All Purpose Dark

MLT: A Grilled Cheese Joint in South Beach

2012-01-25T12:32:00.001-05:00

There's a new grilled cheese joint in town (actually, it's probably the only grilled cheese joint in town that's not a food truck) and it's name is, appropriately, MLT. It's on a clubby stretch of Washington which is perfect for the genre, considering plenty of tipsy nightlifers will find hangover-curing solace in their gut-busting menu of Philly Cheesesteaks, fried chicken on biscuits and namesake gooey sandwiches.

Despite the blue collar leanings, the place actually makes an effort to make everything from scratch, including the maple gravy drizzled over the fried chicken and waffles, the tomato bisque that comes with the grilled cheese and the key lime mayo dipping sauce you'll receive with an order of onion rings.

1541 Washington Ave
Miami Beach, FL 33139
(305) 672-1541

A Look Inside the New St. Regis Bal Harbour

2012-01-23T08:50:00.001-05:00

It's been over four years since we bid farewell to the old Sheraton Bal Harbour, the Morris Lapidus hotel originally known at the Americana. During that time I watched the new St. Regis go up in my neighborhood, one concrete mixer at a time. Walked down the beach path flanking its pool deck and wondered how the new place would feel compared to the old, which was loosing a bit of its glamour but still held on to its retro cool by virtue of its unique design.
Last Thursday was the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new structure - a three-tower campus that includes the luxury hotel sandwiched between two condo towers. There was the traditional champagne-sabering associated with the St. Regis brand (they saber a bottle every day. That day it was a pricey Krug. I made sure to have a glass.)

The post-opening reception was a congenial way to see the interior of the hotel. Fancy bites of salmon tartar and key lime tarts, plenty of champagne and a crowd that was clearly interested in seeing the new product.

I'll reserve the opinion on the design of the new building until I've been there a few more times and had a chance to really soak up the vibe. One thing is for sure - we're not in Lapidus territory anymore. The interiors were designed by Yabu Pushelberg, a firm known for other local projects like DB Bistro Moderne at the JW Marriott downtown, with trademark muted tones and double-height scale. Walking in, you're meant to feel like you've entered someone's home (albeit a multi-million dollar home) so there's no grand lobby and traditional reception desk. Instead you'll find this sitting area and then a corridor of mirrors festooned with chandeliers.

Further in, you come across this deer sculpture made of crystal balls and the check-in desks - which are sit-down desks. Introductory room rates start at $675, by the way, and expect those to climb to $800 for peak season. And all 243 guest rooms face the ocean.

There's a glass-enclosed wine cellar in the lobby cocktail bar (they've got 2500 labels in stock). And a nice terrace overlooking the ocean. There's also J+G Grill, a restaurant developed by celeb chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten (more on that at another time).

Do I miss the old Sheraton? Sure, it's sad to see architectural gems go. But I'm gratified by new development and hopeful this place will succeed. If they bring their trademark level of top-notch service and studied elegance to the city, it's certainly something to celebrate. Lord knows, the beach could use a few places where everyone from the valet to the cocktail server treats you with respect.

The Latest in Happy Hours

2012-01-10T00:27:00.001-05:00

China Grill, South Beach
The thrill of happy hour is that it lasts for a short window of time. But it’s also thrilling to crack that window wide open. Like eight hours open, every day of the week. It’s happening at China Grill’s bar where cocktails are two for one and apps like Lobster Pancakes and Spicy Beef & Scallion Dumplings go for less than $10.
Daily from 12-8pm, China Grill, 404 Washington Ave, 305-534-2211

Crave, Coral Gables
Happy hour is usually a weekday blow-off-some-steam kind of thing. But we’re not opposed to getting Sunday in on the action. So consider Crave’s three-hour window of drink specials–beers are $4 and sliders, sushi and wings go for less than $6–a precursor to the week…or a really late brunch.
Sundays-Fridays, 3-6pm, Crave, 4250 Salzedo St, 305-444-4595

Cruising With Michael Schwartz

2011-11-27T11:03:00.002-05:00

By now you've no doubt heard that Michael Schwartz and his team are heading up operations aboard Royal Caribbean's tasting-only restaurant 150 Central Park. Last month we were invited aboard to taste the goods at a six-course feast. Each dish showcased what the chef does well - straightforward presentations of simply prepared but well-executed food with great ingredient sourcing. The menu was also a Greatest Hits of Michael's since many of the dishes were delicate, tasting-portion sized version of the classics you'll find on his restaurant's regular menu. Herewith, the night in pictures.

Homemade ricotta with local beets.

Jumbo lump crab cake with carrot butter sauce.

Chef holding court with sommelier Eric Larkee on the right.

Black cod with whipped parsnip and baby bok choy.

Harris Ranch short rib with romesco sauce.

Hedy's milk chocolate cremoso made it on board along with the espresso semifreddo.

The dining room where you'll partake of this bounty.

Fancy shmancy menus.

Chatting With Michael Schwartz

2011-11-26T11:21:00.004-05:00

Demonstrating how to make ricotta cheese aboard Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas.

Michael Schwartz. The man. The chef. The empire (chefpire?). It seems like every other week we hear of something new going on with our guy in the Design District. A new pizza place, cheffing aboard cruise ships and pretty soon helming the kitchen at the Raleigh. How does he do it? Oh, and did you know he's got a TV pilot in the works? A few q's with the busy man, below:

APD: With all the recent developments how have you been able to focus and how do you divide your time now?

MS:It's not easy, especially since I like to be involved in all the details.There are definitely more meetings and sometimes I feel like a ping pong ball. But we keep a great calendar, which itself is its own monster, and things are divided up and scheduled to a t. But I guess the real answer to your question is my team. I have surrounded myself with great people that make it all possible, and we just try to keep up with it all.

APD: What are you most excited about for the coming year?
MS: Some great news is that after a year of making and trying to sell a TV pilot to cable, with all the ups and downs that go along with that, we found a home on public television. It's called The Local Table, it's a food/travel show that highlights slow food and the people behind the small, family businesses that produce the food that feeds our communities around the country. It's about sourcing what's seasonal and cooking with the freshest, local ingredients. PBS just gave us the green light, with WLRN onboard as our presenting station to national, and sponsors are showing interest. It goes to show how when you keep at something you believe in, things will work out. We wanted to make our show the way we want it to be without bending to please a certain demographic or get certain ratings, and PBS will make that possible. I'm really excited for the chance to work more on that. We'll shoot in the spring of 2012, for a first season airing in the fall.

