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Midtown’s Sugarcane not just a dinner hotspot anymore
Maintaining the level of hotness in Miami's fickle foodie community is not an easy feat but Sugarcane's been rocking it for three years, much of that due to the talented and creative Chef/Partner Timon Balloo.
His menu of off the charts delectable small plates and unmatched artisanal cocktails keep the place slammed and riding on that success this is now a great spot for brunch too.
Especially with a slew of continuously evolving fresh and inventive dishes from sweet to savory. Take a trip to New Orleans through the vanilla bean beignets made with sea salt and bacon ganache or go a little Greek with the heirloom tomatoes with pickled watermelon and feta cheese. Or try the loaded up Fat Boy hash with bacon jam, two fried eggs and hollandaise.
Of course pancakes and waffles make the cut and here they're served with house gravlax and creme fraiche or berries and vanilla creme (respectively).
And since this is brunch, pairing this with an appropriate artisanal cocktail would certainly make the meal complete.
Click here to check out Sugarcane's brunch and cocktail menu.
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A play on brunch at Tongue & Cheek
The restaurant's name is certainly a play on words but the owners of Tongue & Cheek aren't messing around when it comes to brunch. They're taking it as seriously as any other meal of the day.
Chef Jamie DeRosa got the reigns in the kitchen where he's concocted an all-inclusive menu for foodies with a sweet or savory tooth and those who want traditional as well as something with a bit of a twist.
The King Crab benedict with Tabasco hollandaise and baby arugula's got some kick or the Cuban sandwich with pork cheeks and pickled cucumbers will wake up anyone hungover from a night of clubbing on South Beach. Or perhaps indulge in lemon ricotta pancakes with blueberry jam, sticky buns with brown butter pecans or a basket of housemade donut holes in three varieties.
Wash it all down with what else...a bloody mary but not just the usual, here there's a Barbecued Bloody Mary with Woodford Reserve and Belvedere Vodka and the True Blood, the traditional with Belvedere Vodka, horseradish and pickled vegetables. And if necessary, finish up with coffee which is free throughout brunch.
Brunch is on Sundays at Tongue & Cheek at 431 Washington Ave., Miami Beach is from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Click here to visit their website or call them at 305-704-2900.
The King Crab benedict with Tabasco hollandaise and baby arugula's got some kick or the Cuban sandwich with pork cheeks and pickled cucumbers will wake up anyone hungover from a night of clubbing on South Beach. Or perhaps indulge in lemon ricotta pancakes with blueberry jam, sticky buns with brown butter pecans or a basket of housemade donut holes in three varieties.
Wash it all down with what else...a bloody mary but not just the usual, here there's a Barbecued Bloody Mary with Woodford Reserve and Belvedere Vodka and the True Blood, the traditional with Belvedere Vodka, horseradish and pickled vegetables. And if necessary, finish up with coffee which is free throughout brunch.
Brunch is on Sundays at Tongue & Cheek at 431 Washington Ave., Miami Beach is from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Click here to visit their website or call them at 305-704-2900.
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The Dutch at the W epitomizes simple elegance
The Dutch at the W Hotel on South Beach is turning the chic, boutique hotel on its head offering an unpretentious menu and equally casual atmosphere. It's easy to relax in the lovely, bright restaurant where the kitchen is expertly run by renowned New York chef Andrew Carmellini.
Of course, housed within a hotel, which is unusual unto itself given that most hotel restaurants really aren't of such a high quality, they serve breakfast, lunch and dinner. Hazelnut crusted French toast amd crab cake benedict with asparagus and a kicky chipotle hollandaise elevate the breakfast standards while entrees like short rib ravioli, roast mushroom and taleggio fonduta and pappardelle, lamb ragu, sheep's milk ricotta and milk are great for lunch and hefty enough they could be on their supper menu. Short ribs and sea scallops make a second appearance on that menu but are dressed up differently.
The Dutch is in the W Hotel, located at 2201 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, 305-938-3111, www.thedutchmiami.com
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The Federal’s serving unique eats
The latest installation in the ever-growing MiMo (short for Miami Modern) section along Biscayne Blvd. is a funky, tiny little spot called The Federal. They're serving up equally funky eats not normally found on most menus.
Just look at some of the dishes, especially the names:
Jar-o-Duck with candied sweet potato, charred fluff and slow-cooked Hudson Valley duck; diet coke and foie gras fritters with corn-nut mayo and velveeta foam; Crispy Niman Ranch pig ears with pineapple, radish, jalapeno and kumquat-apple vin; crispy beef bits bbq scented omasan, savory maple.
