Archive for the ‘Restaurants’ Category

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Three New Miami Spots with Buzz Plus “Guerrilla” Dining

Monday, November 5th, 2012
A few places to consider spending your evenings during your luxury villa rental vacation
Planning a visit to Miami this fall or winter, perhaps to enjoy the sun or experience Art Basel? Whether you’ve decided to stay in a luxury villa rental or not, there are a few new spots on the Miami restaurant and bar landscape that you may want to add to your “must visit” list before your trip. Here are just three of the most buzzed about new additions to the Miami scene:
Cooper Avenue: Billing itself as a “restaurant, bakery, market and lounge that is open early, open late,” this new Miami Beach addition has fashioned itself as a one-stop shopping kind of place. The brainchild of restaurateurs Amir Ben-Zion (Gigi, Bardot) and Shai Ben-Ami, Cooper Avenue was inspired by the markets of New York, something not often seen in Miami. The restaurant at Cooper Avenue serves largely American fair and at the moment is open until 1am if you would like to pop in for a late night cocktail at the  bar. cooperavenue.com
Drumbar Miami: Chicago whiskey lovers are likely quite familiar with the Drumbar in their city, which offers patrons a large selection of single malts and more. The Miami outpost of Drumbar is set to open at the Gale South Beach in December and promises to be a great watering hole for whisky connoisseurs in Miami. The bar is also Miami’s Exclusive Scotch Malt Whisky Society Spot.
Paladar Latin Kitchen and Rum Bar: If you prefer rum to whiskey then Paladar is likely the place for you, offering up more than 50 varieties to choose from. The kitchen serves rum-friendly comfort food inspired by the cuisines of the Caribbean, South and Central America, and Cuba by way of Ohio. “Paladar isn’t a traditional Latin restaurant,” co-president Andy Himmel recently told Miami.com. “It’s a new experience.” The restaurant is set to open in the Village of Gulfstream Park in November.
If you’ll be enjoying the beauty and luxury of Miami you may also want to consider a more out of the ordinary dining experience, like the “guerrilla” dining provided by Shelley-belly’s Underground. The concept of this intimate home based supper club is rather simple and, according to Shelley, “details of the event are a closely guarded secret, two days before the event, once your booking has been confirmed you will receive an email with the location details and password – no one gets in without a password.” The suggested “donation” is $65 per head and you’re tasked with bringing your own wine to enjoy the several courses of fresh, local food. shelley-belly.com
Seafood lovers who will be visiting Miami soon–whether staying in a luxury villa rental or a hotel–keep in mind that Florida stone crab season starts the week of October 15. If you’re looking for some great spots to enjoy some fresh fish try Joe’s Stone Crab or My Cerviche.
Photos: Ocean Drive, Miami.com, shelley-belly.com

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Posted in Miami, Miami Beach Luxury Travel, Restaurants | 1,265 Comments »

A Change to Aspen’s Restaurant Scene & Planning Your Winter Luxury Villa Rental Vacation

Sunday, September 16th, 2012

 

Artist’s Rendering of the New Elk Club Restaurant

via lacrousstreeb.com

Aspen is a great place to visit any time of year, but without a doubt the luxury ski resort’s high season is the winter months. If you’re hoping to enjoy a completely comfortable vacation in a luxury villa rental in Aspen then you’ll also want to think about booking now. As people on the restaurant scene ramp up for the start of the 2012-2013 winter and ski season so too will the options of where to stay fill up fast. One such change to the Aspen scene is the new Elk Camp restaurant being opened by the Aspen Skiing Co. (Skico) and slated to be ready by the start of the winter season. Located close to the Elk Camp gondola the new restaurant will be 14,769 square feet and has been designated as the new hub of Snowmass’ summer operations.

aspen times rentals
The Site of the Elk Club Gondola

via vrbo.com

The new Elk Club, which has been in the works for the better part of two years and will replace Cafe Suzanne’s, is part of a growing trend that has seen independent ownership of mountain restaurants in Aspen dwindle to just two (Bonnie’s and High Alpine). As Scott Condon of The Aspen Times  (aspen times rentals) notes “on-mountain restaurants have become increasingly important for ski-area
operators. Just as ski areas completed replacing old chairlifts with high-speed
models over the past 25 years, they are now replacing lots of old, worn-out
restaurants with grand, new structures.”

