Dinner and a Show :
Media & Entertainment District

December brought the Nutcracker and Brian Stokes Mitchell – January promises 101 Dalmatians and Beethoven’s  5th – February, the Indigo Girls and Florida Grand Opera’s 25th Anniversary.  The Media & Entertainment District is alive and well at the Adrian Arsht Center for the Performing Arts . But do you hurry back home instead of savoring the music of the night?   Instead, compliment the evening with drinks and a wonderful dinner – before or after!

Kelly Melchiondo, an attorney with Stearns Weaver Miller Weissler Alhadeff & Sitterson, PA, recently dined at Bin 18 (1800 Biscayne Blvd) prior to a night out at the Arsht Center.  She raved: “Delicious – and they have a great, varied wine selection.”  In its loft-like setting, Bin 18 has an incredible wine and beer list, representing regions from across the globe.

Jose Manuel Correa enjoys Los Gauchitos (1717 N Bayshore Dr) Argentinean Steak House.  He explained “they have the best empanadas, and parrilla uruguasha.” Los Gauchitos is quaint and a bit hidden behind the Doubletree Grand Hotel. Some say it’s a little jewel tucked away in a cozy and unassuming location.  Another signature item is their Churrasco Skirt Steak.

Seeing a show during the day?  A great pick is Brisa Bistro (1601 Biscayne Blvd).  They are infamous for an “all you can eat brunch” with amazing service and variety.  Brisa is flavor, cultures and a great dining experience with an expansive wine list all rolled into one.

Looking for a social hub in route, Karu & Y Lounge, Sake Room Sushi Lounge and Primo’s Restaurant & Lounge are great selections.  All three are known, after work and on weekends, to attract crowds intending to unwind and connect.

1. • Karu & Y Lounge (71 NW 14 St), with new owners, is known to have an array of beautiful people and a diverse setting catering to any mood. Dinner starts late, so this is definitely an after-the-show destination if it’s dining you seek.  From a foodie point of view, they are known for their Kobe Beef Burgers and Lobster Corndogs.  Don’t forget, the beautiful people too.
   

2. • Sake Room Sushi Lounge (275 NE 18 St #106) is a great neighborhood find.  Word on the street is, not only does the owner personally greet you, but they have an amazing Pink Panther Signature Roll and a superb fruit fondue without the 80’s décor.
   

3. • Primo’s Restaurant & Lounge (1717 N Bayshore Dr) is best known for their appetizers.  Juan Cueto, an avid Heat fan, shared his take on the place, “Primo’s has great appetizers and the location is perfect right before a game”.
   

In the mood for something a little more out of the way?

1. • Tony Chan’s Water Club (1717 N Bayshore Dr) is the romantic place with amazing views of Biscayne waters.  Tony Chan’s features, some would say, the best Chinese food in the area. Their signature item and the one getting the most raves is their Duck Yupan entree.  Tony Chan’s Water Club is a bit tucked away and hard to find, but totally worth the effort.
   

2. • At NE Miami Place and NE 14 Avenue, is The Urbanite Bistro (62 NE 14 Ave) only steps away from the Arsht Center and across the street from Vagabond Miami. The warm and sexy restaurant combines European bistro dishes with Floridian and international influences. The menu showcases all natural meats, game and indigenous fish. Libations include a selection of 25 domestic and European craft beers, more than 30 wines by the glass and innovative cocktails. The restaurant space is inviting with undertones of navy, red and mahogany and two large indoor bars.  It is a place to eat, drink and enjoy life.
   

But the DWNTWN mac daddy for 2010 is Barton G Weiss – and the place: Prelude by Barton G. (Ziff Opera House - 2nd Floor).  The events impresario/ restaurateur brings his signature style DWNTWN in the heart of Miami’s cultural hub six days a week.  Enter a new age of fixed-price dining with a new-to-Miami twist:  Diner’s Decision, the choice of any three dinner menu items for $39 or any two lunch/brunch items for $23.  South Florida’s most expansive by-the-glass wine list - including by the taste, the half glass or the glass - complements a menu of updated American classics.  Or sip a glass and enjoy a snack from the after-8 p.m. a la carte menu.

Now please pass me that wine list, I have a show to catch…

Violette Sproul interviewed Kelly Melchiondo, Jose Manuel Correa and Juan Cueto for DWNTWNR

For a comprehensive list of lunch and dinner options DWNTWN, as well as Bars & Nightclubs, Spas & Gyms, check out the enclosed CityGuide.