Ocean Drive Lists Kiki On The River in Top 10 Places With Seasonal Fare

By Ocean Drive

Tis the season for pumpkin spiced lattes and chunky sweaters, and even though South Florida is devoid of any fall weather, our kitchens are definitely not! Our hungry palates can’t wait to savor the spices and warmth of the season’s main ingredients. Rolling out some exquisite dishes that are perfect for the season, these SoFlo restaurants are showing us that fall-infused cuisine is available to all foodies in the Magic City.

Kiki on the River

Get a taste of fall along the Miami River at the romantic and cuisine-forward Mediterranean hotspot, Kiki on the River. The restaurant is rolling out a robust Grilled Lamb Chops entree, accompanied with Yukon gold potatoes that are cooked in lemon juice, Greek oregano, olive oil, and bay leaves. Not missing out on the action are the Lamb rack and t-bones, which are marinated in garlic, rosemary, and olive oil brings to life the seasonal flavors of Greece. 450 NW North River Dr., Miami, 786-502- 9244

R House Wynwood

Situated in the culinary and cultural heart of Wynwood, R House is churning out a Butternut Squash Risotto that will have you salivating at every bite. Arborio rice is cooked in a house-made veggie broth with butternut squash, thyme, and parmesan cheese. Another fall perk? Chef/Owner, Rocco Carulli, will be launching, ‘Rocco’s Risotto’ every Thursday night, which will feature a chef’s selection of risotto for two, paired with a bottle of Italian Wine. The restaurant features a live DJ from Friday-Sunday, and their famous Drag Brunch every Sunday. 2727 NW 2nd Ave., Miami, 305-576-0201

Sweet Liberty

If you are one of the lucky few in South Florida with a fireplace, I say crank up that AC and sit in front of a fire with Sweet Liberty’s Sweet Potato Chili, a seasonal favorite. Made with chipotle, red and black beans, shiitakes, sour cream, and aged cheddar, this dish is a hearty, flavorful, and a well-suited meal for fall. Don’t miss an opportunity to check out some seasonal cocktails, as Sweet Liberty was just voted one of the best bars in the world. 237 20th St., Miami Beach, 305-763-8217

Mr.Chow

With a world-renowned Peking Duck recipe on their menu, Mr. Chow, located at the W Hotel South Beach, delivers when it comes to seasonal dishes. Try their new Crispy Duck Salad prepared by Chef Hiu Pan Lee. It combines a trifecta of fall elements like fresh vegetables, pine nuts, and crispy duck, really encompassing the essence of autumn in South Florida. Need a full-bodied wine to compliment the salad? Try Mr. Chow’s own Cabernet Sauvignon for extra flavor. 2201 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, 305-695-1695

Graziano’s

Just because we can’t feel fall in the air, doesn’t mean we can’t feel it in our bellies. At family-owned Graziano’s, the Coral Gables hot spot that has been serving classic Argentinian fare for over 50 years. The cult classic, Lechoncito (pork), is a popular selection on their menu. Cooked over an open flame, it is served with chimichurri and salsa criollo and the pork is deliciously spiced without being overpowering on the palate. Succulent and rich, the lechoncito is right up there with fall’s favorite dishes. 394 Giralda Ave., Coral Gables, 305-774-3599

Soul Tavern

If healthy and gourmet are at the top of your ‘fall dish’ must-have list, then Soul Tavern’s Soulful Ramen with plant broth, yam noodles, mushrooms, seasonal veggies, and sesame paste will do your body (and your soul) good. Nothing beats a hearty bowl of ramen to warm your spirits up during the fall season, and the Soulful Ramen is full of flavor and earthiness. You have the option of adding a marinated organic, pasture raised egg to this vegetarian concoction. Here’s to conscious eating this season! 1801 West Ave., Sunset Harbour, 305-925-0799