OK, there are some traditional items like cheese biscuits, chicken, steak, shrimp & grits, salads, collard greens and mashed potatoes.
The decor is as quirky as the menu, completely rustic with intricate wood sculptures along the wall and plain and simple seating. It's all about comfort here, no pretense.
The Federal is located at 5132 Biscayne Blvd., Miami, 305-758-9559 www.thefederalmiami.com
OK, there are some traditional items like cheese biscuits, chicken, steak, shrimp & grits, salads, collard greens and mashed potatoes.
The decor is as quirky as the menu, completely rustic with intricate wood sculptures along the wall and plain and simple seating. It's all about comfort here, no pretense.
The Federal is located at 5132 Biscayne Blvd., Miami, 305-758-9559 www.thefederalmiami.com
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Tuyo’s spectacular view mirrors chef’s menu
Miami-Dade College Culinary Institute's Tuyo Restaurant is a sight to behold, for everything from a spectacular Downtown Miami and Biscayne Bay view to the meticulously thought out menu by Executive Chef Norman Van Aken, considered the "founding father of New World Cuisine."
Van Aken's restaurant ventures throughout Miami have left an indelible mark on the culinary world and wherever he lands, fans and foodies flock. Tuyo, which is Spanish for "Yours" is on course to do the same with a farm-to-table concept and strict sustainability practices.
They use only locally or Southeast U.S. sourced ingredients like the salad of local lettuces, heirloom tomato and avocado, with salt roasted beets, pepitas and blue cheese. Or the pan-c00ked fillet of Key West yellowtail snapper served over mashed potatoes with citrus butter and malabar spinach.
Their commitment to their local and sustainable practices is outlined right on the menu where it states that "certain items on the menu may vary due to local availability and seasonality."
Tuyo is located atop the Miami-Dade College Culinary Institute at 415 NE Second Ave., 305-237-3200, www.tuyomiami.com
They use only locally or Southeast U.S. sourced ingredients like the salad of local lettuces, heirloom tomato and avocado, with salt roasted beets, pepitas and blue cheese. Or the pan-c00ked fillet of Key West yellowtail snapper served over mashed potatoes with citrus butter and malabar spinach.
Their commitment to their local and sustainable practices is outlined right on the menu where it states that "certain items on the menu may vary due to local availability and seasonality."
Tuyo is located atop the Miami-Dade College Culinary Institute at 415 NE Second Ave., 305-237-3200, www.tuyomiami.com
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The River Seafood & Oyster Bar: Aphrodisiacs galore
The ambiance at the River Seafood & Oyster Bar is a cross between restaurant and after work, happy hour hot spot. It fits the bill for both and they're doing it nicely either way.
The bar area lends itself to hanging out with friends enjoying some cocktails after a long week at work and since it's just steps away from the Brickell Financial District and Downtown Miami let's just say, Fridays are hopping here. The time to go is Mon.-Fri. 4-7 p.m. for drink and food specials.
As a restaurant, Chef David Bracha's been packing them in since 2003. Naturally, the menu is jam-packed with seafood -- Key West snapper, Alaskan halibut, crab po' boy, ceviche, conch chowder and tons more. Landlubbers can enjoy an angus beef cheeseburger, chimichurri style skirt steak or grilled chicken salad.
Overall, the River's inviting ambiance, great location and stellar menu make it a place worth stopping in.
Located at 650 South Miami Ave., 305-530-1915, www.therivermiami.com
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Morgan’s is great any time of day
The lilac color is immediately recognizable and helps Morgan's in Wynwood stand out from the pack. The wooden house structure is also unique to the area. They also have another location in Miami Beach.
[caption id="attachment_56573" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Brioche French toast at Morgan's"]
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What's great about Morgan's is they're good for anytime of the day. Their brunch is phenomenal and lunch and dinner are fantastic too. They bill themselves as "Miami's Modern Homestyle Comfort Food" and on that, they deliver.
During the day, this bright and airy place offers delectable brunch items like pillow light brioche French toast, eggs benedict with smoked salmon, a cheese board with gruyere, stilton, brie, fig paste, fresh fruit and crostini and on the heartier side, Kobe style sliders with caramelized onions and cheddar. And as if that weren't enough, there's...lunch and dinner. The center cut pork loin with apple brandy sauce and butternut squash or the pan roasted herb chicken with gigante bean salad and preserved lemon are two great choices.
