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Categories: Food and Drink

#DishHitList: NYE Parties, Take-Home Christmas Meals, and Nochebuena Done Right

Let’s face it, Miami sure knows how to throw a party. With that said, and with 2022 approaching at the speed of light, here are 12 specials, deals, and promotions (most of them Christmas and New Year’s Eve party variety) to keep on your radar:  

American Social Hosts Annual Ugly Sweater Party

Let’s be honest, there is nothing more festive than the ugly sweater in your closet. Now that the holiday season is here, it’s time to dust it off. On Thursday, December 16, 2021, American Social is hosting their Annual Ugly Sweater party, and you won’t want to miss out. Be sure to don your most obnoxious sweater for a chance to win an AmSo gift card (worth $150).  

American Social is located at 690 SW 1st Ct, Miami, FL 33130. For more information, visit their official website.

Ball & Chain is Finally Back

Salsa, conga lines, live music…. Miami, it’s finally time to dance again. Ball & Chain, Calle Ocho’s iconic 1930’s jazz club, has reopened its doors and we can already feel the heat. A venue bustling with years of party history, you have no choice but to feel transported the moment you walk in. If you somehow haven’t yet been, think salsa dancing all around you, midnight conga lines, and live entertainment seven days a week by some of Miami’s favorites. As an added bonus, Ball & Chain will add a variety of new cocktail offerings. Until then, opt for their classics as you enjoy the Ball & Chain Trio, performing noon to 6 pm daily, followed by renowned percussionist Miguel Cruz, headlining seven days a week from 6 pm to 9 pm. Ready to learn how to salsa? The club will bring back its free salsa classes every Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday at 9 pm. 

Ball & Chain is located at 1513 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33135. For more information, visit their official website.

Habitat at 1 Hotel South Beach Hosts Christmas Brunch

Looking to enjoy Christmas day out of your home without sacrificing that ‘homey’ feel? Then this is just your jam. As its name suggests, Habitat aims to make you feel right at home (a luxurious one at that). Inspired by home-cooked meals using wholesome ingredients, Habitat’s buffet and a la carte style menu will have you going up for seconds. This year’s brunch specials include an omelet and breakfast station, a dim sum station, a chef carving station, and a cold station. The menu will also include seasonal dishes such as Savory Bread Pudding, Porcini Risotto with Balsamic Winter Onions, and Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes, just to name a few. Brunch will be served between 12-8 pm, December 25, 2021. Pricing starts $95++ per adult, and $45++ per child 10 and under. 

Habitat at 1 Hotel is located at 2341 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139. For more information, visit their official website.

Komodo Celebrates New Year’s Eve with One Night in Bangkok

When it comes to New Year’s Eve, Komodo’s got you covered. The Brickell-based neighborhood eatery is hosting “One Night in Bangkok” on December 31 with a showstopping dinner party event in two waves of seating. Guests can enjoy dishes from a specially curated menu, including Truffle Honey Salmon, with scallion and shaved truffle; Crispy Duck Salad with apple, currant, and soy sake vinaigrette; and Japanese Cheesecake served with berry compote, vanilla, and crème on glaze. There will be two waves of seating, the first from 6-7 pm at $150 per person, and the second from 9-10:30 pm at $250 per person. 

Komodo is located at 801 Brickell Ave, Miami, FL 33131. For more information, visit their official website.

La Placita

A lot is going on at La Placita in December. On top of regular live music Sundays and weekend night tunes, the Puerto Rican restaurant will have contests and special dishes throughout the month. Be sure to try Bandeja Guavate, a $36 dish for two with roasted pork, pasteles, morcilla, rice and gandules, and sweet plantains, and Picadera Boricua, alcapurrias, queso frito, chicharrones de pollo, and empanadillas. Let’s take a look at what’s else going on at La Placita this month:

December 12, Asalto Navideño con Los Pleneros de La Cresta. Live Music, F&B Specials.

December 15, Parranda con Don Q, Planetarium live music. Two shows, one at 2:00 PM and another one at 4:00 PM. Promotion of the specials

December 22, Coquito Contest, in La Placita’s annual Coquito Contest, Rivertail, Vecinos Market, and La Placita’s coquitos iterations will be judged by the patrons, starting at 7:30 pm. Roasted pork and drinks specials.

December 24, Nochebuena en Placita, Christmas Eve, La Placita style: roasted Pork, rice, pasteles, fry-up cart, and of course lots of coquito!

December 31, Nochevieja en San Juan by La Placita Miami: live music, drinks, coquito, and chef’s specials.

La Placita is located at 6789 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33138. For more information, visit their official website

LIV Does it Large

Ring in 2022 with a proper dose of Swedish DJ and record producer Alesso and globally-acclaimed Doja Cat at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach. Expect something for all ages with poolside party vibes, VIP options, premiums tickets with access to an open bar, and a family experience area. Open bar tickets start at $299. Going all out? Book stage-front cabanas or reserved table experiences—just know that it’ll cost you ($5,000-50,000)! 