APD: Any other projects in the pipeline or is this it for a while?
MS: We're always looking ahead and are open to new partnerships that can become new projects or business opportunities... It's always a challenge trying to balance it all and still participate in the great charity events and food festivals I get asked to do. Those are really great... While they are more one-time things, I get a chance to have fun and catch up with some of my friends in the industry. I've had to bow out of some of those lately which is a bummer, but I was able to give Hedy an opportunity to take some of those on, with is great fun and great exposure for her. So I guess it all works out. For me, for the coming year, I'd have to say the Raleigh is top of mind, as is the new relationship with Royal Caribbean, and making sure Harry's and MGFD stay on the ball and have longevity. I thought nothing could top 2010, but this year was unreal. I can only imagine what 2012 will bring!

Chasing the Dragon: Back in China Again

2011-11-04T06:23:00.002-04:00

It's been four years since my last jaunt to the Orient. And that was after visiting the continent three times in a 16-month period. So, yes, this was a fun revisit. We hit Beijing and Shanghai, spending more time in the highly-styley Shanghai corridor. Major changes have occurred since I was last there - the Olympics came and went, leaving behind some impressive architecture and, it seemed, a more-relaxed approach to Westerners. Also, the financial crisis took its toll, although both cities seemed as bustling and busy as ever.

Whampoa Club restaurant at Three on the Bund.

But the rampant construction that cluttered the streets of both cities with cranes, cement trucks and bamboo scaffolding seems to have dissipated. There's a new big tower in Shanghai - the World Financial Center, with a Park Hyatt hotel occupying the 79th-93rd floors of its 101 stories. And the "new" section of Shanghai - Pudong - is now a sprawling space-age urban landscape with shiny skyscrapers and Boca Raton-style gated communities containing McMansions. Some random thoughts and observations:
- Spitting (and exuberant loogie hocking) is still a big thing here, so don't be surprised if you get a little phlegm on your shoes.
- Apparently they make soup dumplings as big as tennis balls and stick straws in them, coconut-style.

- Pollution is still bad but seems to have gotten slightly more manageable. Either that, or we caught some uncharacteristically sunny autumn days.
- The Great Cyberwall of China is still in effect. Last time I was there I was unable to use blogger or access my blog. Same again this time, and also no access to Twitter of Facebook in Beijing. In Shanghai, things were better, with access to all of those sites, although when I mentioned this to a hotel exec she said that was because I was logging on via the hotel's Internet connection. Apparently, household Internet users in China don't have access.
- Bookmarked for next time: Dinner at 100 Century Avenue, the 91st-floor restaurant at the top of the WFC at the Park Hyatt. Place was jazzy, fun and reminded me of the Setai.
- Best fashion discovery: cool Chinese sneaker brand Feiyue (apparently coveted by French hipsters). For $17 you get these sensational high-tops. Found at tiny sneaker store located at 130 Nanchang Lu (at Sinan Rd).

First Bites of Barceloneta

2011-11-04T04:27:00.000-04:00

Barceoneta, the third installment of the Pubbelly empire, opened a few weeks ago. I feasted at a friends and fam dinner the night before they opened and experienced some very good things. The atmosphere is great, although I found myself thinking the music was too loud. Which then depressed me because that means I'm getting old. (Side note: one day I'll write a blog post on the best spots in the city to actually have a conversation and where the music is great but unobtrusive.). But back to the food.

Dinner starts off with complimentary “pica pica,” house made marinated olives. Then it was on to plates of pan con tomate (tomato-rubbed baguette slices - fresh and tangy). The brandada de bacalao, a salted codfish spread, was a bit rich but the mini-loaf of bread imported from Spain was good for absorbing the salty fishy goodness. Plates of roasted padron peppers tossed with sea salt followed along with piquillo peppers are stuffed with garrotxa cheese. The “butifarra” is homemade pork sausage spiked with brandy and cream. Best dish of the night: the “coca” flatbread (below), a rich melange of foie gras, grilled eggplant and chives.

Didn't have high hopes for dessert - I see the PB crew as excelling more at savory dishes but the Torrejas were lovely and light - fluffy egg-soaked slices of bread pan-fried to a crisp. The chocolate souffle wasn't bad either. Overall, a fun new spot to go for drinks and delicious tapas.

1400 20th St
Miami Beach, FL 33139
(305) 538-9299

Open Up at Open Kitchen

2011-09-23T13:50:00.000-04:00

Good things are happening in Bay Harbor Islands, the site of chef Sandra Stefani's new Open Kitchen. The place is overwhelmingly quaint, with a great selection of wines and craft beers and a chalkboard menu of daily lunch specials - things like oriechette with arugula pesto and mozzarella and turkey meatloaf. The cafe is only open for lunch but Stefani still hosts her famous Italian cooking classes on Saturdays (limited to eight students) where you participate in creating a four-course meal that is then enjoyed with the entire class afterwards. There's also a great family-style take out menu available on those night when you don't want to cook but still love the idea of a giant pan of braised short ribs simmering in your oven. They'll make it happen.

Gourmet staples - beer, wine and chocolate.

A delicate potato-asparagus soup.

1071 95 St, Bay Harbor
305-865-0090

Lamb Tacos for Strength @ Mercadito

2011-09-22T13:41:00.001-04:00

You have exactly eight more days to take advantage of chef Andrew Balick's Tacos for Strength, the sale of which benefits Share Out Strength. Balick (formerly of Pied a Terre) was just recently named chef de cuisine at The DiLido Beach Club at the Ritz-Carlton, South Beach. I stopped in last week and tasted these Mediteranean lovelies - a nice combo of braised lamb shank, curried Greek yogurt and pickled minted-carrot salad which reminded me the of the spicy Moroccan carrot salad my Israeli friend makes. So yes, he nailed the flavors. Four tacos are $16. Also, you can order these as party of their slamming Miami Spice menu (which includes a cocktail!).
3252 NE 1st Ave
786-369-0430

First Taste of Phuc Yea!

