My Miami Spice Survival Guide

Though Miami is home, summer time can be pretty unbearable. If you can get past the heat and hurricanes, there are only a handful of special events locals, press and tourists alike look forward to; Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim, Zo's Summer Grove and (drum roll please) Miami Spice!

Here is the breakdown: Organized by the Greater Miami CVB, the event is a two month long restaurant promotion running August 1st through September 30th. Miami's top restaurants participate and each offers a limited-time-only three course lunch ($22) and dinner ($35) menu. These prix fixed menus feature many of the eatery's and top chef's

signature dishes (many of which us normal folk cannot spurge for).

More than 125 restaurants participate, which can be pretty intimidating! Its like, "Where do I even start?" Continue below for my personal advice to surviving and conquering Miami Spice.

Kick it off: For the first time ever organizers are hosting a kickoff event enabling people to sample bite sized portions of what restaurants will be serving what. Its like tasting the grocery store samples before buying the ingredients to make the meal, but MUCH MUCH BETTER. I would suggest taking notes and collecting business cards that way you can narrow down your choices and remember your favorites.

Don't Miss...

DeVito South Beach: There is nothing short of special about his place (Danny DeVito pun intended):::::Fogo De Chao: Meet for Meat (I am a huge carnivore):::::Hakkasan at the Fontainebleau: Michelin Star, AAA Four Diamond--need I say more?:::::

A Taster Plate at EOS

The Dinning Room at Hakkasan

:::::Michy's: Michelle Bernstein is a mastermind & a local:::::Chef Allen's: Allen Susser is an awesome dude with a great heart for giving:::::Sra. Martinez: Another Bernstein great:::::Sugarcane Raw Bar Grill: location, location, location:::::EOS: For the food and the view:::::

Capitalize on Social Networks: Share your experiences on Facebook and Twitter. Your foodie friends and followers can learn from your visit and vice versa. Share suggestions and even photos!

Happy Eating Everyone!