The restaurants don’t just look newer, different, shinier, either. The food experience has also changed dramatically from down home American grub like hot dogs and fries to a much more upscale dining experience. According to Skico, the Elk Club’s menu “alludes to northern Italian cuisine” and will have food that focuses on health and freshness, two big trends in high end Aspen restaurants. The new menu will apparently include speciality sandwiches, pizzas, and rotisserie items, as well as salads, soups, fresh pasta, and gourmet desserts. The Elk Club will not just cater to skiing diners, but the size (capacity for 250 in the dining room, 25 at the bar, 150 on the deck, and 90 seats in an an area for ski school kids) will also make it ideal to host events and receptions.

Villazzo’s Luxury Villa Rental Elisa in Aspen

For those loving the new, even higher end Aspen, then a winter vacation here wouldn’t be complete without the right accommodation. While hotels are nice, the privacy and opulence of a luxury villa rental really can’t be beat. One such luxury villa rental option is the VillaHotel Elisa, located only minutes from downtown Aspen this unbelievable luxury villa includes six bedrooms, a vanishing edge pool, and outdoor seating and entertaining area complete with fireplace. The attention to detail and design on this property really has to be seen to be believed. And while Villazzo luxury villa rentals provide privacy and all the comforts of home, our VillaHotel properties really go above and beyond, combining unbelievable luxury villa rentals with the kind of service and personal touches that far surpasses a traditional five-star hotel.

If you would like to spend part of your winter break, or even Christmas and New Year’s, in an Aspen luxury villa rental then the best time to book is now. Of course, if you can’t wait for winter to enjoy the beauty that is Aspen, fall is a great time to visit too. Not only will you save yourself from the peak season hustle and bustle, but you’ll also get to enjoy the explosion of color that comes on Aspen’s mountains and surrounding areas with the advent of fall.

Posted in Aspen, Restaurants | 2,248 Comments »

St. Tropez Restaurants with a View to Try During Your Luxury Villa Rental Vacation

Sunday, August 19th, 2012
St. Tropez is a land of plenty when it comes to luxury, beauty, and all the finer things in life, including food. If you’re planning a luxury villa rental vacation in St. Tropez it won’t be difficult to find great restaurants run by celebrity chefs where you can dine morning, noon, and night. Narrowing down the choices might be more difficult, so why not consider what will be surrounding you while you dine. To that end here are three great St. Tropez spots that offer up million dollar views along with their dishes and drinks.

Les Trois Saisons – A wonderful, dreamy atmosphere accompanies the delicious dishes at this gourmand’s delight. Nestled in a leafy park high above St. Tropez, Les Trois Saisons not only offers fresh and yummy delights–like wild catfish roasted lobster served with truffle–but also unforgettable views of the Bay of Pampelonne below. Chateau de la Messadiere, Route de Tahiti, +33 (0)4 94 56 76 00.

Lei Mouscardins
– The location of this St. Tropez restaurant makes it no surprise that the menu is heavy on fresh seafood, including fish and shellfish. Prepared in the traditional style of the South of France these dishes will tempt your taste buds, while the sophisticated surroundings, eye catching architecture, and breathtaking panoramic views will make your meal one to remember. 1 Rue Portalet 83990 Saint-Tropez, +33 494 972 900.

Kube Restaurant and SkyBar – In season, the views from the Kube Hotel’s SkyBar are not to be missed. Have a cocktail while watching the sun go down or enjoy a DJ spinning tunes after dark. Of course, you can also opt to dine indoors (ask for a table away from the kitchen) or in the garden. Before leaving you may want to check out the ICE Kube Bar on the premises where everything is, quite literally, on ice. 13 Chemin du Rogon de la Valette 83580 Gassin,  04 94 97 20 00.