2011-09-08T17:24:00.005-04:00

Are pop-up restaurants the new food truck? The pop-up, or temporary eatery, has become ubiquitous in cities like San Francisco, DC, New York and LA so it would seem natural for Miami to jump on the guerrilla gourmet trend, albeit a few years late to the scene, as to be expected.
The first contender: Phuc Yea!, a Vietnamese sit-down from former Blue Piano maestros Aniece Meinhold and Cesar Zapata. He cooks, she takes care of everything else. Rounding out the team is newbie Daniel Treiman, a recent transplant from New York with experience cooking at Momofuku and Eleven Madison Park (so yes, he's foodie-approved). The recipes are inspired by her Vietnamese mother's cooking. The space is a downtown falafel counter transformed into a cozy, dimly-lit Asian spot with Ikea curtains and butcher block paper on the tables. The place will stay open through December 8, which means you have only the next three months to check it out.

The decor: Ikea chic.

It's all earnest and fun and I'm a big supporter of anything Aniece does because her taste in wine and food is top notch as evidenced by her stints at Fratelli Lyon and Blue Piano. I first encountered Cesar's cooking at Blue Piano through a torrid, decadent parade of small plates, all of which were delicious. So yes, the kitchen is in good hands. I got a sneak peek at the menu last night and enjoyed every delicate, elegant bite. Fellow blogger Blind Tastes joined me to graze and we sampled a smattering of dishes, all of which had clean, vivid flavors and were not too heavy. Notes of fish sauce tempered with vinegar, fried shallots adding crunch and texture, cilantro and shiso leaves giving everything a fresh, herby kick.

Fish n' chips = fried sardines and lotus chips.

Crispy Pig Ear Salad with watermelon and daikon.

Duck Confit with picked bock choy, mushrooms, daikon and more of those addictive lotus chips.

Address: 19 SE 2nd Ave, downtown
(786) 383-2408

No Crumb Left Behind @ Crumb on Parchment

2011-08-25T17:34:00.002-04:00

I'm a little late to the Crumb on Parchment lovefest. All it takes is a rainy day for me to sift through my pics and realize I never posted these beauties. Really, it's a lovely addition to the Miami lunch scene. And the Miami bakery scene which is slowly, slowly growing (albeit at a slower clip than the burger scene. Egads. Enough with the ground meat. Give me some more of this luscious coconut cake!)

It's Michelle Bernstein's place and she's clearly a perfectionist. Every damn detail about the place is welcoming and well-considered. Self-serve coffee and water station. Comfortable couches flanked by coffee tables topped with interesting coffee table books. Tangerine centerpieces for crying out loud. Where am I? In a Diane Keaton movie? I love it!

3930 NE 2nd Ave
Miami, FL 33137
(305) 572-9444

Reversing the Dogma...of Dogma Grill

2011-07-16T13:31:00.000-04:00

Things have changed at your favorite retro hot dog joint on Biscayne. Gone are the veggie dogs and LA-ish toppings like avocado and feta cheese. In their place: Philly cheesesteaks, oyster po’boys and roast beef sandwiches. The hot dogs are still there, too, with old school toppings like baked beans and cheez wiz. And sure, you can quote Beck when ordering that last one.
7030 Biscayne Boulevard, (305) 759-3433

Taste of the Nation 2011

2011-07-15T13:25:00.001-04:00

This is my favorite food event of the summer. It's a chance to mingle with chefs, wine lovers and assorted riff raff - my kind of party. And the venue this year - Fairmont Turnberry - proved a spacious comfortable spot, with plenty of room to navigate between the stations and hunker down with your plastic tray with it's wine glass holder. Best in show: the Zellwood corn soup from Paula DaSilva at 1500 Degrees, spicy crispy tuna from Makoto ( I won't lie; I shamelessly Hoovered three pieces of those tasty bites as I passed the table), lobster tacos from Joe's Stone Crab and short rib dim sum from STK. Herewith a few photos.

Azul's Joel Huff with pea soup shooters topped with chicharon, gold flakes and cheese pebbles.

Paula DaSilva, always smiling and always cooking up something nice.

Joe's Stone Crab put out bit-size lobster tacos with diced mango and sweet pepper foam.

The Luther @ Bulldog Burger

2011-07-07T14:29:00.000-04:00

You know what's decadent? The Luther burger at Bulldog Burger (an offshoot of Bulldog BBQ). A riff on the Krispy Kreme burger, this calorie bomb doesn't actually employ a glazed doughnut for the bun. Instead the kitchen glazes thier regular brioche bun to give it that sticky, crusty feel. The sweet fluffyness contrasts pleasantly with the beefy heft of the eight-ounce patty. Did I finish the whole damn thing myself? No. Half was enough for me, thanks. I was two bites away from being the poster child for this website.

Taste of the Nation Tix (with Discount Code)

2011-06-29T16:36:00.000-04:00

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

2011-06-28T00:24:00.001-04:00

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

2011-06-25T16:17:00.001-04:00

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

Mapping Makoto

2011-06-24T16:04:00.004-04:00

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.

More Zeppelin Pics

2011-05-26T12:39:00.003-04:00

In honor of being or recognized by SFDB's post of the week roundup, some more shots from my ride on the dirigible.

Feeling the wind in your hair, at 1200 feet.

Woman-ing the flight deck.

Haulover inlet and Bal Harbour.

Rocking the Native shoes on their first zeppelin trip.

Riding a Zeppelin Over Miami

2011-05-19T12:24:00.006-04:00

The other day I rode a Zeppelin. I know. A zeppelin. Do they even make those things anymore? The answer is yes. Yes they do. They make them in Germany and they haven't stopped since 1908, Hindenburg be damned. I rode on Airship Ventures' Eureka ship, the largest passenger airship in the world. 246 feet of helium-filled goodness. It was like sailing on air.

The gondola only holds 12 people and you only need to stay seated for about 90 seconds after lifting off. Then you're free to walk around the cabin, stick your head out the window (!) and take in the views of the landscape below. The ship is only here through the weekend and offering tours that least anywhere from an hour to an hour and half. More info here.

The condo canyon in Sunny Isles.

Our pilot was Captain Katherine Board, the only female airship pilot in the world. So yes, she's hard core. And there are a few female blimp pilots out there, but piloting this beast is a completely different game.

