Where is Azul located?
Azul is located on the ground level of the Mandarin Oriental, Miami, located at 500 Brickell Key Drive in Miami. The Four-Star hotel is situated on the southern end of Brickell Key, a 44-acre island shaped like a triangle at the mouth of the Miami River. It is connected to Miami’s Brickell neighborhood, a short drive from downtown, via a small bridge. Brickell Key Drive becomes SW Eighth Street, providing easy access to US-1 (Brickell Avenue) and 1-95. The drive from the Azul and the Mandarin Oriental, Miami to South Beach typically takes 10 to 15 minutes, depending on traffic, and Miami International Airport is a 15 to 20 minute drive away.
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The interior design of Naoe is minimal. The main dining area is bathed in charcoal gray and has a few authentic Asian-inspired trinkets on one shelf against the wall. Otherwise, the walls are bare, the window shades are shut (preventing walk-ins), the tables are black and the tile floors are a gray-black hue, which keeps the entire room dark, cool and compelling. The wood bar wraps around the open kitchen, and when you’re asked by your host if you’d prefer the bar or a table, take our advice and sit at the bar — chef Kevin Cory will entertain you all night with his precision cutting and creative concepts.
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Naoe is open for dinner from Tuesday to Sunday. There are just two seating times at the Four-Star restaurant: 6 and 9:30 p.m. Since this exclusive sushi spot only serves eight at each seating — and chef Kevin Cory needs time to prepare his careful, fresh-from-the-sea dishes — a reservation is required. (However, private parties are allowed to book the Miami restaurant on Monday, Tuesday and holidays.) For your diligence, you'll be rewarded with outstanding items like corn-miso soup and seared hirame with pickled baby carrot and fresh grated wasabi. Even though Naoe is cozy — with only 17 seats total — you won't feel crowded because of that eight-diner capper. And since there are only two seatings, you'll be able to languorously enjoy your meal and sake (from Cory's family brewery in Japan) without worrying about people eyeing your table.
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The table settings at The Restaurant are clean and traditional. The sleek restaurant’s tables are set with a white plate, simple flatware, water and wine glasses, along with a white napkin that the waiter will help you to place after you take your seat. A single candle decorates the tabletops, which are left bare on weekdays and covered in white tablecloths on weekends. Modern chairs with curved wood backs tuck in to the simple tables. The minimalism matches the glossy sophistication of the rest of The Setai and helps the imported Asian décor elements — not to mention the food — to stand out.
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Even though The Setai hotel — the home of The Restaurant — is a beachfront property, the restaurant is located next to the main entrance on Collins Avenue on the ground floor, so you won’t find any memorable ocean views. The focus at The Restaurant is on the interior — the detailed Asian décor and the theater kitchen where chefs put their skills on display.
If you want to eat looking to the ocean at The Setai, have lunch at the Pool & Beach Bar — open until 5:30 p.m. But you’ll miss The Restaurant’s authentic Asian cuisine — the beach bar serves a Mediterranean menu of salads, paninis, seafood and wraps.
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Before gobbling up the Pan-Asian fare at The Restaurant inside The Setai hotel, here are five things you should know:
1. There’s a theater kitchen. The Restaurant’s open kitchen sits in the center of the restaurant — you can watch as the cooks work the five different techniques applied to the dishes: the wok, the steam, the tandoor, the curries and the rotisserie and grill.
2. The Asian décor is authentic. When you sit at the table, almost everything around you has been imported from Asia, from the furniture to the paintings. Even the bricks under your feet are repurposed from a 200-year-old building in Shanghai.
3. There’s no ‘fusion’ here. The Restaurant’s chef tries to stay true to the Asian traditions that inspire the food. The kitchen is staffed by a team of chefs that each specialize in their native cuisines.
4. The dishes can be flexible. The menu is Asian — and spicy — but if you’re timid about heat, just ask for the mild version.
5. The tip is automatic. In addition to the tax (around 10 percent), a 20 percent service charge is automatically added to every bill, no matter the size of the group.
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The design of The Restaurant fuses Art Deco — the prevailing style of South Beach — with Asian influences. The Setai hotel was designed to be a relaxing retreat in the middle of the noisy South Beach scene, and The Restaurant honors that vibe. From the moment you cross the Art Deco entrance of the building, the light is dimmer, the sounds are smoother and the colors are softer. Paintings on The Restaurant’s walls depict women’s backs —as they look outward it deepens the sense of privacy.
All of the furniture and design details come from different parts of Asia, including Singapore, China, Bali and India. Even the bricks on the floor came a long way — they were brought from a 200-year old building in Shanghai. The Restaurant’s lines are pure and simple, leaving the focus to what matters most: the food.
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The interior design of Neomi’s is open and airy, with an contemporary Mediterranean-meets-South Florida style. Warm earth, terracotta and gold tones are accented with modern bubble-shaped hanging light fixtures, thick carpeting and plush upholstered chairs. The room offers a range of seating, including two-, four- and eight-tops and is adorned with a series of still life paintings of strawberries. The terrace has an airy ambiance, with rattan, wooden furniture, ceiling fans and an ever-flowing water feature (that can, admittedly, get a little loud if you sit too close). At the end of 2011 Neomi’s will be updated to include new white oak furniture and upholstery in shades of moonlight and indigo.
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Settle in for a quality breakfast or lunch at Neomi’s. The Trump International Beach Resort’s high-style restaurant has quite a few highlights, but these five are the true stars:
1. The crab cake: This appetizer is pan-seared and served with lime-tomato salad and avocado.
2. The penne pasta caprese: You can’t go wrong with this simple pasta dish. The flavors of buffalo mozzarella, teardrop tomatoes, basil and parmesan cheese taste supremely fresh. You can order it plain or with salmon, grilled chicken or shrimp.
3. The grilled skirt steak sandwich: This top-notch steak sandwich is a lighter alternative to a burger, although the Argentine chimichurri sauce and melted provolone cheese prevent it from being a dieter’s dream. You can order it with fries, kettle fried potato chips or a refreshing tomato mozzarella salad.
4. The Caribbean mahi mahi: This fish can often lack flavor, but here it’s livened up with a combination of citrus aioli and a creamy slaw and salsa.
5. The Key Lime cheesecake: Order a little taste of South Florida for a light and tangy end to your lunch.
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It’s always nice to know a few things about a restaurant before visiting, and we have all the good-to-know facts about Il Mulino New York at Acqualina Resort & Spa right here.
1. The Forbes Travel Guide Three-Star restaurant is an outpost of the popular Il Mulino in New York’s Greenwich Village. The original has been around since 1981 and has now expanded to 12 locations in numerous cities including Houston, Orlando, Chicago and Tokyo. All along the restaurant has stayed true to Abruzzo’s (one of Italy’s most fertile regions) heritage of farm-fresh meat, fish and vegetables. And garlic, lots of garlic.
2. The menu is classic Italian. It’s heavy on homemade pastas and tender meat dishes and there is a constant supply of bread, plus you’re given a big chunk of Parmigiano, fried zucchini sticks, salami and bruschetta to start. Mangia, mangia!
3. Despite its location at Acqualina Resort & Spa and its oceanfront terrace, the interior design of Il Mulino is dark and masculine. It’s definitely more Old World than iridescent Miami. With the tapestry wall hangings and dark woods, it’s one of Miami’s more elegant spots.
4. This is a fine Italian restaurant, and the Italians like all Europeans, just don’t rush. Set aside a pretty big chunk of time for your meal at Il Mulino New York. It’s a production, as is just about every meal in Italy, so be sure you are ready to eat for at least a couple of hours. It’s a meal you will want to savor.
5. Acqualina and Il Mulino recently partnered up to open Piazzetta Marketplace and Restaurant. The more casual restaurant offers lighter fare including pizza, paninis and salads, along with a range of Il Mulino products such as olive oils and marinara sauces, so you’ll be able to take these decadent treats home with you.
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Azul offers you the best of European cuisine with a dash of American and Asian influences. That’s a lot of ground to cover, even in a Four-Star restaurant. To help you get through the journey, here are the five things we think are the best to order at Azul:
1. From the “Beginnings” options, the Silver & Gold Egg dish stands out; quail egg, caviar caramelized onions and potato espuma served in a silver-colored eggshell (topped with gold leaf) make for a divine way to start a meal — and you won’t need a Golden Goose to try it.
2. The Carnaroli Onion Risotto from the “Middle” portion of the menu takes your traditional risotto and adds in duck prosciutto, pickled onions and brandy gel to add a twist to a fine-dining mainstay; you’ll get to reap the culinary benefits.
