Refresh at These South Florida Spots on National Watermelon Day
Nothing's better than cooling off on a hot summer day with the official fruit of the season — watermelon! National Watermelon Day is Wednesday, August 3, and the fruit-infused holiday celebrates the juicy red melon known for being the best picnic snack around. At over 90% water, watermelon makes a versatile ingredient for any light dish or refreshing beverage.
In recognition of National Watermelon Day, restaurants across Miami are highlighting some of their best menu items that feature the famous fruit. Check out the destinations below.
True Food Kitchen The Falls
Recently opened as the brand’s sixth restaurant in the state of Florida, True Food Kitchen, the award-winning, seasonally-inspired restaurant & craft bar, is the ideal location to celebrate National Watermelon Day. The vegan and gluten free Watermelon Salad made with marcona almond, cherry tomato, Persian cucumber, calabrian chili, avocado, sesame masago and mango vinaigrette can be paired with the Watermelon Mojito. Infused with Drake's organic silver rum, watermelon, mint, pineapple and lime, this craft cocktail will fill all of your watermelon cravings. Children or those who want a non-alcoholic refresher can enjoy the Watermelon Lemonade.
8888 SW 136th St Miami, FL 33176
EST. 33 Thai Craft Brewery & Kitchen
Ring in National Watermelon Day in the heart of Brickell at EST.33 Thai Craft Brewery & Kitchen. From the spacious outdoor patio that overlooks the Brickell City Centre to the industrial dining room, guests can kick back with a refreshing cocktail and enjoy the warm and welcoming atmosphere. Enjoy a mocktail, the Kaffir Watermelon ($8), crafted with fresh squeezed watermelon juice, pineapple shrub, kaffir lime syrup, lemon and ginger ale, or a speciality cocktail, the Miami 2 Bangkok ($16), infused with Jimador tequila, cranberry, tamarind and kaffir lime syrup and watermelon Red Bull. Sip on these watermelon-inspired beverages while you enjoy delicious bites.
701 South Miami Ave. Miami, FL 33131
Casa Sensei
For a guaranteed watermelon sugar high, visit Casa Sensei, a traditional Latin American cuisine with Pan-Asian staples. The fusion eatery presents a deliciously dynamic environment for an immersive dining experience in the restaurant’s elegant dining room and the dog-friendly waterfront patio. Guests can sip on their Melontini ($14) infused with vodka, watermelon purée, fresh lime, cucumber and mint, as they dine via boat through a scenic Riverfront Gondola Tour along the Himmarshee Canal.
1200 East Las Olas Blvd. Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Chotto Matte
Chotto Matte is a global restaurant brand that stylishly blends Japanese and Peruvian culinary traditions to celebrate the very best of authentic and innovative Nikkei cuisine. The Vegan Crispy Tuna ($16.50) with spicy watermelon tuna and chives takes the classic spicy tuna dish and twists it to satisfy your cravings on National Watermelon Day and beyond. The expertly curated cocktail collection spans tastes from Tokyo to Lima, taking unlikely flavors to artistically complement the restaurant’s dishes. Guests can delight in weekday happy hour from 5-7 p.m.
1666 Lenox Ave. Miami Beach, FL 33139
Uchi
The modern Japanese restaurant Uchi presents a non-traditional take through its delicately designed menu, from dishes separated by serving temperatures to its vast selection of beers, wines, spirits and sakes. Speaking of sake, the Tensei “Endless Summer” ($16) is mixed with green apple, koji and salted watermelon. Yes, you heard that right. Salted Watermelon infused sake! Perfect for National Watermelon day.
252 NW 25th St, Miami, FL 33127
Mamey
Ring in National Watermelon Day at Mamey, with mouthwatering bites and cocktails by James Beard Nominee and Food & Wine Award-Winning Chef Niven Patel. Located in THesis Hotel, this hidden gem transports patrons to a tropical getaway with island inspired food, cocktails and desserts. On National Watermelon Day, guests can savor in Mamey's refreshing Florida Watermelon Salad ($14), tossed with charred cucumber, burnt honey tamarind, goat cheese and is topped with shaved macadamia. To cool off for the summer, diners can quench their thirst and imbibe on the Jerk Margarita ($14), mixed with Maestro Dobel Tequila, Gem & Bolt Mezcal, strawberry, watermelon, jerk-spiced agave and lime.
1350 S. Dixie Highway, Coral Gables, FL 33146
Marker Key West Starboard
The only thing that could make vacationing in Key West better in the summertime is visiting on National Watermelon Day! Cool down on this fruity holiday at the Marker Key West Harbor Resort’s poolside restaurant and bar, Starboard. Vacationers can sip on a Watermelon Margarita ($16) which is made with Don Julio Tequila, cointreau, fresh muddled watermelon, agave, nectar, lime juice and has a tajin rim.
200 William St, Key West, FL 33040