3.5-Star Rated – South Beach Magazine

The Cypress Tavern

AM Dreer — Thu, 16 Jun 2016 00:10:42 +0000

Chef Michael Schwartz expands his sphere of influence in Miami’s Design District with the recent addition of The Cypress Tavern, his third and most elegant venture in the burgeoning Midtown neighborhood. Surrounded by tony furniture showrooms and an expanding roster of designer boutiques, the wood-paneled dining room is decidedly retro in style with vintage tableware, taxidermied deer trophies and retro seafoam banquettes. Waitstaff are prompt and professional at weekday lunch service and during dinner which is served every night except Sunday.

While most of Michael’s restaurants offer an ecclectic mix of entrees, snacks and small plates, the menu at The Cypress Tavern is more traditional in style with just a handful of appetizers, entrees and sides. Lunchtime favorites like the Cypress Burger topped with onion marmalade and the smoked shaved beets served with robiola are savory and satisfying and at dinner the roast lamb or duck are perfectly rendered and lightly sauced with just a hint of gaminess. Hedy Goldsmith’s desserts include a Florida citrus chess pie spiked with tarragon, huckleberries and white chocolate or a complex hazelnut parfait with puffed farro and tart pickled cherries. The Cypress Room is a more tailored and grown up presentation of Chef Schwartz’s innovative cuisine and a welcome addition to the Design District.

Restaurant Information:

Name:	The Cypress Tavern
Rating:	/ 3.5 stars based on 49 reviews across the Web
Address:	3620 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33137
Phone:	(305) 520-5197
Cuisine:	American
Price:	$$$
Attire:	Casual
Payment:	Cash, All Major Credit Cards
Reservations:	Yes
Parking:	On-street parking
Chef:	Michael Schwartz
Website:	www.thecypressroom.com
Bar Service:	Full Bar
Hours:	Mo-Th 12:00pm-2:30pm, 6pm-11pm, Fr-Sa 6:00pm-12am, Su Closed

Cipriani Downtown Miami

AM Dreer — Sat, 18 Jan 2014 14:55:41 +0000

An elegant, sun-drenched retreat in the heart of the Brickell Financial District, Cipriani Miami carries on an 80 year family tradition of luxury and hospitality. The waterfront diningroom – crafted by Florentine architect Michele Bonan – seats up to 400 guests in two expansive spaces featuring 22 foot ceilings, walls of gleaming windows and glossy wooden paneling with chrome details designed to evoke an Art Deco oceanliner. Bringing the dazzling eatery to life at the Icon Brickell, brothers Maggio and Ignazio Cipriani are fourth generation restaurateurs who trace their lineage back to the original Harry’s Bar in Venice Italy, opened by their great grandfather in 1931.

The restaurant features many of the signature dishes that make a pilgrimage to Italy part of any foodie’s bucket list including a delicate meringue cake and a baked taglioni in a buttery bechamel sauce. Harry’s Bar enchanted world famous expats including Truman Capote, Sinclair Lewis and Ernest Hemingway with the advent of the bellini cocktail, a heady combination of bubbly Prosecco and fresh peach puree. The thinly shaved beef dish Carpaccio is also credited to Cipriani. Populated by Miami power brokers by day, the restaurant is nothing short of breathtaking in the evening when the soft glow of giant Murano glass chandeliers illuminates the airy space, lending a sparkling finish to an already perfect night.

Restaurant Information:

Name:	Cipriani Downtown Miami
Rating:	/ 3.5 stars based on 93 reviews across the Web
Address:	465 Brickell Ave, Miami, FL 33131
Phone:	(786) 329-4090
Cuisine:	Italian
Price:	$$$
Attire:	Casual Chic
Payment:	Cash, All Major Credit Cards
Reservations:	Yes
Parking:	Valet
Chef:	N/A
Website:	www.cipriani.com
Hours:	Mo-Su 12:00pm-12am

Lippi Restaurant

AM Dreer — Fri, 27 Dec 2013 13:46:30 +0000

Following the success of his upscale Japanese Restaurant Zuma in Downtown Miami, owner Tunu Puri is rumored to have spent over five million dollars to create Lippi Restaurant at the Brickell World Plaza Building in Miami’s Financial District. His efforts are breathtaking as the luxurious dining room and wraparound terrace fill with well-heeled diners who turn out in force to sample Chef Philippe Ruiz extensive (and expensive) menu. Inspired by the flavors and techniques of Mediterranean cooking, the kitchen’s culinary offerings meander all over the map with many dishes offering surprising and delightfully unexpected tastes for adventurous diners willing to sample and share over 70 different small plates on the current dinner menu.