No matter where you’ll be dining, if you want the ultimate in privacy and indulgence during your St. Tropez vacation think about opting for a luxury villa rental to make your trip complete.

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Posted in Restaurants, Saint-Tropez, Saint-Tropez Luxury Travel | 2,210 Comments »

Hot and Delicious Miami Restaurants to Enjoy in 2011-2012

Saturday, November 19th, 2011


Makoto Miami – Photo: billwisserphoto.com

With the vacation season in Miami about to kick into high gear we’re sure many heading South are already considering the age old question of where to eat after a day spent basking in the sun or touring Art Basel. Sure, if you’ve managed to secure an opulent and private luxury villa rental, there’s definitely the option of staying in, but even those with their own butlers and fully stocked kitchens will likely also want to sample some of Miami’s restaurant scene. Here are some suggestions for your days and nights out:

The Dutch – Chef Andrea Carmellini has always drawn on his roots as the son of Italian-Americans when creating his restaurants (like the lauded Locana Verde in Manhattan) and his dishes (Locana specializes in uncomplicated Italian fare). Carmellini’s The Dutch, which first opened in SoHo and is now debuting in Miami, is a little more Americana, a little more comfort food than the chef’s previous ventures. Fans of the original The Dutch will find that the hotly anticipated, now open Miami version incorporates a Southern spin, which includes dishes like oyster sliders and an abundance of pies. 2201 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, 305-938-3000

Makoto – Many looking for a good meal in the Bal Harbour Shops now have another alternative, the refreshing Japanese menu put forth by chef Makoto Okuwa at his eponymous restaurant. Okuwa has taken advantage of the fresh seafood available in Miami by presenting an interesting mix of sushi and sashimi options, along with grilled meats and innovative noodle and rice dishes. Adventurous? Try the “hotate” (live scallops). 9700 Collins Avenue, 305-864-8600

New Look: Morgans on the Beach –
Photo via Miami NewTimes

Morgans on the Beach – Joe Allen’s was a Miami lunch staple and when many regulars found out it was being replaced by Morgans on the Beach they were quite upset, even demanding that certain dishes be kept on the menu (the kitchen staff has largely remained the same). This second outpost for Morgans has proven to be successful–breathing new life and decor into an iconic restaurant. Along with the old favorites, chef Paul Suriel has added new dishes to the menu included pulled pork sliders, mac and cheese, and pizzas. The restaurant also has a respectable cocktail menu that includes a lemon basil margarita. 1787 Purdy Avenue

De Rodriguez Cuba – The newest offering from Douglas Rodriguez, one of the forefathers of New Latin cuisine, De Rodriguez Cuba’s menu is heavily influenced by the fresh seafood available in the ocean nearby. A vacation in Miami isn’t complete without some Latin flavor and Rodriguez’s new offering is definitely gourmet with selections like oxtail in a spicy red wine sauce and chocolate cigars. 101 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, 305-672-6624

Pastry Chef Hedy Goldsmith – Photo via Ocean Drive

The Villa by Barton G. – If you want a special occasion restaurant in a gorgeously opulent setting, in this case the luxe mansion of the late Gianni Versace, then The Villa is a great choice. It may be difficult for food to stand out amidst such gorgeous surroundings, but the cuisine served up by Jeff O’Neill–including the foie gras ambrosia–certainly manages. 1116 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, 305-576-8003


Thinking of dessert? Try Hedy Goldsmith’s delicious creations at Michael’s Genuine Food and Drink (130 NE 40th Street), which include gourmet versions of childhood faves like Oreos and Pop-Tarts, or try Buttercream in Coral Gables (1411 Sunset Drive), where many Floridians flock for the cupcakes.

If you’re thinking of a vacation in Miami this winter consider the gorgeous luxury villa rentals offered by Villazzo — privacy, beauty and five-star service to rival any hotel.