Morgan's is located at either 28 NE 29 St. 305-573-9678 or 1787 Purdy Ave., Miami Beach 305-397-8753 www.themorgansrestaurant.com
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What's great about Morgan's is they're good for anytime of the day. Their brunch is phenomenal and lunch and dinner are fantastic too. They bill themselves as "Miami's Modern Homestyle Comfort Food" and on that, they deliver.
During the day, this bright and airy place offers delectable brunch items like pillow light brioche French toast, eggs benedict with smoked salmon, a cheese board with gruyere, stilton, brie, fig paste, fresh fruit and crostini and on the heartier side, Kobe style sliders with caramelized onions and cheddar. And as if that weren't enough, there's...lunch and dinner. The center cut pork loin with apple brandy sauce and butternut squash or the pan roasted herb chicken with gigante bean salad and preserved lemon are two great choices.
Morgan's is located at either 28 NE 29 St. 305-573-9678 or 1787 Purdy Ave., Miami Beach 305-397-8753 www.themorgansrestaurant.com
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Harry’s Pizzeria: Chef’s homage to his son
Guess running one of the most successful restaurants in Miami isn't keeping Chef Michael Schwartz busy enough since he's now launched Harry's Pizzeria just a few blocks away from his signature restaurant Michael's Genuine Food & Drink.
Named after his son, Harry's is located in a quaint space that used to be Pizza Volante, a restaurant closed by fellow renowned South Florida chef Jonathan Eismann. Harry's though is quite different in that Chef Schwartz continues using only the freshest, local ingredients.
Walk up to the front doors and guests are immediately greeted to wooden planters filled with fresh herbs that are most definitely used on the variety of incredibly crispy wood-burning oven pizzas served here. Fresh arugula, figs and pork is just one of the unique combinations offered on a pizza here. The polenta fries and trio of meatballs in homemade sauce are more than worthy appetizer choices.
Harry's Pizzeria, 3918 N. Miami Ave., 786-275-4963, www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Harrys-Pizzeria/246223715420127
Named after his son, Harry's is located in a quaint space that used to be Pizza Volante, a restaurant closed by fellow renowned South Florida chef Jonathan Eismann. Harry's though is quite different in that Chef Schwartz continues using only the freshest, local ingredients.
Walk up to the front doors and guests are immediately greeted to wooden planters filled with fresh herbs that are most definitely used on the variety of incredibly crispy wood-burning oven pizzas served here. Fresh arugula, figs and pork is just one of the unique combinations offered on a pizza here. The polenta fries and trio of meatballs in homemade sauce are more than worthy appetizer choices.
Harry's Pizzeria, 3918 N. Miami Ave., 786-275-4963, www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Harrys-Pizzeria/246223715420127
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Wynwood Kitchen & Bar: Classic eats meet urban art
Like most venues in the Wynwood area, Wynwood Kitchen & Bar is a unique restaurant that offers diners great classic food along with funky urban art. One of the new kids on the block in the neighborhood, this spacious eatery offers both indoor and outdoor seating.
The feeling here is industrial warehouse meets comfortable and natural. The decor is a blend of driftwood accents, dark oak tables, high ceilings and oversized, colorful graffiti almost tattoo art. Outside the art continues with garden seating among the famed Wynwood Walls which are filled with artistic graffiti.
Enough about the decor though after all, it is a restaurant so food's the main draw here. Clay pots are the hit here with snapper and mussel curry with charred pineapple and basil or braised lamb with carrots, mint cardamom-panko bread crumbs and sour cherries. All are served with jasmine or brown rice. Skewers make good appetizers with choices like pork with cilantro-sesame dipping sauce or beef with basil dipping sauce.
Wynwood Kitchen & Bar is located at 2550 NW 2 Ave., Miami, FL
The feeling here is industrial warehouse meets comfortable and natural. The decor is a blend of driftwood accents, dark oak tables, high ceilings and oversized, colorful graffiti almost tattoo art. Outside the art continues with garden seating among the famed Wynwood Walls which are filled with artistic graffiti.
Enough about the decor though after all, it is a restaurant so food's the main draw here. Clay pots are the hit here with snapper and mussel curry with charred pineapple and basil or braised lamb with carrots, mint cardamom-panko bread crumbs and sour cherries. All are served with jasmine or brown rice. Skewers make good appetizers with choices like pork with cilantro-sesame dipping sauce or beef with basil dipping sauce.
