LOCAL BITES

SIP&SAVOR

LIBATIONS RARE FINDS

SOME OF THE WORLD’S RAREST AND PRICIEST SPIRITS MAKE THEIR GLOBAL DEBUTS IN MIAMI

BY PAUL RUBIO

Whiskey and rum aficionados, rejoice: Some of the world’s most exclusive bottles were revealed during Miami launch parties in late 2022 and are available online and behind the bar at select Miami establishments—until the highly limited productions sell out, that is. Glenfiddich Single Malt Scotch Whisky launched its Time Re:Imagined collection, an exalted range of 30-year-old, 40-year-old, and 50-year-old whiskies, with an extravagant penthouse affair at the Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club in Surfside. Meanwhile, fifth-generation maestra ronera (or “rum master”) Jassil Villanueva Quintana unveiled her family’s most elevated rum in their 134-year history, the $2,800 Andrés Brugal, over a lavish dinner at Klaw restaurant in Edgewater. Here, we spotlight the taste and buzz behind these next-level, limited-edition, ultra-premium spirits.

Journey back in time with Glenfiddich’s latest collection, which spans decades.

GLENFIDDICH 50-YEAR-OLD

Born between 1966 and 1968 in three American Oak refill casks, all aged in the same warehouse and then united, Glenfiddich’s most prestigious single-malt whisky to date is an ambush of the senses, with aromas of sweet clementine and muscovado sugar and profound, lingering notes of smooth oak and sun-dried vanilla. The 50-year-old, goldcolored expression is housed in a three-sided, handblown, bespoke decanter, designed by noted computational architect Manuel Jiménez García. With just 220 decanters in existence, this coveted whisky commands a price tag of $50,000. However, if you’re simply seeking a 2-ounce pour (dram) for $9,999, visit the Champagne Bar at the Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club, one of three establishments in the United States to carry the liquid gold behind the bar. (glenfiddich.com)

ANDRÉS BRUGAL

Since 1888, award-winning premium rum producer Brugal has been bottling some of the Dominican Republic’s best aged rums. In October 2022, the brand introduced its most premium expression yet: Andrés Brugal, paying homage to the company’s founder and his spirit of exploration and liquid artistry. “This limitededition bottling is a journey that started over a century ago,” says Jassil Villanueva Quintana. “Andrés Brugal combines special single-cask family reserves and our signature double-aging technique to tell a dual story of my family’s legacy of rum making as well as my own as maestra ronera.” The rum hits the palate as an enlivening combination of oak, vanilla bean, and sweet caramel flan, finishing with warming woody spices. A total of 460 bottles were produced worldwide, but only 50 are for sale in the United States. (brugal-rum.com)

GLENFIDDICH 40-YEAR-OLD AND 30-YEAR-OLD

To complete the Time Re:Imagined collection, the malt masters of the world’s most awarded single-malt Scotch whisky also released expressions at maturities of 40 and 30 years old. The dark mahogany Glenfiddich 40-Year-Old ($4,600) stimulates the nose and palate with impressions of dried fruits and dark chocolate, while the rich bronze Glenfiddich 30-YearOld ($1,299) first excites through woody flavors interlaced with delicate floral accents that segue into a long-lasting, honeyed finish. (glenfiddich.com)

Andrés Brugal is Brugal’s most premium rum to date.

RECIPE Just BEET It

Start the New Year off right—and in high style—with this tasty and healthy seasonal beets recipe courtesy of chef Alain Verzeroli of The Bastion Collection and Design District favorite Le Jardinier Miami. (lejardinier-miami.com) –P.R. (lejardinier-miami.com) –P.R.

Main Ingredients

4-6 small to medium fresh beets Sea salt and black pepper to taste 3 tbsp. olive oil (divided) 2 tsp. sugar 2 tbsp. sherry vinegar (divided) 1 small branch of rosemary 1 cup labneh (homemade or store-bought)

Garnishes

Pinch of chili fl akes 1/4 cup chopped pistachios 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds 6 orange segments 1 tsp. grated lemon zest Wash the beets (skin on), season them with 1 tbsp. olive oil, a pinch of salt on all sides, and sugar. On a large piece of aluminum foil, place the seasoned beets, add 1 tbsp. sherry vinegar to cover the beets, and top with the small branch of rosemary in the center. Wrap the beets in the foil and place them on a baking tray covered with salt (to stabilize them). Cook at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until the blade of a knife can easily pass through them (15-20 minutes). Allow the beets to cool to room temperature, remove the aluminum foil, peel the beets, and cut into slices. Place slices in a bowl and season with 1 tbsp. olive oil, 1 tbsp. sherry vinegar, and salt and black pepper to taste. Take some labneh and spread it onto a large plate. Season with remaining olive oil, a little salt, and chili fl akes. Add the beets on top and garnish with chopped pistachios, pomegranate seeds, and orange segments. Finish with grated lemon zest.

