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SushiSamba’s carnaval celebrates Brazil’s independence
Samba the weekend away during SushiSamba's Brazilian Independence Day celebration Sept. 6 and 7 at 9 p.m. at the restaurant's Miami Beach and Coral Gables locations.
Costumed dancers shake things up performing the country's traditional samba dance and the 400-year-old traditional capoeira dance that incorporates martial arts moves to the sounds of a live band.
The lively music and dance lends itself to sipping a refreshing caipirinha Brazil's most popular drink made with Cachaca, sugar and fresh squeezed lime juice which during this weekend special event is available for $6.
Have to enjoy some traditional food along with the cocktail and top choices include short rib pasteis yellow corn seviche with queso fresco, black bean acaraje avocado crema and pickled onion and local fish steamed in a banana leaf with grilled tiger shrimp and mango chutney.
Click here for Coral Gables location and here for Miami Beach.
The lively music and dance lends itself to sipping a refreshing caipirinha Brazil's most popular drink made with Cachaca, sugar and fresh squeezed lime juice which during this weekend special event is available for $6.
Have to enjoy some traditional food along with the cocktail and top choices include short rib pasteis yellow corn seviche with queso fresco, black bean acaraje avocado crema and pickled onion and local fish steamed in a banana leaf with grilled tiger shrimp and mango chutney.
Click here for Coral Gables location and here for Miami Beach.
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Andale to Huahua’s Taqueria for Mexican grub
Authentic Mexican has come to Lincoln Road on South Beach by way of Chef Todd Erickson's latest venture, a casual and pet-friendly eatery Huahua's Taqueria set on the quieter side of the famous street. Chef Erickson knows his Mexican cuisine, hailing from Arizona and spending much of his childhood also traveling to New Mexico.
You'll know you've found the place when you spot the adorable grey cartoon chihuaha with the blue Mexican hat, bright silver chairs and shelves brimming with hot sauces.
Those 21 hot sauce varieties are perfect on their tacos and enchiladas. But start first with the grilled Mexican sweet corn topped with cotija cheese and fresh cilantro or the chips with queso blanco, a mild and flavorful cheese sauce perfect for dipping. It's a nice change from the traditional tomato-based salsa. Then move on to either the chili rubbed shrimp taco topped with jicama, lime, cilantro and spicy mayo or the pollo al pastor taco with chicken topped with charred pineapple, cilantro, onion and lime crema.
There's a reason for the doggie on the signage too, because they're welcomed here. With just limited seating indoors, tables and chairs are outside and all of them equipped with nearby silver bowls in four sizes to accommodate the tiniest to the largest pooch.
They're at 1211 Lincoln Road. Call 305-534-TACO (8226) or click here to visit their website.
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Que rico! Miami’s five best spots for Cuban eats
There are so many Cuban restaurants in Miami that it's hard to figure out where to get the most authentic flavors of the island. Spread out all over Miami, the list of the best five are both on the mainland and over the Causeway.
The tried-and-true two -- La Carreta and Versailles have to be on the list. Yes, it's a bit cliche but the food at each is really authentic. And if anything, making this list is a testament to their longevity. There's only one Versailles but there are several La Carreta's so make sure to go the original one, with the wagon wheel out front, on Calle Ocho (SW Eighth St.) and 36 Ave. The bakery at Versailles as meeting place for many Miamians is a time-honored tradition as is a late-night dinner at La Carreta after a night of partying.
[caption id="attachment_61404" align="alignleft" width="150" caption="Habanero steak at Islas Canarias"]
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Sergio's on Coral Way and 32 Avenue is great for midnight sandwiches, an afternoon cafecito and their never fails, cure anything that ails you sopa de platano (plantain soup). While over at Islas Canarias in Kendall the croquetas are killer as are their stuffed tostones and paella.
And believe it or not, South Beach's David's Cafe II on Lincoln Road has excellent black beans and rice, picadillo and palomilla steak. A welcome authentic, Cuban restaurant that's surviving among all the other nouveau cuisine places.
La Carreta, David’s Cafe, Sergio’s, Versailles, Islas Canarias
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Sergio's on Coral Way and 32 Avenue is great for midnight sandwiches, an afternoon cafecito and their never fails, cure anything that ails you sopa de platano (plantain soup). While over at Islas Canarias in Kendall the croquetas are killer as are their stuffed tostones and paella.
And believe it or not, South Beach's David's Cafe II on Lincoln Road has excellent black beans and rice, picadillo and palomilla steak. A welcome authentic, Cuban restaurant that's surviving among all the other nouveau cuisine places.