Wynwood Kitchen & Bar is located at 2550 NW 2 Ave., Miami, FL
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The Forge: Miami Beach’s legendary eatery
The Forge Restaurant/Wine Bar has been the mainstay on the northern end of Miami Beach since the 1920s, known as an old-world steakhouse with matching elaborate decor. Current owner Shareef Malnik, who took ownership in 1990 from his father who owned it since 1969, has given the place a makeover, both in decor and on the menu.
It's still elaborate and decadent but instead of the dark wood, robust interior things have been lightened up in tone, lots of whites, silvers, mismatched chairs which give the place character and a wine cellar/selection that can only be described as massive.
Executive Chef Dewey LoSasso, a veteran of New York and Miami restaurants, has created a menu all his own with pastas and risottos, unique appetizers like smoked salmon croquettes and quinoa pancake stacks plus main entrees like steamed local snapper in a bag and to keep with tradition an entire section of select meats.
Eating at the Forge is an experience like no other. They're located at 432 41 Street, Miami Beach, 305-538-8533
Executive Chef Dewey LoSasso, a veteran of New York and Miami restaurants, has created a menu all his own with pastas and risottos, unique appetizers like smoked salmon croquettes and quinoa pancake stacks plus main entrees like steamed local snapper in a bag and to keep with tradition an entire section of select meats.
Eating at the Forge is an experience like no other. They're located at 432 41 Street, Miami Beach, 305-538-8533
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Yardbird Southern Table & Bar: Comfort food done right
With a website name like runchickenrun.com, there's no doubt that Miami Beach's Yardbird Southern Table & Bar takes their chicken and comfort food for that matter, seriously. They don't even call it a dinner menu, it's called supper.
A rustic interior with small jam jars on display, cute sayings printed along the bar like "Say Please and Thank You" and "Run Chicken Run" and lots of natural wood to evoke a country setting.
Things to try here: Shrimp 'n grits made with Florida shrimp, crisp Virginia ham and South Carolina stone ground grits (they love using the best Southern ingredients here and make sure to name them too). The Llellewyn's Fine Fried Chicken is a 1/2 a Bell & Evans bird served with cheddar and chow chow waffle, spicy Tulepo honey and citrus pepper watermelon. The melons and cheese appetizer of fresh melons, grilled farm cheese, fresh celery in Meyer lemon Texas olive oil is a great starter.
The restaurant is located at the corner of 16th St. and Lenox Ave. in Miami Beach, 305-538-5220
A rustic interior with small jam jars on display, cute sayings printed along the bar like "Say Please and Thank You" and "Run Chicken Run" and lots of natural wood to evoke a country setting.
Things to try here: Shrimp 'n grits made with Florida shrimp, crisp Virginia ham and South Carolina stone ground grits (they love using the best Southern ingredients here and make sure to name them too). The Llellewyn's Fine Fried Chicken is a 1/2 a Bell & Evans bird served with cheddar and chow chow waffle, spicy Tulepo honey and citrus pepper watermelon. The melons and cheese appetizer of fresh melons, grilled farm cheese, fresh celery in Meyer lemon Texas olive oil is a great starter.
The restaurant is located at the corner of 16th St. and Lenox Ave. in Miami Beach, 305-538-5220
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Seasons 52: A fresh take on seasonal faves
At Seasons 52, they pride themselves on offering fresh, seasonal ingredients with a casual and unique flair. Organic greens, vegetables, seafoods and meats command the menu as well as a wealth of eye-pleasing appetizers, flatbreads, entrees, salads and desserts.
Some of their tasty selections include an all-natural chicken cabernet with Lundberg organic wild rice, vegetables and red wine sauce; a lemongrass salmon salad with organic field lettuce, grilled pineapple, jicama and sesame dressing and flatbreads topped with garlic chicken, balsamic red onions, roasted red peppers and mozzarella cheese, to name just one of five delectable ones offered.
And to match the casually elegant menu, the restaurant's atmosphere is a pleasant cherry wood interior with warm lighting, an inviting bar and wood beams running along the ceiling.
Seasons 52 Restaurant is located at 321 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables, FL
Some of their tasty selections include an all-natural chicken cabernet with Lundberg organic wild rice, vegetables and red wine sauce; a lemongrass salmon salad with organic field lettuce, grilled pineapple, jicama and sesame dressing and flatbreads topped with garlic chicken, balsamic red onions, roasted red peppers and mozzarella cheese, to name just one of five delectable ones offered.