SIP&SAVOR

BRUNCH FOR GOOD Into the WILD

Chotto Matte’s address might read Miami Beach, but be prepared to enter the depths of the Peruvian rainforest for a truly unique experience. Exotic beats, lush surroundings, and an otherworldly vibe (complete with drummers) set the scene for the global Nikkei dining destination’s new immersive Jungle Brunch, available on Sundays. Take a walk on the wild side by opting for the unlimited drink package, complete with freeflowing Veuve Clicquot Brut and a bounty of jungle-inspired tipples like the Morning Bird, made with Bacardí Añejo Cuatro, Aperol, pineapple, shrub, and lime. From there, choose between two sharing-style menus (one is exlusively designed for vegetarians) with items such as oak-smoked salmon tostadas topped with guacamole, lime,

Delights include the bao shiitake tempura and bao pato crujente.

and cilantro; Argentinian red shrimp marinaded in a spicy coconut curry and cooked on the robata grill; bao shiitake tempura; and spicy chicken karaage made with a Nikkei rub, gochujang, lime, and jalapeño. All of this is paired with avant-garde design elements, making this brunch unlike any other in Miami. Even better? A portion of all Jungle Brunch sales benefit the South Florida Wildlife Center, which protects wildlife through rescue, rehabilitation, and education. (chotto-matte.com) –Melissa Puppo

Asian Delights, Exotic Japanese & Tasty Thai Open Daily for Lunch and Dinner beginning at 12pm 2775 NE 187th Street #1 - Aventura, Florida - 305.932.8080 11768 N Kendall Drive - Kendall, Florida - 305.275.9003

FESTIVAL FAVES

SOBEWFF 2023

The Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival Presented by Capital One (SOBEWFF) returns February 23-26. The 2023 edition promises to be bigger and better than ever, with more than 90 events throughout Dade and Broward counties. Look forward to annual happenings like the Burger Bash hosted by Emeril Lagasse, Tacos & Tequila hosted by Danny Trejo, and Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives Live hosted by Guy Fieri, plus a dozen-ish newcomers, including these three standouts. (sobewff.org) –P.R.

«THE COOKOUT

When: Saturday, February 25, 4 to 7 p.m. Buzz: James Beard Award–winning chef, author, and TV personality JJ Johnson will cast a spotlight on Black culinary excellence—past and present—at his walkaround event at 1 Hotel South Beach, showcasing the timeless flavors of African American cuisine through eclectic plates and drinks.

«SMORGASBURG AFTER DARK

When: Saturday, February 25, 9 p.m. to midnight Buzz: Run DMC front man DJ Rev Run will host a musicfueled, late-night eating extravaganza at Wynwood outdoor market Smorgasburg, featuring more than 60 local and national vendors serving unlimited food and drink.

«OVERTOWN EATUP!

When: Sunday, February 26, 3 to 7 p.m. Buzz: James Beard Award–winning chef Marcus Samuelsson will lead an afternoon of jazz and Black gastronomic delights by local Overtown chefs at Red Rooster Overtown.

Chef Marcus Samuelsson

ZZZZzzzzzz THE BEST SLEEP GURU IN TOWN

Are you in need of a legitimate beauty rest? Look no further than Aventura Mattress, a one-stop-shop for all your sleeping needs, from custom options that are created just for you to a vast selection of products that were hand-picked by its founder, sleep expert extraordinaire Tania Yumbla.

When you have a health issue, you go to a doctor. So, when you need a great night’s sleep, you must go to an expert who has twenty years under her belt.

Working with interior designers, health providers, chiropractors, etc. Tania explained the benefits and the importance of a good night sleep to prevent any health issues. Many people care only about exercising and diet, without knowing that to achieve a healthy lifestyle, you must have the 3 pillars “sleep, diet and exercise.”