3. We recommend a few options in the “Main Event” section of the menu, but the Spring Lamb certainly stands out. The Mediterranean-inspired dish comes with meatball, couscous, fresh hummus, dates, Greek yogurt and Ras-el-hanout (a Moroccan spice blend) for a combination of flavors you won’t normally find this side of the Atlantic.
4. We can’t say enough good things about the Australian Kobe New York, paired with 72-hour short rib. If you’re a carnivore, this is the finest protein out there. If you’re not a carnivore — well, sorry, but this dish is among our favorites.
5. While there are richer, chocolatier desserts on the menu, we loved the airy, light sweetness of the Yogurt Cloud Cake, served with delicious rhubarb, fresh berries, strawberry syrup and Meyers lemon ice cream. It’s a great way to end a filling meal on a lighter note.
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Tony Chi was responsible for the interior design for Azul, and 11 years after opening, it remains a striking, airy space that’s full of energy. When you first enter Azul, you are faced with the heart of the restaurant, the white marble-clad open kitchen — chefs and cooks often smile as you pass by, even if you’re staring at them with your mouth hanging open or peering into their saucepans through the glass.
As you come to the ma"e;tre d’ station, you pass the tall and expensive looking wine wall, home to more than 700 world-class wines. A long bar with built-in ice chillers for bottles of champagne and wine lines one wall and the others offer floor-to-ceiling views of Biscayne Bay and the Miami skyline. Azul also has a number of tables on the terrace overlooking the water. The overall effect is of this space is one of clean, light and simple beauty.
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There’s plenty to know about Four-Star Azul, but rather than overloading you with absolutely everything at once, here are five things you should know about the restaurant before you go:
1. The Four-Star restaurant is open only for dinner and is closed on Sunday. You’ll have to come between 7 p.m. and 11 p.m. for dinner; at the absolute earliest, get there at 6:30 p.m. when the bar at Azul opens.
2. Azul has been known for its exceptional chefs ever since it opened - Michelle Bernstein, a Miami legend-in-the-making, was once the executive chef and Clay Conley was also popular during his stint in the kitchen. Current executive chef Joel Huff came to Azul at the end of March 2011, and anyone who was an Azul fan before should return to see what chef Huff has to offer. While he maintains the extraordinary standards of the restaurant’s cuisine, he brings a fresh perspective and creative streak to the menu.
3. Indulging in one of the city’s top dining experiences does not come cheap - Azul’s “Main Event” options alone are priced from $45 to $85, so don’t plan on having a quick or inexpensive meal out when you make a reservation at Azul.
4. Azul usually participates in the annual Miami Spice promotion, which offers three-course dinners for $35 plus tax, gratuity and drinks. The special typically runs from August 1 to September 31 and makes Azul busier than usual on supposed quiet nights. Despite the savings, the Miami Spice menu does not disappoint. It maintains the wow factor of the regular menu - just at a reduced price point.
5. Despite the seamless service and jewel box of a dining room, Azul’s staff are friendly and accommodating, and there is no need to feel intimidated by the overall experience, which is as enjoyable a meal as you can get in Miami.
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Desserts at Azul are little fairytale creations unto themselves, thanks to the vision and fine work of pastry chef Frédéric Monnet. It’s hard to choose just one, but our favorite is the Yogurt Cloud Cake, served with delicious rhubarb, fresh berries, strawberry syrup and Meyers lemon ice cream, that makes for a lighter dessert that won’t leave you wishing you’d held off on having one last course. We also highly recommend the Toasted Almond Crème Brulee and Milk Chocolate Peanut Mousse, both of which are mighty tempting in their own rights. A Bittersweet Chocolate Cream served with macaroon, Nashi pear and blood orange sorbet, and a Hazelnut Strusel with pineapple and brown butter ice cream round out the options, so you really can’t go wrong, no matter which dessert you decide on at Azul.
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Of course no one likes to wait for a table, but trust us, dinner at Il Mulino New York is worth waiting for. Though there are not many places to sit while you wait except for a bar area. Just one drawback: It’s small. With room for maybe four people tops, the bar isn’t an ideal place to wait if you have brought your 15 closest friends for a delicious Italian meal at Il Mulino. During our most recent visit, we were escorted right to our table — we guess the host could tell we were a little hungry. If you have come to Il Mulino with a large group, we suggest venturing into the lobby of Acqualina, where you’ll find Aaria Bar and Lounge located right next to the Italian restaurant. Saddle up to the bar and order a cocktail to satiate your hunger while you wait.
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With a large-format menu of Italian classics, the Forbes Travel Guide Three-Star Il Mulino New York at Acqualina Resort & Spa boasts more than a handful of must-haves. A few of our favorites:
1. The osso buco. The veal shank is roasted in red wine and porcini mushroom sauce. It’s lean and tender and served with saffron risotto. Though the traditional recipe for osso buco calls for white wine, we love the modern take on this classic dish. And trust us, it’s worth $58; it’s one for the books.
2. Branzino. The salt-baked Italian sea bass is served to your table whole, with a side of peas and prosciutto. The fresh, flavorful, tender fish has made European menus since the days of ancient Rome. With an order of homemade pasta, we find this is the perfect size to share.
3. Cannelloni. This homemade cylindrical pasta is filled with tender veal, flavorful beef and fresh spinach. It’s baked and topped with béchamel and tomato sauce. Once it’s brought to your table, it won’t stick around long.
4. Vongole oreganata. Seafood lovers will devour these baked clams on the half shell with breadcrumbs, lemon, garlic and white wine. The wine and fresh lemon give the dish a light and bright taste.
5. Torta di formaggio di casa. Finish on a sweet note with the Italian cheesecake. Made with mascarpone cheese and topped with a dollop of whipped cream, this classic homemade Italian cheesecake is the perfect conclusion to the fine Italian meal.
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The interior design of Il Mulino New York, a Forbes Travel Guide Three-Star restaurant inside Acqualina Resort & Spa, transports you out of Miami and if not all the way into Italy, at least to the proverbial New York City Italian haunt. The design is quite the opposite of the bright and beachy (but still sophisticated) Acqualina Resort & Spa overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Reminiscent of the original Il Mulino in Greenwich Village, the design is traditional with dim lighting, orangey-red carpets, tapestry wall hangings and cast iron railings. There’s the requisite dark woodwork, dim lighting from wall sconces and a single rose on each white tablecloth table. To remind yourself you are still in Miami, ask for a seat on the terrace, where you’ll have a view of Acqualina’s pool and the Atlantic Ocean. It’s the perfect spot to sip on housemade grappas and limoncello while enjoying the ocean breeze. You won’t find that in Greenwich Village.
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If just you’re not in the mood for a drink — or maybe recovering from last night — The Restaurant offers various beverages sans alcohol. Choose from fresh juices and smoothies as well as a nice selection of fruity and Asian-inspired non-alcoholic combinations. Mocktails on the menu include the Jackson soda — it’s made of mint, basil, vanilla syrup and Sprite — or the ginger lychee — a mix of fresh pineapple juice, lychee juice and ginger syrup. The refreshing Setai punch blends juices from passion fruit, pineapple, oranges and cranberry along with grenadine.
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There is no bar inside The Restaurant, but you only have to go across The Setai’s lobby to get to The Bar & Courtyard where you can have a drink before or after dinner. The outdoor patio next to the bar has tables where you can enjoy not only cocktails but also food from a reduced menu that includes Asian small plates designed to be shared — in case you can’t get a table at The Restaurant. The bar specializes in Asian-inspired cocktails such as the Tokyo Rose — made of fresh raspberry, tequila, Domain de Canton, lemongrass chili syrup and citrus. You can also catch some entertainment with your cocktail — on Thursday night, a jazz band plays classical, Latin and smooth jazz music in the lobby by the bar. Fridays and Saturdays things get a little hipper when a DJ spins tunes in the same area.
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Executive chef David Werly runs all of the kitchens at The Setai hotel, including The Restaurant’s. Werly joined the hotel in 2010, revising the menu at The Restaurant to focus on several Asian cooking techniques instead of recreating traditional dishes ingredient by ingredient. He directs a team of Asian chefs, each one specialized in his or her own native cuisine, to execute the menu based around five cooking methods: the wok, the steam, the tandoor oven, the curries and the rotisserie and grill. Werly also added Western dishes to the menu for a bit of broader appeal. The chef, who previously worked at the Le Cirque restaurants, focuses on seasonal ingredients also, using the best to create a changing three-course menu that’s one of the best deals in the restaurant.
