As February nears its end, we focus on this month’s “Island Taste Tidings,” a regular feature in which we combine nuggets from the Taste of Key Biscayne scene.
In this edition, we cover the comings and goings at one of the Island’s oldest dining establishments, another wine pairing dinner and a new brunch option at a 30-year old Island staple.
Our feature, “Island Taste Tidings,” exists to help you stay on top of the latest dining specials, special treats and entertainment happening on our Island Paradise.
Anyone can help, too! If you have a tip, pass it along to editor@islandernews.com.
The Donut Gallery celebration
For more than 40 years, patrons at the 54-year-old Key Biscayne institution, which has been serving the Island community since it first opened in 1972, have been served and entertained by the cheerful personality of Lauriada Del Hoy, known simply as Laurie. From the cheerful hello when you walk in, remembering your name or face, to the chatter about the food, Laurie has been as much a part of The Donut Gallery Experience as the Ted’s Special breakfast dish.
Well, Laurie, who last week celebrated her birthday, has decided to retire and will be moving to her native Sao Paolo, Brazil. Co-owner Mariana Tello said the news is “sad” for us.
“Laurie has brightened the day of many island residents and guests through the years with her hospitality,” Tello said.
Laurie’s last day is Saturday, March 7. Tello said the community can say goodbye to Laurie during a farewell gathering from 7-9 p.m., on Thursday, March 5, at the Donut Gallery.
Sunday Brunch at LUMA
If you have been waiting for an excuse to visit the “new” and reimagined Ritz- Carlton Key Biscayne, Miami, a delicious weekend brunch may provide that opening.
Luma is elevating weekend dining with its “La Dolce Vita” brunch, a menu that blends classic brunch favorites with refined Italian flavors. Guests can indulge in everything from lemon-ricotta pancakes and Nutella French toast to smoked salmon crostata and eggs Benedict, alongside special offerings like a seafood tower, branzino oreganata and bistecca Fiorentina for two. With shareable pastas, fresh salads, and even Osetra caviar on the menu, LUMA offers a balance between relaxed island elegance and indulgent coastal cuisine — all set against the resort’s oceanfront backdrop.
The La Dolce Vita brunch is available from 12:30-3:30 p.m., on Saturdays and Sundays at The Ritz- Carlton Key Biscayne, Miami. For reservations, call (305) 365-4156.
The Donut Gallery Catering
TDG team members packing a catering order.
Earlier this month, we brought you news about a change going on at The Donut Gallery, where they are now open until 9 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays when the 24-seat restaurant transforms into what owner Jorge Gonzalez Capeillo calls “a burger joint,” serving new lineup of smash burgers, fries, onion rings and shakes.
According to Gonzalez, the reception has been overwhelming.
“We are getting so much positive feedback on the new burger selection,” Gonzales told Islander News Monday, adding that the reception has far exceeded expectations.
This success has led to a new initiative in a burger catering for parties.
“We have catered several teen gatherings and what we are hearing is that is a great option and value, with great presentation,” Gonzales said. The special rate for catering cheeseburgers is $8.95 ea. additional, with potato chips an additional $2.
For more details on catering, visit the store in the Harbor Plaza. You can also order at (305) 361-9985.
KEBO Restaurant Wine pairing dinner
After a sold-out wine and caviar pairing dinner in February, owner and operator José Castellano and his staff are at it again, this time with a special dinner pairing featuring wines from renowned Spanish wine maker Bodega Valduero from Ribera del Duero, in Spain’s Burgos region.
Valduero was founded in 1984 by Gregorio García Alvarez, Yolanda and Carolina García Viadero. Together they established the objective of becoming one of the most prestigious wineries in Spain and Europe.
This special night promises to be a special sensory experience where history, tradition and flavor merge in every glass, celebrating the elegance and depth of the wines born along the Duero River.
Kebo wine pairing dinners have limited space and usually sell out. The Bodega Valduero wine dinner is set for 7:30 p.m., on Thursday, March 5. Costs is $99 per person.
For reservations or information, call (305) 361-1244. Kebo is located at 200 Crandon Blvd., Suite 104.
For the last Taste of KB feature, click here.