TASTE THE FINEST FLAVORS MIAMI HAS TO OFFER, FROM SOUTH BEACH'S STRIKING NEW MARISQUERÍA TO A BELOVED BAKE SHOP'S FIRST BRICK-AND-MORTAR LOCATION, PLUS EVEN MORE OPENINGS OF A HEALTHY FARE FAVE.
Artichokes from Como Como
Channeling the rich and bold flavors of Puerto Escondido, Los Cabos, Acapulco and other cherished seaside destinations, Como Como launches at The Moxy Miami South Beach. Keeping in theme with the thrillingly flamboyant interior design of the trendy hotel, Como Como invites its guests to an exotic setting complete with Mesoamerican artifacts, carved wooden doorways, wrought iron archways and carved wood and leather furnishings complemented with colorful woven fabrics. The focal point of the room rests on the copper-and-wrought iron fuego station where the magic happens. An element of interactivity is granted as diners can watch the whole fish they’ve selected being cooked in the wood-burning grill as executive chef Scott Linquist delivers one photogenic dish after the other, creating the ultimate sensory dining experience. Explore the Mexico City-inspired pescado a la talla—a snapper that is butterflied, grilled and painted in two marinades; or embark in a tableside presentation of the handchopped fish of the day. “At Como Como, we’ve created an unparalleled experience in Miami,” says Alan Drummond, partner at Coyo Group. “When you combine [the food] with the immersive design of the restaurant, it provides an environment that truly feels like you are being transported to a different place.” 915 Collins Court, Miami Beach, @comocomo_miami
Guavaberry pie at Fireman Derek’s Bake Shop
Serving as the kick to all cravings, Fireman Derek’s Bake Shop bids a fond farewell to its original Wynwood location as its triples in size and relocates to a brand-new space. Just three blocks down from the first shop, the house of guilty pleasures transforms into a mansion of all things sweet with its new 2,000-square-foot location. Keeping on brand with irresistible offerings of lusciously prepared cakes, pies and savory items, pie master and dessert guru Derek Kaplan ups the sweetness factor as he serves up his own line of handchurned ice cream. “Though we’ve been around for close to a decade, I think we’re just getting started,” says Kaplan. While locals and tourists have enjoyed indulging in his long-lasting journey, Kaplan continues to build an empire, keeping community close to his heart and turning baking into an art. Sugar, slice and everything nice, the Miami-based baker gives Willy Wonka a run for his money. 2818 N. Miami Ave., Miami, @fdpies
Tuna poke bowl from Carrot Express
Famed Miami health-focused restaurant Carrot Express is taking South Florida by storm. In early May, the restaurant’s 10th location opened in Doral, with four more on the way to debut by the end of the year in popular neighborhoods—Brickell, Weston, Kendall and Las Olas. For nearly two decades, Carrot Express has been serving the Miami community tasty yet healthy dishes with an emphasis on pure ingredients, featuring signature salads, smoothies, bowls and wraps. In celebration of the newest locations, additional menu items have been introduced, including the Middle Eastern platter, served with crunchy Zak the Baker multigrain bread; salmon Buddha bowl; and chicken goddess sandwich. The new 2,400-square-foot Doral eatery offers seating for 65 guests, and its emblematic hints of orange and green throughout the space create a fresh and vibrant vibe. It is located inside Cityplace Doral and will continue to partner with food delivery services to provide delivery in the area. 8300 NW 36th St., Doral, @carrotexpress
Photography by: HAKIEN PAGAN; COURTESY OF FIREMAN DEREK’S BAKE SHOP; COURTESY OF CARROT EXPRESS