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The Restaurant’s menu revolves around five cooking techniques: the wok, steam, the tandoor oven, curries and the rotisserie and grill. Main courses are divided into these sections on the menu, and you’ll find vegetarian, fish and meat options in almost every section. The Restaurant’s menu focuses on Asian cuisine — drawing influence from China, Bali, Thailand and India — but there are also a few Western dishes. The large menu has plenty of entrees to choose from — they range from Thai fried rice with pineapple to a veal chop with preserved lemon polenta. The Restaurant’s appetizers are just as eclectic, with Asian and Western offerings such as the exceptional Peking duck salad or the cannelloni of avocado and scallop ceviche. Choose to start with any of the three soups — the tofu in the dashi soup is housemade — or eight different dim sum dishes.
During the day, The Restaurant serves a lunch menu that’s a world away from the dinner cuisine. Choose from Western and Mediterranean dishes, including an interesting array of appetizers that include yellow fin tuna tartar, poached lobster salad and Andalusian gazpacho. Pizza, sandwiches, seafood and desserts complete the menu.
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The service at The Restaurant is discreet and attentive. The wait staff is professional and knowledgeable, willing to answer any questions about the Pan-Asian menu before you order or during your meal. The Restaurant’s sommelier might not be there every night, but if you miss him an expert bartender can assist you with possible wine pairings. When it comes time to thank the capable staff, keep in mind that the check includes a 20 percent gratuity, added automatically to all parties.
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The best tables at The Restaurant are the ones with a view of the action. The four-person tables arranged around the open theater kitchen in the middle of the dining room are the most in demand at this elegant restaurant inside The Setai. From these tables, you can watch the cooks prepare some of the Pan-Asian dishes and even talk to them about the food. And don’t worry — there won’t be fumes or strong odors headed your way — all the frying and heavy cooking is done in a regular, closed kitchen. If intimacy is what you’re after, head to the end of the dining room. To the right, a couple tables are hidden from the rest of the space.
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Even though The Setai hotel — the home of The Restaurant — is a beachfront property, the restaurant is located next to the main entrance on Collins Avenue on the ground floor, so you won’t find any memorable ocean views. The focus at The Restaurant is on the interior — the detailed Asian décor and the theater kitchen where chefs put their skills on display.
If you want to eat looking to the ocean at The Setai, have lunch at the Pool & Beach Bar — open until 5:30 p.m. But you’ll miss The Restaurant’s authentic Asian cuisine — the beach bar serves a Mediterranean menu of salads, paninis, seafood and wraps.
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If you have some time to kill waiting for a table at The Restaurant, just cross the lobby of The Setai hotel to the bar. There, you can wait while sipping a cocktail such as the signature chili passion martini — made with chili-infused vodka, passion fruit-infused rum, ginger syrup and chili flakes. The sleek bar is a nice place to while away a wait, with a pearlescent bar and cushy stools. On Thursday nights you can enjoy live jazz music and the scene gets a bit ‘clubbier’ on Fridays and Saturdays when a DJ is in charge. If you’re looking for a little quiet before dinner, take your drink to the patio or move to the small library at the end of the bar.
If you don’t feel like having a drink while waiting for your table, just relax in one of the comfortable armchairs in the lobby area next to The Restaurant.
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The table settings at The Restaurant are clean and traditional. The sleek restaurant’s tables are set with a white plate, simple flatware, water and wine glasses, along with a white napkin that the waiter will help you to place after you take your seat. A single candle decorates the tabletops, which are left bare on weekdays and covered in white tablecloths on weekends. Modern chairs with curved wood backs tuck in to the simple tables. The minimalism matches the glossy sophistication of the rest of The Setai and helps the imported Asian décor elements — not to mention the food — to stand out.
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Expect to spend a bit for a nice dinner out at The Restaurant inside The Setai hotel. At dinner, appetizers range from $14 to $30, unless you order one of the three kinds of expensive Russian caviar. Main course prices have a large range — there are options from $25 to $70. Wines by the glass start at $12, as do desserts. When ordering, keep in mind that entrees are big and meant to be shared — they come served not on plates but in Asian pots and dishes that go to the center of the table. The Restaurant’s best deal for dinner is the $55 seasonal prix fixe menu that lets you choose an appetizer, main course and dessert from three options for each.
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The design of The Restaurant fuses Art Deco — the prevailing style of South Beach — with Asian influences. The Setai hotel was designed to be a relaxing retreat in the middle of the noisy South Beach scene, and The Restaurant honors that vibe. From the moment you cross the Art Deco entrance of the building, the light is dimmer, the sounds are smoother and the colors are softer. Paintings on The Restaurant’s walls depict women’s backs —as they look outward it deepens the sense of privacy.
All of the furniture and design details come from different parts of Asia, including Singapore, China, Bali and India. Even the bricks on the floor came a long way — they were brought from a 200-year old building in Shanghai. The Restaurant’s lines are pure and simple, leaving the focus to what matters most: the food.
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The quiet atmosphere at The Restaurant inside The Setai is perfect for couples and small parties, but the upscale eatery can also host bigger groups and even banquets upon request. If you’re dining with a group, make sure to arrange with The Restaurant ahead of time so you don’t overwhelm the otherwise peaceful dining room. One small private dining room can seat up to eight, while a larger area can be converted to accommodate up to 30 people in a private space. Reservations are always required for groups of seven or more and you will be asked for a deposit if you request a pre-set menu.
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Before gobbling up the Pan-Asian fare at The Restaurant inside The Setai hotel, here are five things you should know:
1. There’s a theater kitchen. The Restaurant’s open kitchen sits in the center of the restaurant — you can watch as the cooks work the five different techniques applied to the dishes: the wok, the steam, the tandoor, the curries and the rotisserie and grill.
2. The Asian décor is authentic. When you sit at the table, almost everything around you has been imported from Asia, from the furniture to the paintings. Even the bricks under your feet are repurposed from a 200-year-old building in Shanghai.
3. There’s no ‘fusion’ here. The Restaurant’s chef tries to stay true to the Asian traditions that inspire the food. The kitchen is staffed by a team of chefs that each specialize in their native cuisines.
4. The dishes can be flexible. The menu is Asian — and spicy — but if you’re timid about heat, just ask for the mild version.
5. The tip is automatic. In addition to the tax (around 10 percent), a 20 percent service charge is automatically added to every bill, no matter the size of the group.
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The Restaurant can host up to 120 people in its four dining spaces, making it a good spot for both romantic dinners for two and meals between friends. You can sit at one of the in-demand four-person tables around the theater kitchen or in other areas with a bit more privacy and regular tables for four, six or up to eight people. Private dining rooms are available, too, if you’d like to come with a crowd. The Restaurant inside The Setai also has a small bar-like area with a few seats in front of the pastry and cheese displays. Just be prepared — if you sit there you’ll definitely be ordering dessert.
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The Setai is an elegant hotel, and The Restaurant follows suit with a stylish atmosphere. That said, Miami is a beach destination with a relaxed approach to dress codes in general. The Restaurant calls its dress code as “resort casual,” which means shorts and flip-flops aren’t appropriate, but jeans, sundresses and sneakers will all pass muster. However, the décor and food are rather sophisticated, so we suggest wearing something suitably dressed up, especially if you plan on heading to The Restaurant for dinner. You are in sleek South Beach, after all, where clubs and restaurants are filled with folks dressing to impress.
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Before making your way to The Restaurant inside The Setai, it’s a good idea to make a reservation, especially during the weekends and Miami’s busy tourist season from November to June. During the week and the summer you might be able to snag a table by walking in, but Miami is a hub for business conventions, so making a reservation is always the safest bet.
If you want a specific table, especially the often-asked-for spots around the “theater kitchen,” we definitely recommend making a reservation. You should also call ahead to reserve your spot for special events, such as The Restaurant’s monthly wine dinner.
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Whether you want to eat breakfast, lunch, dinner or even brunch at The Restaurant, they have you covered. The Restaurant is open daily for breakfast from 7 to 11 a.m. and lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dinner is served from 7 to 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 7 p.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday. On Sunday, brunch is served from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Miami’s Latin culture influences The Restaurant’s schedule. Every meal is a little bit later than in other areas of the country. If you find yourself ready for dinner before 7 p.m., the bar across the lobby offers a lighter menu of Asian small plates designed to share.
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The Restaurant’s central location in The Setai in Miami’s South Beach makes it easy to get to. The Setai is on Collins Avenue, one of the main thoroughfares on the island of Miami Beach, so if you’re in South Beach, consider taking a sunshine-filled stroll to The Restaurant. Or for a quicker fix, hail one of the plentiful cabs in the area and have the driver drop you off at the Four-Star hotel’s main entrance.