The richly-appointed dining room sports golden velvet banquettes, polished marble floors and double-height windows swathed in shimmering metallic drapery. Service starts with steaming cheese puffs and an extensive selection from the innovative cocktail menu or a 350 label wine list. Service is discrete and professional which comes in handy when requesting help sorting out the unique variety of rich international choices crafted by this adept and inventive chef. Another bright spot at Lippi is the technically perfect and deliciously different pastries crafted by Sarah Thompson who adeptly handles bold new ideas and old school classics like an impeccably lofty soufflé. Next time you’re celebrating something special, this Brickell showplace offers the perfect backdrop for a memorable night.

Restaurant Information:

Name:	Lippi Restaurant
Rating:	/ 4.0 stars based on 72 reviews across the Web
Address:	600 Brickell Ave, Miami, FL 33131
Phone:	(305) 579-1888
Cuisine:	Mediterranean
Price:	$$$$
Attire:	Casual Chic
Payment:	Cash, All Major Credit Cards
Reservations:	Yes
Parking:	Valet, Garage & Street parking
Chef:	Philippe Ruiz
Website:	www.lippirestaurants.com
Hours:	Mo-Fr 12:00pm-3pm, Mo-Sa 6:00pm-1am

Florida Cookery (closed)

AM Dreer — Fri, 27 Sep 2013 00:15:26 +0000

Update: It was announced this week that Chef Kris Wessel will no longer be associated with Florida Cookery at the James Royal Palm Hotel. He will pursue his own project in Greater Miami soon. Details to follow.

Following a multi-million dollar renovation of the James Royal Palm Hotel, management tapped local Chef Kris Wessel to oversee food & beverage operations for the busy seaside resort. Describing his farm-to-table restaurant as “my love letter to the state of Florida,” Florida Cookery brings the authentic flavors of Wessel’s childhood to the sleek new dining room including slow roast Everglades wild boar, summer sweet mango pie and briny local lobsters. While many South Beach eateries dazzle local diners by cultivating a party atmosphere, this chef evokes memories of a bygone era and serves them lovingly on every plate.

Using treasured recipes his grandmother penned on file cards, Wessel crafts his own interpretation of her favorite dishes using locally-sourced ingredients and a great deal of family pride. Dine indoors or find a spot out by the pool to enjoy spicy conch chowder, sticky guanabana glazed ribs or seared Florida frog legs finished in tangy citrus. Savor pecan dusted local grouper with cheese grits and red snapper fresh from the day boats served over coconut rice. Wessel’s flavors are unique and tropical but at the same time deeply satisfying. No one else in town is showcasing Florida produce with such reverence which makes Florida Cookery a destination restaurant worthy of any foodie’s to-do list.

Restaurant Information:

Name:	Florida Cookery
Rating:	/ 3.5 stars based on 102 reviews across the Web
Address:	1545 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Phone:	(786) 276-0333
Cuisine:	American
Price:	$$$
Attire:	Casual
Payment:	Cash, All Major Credit Cards
Reservations:	Yes
Parking:	Parking Garage across the street
Chef:	Kris Wessel
Website:	www.florida-cookery.com
Hours:	Mo-Th 8:00am-11pm, Fr-Su 8:00am-12am

Monty’s Sunset

AM Dreer — Fri, 13 Sep 2013 13:43:28 +0000

Even though Miami Beach is surrounded by water, there are very few spots with that mellow, tiki bar vibe people associate with a seaside vacation. Monty’s at the Marina is the exception, offering breezy waterfront views and an exceedingly popular happy hour weeknights from 4-8pm. Belly up to the bar for half off liquor (including potent frozen drinks) and 30% off wine and drafts. Pair your refreshments with a selection from the raw bar or sample a variety of house-made ceviches and you’ll end the day with a smile. This is clearly not a gourmet restaurant, but it’s ideal for bar bites and beer.

Monty’s offers live music Wednesdays through Sundays and plenty of room to move indoors or alfresco. The bar features a full size swimming pool on site and plenty of tables directly overlook the busy working marina next door. Service can be spotty at times but this is a place designed to evoke a Jimmy Buffet Margaritaville atmosphere. Take note of the time the sun will set and schedule your visit to afford you a front row seat.

Restaurant Information:

Name:	Monty’s Sunset
Rating:	/ 3.5 stars based on 376 reviews across the Web
Address:	300 Alton Rd, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Phone:	(305) 672-1148
Cuisine:	Seafood
Price:	$$
Attire:	Casual
Payment:	Cash, All Major Credit Cards
Reservations:	Recommended
Parking:	Parking lot
Chef:	N/A
Website:	www.montyssobe.com
Hours:	Mo-Th 11:30am-10pm, Fr-Sa 11:30am-12am, Su 11:30am-10pm