Don't Miss Miami Spice at Iconic Fontainebleau

Polenta Scarpetta at the Fontainebleau, Scarpetta

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A recent overnight at iconic Fontainebleau (fontainebleau.com) on Miami Beach proved remarkably memorable. It remains the essence of glam, from the lobby’s gorgeous chandeliers and marble everywhere in the Lapis spa (plus deluge rain showers like you wouldn’t believe) to hot shops for bathing beauties with haute taste. On this occasion, my visit comprised of a snazzy dine-around experience—thanks to the Fontainebleau’s participation in the Miami Spice restaurant event, happening now through September 30th. The restaurants on property—Hakkasan, Gotham Steak, Vida and Scarpetta—are offering three-course prix-fixe menus ($35) with specialty signature cocktails and discounted valet parking Sunday-Friday. It’s a sweet deal.

I highly recommend starting your evening in the center of it all, the lobby’s Bleu Bar. It’s a whopper of a people-watching scene. See if Hector's behind the bar, he's an amazing mixologist.

At Scarpetta, which is the venture of celeb chef Scott Conant, there’s a modern aesthetic coupled with views of the poolscape. I’m smitten before I even sit down. The Miami Spice menu here includes an over-the-top creamy polenta fricassee of truffled mushrooms. Note: When the waiter begins clearing the plates, I wouldn’t let him take mine until I finished every last drop. Yes, it was that good. I also indulged in a perfect dish of spaghetti with basil and tomato.

A stop at Hakkasan, which is a sister property to the  Michelin-rated restaurant in London—offers Cantonese cuisine at an echelon well deserving of such accolades. Couple the food with the interior and you could go into sensory overload. The private room I dined in is also where George Clooney and J.Lo have held parties. Wow! Have the sweet corn soup, definitely. The flavors and texture make it one of the best I’ve ever tasted.

Finally, in Gotham Steak’s sophisticated surroundings, with its treasured wine collection in view, I didn’t want the evening to end. The grilled prime hanger steak is a must. Served with roasted fingerling potatoes, caramelized shallots and Bearnaise sauce, it just can’t get better than this. For more details on Miami Spice, visit: ilovemiamispice.com.

Tags: Bleu Bar | Fontainebleau | Gotham Steak | Hakkasan | Miami Beach | Miami Spice | Scarpetta