Our tour left the airfield at North Perry Airport in Hollywood, then veered east and south, sailing over the ocean. We soared to 1200 feet, thus allowing for detailed views of the landscape below. Floating over South Florida's flat terrain I was struck with how many swimming pools are out there - practically every home has one - and how interesting all those condo buildings look from the top. We rarely take in those buildings in all their skyscraping splendor but here I was able to appreciate some of their structural nuances.

The panoramic back window.

Gulfstream race track (and massive parking lots) in Hallandale.

New Restaurants You Haven't Heard Of

2011-05-15T19:24:00.000-04:00

Restaurants come and go in this city like promiscuous reality stars. Some of them receive (and deserve) lots of coverage. Some fall through the media cracks. Here are a few spots that have popped up that may be worth checking out.

The Joint in South Miami.
The Boilerhouse, next to Transit Lounge, which is staying open.
Chinois Chinois, a Chinese-sushi hybrid near Coral Way.
Vero's by the Bay, on the Rickenbacker Causeway.

Sweet Point Bakery, Midtown

2011-05-14T13:18:00.003-04:00

The latest dining trend in the city: burgers (still). And a close second - bakery/cafe hybrids. There's Michelle Bernstein's Crumb on Parchment which has the power of her name and touch to make it an instant hit. And little farther south in Midtown there's Sweet Point Bakery, an unpretentious spot that instantly won me over.

The menu's not very exciting - the usual sandwiches/salads/pastas you'd expect - and they're sort of oblivious to the whole eco-locavore-seasonal trend that other places are so quick to tout. But the cakes are good, the staff is friendly and there's plenty of room to spread out with your laptop and toddler (that's how I roll these days) and take advantage of their strong coffee and free wifi.
Also - all their baked goods are half off after 9p, a nice touch.

3252 NE 1st Ave
786-477-6235

Cinco de Mayo @ Ritz Key Biscayne

2011-05-03T19:29:00.000-04:00

Lizarran: $2 Tapas in the Gables

2011-04-22T17:51:00.001-04:00

Yesterday found me checking out new tapas spot Lizarran. It's a few blocks off Miracle Mile in an otherwise quiet stretch of Alhambra Plaza. There are 200 outposts of this Spanish chain throughout the world, including locations in NYC and California. This is Florida's first. There's an extensive tapas bar in the back where the kitchen team is constantly replenishing platters of bites, mostly consisting of baguette slices topped with ham, smoked salmon, anchovies, piquillo peppers stuffed with crab. They all go for $2 each.

The "executive" lunch menu yesterday included three courses for $14. You could do three tapas for an app or choose a salad or soup. Mains included a grilled chicken or bacalao in Vizcaina sauce (tomatoes, garlic, white wine). The bacalao comes in a rustic crock with a side of rice. Dessert included leche frita, or fried milk slices (like fried flan).

Sneak Peek at Makoto

2011-03-28T15:30:00.003-04:00

Stephen Starr's Japanese masterpiece Makoto opens at The Bal Harbour Shops tomorrow. I stopped by over the weekend to take a few shots and taste a few dishes. So far, so good. The restaurant is named for chef Makoto Okuwa, the executive sushi chef at Morimoto in Philly. So expect pristine seafood and modern Asian dishes with fancy trappings: Kobe beef fried rice with frosty foie gras, lobster shabu shabu with ginger lime vinagrette and Kindai toro topped with caviar.
The space is grand (200 seats) but the vibe is laid-back. Good for a power lunch, great for a date, fine for an early dinner with kids. It feels like the middle ground between Zuma and Gigi - not quite as pricey or stuffy as Zuma, yet not as rough around the edges (or filled with tattooed hipsters) as Gigi.
Mostly, I'm overjoyed to see more Asian restaurants in my hood.
See the menu here.

Lychee martini made with sake and rosemary.

Tea-smoked tuna with avocado and pickled onions.

The Bal Harbour roll: crab, spicy tuna, shrimp, shiso, mint and jalapeno.

Kurobuto pork belly with micro chives and pork cracklings.

Chicken Tsukune meatballs topped with quail egg.

Outdoor seating flanks the whitewashed bar in a courtyard inside the mall.

9700 Collins Avenue
Suite 107, Bal Harbour, FL 33154
(305) 864-8600

French Caribbean and French Macarons

2011-03-24T12:52:00.001-04:00

A couple new openings to keep you busy this weekend.

La Cocotte, a cute French-Caribbean spot in downtown.
Madmac, the pricey French macaron company has opened two locations in Miami - one in North Miami and the other at the Bal Harbour Shops (might want to wear a bullet-proof vest for that visit. Also, to continue with a parenthetical tirade, people in Bal Harbour get citations for riding their bikes on the sidewalk but someone opens fire in the mall and they can't find the person? WTF?).
And Clay Conley's new spot in Palm Beach, Buccan, is open and doing delicious things, so I hear.

Crudo Oil

2011-03-17T19:04:00.010-04:00

I'm in a crudo mood. Not carpaccio, not sashimi, not ceviche. Crudo. Paper-thin slices of fish slightly-marinated in the Italian tradition. Tiraditos, the dish's Peruvian cousin, are too boldly-spiced, too reliant on the zesty fire of aji amarillo. Altamare chef Simon Stojanovic understands the delicate dance of the crudo. Meaty hunks of snapper are arrayed with shaved buddha's hand (a Japanese citrus) giving the dish a bitter bite. And below, thin slices of sheepshead are bathed in lemon and olive oil and topped with shaved hearts of palm and oranges. It's everything you want cured fish to be - bright, balanced, with a touch of crunch. But mostly silky, oceany.

This Friday: A Full Moon and Endless Raw Bar @ Ritz South Beach

2011-03-17T13:56:00.002-04:00

Best Bite of SobeWFF (So Far)

2011-02-26T22:29:00.002-05:00

Setai chef David Werly's hollowed-out egg filled with caramelized eel topped with a lychee and foie gras foam, black lava salt and jasmine flowers. Consumed at 12:30am at Dim Sum Disco at the Setai.

Let Them Eat Cake @ 1111 Lincoln

2011-02-26T19:28:00.001-05:00

The name of the ice sculptor? Vanilla Ice. Yes, I made that up.

Cupcakes were the dominant cake form on display. No complaints here.