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Posted in Miami, Miami Beach Luxury Travel, Restaurants | 812 Comments »

The Hot Places to Eat and Drink During Your Miami Vacation

Sunday, August 21st, 2011
Everything From Jeff McInnis’ Soon-to-Open Resto to Haute Living’s Top 5 Coffee Spots in Miami
Jeff McInnis via Haute Living

Visitors flock to Miami for many reasons; sun and sand, art and culture, the vibrant nightlife. If you’re planning a Miami luxury villa rental vacation you have the option of eating in your own state-of-the-art kitchen or venturing out to find your meal in one of Miami’s celebrated restaurants. There are classics–Joe’s Stone Crabs, Nobu, Palme d’Or–and trendier locales, not to mention a variety of different cuisines.

Like in most big cities, in Miami new restaurants from big name chefs are cause for a ton of buzz and anticipation. One such chef is Jeff McInnis, who disappointed many Miami diners when he left his post at Gigi’s earlier this year. Miami’s Top Chef has now been tapped for the new Yardbird Southern Table and Bar, which according to its website, is set to open in Fall 2011 at 16th and Lenox on South Beach. If the restaurant stays on schedule (reports have it opening in September), you’ll be able to give it a try if you head to Miami for your luxury villa rental location in the off-season or in time for Art Basel.

Five Napkin Turkey Burger – Photo by billwisserphoto.com
via The Miami New Times

Michelle Bernstein is another chef with a high profile on the Miami dining scene. Bernstein’s new offering, Crumb on Parchment, may be laidback but it is attracting well-heeled lunchers and foodies alike. The restaurant on 3930 NE Second Avenue has a café-style vibe, serves all day breakfast and scrumptious options like classic baked goods (delicious chocolate chip cookies) and elevated lunch food (tuna sandwiches served with kimci aioli and spicy pickles). While a luxury villa rental is the perfect place to throw a bash, Crumb is also a site to consider for a private party, especially one where food wrapped in parchment and utensils served up in pails only adds to the charm and ambiance.

Having a cup of coffee brewed in the state of the art kitchen of your luxury villa rental is a great way to the start the day or unwind at night, but where to go for your java fix when you’re out and about in Miami during the day? To answer that question HauteLiving.com has published their picks for the Top Five Coffee Shops in Miami: Café Demetrio, Nespresso, David’s Café, Pasion del Cielo and Versailles. Of the five we’re partial to Demetrio’s gorgeous location and gourmet brews.

And, lastly, if you’re looking for some more casual dining you’ll be happy to know that Miami has been overrun as of late with gourmet burger joints. Take Shake Shack, for instance, which just announced its opening another location in Coral Gables. The Miami New Times recently compared the newly opened Five Napkin Burger (located on Lincoln Road) to BGR the Burger Joint, which is on Miracle Mile. The results? According to the critic Lee Klein, BGR has the better “signature beef burger,” while Five Napkin wins when it comes to turkey burgers. And that’s the beauty of Miami–high or low, luxury or laidback, the city really delivers.

Villa Contenta, seen here, is just one of the gorgeous luxury villa rental options that Villazzo offers for the Miami area. Visit Villazzo.com for information on the different villas available, their unique features, stunning locations and modern amenities.

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Posted in Miami Beach Luxury Travel, Nightlife, Restaurants | 462 Comments »

The Hottest Aspen Restaurants for the 2011 Season

Friday, January 21st, 2011
High season in Aspen is moving into full swing, which means the arrival of well-heeled travelers from far and wide who are not only looking to hit the slopes, but to have some fun après ski as well. If you’ve booked a luxury villa rental in Aspen this season–or are thinking of doing so–you’ll likely want to think about where to eat and what to do when you’re not enjoying the great outdoors.
The 2010/2011 season has seen some interesting additions to the Aspen restaurant scene, in addition to the tried and true classics that every traveller to this ski heaven should try at least once.
casa tua aspen