La Carreta, David’s Cafe, Sergio’s, Versailles, Islas Canarias
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CVI. CHE 105: Peruvian classic with a hip twist
The small, mom and pop eatery in Downtown Miami is slowly disappearing, replaced by modern, hip restaurants and leading the trend is Cvi.che 105.
Chef/owner Juan Chipoco and sous chef and co-owner Luis Hoyos have created an incredible ambiance and menu that is indicative of their passion for traditional, delicious Peruvian cooking. The space is deceivingly large and inviting, with a bright interior, open kitchen and ultra-contemporary furnishings and accents.
Chipoco blends sexy dishes like seafood orgy ceviche, a blend of marinated raw seafood including fish, calamari and shrimp served in typical Peruvian tiger milk with more traditional ones like Mama Ele Corvina Fish – his grandmother’s recipe of pan roasted fresh corvine fish served with a crab cake in a rocoto sauce and a homemade potato cake
They also take great care in developing specific flavors for each ceviche depending which region of Peru it represents.
Cviche 105 is located at 105 NE 3 Ave., Miami, FL 305-577-3454, www.ceviche105.com
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Jimmy’Z: Monfongo dish is star here
Jimmy 'Z Kitchen in Wynwood is a great casual spot to try some of the best mofongo, the Puerto Rican diet staple, prepared in Miami and the variety of ways they serve it is impressive.
[caption id="attachment_55224" align="alignleft" width="225" caption="Mofongo with churrasco. Photo by Charles Buscemi @barefootcount"]
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Located inside a cool, huge space in the artsy Wynwood District, Chef Jimmy Carey, a veteran of kitchens around Miami, is creating the amazing dishes here. Mofongo is a mash of fried green plantains, garlic, olive oil and crunchy pork rinds served in a mound in the center of the plate on a bed spicy tomato sauce. They serve it with juicy, succulent shrimp or tender, moist churrasco steak or lambchops.
The panini sandwiches here are tops too, along with Cuban-inspired roasted mojo pork, Caribbean shrimp or chicken creole and scrumptious salads. They've also got grilled skirt steak with chimichurri (parsley and oil-based) sauce. That's an Argentinean specialty so it's almost like an homage to Latin American flavors.
Jimmy'Z is located at 2700 N Miami Ave. 305-573-1505 www.jimmyzkitchen.com
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Located inside a cool, huge space in the artsy Wynwood District, Chef Jimmy Carey, a veteran of kitchens around Miami, is creating the amazing dishes here. Mofongo is a mash of fried green plantains, garlic, olive oil and crunchy pork rinds served in a mound in the center of the plate on a bed spicy tomato sauce. They serve it with juicy, succulent shrimp or tender, moist churrasco steak or lambchops.
The panini sandwiches here are tops too, along with Cuban-inspired roasted mojo pork, Caribbean shrimp or chicken creole and scrumptious salads. They've also got grilled skirt steak with chimichurri (parsley and oil-based) sauce. That's an Argentinean specialty so it's almost like an homage to Latin American flavors.
Jimmy'Z is located at 2700 N Miami Ave. 305-573-1505 www.jimmyzkitchen.com
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Xixon: Spanish chef serves passionate menu
Xixon Cafe has settled in nicely into their new digs on Coral Way and what a phenomenal location it is. The place is elegant, sophisticated while still maintaining a casual touch that evokes the look and feel of Spain throughout.
Upon entering there's a market and deli selling specialty cheeses, hams, chorizos, peppers, olives and olive oils all imported from Spain.
The new larger location has two floors in addition to the main floor and each space supplementing the other by offering different dining ambiances, downstairs the Vinoteca and upstairs the Mezzanine with oversized tables for larger groups and private parties along with a main dining room and Tapas bar.
In the kitchen, Chef Jon Gonzalez, a native of San Sebastian, is preparing the classics as well as some more contemporary recipes. He uses plenty of fresh caught fish and seafood for his recipes and introduces daily tapas and entrees to keep the menu interesting.
Xixon is located at 2101 SW 22 St. Miami, FL
The new larger location has two floors in addition to the main floor and each space supplementing the other by offering different dining ambiances, downstairs the Vinoteca and upstairs the Mezzanine with oversized tables for larger groups and private parties along with a main dining room and Tapas bar.
In the kitchen, Chef Jon Gonzalez, a native of San Sebastian, is preparing the classics as well as some more contemporary recipes. He uses plenty of fresh caught fish and seafood for his recipes and introduces daily tapas and entrees to keep the menu interesting.
