Taste of the Nation Tix (with Discount Code)

Tickets are now on sale for Taste of the Nation which takes place next Thursday. There are forty reasons why you should get a jump on this, many of which consist of the best restaurants in town (Azul, BLT Steak, Michy’s) which will all be in attendance offering small plates. Also, there’s an open wine bar. Just in case you get thirsty.

July 7, 7-10p, Fairmont Turnberry Isle
19999 West Country Club Dr, 1-877-268-2783

Buy tickets here.
Use code MIAMEDIA for 10% off all tickets.

Peacock Garden Cafe, Coconut Grove

I like this spot. It's quaint. It's quiet. They make mint lemonade that reminds of the "limonada" I used to drink in Israel. It's even charming enough to forgive minor transgressions (like a dry but tasty tomato flatbread).

They serve craft beers like Terrapin ale. And the fish casserole is really more of a fish stew spiked with white wine. It stays warm in its cast iron pot. See the menu here. And check it out next time you're looking for a classy spot in the Grove.

2889 McFarlane Rd,305-774-3332.

That's Me, Blazing Trails

Goodbye, 944 magazine. It was nice be included in your last issue. 

Mapping Makoto

I love me some Makoto, that's for all the world to see. Since they opened a few months ago I've been back half a dozen times. Which is more than I can say for most openings in town. I usually go once at the beginning and then get distracted by other openings. Hazards of the job. And yes, I know you're all "Oh, poor Sara. Has to bounce around town stuffing her face with delicious food while making sure her two year-old doesn't get soy sauce on the iPhone. What a hard life." Seriously, you feel my pain, and your empathy warms my heart.

But back to Makoto and their amazing food. The prices have crept up a bit, which is to be expected. But the rolls are still reasonable ($8) and the bento box - at $18-$22 - is one of the best deals in town.
New favorites:
- uni fettucine (which had a brief appearance on the menu and seems to have disappared)
- tempura asparagus (the best bar snack ever invented)
Old favorites:
- frozen Kobe fried rice whereby the meat cooks as you stir it in the rice and poached egg coats everything with richness (below)
- roasted shisito peppers
- spicy crispy tuna
- chilled udon with chicken and peanuts
- tea-crusted tuna tataki

It's hard to find weak items on the menu but I've found a few worth skipping.
- the toro tartare - the $24 would be better spent on two rolls or two of their noodle dishes
- the tuna air bread - at $12 for two pieces the value is just not there
On the horizon: participation in Miami Spice and a happy hour that incorporates sake and maki. So yeah, you'll probably see me at the bar with my toddler sometime soon.