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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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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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Decisions, decisions…not at L’Entrecote de Paris
Sometimes all you want is a little simplicity in life and that includes not taking an eternity to decide what you're ordering at your favorite eatery.
That's easily done at L'Entrecote de Paris, opening in the Brickell area Sept. 5, where they've perfected one dish, France's legendary and signature Steak Frites. In fact, it's the only entree on the menu but that's alright because it's done to perfection. A specialty select cut of meat is delectably prepared rare, medium rare or well done and the 7-ounce portion for lunch and 9-ounce dinner portion is elegantly fanned out on the plate and topped with the chef's 21-ingredient secret sauce. The expertly prepared crunchy shoestring fries are the ideal topping.
All guests start off their meal with fresh mixed green salad featuring frisee and romaine with cherry tomatoes, walnuts drizzled ever-so gently with mustard dressing. And to finish things off choose from a light as air circular tri-color mousse of mint, white chocolate and chocolate drizzled with chocolate sauce. The traditional creme brulee, profiteroles and a selection of five macarons are among other dessert choices.
Aperitifs like house made quiches, cheese platter and pates are perfect starters and Russian River Valley Pinot Noir and a Left Bank Bordeaux are highlights of an extensive, carefully-chosen wine list.
Try this fantastic French Bistro for lunch, dinner or for an after-work cocktail at the polished wood and brass-accented bar.
L'Entrecote de Paris is at Brickell Plaza, 1053 SE 1 Ave., 305-759-9995 or click here to visit their website.
That's easily done at L'Entrecote de Paris, opening in the Brickell area Sept. 5, where they've perfected one dish, France's legendary and signature Steak Frites. In fact, it's the only entree on the menu but that's alright because it's done to perfection. A specialty select cut of meat is delectably prepared rare, medium rare or well done and the 7-ounce portion for lunch and 9-ounce dinner portion is elegantly fanned out on the plate and topped with the chef's 21-ingredient secret sauce. The expertly prepared crunchy shoestring fries are the ideal topping.
All guests start off their meal with fresh mixed green salad featuring frisee and romaine with cherry tomatoes, walnuts drizzled ever-so gently with mustard dressing. And to finish things off choose from a light as air circular tri-color mousse of mint, white chocolate and chocolate drizzled with chocolate sauce. The traditional creme brulee, profiteroles and a selection of five macarons are among other dessert choices.
Aperitifs like house made quiches, cheese platter and pates are perfect starters and Russian River Valley Pinot Noir and a Left Bank Bordeaux are highlights of an extensive, carefully-chosen wine list.
Try this fantastic French Bistro for lunch, dinner or for an after-work cocktail at the polished wood and brass-accented bar.
L'Entrecote de Paris is at Brickell Plaza, 1053 SE 1 Ave., 305-759-9995 or click here to visit their website.
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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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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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Taste of summer at Sardinia Enoteca
On the quieter side of South Beach, away from the clubbiness of Washington Avenue and the hawkers on Lincoln Road, many restaurants are popping up along Purdy Avenue in the Sunset Harbor neighborhood. Purdy is where the Italian eatery Sardinia Enoteca can be found, as well as their summer lunch and dinner specials running June and July.
Mimicking the popular early fall Miami Spice deals, Sardinia is offering a prix fixe $23 lunch and $39 dinner menu for the two months.
Owner Antonio Gallo and Executive Chef Pietro Vardeu have concocted several delicious choices. For lunch try their spaghetti carbonara, housemade potato gnocchi or Sardinian tuna fish as an entree and delicate mussels or a fresh caprese salad as an appetizer. Dinner selections include a few creative octopus appetizers and choices of housemade rigatoni or diver scallops as entrees. The Wine & Dine Special as they're calling it, also includes 40% off select wine bottles.
In addition, they've launched happy hour specials on drinks available Monday through Friday from 4-7 p.m. They include $7 wines by the glass of Bianchi, Rossi or Frizzante or well and featured Stoli cocktails. Corona, Miller Lite, Stella Artois, Heineken or Peroni are all $3.
Sardinia Enoteca is located at 1801 Purdy Ave., Miami Beach. Visit their website at sardinia-ristorante.com for a complete list of what's available.
Owner Antonio Gallo and Executive Chef Pietro Vardeu have concocted several delicious choices. For lunch try their spaghetti carbonara, housemade potato gnocchi or Sardinian tuna fish as an entree and delicate mussels or a fresh caprese salad as an appetizer. Dinner selections include a few creative octopus appetizers and choices of housemade rigatoni or diver scallops as entrees. The Wine & Dine Special as they're calling it, also includes 40% off select wine bottles.
In addition, they've launched happy hour specials on drinks available Monday through Friday from 4-7 p.m. They include $7 wines by the glass of Bianchi, Rossi or Frizzante or well and featured Stoli cocktails. Corona, Miller Lite, Stella Artois, Heineken or Peroni are all $3.
