Latest news with #MichelleBernstein
Miami Herald
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Miami Herald
This popular Cuban bar in Little Havana was just named one of the best in North America
The question gets asked a lot: What's the best bar in Miami? North America's 50 Best Bars has an answer — and it's a familiar refrain. At a ceremony in Vancouver, B.C. on Tuesday, the organization that ranks the world's most innovative places to drink named Miami's Café La Trova to its top 50 list for 2025. The collaboration of master cantinero Julio Cabrera and chef Michelle Bernstein, the Cuban spot on Calle Ocho in Little Havana always finds its way on the prestigious list (it was no. 13 this year). The spot, which opened in 2019, is known for its classic Cuban cocktails, bites and lively music as well as its ability to draw both locals and tourists. 50 Best Bars calls Café La Trova 'a joyous celebration of Cuban hospitality.' 'Stepping into the space, you're instantly transported to the Caribbean through sight and taste,' the guide writes. 'The bar team adheres to the traditional (and theatrical) cantinero style created by Constantine Ribalaigua at Havana's legendary El Floridita. Typically, the bartenders are busy throwing Hotel Nacionals (rum, apricot liqueur, pineapple juice, lime juice) through the air or dramatically shaking Daiquiri Clásico (rum, lime juice, sugar). Yet, the dinner jacket-uniformed staff also find time to pick up maracas and play along with the house Son Cubano band.' A few other Miami-area bars made the top 100 list as well, including downtown's aperitivo spot ViceVersa (56), which was recently added to the 2025 Michelin Guide. Others were the Champagne Bar at The Surf Club in Surfside (61); Bar Kaiju at The Citadel in Miami (77); and Swizzle Rum Bar and Drinkery in Miami Beach (78). The best bar in North America, according to the guide, is Handshake Speakeasy in Mexico City.
Forbes
05-04-2025
- Forbes
How To Plan An Adult Spring Break Vacation To Coral Gables
The exterior of Biltmore Hotel Miami Coral Gables Though Miami is one of the most popular spring break spots for its golden beaches and vibrant nightlife, it can feel rowdy this time of year. So if you're an adult—because grown-ups also deserve time off from the daily grind—who wants to visit The Magic City, but don't want to be in the thick of things, consider Coral Gables. Sra. Martinez is one of the best restaurants in Coral Gables. Just seven miles from downtown Miami, Coral Gables is a postcard-perfect city—no wonder it's nicknamed the 'City Beautiful'—that's adored for its stunning Mediterranean architecture, charming tree-lined streets, and upscale lifestyle. Enticing restaurants abound: Newcomer Sra. Martinez by James Beard Award-winning chef Michelle Bernstein and her husband David Martinez sends out out Spanish- and Mediterranean-influenced fare (think: oxtail paella, mushroom shawarma, harissa-rubbed prawns) in a swanky dining room filled with live music. Coral Gables is also home to high-end shopping and wellness. (Be sure to try one of Toska Spa & Facial Bar's celebrity-loved facials.) The grand lobby of Biltmore Hotel Miami Coral Gables As for where to stay in town, the answer is obvious. Opened in 1926, The Biltmore Hotel Miami Coral Gables is a local legend that's famed for its storied history—it was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1986—distinguished guests from Judy Garland to Franklin D. Roosevelt, and elevated but laid-back experience. Nearly a century later, The biltmore still holds court as one of Miami's best hotels. For starters: the design is spectacular. A striking example of Mediterranean Revival architecture, the 315-foot-tall property stretched across 150-plus acres commands your attention long before you've pulled up. Inside, the lobby continues to impress with hand-painted barrel-vaulted ceilings, towering marble columns, and handsome mahogany furnishings. Instead of a bland playlist, you ears will pick up on the cheerful chirps of finches from their nine-foot-tall birdcages. A Junior Suite at Biltmore Hotel Miami Coral Gables Thanks to a $25 million renovation that wrapped in 2018, the 271 guest rooms and suites are spacious retreats, boldly accented with shades of deep amethyst, robin egg blue, and gold, and classically done up with the essentials for a good night's sleep. Even better? All of the accommodations offer breathtaking views, whether you're overlooking the 18-hole championship golf course or taking in the city skyline. The Biltmore Spa at Biltmore Hotel Miami Coral Gables Since The Biltmore is a full-service resort, you might not want to leave after you've checked in. The massive outdoor pool is among the country's largest—and best enjoyed with a private cabana—while golf and tennis fanatics will flip for the Donald Ross-designed championship course, Jim McLean Golf School, and nine hard courts. When it's time to unwind, head to The Biltmore Spa, a 12,000-square-sanctuary for massages—the Deep Vine Theraputic Massage is ideal after a long day out—and facials delivered with expert care. Fontana at Biltmore Hotel Miami Coral Gables Though the Biltmore's signature restaurant Fontana is open all day and has a stunning fountain-adorned courtyard—which provides a pretty backdrop when the weather is nice—dinner stands out with craveable handmade pastas like the Aragosta Fra Diavolo (spicy lobster linguine) and perfectly grilled meats. And on Sundays, Fontana comes alive for its legendary Sunday Brunch, an extravagant all-you-can-eat affair of caviar, sushi, carved meats, and bottomless sparkling wine.
