Miami Spice's can't miss menus have two things in common: value and creativity. They offer interesting ingredients in combinations that make you eager to learn more and share them with friends. They're also a steal.
You're looking for good range of selections at restaurants where a single course can run the same as an entire spice menu. The more the restaurant can stretch $23 at lunch and $39 at dinner, the more they deserve your attention and support.
See also: The Good of Miami Spice 2014, Part One
There are also the occasional gems that take the menu beyond three courses, and offer as many as four, five, or six for the entire table to share. If you can find a menu that includes a complimentary cocktail or glass of wine -- a rare creature this year -- you've hit the mother lode.
During both dinner and weekend dim sum lunch, Hakkasan proffers a torrent of refined Chinese fare. The menu features "and" where most spice menus offer "or," like braised beef with spicy sesame sauce and crispy snapper with sweet and sour sauce. Lunch is also a steal with a flurry of dim sum that includes dumplings, noodles and grilled meats. Available for lunch Saturday and Sunday; dinner Sunday through Thursday.
Only one entrée on the regular menu at the Mandarin Oriental's temple of fine dining is less than $40. During Miami Spice you can get three courses for the cost of the "Loup de Mer" and choices include "steak and eggs" tartare, beet root vichyssoise with lobster, and Key West pink shrimp risotto. Available for dinner Tuesday through Saturday.