And to match the casually elegant menu, the restaurant's atmosphere is a pleasant cherry wood interior with warm lighting, an inviting bar and wood beams running along the ceiling.
Seasons 52 Restaurant is located at 321 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables, FL
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The Cheese Course: Gourmet nibblin’s
It's not all about nibbling on some cheese at The Cheese Course in Midtown but that's definitely the place's biggest draw. The menu is mainly comprised of a veritable enormity of combinations of hard and soft cheeses with perfect accompaniments.
Some brie and manchego with olive tapenade, or perhaps a robust stilton and limburger with a side of fig spread. The combinations here are endless and what's fun is trying as many different ones as possible. The sandwiches here are excellent too, all served on fresh baked baguettes. One of my personal faves is the Spanish serrano ham with manchego, black olive tapenade, extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar and greens.
The wines available for pairing are top notch too and it's virtually impossible to leave without buying something from their incredible market.
The Cheese Course is located at 3451 NE 1 Avenue, Miami, FL
Some brie and manchego with olive tapenade, or perhaps a robust stilton and limburger with a side of fig spread. The combinations here are endless and what's fun is trying as many different ones as possible. The sandwiches here are excellent too, all served on fresh baked baguettes. One of my personal faves is the Spanish serrano ham with manchego, black olive tapenade, extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar and greens.
The wines available for pairing are top notch too and it's virtually impossible to leave without buying something from their incredible market.
The Cheese Course is located at 3451 NE 1 Avenue, Miami, FL
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Meat Market: Sink your teeth into it
The name may be a play on words for a pick-up bar but rest assured, Meat Market on Lincoln Road in South Beach couldn't be further from that. Executive Chef and Co-Owner Sean Brasel along with sommelier Sarah Almand are a pair of pros at their craft.
The menu features signature steaks and reserve cuts as the stars, with a great selection of sauces and butters specially created to accompany them along with classic salads that make great starters. Pork, chicken and fish entrees and yet another classic, meatloaf make the grade here too.
For an even more unique experience, their monthly wine dinner series is a fantastic way to enjoy a unique culinary evening. The four-course meals include two appetizer courses, an entree course and dessert course. Each one is paired with the perfect wine. Succulent smoke-roasted duck breast with zinfandel and rugged dry-aged prime rib eye with hearty combination reds.
Meat Market is located at 915 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach, FL 305-532-0088 www.meatmarketmiami.com
The menu features signature steaks and reserve cuts as the stars, with a great selection of sauces and butters specially created to accompany them along with classic salads that make great starters. Pork, chicken and fish entrees and yet another classic, meatloaf make the grade here too.
For an even more unique experience, their monthly wine dinner series is a fantastic way to enjoy a unique culinary evening. The four-course meals include two appetizer courses, an entree course and dessert course. Each one is paired with the perfect wine. Succulent smoke-roasted duck breast with zinfandel and rugged dry-aged prime rib eye with hearty combination reds.
Meat Market is located at 915 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach, FL 305-532-0088 www.meatmarketmiami.com
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City Hall: No government here, it’s all about the food
[caption id="attachment_55010" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="City Hall's Steve Haas and Tom Azar. Photo courtesy of Mishael Fernandez."]
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The name could throw anyone off -- City Hall. Government, clerks, parking tickets, etc... but at this City Hall, it's all about the food. Owner Steve Haas, an icon in the Miami community, especially restaurants and his chef Tom Azar wouldn't have it any other way.
They've created a masterpiece of Art Deco cool here and Haas has experience with that after all, he's run restaurants on South Beach where that architecture style rules. Azar, a protege of famed celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse, has put together a stellar menu of brasserie style favorites. Using a play on words throughout the menu (appetizers are called "Opening Statements" and entrees "Primary Decisions") the food is serious here.
Seafood and andouille gumbo with steamed rice and butter fried croutons or Latin-inspired seared scallops with jalapeno emulsion, pico de gallo, a black bean and sweet corn salsa and fried plantains make great choices.
City Hall is located at 2004 Biscayne Blvd. 305-764-3130, www.cityhallrestaurant.com
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The name could throw anyone off -- City Hall. Government, clerks, parking tickets, etc... but at this City Hall, it's all about the food. Owner Steve Haas, an icon in the Miami community, especially restaurants and his chef Tom Azar wouldn't have it any other way.
