October 7, 2022
Each Friday, we compile South Florida food-related news and events that we couldn’t fit on the site earlier in the week, as well as other local news that piques our interest. Want to be included in our next roundup? Shoot us an email at bark@miamifoodpug.com.
Editor Sound and Slices
National Pasta Day at Osteria Morini
New Items at Pura Vida
Now Open in Midtown: Italica
Editor Sound and Slices
Editor Pizza is now opening its space to the late night crowd. Fridays and Saturdays from 9:30 p.m. to 1 a.m., guests can cheers with Editor’s new cocktails for the perfect nightcap — or start their night with them. Favorite pies are now offered by the slice, including Margherita with mozzarella and bufala, Salami with mozzarella and Italian salami, and N’ duja featuring spreadable spicy italian sausage and chili oil.
National Pasta Day at Osteria Morini
South Beach’s go-to neighborhood eatery for authentic Northern Italian fare and handmade pastas, Osteria Morini will host a special edition of weekly $15 Monday Pasta Night (10/17) featuring the limited-time special Rotolo Bolognese Bianco with Parmigiano fonduta and crispy kale. The dish will also be available throughout the week (10/18-10/23) for $26. Other Morini pasta favorites include Torcia Nera pomodoro and squid ink pasta topped with seppia and shrimp ragù and Linguine alle vongole with leek sofrito and pancito.
New Items at Pura Vida
The latest additions to the brand’s ever-growing menu even includes a treat for our furry friends. New menu items to look forward to include Omer’s Post-Workout Smoothie, featuring blueberry, banana, spinach, almond butter, almond mylk, and vegan vanilla protein; Mediterranean Tomato Salad, showcasing roma and cherry tomato blend, sliced cucumber, red onion, bell peppers, arugula, marinated olive tapenade, crumbled feta, and lemon vinaigrette; Roasted Beet Hummus, featuring homemade hummus blended with beets, drizzled with olive oil, chickpeas, zaatar seasoning, micro cilantro, and served with toasted pita; and the Raspberry Pistachio Croissant dipped in ruby chocolate. Additionally, stop by with your pup for a Pumpkin Spice Dog Macaron.
Moreover, for the entire month of October and in honor of breast cancer research, a portion of all proceeds from the Roasted Beet Hummus and Raspberry Pistachio Croissant sales will be donated to 305 Pink Pack.
Now Open in Midtown: Italica
Experienced restaurateur Pablo Sartori and Latino Hospitality Group, the minds behind the global Negroni Bistro & Sushi Bar concepts, are proud to announce the official opening of Italica Midtown. The expansive 3,500-square-foot restaurant is adding a modern and colorful twist to traditional Italian cuisine with a customized spritz bar, Mediterranean-inspired pizzas, a special Golden Hour experience and more.
Italica Midtown draws guests in with its vibrant exterior featuring a 40-seat pet-friendly patio and stunning views of the Aperol Spritz bar where dozens of colorful bottles of Aperol line the interior walls. The 165-seat dining room is anchored by a mosaic-tiled bar surrounding large pizza ovens so guests have a front-row seat as their pizzas are masterfully prepared. Bringing added warmth to its otherwise urban-chic design, Italica’s interior is filled with wooden accent benches and tables, round edges and lush greenery.
Helmed by Chef Pablo Latif, Italica Midtown invites guests to enjoy its flavor-forward menus for lunch, dinner and weekend brunch. Standout appetizers include Cavolfiore ($15), roasted cauliflower with bagna cauda sauce, pepper threads and pistachios; and Fritto de Marre ($18), drizzled with a bright saffron aioli accompanied by freshly torched lemons; among many others. Signature pastas include Conchiglie au Gratin ($20), jumbo shell pasta stuffed with spinach, ricotta cheese and artichokes in San Marzano sauce au gratin; Gnocchi Ragu ($26), served with braised boneless beef short ribs; and Lasagna Bolognese ($23), with fresh bechamel sauce and Parmigiano cheese.
Among the main courses, the Risotto e Seppie ($32), squid ink risotto with seared cuttlefish and saffron aioli, is a chef favorite, while the pizza menu includes staples such as the Mortadella e Carciofi ($25), topped with roasted artichokes, mortadella, pistachios and pesto; Cipolla ($16), with marinated onions, mozzarella and Kalamata olives; and Prosciutto & Stracciatella ($26), topped with fresh prosciutto di Parma, marinated cherry tomatoes and arugula.
Over at the Aperol Spritz bar, guests can choose from a curated selection of spritzes such as the Giovanni Meet Oaxaca ($16), with Montelobos mezcal topped with a torched orange; Better than Sweet ($16), with Luxardo Bitter Bianco, Italicus, grapefruit and S.Pellegrino; Fruttato ($16), Santa Teresa 1976 rum, passion fruit, pineapple and pinot grigio; and Il Floreale ($16), sake with St-Germain, prosecco and natural flavors; among others. A full vermouth bar is also available with over half a dozen pours to choose from, including Cinzano 1757 ($12), Carpano Punt e Mes ($11), Carpano Antica Formula ($13) and more.
Italica Midtown’s lunch specials are available Monday through Friday from noon to 4 p.m. with a selection of one-, two-, and three-course options ranging from $15-28. Happy hour is available daily from 4-7 p.m., and guests can indulge in their Golden Hour experience which includes an array of complimentary passed bites and select shots from 6-7 p.m.
On Saturdays and Sundays, Italica Midtown’s expansive brunch offerings include two-for-one Aperol Spritz and Tutto il Giorno cocktails along with $25 bottomless Gambino Prosecco and a rotating schedule of live entertainment.