The Blogger Union has partnered with CreativeMornings/Miami for a collaborative storytelling marathon. Tune in to read the story of our city told by local creatives, bloggers and entrepreneurs. Each week, a different member of CreativeMornings will take over to post what inspires them about South Florida. Do you want to take over the CreativeMornings/Miami blog and share your take on our community? Email Paola at info@thebloggerunion and we’ll get working on it!
Hello creatives! My name is Holli aka Sage or {The SoFla Sage} from The South Florida Sage Food & Drink Blog and my takeover on Creative Mornings will feature Italian food in South Florida, because everyone loves a taste of Italy! According to Zagat, this comforting cuisine ruled as the most popular among Americans, with 22% of surveyors calling it their favorite. South Florida has a diverse array of Italian eateries with regional influences.
“As a child I wanted to be an artist. A fundamental part of being an artist is to create. Briefly in high school, I wanted to be a chef. In college I wanted to become a dietitian and a photographer. I became a dietitian, a photographer and a blogger. For a living, I now create blogs and other content, manage social media platforms for a dietary supplement company. I create content for two blogs of my own. But most importantly, I’m doing what I’ve always wanted to do: I’m creating.” - Holli Lapes
(This following article was originally published on The South Florida Sage)
The SoFla Sage: Italian Food Takeover Part 1: Atlanta-based Restaurateur Brings Tuscan Cuisine to Miami’s Shorecrest Neighborhood - Biscayne Bay
Antica Mare, the authentic Tuscan restaurant and Miami outpost of Atlanta’s award-winning Antica Posta, opened its doors in February 2016 at 7999 Northeast Bayshore Court in the Shorecrest Club, the new luxury Bayfront apartment complex situated just off the Kennedy Causeway. With breathtaking bay views, a sophisticated ambiance and fresh regional Italian cuisine, Antica Mare is poised to become a new local dining gem.
Antica Mare is the first South Florida venture for restaurateur Marco Betti, whose flagship restaurant Antica Posta has earned raves and accolades for nearly 17 years in Atlanta, Georgia. According to Betti, “I’ve always loved visiting Miami and when the opportunity came about to open right on the Intracoastal in this great new luxury building, I knew it was a perfect fit. I’m thrilled to be a part of this community and can’t wait to have everyone come in and visit.”
As with its sister restaurant, Antica Mare delivers straightforward Tuscan cuisine featuring a selection of seafood, meats and house-made pastas, all utilizing skillful technique and fresh ingredients imported from Italy.
Crudo di Tonno con carpaccio di tartufo nero — Fresh sashimi grade Tuna Crudo topped with black truffles carpaccio
Crudo di Branzino — Fresh Pacific Sea Bass Crudo, Arugula, evoo citrus dressing
Sage Says: The crudo is a great way to prime the palate! Both were very fresh, light and fragrant.
Primi Piatti selections are available in appetizer and main course portions ($12 – $24) and utilize both fresh and dry pasta. In fact, Betti provides diners with a pasta guide on the menu to help navigate.
Gemelli alla Fiorentina — Gemelli pasta with prosciutto, green peas, and fresh cream
Sage Says: Deliciously cheesy! You will want to lick the plate. Offered as an appetizer or entrée portion.
Secondi Piatti ($24 – $38) choices are ample and include Salmone alla Livornese – salmon sautéed with cherry tomatoes, olives & capers, served alongside fresh vegetables; Filetto di Manzo alla Griglia con la Salsa Verde – grilled prime center cut beef filet with parsley-pinenut pesto and sautéed fresh vegetables; Carrè d’Agnello Arrosto alla Toscana – Tuscan oven roasted rack of lamb with a sage-rosemary seasoning and fresh sautéed vegetables; and the famed Betti family recipe,Oven Roasted Tuscan Chicken Breast with Truffle Sauce.
Roast Beef alla toscana — Kobe roast beef sesoned with Tuscan herbs, sliced thin topped with natural au jus
Sage Says: What a beautiful dish! The kobe was delectable and the salad served in the center was perfectly seasoned and dressed.
Dolci ($6 – $8) are traditional but sublime, from Panna Cotta with a wild berry sauce and a nougatSemifreddo to classic Tiramisù and Cannolis. Guests can also opt for a selection of imported cheeses.
Panna cotta con salsa ai frutti di bosco — Fresh cream pudding with wild berry sauce
Sage Says: This was probably the best panna cotta I’ve ever had – great texture and topped with an overtly fresh berry sauce.
Antica Mare’s bar features an approachable selection of wines, available by the glass or bottle, full bar, craft beers, and signature cocktails.
Designed by Miami-based architect Paul Gershen, the 224-seat indoor-outdoor restaurant combines fine dining and modern sophistication with a warm and welcoming ambiance. Upon entering, guests are greeted by lounge seating and an expansive walnut bar showcasing over 100 varietals of wines. The main dining room boasts soaring ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the water, giving an airy yet intimate feel. Diners can opt to dine outside right on the Intracoastal under a trellis of twinkly lights with stunning views and balmy air. A private scarlett-hued dining room, seating 60, is the perfect spot for social and business events.
Antica Mare serves dinner Tuesday through Sunday, from 4PM to 11PM. The restaurant is located at7999 Northeast Bayshore Court on the ground level of the Shorecrest Club high rise apartment complex. From 79th Street heading east, make U-turn before bridge and take right on Bayshore Court. The restaurant is on the Northeast corner of 80th and Bayshore. Discounted valet parking. Telephone: (305) 398-1001 www.anticamare.com
Holli Lapes, RD, LD/N is a Registered and Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist in South Florida. Holli is the founder of The South Florida Sage (http://thesoflasage.com/) a food & drink blog featuring culinary experiences from the Miami, Broward and Palm Beach area. For more on her work in the Nutrition & Wellness field, please visit https://mywellnessrd.com/
Antica Mare on social media:
Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anticamare
Like on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnticaMare
Tweet on Twitter: https://twitter.com/AnticaMare
The South Florida Sage on social media:
Follow on Instagram: http://instagram.com/thesoflasage
Like on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheSoFlaSage
Tweet on Twitter: https://twitter.com/SoFla_SageSays
All images appearing in this post photographed by Holli Lapes, property of TheSoFlaSage.com