They've created a masterpiece of Art Deco cool here and Haas has experience with that after all, he's run restaurants on South Beach where that architecture style rules. Azar, a protege of famed celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse, has put together a stellar menu of brasserie style favorites. Using a play on words throughout the menu (appetizers are called "Opening Statements" and entrees "Primary Decisions") the food is serious here.
Seafood and andouille gumbo with steamed rice and butter fried croutons or Latin-inspired seared scallops with jalapeno emulsion, pico de gallo, a black bean and sweet corn salsa and fried plantains make great choices.
City Hall is located at 2004 Biscayne Blvd. 305-764-3130, www.cityhallrestaurant.com
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Crumb on Parchment, Bernstein’s latest Design District venture
Design District darling and James-Beard award-winning chef Michelle Bernstein has launched a new venture in the area and brought her Mom along for the ride. It's called Crumb on Parchment and is a winner.
Just steps away from her well-known Sra. Martinez, she can shuffle back and forth from one place to the other and not miss a beat. As strange as that may sound it's true, she is right there in the open area where the sandwiches, soups, sides, everything's being prepared, alongside her staff working.
Definite must haves are the roasted veggie sandwich with creamy cheese and tasty aioli and the roasted chicken with goat cheese and peaches, each a winner. Tasty couscous or one of their homemade soups like red gazpacho, lentil and chilled cauliflower make great sides. And for dessert, Mom makes a mile-high coconut cake that's a stunner, moist classic red velvet cupcakes with cream cheese frosting as well as assorted scones and muffins which are perfect for breakfast.
Crumb on Parchment is located at 3930 NE 2nd Ave., Miami, FL 305-572-9444, www.facebook.com/crumbmiami
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Nosh on unique eats and craft beers at The Local
A new incarnation has arrived in Downtown Coral Gables and it's called The Local Craft Food & Drink, an idea whose time was overdue in the area. At least that's what the two young owners thought and so they tapped an experienced and equally young chef and created this place.
The menu is a blend of many components, some of which incorporate well known ingredients from the owners Hispanic backgrounds. For example, their unique take on some classic barfood, instead of chicken wings, they're serving buffalo-style sweetbreads instead with blue cheese and a unique apple, chayote and celery slaw. Chayote? That's all Hispanic. Those sound perfect too paired with one of their many craft brews. It's bar food taken up a notch. They're even serving charcuterie prepared on premises and as many fresh local South Florida ingredients as possible.
[caption id="attachment_54627" align="alignright" width="150" caption="Photos by Sebastian Rusk / SocialBuzzTV.com"]
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The Local Craft Food & Drink is located at 150 Giralda Ave., Coral Gables 305-648-5687 www.facebook.com/thelocal150
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Peacock Garden Cafe: Garden setting evokes Grove feel
It's great to see a place like Peacock Garden Cafe open up in Coconut Grove especially nestled in a beautiful garden next to the historic Coconut Grove library on McFarlane Road. The claw-footed tub filled with dirt and used as an herb garden and colorful dangling orchids and potted plants make for a memorable entrance.
They've set the mood for what's to come, an outdoor patio bursting with more foliage that surrounds the old-style furniture and umbrellas galore providing even more shade. Inside's just as charming with mix and match tables and chairs, oversized windows providing plenty of sunshine and antique white glass chandeliers.
The atmosphere perfectly complements the menu. There's a daily soup including fresh corn, potato-leek or fennel. A number of fresh salads like pear and bleu cheese or classic Nicoise salad and grilled items featuring roasted chicken, large shrimp or Atlantic salmon which come paired choice of salad or side dish.
The Peacock Garden Cafe is located at 2889 McFarlane Road, Coconut Grove 305-774-3332, www.peacockspot.com Open everday at 11:30 a.m., close at 10 p.m. Sun-Wed and 11:30 p.m. Thurs-Sat
They've set the mood for what's to come, an outdoor patio bursting with more foliage that surrounds the old-style furniture and umbrellas galore providing even more shade. Inside's just as charming with mix and match tables and chairs, oversized windows providing plenty of sunshine and antique white glass chandeliers.
The atmosphere perfectly complements the menu. There's a daily soup including fresh corn, potato-leek or fennel. A number of fresh salads like pear and bleu cheese or classic Nicoise salad and grilled items featuring roasted chicken, large shrimp or Atlantic salmon which come paired choice of salad or side dish.
