The Scoop: Weekend of May 31st

Where There’s Smoke

Lasagna, stone crabs and angel food cake with strawberry compote aren’t the first items that come to mind when roasting over an open fire. But that’s the idea behind Ember, chef proprietor Brad Kilgore’s fourth Florida restaurant. Though the winner of Food + Wine’s best new chef for 2016 and James Beard semifinalist also does traditional steaks—his 34-ounce, 55-day dry aged Porterhouse is pictured here—he decided to add more unexpected dishes after working for molecular gastronomy chefs like Grant Achatz of Chicago-based Alinea. Innovative examples are roasted cornbread custard slathered in bone marrow-infused butter, and an escargot and chorizo cassoulet, whose accompanying white bean purée has even been smoked. Beignets, a New Orleans staple, are served savory versus sweet through harissa-spiced pimento cheese and onion ash. Humble french fries receive his fiery treatment, too. Dip them in chive mayo with grated Grana Padano or opt for poutine-style oozing with Boursin cheese and green garlic. Oenophiles will enjoy perusing wine director Michael Gonzalez’s list of 100 wines that pair well with Kilgore’s smoked fare.

151 NE 41st Street; (786) 334-6494

The Call of Cuba

A few years ago, the Wolfsonian-FIU museum had a huge hit with “Promising Paradise: Cuban Allure, American Seduction.” The immensely fun, multimedia exhibit spawned a book cowritten by Vicki Gold Levi, a collector who donated hundreds of Cuban design materials and ephemera from advertisements to rare sketches to the museum’s archives. Building on the momentum of her generous gift, the Wolfsonian follows their initial collaboration with “Cuban Caricature and Culture: The Art of Massaguer” from June 7, 2019 to February 2, 2020. Illustrator and graphic artist Conrado Walter Massaguer focused on political satire, tourism marketing and celebrity caricatures that were instrumental in defining Cuba’s global image in the first half of the 20th century. The show honors his legacy through iconic works including his covers for Life magazine and visuals depicting his “Massa-girls,” Cuba’s version of Roaring Twenties’ flappers. The exhibit naturally opens with a Cuban-themed party complete with live music and mojitos.

1001 Washington Avenue; (305) 531-1001; Click here

Summer School

Summer sipping brings to mind rosé. Café Boulud at the Brazilian Court Hotel in Palm Beach previews the season’s preferred drink with a rosé wine dinner on June 6. Sommelier Imre Papp explores Old World wines and champagnes from around the Mediterranean (Provence to Liguria), while chef Rick Mace and pastry chef Julie Franceschini prepare the four-course, prix-fixe menu. Dishes highlight spring bounty such as lamb, strawberries and rhubarb. With Father’s Day just around the corner on June 16, treat dad to the vino experience of a lifetime. Virginia Philip Wine, Spirits & Academy’s annual immersion wine course runs from July 1-August 26. Attendees meet for weekly classes on Mondays and receive a certificate upon passing the final exam on September 9. Students start with wine 101 and cover everything from Bordeaux to bubbles.

301 Australian Avenue; (561) 655-6060; Click here. 340 Royal Poinciana Way; (561) 557-4202; Click here

Sofas & Satchels

Get ready for summer soirées and travel with these key picks. Fendi Casa introduced its latest Thea outdoor furniture collection. Pieces including a sofa, armchair and loveseat marry minimal design and high-tech performance through materials that are made to weather the elements like 316 stainless steel. Other details are Thea’s signature round lumbar cushions and accent braiding inspired by Fendi’s Peekaboo handbag. Speaking of bags, local accessories collection Hunting Season relaunched. Whether exotic leathers like emerald green lizard or plantain straw wovens inspired by Balinese baskets, each designer bag is handcrafted in Colombia to support indigenous artisans. The brand’s chic, refillable lighters in black or cognac napa leather and brass make elegant Father’s Day gifts, too.

50 NE 39th Street; (305) 438-1660; Click here | Visit us

We’ll see you next week with even more of South Florida’s places to go!