January 17, 2025
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.
UDON Opens in Aventura
New Winter Menu at Bulla
Celebration Menu at Bouchon Bistro
New Brunch at The Dirty Rabbit
Lunar New Year at MO Bar + Lounge
UDON Opens in Aventura
UDON, Spain’s leading chain of Asian restaurants, announces their continued U.S. expansion with the opening of a location in Aventura Mall on Monday, Jan. 21. After debuting in Miami’s Wynwood neighborhood in 2022, this will be the second South Florida location for the internationally renowned brand. A third location will open at Dadeland Mall in 2025, underscoring the popular appeal of UDON’s flavorful, healthy Asian cuisine.
In celebration of its grand opening in Aventura, UDON is launching an exclusive promotion from January 21 through 26. The first 50 guests each day will receive a complimentary Corral Chicken Yakisoba (a $22 value) when they sign up for UDON’s official loyalty program, UDON Lover. As an UDON Lover, members will enjoy additional perks, including the ability to earn points toward discounts, receive special birthday promotions, and be the first to hear about new offerings.
Traditional Asian noodles – udon and ramen– take center stage on the menu at UDON Aventura, which will be open for lunch and dinner in the third-level Treats Food Hall at Aventura Mall. Inspired by 400-year-old traditional Japanese noodle bar recipes and driven by continued innovation in preparation techniques and sustainability, Culinary Director Alberto Gómez creates UDON’s original recipes using only fresh, high-quality, often organic and locally sourced ingredients that are cooked to order.
Fan-favorite noodle dishes include Corral Chicken Yakisoba with cornflake-breaded chicken, shiitake mushrooms, carrots, zucchini, Japanese onions and yakisoba sauce, and Curry Ramen with ramen noodles, marinated pork belly, a mixture of miso and curry, bamboo, shiitake mushrooms, marinated soft-boiled egg and Japanese onions. UDON’s menu also offers a wide variety of Asian-inspired tapas, from Pork Buns to Prawns Tempura, along with rice bowls, and the inventive, made-to-order Noodle Rolls – sushi rolls prepared with noodles instead of rice. Plant-based guests enjoy a selection of vegan and vegetarian dishes.
Health-conscious dishes packed with flavor are a hallmark of UDON, where every effort is made to uphold the inherently nutritious, balanced character of traditional Asian cuisine. UDON’s attention to healthy practices extends to the environment, as well. To this end, UDON has selected US Foods, celebrated industrywide for their commitment to sustainability, authenticity and overall well-being as the primary provider for high-quality, locally sourced ingredients in the US. Each year, UDON increases the number of organic, locally sourced and animal-welfare friendly products it uses. They have eliminated plastics in favor of reusable chopsticks (not in Aventura) and 100% compostable delivery packaging. From the staff uniforms made of organic cotton to the non-toxic ozone cleaners used in the restaurants, UDON is committed to being a model of sustainability.
UDON Aventura’s clean, minimalist design features natural materials and the work of well-known Miami-based graffiti artist Disem to bring a lively, edgy element to the restaurant. It will operate within the Treats Food Hall in Aventura Mall, offering an elevated food court experience focused on quick and convenient access to UDON’s made-to-order noodle dishes, Asian-inspired tapas, and plant-based options.
The second U.S. location will build upon the momentum established two years ago with the opening of UDON Wynwood, which has since successfully introduced a full-service restaurant with a bar, table service, and a unique cocktail program. In contrast, the Wynwood location also offers a broader selection of menu options, catering to customers looking for an in-depth dining experience.
New Winter Menu at Bulla
Centurion Restaurants’ wildly-popular family of Spanish dining destinations, Bulla Gastrobar, is now offering a new seasonal menu. The newly-minted winter menu is a testament to comfort and culinary innovation, perfectly curated for Florida’s not-so-cold but often chilly months by Culinary Director, Chef Felix Plasencia.
Culinary highlights include Caldo Gallego, a Galician soup composed of tender kale, hearty alubias (white beans), and rich, smoked pork shank. Fried Eggplant delivers a gourmet twist with its crispy texture complemented by Manchego cheese and honey truffle aioli. Adding to Bulla’s signature Spanish flair is Chistorra a la Sidra, a flavorful thin Spanish sausage simmered in cider, and served with a crusty baguette for dipping into its rich juices.