The Peacock Garden Cafe is located at 2889 McFarlane Road, Coconut Grove 305-774-3332, www.peacockspot.com Open everday at 11:30 a.m., close at 10 p.m. Sun-Wed and 11:30 p.m. Thurs-Sat
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Garcia’s serves freshest seafood with a Miami waterview
Situated along the Miami River on the winding road called NW N River Drive is Garcia's Seafood Grille and the location is perfect for a place that serves fresh fish they catch from their own fleet of boats.
See Garcia's is both restaurant and marketplace so diners here know that they can't get food that's any fresher than here. Their smoked fish dip, which is complimentary and brought out immediately for folks to snack on is delectable. Probably best though not to load up on this since there are so many incredible options to choose from off the menu.
Try their dolphin (mahi mahi) or grouper, one of the many fish choices they serve up grilled, blackened, sauteed as either a sandwich or meal. Crab cakes make great appetizers and the conch fritters are quite tasty too. Their shrimp dishes and of course stone crabs make for a good choice too. They're really spot on with their menu here.
Garcia's Seafood Grill and Market is located at 398 NW N River Dr. 305-375-0765, www.garciasseafoodgrill.com
http://garciasseafoodgrill.com/
See Garcia's is both restaurant and marketplace so diners here know that they can't get food that's any fresher than here. Their smoked fish dip, which is complimentary and brought out immediately for folks to snack on is delectable. Probably best though not to load up on this since there are so many incredible options to choose from off the menu.
Try their dolphin (mahi mahi) or grouper, one of the many fish choices they serve up grilled, blackened, sauteed as either a sandwich or meal. Crab cakes make great appetizers and the conch fritters are quite tasty too. Their shrimp dishes and of course stone crabs make for a good choice too. They're really spot on with their menu here.
Garcia's Seafood Grill and Market is located at 398 NW N River Dr. 305-375-0765, www.garciasseafoodgrill.com
http://garciasseafoodgrill.com/
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Dolores but you can call me Lolita: Good eats, hip scene
It's about more than just the food at Dolores but you can call me Lolita in the heart of Miami's thriving Brickell area. This is a compound that encompasses the restaurant, lounge, private room and even the Japanese favorite Sushi Maki next door. They go for the warm glow of candlelight in the restaurant where the wall border close to the ceiling brims with quirky and inspiring sayings.
Then there's the menu which is brimming with delicious selections like the appetizer called Maybe, the Best Serrano Ham Croquettes you ever tasted or the Caesar salad was created in Tijuana Parmesan cheese and croutons. Those wacky names doesn't mean they don't take food seriously here, entrees include pappardelle with a Kobe beef bolognese or baja fish tacos of tempura fish filets served with a chipotle-guava cabbage slaw.
Eat or party or do both at the restaurant or lounge, the atmosphere's great at both.
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Bistro One LR does American to Perfection
Swanky Bistro One LR at the Ritz Carlton on South Beach is doing contemporary American fare right and the food's as beautiful as the oceanfront setting. Chef Bernardo Espinel brings his flair and passion to the creative dishes on the menu making for a delectable dining experience
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Chef Espinel's been perfecting his culinary skills, working at several restaurants around Miami and New York, whose reputation and success earned him the present chef de cuisine status. It's obvious he's someone who loves to keep evolving in the kitchen as the menu is chock full of unique dishes, like Lamb Chop and Merguez Meatballs with Pear, Cardamom and Pearl Onions; Pan Seared King Crab with Green Papaya, Chilies and Lime; and Wild Scottish Salmon with Tomato Chutney, Basmati Rice and Brown Mustard. They even go the extra mile at Bistro One, suggesting wine pairings with each dish.
Insider's Tip: On Sundays, make sure to wash away that wild Miami weekend of partying with Bistro One's brunch, that includes a flowing champagne and Bloody Mary Bar.
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Chef Espinel's been perfecting his culinary skills, working at several restaurants around Miami and New York, whose reputation and success earned him the present chef de cuisine status. It's obvious he's someone who loves to keep evolving in the kitchen as the menu is chock full of unique dishes, like Lamb Chop and Merguez Meatballs with Pear, Cardamom and Pearl Onions; Pan Seared King Crab with Green Papaya, Chilies and Lime; and Wild Scottish Salmon with Tomato Chutney, Basmati Rice and Brown Mustard. They even go the extra mile at Bistro One, suggesting wine pairings with each dish.
Insider's Tip: On Sundays, make sure to wash away that wild Miami weekend of partying with Bistro One's brunch, that includes a flowing champagne and Bloody Mary Bar.
