What’s the first food that comes to mind when you think of Father’s Day? Odds are that you
’re thinking of meat – specifically, steak. And while it may be synonymous with the holiday, firing up the grill and cooking up a feast for Dad is easier said than done. Luckily, a decision to stay out of the South Florida heat and leave
the cooking to the professionals leaves you with a plethora of deliciously juicy options.
One steakhouse that should be on your radar is Edge Steak & Bar (1435 Brickell Ave., 305.381.3190) in Brickell. It’s all in the name at this Four Seasons Hotel Miami eatery: Dad can expect succulent cuts of beef and stiff drinks for his special day.
On the menu, you’ll find standouts like the Southern Australia grass-fed filet, prime porterhouse, prime Delmonico and wagyu picanha, to name a few. There’s even a vegetarian option in the form of charred cauliflower steak; the restaurant covers all the bases.
While the beef receives top billing at this famed establishment, it’s not the only star here. Items like tuna tartare, Aussie lamb skewer, yellowtail snapper, chorizo and cheddar croquettes, and roasted oysters ensure a well-rounded dining affair. Save room for dessert: You can go for something light and bright like the tropical pavlova or
go all in with the chocolate chip skillet cookie. To wash everything down, Dad can choose from dozens of delicious whisk(e)ys.
For a meal with a little more Latin flair, make a reservation at downtown Miami’s Toro Toro (100 Chopin Plaza, 305.372.4710). Located inside Intercontinental Miami, the spacious steakhouse boasts mouthwatering internationally inspired dishes like tuna ceviche Nikkei, lomo saltado empanadas, and chicken and chorizo croquettes. And of course, there are the meats: filet mignon, ribeye, skirt steak and picanha.
Pro tip: Larger parties should seriously consider the churrasco platter or the Toro Toro Cowboys. The former feeds at least two people with skirt steak, pork belly and shrimp. If you’re hungry-hungry, the latter selection comes with a 32-ounce tomahawk, a 32-ounce porterhouse and a 32-ounce dry-aged bone-in ribeye. Either way, make sure to bring an appetite.
Up north in Aventura, Bourbon Steak inside JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa (19999 West Country
Club Dr., 786.279.6600) continues to provide one of the most consistent dining experiences in South Florida. You can always count on executive chef Gabe Fenton and his team to make Dad’s outing an unforgettable one.
All meals start with the restaurant’s famous duck fat fries, which set the bar high for what’s to follow. We know it’s tough, but try not to overdo it with starters like spicy beef lettuce cups, Maine lobster bisque and Berkshire pork belly before the main attraction. Ribeye, skirt steak and Japanese A5 striploin are all great steaks, but it’s the chef’s favorite cut rib cap that will win everyone over. Other flavorful options include veal chop, bison and lamb.
Although meat gets the lion’s share of attention here, it’s worth getting a Maine lobster pot pie for the table. It’s likely the most expensive pot pie you’ll ever have, but its brandy truffle cream is unlike anything you’ve encountered. Dad will thank you.
Openings
Enough about steak and Father’s Day – let’s talk about some exciting openings in Miami that can be enjoyed year-round. The first (and biggest) one: The Oasis (2335 N Miami Ave.).
This multi-use outdoor courtyard is home to several culinary stars, including New York’s Prince Street Pizza, Miami’s own Mr. Mandolin, Buya Dumplings + Buns, and Los Buenos (tacos). Expect live entertainment nightly to complement your meal; the space has already hosted musical artists like Ludacris and DJ Tiësto.
Another welcome addition to the food scene: Wayku (73 NW 26th St., 786.584.8487) in Wynwood. The new Latin fusion restaurant shines the spotlight on Andean cuisine with notable fare like hamachi tiradito, ceviche, black risotto, sea bass and octopus. Equally attractive is the wine list, which features some tasty options from Spain, Chile and Argentina.
Should you visit Wayku for brunch, expect to find items like skirt steak and eggs, French brioche toast and smoked green tomato-based bloody marys. Stop by for $10 cocktails and (mostly) $10 bites during happy hour for the best bang for your buck.
Geoffrey Anderson Jr. and Dianne Rubin-Anderson are co-founders of Miami Food Pug, an award-winning South Florida food blog that fuses the couple’s love of dogs and food.