For seafood lovers, the Clams with Pork Belly features clams cooked in white wine, balanced by diced tomatoes and fresh basil. Sumptuous Short Ribs are paired with Tetilla cheese, homemade potato chips, caramelized onions, salsa criolla and topped with a creamy potato foam. For a sweet finish, Crema Catalana stands out; a Spanish-inspired crème brûlée topped with fresh berries, offers a delightful crunch and a burst of fruity freshness.
Complementing these exquisite dishes, new cocktails are crafted with seasonal spices. The Smoke & Spice combines mezcal’s smoky allure with the fruity brightness of peach schnapps and lime juice, further enhanced by agave syrup and a touch of Ancho Reyes chile liqueur for a hint of heat. Meanwhile, the Spiced Old Fashioned reinvents a classic with a winter spiced syrup, bourbon, Angostura bitters, and orange bitters, delivering a comforting cocktail that’s both bold and festive.
Together, these additions supplement a menu that celebrates the flavors and essence of the season, offering a dining experience to remember. These items are limited editions, available only for dinner during the winter season, making it essential to visit Bulla to partake in this exclusive culinary experience before it’s too late.
Celebration Menu at Bouchon Bistro
On February 11th, Chef Thomas Keller’s award-winning bistro, Bouchon, will honor the life and legacy of the legendary Chef Paul Bocuse with a special celebration on what would have been his birthday. The evening will feature a $150 prix-fixe menu, with a portion of the proceeds supporting the Foundation Paul Bocuse. Chef Paul Bocuse was not only a cherished friend of Chef Keller, but also, a transformative figure in the culinary world. He profoundly impacted aspiring chefs, inspiring and mentoring the global culinary community. His remarkable career sparked a culinary revolution that elevated the art of cuisine and reshaped how we engage with food today.
The prix-fixe menu will begin with Soupe aux Truffes Noires V.G.E., originally served to French President Valéry Giscard d’Estaing at the Élysée Palace on February 25, 1975—the evening Chef Bocuse received France’s highest decoration. The second course will feature Filet de Bœuf Rossini with Sauce Périgueux—a Paul Bocuse classic—including filet of beef with seared foie gras, pommes fondant, spinach purée, and sauce périgourdine. The evening will conclude with Tarte Tatin, a French staple showcasing perfectly caramelized apple tarte served with vanilla ice cream.
New Brunch at The Dirty Rabbit
Renowned for its talented DJs, live musical performances, unique weekly programming, and expertly-crafted cocktails, The Dirty Rabbit is excited to announce the launch of its newest weekend party: Made in Wynwood Jazz Brunch, happening every Sunday from 2-5pm. Join the Wynwood hotspot for an unforgettable Sunday Funday featuring a delicious FREE brunch buffet with your favorite dishes such as French toast, egg sandwiches, breakfast pastries, fresh fruit, salads and more. Pair it with a complimentary glass of Moët & Chandon Champagne while grooving to the tunes of a live jazz band. As the day transitions into night, stick around to experience the vibrant energy of Miami’s top nightlife destination.
Lunar New Year at MO Bar + Lounge
On Wednesday, January 29th from 6 p.m. – 10 p.m., celebrate the Lunar New Year at MO Bar + Lounge – located within the sleek lobby of the prestigious Mandarin, Oriental, Miami. The evening will feature an inaugural event, with live entertainment and violinists performing a blend of Asian and modern pop rhythms.
Delight in a special culinary buffet featuring Chinese barbecue, dim sum, noodles, sushi and other Asian- inspired delicacies. Experience a traditional Lion Dance and an opening ceremony at 6:30 p.m. (performance lasting approximately 15 minutes). For the entire month of January, MO Bar + Lounge invites guests to celebrate the Year of the Wood Snake with a signature “Lucky Snake Bite” cocktail, crafted for this special occasion. Guests are also welcome to partake in a very special tradition of writing wishes and blessings on a red envelope then hanging them on an exclusive Good Intentions Tree, located in the lobby. This custom symbolizes growth, prosperity, and the welcoming of good luck. All are encouraged to embrace the new year with good energy and heartfelt wishes.