If you’re driving to Miami Beach from the north, take I-95 southbound to the I-195, which becomes 41st Street. Continue east 10 blocks and turn right on Indian Creek Boulevard, which becomes Collins Avenue. The Setai is located between 20th and 21st streets.
If you’re coming by way of downtown Miami, Coral Gables or anywhere south, take I-95 northbound and exit at I-395. Once you reach the island, stay in the left lane and head north on Alton Road. At 17th Street make a right, heading east until you reach Collins Avenue, then take a left.
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The Restaurant is located inside The Setai at 2001 Collins Avenue in Miami Beach. The Four-Star hotel sits at the north limit of South Beach, one of the most tourist-friendly and popular areas of Miami Beach. The Setai is a luxurious oceanfront resort embedded between Collins Avenue — one of the main arteries on the island of Miami Beach — and the beach itself. The beautiful Bass Museum of Art is just across the street and you’re only a ten-minute walk away from Lincoln Road, the pedestrian footpath full of shops and restaurants — a people-watching favorite for locals and visitors. The Miami Beach Convention Center, which hosts the major art show Art Basel Miami every first week of December, is only four blocks west of The Setai.
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You can hand off your car to the valet parking attendant at the door of The Setai when you arrive to dine at The Restaurant. When you enter the quiet, dimly lit lobby of The Setai, The Restaurant is located immediately to the right. At the end of dinner, the waiter will remind you to stamp your valet ticket to get a discounted parking fee of $15.
If you don’t like the idea of handing off your wheels to be parked in The Setai tower’s garage, metered parking on the surrounding streets is available at $1.75 per hour until 3 a.m. Friday and Saturday nights. It might be difficult to find a spot, though, as nearby popular clubs get packed to the brim at peak times. If you don’t mind walking five or six blocks and don’t want to be worried about your meter expiring, parking on Collins Avenue north of 24th Street is free after 6 p.m.
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The Four-Star Palme d’Or inside the Biltmore Hotel is a top-notch choice for group dining. Thanks to the restaurant’s 15 large tables, groups can dine in comfort and enjoy the convenience of a private-like dinner party without renting one of the private dining rooms. Tables can be pushed together to accommodate groups of 8-10 (anything more and we suggest booking one of the two separate dining areas for a bit more privacy). Groups usually sit in the front or middle of the restaurant where there is a tad more wiggle room. And smaller parties needn’t worry — the tables are set wide enough apart from each other so that a large group in the main dining room won’t affect those who want a more intimate evening.
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Dining at Palme d’Or is likely to be one of the more formal dinners you’ll have in South Florida. The decor is all old-word elegance and the service is top-notch. The Four-Star French Nouvelle restaurant takes fine dining very seriously: white linen tablecloths are luxuriously draped over the 15 tables which are set with a butter dish, water goblets and flatware for the first course. A linen napkin will be gracefully placed on your lap by the waiter when you sit down, and appropriate wine glasses will be brought to the table when you order your first glass or bottle.
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Located in Coral Gables — one of South Florida’s poshest neighborhoods — is the Biltmore Hotel, a beacon of elegance and home to the Palme d’Or restaurant at 1200 Anastasia Ave. Known as the “City Beautiful” due to its pristinely landscaped homes, green parks and golf courses, Coral Gables is located about a 20-minute drive south of Miami. The Biltmore Hotel itself has a big reputation around town with its championship golf course, luxury spa and Biltmore Culinary Academy, but the Four-Star restaurant is reason enough to visit. You’ll find it on the lower level, tucked away near the Biltmore Bar and adjacent to the ground level gardens. It serves as a welcome (and delicious) respite from the daily foot-traffic at the popular hotel.
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The Palme d’Or is open for dinner Tuesday through Thursday 6 to 10:30 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 6 to 11 p.m. The Four-Star restaurant is closed Sunday and Monday but can be booked for private events and parties on these days. It is difficult to reach someone at Palme d’Or during closed hours, although leaving a message will garner you a return call on the same or next business day. If you’re looking to score a reservation pronto, you can always book online via OpenTable.com anytime of day. But if you have specific questions about menus or private events, it’s best to call the restaurant during open hours.
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Fortunately it’s quite simple to get a reservation at the Four-Star Palme d’Or — just give the restaurant a ring or make reservations online at OpenTable.com. If you are a guest at the Biltmore Hotel where the restaurant is located, the concierge can easily reserve a table for you. If you are not staying at the hotel we suggest arriving an hour or so before dinner to admire the ornate interiors (think gleaming marble staircases and hand-painted ceiling beams) and head to the Biltmore Bar (located just outside the Palme d’Or restaurant on the lower level) for a pre-dinner celebratory cocktail.
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Neomi’s has a sleek bar nook inside the restaurant, where you can sit in high-backed bar stools or at round tables nearby. The design here is simple and classic, with small table lamps and a flat-screen TV at the end of the bar. A more tropical (and preferable) setting to enjoy a cocktail is out on Neomi’s terrace, which is covered in shade cloth and cooled with overhead fans. Simple rattan furniture and succulent plants make for a laidback atmosphere. A full bar menu is available, and cocktail highlights include a Kir Royale (blackcurrant liqueur topped with champagne) and the signature drink, a Peach Bellini (Prosecco and peach puree).
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The Trump International Beach Resort has a Planet Kids menu available at all restaurants on the property, including in-room dining and at Neomi’s. It includes perennial favorites for the pickiest of palates, such as PB&J, macaroni and cheese, hamburgers, grilled cheese and brownies. Otherwise, Neomi’s regular breakfast menu has plenty to please kids (think cereal, pastries, bacon and eggs). The lunch menu has some kid-friendly options too like penne pasta, quesadillas or even pizza. As a relatively spacious restaurant with indoor or outdoor seating, Neomi’s is a good place to bring the family for an easy morning or midday meal.
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While the lunch dishes at Neomi’s are substantial enough to be filling, you’ll want to save some room for the divine desserts. In fact, you may just want to skip lunch all together and head straight for the sweets. The classic options include chocolate sponge cake served with chocolate mousse and chocolate sauce, tiramisu and an excellent apple tart with vanilla gelato. But there are two desserts more worthy of the splurge: the resort’s signature Key Lime cheesecake, which is served with Chantilly cream and pineapple lime salsa (for a uniquely Floridian flavor), and the fried cheesecake, served with cinnamon sugar and fresh strawberry sauce.
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We imagine that if Neomi’s served dinner (as it has done in the past), it would make for a very romantic date night. As it stands, the elegant breakfast and lunch restaurant is attractive in an all-pleasing way but not particularly romantic. The terrace offers views of the grotto-like pool area and itself a simple tropical escape with rattan, wooden furniture, ceiling fans and a water feature — but it’s safe to say that this is more of an easy-going eatery than an intimate dining experience. We suggest dining here for breakfast or lunch and then heading out to the poolside bar at dusk for a cocktail.
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The morning menu at Neomi’s features the elaborate breakfast options you’d expect from a luxury hotel. Choose the buffet for a quick and easy meal (think pastries, cereals, fruits, cold cuts and salmon, omelets, roasted potatoes and sausages). If you have more time to linger, order from a menu of breakfast faves such as French toast, Belgian waffles, pancakes and eggs benedict.
The lunch menu is light, complimenting the tropical location, and features international dishes such as Colombian empanadas, Brazilian-style churrasco steak with chimichurri, and a chicken quesadilla. The menu is mostly made up of salads, wraps and sandwiches. The Trump International Beach Resort Planet Kids menu is available at Neomi’s for both breakfast and lunch. Breakfast options include sand dollar pancakes and scrambled eggs, while the lunch menu offers items like PB&J, a tuna salad sandwich and a grilled cheese.
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Settle in for a quality breakfast or lunch at Neomi’s. The Trump International Beach Resort’s high-style restaurant has quite a few highlights, but these five are the true stars:
1. The crab cake: This appetizer is pan-seared and served with lime-tomato salad and avocado.
2. The penne pasta caprese: You can’t go wrong with this simple pasta dish. The flavors of buffalo mozzarella, teardrop tomatoes, basil and parmesan cheese taste supremely fresh. You can order it plain or with salmon, grilled chicken or shrimp.
3. The grilled skirt steak sandwich: This top-notch steak sandwich is a lighter alternative to a burger, although the Argentine chimichurri sauce and melted provolone cheese prevent it from being a dieter’s dream. You can order it with fries, kettle fried potato chips or a refreshing tomato mozzarella salad.