New York chef Geoffrey Zakarian and his lovely wife Margaret not saying anything about the restaurant he may or may not open in Miami. And not saying whether the aforementioned restaurant will or will not be located in South Beach.

Burger Bash 2011: It Was a Rare Occasion

2011-02-25T12:31:00.003-05:00

Amstel Light's National Contest-winning burger in collaboration with Greenhouse Tavern: twenty per cent lamb, anchovies, fennel slaw on brioche bun.

Burger recipe winner Danielle Williams and Greenhouse Tavern chef Jonathan Sawyer.

Morimoto, exuding Japanese cool.

Joseph Phelps Wine Dinner @ The Forge

2011-02-22T09:32:00.001-05:00

In case you don't have plans Saturday night during South Beach Wine and Food Fest - February 26, 7:30p and $125 per person. Menu is below.

Tagliatelle, South Beach

2011-02-21T21:55:00.001-05:00

South Beach needs another Italian restaurant like it needs another bikini wax joint. And yet – here’s Tagliatelle, peddling vittles from the Boot. Despite its predictability, it’s hard to resist the charms of the place. It's romantic. It's quiet. It's run by French people. It's tucked away in South of Fifth. The spot is owned by restaurateur Matthieu Mineo, a native of Nice with a handful of restaurants on the French Riviera. He's taken over the old Segafredo spot and given it a Mediterranean polish with cream-colored interiors, whitewashed chairs and tables and a stainless steel bar. But now is the time to take advantage of the outdoor patio – a quiet spot on Collins Ave.

The spotlight is on pasta here, as most of it is made in house including the namesake tagliatelle, fettuccini and the gnocchi. The kitchen is headed by Chef Mariano Gravante, previously of Alta Mare and Indochine. Prices are reasonable given the swanky neighborhood: starters are $6-$14, pastas average $15 and most mains are under $25.
There’s also a three-course pre-fixe menu for $23 that runs from 11:30a to 7p daily.
Some things they do well here - good wine, good pasta. Some things they don't do well - bring you food in a timely fashion. Seriously, carve out at least 2.5 hours for dinner. Also, the desserts could be more exciting.
Highlights include the eggplant terrine, homemade fettuccine with porcini mushrooms, the salmon tartar and the frito misto platter piled high with fried calamari, baby octopus and shrimp.

124 Collins Ave, 305.397.8019

Bazaar Brunching @ Cafeina

2011-02-21T09:24:00.004-05:00

The few times I've been to Cafeina I've enjoyed it. They've commandeered a pocket of gritty Wynwood and made it feel hip and polished, an urbane oasis in an urban wasteland. Yesterday they launched the first of their Bazaar/brunch hybrids turning an airy gallery space into a pop-up dining room and converting the outdoor courtyard into a flea market for boho goods.
The food (and drinks) took an exceedingly long time to get to the table but once it hit our yellow and white striped place mats we devoured everything like hungover DJ's. Good stuff - a colossal crab cake topped with a poached egg, goat cheese croquettes in guava sauce, truffle fries, apple French toast. My friend pronounced her Bloody Mary on par with Michael's Genuine (blasphemy, I know. But she's a lawyer, the stuff practically runs in her veins). Bottomless mimosas were $20 and got the job done just fine.

There crowd was buzzing with hipsters in the hive, there were Canadian ingénues acting as DJ's. For me it was a kiss-kiss fest of all the media and PR folks I know. If you weren't in that scene you probably would have enjoyed the 70-degree weather and the relaxed atmosphere. There were dogs, kids, nightlife people who kind of look like pimps during the day and LOTS of great sunglasses. Next time I'm up for a leisurely Sunday morning I'll consider coming back, I may just have a snack before I leave the house.

Sundays, 11a-4p.
Cafeina is at 297 NW 23rd St, 305-438-0792.

Dinner in Paradise, January 23

2011-02-12T14:32:00.006-05:00

The chefs: Douglas Rodriguez (of the De Rod empire), Paula DeSilva and Thorsten Leighty (of the Eden Roc) and Michael Bloise (of American Noodle Bar).

The setting: Paradise's bucolic bounty in Homestead. The temps were cool, the Schnebly's sparkling wine was fruity and the night had A Midsummer Night's Dream mischevious/romantic vibe.

The host: Paradise owner Gabriele Marewski, exuding pioneer woman charm.

A few things have changed with this season's DIP dinners. There are now five courses instead of six (folks complained that dinner ended too late for the drive back up north) and service is brisk and efficient now they've got an army of Johnson And Wales students tending to the tables. They've also installed a cozy firepit area with benches where guests are encouraged to hang out and sip wine and coffee after dinner.

De Rod kicked things off with a shrimp ceviche topped with a stone crab ice cream. The ice cream was gimmicky but it worked fine (things went downhill for De Rod from there). Paula DeSilva's one dish was flawless - a creamy burrata sourced from Pompano frommagier Vito Volpe and heirloom tomatoes from Teena's Pride.

De Rod then came back with a duck egg dish over a parmsean cream surrounded by arugula and oyster mushrooms dressed with a pine nut vinaigrette. It was heavy and unfocused. And it would have been nice to have a piece of toast or something crunchy to go with the goopy egg.

Grouper by Michael Bloise nicely offset with pickled shrimp Pennsylvania chow-chow and tomato-confit rice.

Thorsten Leighty's meringue pyramid with pomelo (a less-juicy grapefruit) and passion fruit sorbet. Delicious, not too-sweet, balanced and refreshing.

Cine Boteco Sunday @ 7p

2011-02-01T18:33:00.000-05:00

Vinyl & Kai One Year Anniversary Party

2011-02-01T12:59:00.001-05:00

Complimentary cocktails and beer Wednesday Feb. 2 from 9-11pm including ten kegs of domestic import and craft beer. Also Rock and Roll flicks such as Streets of Fire and Rock and Roll High School on their massive projection screens.

Lox-smith

2011-01-22T13:56:00.003-05:00

Weekends in a Jewish home = bagels, lox, high-octane coffee and listening to NPR and then arguing about their portrayal of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Okay, maybe that's not all Jewish homes. But that's my home.
[smoked salmon breakfast at Hyatt, Key West.]

