CHOTTO MATTE: MIAMI

Nikkei Gyoza: pork shrimp and cassava dumplings at Chotto Matte, Miami 

Chotto Matte, the popular Japanese-Peruvian fusion restaurant with locations in Toronto and in London, has recently opened in Miami.  The sleek exterior hides the entrance, tucked in the alleyway just behind the 1111 parking garage, off of 16th and Lenox.

Night time bar scene at Chotto Matte, Miami

The dining concept centers around four key areas: the sushi bar, the Robata grill, the Sautee Grill and a Tempura selection.  There are also a variety of Nikkei sharing menus to choose from.  The sharing menus are perfect for first timers, because they help cut through the vast menu selections. They provide you with pre-set options for starters, entrees, and desserts.

Exec Chef Jordan Sclare, has hit it out of the park with dishes like the Tentaculos de Pulpo - a perfectly grilled and tender piece of octopus served alongside a purple potato sauce.  The Nikkei Gyoza are perfectly crispy on the outside with a delicious pork and shrimp blend filling. The lobster tempura is a must have, and easy to share.

The ambiance and decore at Chotto Matte Miami are sure to draw you in. Dim lighting provides for beautiful interiors.  If you opt to dine in the evening, the moonlight fills the main dining area, as it comes through the beautiful and large skylight. In the winter months, the retractable roof can be opened to let in the beautiful Miami breeze.

Chotto Matte is not quiet, by any means, and between the music blaring and the vast menu, you may feel a bit overwhelmed.  Still, the tropical vibe is fun; a great option for a night out when you want to disconnect and people watch.

Last, but not least, and definitely worth a mention is the amazing service. This restaurant boasts the most friendly staff. There was rarely a moment in between plates, and the staff was really welcoming and pleasant.

Tentaculos de Pulpo

Below, are some of my must-have dishes.

Bird and Bone, Miami

This month, The Confidante Hotel on Collins and 40th rolled out some new programs that were part of a welcomed revamp at the mid-century modern hotel. Bird and Bone is the new restaurant on the hotel grounds. You will also find a wellness program that includes ocean-side yoga classes, bootcamp and more. The wellness program is complimentary for hotel guests and $20 otherwise.  The hotel, which is part of the Unbound collection by Hytatt, boasts retro, vintage charm. Think Americana meets Art Deco.  

Eager to try out Chef Richard Hales' newest venture, Bird and Bone (mostly because I love Blackbrick, his other successful Miami restaurant), we made our way to Miami Beach to try out some country cooking and cocktails from Nina's House.

Click the link below to read all about it!

Outfit: Helmut Lang Draped Top + Elit by Stolichnaya

We attended a food and vodka tasting a the Epic Hotel courtesy of Elit by Stolichnaya and Zuma Restaurant.
The tasting was centered around the final edition vodka in the Elit Pristine Water Series: a series of vodka's that are put through quadruple filtration, and incorporate sourcing water from natural areas.  This particular vodka includes water sourced from a spring that flows off the top of the Andean mountains.  I'm not kidding.  The newest vodka, the Andean edition, is considered the third and final limited edition, ultra- luxury vodka in the series.

Helmut Lang Fold Over Drape Top

Each bottle in the pristine water series is $3000 and only 250 of each edition are manufactured.  So, if you're a high roller and you love your vodka...you know what to buy!

I wore a white Helmut Lang draped top. I would normally take an XS/P in Helmut Lang tops.  For sizing reference, this is an S because I could not live without this top, and Shopbop was sold out in XS.
I'm wearing my favorite pair of embellished stilettos by Rachel Roy (The Aria Pump) (Similar)  If you have never tried Rachel Roy shoes, I highly recommend them.  They're super high quality and they have padding all along the footbed, which, if you know me at all, you know that my number one outfit related complaint is uncomfortable shoes. I'm on my feet all day in pumps, and all I ever want in life is a pair of comfortable, padded work shoes. (Sale Alert: Helmut Lang is having 40% site wide sale)
The Epic is such a beautiful spot!  While the valet situation is terrible and leaves much to be desired, the hotel itself offers a modern feel and a great dining experience.  There are two restaurants on-site: Area 31 (the views from this rooftop restaurant are amazing) and Zuma, which boasts one of the city's best brunches. The food tasting at Zuma was top notch.  Below are details on what we dined on and my outfit.