Xixon is located at 2101 SW 22 St. Miami, FL
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Jaguar’s ceviche, and so much more…
Jaguar Ceviche Spoon Bar and Latam Grill is like a tour through Latin America and the cuisines that make each area unique. It's what Chef Oscar del Rivero envisioned bringing to diners and he's delivering.
Front and center is the ceviche spoon bar, a fantastic representation of unique bites representing Peru, where the dish is most popular, and some great variations. The Asian inspired ones have soy and ginger while many others include cilantro. All of course include the freshest fish and lime which is what makes the dish what it is.
The Latam (short for Latin American) grill features a grilled organic chicken chicken breast stuffed with goat cheese and pico de gallo verde, simple grilled fish entrees and steaks like filet mignon and skirt steak or "churrasco."
The atmosphere complements the menu perfectly with warm-colored walls, unique bamboo styled lighting and dark wood chairs at the bar.
Jaguar is located at 3067 Grand Ave., Coconut Grove 305-444-0216 www.jaguarspot.com
Front and center is the ceviche spoon bar, a fantastic representation of unique bites representing Peru, where the dish is most popular, and some great variations. The Asian inspired ones have soy and ginger while many others include cilantro. All of course include the freshest fish and lime which is what makes the dish what it is.
The Latam (short for Latin American) grill features a grilled organic chicken chicken breast stuffed with goat cheese and pico de gallo verde, simple grilled fish entrees and steaks like filet mignon and skirt steak or "churrasco."
The atmosphere complements the menu perfectly with warm-colored walls, unique bamboo styled lighting and dark wood chairs at the bar.
Jaguar is located at 3067 Grand Ave., Coconut Grove 305-444-0216 www.jaguarspot.com
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Pubbelly: Simply stated, it’s hog heaven
The gastropub has come to Miami, Miami Beach that is, in Pubbelly located around the quieter end of South Beach around 20th Street. Smart move, the space has the perfect non-Art Deco-looking Chelsea New York reminiscent look and feel. It fits perfectly with what the trio of young hip owners are going for.
High ceilings, brick walls, rustic but city like, it's the antithesis of bubblegum, neon, pastel South Beach and the unique menu is the perfect complement. Asian-inspired Gastropub's the concept here, an unusual blend for sure but one that works.
Try the spaghetti and meatballs with lemongrass, sommen noodles, tomato and peanuts best described as tangy with a surprising addicting flavor. The McBelly with porkbelly, kimchee, barbecue, pickles and shaved onions is a must as is the pubbelly ramen with porkbelly, lemongrass broth and a poached egg. Menu's divided into small plates (the first two mentioned here) and larger ones like the ramen, as well as veggies, raw/marinated/cured options and sides. Brews, sakes and wines are great here too with a huge selection.
Pubbelly is located at 1418 20 St., Miami Beach, FL
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Gigi Restaurant: Small bites, big flavor
The latest incarnation in the ever-growing restaurant scene in the Design District is Gigi Bistro. Intimate and hip, it's obvious they're going for their own vibe here. Stool seating here outnumbers actual tables and that's fine. Reaching for shared bites while sitting next to each other is easier than an outstretched arm across a table.
And that's what they want here, lots of sharing. The small portions, I hate to call them tapas the term's so overused these days, make for a great experience of sampling different dishes. It's obvious Chef Jeff McInnis is always thinking up new menu items judging by the small two-sided menu that's handed out upon arrival (and one side's all drinks). He makes delicious Asian-inspired buns filled with either beef brisket or with shiitake mushrooms topped with sticky, icky sauce (yes, that's what it's called) and sesame. And the super refreshing homestead avocado and tomato salad with citrus, hearts of palm and crunchy rice is a true original.
Gigi is located at 3470 North Miami Ave., Miami, FL
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Sugarcane Raw Bar & Grill: Small bites, big flavor
The concept at Sugarcane Raw Bar & Grill is to entice diners with a combination of flavors in a wide variety of small plates, known around Europe (particularly Spain) as "tapas." They have robata, hot and raw bar kitchens.
Their eclectic menu is contstantly changing so it's a unique and different experience everytime. Some of their most ambitious items include bacon wrapped dates with linguica and manchego, thin-crust flatbread with cured tuna, tobiko and sour cream and Kobe beef sliders with tonkatsu and quail egg. Their hand picked market greens with with crumbled goat cheese and cherry bing vinaigrette is a great starter, free range bulled barbecue chicken on brioche bread served with zucchini pickles and pommes frites (very fancy and tasty fries) is a great entree sandwich and the homemade el ray chocolate chip ice cream sandwich is a tasty dessert.