Brunch @ Mercadito

2011-01-20T13:39:00.002-05:00

The cocktails here are creative and strong, the wild creations of mad-scientist drink-ologists The Tippling Bros. And Sunday mornings – for $30 a person – brunch goers can sip to their hearts content. Unlimited cocktails include the Misty Sleeve (blanco tequila with ginger liqueur, Gran Marnier, citrus, hibiscus concentrate and a splash of El Yucateca hot sauce) and the grassy cucumber margarita.

The tequila-soaked feast includes a choice of three dishes served family-style. Mexican pancakes (thin and chewy). Platters of home-made corn tortillas topped with beer battered mahi mahi, shrimp, wild mushrooms, rosemary marinated skirt steak. Huevos ahogados – poached eggs, crispy corn bread, covered in a chipotle-hollandaise sauce. The place buzzes with everyone from scruffy artists to young families.

Saturdays and Sundays, 11:30-3pm, 3252 NE 1st Ave, 786-369-0430.

Cecconi's, Miami Beach

2011-01-19T15:37:00.002-05:00

Is it wildly expensive? Yes, it can be.
Will a formally-dressed waiter serve you tuna tartar (mixed with chili and mint) tableside? Yep.
Will you run into Rod Stewart or Marc Jacobs having lunch? Probably.
Is the goat cheese and black truffle pizza worth $40? No. But it's tasty.

Burrata mozzarella and truffles are peppered throughout the menu as are rich bowls of Maine lobster spaghetti. The entire restaurant is outdoors, (there’s a retractable roof in case it rains) allowing for easy dinners under the stars, surrounded by salty ocean breezes.

Sergio Sigala, the former chef of Casa Tua is in the kitchen, and while his food is overwhelmingly straightforward, he does a fine job toiling away in the kitchen feeding the priveleged and pretty.

It's a lazy kind of place. Everyone there always seems to be able to spend two hours on lunch. And even though it's at the Soho House the restaurant is open to non-members, and it’s got a relaxed elegance, meaning it’s not too stuffy for lunch time meetings with clients over thin-crusted pizzas topped with prosciutto and arugula. And it’s still classy enough for a romantic date spent sipping Barolos under mason jar lanterns that hang from wood beams.

At the Soho Beach House
4385 Collins Ave
Miami Beach, FL 33140
786-507-7900

Eurocinema Launches Bistro Theater With Avenue Montaigne @ Wine Depot

2011-01-11T12:40:00.001-05:00

New Year's @ DB Bistro Moderne

2010-12-23T10:34:00.002-05:00

The extra "e" is for Excellent.

Music, Art and Tapas @ Mai Tardi

2010-12-22T17:29:00.000-05:00

Chow Down Grill x Wok Star This Weekend

2010-12-15T15:55:00.000-05:00

My favorite Wok Star and my favorite neighborhood dim sum parlor are teaming up this weekend to host a family-style Chinese feast. See details below. More info here.

Pre Christmas Chinese Family Style Lunch
with Chef Josh Marcus, Chow Down Grill

Mandatory RSVP; prepayment on first come, first served basis
Seating is limited to 36
Reservations closes THURSDAY, Dec. 16, TOMORROW!!
Call Chow Down 305-397-8494, mention HOH WOK CLUB, Sun. Dec.19 lunch
Provide number in your group
Prepay $17 per person includes tax and tips
Cash bar: any drinks should be paid separately

Menu:
Starter to share at table: Chow Down Chop Salad (no meat)
Family Style Plate: Steam dumpling with organic chicken and basil, Angus Steak w/ Mongolian BBQ Sauce, Broccolini, pepper, onion (picture shows different veggies, just so you don't expect this!)
Dessert: family style surprise platter to share

Agenda:
As a courtesy to Josh, please be ON TIME...
12pm - arrive, meet and mingle, drinks at bar.
12:45pm - seating at community tables

Hanuka Haiku This Wednesday

2010-12-07T20:51:00.000-05:00

Hanukah Haiku featuring Nice Jewish Girls Gone Bad
Wednesday, December 8, 2010 at 7:00 p.m.
Next@19th (137 NE 19th Street, Miami)
Tel: 305.542.7732

Next@19th proudly presents a night of creativity, humor and entertainment with Hanukah Haiku and Nice Jewish Girls Gone Bad. On the brightest and last night of Hanakuh, poets, artists and writers will come together to share original haikus about Hanukah and Jewish culture at Next@19th in downtown Miami. Slated for December 8, 2010 at 7:00 p.m., this celebration also marks the official launch of the non-profit organization, whose goal is to move Jewish culture forward with an inclusive, cutting-edge program.

Burlesque entertainers Nice Jewish Girls Gone Bad bring a combination of parody and burlesque to the night: a refreshing mix of comedy, cabaret and spoken-word with must-have archetypal characters including the gals who learned to smoke at Hebrew School, got drunk at their Bat Mitzvahs and would rather have more schtuppa than the chupah. In keeping with the theme of the party He’Brew, ‘The Chosen Beer,’ will be on tap throughout the night.

Design Miami Photos

2010-12-04T14:20:00.000-05:00

Native Shoes Art Basel Pop-Up

2010-12-04T11:47:00.005-05:00

Native Shoes is hosting a pop-up shop this weekend at the Friends With You Rainbow City installation in the Design District. The shoes are sort of the happy love child of Crocs and Ked's or Chuck Taylors. I'm sort of in love with them. Also, they gave me a free pair to try out and I broke them in over a day hard core Baseling and was impressed with how they held up. I got a pair of tiny stompers for my toddler and the little dude loves them, refusing to wear anything but the red slip-ons. And for someone with an amphibious lifestyle ( i.e. constantly navigating water sports or rainy climates) they are truly brilliant, whimsical, and fun. If only the world would embrace wackiness more often. The spongy material is akin to walking on a firm marshmallow. The playful holes provide much needed A/C for overworked toes. There are those who refuse to give in, who shun the mere suggestion that the candy-colored sneaks could be respectable footwear. And to those I say - endure the agony of de feet.
Adult shoes: $49
Kids: $38

Fiat and FADER Party Tonight

2010-12-03T18:44:00.000-05:00

Come out tonight and listen to music from DJ Nick Catchdubs and DJ Artime. There will be FREE food and drinks.

RSVP here.

Event is tonight from 8-11pm. The address is 70 NW 25th St, Miami FL 33127
DJ Artime and DJ Nick Catchdubs will have sets. Live art by Jesse Nite and 131 Projects. Complimentary food and beverages.