Sardinia Enoteca is located at 1801 Purdy Ave., Miami Beach. Visit their website at sardinia-ristorante.com for a complete list of what's available.
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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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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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Gotta love-a that pizza pie: Miami’s top five
Thin New York style, thick Sicilian, stuffed Chicago style, cheeseless or nouveau -- the variety of pizza styles seems endless and when it comes to the slice or the pie, seems like everyone's a connoisseur and has their favorite.
[caption id="attachment_60170" align="alignright" width="150" caption="Andiamo"]
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In Miami for example, most of the best pizza joints are downright institutions, loved by diehards who have been loyal to their favorite spot for countless years.So...(drumroll please), here's a list of Miami's top five, in no particular order:
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In Miami for example, most of the best pizza joints are downright institutions, loved by diehards who have been loyal to their favorite spot for countless years.So...(drumroll please), here's a list of Miami's top five, in no particular order:
- Steve's Pizza in North Miami on Biscayne Boulevard and NE 121 Street. The joint's been a neighborhood institution for more than three decades because they're still churning out authentic New York style pizza, giant slices at that, in a no-frills, no-nonsense environment. Just great pizza and all the traditional favorite toppings. (Or not!)
- On the complete opposite end of town in the South Miami-Dade Kendall neighborhood at 8080 SW 67 Ave. is The Big Cheese. This family-style restaurant has fantastic pizza and it's obvious by the immense wait lines that form on the weekends. It's their loyal customers who can't get enough of the place. It's traditional NY style thin pizza here too.
- In the heart of Miami it's easy to find the best pizza spot, it's Casola's at 2437 SW 17 Ave. where all the Miami cops and paramedics go for lunch. Their slices rival Steve's in size (and taste) and best of all, they always have a slice or two cut up into tiny bite size pieces for nibbling while waiting to order. Lines are long but it's worth it.
- A newer kid on the block than those three, but giving them a run for their money is Andiamo Brick Oven Pizza on Miami's Biscayne Boulevard and 56 Street. The brick oven flavor makes the pizzas here unique, as do the array of fantastic, nouveau toppings available. The cool, triangular shaped location makes for great alfresco or indoor dining in a very hip area of town. At just a decade old, Andiamo packs 'em in week in and week out and has legions of fans.
- Finally the newest kid on the block but a force to be reckoned with is star chef and Miami's pride and joy, Michael Schwartz' Harry's Pizzeria at 3918 North Miami Ave. in the Design District. Named after his son Harry, Michael's not deviating from his farm to table concept used at his Michael's Genuine. He's growing his own herbs in front of the restaurant and using delectable ingredients like short ribs, rock shrimp, roasted pork and non-traditional pizza cheeses like cave aged gruyere, fontina and manchego.
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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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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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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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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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Scarpetta: Italian eats at the Fontainebleau
Chef Scott Conant's empire of restaurants is ever-present in the legendary art deco Fontainebleau Hilton Hotel and his restaurant Scarpetta. His eats aren't cheap but the taste is amazing and the ambiance unbeatable.
Housed in the star of Miami Beach's Art Deco hotels, it's done up elegantly in a creamy white motif and boasts incredible views, a cool bar also done in white with silver circles to add interest. But definitely the star here is the food.
Chef Conant's belief in simple, delicious Italian food comes through in his menu. His pastas, like the location, are legendary. Classic preparation with minimal ingredients make them delectable, like the black tagliatelle topped with lobster which is a thing of beauty. Pastas are plated elegantly in a lovely tight circle. They've also got a fresh made stromboli that puts anything found at a local pizza joint to shame. These are just some of the stars on the menu.
Scarpetta is located in the Fontainebleau Hilton, 4401 Collins Ave., Miami Beach
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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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Calamari Restaurant: Where Italian Mediterranean’s alive
Arrive at Calamari Restaurant in Coconut Grove and prepare to be tantalized by Italian dishes bursting with rich yet delicate flavors by Chef Alex Lopez, a technique he has spent years perfecting and continues evolving. With his training mostly in Italian kitchens around Miami, with some Asian and Cuban, his menu is a fusion of this trio.
The spacious restaurant is located on the quieter side of Coconut Grove, further down Main Highway. Lopez’ menu is a combination of original creations alongside classic Italian dishes. The molded tuna tartare topped with layers of fresh avocado and homemade crème fraiche, dollops of red and black caviar over chive and truffle oil and soy sauce is a must try. Grouper aqua pazza on a delicate tomato sauce surrounded by clams and mussels and chicken paillard are also great entree choices and coconut flan or panacotta with mixed berry sauce are awesome desserts.
Calamari Restaurant is located at 3540 Main Highway, Coconut Grove
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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