FONTAINEBLEAU

There is no holiday more closely associated with brunch in my mind (except for maybe Mother’s Day) than Easter. It always lands on a sunday - the traditional brunch day - and the weather is sunny without it yet reaching the hot-as-you-know-what temperatures of a South Florida summer, which makes Easter Sunday a great day to take advantage of our al fresco dining opportunities. South Florida having its distinct Latin flavor, those seeking Easter brunch locales will definitely have the option of adding a little sazón to their baked ham and Eggs Benedict, with restaurants adding their own tropical spins on Easter classics, as well as offering traditional Latin American Easter specialties. Additionally, our veritable wealth of authentic and regional Italian restaurants will also be offering their traditional Easter banquets. Here are a few of Joonbug’s picks for Easter brunch in South Florida.

Rusty Pelican

The Rusty Pelican has always been one of my favorite locations for Sunday brunches, regardless of the time of year, because of its extensive spread and its unparalleled views. With its recent renovation, this Key Biscayne landmark has not only received a design facelift, but a culinary one, as well. Their traditional buffet stations will be present, but the restaurant will also be presenting “brunchers” with some more innovative dishes, such as ancho chile rubbed prime rib or fresh scallop and passion fruit tiradito. $75 per adult, $32 per child. The brunch is by reservation only and will be offered from 10:30 AM to 3:30 PM. 3201 Rickenbacker Causeway, Key Biscayne. (305) 361-3818 ext 207. www.therustypelican.com/rustypelicanmiami

Quattro Gastronomia Italiana

Lincoln Road’s pinnacle of traditional and inventive Piedmontese dining will be offering several traditional, and not-so-traditional, Easter and Easter-inspired dishes as part of their à la carte menu to help diners usher in a “buona Pasqua”. Specials will include a very traditional torta pasqualina con fonduta al aschera, a traditional savory Easter tart with baby spinach, buffalo ricotta and herbs ($16), as well as an oven-roasted leg of lamb with rosemary-scented fingerling potatoes and baby rainbow carrot ($34). For a pasta, try artichoke ravioli with a saffron parmesan sauce ($19). Don’t miss out on dessert with colombe pasquale alle mandorle con gelato al miele, a traditional Easter cake with almonds served with a scoop of honey gelato ($12). 1014 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach 33139. (305) 531-4833. www.quattromiami.com

The Dutch

Too busy sleeping in to make it out in time for brunch? No worries! One of Miami Beach’s hottest new residents, The Dutch, specializing in farm-to-table cuisine, will be serving up à la carte Easter dinner specials alongside their raved-about rustic American menu items. Sample such spring-inspired dishes as asparagus with a sunny side up Lake Meadows farm egg and mustard glazed pork belly ($18) or a plate of crispy soft shell crab with pickled spring ramps and crushed potatoes ($27). Desserts promise to offer chef Andrew Carmellini’s signature blend of the familiar and the novel with items like a rosemary nectarine pie with candied peanuts and honey ice cream ($12) or warm sour cherries with crunchy meringue and lemon-lime sorbet ($12). Dinner served from 6:00 PM to 11:30 PM. The Dutch is located inside W South Beach at 2201 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach 33139. (305) 938-3111. www.thedutchmiami.com

Fontainebleau Resort

A trip to the Fontainebleau any time of the year is guaranteed to provide anyone with an unforgettable meal at one of its many restaurants. My personal favorite, Scarpetta, will be offering an Italian-inspired Easter brunch buffet with endless bloody marys, bellinis, and mimosas. The pasta station will feature Scarpetta’s famous spaghetti with tomato and basil, as well as duck and foie gras ravioli, marsala reduction cavatelli, and short rib ragù. Also, do not miss the creamy polenta with fricassee of truffled mushrooms. At $75 per person ($37.50 per child) this is an excellent opportunity to sample unlimited quantities of Scarpetta’s unforgettable Italian cuisine - perhaps the best in South Florida. Vida will also be offering an expansive Easter Day brunch for $59 per person ($37.50 per child) which will include many traditional Easter brunch dishes with a few contemporary twists, including the very unique sushi from its next door neighbor, Blade Sushi and Raw Bar. Be sure not to miss such specialties as lobster mac and cheese, five spiced duck breast, lavender honey mustard salmon, cheeses, charcuterie, and four (yes, four; as in 1,2,3,4) separate dessert stations, including one with homemade candies, chocolates, and even lollipops! 4441 Collins Avenue Miami Beach, 33140. (305) 538-2000. www.fontainebleau.com

