Restaurants

In September, Firehouse Mrkt will open, transforming downtown Miami’s historic Fire Station No. 2 into a 5,000-square-foot restaurant and marketplace. The market, located at 1401 N. Miami Ave. in the growing Arts + Entertainment District, will offer several cuisine and restaurant concepts in the form of five stations: fish and meat, fruits and vegetables, bakery cafés, a salumeria, and a tapas bar. The market will also offer a bar and a flower shop.

Parisian sister and brother Emilie and Julien Van Steenwinckel own a chocolate shop and French bakery in Hollywood.

The James Beard Foundation has released the finalists for its annual awards ceremony, and once again, South Florida was knocked off the map.

Paletas have gotten much attention in Miami over the years. The once-humble Mexican ice pop has been boozed up, given the gourmet treatment, and even mixed into margaritas. Gilbert Arismendi, however, thought the paleta hadn’t reached its full potential. The former software project manager and his partners kicked it up a notch when they created their own versions of the treat and opened Morelia Gourmet Paletas in Coral Gables.

What’s even better than ice cream? Nice cream, of course. In the plant-based world, “nice cream” refers to a dairy-free dessert, generally made with frozen bananas and other tasty ingredients blended in. It’s like the iconic creamy treat everyone loves, but way healthier and easier on animals.

Brunch is the best meal of the week. Traditionally held Saturday or Sunday, it’s a way to get together with friends, eat decadent food, and day-drink without judgment. If you’re a brunch lover, get your squad together for New Times’ Out to Brunch. Saturday, May 20, Soho Studios will transform into the biggest brunch party Miami has ever seen.

During lunch, dozens of cops, executives, and working stiffs line up outside the squat peach Pack Supermarket in Little Haiti. They’re bathed in the overwhelming scent of frying chicken as Kreyol talk radio blares from a nearby barbershop. On Sunday mornings, crowds of churchgoers mingle with bouncers from downtown clubs…

Wawa is finally opening its doors in South Florida this month. After six months of growing anticipation, fans of the Philadelphia-based convenience-store chain can look forward to the official grand opening of the area’s first three stores.

“Know your roots” is a phrase Michael Schwartz lives by. It’s also one of the reasons why Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink is throwing it back to the original menu. In honor of his flagship’s tenth anniversary, the chef/restaurateur is bringing back the classics that started it all. Now through March 13, guests can go back in time when Schwartz remembers risking it all. “It’s essential to evolving this place in the right way,” he admits. “It’s what inspired us in the beginning.”

Corsair has served breakfast since it opened in 2014, so it’s about time it offered weekend brunch. Embracing tradition, the meal — titled “The 52” — strives to stay relevant all 52 weeks of the year regardless of seasons or trends. Through classic brunch plates, such as French toast and eggs Benedict, Corsair adds a refreshing touch to age-old signatures.

Brad and Soraya Kilgore had quite the busy day this past Wednesday. The chef/partner of Wynwood’s Alter had agreed to cohost a seafood dinner at South Beach’s Books & Books with Allen Susser and Timon Balloo. He was also scheduled to film a segment of Bizarre Foods the same day.

Nestled in the heart of downtown Coral Gables is the ivy-covered Hotel St. Michel, one of Miami’s most historic hotels. Built in 1926, the building still boasts the same vintage European design, reflecting the chic and dashing clientele of that era. In 2017, the inn is adding a dining venue to breathe new life into the charming boutique property.

Subtly lit in blue and purple hues, one of Miami’s most highly anticipated restaurants, Estefan Kitchen, has opened. Created by international superstars and Magic City royalty Emilio and Gloria Estefan, the restaurant brings fine Cuban fare to the Design District.

Miami-based dessert business MdoughW, known for freshly baked cookie cups and a wildly popular Instagram feed, is available for the first time on UberEats beginning today at 11 a.m. That’s worth celebrating. How does a sticky doughie sound?

Many know the Betsy on Ocean Drive for chef Laurent Tourondel’s steakhouse, LT Steak & Seafood. But what about some Latin fusion and a good old cup of joe? Through a partnership with Tourondel, the Betsy is now home to the Conservatory, where swank steak and seafood dining is swapped for Latin-inspired cuisine, coffee, and cocktails in a relaxed lounge.

While people line up for hours at trending places such as the Salty Donut and Mojo Donuts, Bake Shack (238 S. Federal Hwy., Dania Beach) has been quietly garnering a steady fan base. The little 22-seat eatery serves breakfast and lunch, but the specialties of the house are the doughnuts…

For decades, Kendall has been filled with mostly humble mom-and-pop spots wedged into an ever-expanding sprawl of chain restaurants. Gated communities and strip malls orbit around Dadeland Mall. But relief is here, and it’s a porchetta sandwich. The hub is a glossy spear of roast pork belly wrapped around a…

Miami’s favorite plant-based chain is making some changes. Today, Choices Organic Café is rolling out a new menu at its four South Florida locations. Customers can expect lower prices, more customization, and a simpler setup. Make-your-own items are now an option, so patrons can select their favorite ingredients.

Miami Beach’s South of Fifth neighborhood (SoFi) is quickly becoming a desired destination for dining — and, more recently, drinking. Popular newcomers such as Upland, Bakehouse Brasserie, and Now & Zen are sparking renewed interest in the area. Now there’s one more reason to make a night of it: South Pointe Tavern.

If you’re hungry for Brooklyn-style pizza but want something quicker and more casual than Paulie Gee’s, head to Gramps. Inside one of Miami’s most popular venues hides a bright-yellow-and-red Cuban-style ventanita. But instead of finding pan con bistec and guava pastelitos, you’ll discover Pizza Tropical, developed by chef Frank Pinello of Brooklyn spot Best Pizza.

The first time Miami heard of NaiYaRa was about three and a half years ago. Created by Piyarat Potha Arreeratn, AKA Chef Bee, the restaurant brought upscale Thai to Miami Beach’s Sunset Harbour neighborhood. Now it’s about to cure hangovers with a Thai-inspired brunch happening every Sunday beginning March 12.