La Mar by Gaston Acurio, Miami, FL: La Mar by Gaston Acurio provides top-of-the-line Peruvian cuisine on the gorgeous shores of the Biscayne Bay in Miami. Acclaimed chef Gaston Acurio specializes in gastronomy; gastronomy is the combined study of food and culture and focuses on creating gourmet dishes. This type of cooking pays close attention to cooking techniques, nutritional values, food science and flavorful combinations, especially how taste and smell work together to create the ultimate dining experience. The creation of special dishes pairs well with the restaurant’s location on Brickell Key, a luxury, gated island off the mainland Brickell neighborhood. The design of La Mar echoes the natural beauty of Biscayne Bay, combining it with the gorgeous contemporary backdrop of the Miami skyline; the restaurant’s design alongside its gastronomic ceviches, anticuchos and specialty cocktails merge for the unique enjoyment of each and every guest. They offer both indoor and outdoor seating containing three dynamic bars. The distinctive menu presents selections from novo-andean fare to Asian-Peruvian fusion as well as traditional seafood ceviche.
Malibu Farm, Malibu, CA: The beautiful outdoor dining at Malibu Farm allows customers to relax in the fresh air of Malibu, California, while experiencing a true farm-to-table experience. Helene, the owner of Malibu Farm, began her dream in her own backyard to promote her vision of serving local, organic and fresh produce. They even raised their own sheep for farm dinners and used produce exclusively grown on their property for events. Now that Malibu Farm’s operation has grown to several
locations, they call upon other small, local farms to serve their expanding number of interested customers. Their selections are simply prepared with no secret ingredients, and they’re dedicated to transparency when it comes to what they serve, going so far as to sell their Malibu Farm cookbook filled with original recipes. The owner grew up as a lover of fishing, but realizes that mass fishing practices are not environmentally friendly or sustainable. So, they offer small, sustainably obtained portions of seafood for guests to order. Malibu Farm is proud of the products they serve and strive to put the best possible produce on every dish they serve.
Oliva on the Hill, St. Louis, MO: Oliva on the Hill brings the heart of Italian dining to a small venue in historic St. Louis. The Hill is an area of St. Louis located on the high ground south of Forest Park, and is widely known throughout Missouri for its Italian-American population; a group of people who have given the area its fame for Italian restaurants, bakeries, bocce gardens and markets. Oliva’s atmosphere mixes the urban feel of its home city with the Old World grace and elegance of its cuisine’s roots. While its indoor accommodations make it an ideal location for holding large gatherings and receptions, its outdoor terrace allows lunch guests to enjoy the St. Louis weather when it's behaving. A picturesque location with plenty of greenery and seating, Olive Cafe (as it's known during weekly lunch hours) offers a menu of Italian favorites like sandwiches, salads and chef’s specials. Whether you're grabbing lunch with friends, looking for new wine to taste or planning an event, Oliva on the Hill has an abundance of options both indoors and out.
