Mike Cohen Travel Spotlight mikecohen June 12, 2013 6502 Piazzetta – a new restaurant addition to popular Acqualina SUNNY ISLES BEACH, FLORIDA- Since I last reported to readers about the Acqualina Resort & Spa in beautiful Sunny Isles Beach, Florida; the venue has been awarded the prestigious Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Award and opened. a modern marketplace and beachfront Italian restaurant called the Piazzetta, which transports guests to a town square set in South Florida Riviera amidst the breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. The Tuscany-inspired marketplace and beachfront restaurant offers light dining options, bottled wines, olive oils, sauces, caviar, brick oven pizzas, crostinis, paninis, salads, meats, teas and a coffee corner boasting twenty one specialty coffees in a relaxed and inviting setting. Guests and residents get to enjoy the luxurious surroundings of Acqualina’s indoor and outdoor spaces while savoring in an assortment of signature dishes and offerings. Daily specials include roasted marinated chicken and grilled wild tiger shrimp. The menu is curated by Acqualina’s executive chef Christopher Blum and Chef Michael Mazza of Il Mulino New York. At Piazzetta, guests can enjoy dine-in or take-away the finest fresh, prepared and gourmet foods, as well as purchase a variety of merchandise, including Il Mulino’s famous pasta sauces. This Italian market also offers a wine corner featuring a wide variety of wines from around world with an emphasis on private vintages. We met a number of Montrealers the day we visited. The Acqualina boasts 4.5 beachfront acres with 400 feet of stunning Atlantic coastline, 188 residences, 97 impeccable guestrooms and suites, the 20,000 square-foot ESPA oceanfront spa, oceanfront restaurants, four swimming pools and an innovative marine biology-based children’s AcquaMarine program. For fine dining we can happily recommend Il Mulino New York. It by far ranks as my number one dining experience anywhere each year. Renowned for its bustling and energetic atmosphere, market fresh daily specials, extensive selection of fine Italian wines and an impeccably polished wait staff, this is one of more than a dozen (and counting) Il Mulino locations. It has already become a much sought-after establishment, frequented by both locals and visitors in the know. The 110-seat indoor restaurant spreads onto a 24-seat veranda overlooking the ocean and the Acqualina pools. Service here is outstanding, thanks to experienced Maitre ‘D Tino Ponticorvo and his staff. The menu draws upon the rustic and hearty Abruzzi region in Italy. From the moment you walk into the establishment, your party is showered with attention as Tino and several severs bring you complimentary antipasto tastings of soppresatta, bruschetta, reggiano parmesan, fried zucchini, mussels and garlic/cheese bread sticks. Our party began by enjoying the appetizers and ordering some salads and their signature tortellini soup. For the main course, we needed a lot of time to decide. Would it be the veal, some fresh fish, langoustines, pasta, chicken, steak or lamb chops? One person opted for the Dover sole, giving a huge thumbs up. Two of us shared the generous portion of lamb chops, accompanied by the best rosemary potatoes I can remember in a long time. Two others feasted on the langoustines, with risotto. The wine list includes over 200 selections of Italian varieties and guests are offered a complimentary glass of signature house grappa prepared by Tino himself. This year’s newest creation was coconut and I found it quite tasty. Also on the dessert menu, the flourless chocolate cake, the cheesecake and the tiramisu are to die for. Ask for the sampler, which includes a tasting of all of their desserts on one tray. Il Mulino New York is right by the main lobby of the and Acqualina : 17780 Collins Avenue. Be sure to make a Reservations: 305-466-9191. View the menu on their website.