CBS News
31-01-2025
- Entertainment
- CBS News
Iconic Sra. Martinez returns at new location in Coral Gables
Miami's beloved Chef Michelle Bernstein is breathing new life into her iconic restaurant Sra. Martinez with a new and fresh location that captures the heart of Coral Gables. Originally launched in Miami's Design District in 2008, Sra. Martinez became a culinary landmark before rising rents forced its closure. "It was our second-ever restaurant and we loved it," Bernstein said. "Then all of the rents tripled. We were out and it was the one restaurant we said we'd never go backwards on. But this is the one we went backward for." The new Galiano Street location brings a unique charm, featuring nightly live music and an innovative cocktail program. "It has a touch of casual elegance," Bernstein explained. "I think it's pretty approachable food and I really wanted it to speak to where we are, it's a nod to being in Coral Gables for the first time in my career." Community is at the heart of the new Sra. Martinez. "I love that people walk from their homes to come and see me," Bernstein noted. "We've already had people come in five times in a row, and that's huge for us because we wanted this to be a neighborhood place." Bernstein's menu is a testament to her Miami roots and her culinary heritage. Highlights include: Oxtail Paella - A show-stopping dish where bone marrow is carefully scraped into the paella, creating a rich, complex flavor profile finished with dark chilies and chocolate. Eggplant Chips - Addictive chips seasoned with salt and molasses that perfectly showcase Bernstein's innovative approach. Greek-ish Salad - A refreshing blend of feta, tomatoes, cucumbers, pita, and pomegranate seeds that elevates a classic Mediterranean dish. Harissa Prawns - Served on a bed of cooling tzatziki, these prawns balance heat and delicacy. Sra. Martinez 2325 Galiano Street Coral Gables
Axios
27-01-2025
- Entertainment
- Axios
Chef Michelle Bernstein's La Cañita expands to Kendall
Award-winning Miami chef Michelle Bernstein is heading to Kendall next month. Driving the news: Bernstein's restaurant La Cañita, which has a smaller space in Bayside Marketplace, is expanding to the Palms of Town & Country. State of plate: The menu will feature Latin and Caribbean cuisine, like croquetas, empanadas, oxtail lasagna and locally caught snapper with ginger mojo de ajo. The craft cocktail menu includes a classic Mojito made with four year Flor de Caña, the Presidente with housemade grenadine and the Brownie Old Fashioned, with Rye, Strega, brownie port and house bitters. The vibe: An "island-kissed rum distillery" with an outdoor patio and live music. What they're saying: La Cañita co-owner David Martinez, who has partnered with Bernstein on Miami staples like Cafe La Trova and Sweet Liberty, said the restaurant is a "labor of love." "Our goal was always to give our guests an exciting, fun experience that was reasonably priced without compromising flavor, quality or ambiance." If you go: 8405 Mills Drive, Suite 203