4. The Caribbean mahi mahi: This fish can often lack flavor, but here it’s livened up with a combination of citrus aioli and a creamy slaw and salsa.
5. The Key Lime cheesecake: Order a little taste of South Florida for a light and tangy end to your lunch.
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For those who want firs dibs on Neomi’s omelet station and freshly baked pastries during breakfast, we suggest snagging a table near the buffet area. If speed and access aren’t a major priority and you’d like a more leisurely start to your day, the tables on the terrace make for a more pleasant ambiance and have the benefit of the morning sun. At lunchtime, one of the 14 tables on the terrace, with overhead fans spinning, is your best bet for making the most of the restaurant’s oceanfront vantage point. When you need a reprieve from the steamy Florida temperatures, head to the dining room.
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The interior design of Neomi’s is open and airy, with an contemporary Mediterranean-meets-South Florida style. Warm earth, terracotta and gold tones are accented with modern bubble-shaped hanging light fixtures, thick carpeting and plush upholstered chairs. The room offers a range of seating, including two-, four- and eight-tops and is adorned with a series of still life paintings of strawberries. The terrace has an airy ambiance, with rattan, wooden furniture, ceiling fans and an ever-flowing water feature (that can, admittedly, get a little loud if you sit too close). At the end of 2011 Neomi’s will be updated to include new white oak furniture and upholstery in shades of moonlight and indigo.
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At breakfast, the prices at Neomi’s start at $12 for a bakery selection or fruit platter and go up to $24 for the buffet, which includes a spread of fresh baked pastries, cereals, fruits, cold cuts and salmon, an omelet station, apple wood smoked bacon, roasted potatoes and sausages — the works. At lunch, the price point ranges from $8 (for starters and desserts) to $30 (for penne pasta with salmon). The average price for lunch dishes, which include a variety of salads, sandwiches and a few entr�es such as penne or pizza, is around $12. Nothing on the menu is too elaborate, so it’s a good option for kids who can also order from Trump International Beach Resort’s Planet Kids menu.
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The menu at Naoe changes daily, based on what’s fresh and what might have just arrived from Japan, or specific seaports around the United States. Chef Kevin Cory creates each menu from scratch that day, so Naoe requires that you file any allergies with the restaurant at least a week in advance so he can plan ahead. Each dinner service will always include a bento box with at least four options, a miso soup, and a nigiri course that features around a dozen different sushi (you can pick and choose your favorites). The night we dined, our bento box was complete with simmered pork jowl; chawanmushi with hirame, portabella mushroom, and mitsuba (a soup-like dish that’s made to be eaten with a small spoon, so as not to ruin the consistency of the dish); various types of marinated fish, including a seared hirame with pickled baby carrot and fresh grated wasabi, and bamboo rice and corn-miso soup. Each evening’s bento box is different and the chef will explain what’s in each section prior to serving.
After your bento box (which you should think of as your appetizer), the nigiri portion begins. Cory will explain all the fish available for the evening and how it’s prepared (sushi style), so you can choose what you want and don’t want. The nigiri portion is charged per piece (anywhere from $2 to $12, depending on what’s served), and you can have as many portions as you like. When we dined at the Miami restaurant, the options included salmon, Maine lobster (cooked), Iidako (golden ring octopus from Portugal), Kumamoto oysters, live scallops from Boston, fresh-water eel served two different ways and an ebi tamago (cooked shrimp with egg). The meal ends with fresh fruit served on a clear plate and Naoe’s famous ice cream. The menu price is set per night, and the only fluctuation you’ll see on your bill will be due to the type and amount of sushi you order during the nigiri course.
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Eating with your hands can be a sensual experience — and if you don’t mind using your hands to pick up sushi and raw fish, you’ll find Naoe to be a romantic restaurant. The sushi course at the Four-Star restaurant is so fresh that it’s hard to eat with chopsticks, so using your hands is recommended by chef Kevin Cory. The atmosphere and ambience at the Miami restaurant isn’t utterly romantic; the walls are bare and the open-kitchen environment lends itself to a lot of noise during your meal. But you can choose to dine at a table with your date in one of the dark corners, which can be romantic in its own special way.
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The dress code at Neomi’s — at least right now, while it serves only breakfast and lunch — is undeniably casual. Most guests wear either business causal (if staying at Trump International Beach Resort with a group or conference), or resort casual (if on vacation with family or friends). Sunny days and immediate beach access make Miami dressing more colorful and relaxed in general, but the Trump brand name and hotel’s proximity to ritzy Bal Harbour keep appearances relatively polished. This isn’t a poolside grub hub, so you won’t want to show up in flip-flops and swim trunks, but a pair of casual shorts a decent t-shirt will definitely fit the bill.
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The interior design of Naoe is minimal. The main dining area is bathed in charcoal gray and has a few authentic Asian-inspired trinkets on one shelf against the wall. Otherwise, the walls are bare, the window shades are shut (preventing walk-ins), the tables are black and the tile floors are a gray-black hue, which keeps the entire room dark, cool and compelling. The wood bar wraps around the open kitchen, and when you’re asked by your host if you’d prefer the bar or a table, take our advice and sit at the bar — chef Kevin Cory will entertain you all night with his precision cutting and creative concepts.
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Naoe is open for dinner from Tuesday to Sunday. There are just two seating times at the Four-Star restaurant: 6 and 9:30 p.m. Since this exclusive sushi spot only serves eight at each seating — and chef Kevin Cory needs time to prepare his careful, fresh-from-the-sea dishes — a reservation is required. (However, private parties are allowed to book the Miami restaurant on Monday, Tuesday and holidays.) For your diligence, you'll be rewarded with outstanding items like corn-miso soup and seared hirame with pickled baby carrot and fresh grated wasabi. Even though Naoe is cozy — with only 17 seats total — you won't feel crowded because of that eight-diner capper. And since there are only two seatings, you'll be able to languorously enjoy your meal and sake (from Cory's family brewery in Japan) without worrying about people eyeing your table.
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Despite being a Four-Star restaurant, Naoe is casual, so you can come dressed comfortably and enjoy dinner without worrying about your wardrobe. When we visited, we saw our fellow diners in jeans, tank tops, summer dresses, and shorts and Polo shirts. The environment at the Miami restaurant is very much like sitting around your best friend’s kitchen table, so aside from showing up in your pajamas, just about anything goes. That said, it is a Four-Star restaurant, so use discretion. It can't hurt to get a little dressed up for the multi-course Japanese feast.
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The formal service at Il Mulino New York makes it the perfect venue for a romantic date; however, if you are on a first date or even a blind date, this might actually be a downfall. We don’t recommend taking a new date here for the fear that you and/or your date may be uncomfortable with the formality; not to mention a meal at Il Mulino can last a solid two hours, which isn’t the best for a first date, especially if you don’t hit it off. If you are looking for somewhere to celebrate your longtime love’s birthday or anniversary, then we highly suggest Il Mulino New York. The romantic Old World-style dining room makes it perfect for a special occasion with that special someone — you don’t want to waste a visit to Il Mulino on just anyone, do you?
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No Italian meal is complete without an after-dinner espresso, which is exactly why you’ll find plenty of coffee and tea offerings at Il Mulino New York. If you aren’t into espresso, you can complete your meal with a perfectly concocted cappuccino. One of our favorites is the macchiato; for non-Starbucks fanatics, that’s a coffee drink made with espresso and just a spot of milk. You can also enjoy a nice coffee liqueur from the dessert menu such as the Il Mulino Caffè with amaretto, Grand Marnier, espresso and cream. If you aren’t a coffee drinker, you can also select one of the Tazo teas to finish off your Italian dining experience at Il Mulino.
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Nothing says romance like an enchanted evening at a fine Italian restaurant such as Il Mulino New York at Forbes Travel Guide’s Four-Star Acqualina Resort & Spa If your idea of romance involves Old World Italian style décor and Frank Sinatra crooning in the background as you sip chianti and dig into hearty pastas or tender veal followed by a creamy tiramisu or Italian cheesecake, then yes, Il Mulino is certainly a romantic restaurant. The rich food and polished service is a classic recipe for romance. The only thing that might break the spell is if there are large groups dining near you, as the restaurant can get a little boisterous. Block out any revelers by requesting one of the tables along the windows that look out over the Mediterranean-style terrace, or even better, ask to sit on the terrace itself if the weather is nice.