Art Basel Schedule: Thursday Night

2010-12-02T14:00:00.001-05:00

The plan for tonight - clone myself.
There's a Bruce Weber party at the Standard. The Camper store on Lincoln Road opens with a cocktail party. Dror Benshetrit unveils his TRON chair at Capellini. NERD performs at Rainbow City. The MAM has their party on the plaza. There will be cocktails and art from Antwerp at Maison Martin Margiela.Wynwood Walls will be throwing down with Shepard Fairey. Back on the beach NADA kicks things off at the Canyon Ranch. Scope is getting jiggy with Artists Wanted. And everyone gets free tattoos at the Sanrio pop-up in Wynwood.

LCD Sound System @ The Raleigh

2010-12-02T11:38:00.001-05:00

Saturday: Primary Flight's Closing Party

2010-12-02T07:57:00.000-05:00

Andres Balazs Goes Barefoot For a Good Cause

2010-12-01T10:22:00.001-05:00

Well, sort of.
If by "good cause" we mean a sleek speedboat designed by Marc Newson. Which is doing the world a service in some way, if we consider that there are wealthy people out there who may find themselves on the high seas in a vessel not designed by a cultural superstar.
But forget about the boat, which was gorgeous and arrived with much fanfare and then spent the night docked by the Standard's pool deck. Let's focus on the champagne, which was flowing and made by Dom Perignon. And let's get back to Mr. Balazs (the debonair fellow to right) and his impeccable smile. It takes a special kind of cool to pull off the barefoot-in-a-suit look and the hotelier, oozing relaxed charm and weaving his way through the crowd, certainly seemed at home. Because, in a way, he was. Now that he's given up the Raleigh, his bayfront Standard is his Miami crashpad of choice. And the place is still holding its own against the newbies like Soho House and the W. The key to maintaining its cool cachet? The man himself.

Eurocinema @ Plunge at the Gansevoort

2010-11-30T23:48:00.000-05:00

Art Basel Schedule: Tuesday Night

2010-11-30T14:37:00.003-05:00

What's on the event agenda for tonight?
Art Miami opens tonight for VIP's. Magrit Mondavi is hosting a wine dinner at the Soho House. Then there's the MOCA/Vanity Fair party, of course. Andre Balazs is unveils a shmancy new boat designed by Marc Newson at the Standard pool deck (expected guests: Thomas Krens, Ryan McGinness) . The Townhouse rooftop hosts a cocktail party for Trey Speegle. The official Art Basel opening party hunkers down at the W South Beach. There's a Pulse VIP preview party with the New World Symphony. Emmanuel Perrotin hosts an opening of Daniel Arsham's new show (didn't he shutter his gallery?). The Marquis building downtown is graced by performance artist Pamela Masik. And the MOCA Shakers get busy at Bardot after the museum's opening tonight.
-photo via C-Monster's Flickr

Basel Kickoff: Bubbles and BBQ @ The Soho House

2010-11-30T11:25:00.004-05:00

It used to be that Basel kicked off Tuesday with the MOCA/Vanity Fair party and the usual Calvin Klein/Chuck Close/bald-headed cross-dressing twins sightings. But this year things got all Monday night on us with Design Miami's Veuve Clicquot beach barbecue at the Soho House.
I promised myself I wouldn't start Basel week with a hangover but, alas, like all good Basel parties, the booze was easy to procure, the food, not so much. But the champagne was abundant, crisp and refreshing. The party wasn't really on the beach, but rather at the Soho House's tiki bar, a space built for an intimate gathering of 30 that then accommodated oh, about 200 mostly-French speaking arty types.
Typical ensemble: crayola-red pants, leather moccasins (no socks), pastel sweater tied around the shoulders. Also, a few extras from an episode of Schprockets.
The grub: delicious mini hamburgers that were too few and far between, spicy lamb skewers, truffle pizzas, chips and salsa.
Sightings: Marc Jacobs having dinner at Cecconi's.

-photo via WorldRedEye

Le Baron Miami @ The Florida Room

2010-11-29T08:44:00.001-05:00

This year the French nightclub lands at the Florida Room. Expect plenty of socialites, collectors and assorted riff-raff acting naughty and doing karaoke until 4am. Also, expect a strict door policy. But something tells me if you're wearing something like this you should be fine.

I Love Sundays @ The Design Disctrict

2010-11-27T15:18:00.002-05:00

Art Basel To Do Lists

2010-11-26T17:19:00.000-05:00

I'm still putting together my Art Basel must-see and must-drink/play list (hint: lots of champagne and ping pong, and maybe a boat ride with Andre Balazs, god that hotelier is handsome) but it's good to take a gander at the rec's from fellow mavens.

Art Fag City has a map and itinerary for you.

HyperAllergic has five intriguing projects.

The New Times has an exhaustive list of events and their blog, Cultist, has loads of Basel-y goodness here.

Duncan Quinn's Basel Party

2010-11-24T12:20:00.000-05:00

For this year’s four-night bacchanalia UK designer Duncan Quinn is taking a page out of the Daniel Craig handbook by transforming his Design District store into a Casino Royale wonderland. Expect a black tie staff serving gin cocktails, a gambling pit and a screening room streaming Michael Caine movies. Also, you can stock up on limited-edition ties and slim-fitting polos.
December 1-4, 11am – 7pm, 4040 NE 2nd Ave,786-972-5021.

MOCA/Vanity Fair Party, November 30

2010-11-24T08:20:00.000-05:00

Blue Velvet Makes So Much Sense Now

2010-11-22T22:47:00.001-05:00

Plenty of silliness makes its way to our city every year for Art Basel (cue Dita Von Teese straddling a giant lipstick that bucked like a mechanical bull above the Delano pool in 2006), but this temporary installation put together by Isabella Rosselini is a special kind of crazy. It's called Seduce Me and it's a series of five short videos written, directed and starring the Blue Velvet icon in which she explores the seduction rituals of seahorses, dolphins and ducks.
And in honor of artistic exploration why don't we take one minute and fifty-nine seconds to have our minds blown with Isabella's depiction of the mating habits of bedbugs.

December 1-5, 12-6p, $7, at The Wolfsonian 1001 Washington Ave,
305-531-1001.

