February 28, 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.
Brunch at a’Riva
JARANA Celebrates 1 Year
National Paella Day at Level 6
Viva Abejas at Toro Toro
Brunch at a’Riva
Elevate your weekends at a’Riva, where brunch is a stylish, flavor-packed experience in the heart of Miami Beach’s Sunset Harbour neighborhood. Available Saturdays & Sundays from 11 AM – 4 PM, a’Riva’s brunch blends seasonal Italian flavors with Mediterranean influences, crafted under the expertise of Chef Michele Esposito. Guests are invited to indulge in a curated selection of decadent pastries, signature bagels, fresh salads, and indulgent brunch classics with highlights such as lemon ricotta pancakes drizzled in maple syrup, smoked salmon latke topped with crème fraîche and caviar, and the classic Eggs Benedict with an elevated touch.
Heartier selections like Fettuccine Bolognese and Chicken Milanese bring bold flavors to the table, while Bellini Service featuring fresh juices and a Coconut Iced Coffee (boozy, if you wish) ensure the perfect sip to complement your meal. Whether you’re here for a leisurely bite or a lively brunch scene, a’Riva invites you to unwind, indulge, and escape—if only for the afternoon—to the sun-drenched charm of the Mediterranean coast.
Photo Credit: Joe Thomas
JARANA Celebrates 1 Year
This March, JARANA Aventura – Peruvian Cuisine & Pisco Bar, the vibrant Peruvian dining destination known for its festive spirit, bold flavors and lively atmosphere, is turning up the energy as it celebrates its one-year anniversary. To mark the significant milestone, which coincides with Women’s History Month, JARANA is celebrating by way of collaborations with two of Miami’s most renowned female chefs. To add to the festivities, JARANA is also introducing Pisco Disco, a retro-themed cocktail and music experience.
Since opening its doors last year, JARANA Aventura has brought the essence of a traditional Peruvian jarana – a spirited gathering filled with food, music and good company – to South Florida. In celebration of the anniversary, JARANA is debuting a series of events that showcase its bold cuisine, innovative cocktails and commitment to community and the joyful spirit of Peruvian culture.
In tribute to Women’s History Month, JARANA’s Executive Chef Martha Palacios is honoring the anniversary occasion by collaborating with two highly acclaimed Miami-based female chefs for exclusive, one-night-only dining experiences. These partnerships will bring inspired, vibrant dishes to the menu for two unforgettable weekends:
Saturday, March 8 (International Women’s Day): Chef Karla Hoyos of Tacotomia will collaborate on a menu of creative, Peruvian-inspired specials.
Saturday, March 22 – Valerie Chang, Chef/Co-owner at Maty’s and the 2024 James Beard Foundation Award winner for Best Chef: South, will bring her signature contemporary approach to Peruvian cuisine for one unforgettable dinner.
Debuting on March 6, JARANA’s Pisco Disco will transport guests back to the golden era of disco, funk and retro beats. Held on the first Thursday of every month, the bar and lounge will transform into a throwback oasis, complete with vinyl-spun sets from JARANA’s resident DJ and a curated menu of inventive pisco cocktails paired with Peruvian light bites. Guests will be immersed in the nostalgic sounds and infectious rhythms of 70s, 80s and 90s nightlife, ensuring JARANA’s Pisco Disco is a high-energy, can’t-miss monthly event.
Whether dancing to electrifying music at Pisco Disco, indulging in inspired culinary collaborations or toasting to a year of Peruvian cuisine and pisco cocktails in Aventura, March at JARANA brings a variety of ways to celebrate.
National Paella Day at Level 6
Coconut Grove’s premier rooftop restaurant, Level 6, is famed for its modern, urban twist on Spanish cuisine and vibrant atmosphere. National Paella Day is coming up on Thursday, March 27 and Level 6 is celebrating the iconic dish with a special occasion – The Art of Paella.
Beginning at 6PM, guests will have the opportunity to take part in an exclusive event highlighting the craft and tradition of paella. The experience will feature a carefully curated three-course menu, with a special paella de mariscos prepared tableside, accompanied by endless pours of refreshing sangria.
Attendees will leave not only with the knowledge and new appreciation for the Spanish dish, but also head home with a special take-home paella making kit. Sharing a quick outline of details below. Book your spot here.
Viva Abejas at Toro Toro
This spring, internationally renowned chef Richard Sandoval celebrates our connection to the earth with the return of his global culinary campaign that spotlights our interdependence on nature. Showcasing the importance of the world’s pollinators – bees – on which the global food cycle depends, Sandoval’s fourth annual interactive, multi-sensory plant based culinary experience Viva Abejas (Long Live Bees) will take center stage at his restaurants worldwide, including right here in Miami at his celebrated Pan-Latin concept Toro Toro at the iconic InterContinental Miami.
Guests will have the opportunity to experience the celebration with several plant-based culinary selections that incorporate bee pollen, honey, agave, avocado and additional bee-centric ingredients. Richard Sandoval Hospitality has partnered with the World Bee Project and will be donating a portion of proceeds from all Viva Abejas menu items purchased to its philanthropic partner. Guests can also donate directly through www.richardsandoval.com/viva-abejas.
As part of the month-long campaign, Toro Toro will be featuring an exclusive, a la carte menu that includes plant-forward creations such as Coconut Tuna Ceviche – red onion, mint, radish, cucumber, avocado, Fresno chili, toasted coconut and orange blossom honey ($30); Charred Avocado Salad – rainbow quinoa, pea purée, radish, serrano, Meyer lemon confit and bee pollen ($24); Braised Short Ribs – agave honey, sweet potato, roasted heirloom carrot, chimichurri and grape demi-glace ($63); and Honey Cheesecake – honeycomb, blood orange, berry salsa and Alma Finca orange liqueur flambé ($23). In addition, Toro Toro will offer a handcrafted Viva Abejas cocktail during the month-long campaign. Priced at $15, the Honey Lavender Margarita is a refreshing mix of Blanco tequila, lime, honey, lavender, Crème de Violette and alma finca orange liqueur.
The Viva Abejas campaign kicks off Tuesday, March 25 and runs through Earth Day, Tuesday, April 22, 2025.