Miami Blog

The Miami Beach Riviera

The Fontainebleau's heralded Hakkasan opening perhaps overhadowed another of the hotel's newly debuted eateries, La Côte. Inspired by the Côte d'Azur (as opposed to the Côte d'Jersey), this seaside beach club and restaurant (with open-air second level) offers guests "the flavorful cuisine of the French Riviera" -- plus a DJ inspired bar scene with cocktails and tapas-style snacks, and a Rosé wine bar developed by master mixologist MIchael MacDonell (didn't he used to be one of The Doobie Brothers?).

Fontainebleau executive chef Sean O'Connell has fashioned a menu of mostly Mediterranean fare. Sample items include jumbo steamed artichoke with mustard vinaigrette ($12); salad Niçoise ($22); Greek mezze platter for two ($32); conch & rock shrimp escabeche ($12); and grilled 1/2 Maine lobster with truffled corn relish ($29).

La Côte is open daily for lunch and dinner from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Reservations aren't accepted; valet parking discounted at $10 with validation at the restaurant (305-538-2000).