Asia de Cuba

For a typically Miamian East meets West Easter Sunday experience, head on over to Asia de Cuba, located inside the whimsically-appointed Mondrian South Beach. For $68 per person, indulge in bottomless mimosas, as well as a whole suckling pig cooked Cuban style inside the caja china, a method for roasting pork that was invented in Miami. Also enjoy Asia de Cuba’s selection of ceviches, sushis, Asian-inspired noodle dishes, and traditional brunch buffet offerings. 1100 West Avenue, Miami Beach 33139. (305) 514-4955. www.mondrian-miami.com

DB Bistro Moderne

Chef Daniel Boulud is one of my favorite chefs, and I’m so glad to have one of his restaurants in Miami. On Easter Sunday, expect a buffet of French-inspired takes on traditional brunch fare demonstrating Chef Boulud’s impeccable culinary training and unique perspective. In addition to the buffet, each table will be offered a db Burger to share - one of the most inventive and luxurious hamburgers you will ever ingest, consisting of a ground sirloin exterior with a stuffing of red wine braised shortribs, foie gras, a mirepoix of root vegetables and preserved black truffle. $68 per person. 225 Biscayne Boulevard Way. (305) 432-8800. www.danielnyc.com

Miami Shores Country Club

If you’re longing for a touch of class and a glimpse into the elite, top-drawer lifestyle of a bygone era in South Florida, Miami Shores Country club has the Easter brunch for you! Expect all the usual suspects at this classic Miami institution, such as eggs benedict, prime rib, and baked salmon, along with white-gloved maitre d’s and stiff-haired, old money matrons with their jaw-clenching preppy children. The food is very good, surprisingly affordable, there is no country club membership required, and the experience is different and quite entertaining. 10000 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami Shores 33138. (305) 795-2360. www.miamishoresgolf.com

94th Aero Squadron

Ever since I was a kid, I always wondered about the barnyard-looking building jutting right up next to Miami International Airport’s runway. Fortunately, I had the opportunity to feed my curiosity at one of their famous sunday brunches. The 94th Aero Squadron (or El Escuadron, as it’s known by some Miami natives), is another one of those South Florida institutions. Along with typical Sunday brunch fare, expect to find Cuban-style roast pork, sweet plantains, arroz congrí, and paella this Easter while having an unmatched view of airplanes taking off and landing. There are even complimentary headphones to listen in on the control tower commands...perfect for the younger members of your party (or the young at heart)! 1395 North Red Road, Miami 33126. (305) 261-4220. www.94thmiami.com

B Ocean Fort Lauderdale

Housing one of Broward County’s finest Asian restaurants, SAIA, the B Ocean has become a beacon of style, elegance, and excellent food and drinks on Fort Lauderdale Beach. On Easter Sunday, enjoy a brunch at the hotel’s Penthouse Ballroom with spectacular views of Fort Lauderdale and the Atlantic ocean. Cheeses, charcuterie, carving stations, and omelets are expected, as well as SAIA’s incomparable sushi and seafood creations. $47 per person (children $20). Served from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. 999 N Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd, Fort Lauderdale 33304. (954) 302-5208. www.BOceanFortLauderdale.com

It comes as no surprise that one of the sexiest places on earth would take Valentine’s Day very seriously. While couples up north will be celebrating in layers of wool coats, huddling close to a fireplace trying to make their teeth stop chattering long enough to sip their hot cocoas, we in South Florida will be enjoying our mild “winter” with picnics and walks on the beach, al fresco dining, linen slacks, skimpy dresses, and strappy heels. Valentine’s Day in the world’s sexiest place is definitely very sexy, and for foodies the dining options are equally as sensual. Whether you want to share in the the raw eroticism of sushi, the classic romance of Italian cuisine, or the warm and exotic spices from the land of the Kama Sutra, South Florida has the perfect place for you and your date to begin your romantic evening, and may of the area’s finest restaurants will be featuring special menus to help set the mood. Here are some of my picks for getting the evening started in good taste:

