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Crunchy zucchini flowers stuffed with ricotta and Maine lobster at Bianca

 

Bianca’s signature truffle tagliatelle

 

Creamy oysters Rockefeller at Red, The Steakhouse

 

Decadent steak tartare at Red, The Steakhouse

 

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Miami Spice doesn’t kick off until tomorrow, but we got a first look at the three-course offerings at a few of Miami Beach’s hottest haunts. Several restaurants will serve signature dishes, while others will introduce new menu items. Here’s a first look: 

Red, The Steakhouse
With possibly the most extensive Miami Spice menu, Red will highlight new specialties each week. A classic steakhouse menu will start things off, followed by seafood and Italian additions. Starters will include juicy yet light steak tartare, creamy oysters Rockefeller, and buttery escargot. Mains range from churrasco to Lone Mountain Wagyu to a surf and turf option with lobster. Àla carte upgrades on premium cuts and larger portion sizes may be ordered as well. 119 Washington Ave., Miami Beach, 305-534-3688; redthesteakhouse.com

Bianca at the Delano Hotel
Miami Spice diners can choose from six dishes at Bianca. Highlights include crunchy zucchini flowers stuffed with ricotta and Maine lobster, hearty veal ravioli, and Bianca’s signature truffle tagliatelle. There will also be a $30 wine pairing available. 1685 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, 305-674-5752; delano-hotel.com

Asia de Cuba at the Mondrian Miami South Beach Hotel
Asia de Cuba will serve things up family-style, breaking down their menu by party size. To start, parties of two have their choice of two appetizers, two entrées, and one side (increments increase with party size). Order the wild salmon ceviche or picadillo-style tuna tartare to start, but save room for the sweet and savory char sui short ribs and tender Cuban barbecue chicken. 1100 West Ave., Miami Beach, 305-514-1940; chinagrillmgt.com

Miami Spice will continue through September 30, 2012. All dinner menus are $39, exclusive of beverages, tax, and gratuity.

Luxury car enthusiasts can make their racing dreams come true on Saturday, August 4, when Imagine Lifestyles hosts its Super Car Race Track Event at the Homestead Speedway. Participants can select between the Ferrari F430, Ferrari California, Ferrari 599, Lamborghini LP-560, or Lamborghini Gallardo and then hit NASCAR's famed track for 4.6 mile joy ride.

Time slot assignments are between 9 AM and 10 PM, and guests may buy additional driving time online or onsite. Photos and videos of the excursions will be available for purchase post-race. All participants will have a professional driver sitting shotgun unless a less intensive "ride along" experience is preferred. Tickets begin at $79 and can bought here. One Speedway Blvd., Homestead, 305-230-5000

Tom Ford’s recently opened beauty counter at Neiman Marcus Bal Harbour carries the designer’s full color collection and is the first of its kind in Miami. Ford’s cosmetics range, which began with lipsticks and expanded to makeup and skincare, is a favorite among beauty editors and celebrities alike. He approaches makeup as wardrobe for the face—highlighting a woman’s facial planes while also nourishing her skin.

Sixteen shades of nail polish ($30, each) sit alongside 18 luscious lipsticks ($48, each) in hues like Cherry Lush, Violet Fatale, and Wild Ginger at Ford’s Bal Harbour counter. And beyond those eye-catching favorites, signature skincare products like an Intensive Infusion Concentrate Extreme Serum ($250) and Illuminating Protective Primer ($70) seek to add youth and radiance to skin.

Shoppers can also select from two distinct, buildable foundation forms: The Foundation Stick ($78) doubles as a concealer and is best for less oily skin, while the classic Traceless Foundation ($78) can be layered for total coverage. However, Ford's best beauty gadget is by far the Brow Sculptor ($42), a triple-threat beauty tool combining a calligraphy tip shaper, grooming brush, and sharpener in one. 9700 Collins Ave., Bal Harbour, 305-865-6161

The third annual African Diaspora Dance & Drum Festival of Florida will descend on the Little Haiti Culture Center for a weekend of workshops, artistic symposiums, and worldly vendor markets on Friday, August 3 through Sunday, August 5. Diaspora conservationists hailing from Guinea, Ivory Coast, Haiti, Senegal, and Cuba will lead guests through the weekend-long celebratory programming.

Afro-Cuban dance, djembe drumming, and guided yoga are among the many rhythmic courses open to the public. Saturday night's itinerary will feature a concert extravaganza, with performances from festival instructors, as wells as an awards ceremony honoring local and international pioneers. Class prices range from $12 to $20 and must be purchased on-site (cash only). Concert tickets are $10 for children and $15 for adults. 212-260 N.E. 59th TER, Miami

Smirnoff got a lesson in standup paddleboarding during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim

Karina Smirnoff was all over Miami Beach during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim—performing under the tents, standup paddleboarding on the beach, she didn't miss a beat. We caught up with the Dancing with the Stars regular backstage at Lisa Blue's show to talk bikini trends and Miami hangouts.

You walked in Lisa Blue’s show. How did that come about?
KARINA SMIRNOFF: Lisa was getting ready to do the show and I heard that she does a lot for whale conservation and I love when people in the industry give back. For me it was a no-brainer to be a part of it. I wasn't sure if I would be dancing on the runway, but it turned out really well.

Did you have time to rehearse?
KS: Ugh, no. It was fully improvised. I loved every minute of it.

Did you have a favorite look during the show?
KS: You know, I really love the warrior look—the feathers, the boots. I think it's cool and it's feisty and it has a lot of charisma.

What do you look for in a swimsuit?
KS: I like bright colors, especially if you are going to be in the water. Right now I feel like we're going back to the ’80s with the pinks and the yellows, and I love it. And I think now more than ever bathing suits are becoming a piece of art. There's a lot of sequins, embroidery, beads, etc. It's become a whole little outfit in itself. 