Casa Tua Aspen

If you’ve been to Miami, you’ve likely sampled the wares at Casa Tua’s outpost in that city, which is set up in a gorgeous Mediterranean-style house, circa 1925, that is also home to a member’s only club on the upper level. Aspen’s Casa Tua has opened up in the space that once belonged to Ruth’s Chris and Guido’s, and is a sprawling 5,000 square foot, two-story mix of elegant and Aspen rustic.
The menu has definitely taken a page from the Miami original, and chef Sergio Sigalai’s kitchen will be serving food all day. Some delicious dishes you may want to sample include homemade pastas like Tagliolini with crème fraiche and caviar, a whole Branzino that is deboned at your table, and yummy Wagyu steaks served grilled. Mickey Grendene’s club and eatery will definitely be catering to the after hours crowd as well; if you’re interested in a membership the set up is similar to the Caribou Club, with a choice between short and long term options. 447 East Cooper Avenue, 970-920-7277. (more…)

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New Miami Restaurants a Draw for Luxury Travellers

Wednesday, October 27th, 2010
Some Hot New Eateries to Spice Up Your Luxury Villa Rental Vacation in Miami

1500°

Housed in a historic building on Collins Avenue the new 1500° restaurant is a result of a $220 million renovation of the property that houses it.  Built in 1956 this structure was designed by the great Morris Lapidus, an original purveyor of Miami Beach style and design, and has now had new life breathed into it with the extensive renovations and the opening of the hotly anticipated 1500° this month. According to the restaurant’s website their firm belief is that “no dish can be better than its ingredients.” With that thought in mind Chef Paula DaSilva has prepared a seasonal menu made up of largely fresh and local ingredients with a decidedly steakhouse bent. Not only has the ownership here brought in DaSilva, a chef with more than 10 years of experience at Miami’s 3030 Ocean restaurant among others (she was also a finalist on Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen), but also the experienced restaurateur Seth Greenberg who is tasked with collaborating with DaSilva to make 1500° the place a well-heeled gourmand will want to frequent whether they live in Miami or are staying on in a luxury villa rental. “Our goal is to appeal to visitors and locals alike,” Chef DaSilva states. “Whether you’re a foodie tourist on a culinary exploration of Miami’s best restaurants, or a local looking for an exquisite meal in a gorgeous setting, 1500° will fit the bill.”

(more…)

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Is Lincoln Road Miami’s New Up and Coming Area?

Sunday, September 12th, 2010
Those Vacationing in Miami Beach Luxury Villa Rentals May Want to Check Out What All the Fuss is About with 1111 Lincoln Road and its Neighbors

Lincoln Road in South Beach is one of those rare pedestrian-only streets in a city of cars and traffic that reminds one of Barcelona’s tourist-trap Las Ramblas in many ways. Except now several companies, developers, and designers have moved in to rethink Lincoln Road and regentrify the area, producing buildings, stores, and restaurants meant to usher in a new era for the foot traffic on this road. Real estate developer Robert Wennett’s 1111 Lincoln Road is the biggest and showiest of the projects here and seeks to “further Miami’s international prominence as a 21st-century destination for art, commerce, and culture.” While Wennett has managed to pull in several international retailers for his multi-purpose building, it remains to be seen if he will have the same success with Lincoln Road as he has had with his other projects, like the Meatpacking District in Manhattan. If you’re planning a vacation in one of Miami’s luxury villa rentals you may want to head down to Lincoln Road to see for yourself the evolution currently taking place here. (more…)

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Posted in Miami, Nightlife, Restaurants, Shopping | 1,288 Comments »

Miami Beach In October: Fashion, Wine, and the Prelude to Luxury Villa Rental Season

Saturday, September 4th, 2010
Fashion, wine, and the prelude to Luxury Villa Rental season make for a great Fall South Beach getaway.

As the summer season draws to a close, that doesn’t mean all ideas of vacation need flee until winter. In many locations, as seen in St. Tropez, autumn is the perfect time to visit. Usually you will find less of a crowd and, in the case of Miami Beach, some great events to help pass the time when you’re not whiling away the hours poolside at your luxury villa rental. In October alone, the city of Miami is hosting two great events that shouldn’t be missed if you’re vacationing there at the time. In fact, they’re pretty great reasons to plan a jaunt to Miami in October, even if you had no prior plans to visit. (more…)

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Posted in Miami, Restaurants | 6,338 Comments »

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