Scarpetta, 4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, Florida 33140
I’ve always loved Scarpetta; it’s one of my absolute favorite restaurants in Miami. From the blue and white nautical decor, the petite hydrangea bouquets, the mosaic/ceramic tiling, stunning seaside views (and let’s not forget about that homemade tomato and basil spaghetti) I mean, what’s not to love? So when they invited me to taste their “Miami Spice Prix-Fixe,” menu, it was kind of a no- brainer.
I started my evening with a few drinks, per usual. The extra-light and yummy “Sorrento” (made with oxley gin, house-made limoncello & basil) definitely set the mood, but it was no competition for the “Bari,” a yummy watermelon/tequila concoction with a spicy Serrano (pepper) kick. If mixed drinks aren’t your thing, no worries. Scarpetta has a few yummy wines on their Spice menu, too.
For starters, there are five different plates to choose from. I savored the following three: “Seared Tuna” (with anchovy, capers and almonds,) “Mediterranean Octopus” (served with potatoes, capers, olives and smoked crema) and the “Mozzarella In Carrozza” (with stewed baby tomatoes.) The tuna was fresh, the octopus had a great texture to it and the mozzarella was a ball of gooey, cheesy goodness.
For dinner, there are also five plates being offered. I dined on the following three: The “Short Rib Agnolotti Dal Plin” (served with horseradish, red wine & bread crumbs,) “Local Snapper” (with arugula puree’, lemon and zucchini soffritto) and “Oven Roasted Chicken” (served with a vegetable fricassee, fregola and balsamic reduction. OMG, the rib pasta was to die for (it was my favorite,) but a close second was the chicken. I would never go to a place like Scarpetta and order chicken, because I like to go all out when I’m having a special meal, but in this case, wowza! The chicken was succulent and layered with amazing flavor. It’s a must-try if you’re not into pasta or you’re watching your waistline.
There are two desserts to pick from on Scarpetta’s Spice menu and luckily, I got to try them both: The “Tiramisu” (made with coffee, mascarpone & salted caramel gelato) and the “Almond Panna Cotta” (with toasted almonds & raspberry sorbet.) Both were beyond decadent, but the panna cotta was so smooth and yummy, I could have had two!
Even though I didn’t taste the “Prime Sirloin of Beef” and “Spaghetti” (which are also both on the special menu,) I’ve actually had them before and they’re excellent choices. Their Miami Spice menus are just $39 for dinner, and $23 for lunch – you can’t beat that on the beach. From the fabulous food to the upscale Miami-esque atmosphere, you can never go wrong at a Scott Conant restaurant and that’s why Scarpetta is definitely one of my favorite things. Cheers!
The easiest way to find Scarpetta (inside the Fontainebleau) is to valet at its mid driveway location and walk to the right (south) down the hotel’s long marble corridor. It’s the first entry way on your left. You’ll notice the moody lighting and double hostess stands (flanking both sides of the entrance.)
Street parking is always tough in this area unless you’re willing to walk. There is a garage a few long blocks south of the hotel; just make sure you wear comfy shoes. I suggest valet, though; I mean, who wants to be sweaty before a glamorous dinner? Plus, the restaurant will validate your ticket to make it more affordable. Cheers!
Dinner & Lounge Sunday-Thursday 6pm-11pm, Friday-Saturday 6pm-12am.
reservations: 305-674-4660
Website: www.fontainebleau.com/web/dining/scarpetta
Twitter: @ScarpettaMiami
IG: @ScarpettaRestaurants
Editor: Matthew Auerbach
Photographer: James Woodley
Producer: Jessie Rosario
My outfit is a mishmash of some of my favorite things:
Shirt: @bloomingdales
Skirt: @Tikiboutique
Purse: @xobetseyjohnson
Shoes: @kokopalenki
Jewelry: @magentacouture
A special thank you to Brustman Carrino Public Relations
Wanna be featured on Spotlight? Email ShireenSandoval@yahoo.com