Inside, the place is colorful, industrial and edgy with a West Indies flair through their paddle fans, watercolor stained walls, a tall green hedge surrounding the outdoor patio and a killer bar with colorfully displayed wine bottles and alcohol.
Sugarcane Raw Bar & Grill is located at 3250 NE 1 Avenue, Miami, FL
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Sushi Samba Dromo Fuses Peru, Japan and Brazil
The eye-popping, mouth-watering Sushi Samba Dromo takes fusion to a whole new level with an inspired threesome of Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian tastes. You'll feel like a world traveler in the hip, lounge-like dining area and bar. For the full global impact, be sure to sample the fusion drinks like Caipirinhas and specialty Sambatinis, Latin-inspired sushi a la the BoBo Brazil Roll with kobe beef and the amazing meats of the "Rio Grande" Churrasco (Brazilian Barbecue).
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Mandolin Aegean Bistro: Charming with authentic fare
It's charm right off the bat at Mandolin Aegean Bistro, especially given that the restaurant is inside a historic 1940s house and is awash in white with traditional Mediterranean blue trim throughout. Quietly nestled between the hip Design District and Buena Vista neighborhoods, entering this place and then tasting their delicious offerings, diners are immediately transported to the Greek isles.
The food here is fresh, authentic and prepared with loving care. The Greek sampler is a great starter. Served up in a fancy trio of small containers it features tzatziki, smoked eggplant puree and tarama (a salmon puree). Gyros, pulled lamb and a lamb cheeseburger are part of the sandwich choices and for entrees there's the village pasta of greek noodles with ground beef and bechamel sauce or a seafood stew with shrimp, mussels and calamari. Orzo pilaf, Aegean olives and wild greens round out some tasty sides.
Mandolin offers an experience to heighten the senses of tasting, seeing and smelling to a whole other level.
Mandolin Aegean Bistro is located at 4312 NE 2 Avenue, Miami, FL
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Five-Star Dining at Mandarin’s Azul Restaurant
Preparing a delectable menu that fuses Asian, Mediterranean and even some New 
England influences, Chef Clay Conley makes dining at Azul in the five-star Mandarin Oriental an unforgettable experience. The bayviews alone from the restaurant could be considered inspiration enough, but the dishes are certainly prepared with a loving touch and passion for food that Conley's been honing for years now.
Perfecting his culinary skills at famed chef Todd English's restaurant, the food here is innovative, creative and of the highest quality, with many ingredients flown in fresh daily from around the globe. The variety is immense with offerings, like Nantucket Bay Scallops, Moroccan-inspired Lamb, Peruvian Style Ceviche and a catchy appetizer simply called A Study in Tuna that's Asian-inspired.
In keeping with the classiness of the place, Azul is one of the few Miami restaurants offering diners a finishing cheese course in a variety of sizes.
England influences, Chef Clay Conley makes dining at Azul in the five-star Mandarin Oriental an unforgettable experience. The bayviews alone from the restaurant could be considered inspiration enough, but the dishes are certainly prepared with a loving touch and passion for food that Conley's been honing for years now.
Perfecting his culinary skills at famed chef Todd English's restaurant, the food here is innovative, creative and of the highest quality, with many ingredients flown in fresh daily from around the globe. The variety is immense with offerings, like Nantucket Bay Scallops, Moroccan-inspired Lamb, Peruvian Style Ceviche and a catchy appetizer simply called A Study in Tuna that's Asian-inspired.
In keeping with the classiness of the place, Azul is one of the few Miami restaurants offering diners a finishing cheese course in a variety of sizes.
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Owner/Curator Amanda Fernandez-Leon Swears by The Restaurant at the Setai
"Picking a favorite restaurant in Miami is like picking your favorite star in the sky: an impossible feat," Amanda Fernandez-Leon, owner and curator of Calix Gustav Gallery, told citybuzz. "But there is one restaurant that truly never fails- this is not just a restaurant, it's The Restaurant at the Setai."
Located in arguably the best hotel in Miami, 
The Restaurant at the Setai is pan asian cuisine that exceeds all expectations and prior experiences. As a Miami trendsetter and owner of one of Miami's most avant-garde galleries, Amanda has a spot-on taste for what's cooking in Miami, and especially for what's sizzlin' at The Restaurant.
"The menu is massive and intimidating for newcomers," Amanda warns, but follow her favorites and you're sure to have as fabulous experience as she does. "The Pecking Duck Salad with the sweetest shallots you'll ever taste; nothing says Dim Sum like the melt-in-your-mouth Steamed Barbecue Pork Buns; the Pork Belly with dreamy Kimchi is unreal; the Lamb Curry is my pick for my last meal on Earth; and [finally] the Tandoor Jumbo Tiger Shrimp, so succulent it's naughty," Amanda recommends. With food that delicious and with so many options, she adds this advice, "Ladies, I don't recommend wearing a tight dress." Point taken.