Sugarcane Raw Bar and Grill
One of Miami’s most innovative restaurants located in the heart of Midtown will be featuring special additions to their already daring menu that evoke sensuous images and provide luscious flavors and textures, like a beef tenderloin with melting foie gras and roasted root vegetables ($36) or triggerfish crudo with “bleeding” pomegrante and white soy ($10). Additionally, Chef Timon Balloo will be offering sweetheart petit fours ($8) that will include a chocolate chili bar, passionfruit pâte de fruit and rose water macaroon, making a sweet end to a romantic gourmet experience.

3250 NE 1st Ave
Miami, Florida 33127
(786) 369-0353
www.sugarcanerawbargrill.com

Sushi Samba Dromo
Lincoln Road is an ideal place for a Valentine’s Day dinner, offering the opportunity for an intimate stroll and exemplary al fresco dining. Sushi Samba has long been a favorite on this strip for their exemplary fusion of Japanese, Brazilian, and Peruvian flavors and techniques. This Valentine’s Day, Sushi Samba will be offering a few sexy specials to help heat up couples’ special night, including a lamb loin tataki with yuzu-mint gelée, spicy tobanjan-dijon mustard, and celery sprouts ($16), as well as an elegant dessert of rose water meringue with chocolate truffle mousse, dragon fruit-kiwi-strawberry salsa and sake gelée ($12). To drink, don’t miss that night’s special cocktail comrpised of pisco, Domaine de Canton, fresh pineapple and freshly muddled raspberry ($11).

600 Lincoln Road
Miami Beach, FL 33139-2916
(305) 673-5337
www.sushisamba.com

Rusty Pelican
Long-known for providing diners with some of the most breath-taking views of the ocean, the newly revamped Rusty Pelican is offering a prix-fixe V-Day dinner for $85 per person and will be available from Friday, February 10th up until the 14th. You might need to leave dinner early and find a hotel room after sampling Rusty Pelican’s aphrodisiac first courses like “Ménage à Foie” consisting of foie gras pâté, both seared and torchon, brioche toast, and honey marmalade, or the “Oysters & Pearls” that include poached Kumamotos, tapioca pearls, spinach, and Osetra caviar.

3201 Rickenbacker Causewy
Key Biscayne, FL 33149
(305) 361-3818
www.therustypelican.com

The Dutch
One of Miami’s newest - and hottest - dining destinations will also be offering a prix-fixe, 3-course menu for $80 per person that also features some traditionally sensual appetizers with a twist, including a foie gras brûlée and beef tartare. Chef Andrew Carmellini will also be offering entrée choices that include simply-prepared comfort dishes, like Guiness-braised shortribs with Yukon gold mash and sprout leaf salad, or lighter options like roasted pompano with crème frâiche and caviar.

2201 Collins Ave
Miami Beach, FL 33139
(305) 938-3111
www.thedutchmiami.com

Makoto
Miami’s newest shrine to haute Japanese cuisine, located inside the exclusive Bal Harbour Shops. Offering a relative bargain prix-fixe menu at $55 per person, diners will be able to indulge in fire and ice oysters with yamamomo granita and serrano chili, a surf and turf consisting of lobster and a 12 oz. NY strip steak, and chocolate yuzu for dessert. For an additional $30, diners can partake in a drink pairing for each course, that includes exciting spirits like a sparkling sake.

9700 Collins Avenue #107
Bal Harbour, FL 33154
(305) 864-8600
www.makoto-restaurant.com

SAIA
One of the restaurants on the forefront of Ft. Lauderdale’s emerging fine dining scene offering some of the most innovative cocktails and creative preparations of sushi and seafood, SAIA will be presenting a special V-Day dinner in collaboration with Hanahouhoushu Sparkling Pink Sake. Available February 10th through the 14th, will be able to partake in a five-course prix-fixe dinner with Hanahouhoushu’s unique sparkling pink sake for only $159 per couple. Start with a salmon & hamachi miso and ginger chicken soup and end with a strawberry fruit salad featuring fresh strawberries with ginger melon sauce a coconut sorbet in a crispy wonton shell with mint granita while gazing off into the Atlantic ocean just steps away.

