January 10, 2025
Happy New Year! We’re back: Each Friday, we try to 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.
‘Ice Cream We Love’ at Bal Harbour Shops
PASTA Guest Chef’s Counter Dinner Series
Margot Bar & Bistro Debuts Brunch
New Brunch at Casadonna
‘Ice Cream We Love’ at Bal Harbour Shops
Bal Harbour Shops, the renowned luxury shopping destination celebrating its 60th Anniversary this year, transforms into a festive haven of sweet treats and charitable spirit for the seventh annual “Ice Cream We Love” event. This beloved philanthropic initiative supports Holtz Children’s Hospital at the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Medical Center, helping fund critical medical services, research, and programs that provide hope and healing to young patients and their families.
This year’s “Ice Cream We Love” event will be held on Saturday, January 18th & Sunday, January 19th, 2025, from 1 pm to 5 pm. Guests will be captivated as Bal Harbour Shops and its lush landscapes are transformed with visually stunning displays and delectable desserts. Complete with whimsical youth activities the event is fun for the whole family.
Journey through three floors of Bal Harbour Shops, where each level unveils a treasure trove of delectable delights from a curated selection of sought-after local and national brands, including:
– Dolci Peccati Gelato
– Frutero Ice Cream
– Holyshakes
– Miami ‘N’ Ice
– Phuse Cream
– And more!
“Ice Cream We Love” is a ticketed event with all proceeds benefiting Holtz Children’s Hospital. Adult
tickets (18 and up) are $50 and youth tickets (ages 3 to 17) are $20. Buy your tickets here.
PASTA Guest Chef’s Counter Dinner Series
Acclaimed Peruvian chefs and husband-and-wife team Juan Manuel Umbert and Janice Buraschi of the
newly-opened PASTA will collaborate with fellow Peruvian chef Diego Oka of La Mar by Gastón Acurio, Miami’s award-winning Peruvian restaurant, for an exclusive evening on Wednesday, January 22 as they debut PASTA’s “Guest Chef’s Counter Dinner Series.” The trio will present a combination of a la carte starter, pasta, and dessert collaborative specials.
Guests will enjoy featured starter plates including Razor Clams with Anticuchera sauce, and Tiradito with parmigiano reggiano, housemade nduja and salsa verde. Pasta dishes will include Spaghetti alle Vongole with uni butter, Pici Cacio e Pepe with chicken katsu, and Squash Agnolotti with brown butter, fava beans and huacatay. To satisfy the sweet tooth, desserts such as La Mar’s Torta de Chocolate with lucuma gelato and Pavlova al Limone will be served.
Joining the collaboration for the evening will be local influencer and cocktail expert Gio Gutierrez of @chatchowtv, who will curate the cocktail menu as part of a bar takeover. To complement the Peruvian-infused theme, patrons will delight in featured cocktails including Mi Burrito Habanero with Patron Reposado Tequila, ginger, grapefruit, lime, white habanero, and aperol; and Mani Picao with Inca peanut-infused Angel’s Envy Bourbon, panela, and ancha bitters.
The chef talent line-up for PASTA’s “Guest Chef Counter Dinner Series” will be announced throughout 2025.
Reservations are now available to book via Resy, HERE.
Margot Bar & Bistro Debuts Brunch
Margot Bar & Bistro has launched a new brunch to welcome the new year! Whether you’re fresh off the beach or looking to start your night early, guests can indulge in brunch classics from Brioche French Toast & Berries to a Colombian Breakfast Platter to Eggs ‘Margot’ine. The menu increases in complexity with a Schnitzel Sandwich and Shakshuka to Steak & Eggs served sunny side up. Bloody Marys, Mimosas and a rotating Daily Punch Special complement each dish and a selection of espresso drinks are available to sip on. For an extra kick, try the Cortadito Martini with toasted coconut and espresso.
Brunch will be available every Saturday and Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
New Brunch at Casadonna
Casadonna, the coastal Italian restaurant from Groot Hospitality and Tao Group Hospitality, has introduced a new, luxurious Brunch on the Bay on Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.! The spirited brunch experience features live music, stunning views of Biscayne Bay, delicious coastal Italian-inspired dishes served buffet style, and refreshing cocktails, spritzes and wines.
The gourmet buffet menu includes a variety of pastries from Caracas Bakery, charcuterie, salads, a lavish seafood tower and raw bar, sushi, an omelet station, fresh pastas, entrees including prime rib, grilled salmon, and chicken and waffles, breakfast sides, a variety of delicious veggies, and an assortment of desserts. Beverage packages are also offered on flow for two hours, including wine, champagne, and signature cocktails for a leisurely afternoon.
To complete the spirit of seaside dolce vita, dock and dine experiences are available via Casadonna’s marina for bayside access.