*** Amanda Fernandez-Leon is the owner and curator of one of Miami's most avant-garde galleries, the new Calix Gustav Gallery, in the trendy Wynwood Arts District. With an unbelievable taste for the unique, she has also established herself as a trendsetter in both the culinary and fashion worlds. Always decked to the nines, Amanda can be found giving tours at her gallery as well as dining at restaurants that are on the verge of becoming the next big thing.
The Restaurant at the Setai is pan asian cuisine that exceeds all expectations and prior experiences. As a Miami trendsetter and owner of one of Miami's most avant-garde galleries, Amanda has a spot-on taste for what's cooking in Miami, and especially for what's sizzlin' at The Restaurant.
"The menu is massive and intimidating for newcomers," Amanda warns, but follow her favorites and you're sure to have as fabulous experience as she does. "The Pecking Duck Salad with the sweetest shallots you'll ever taste; nothing says Dim Sum like the melt-in-your-mouth Steamed Barbecue Pork Buns; the Pork Belly with dreamy Kimchi is unreal; the Lamb Curry is my pick for my last meal on Earth; and [finally] the Tandoor Jumbo Tiger Shrimp, so succulent it's naughty," Amanda recommends. With food that delicious and with so many options, she adds this advice, "Ladies, I don't recommend wearing a tight dress." Point taken.
*** Amanda Fernandez-Leon is the owner and curator of one of Miami's most avant-garde galleries, the new Calix Gustav Gallery, in the trendy Wynwood Arts District. With an unbelievable taste for the unique, she has also established herself as a trendsetter in both the culinary and fashion worlds. Always decked to the nines, Amanda can be found giving tours at her gallery as well as dining at restaurants that are on the verge of becoming the next big thing.
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Chow Down in Style at Mr. Chow
No matter where a Mr. Chow restaurant opens, it instantly becomes a spot where everyone must go, especially celebrities. In Miami - in South Beach's swanky W Hotel no less- Mr. Chow is brimming with elegance and style.
The Asian food here has to be called cuisine, because of offerings like fresh steamed sea bass filet and fresh lobster noodles - lobster tails sauteed in ginger sauce served on a bed of handmade noodles. The flair and creativity with which the dishes are prepared is unequaled and so stands the reputation of this hot bed of Beijing-inspired yummy. Don't come looking for honey chicken, General Tsao's or special fried rice here, it's non-existent.
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Michy’s Does James Beard Winning Experimentation
Having fun and experimenting with the menu is what it's all about at Michy's, the swanky, hip restaurant created by James Beard Foundation-winning chef Michelle Bernstein.
Named after her childhood nickname, Michy's is a reflection of her Cuban and Jewish heritage.
This cozy spot is the perfect match for a menu filled with original creations that beckons hints of her Cuban background with an added twist and flair from other countries. At this place, sharing is encouraged with dishes served as half or full sized. So go ahead, reach across the table, and take a piece of the crispy serrano ham and blue cheese croquettes served with a tangy, sweet fig marmalade; the crisp pork belly nectarine salad, soy ginger vinaigrette and spicy pickled radishes; or steak frites churrasco, house made fries with bearnaise and au povre dipping sauces.
Wash it all down with a suave Miami-inspired champagne mojito. Ahhh, now that's refreshing!
Named after her childhood nickname, Michy's is a reflection of her Cuban and Jewish heritage.
This cozy spot is the perfect match for a menu filled with original creations that beckons hints of her Cuban background with an added twist and flair from other countries. At this place, sharing is encouraged with dishes served as half or full sized. So go ahead, reach across the table, and take a piece of the crispy serrano ham and blue cheese croquettes served with a tangy, sweet fig marmalade; the crisp pork belly nectarine salad, soy ginger vinaigrette and spicy pickled radishes; or steak frites churrasco, house made fries with bearnaise and au povre dipping sauces.
Wash it all down with a suave Miami-inspired champagne mojito. Ahhh, now that's refreshing!
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Aptly Named Mr. Yum Brings Asia to Little Havana
This Thai/Japanese restaurant certainly doesn't suffer for its unconventional location in the heart of Little Havana. With a chic interior- stark white tables against crimson walls- and a buzzing, hip clientele, Mr. Yum is known for providing great service and delicious food. Every meal begins with a fancy amuse bouche and highlights include a special Pad Thai, Panang Curry and an incredible, creative sushi bar that's as beautiful to look at as it is to eat.