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Feel free to bring the kids along to dinner at Il Mulino New York, because the restaurant doesn’t have an age limit, and it also features a separate kids’ menu with some classic Italian favorites. The kids’ menu is sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters, with yummy pasta dishes such as spaghetti, penne bolognese and fettuccini alfredo. What if your youngster isn’t in the mood for pasta? Not a problem. The menu also includes pizza margarita, and chicken tenders with fries. As your kids gobble up their meals, you’ll be able to enjoy your own (as well as a much-deserved glass of wine) knowing that everyone’s happy. How can you beat that?
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The desserts at Il Mulino run the gamut of the traditional Italian sweets you know and love. We enjoyed the lightness of the Torta di Formaggio, the Italian cheesecake with whipped cream, zabaglione and seasonal berries after the heaviness of our meal. But if you have a sweet tooth, you’ll be pleased to know that Il Mulino serves Tiramisu, Pera al Vino, and an assortment of biscottis, sorbets and gelatos among other desserts.
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The signature desserts at Il Mulino New York, a Forbes Travel Guide Three-Star restaurant located inside Miami’s Acqualina Resort & Spa, include the traditional Italian sweets everyone knows and loves. There’s the Italian cheesecake, which is made with mascarpone and has hints of almond undertones, as well as a rich tiramisu. Perhaps the most impressive, or at the least the most involved, is the Aranci con Grand Marnier a Tavola: oranges marinated in Grand Marnier prepared tableside with zabaglione, an Italian custard, and berries. Another signature is the flourless chocolate cake.
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Vegetarian dishes on the Il Mulino New York menu include the caprese and other salads, lots of different pastas, including cappellini arrabbiata, or pasta in a spicy tomato sauce, and penne rigate, a simple pasta dish topped with the original Il Mulino marinara sauce and ricotta. The porcini risotto is another great choice; the rich and creamy texture of the risotto mixes perfectly with the bite of the porcini mushrooms. Most of the side dishes are also vegetarian, including the delicious fried zucchini, broccoli rabe, sautéed spinach and garlic, rosemary potatoes and steamed asparagus. Grilled mixed vegetables are also available. Vegan diners are restricted to the salad and vegetables. You can also ask the chefs to hold the cheese in some pasta dishes, but you’ll have to be careful to inquire about ingredients used in their preparation based on your dietary needs.
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Chef Michele Mazza of Il Mulino New York, the Forbes Travel Guide Three-Star restaurant inside the luxe Acqualina Resort & Spa is on the same page as the restaurant’s founders when it comes to food philosophy. Brothers Fernando and Gino Masci created Il Mulino with the idea that they wanted diners to be transported into an atmosphere much like that of their hometown, Abruzzo, Italy on the Adriatic Coast, one of Italy’s most fertile regions. Twelve restaurants later, it’s clear they tapped into something. Chef Mazza shares the founders’ philosophy of using the best ingredients and beautifully preparing dishes for people to enjoy. It’s a simple recipe that’s worked for decades.
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The table arrangements at Il Mulino New York are comfortable enough for a meal that is sure to take close to two hours. Whether you are sitting at a romantic two-top or a larger table with a group of old friends, you’ll be totally content while you chow down on some housemade fettuccine. There’s just one downside: When the plates start to arrive, things can get a little cramped. The complimentary fried zucchini, breadbasket and bruschetta can make that romantic table of two into a crowded cornucopia of Italian goodies; not to mention the large-format, heavy menus claim quite a bit of real estate on the table as well. As far as the table situation throughout the dining room, there is plenty of space between tables, allowing for the outstanding waitstaff to serve your meal sans obstacles.
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Situated in the Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Acqualina Resort & Spa, Il Mulino New York is literally steps from the Atlantic Ocean, although you might feel like you are on the Adriatic Sea once you step in the Old World-style dining room. You can see the views from one of the tables by the windows or from the Mediterranean-style terrace, where you can eat if the weather is nice and the humidity is low. You’ll gaze out onto Acqualina’s pool area and, even better, the palm tree-lined, private beach.
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With a large-format menu of Italian classics, the Forbes Travel Guide Three-Star Il Mulino New York at Acqualina Resort & Spa boasts more than a handful of must-haves. A few of our favorites:
1. The osso buco. The veal shank is roasted in red wine and porcini mushroom sauce. It’s lean and tender and served with saffron risotto. Though the traditional recipe for osso buco calls for white wine, we love the modern take on this classic dish. And trust us, it’s worth $58; it’s one for the books.
2. Branzino. The salt-baked Italian sea bass is served to your table whole, with a side of peas and prosciutto. The fresh, flavorful, tender fish has made European menus since the days of ancient Rome. With an order of homemade pasta, we find this is the perfect size to share.
3. Cannelloni. This homemade cylindrical pasta is filled with tender veal, flavorful beef and fresh spinach. It’s baked and topped with béchamel and tomato sauce. Once it’s brought to your table, it won’t stick around long.
4. Vongole oreganata. Seafood lovers will devour these baked clams on the half shell with breadcrumbs, lemon, garlic and white wine. The wine and fresh lemon give the dish a light and bright taste.
5. Torta di formaggio di casa. Finish on a sweet note with the Italian cheesecake. Made with mascarpone cheese and topped with a dollop of whipped cream, this classic homemade Italian cheesecake is the perfect conclusion to the fine Italian meal.
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Michele Mazza, the Italian chef of Il Mulino New York, the Forbes Travel Guide Three-Star restaurant at Miami’s Acqualina Resort & Spa, is a native of Southern Italy. He grew up in Torre del Greco, a small town outside of Naples. Of course, we all know pizza was invented in good old Napoli, so it’s only natural that Mazza became a magnificent chef. Beginning his culinary journey at the Italian Culinary Institute in Rapallo, Genoa, Mazza became an apprentice at the Hotel Bristol there. After succeeding in culinary school, Mazza began his career on a Mediterranean cruise line before moving to the United States in 1980. He ran his own restaurants, Giovanella and Clasico Ristorante, before joining Il Mulino New York in 2003 — and the rest is history.
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It’s always nice to know a few things about a restaurant before visiting, and we have all the good-to-know facts about Il Mulino New York at Acqualina Resort & Spa right here.
1. The Forbes Travel Guide Three-Star restaurant is an outpost of the popular Il Mulino in New York’s Greenwich Village. The original has been around since 1981 and has now expanded to 12 locations in numerous cities including Houston, Orlando, Chicago and Tokyo. All along the restaurant has stayed true to Abruzzo’s (one of Italy’s most fertile regions) heritage of farm-fresh meat, fish and vegetables. And garlic, lots of garlic.
2. The menu is classic Italian. It’s heavy on homemade pastas and tender meat dishes and there is a constant supply of bread, plus you’re given a big chunk of Parmigiano, fried zucchini sticks, salami and bruschetta to start. Mangia, mangia!
3. Despite its location at Acqualina Resort & Spa and its oceanfront terrace, the interior design of Il Mulino is dark and masculine. It’s definitely more Old World than iridescent Miami. With the tapestry wall hangings and dark woods, it’s one of Miami’s more elegant spots.
4. This is a fine Italian restaurant, and the Italians like all Europeans, just don’t rush. Set aside a pretty big chunk of time for your meal at Il Mulino New York. It’s a production, as is just about every meal in Italy, so be sure you are ready to eat for at least a couple of hours. It’s a meal you will want to savor.
5. Acqualina and Il Mulino recently partnered up to open Piazzetta Marketplace and Restaurant. The more casual restaurant offers lighter fare including pizza, paninis and salads, along with a range of Il Mulino products such as olive oils and marinara sauces, so you’ll be able to take these decadent treats home with you.
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A good table is the perfect way to complement a great meal, and Il Mulino New York offers you a few great spots to dine. The best tables at the restaurant are those along the windows that look out over the Mediterranean-style terrace. Or, if the weather is favorable — and you have pretty good odds since it’s Miami — the tables on the terrace offer great views during the day. By the time the sun sets and night takes over, these tables create a romantic ambience for your meal. When asked, the restaurant staff considers the beachfront dining the best seats in the house, and a great setting for a date, anniversary or birthday, we might add.
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The interior design of Il Mulino New York, a Forbes Travel Guide Three-Star restaurant inside Acqualina Resort & Spa, transports you out of Miami and if not all the way into Italy, at least to the proverbial New York City Italian haunt. The design is quite the opposite of the bright and beachy (but still sophisticated) Acqualina Resort & Spa overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Reminiscent of the original Il Mulino in Greenwich Village, the design is traditional with dim lighting, orangey-red carpets, tapestry wall hangings and cast iron railings. There’s the requisite dark woodwork, dim lighting from wall sconces and a single rose on each white tablecloth table. To remind yourself you are still in Miami, ask for a seat on the terrace, where you’ll have a view of Acqualina’s pool and the Atlantic Ocean. It’s the perfect spot to sip on housemade grappas and limoncello while enjoying the ocean breeze. You won’t find that in Greenwich Village.