999 N Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
(954) 564-1000
www.saiasushi.com

East End Brasserie
There is no cuisine more closely-associated simultaneously with elegance and romance than French cuisine. This Valentine’s Day, savor Chef Steve Zobel’s three-course prix-fixe menu with amuse bouch and champagne toast for $75 per person featuring such luscious dishes as ricotta gnocchi with Roquefort cream sauce, and sole and asparagus on a bed of wild mushrooms topped with lobster hollandaise sauce. Finish dinner with a chocolate fondue for two! Wine lovers can have dinner with wine pairings for $95 per person.

601 N Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
(954) 567-8020
www.atlantichotelfl.com

Mare Nostrum
One of the newest reasons to visit Brickell is Mare Nostrum, a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant specializing in the freshest seafood imaginable. For $150, a couple can enjoy a complimentary bottle of Moet Chandon champagne, as well as a sumptuous four-course dinner, including seared tuna rolled in Moroccan spices with seafood risotto cake, lemon buerre blanc, and red wine reduction. To cleanse the palate between course, refresh yourself with a mojito granizado!

1111 SW First Avenue
Miami, FL 33131
(786) 691-2770
www.marenostrumrestaurant.com

Edge
For those intending to fly solo for Valentine’s Day, Edge Steak & Bar has just the menu for you, which avoids using any cutesy, lovey-dovey language...it actually does quite the opposite. For $65 per person, celebrate (or wallow in) your singleness with dishes like “love shucks” (East Coast seafood tower flavored by sour orange mojo, stinking rose aioli and angry habanero hot sauce) or “burnt, bitter, blue” (salad of bitter greens, burnt almond praline, and crumbles of Point Reyes blue cheese, drizzled with two-timing balsamic dressing). Only parties of one will be seated in the restaurant’s private dining rooms, and festive event will provide single diners the opportunity to mingle and possibly find that perfect somebody.

1435 Brickell Avenue
Miami, FL 33131
(305) 358-3535
www.edgerestaurantmiami.com

Fontainebleau Resort
No matter where you go in this iconic Miami Beach resort, you will not be disappointment. Perhaps the most exemplary Italian restaurant in South Florida, Scarpetta will be offering its regular menu including its signature spaghetti with tomato and basil that will win over any heart. Hakkasan’s dark ambiance and private dining rooms separated by a labyrinth of carved wooden partitions, along with its gourmet Chinese cuisine, make it an ideal dining destination for this special day. Solo, perhaps one of Miami’s finest pastry shops, will also be offering special Valentine’s Day-themed pastries, including raspberry and white chocolate macaron hearts. Of course, there is no better way to end the evening than with a stroll on the boardwalk!

4441 Collins Avenue
Miami Beach, FL 33140
(305) 538-2000
www.fontainebleau.com

Bianca
Just recently celebrating its grand opening with a star-studded party, The Delano’s newest restaurant addition will be offering a prix-fixe V-Day menu laden with one of the most sensual ingredients in the world that is perhaps the most treasured by any foodie: TRUFFLES! From truffle tagliatelle to a sirloin steak served with crispy black truffle potatoes and a side dish of spinach in a truffle cream sauce, Bianca is sure to leave any truffle-lover lovestruck.

1685 Collins Ave
Miami Beach, FL 33139
305-674-5752
www.delano-hotel.com

Although it's not yet December 31st, the countdown has already begun. The days are rapidly disappearing as you try to decide what to wear, where to go and who to celebrate with. We can't pick your clothes or your friends, but we can tell you where the hottest parties will be happening in Miami this New Year's Eve. (Click on venue name for more info and to reserve tickets + tables.)

Fontainebleau 4441 Collins Ave
Miami Beach, FL 33140-3227 The Fontainebleau is one of the most posh and popular party spots in Miami so naturally have booked some top talent for their NYE poolside bash. Swedish DJ Axwell, part of the Swedish House Mafia, will deliver an unforgettable, exclusive mix of house, electro and club music to welcome the New Year. The party lasts from 7PM to 2AM with premium open bar from 9-12. Tickets: general admission starts at $325 with private cabanas and stage-side tables costing five figures. Or, take the party inside to Fontainebleau's ulta-club LIV where Busta Rhymes and Sebastian Ingrosso will be helping you celebrate the new year. This is one of the most expensive and exclusive parties in Miami with general admission starting at $575 which includes admission and premium open bar from 9PM - midnight (the price drops to $375 after 1AM). There are tons of tables available both downstairs and on the mezzanine where you'll pop bottles of Belvedere and Dom Perignon for prices between 8 and 20 grand. The party will last until after the sun comes up again at 7AM. Tickets and tables can be booked here.

