Lunch at Carpaccio in Bal Harbour was the ultimate “Miami” brunch experience.

Let’s forget about the food for a moment. Carpaccio is the place to see and be seen.

Sunday afternoon brunch, after a long night of clubbing in South Beach, is the only remedy for what long nights have to offer!

The patio offers the best people watching opportunities.

This fresh mozzarella and vegetable platter was the perfect morning after meal.

Linguine with clams…

Margherita pizza….

Angel hair pasta with basil and fresh tomatoes….

The food was going fast!

Dancing until 4:30 in the morning can make a girl pretty hungry!

Fried calamari and zucchini was the fried food fix we all needed!

These were crispy, hot, salty and delicious!

A long leisurely meal, great friends, and the post-mortem of the night’s shenanagins with a cold bottle of Sauvignon Blanc is the best way to say “Good-bye” to Miami!

“Spice of Love”, fresh jalapeño, passion fruit syrup, mango essence, Svedka, Cointreau.

Sugarcane in Miami is simply beautiful!

The plantation style decor and the outdoor patio dining area are absolutely amazing.

But I have to say that the food was disappointing.

Items were undercooked, bland or simply less than interesting.

Or, even worse, the dishes were too fussy with too many ingredients.

“Hibiscus Blossom”, citrus essence, native mint, hibiscus infused cachaça.

I do, however, have no complaints about the cocktails!

These lovely concoctions were fresh and tasty!

Mint, mango, cucumber and spices were perfectly combined to create delicious libations of heavenly proportions!

“Eden”, japanese cucumber juice, fresh cilantro, Herradura Tequila, aromatic celery bitters.

Roasted Peppers.

These peppers were actually quite good.

Duck Confit with Waffle.

Grilled Sweet potato with Maple and Soy.

Caulifower.

Grilled Octopus.

Pan Seared Squid.

Goat Cheese Croquettes.

Broccoli Rab.

This was another favorite.

Crudo with Papaya.

Ricotta Cheesecake with Nutmeg Ice Cream.

This ricotta cheese cake was, also, very good and I learned something.

This cake was smooth and creamy.

The cakes which I have made in the past were always a bit dry and lumpy.

This one was wonderful and I am going to try to make it myself!

WISH at The Hotel
801 Collins Avenue
Miami Beach, Florida

A recipient of the Mobil Travel Guide Four-Star Award 2001-2009, The Hotel’s romantic indoor/outdoor restaurant, Wish, also boasts a prestigious AAA Four Diamond rating.

Wish’s interior décor by fashion designer Todd Oldham is both exotic and cozy, while the exterior boasts a magical, tropical garden setting that is without a doubt, one of the most romantic al fresco dining areas in South Florida. The “Inner Garden” also evokes the lush outdoors with lush, tropical plants surrounding a delightfully intimate indoor dining area.

The Spire Bar & Lounge is an exquisite Miami setting for pre- or after-dinner drinks. Hotel guests, as well as visitors to Wish are invited to this rooftop setting to take in the memorable ocean and city views, the perfect backdrop for a round of neon-colored electronic cocktails, Wish’s signature drink. Open Thursday – Sunday, the lounge also offers a special menu of Wish dishes.

Glow in the dark menus are not only novel but completely practical!

We wined and dined like royalty on a long weekend in Miami “Sex and the City” style!

The four of us gathered to celebrate Lizzette’s birthday…and we did so like rock stars!

The atmoshere is amazing and the meal was impeccable.

Our favorite foodie ordered for us and did a superb job!

Dining under the stars was a treat beyond belief for winter weary Mid-Westerners!

Our server was not only gorgeous but also knowledgable and complicit in our efforts to surprise Lizzette with champagne and desserts!

Glow in the dark cocktails! Need I say more?!

The birthday girl with her birthday cocktail!

Black Bean and avocado spread.

CHARRED ARTICHOKE SALAD
Watercress, Mint, Fresno Chili, Garlic, Parmesan Cheese, Balsamic Vinaigrette

HAMACHI SASHIMI
Pickled Peppadew Peppers, Pineapple, Charred Scallions, Crispy Cardamom Couscous

POACHED SEAFOOD
Vannamei Shrimp, Mussels, Cockles, Calamari, White Corn Polenta, Tomato Salsa, Oregano

WISH SALAD
Endive, Radish, Cucumber, Cashews, Ginger-Lime Dressing

GRILLED MAINE LOBSTER TAIL
Locally Grown Pea Tendrils, Basil, Garlic, Ginger, Dried Finger Chilies, Lemon?Coriander Crema, Pineapple-Jicama Salsa

GARLIC-GINGER CRUSTED COD
Napa Cabbage, Rice Noodles, Fresno Chile, Shitake Mushrooms, Cilantro, Scallions, Macerated Limes

Edamame-Sweet Potato Hash

A plate full of desserts…..ALL of them!

Michelle Bernstein chef/owner of Sra. Martinez and Michy’s in Miami was kind enough to spend some time with us at Sra. Martinez.

Bernstein was previously a co-host of the Food Network series Melting Pot and was once in a battle on Iron Chef America versus Bobby Flay, from which she emerged victorious. She has since appeared on numerous shows, including as a guest judge on Top Chef.

Going over the menu was serious business. The birthday girl ordered for all of us…she’s a pro!

Beautiful and simple. The most delicious olive oil and warm bread…some of the best bread all weekend.

Long Stem Chokes, Lemon-Coriander Dipping sauce was fantastic; crispy, flavorful and delicious!

I had my doubts about the raisin bread with Manchego. I was pleasantly surprised. The best combination ever.

The bread and cheese were irresistable.

Yellowfin tuna and this amazing Cuban toast. Something like a savory doughnut is the best way that I could describe this incredible dish.

Crispy Eggplant Miel, Sea Salt. Tasty! Delightful and addictive!

Ciabatta, Fresh Tomato, L’Estornell . Crazy great! Michelle can get the most amazing flavor from the simplest of foods.

The cauliflower steak with Marcona almonds and raisins…..Inspired! I have a whole new love for cauliflower!

Of course, there was dessert! Bannana, ice cream, Churros, chocolate sauce; Girl Heaven!

The chocolate sauce was spicy and creamy. The churros were fried to perfection.

This was one of the most memorable and wonderful dining experiences of all time.

It was the friends, the love and Michelle Bernstein’s genius.

A perfect storm for a perfect night!