Area 31 Restaurant & Bar Buzz

Chef E Michael Reidt was recently named 2011 Miami's Chef of the Year by Eater.com.

"Lee Brian Schrager profiles the eight brightest stars currently changing the face of Miami's epicurean scene." 'The people of Miami area always intriguied by what is new.  THis city taught me that 'wow' factor is of the utmost importance'"

"The chef left Canada with the contact information of at least a half-dozen peers and newfound inspiration.  The latter became the new Area 31 dishes labeled "outside the Box," which are making their debut on the restaurant's menu this fall." pg. 204

"Chef Reidt creates clean, cutting-edge fish dishes and somehow brings them in - within the swank confines of the Epic Hotel..."

"We've heard some grumbling about less-than-generous Miami Spice Menus around town, but we were wowed by Chef E. Michael Reidt's offerings at Area 31 at the Epic Hotel"

"This is a mouthwatering Spice menu with no skimping on detail."

"Reidt is the most inventive seafood chef in South Florida, sending out one gem after another, each dish summoning both his classical training and his knack for subtly alluding to just the right parts of various ethnic cuisines"

"Pork Belly becomes a sculptural composition in the hands of E. Michael Reidt at Area 31 (Epic Hotel, 270 Biscayne Blvd. Way, Miami. 305.424.5234).  Reidt counterpoints the crispy, fatty pork against supple cocoa-crusted scallops, and finishes with a smear of lightly sweet pear-parsnip puree."

"Boston native E. Michael Reidt's return to Miami signaled another fresh start for Area 31 and the restaurant's sustainable seafood mantra, but it's Reidt's innovation in the kitchen that has really made us take notice."

"Area 31 launched its new last-Friday monthly summer party Havana Nights with complimentary Camacho Cigars and half priced Atlantico Rum cocktails, while DJ Kristian Caro spun the best salsa, bolero and rumba.  Swing by and enjoy it this summer."

"The cloud-grazing condo buildings are slowly filling up with young professionals who populate rooftop happy hours like the 16th floor shindig at Area 31 (270 Biscayne Blvd. Way, 305.424.5234) that lasts from 5 to 10p.m. on Thursday and Friday nights.  The stiletto-heeled crowd sips $5 glasses of prosecco and nibbles on rock shrimp ceviche as they plot their evening."

"The lounge atop the 16th floor of this downtown hotel overlooks Biscayne Bay. The 10 cabanas fill up fast on weekends, so grab a wicker chair and relax next to one of the two infinity pools. Specialty: The fresh-raspberry Collins, ordered from the poolside menu."

"Finding great fish to cook in Miami is a lot trickier than you would think. On the 16th floor of the sexy new Epic Hotel, chef John Critchley is showing how it's done, taking fin fare to a new level." - By Victoria Pesce Elliott

"The next time you seek a great seafood dinner, there’s no need to go fishing about for options. Cast your line with Area 31 and you’re sure to catch something to brag about." – Lee Klein