Do you enjoy visiting Miami?
KS: Oh my God, it is beautiful around here! And I feel like everyone is a supermodel. Miami is America's year-round, ageless spring break place.

Any beach plans?
KS: Yes! I got a little beach in today. I am determined to go back home with defined tan lines.

What are some of your favorite places to hang out in Miami?
KS: I love South Beach. One of my favorite restaurants in the whole country is here, Prime One Twelve. Nobu inside The Shore Club is great, too. [The Shore Club] is where I am staying right now.

Are you ready for the Dancing with the Stars to start back up?
KS: So ready! I cannot wait. Sometimes I don't know what do with myself when we're not filming. I get anxious to get going again.

England's Chelsea FC team will take on Italy's AC Milan team at The World Football Challenge this Saturday

Cheers For Beers
Thursday, July 26, 6:30-9 PM
Angelique Euro Café is serving up a four-course, beer-infused menu with beverage pairings to help raise money for the Coral Gables Community Foundation. The charming eatery has teamed up with brewmasters from Stella Artois, Hoegaarden, and Leffe to craft the boozy selects, which will include Spanish chorizo, steamed mussels, and braised short ribs. The dinner is priced at $42 per person and reservations and advance payment are required. 117 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables, 305-529-9922; angeliqueeurocafe.com

World Football Challenge
Saturday, July 28, 6 PM
If the recent Euro Cup madness didn't satisfy your need for soccer, catch England's Chelsea FC take on Italy's AC Milan at the World Football Challenge on Saturday. Tickets begin at $27, exclusive of taxes and fees, and can be purchased on Ticketmaster. Fans with advance tickets are also free to check out both teams' open training sessions on Friday at 5 PM. Sun Life Stadium, 2269 Dan Marino Blvd., Miami; sunlifestadium.com

Summer Sundays Launch
Sunday, July 29, 1-7 PM
Coconut Grove's Mayfair Hotel & Spa will launch its Summer Sundays rooftop pool party this weekend with a pop-up shop by Isa Boutique, music by DJ Ethics, and mini manicures and massages by Jurlique Spa. Guests will be greeted with mimosas and enjoy complimentary veggie smoothies throughout the day. The event will continue every Sunday through Labor Day. 3000 Florida Ave., Coconut Grove, 305-441-0000; mayfairhotelandspa.com

South Beach Punch

Grey Goose is rolling out a new series of regionally-inspired punches perfect for summer soirées. Each punch is made with ingredients inspired by a locale. Our favorite happens to be the South Beach Punch, made with L'Orange Flavored Vodka, red grapefruit juice, red chili water, and agave nectar. The crisp, fruity vodka nods to Florida’s famous citrus and the chili water reps our fiery flare and warm weather. The agave nectar balances out the beverage, adding just the right amount of sweetness. Try it out at your next barbecue or brunch.

South Beach Punch

5 parts Grey Goose L’Orange Flavored Vodka
4 parts fresh-squeezed ruby red grapefruit juice
3 parts red chili water*
1 part agave nectar

Add all ingredients into a punchbowl and stir well. Chill for two hours and serve over ice. Garnish with grapefruit slices.   

*Red chili water: Cut three chilies in half and steep with seeds in three parts hot water with for ten minutes. Strain and serve.

The London 2012 Olympics begin July 27 and continue through August 12

Pub Grub at Lantao Sandbar and Social Club
The Surfcomber's funky fusion eatery is celebrating the games with daily Olympic coverage and gastropub plates. British bites include the spiced, shaved beef pub sandwich, smasher cakes with horseradish crème, and beer-battered fish and chips. Starting July 27, each day will welcome a new gin special, as well as Pimm's Cup pitchers for $30 and frozen Pimm's Cups for $10. 1717 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, 305-604-1800; lantaorestaurant.com

Beach Games at Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne
The Ritz is mixing brawn and booze in a beachside version of the London Games, dubbed "A Ritzy Summer Olympics." Join the Dune Lounge staff on Sunday afternoon as they hit the sand for table tennis and weightlifting competitions. Kappa Pisco will pour sips to keep things cool. 455 Grand Bay Dr., Key Biscayne, 305-365-4500; ritzcarlton.com

Opening Ceremonies at Sunset Lounge 
The Mondrian's bayside lounge will host an opening ceremony viewing party on Friday, July 27 (4 PM). Sunset's world-class mixologists have crafted an Olympic-themed cocktail menu that includes the Lolo Lychee Martini, Gold Medal Mojito, and Judge's Choice Jalapeño Margarita. Make a weekend of it and book the Olympian package, offering a complimentary "breakfast of champions," passes to Equinox South Beach, and cocktails during the opening party festivities. Ring the hotel and mention the special for additional details. 1100 West Ave., Miami Beach, 305-514-1500; mondrian-miami.com

Chef Douglas Rodriguez's smoked duck leg tacos

This week will be taco lovers’ last chance to savor Miami chef Douglas Rodriguez's signature smoked duck leg tacos on Mercadito’s Tacos for Strength menu. Known for his restaurants—Ola at Sanctuary and D. Rodriguez Cuba on Ocean—Rodriguez garnishes his duck tacos with refried beans, epazote, and virgin salad.

Five percent of all Tacos for Strength sales go directly to Share Our Strength, a national non-profit working to end childhood hunger in America. Each month, Mercadito invites a new chef to create a signature taco for the year-long initiative. Servings include four of the featured, one-of-a-kind tacos ($16.50). Chicago chef Giuseppe Tentori will inspire next month’s Tacos for Strength selection. 3252 N.E. 1st Ave., Miami, 786-369-0430