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Of course no one likes to wait for a table, but trust us, dinner at Il Mulino New York is worth waiting for. Though there are not many places to sit while you wait except for a bar area. Just one drawback: It’s small. With room for maybe four people tops, the bar isn’t an ideal place to wait if you have brought your 15 closest friends for a delicious Italian meal at Il Mulino. During our most recent visit, we were escorted right to our table — we guess the host could tell we were a little hungry. If you have come to Il Mulino with a large group, we suggest venturing into the lobby of Acqualina, where you’ll find Aaria Bar and Lounge located right next to the Italian restaurant. Saddle up to the bar and order a cocktail to satiate your hunger while you wait.
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When you’re thinking about dining at Il Mulino New York, it’s important to note that reservations are recommended, but they’re easy to make. These days, it’s so easy to make a reservation, it’s silly. You can call the restaurant directly, book online, or if you are staying at Acqualina, the concierge can take care of it. If you’re visiting during the holidays or other busy times — such as spring break season — it’s definitely a good idea to book a few days in advance to assure that you get your preferred date and time for your meal. However, if there are tables available, the restaurant accepts walk-ins. When you call to make a reservation or book online, you’ll notice that Il Mulino doesn’t have a cancellation policy. While this is great for avoiding those steep charges to your credit card if something comes up last minute, we suggest — for courtesy’s sake — that you keep the restaurant’s phone number on hand so you can call if you have a change of plans.
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Il Mulino New York is located on the ground floor of Acqualina Resort and Spa; so if you are staying at the hotel, you’re in luck. Situated on the lobby level, this Italian masterpiece overlooks the hotel’s pool. As you head toward the back of the hotel, through the lobby, you will quickly notice the signature Il Mulino awning marking the entrance to your Italian wonderland for the next couple of hours.
If you are not staying at Acqualina, it’s still easy to get to. From Miami Beach, you will head north up Collins Avenue. Making your way from downtown Miami? No problem, just take Interstate 95 to FL-826 East to get a top notch Italian meal. If you are coming to Il Mulino from Fort Lauderdale, drive toward Miami on A1A/Collins Avenue.
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If you want to indulge in an evening of Italian dining at Il Mulino New York, we highly recommend that you make reservations ahead of time. Of course, this fabulous Miami restaurant accepts walk-ins, especially if you are staying at Acqualina, where the restaurant is located. Since it can get really busy during holidays and busy seasons at Acqualina, you’ll want to be sure to have secure reservations as this is a restaurant you don’t want to miss. If there are tables available, or even just a short wait until availability, Il Mulino will certainly be glad to get you a table.
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For those of you who tend to cancel last minute, you’re in luck — Il Mulino New York has no official cancellation policy. When you book a reservation at the restaurant, either by phone or in-person with the host or hostess, you won’t need to worry about any pesky cancellation fees added to your credit card. The restaurant understands that things come up at the last minute, such as an early flight home or a day of sightseeing that’s worn you out. However, both we and the staff recommend that you make any changes to your reservation as soon as possible. It’s a good idea to keep the restaurant’s phone number handy so you can call and give the staff enough time to give your table to another customer who had their heart set on it.
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Il Mulino New York is located on the ground floor of Acqualina at 17875 Collins Avenue, Sunny Isles Beach. The resort is located on 4.5 beachfront acres with 400 feet of Atlantic Ocean coastline. Ideally situated whether you fly into Miami International Airport (around a 30-minute drive from the hotel) or Fort Lauderdale International Airport, (20 minutes), the resort is also just minutes from the world famous designer stores at Bal Harbour Shops and the exclusive address of Williams Island. Il Mulino is located at the rear of the building and has a terrace overlooking Acqualina’s pools and the beach.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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Azul is an incredibly romantic restaurant. Its setting alone — sleek design, soft lighting and knockout views — could put anyone in an amorous mood; but when you add in the impeccable food and friendly, seamless service, you have yourself the potential for a very special night. The restaurant earned a Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star rating, and ambience and service play a crucial part in any restaurant receiving that high of marks. The staff at Azul actually tells us that the restaurant sees an average of three proposals a week — that's a number that even Chuck Woolery (you know, the famed Love Connection host) would envy. Alright, perhaps we're dating ourselves with that reference — to put it simply, Azul has a track record of romance, and you should strongly consider it if you’re looking to set the mood.
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It just wouldn’t be right for an establishment in South Beach to not have a few rare and special liquors on hand; thankfully, Azul has a few. One of Azul’s signature cocktails, Azul’s Manhattan 43, adds an unexpected liquor, Licor 43, to the classic Manhattan blend bourbon and sweet vermouth. Other special liquors include Flor de Caña Centenario, a rum aged for 18 years and available by the glass, a $300 bottle of 1985 Warre’s port, a 1937 D’Oliveiras, Sercial Madeira. Drink offerings can change from time to time, so be sure to speak with the sommelier or your server to find out what rarities Azul has on-hand for your meal.
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With over 700 bottles in its collection, the Four-Star Azul certainly boasts a few special bottles of wine. Standouts we noticed on the wine list include, but are not limited to, a 1989, 1.5 liter bottle of Krug Prestige Cuvee; different vintages of Kistler Vine Hill Vineyard chardonnay and pinot noirs; a 2003 Penfolds “Bin 60A;” a cabernet sauvignon/shiraz blend from South Australia and many pinot noir from Burgundy with the prestigious “Grand Cru” designation. If you’re a wine connoisseur, don’t be shy when ordering at Azul; and if you’re a novice, don’t be afraid to ask the sommelier Cynthia Betancourt for suggestions on pairings to accompany your meal.
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Vegetarian dishes at Azul are limited to a couple of the “Beginning” dishes including the Summer Harvest, which features leaf, herbs, flowers, branches, root vegetables and arugula puree; and the Panzanella Salad, made with heirloom tomato, Buffalo mozzarella, brioche toast and olive vinaigrette. Vegan menu items are periodically listed on the menu but are not a permanent fixture. However, the chef at Azul will fully accommodate any special dietary needs or preferences you may have. To make sure you get the best options possible and to ensure dietary needs, let the friendly staff know when you’re making a reservation of any accommodation you’ll need.
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The sommelier of Azul is Cynthia Betancourt, a New Jersey native who moved to Miami to attend the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale School of Culinary Arts. She also earned a Bachelor’s degree in hospitality before securing her rank of Certified Specialist of Wine from the Society of Wine Educators Organization. Ms. Betancourt is now participating in the prestigious wine & spirits education trust (WSET) certification program, with an eye to earn her Master of Wine certification. She first served as assistant sommelier at Azul in 2003 and has also worked at the Cellar Club at Biltmore Hotel and Ortanique in Coral Gables; Armadillo Café and Johnny V, in Fort Lauderdale. For Azul, she cultivates a global-reaching collection, with emphasis on Spanish wines, older vintage Bordeaux and a collection of hard-to-find white and red Burgundies.
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Desserts at Azul are little fairytale creations unto themselves, thanks to the vision and fine work of pastry chef Frédéric Monnet. It’s hard to choose just one, but our favorite is the Yogurt Cloud Cake, served with delicious rhubarb, fresh berries, strawberry syrup and Meyers lemon ice cream, that makes for a lighter dessert that won’t leave you wishing you’d held off on having one last course. We also highly recommend the Toasted Almond Crème Brulee and Milk Chocolate Peanut Mousse, both of which are mighty tempting in their own rights. A Bittersweet Chocolate Cream served with macaroon, Nashi pear and blood orange sorbet, and a Hazelnut Strusel with pineapple and brown butter ice cream round out the options, so you really can’t go wrong, no matter which dessert you decide on at Azul.
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Azul offers wine pairings for its special prix fixe menus that change seasonally. The annual summer Miami Spice promotion also offers a wine pairing option, with wines at special prices added to the standard Spice three-course menu for $35. But the sommelier at Azul, Cynthia Betancourt, is more than happy to visit your table when you’re ordering from the regular menu to discuss your preferences and to suggest the best wine pairings for each dish you order. The Four-Star restaurant offers a variety of wines from around the world, including champagne, sparkling wine, white, red and sweet wine for after your main course.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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Azul offers you the best of European cuisine with a dash of American and Asian influences. That’s a lot of ground to cover, even in a Four-Star restaurant. To help you get through the journey, here are the five things we think are the best to order at Azul:
1. From the “Beginnings” options, the Silver & Gold Egg dish stands out; quail egg, caviar caramelized onions and potato espuma served in a silver-colored eggshell (topped with gold leaf) make for a divine way to start a meal — and you won’t need a Golden Goose to try it.
