of the huge trees.

Don’t forget to make a wish at the wishing tree and get a photo with Pinochhio. 

For dinner, you’ll definitely need a reservation for Bioa de since it’s now a one star Michelin restaurant. Don’t be deceived by its outside appearance with a neon exclamation mark for its signage. It’s by far, one of the best dining experiences I’ve encountered!

Boia de is modern, whimsical Italian cuisine. It’s intimate and cozy with wait staff who are knowledgeable and want you to have as much fun as them. 

Steak Tartar with the most delicious crackling!

Miami Spice 2022: 29 Restaurants for Asian Food Lovers!

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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. 

Miami Historic Haven: Patch of Heaven Sanctuary hosts Wok Star class

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Ready for a unique Wok Star experience?  Start with my cooking class followed by a fascinating tour of  Patch of Heaven Sanctuary, a hidden jewel in South Miami! You’ll feel like you’re in Asia, surrounded by ancient relics and luscious foliage. You’ll end the afternoon with flavored beverages and Asian pastries. I’m so excited to share this hidden treasure with you. I first visited POH when I attended a Yoga Retreat and spent a day there taking the tour. What a relaxing experience it was and met many like minded people I’ve stayed in touch with. 

Majestic Entrance to Patch of Heaven Sanctuary with huge, gorgeous Poinciana tree.

Why I chose Patch of Heaven Sanctuary to host my class?
My classes are usually held in upscale kitchen design showrooms because a beautiful environment sets the tone for learning and creativity. POH is so serene and peaceful, you’ll immediately feel like you’ve stepped into a beautiful retreat out in the countryside. You’ll be ready to learn ANYTHING in these surroundings.  I am so honored to be hosted by them. 
Beautiful wood tables where class will be held!

Courtyard beside the area where the class will be held.

Why Patch of Heaven Sanctuary is so unique?
You won’t find anything like this in Miami. It’s like stepping back in time, as if you’re in Asia. Everywhere there are Buddhas and Asian relics, or timeless pieces picked up from all over the world. Cozy spaces, wood benches to sit, meditate and be in the moment.  
There are a few more interesting projects in the works which are not featured here like the Bat towers and Beekeeping project. You’ll hear the history and fascinating stories about POH. I’ve taken this tour personally and it’s definitely so worth it.

There’s the most beautiful Koi pond, a couple of houses with adorable indoor waterfalls, swimming pool and a horse barn. It’s TOTALLY a magical space. I’m only sharing a small portion of the property because I want you to experience the wonders yourself. You’ll be blown away by its extraordinary beauty at every turn. Bring your camera, you’ll want to remember this place and share with others. 

This unique property encompasses tropical hardwood hammock forest, pine rock-land, exotic gardens and historic structures built by the Matheson family in 1964.




Cost of POH tour?
Cost is $25 which goes directly to POH to help with upkeep of their property. There will be infused water to hydrate as well as Asian pastries on your return. 

Purchase my Wok Star class EARLY!
This is a first come, first serve basis. Do not put off till last minute and be disappointed you cannot get in. TOTAL is $110: $85 for class, $25 for tour. This is a complete experience.  

Click HERE to book your experience NOW!
Keep in mind, you can book their various spaces for weddings, photo shoots, Quinces, Corporate events, launches, musical events, food festivals, well, for anything you want with a different vibe! There’s plenty of parking too, so rare in Miami.

About Patch of Heaven Sanctuary:
POH is a one-of-a-kind historic estate dedicated to reforesting and preserving their native plant and wildlife species. Visit Patch of Heaven Sanctuary website for complete details.  It is a nonprofit charity organization located in the Redland area of Miami-Dade County and their mission is Preservation, Conservation and Education.