LIV is located at 4441 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33140. For more information, visit their official website.

Papi Steak New Year’s Eve Hosts Meaty Soiree

Papi Steak, known for its chophouse-style dishes and golden-era Hollywood vibe, is hosting a lavish New Year’s Eve celebration. Show up in your most elegant attire, ready to wine and dine to your heart’s delight. With a special New Year’s Eve menu, indulge in three courses of their top dishes, such as Australian Wagyu Filet, au poivre and topped with chimichurri; Grilled Branzino with roasted tomato, radish and salsa verde; Whipped Potato with crème fraiche and chive; and a New York Cheesecake with graham crackers and strawberries. The first seating is from 6 pm to 7 pm at $175 per person, and the second seating will be from 9 pm to 10:30 pm at $275 per person. 

Papi Steak is located at 736 1st St, Miami Beach, FL 33139. For more information, visit their official website.

RED South Beach is Back with a New Look

Long known for being one of Miami’s finest steakhouses, RED South Beach has officially finished its construction, revealing new interiors and a contemporary chic atmosphere apparent at the ready. Upon entering, guests will be greeted by an eye-catching custom wall mural by artist Daniel Mazzone along with upscale décor touches and a luxurious bar cart display featuring LOUIS XIII Cognac front and center. Over at the bar area, expect a cozier feel, perfect for casual drinks and dining. 

Red South Beach is located at 3010 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33140. For more information, visit their official website

Sushi Fly Chicken Offers Take-Home Christmas Meal

This year, bring Sushi Fly Chicken’s unforgettable Asian cuisine to your Christmas table. The delicious take-home meal will include signature dishes such as Crispy Aromatic Duck, Pickled Cucumber, Kimchi Fried Rice, Scallion & Lemongrass Hoisin, and much more mouth-watering options. Each take-home meal is priced at $250++, has 3 courses, and can feed up to 4-6 people. You can place your order starting December 13-25, 2021. P.S., while we’re on the topic of SFC, don’t forget to check out their new Omakase offering, a 4-course chef’s Omakase starting at $48. 

Sushi Fly Chicken is located at 1575 Alton Rd, Miami Beach, FL 33139. For more information, visit their official website.

Swan Miami Rings in 2022 with a Parisian NYE Fete

Swan Miami is whisking you away to Paris this New Year’s Eve. With a three-course meal in one of the most picturesque restaurants in Miami, you definitely want to be first in line to experience “A Midnight in Paris” as we say au revoir to 2021. Enjoy a family-style menu featuring Slow Braised Short Ribs, au poivre with shishito peppers; Wild Mushroom Agnolotti with parmesan and basil; Octopus served with salsa verde, pickled fresno and cilantro; and so much more. The first seating will be from 6-7 pm at $125+ per person, and the second seating will be from 9-10:30pm and $205+ per person. 

Swan is located at 90 NE 39th St, Miami, FL 33137. For more information, visit their official website.

The Goodtime Hotel Turns New Year’s Even into a Night in Tropicana

When the Goodtime Hotel throws a party, you know it will live up to its name. Rolling out the red carpet just for you, the Goodtime Hotel’s “A Night in Tropicana” themed NYE dinner will be served family style, with seating from 9 pm to 10:30 pm and rates starting at $135 per person. Expect a specially crafted NYE menu with offerings such as Moon Bread, traditional Yemenite bread with fig tahini butter; Pink Sultan, labneh with pistachio and mint; Siberian Osetra Caviar and crudo, with yellowtail, tomato vinaigrette, olive, and serrano chili; Wagyu tenderloin, with muhammara, adjika butter, and sweet pepper. 

The Goodtime Hotel is located at 601 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139. For more information, visit their official website.

Winker’s Diner Serves Up Comfort Christmas Goods

This Christmas, treat yourself to time away from the kitchen! Miami Beach restaurant Winker’s Diner, best known for its ‘comfort food with a twist,’ is serving up a Christmas meal made for your dining table. From mashed potatoes, honey glazed ham, and roasted turkey, just to start, there’s a little something to satisfy every palate (plus cookies and a chocolate yule log to satisfy those sugary Santa cravings). Starting at $250, the take-home meal includes three courses, enough to feed up to 4-6 people. Meals will be available to order beginning December 13-25. 

Winker’s Diner is located at 1575 Alton Rd, Miami Beach, FL 33139. For more information, visit their official website.

Ana Heretoiu

Ana Heretoiu is a freelance writer/brand copywriter based in Miami. Over the last 8 years she has covered hospitality, fashion, art & wellness in both editorial and advertorial capacity. Her former stints include being an editor for Eater Miami and contributor for several print and digital publications, including Ocean Drive Magazine, Modern Luxury, Think Magazine, Racked & Dining Out. Aside from writing, Ana enjoys teaching Yoga, getting in and out of the twistiest of shapes, and inventing new words, like “twistiest.”

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