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Killer Kobe & Clientele at Beach’s Prime 112
Housed inside a former hotel and looking more like a Key West-inspired structure than anything resembling Art Deco, the hotspot fo
r dining south of Fifth Street on South Beach is Prime 112. Walk through the doors of this quaint yet brightly colored restaurant -- seriously, it's a cheery yellow wooden structure with white trim -- and the sense of "this is the place to see and be seen" is immediately evident. Celebrities and all-star athletes love to celebrate here, seeing as the food and ambiance are amazing.
Known for the killer steaks -- filet mignon, Kobe, strip, porterhouse, rib eye -- they've got them all and then some. The seafood selections, including local swordfish, crab crusted grouper, wild salmon and Chilean sea bass, are perfect for seafood connoisseurs. And the ridiculous amount of of potato-inspired sides and other traditional fare makes ordering here that much more entertaining. Obviously, reservations are strongly recommended.
r dining south of Fifth Street on South Beach is Prime 112. Walk through the doors of this quaint yet brightly colored restaurant -- seriously, it's a cheery yellow wooden structure with white trim -- and the sense of "this is the place to see and be seen" is immediately evident. Celebrities and all-star athletes love to celebrate here, seeing as the food and ambiance are amazing.
Known for the killer steaks -- filet mignon, Kobe, strip, porterhouse, rib eye -- they've got them all and then some. The seafood selections, including local swordfish, crab crusted grouper, wild salmon and Chilean sea bass, are perfect for seafood connoisseurs. And the ridiculous amount of of potato-inspired sides and other traditional fare makes ordering here that much more entertaining. Obviously, reservations are strongly recommended.
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The Grub at Joe’s is ALWAYS in Season
Even though Joe's Stone Crab's famous stone crab claws are only i
n season for part of the year, this landmark spot has a menu to rival any place in town... and then some. Greats like baseball legend Joe DiMaggio, aviator Amelia Earhart and the Duke and Duchess of Windsor have all dined at Joe's and Miami's social elite still flock to the spot to get their fix of the freshest stone crab claws and a veritable smorgasbord of delectable sides like coleslaw, creamed spinach and hash brown potatoes.
Although they're known for their seafood, the roasted chicken at Joe's is unbeatable. By all means save room for dessert, the key lime pie is beyond incredible and is a perfect ending to the meal. The wait at Joe's is long since reservations aren't taken, but you're in luck, because there's always Joe's Take Away.
n season for part of the year, this landmark spot has a menu to rival any place in town... and then some. Greats like baseball legend Joe DiMaggio, aviator Amelia Earhart and the Duke and Duchess of Windsor have all dined at Joe's and Miami's social elite still flock to the spot to get their fix of the freshest stone crab claws and a veritable smorgasbord of delectable sides like coleslaw, creamed spinach and hash brown potatoes.
Although they're known for their seafood, the roasted chicken at Joe's is unbeatable. By all means save room for dessert, the key lime pie is beyond incredible and is a perfect ending to the meal. The wait at Joe's is long since reservations aren't taken, but you're in luck, because there's always Joe's Take Away.
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Genuinely Tasty Eats at Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink
Whether the hunger strikes at lunch or dinner, sitting down for a meal at Michael's Genuine Food & Drink in the Design District is a trip to culinary heaven. The crowds that flock there are proof positive of this and also a good sign that reservations are
a must.
Chef Michael Schwartz quickly made a name for himself at the three-year old spot with simple bistro fare like steamed mussels with roasted tomato harissa broth, sticky black rice and garlic chips, and crispy sweet and spicy pork belly with kimchi and crushed peanuts. He prides himself on using the freshest organic ingredients available so his creations are top-notch in taste.
The indoor table seating is in an ecclectic, cool interior and there's a welcoming bar where diners can watch their delectable eats being prepared. Being in Miami, of course there's outdoor seating. The place is not to be missed and its a hot bed for celebs as well as notable locals.
a must.
Chef Michael Schwartz quickly made a name for himself at the three-year old spot with simple bistro fare like steamed mussels with roasted tomato harissa broth, sticky black rice and garlic chips, and crispy sweet and spicy pork belly with kimchi and crushed peanuts. He prides himself on using the freshest organic ingredients available so his creations are top-notch in taste.
The indoor table seating is in an ecclectic, cool interior and there's a welcoming bar where diners can watch their delectable eats being prepared. Being in Miami, of course there's outdoor seating. The place is not to be missed and its a hot bed for celebs as well as notable locals.