Verde Miami

Pizza gets the fall treatment at Verde Miami, located inside the PAMM. Offering sprawling bay views in a minimalistic setting, Verde is the best backdrop to enjoy their seasonal Butternut Squash and Fig Pizza. With all the main flavors of fall in one slice, the pizza is lightly sautéed in butternut squash and fresh thyme for that kick of freshness. The dough is then topped with a dash of olive oil, extra butternut squash, Gorgonzola and fontina cheeses, fig, caramelized onion and more fresh thyme. It is then finished off with lightly toasted hazelnuts and la Saba, which is a traditional Italian grape that is closely similar to a balsamic reduction. Enjoy it with a glass of red and some art. 1103 Biscayne Blvd., 305-375-8282

Beaker and Gray

One of Wynwood’s hottest restaurants also happens to have one of the best go-to fall dishes this season. Beaker & Gray’s Pumpkin Gnocchi is so loved by foodies, it’s offered on the menu beyond fall. Made with pork rib, manchego, and red shiso, the gnocchi’s combination of potent ingredients like shiso and manchego mixed with the semi-sweetness of pumpkin, make it an ideal seasonal dish that exudes all the tastes of fall. It will make you forget the 90-degree weather outside. 2637 North Miami Ave., Wynwood, 305-699-2637

Hakkasan Miami

This chic Cantonese eatery inside the iconic Fontainebleau Hotel is giving its diners a taste of fall every Saturday and Sunday during lunch with their scrumptious Crispy Pumpkin Puff. The dumplings are stuffed with butternut squash, royal trump mushroom, carrot, yam bean, lotus root, and zucchini. These bite-sized appetizers are a fresh burst of fall flavors with style. 4441 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, 877-326-7412

Sushi Garage

Simple dishes don’t lack flavor and such is the case with Sushi Garage’s crispy Pork Belly dish. The entree comes with three pieces of braised pork belly with a mustard sudachi vinaigrette, served over fried brussels sprout leaves, nashi pear, and pickled radish. Fresh ingredients combined with the clean execution of the dish, give the pork belly front-and-center attention while electrifying the senses with its balance of sweet (thanks to the pear) and salty (mustard oil). Japanese cuisine just gave new meaning to Fall. 1784 West Ave., Sunset Harbour, 305-763- 8355

Diplomat Prime

Innovation and fine dining are at the top of the list at this upscale seafood and steakhouse located inside the newly renovated Diplomat Beach Resort. Specializing in fresh catches, Diplomat Prime is introducing a fresh North American Black Bass for their fall menu. Combined with sweet potato curry, caramelized butternut squash, root veggie kimchi, black garlic, pickled beech mushrooms, and Korean chili, this Black Bass is a seasoned to perfection with classic fall ingredients that give it an exotic flavor. Compliment it with a with a Manhattan and go to bed happy. 3555 S. Ocean Dr., Hollywood, 954-602-8331

Tanuki

A juicy piece of meat is synonymous with fall, and Tanuki Tavern’s Braised Wagyu Short Rib is bursting with bold flavors. Instead of cooking the meat in a French-style beef broth with Demi-glacé, it is braised in dashi with traditional Asian spices. Carnivorous foodies will delight in the fall-off-the-bone tenderness of the cut. Accompanied with creamed potatoes and crispy shallots, this modernized Asian-infused creation is the quintessential comfort food for the season. 1080 Alton Rd., Miami Beach, 305-676-8602

Jack’s Miami

Cool temperatures make a plate of spaghetti the ultimate coveted fall dish of the season. Jack’s Miami knows the way to our seasonal hearts because they’ve introduced the Pasta Puttanesca to their new menu. Though simple in preparation, the homemade pasta puttanesca is bursting with big flavor and complimented with anchovy paste, kalamata olives, hot red pepper flakes, homemade marinara sauce, and capers. Grab a seat in their cozy outdoor patio and don’t forget to wash it down with a full-bodied Italian Wine. 2426 NE 2nd Ave., Edgewater, 305-640-5507

Mare Mio

Tucked in the picturesque streets of Española Way, Italian trattoria, Mare Mio, is treating its diners to the wonders of fall cooking via their pumpkin ravioli. Garnished with asparagus tips and finished with a pink cream sauce, this exquisite dish makes you forget the high temperatures. The blend of semi-sweet pumpkin and the sharpness of the sauce are an ideal combination of flavors that find balance all while delivering taste. 447 Española Way, Miami Beach, 305-397-8950