Dubstep is taking over Miami this December and there's plenty more to do before 2011 is over.

Suénalo, dubbed 'Miami's Best Latin Band' by the New Times, is performing at The Lucky Clover Irish Pub in Little Havana. The eclectic 9-piece group has created their own unique musical recipe of Afro-Carribean mixed with Latin and a dash of funky Jazz. The show is free this Friday, December 15th and starts at 9PM but get there early to grab a good seat (Happy hour starts at 4PM).

If you feel the ground trembling this weekend, don't freak out - it's just the deep, dirty bass of dubstep's posterchild pulsating throughout the beach. The one & only Skrillex will be performing Saturday, December 17th at 7:30 PM at the Fillmore. Tickets are expensive, but still available at StubHub. [If you haven't seen it yet, check out his nasty new video for First Of The Year (Equinox) here.]

Joonbug was in the DJ booth, the energy was electric and the bass was blaring as Not For The Radio's Tony G and Los De La Vega officially released their Radio Active EP album. Their party even featured a live saxophone performance by Keith Cooper, member of one of Miami's favorite bands, Art Official. In addition to their EP tracks, other beats were thrown into a musical blender and included remixes of hip hop, rock, pop hits and a dash of dubstep.

Their EP was released by NFA World Music and contains three trance-inducing tracks:

Get ready to drink and dance your ass off this Friday, September 16th as Not For The Radio celebrate the release of their Official EP Radio Active at Arkadia at the Fontainebleau in South Beach. Be one of the first 100 party people through the door and receive an exclusive, limited edition Radio Active tee designed by Miami artist Jessy Nite.

Good news, fellow spa-goers! Lapis Spa at the Fontainebleau is extending their Miami Spa Month specials through the month of September to help you survive the last of the Summer heat.

I recommend the three treatment package which includes a 30 minute mineral soak and scrub, a 25 minute facial and a pedicure for $99.

You'll start with a few minutes in the eucalyptus steam room. An attendant will then lead you to the mineral soaking tubs. The water is hot and brimming with bubbles. She'll pour in a cup of mineral salts before you immerse yourself.

The end of the school year has arrived and for all you hard working collegiates we have created a couple parties especially for you. Your last minute cram sessions paid off and its time to celebrate that 4.0 you nabbed this semester! The end of the year festivities kick off tomorrow night, May 10, with an all out bash at Wall Lounge at the ultra swanky and incredibly trendy W Hotel South Beach. Their weekly Tuesday party, Favela Beach, hosted by Joonbug and OneFifty has the deserved reputation as the hottest party on the beach, and with all you added to the mix the party will only get better. The night will not only have its weekly vibe of Brazilian cool but also special guests just for you. DJs Jacomino, Beats Bailey, and DJ Ruen will be dropping beats that even Donna Shalala couldn’t resist getting down to.

Erick Morillo is one of the world's hottest DJs. It's only fitting that his birthday celebration be at the biggest nightclub on the beach. Come celebrate the DJ everyone loves so much! On Saturday, March 26 for Miami Music Week, Erick Morillo will be having his birthday bash at LIV Nightclub inside the Fontainebleau. For tickets go to www.wantickets.com. Tables are strongly suggested.

LIV at the Fontainebleau

4441 Collins Ave

Miami, FL 33140

For table reservations contact MIAMI@JOONBUG.COM

On Saturday, March 26 for Miami Music Week, Arkadia presents "Mau5trap Miami Label Party." Come experience this intimate night time event at Arkadia inside the Fontainebleau. For tickets go to www.wantickets.com. Table reservations are strongly suggested.

Arkadia at the Fontainebleau

4441 Collins Ave

Miami, FL 33140

For table reservations contact MIAMI@JOONBUG.COM