#ThankYouMiami How-To: Cooking Seaspice's Serrano Ham Benedict

The mother of all brunch occasions—Mother's Day—is just around the corner. As the brunch capital of the world, Miami has a thousand different options to choose from to host mom's annual celebratory brunch. Well, this year we're inspired to do things a little bit differently. We're thinking of showing mom just how much we care by whipping up brunch at home, featuring delicious dishes from our favorite Miami restaurants. Sounds a little more special, no?

If, like us, you're inspired and up for the challenge, we share the secret to Seaspice's Serrano ham benedict below to get your menu started. This dish is one of a handful of new brunch dishes the restaurant unveiled for spring and appeals to the charcuterie fanatic in us. Go on—take a look at how easy it is to put together. Worst case scenario, you throw in the towel and head to Seaspice where moms will be fêted by 2 hours of free flowing champagne (from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.), live music, photo booths etc.

Serrano Ham Benedict Recipe

4 oz. Serrano ham

1 Idaho potato

3 shallots

2 whole eggs

2 egg yolks

8 oz. clarified butter

1/4 tsp. chives

1/4 tsp. sherry wine vinegar

1 tbsp. water

1 tbsp white vinegar

#ThankYouMiami for New Food Finds - Artisan Beach House

Ritz-Carlton has an impeccable reputation because they make great choices. At Ritz-Carlton Vail, great choices include ski valet and a daily s'mores/hot cocoa happy hour. At Ritz-Carlton Fort Lauderdale, they include a blissful spa and rum-centric bar, eatery and market ideal for quality mother-daughter time. And, at Ritz-Carlton Bal Harbour, they include stunning views of Baker's Haulover Inlet and Artisan Beach House, a restaurant by Chef Paula DaSilva with an internationally-inspired menu of the season's freshest local offerings.

#ThankYouMiami Runs (And Wins) The South Beach Triathlon

It's been almost one month since I participated (and won) the South Beach triathlon. As I prepare to run (and hopefully beat my co-workers in) Thursday's Mercedes-Benz Corporate Run, I am reminiscing about my short journey in the tri world and why this victory absolutely had to happen.

#ThankYouMiami for New Food Finds - Via Emilia 9

Few things are more Americana than a neighbor popping over with food to welcome you to the neighborhood. Ironically, the neighbor that did that for me during my recent move hails from Italy. Via Emilia 9 is a regional Italian restaurant specializing in homemade pastas and dishes traditional to the Emilia region in northern Italy.  Last week, amidst a flurry of boxes, dust, and other moving chaos, they treated me to dinner at their intimate 15th Street digs. The simple yet undeniably delicious meal restored my energy and lifted my spirits during a really tumultuous time, starting my new chapter along West Avenue on a positive note.

#ThankYouMiami Moves To West Avenue

There's a good reason for my near radio silence the past two weeks: I moved. Turns out, moving is harder and takes a lot longer than you anticipate. (You have WAY more stuff than you think you do. And, that delivery you scheduled? Yea, that's going to be inexplicably delayed.) But, now that I am all moved in, I'm excited to get to know my new neighborhood and get back in the swing of things.

#ThankYouMiami for Random Acts of Genius

 

This is a short and sweet story about a random act of genius I experienced yesterday while shopping at the Ross on Miami Beach.

After waiting more than a half hour in an ultra long line—it wrapped around four times and spilled over next to the shoes section—I was super excited to pack my newly purchased home goods in the car and get home for dinner. I pushed my cart, piled high with fragile and bulky items, with conviction to get it through the door. Aaargh! The wheels on the cart locked. I jerked forward, the new glassware clanging ominously.

#ThankYouMiami How-To: Cooking Brasserie Azur's Braised Beef Short Ribs

For the sake of our wallets and our summer bodies, we're hoarding delicious recipes so we can cook and eat at home more frequently. And, while our weekday meals are simple and clean, we're still foodies that enjoy the decadent dishes and bold flavors found at Miami restaurants. Inspired by the success of our DÔA pork belly bun recipe post, we've asked local chefs to share the secret behind some of our favorite Miami recipes.

Today's recipe is a hearty dinner—an elevated version of the traditional American dish of meat, potatoes, and vegetable—from Brasserie Azur: braised beef short ribs with mashed potatoes and sautéed spinach. How do you know it's going to be good? Red-blooded American and New England Patriot's tight end Rob Gronkowski is a fan.

#ThankYouMiami for Donuts! Fest 2017

South Florida's only donut festival came back last week for another gathering of the best donut shops, all in the good name of United Way of Miami-Dade. Our contributor Celeste was the lucky duck who, on our behalf, enjoyed a night of gorging on Mojo Doughnuts, YoNutz, and other local and national donut greats at MAPS Backlot in Wynwood.

She had never been to a donut fest and was caught off guard by the amount of people vying for sugary goodness. ("I haven't seen lines that long since the launch of the last iPhone.") Despite the crowds, Celeste had an incredible time trying all of the unique donut flavors, alternating them with savory finds, and washing them down with Concrete Beach Brewery beers. In fact, she started a petition to have Donuts! Fest in Miami more than once per year.

Below we share photos of Celeste's favorite donut finds, including Jupiter Donuts' mango cayenne pepper which received her vote. Did you attend? Which donut shop was your favorite? Which flavor won your vote? Leave a comment below or send us a tweet (with a photo!) @ThankYouMiami.

Images via Celeste Guerra