2. The Carnaroli Onion Risotto from the “Middle” portion of the menu takes your traditional risotto and adds in duck prosciutto, pickled onions and brandy gel to add a twist to a fine-dining mainstay; you’ll get to reap the culinary benefits.
3. We recommend a few options in the “Main Event” section of the menu, but the Spring Lamb certainly stands out. The Mediterranean-inspired dish comes with meatball, couscous, fresh hummus, dates, Greek yogurt and Ras-el-hanout (a Moroccan spice blend) for a combination of flavors you won’t normally find this side of the Atlantic.
4. We can’t say enough good things about the Australian Kobe New York, paired with 72-hour short rib. If you’re a carnivore, this is the finest protein out there. If you’re not a carnivore — well, sorry, but this dish is among our favorites.
5. While there are richer, chocolatier desserts on the menu, we loved the airy, light sweetness of the Yogurt Cloud Cake, served with delicious rhubarb, fresh berries, strawberry syrup and Meyers lemon ice cream. It’s a great way to end a filling meal on a lighter note.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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Chef Joel Huff’s food philosophy at Azul is to capture the best elements of modern European cuisine with American and Asian influences. Huff explains that the key ingredients guide him in the creation of his dishes, and that his menu for Azul was heavily influenced by the bounty of fresh ingredients found in South Florida. He has previous experience working in kitchens under such culinary superstars as chef José Andrés, and even made an appearance on the Today Show in August 2011 to whip up a few signature dishes for the perky hosts before he did the same the following day at the James Beard House in New York.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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The menu at Azul is a foodie’s delight, filled with creative dishes and surprising combinations from chef Joel Huff. Overall, the menu can be summed up as offering modern European flavors with American and Asian influences. But, quite simply, it defies neat categorization and each dish on the menu looks, sounds and tastes unique.
The Four-Star Azul divides its offerings up into three sections: Beginning, Middle and Main Event. Highlights include the Silver & Gold Egg beginning, with American caviar, quail egg, caramelized onions and potato espuma; Almond Gazpacho with foie gras snow, argan oil, orange essence and golden raisin pudding; and the A5 Australian Kobe New York, with 72-hours short rib, Holland white asparagus, black truffle, smoked potato espuma, elder flower watercress coulis and oxen bordelaise. Ingredients may change with the seasons, so be sure to check out Azul’s page to make sure you’re up-to-date with the latest offerings.
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The executive pastry chef at Azul (and for Mandarin Oriental, Miami) is Frédéric Monnet. Raised in the Beaujolais region of France, Monnet comes to Azul with a wealth of experience in South Florida and a professed affection for key lime, cherry and mascarpone (that’s our kind of chef). Monnet uses seasonal ingredients in all of his dishes and changes the menus for Azul and the Mandarin Oriental, Miami’s second restaurant, Café Sambal, frequently.
One of his additions to the Azul dessert menu when coming aboard was a house-made pistachio ice cream. He is also the mastermind behind the customized multi-tiered wedding cakes at Mandarin Oriental, Miami (you can see a sample of his work in the pastry displays at Café Sambal). Fans of the Ritz-Carlton, Key Biscayne may remember Monnet as the former executive pastry chef for the property before decided to take his talents to the Four-Star South Beach restaurant Azul.
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Azul is a good place for group dining, with a number of options, depending on the size of your party. The large chef’s table can accommodate up to 10 and the raised platform section of the restaurant (close to the open kitchen) can accommodate up to 28 guests at two long tables placed side-by-side. The Four-Star restaurant has special group prix-fixe dining menus for parties of up to 30, and for larger groups, there is the option to buy out the space and arrange for a special prix-fixe menu for the event. But be sure to book in advance, especially during Miami’s high season (From November through May) to make sure you and your whole clan can get a seat at Azul.
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The price range for a meal at Azul generally starts at $75 to $100 per person, and from there, the sky is the limit. First courses, or, as Azul calls them, “Beginnings,” are priced from $14 to $45, and “Main Event” dishes run from $45 to $85, which gives you a good idea of how a meal can start to add up. During Miami Spice, the city’s annual summer restaurant promotion, you can score a dinner at Azul for $35 per person (wine pairings or other drinks extra) plus tax and tip. Don’t worry, though, the dishes at Azul are so delicious that they’re certainly worth your hard-earned cash.
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If you’re concerned about getting the best table at Azul (as anyone would be), the tables that seat four and are located at the back, next to the floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the bay and Miami skyline, are the most coveted tables at the Four-Star eatery. We tend to agree with this popular opinion. If the weather cooperates, the tables on the outdoor terrace — offering a light breeze and gorgeous views of the towering office buildings and condos on Brickell Avenue - are a close second. Though, you’ll likely have to book in advance to make sure you get your desired table at Azul; we recommend calling the restaurant directly to make sure you don’t get just any table, and doing so a week or more in advance, especially during high season.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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The service at Azul is some of the best we’ve experienced in Miami. Bartenders, waiters and servers are all professional, warm and friendly. We were remembered on a return visit and spent some time chatting with our waiter about living in Miami and about where in the world to find the best pinot noir. Waiters at the Four-Star restaurant make great conversation and are always making sure you’re comfortable, without a shred of awkwardness or overbearing behavior; there is a fine line between attentive and annoying, in our opinion, but the staff at Azul know how to traverse on the right side of the line. Overall, the service at Azul is exceptional and you can expect to have your every need attended to without so much as having to ask.
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Tony Chi was responsible for the interior design for Azul, and 11 years after opening, it remains a striking, airy space that’s full of energy. When you first enter Azul, you are faced with the heart of the restaurant, the white marble-clad open kitchen — chefs and cooks often smile as you pass by, even if you’re staring at them with your mouth hanging open or peering into their saucepans through the glass.
As you come to the ma"e;tre d’ station, you pass the tall and expensive looking wine wall, home to more than 700 world-class wines. A long bar with built-in ice chillers for bottles of champagne and wine lines one wall and the others offer floor-to-ceiling views of Biscayne Bay and the Miami skyline. Azul also has a number of tables on the terrace overlooking the water. The overall effect is of this space is one of clean, light and simple beauty.
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There’s plenty to know about Four-Star Azul, but rather than overloading you with absolutely everything at once, here are five things you should know about the restaurant before you go:
1. The Four-Star restaurant is open only for dinner and is closed on Sunday. You’ll have to come between 7 p.m. and 11 p.m. for dinner; at the absolute earliest, get there at 6:30 p.m. when the bar at Azul opens.
2. Azul has been known for its exceptional chefs ever since it opened - Michelle Bernstein, a Miami legend-in-the-making, was once the executive chef and Clay Conley was also popular during his stint in the kitchen. Current executive chef Joel Huff came to Azul at the end of March 2011, and anyone who was an Azul fan before should return to see what chef Huff has to offer. While he maintains the extraordinary standards of the restaurant’s cuisine, he brings a fresh perspective and creative streak to the menu.
3. Indulging in one of the city’s top dining experiences does not come cheap - Azul’s “Main Event” options alone are priced from $45 to $85, so don’t plan on having a quick or inexpensive meal out when you make a reservation at Azul.
4. Azul usually participates in the annual Miami Spice promotion, which offers three-course dinners for $35 plus tax, gratuity and drinks. The special typically runs from August 1 to September 31 and makes Azul busier than usual on supposed quiet nights. Despite the savings, the Miami Spice menu does not disappoint. It maintains the wow factor of the regular menu - just at a reduced price point.
5. Despite the seamless service and jewel box of a dining room, Azul’s staff are friendly and accommodating, and there is no need to feel intimidated by the overall experience, which is as enjoyable a meal as you can get in Miami.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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Azul is considered one of the finest dining experiences in Miami, so getting a reservation on a popular night can be tough. Staff highly recommend making reservations and planning in advance. We were able to secure a reservation with a few days’ notice, albeit for a Tuesday night meal during the summer, Miami’s low season for vacation visitors. Busiest nights are, of course, Fridays and Saturdays, and during holidays and peak Miami travel times such as during Art Basel in early December. For those times, it’s best to make your Azul reservations as soon as possible. If you’re staying at the Mandarin Oriental, Miami the concierge can help arrange your dinner reservations; otherwise, you can call the restaurant directly or book through the restaurant’s OpenTable site.
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