Soho Beach House

2010-11-13T11:58:00.012-05:00

Ah, the British.

So polite. So understated. So buttoned-up. So at odds with the Miami we know and love.

Or not. It remains to be seen how much our sun-kissed city will take to its latest European import, the London-based Soho House, dubbed Soho Beach House for its prime oceanfront spot. But since its October debut the hip clubhouse has been the place to bask in the glow of the city’s assorted VIP’s, media mavens, coiffed publicists and scruffy artists.

This is the third American outpost of the exclusive club (in addition to the famed New York and LA branches), and it’s a stunner. The house comprises a hotel, spa, two restaurants, a rooftop bar and a smaller tiki bar by the beach. It’s all housed in the deco confines of the former Sovereign Hotel, a historic building one block south of the Fontainebleau behemoth.
There are subtle Bristish touches-all the toiletries in the rooms are Cowshed Spa products offered in generous full-size bottles. They are labeled with phrases like "knackered cow" (a tension-releasing blend of lavender and eucalyptus) and "bullocks bracing body wash" made with petitgrain and grapefruit. I have no idea what petitgrain is but I certainly wanted to slather it all over my body. It's the James Bond of body washes.

There are only 50 rooms to the hotel – tiny by Miami standards and no contest for its neighbor’s thousand-room campus. But the idea here is to curate the crowd, to make sure it’s a small, eclectic group that sunbathes by the pool, sips ciapirnhas on the roofdeck and dines on lobster spaghetti in the courtyard restaurant. The design has a sexy Old Havana look to it – faded upholstery, geometric-patterned rugs, mosaic tiled floors, rustic tables, glamorous chandeliers. There’s lots of leather, mid century pieces, studded stools, brass fixtures.

White, minimalist Miami is out. Quaint, British-Caribbean grandeur is in. The Soho Beach House is a bit like Miami meets Stratford-upon-Avon, except that Soho House founder Nick Jones, not Shakespeare, is the presiding genius. And it is indeed genius, convincing locals to pony up around $1800 for an annual membership to hobnob with the folks they already know, and those they want to know.

If the Glove Fits...

2010-10-30T11:38:00.000-04:00

Wynwood at midnight is a pretty scary place on its own, but the folks at Cafeina are turning things up a notch with their “Nightmare on 23rd St” party. Cocktail servers dressed like the cinematic slasher will pass out gratis shots of Southern Comfort every time the Nightmare on Elm Street theme song “1, 2, Freddy’s Coming for You” is played, party girl Miss Elaine Lancaster will DJ, and the outdoor courtyard will be a spooky haze of fog and bottle service.

8p-3a, October 30.
297 NW 23rd St, 305-438-0047.

Creek 28 Up the Creek?

2010-10-29T10:52:00.000-04:00

Sad news to report. Creek 28, the quaint, mostly-outdoors spot at the Indian Creek hotel, has closed. This from a former manager who explained that the restaurant took a break for the summer and was scheduled to reopen October 1. "But as the summer went on it became clear the owners of the hotel had no intention of reopening the restaurant." As for chef Kira Volz, whose farm-to-table food we had grown to love? Apparently she's looking for other opportunities....

A Gatsby-ish Halloween

2010-10-28T12:11:00.001-04:00

I've always felt the Raleigh would be the perfect setting for a haunted 1920’s mansion party, and so did the hipsters behind this bash. The entire deco gem–including the restaurant, ballroom and penthouse–will transform into a burlesque-strewn flapper-fest with gratis Heineken from 9-10p. Downstairs in the ballroom Toronto-based synth-pop group Parallels will make their Miami debut alongside Panic Bomber while upstairs in the 8th floor penthouse DJs Ess & Emm, Troy Kurtz and Mister Drake will curate the prohibition-era beats. Finally, an excuse to break in that gramophone-shaped flask.

October 30, 9p-2a, $20-$35. Raleigh Hotel, 1775 Collins Ave, 305-534-630

Tickets here.

il Mercato: German Tapas in Hallandale

2010-10-17T11:57:00.002-04:00

Don’t be alarmed: I'm sending you to a strip mall in Hallandale. The good news: the chef’s background includes stints at New York’s Eleven Madison Park and Miami’s Table 8. The better news: German and Scandinavian dishes available in half portions like Knödel (potato dumplings), house-smoked salmon, confit chicken wings and artichoke ravioli. Il Mercato opened about two months ago and has one of the most interesting wine lists in the city with rare bottles like a Quattro Mani Tocai from Slovenia for $6 a glass and an Ametzoi Txakolina, a Spanish white for $42 a bottle. Prices are low (starters average $8, mains are less than $20 and all can be had in half-portions for $7-$9), the space is modest, the eating is good. Afterwards you can go to Wal-Mart. Someone out there considers that paradise.

1454 East Hallandale Beach Blvd, 954-457-3700.

Tokyo Blue: The Maki Daddy

2010-10-14T15:27:00.001-04:00

A Nobu veteran has hightailed it to the north and opened a neon blue raw fish temple on Ft. Lauderdale beach. I was invited to a food press/blogger dinner a little while ago and tasted half the menu in a feast of Asian-inspired dishes. There were plenty of Nobu homages in the mix - the rock shrimp tempura, jalapeno hamachi - and some Thai staples like coconut curry and pad thai. All of it was tasty, though nothing really blew my mind. Yet it's a fine addition to the dining scene up there.
Next time you’re in Broward and craving classics like Miso Black Cod and Bali Lobster make your way to this clubby spot where the bartenders wear black corsets and a giant aquarium greets you at the front. It doesn't get much classier in Lauderdale.

4040 Galt Ocean Mile, 954-566-7500.

Obligatory Vampire Weekend Post

2010-10-14T12:07:00.003-04:00

"It was like Urban Outfitters vomited out a catalog into the Fillmore."
-commenter on this New Times Review of Vampire Weekend's show last night.

I missed the show, sadly. No live preppy rock for me. Here's an appropriately fun video from them with an appropriately smug Jake Gyllenhaal hamming it up.
Sigh.
Can't help but fall in love with sweat bands and tennis shorts all over again...

Fin is fin?

2010-10-08T15:35:00.002-04:00

I'm not sure what the deal is with Jonathan Eismann's seafood spot Fin. It's sold. It's closed. It's on hold? Whatever the case, it's a shame because I enjoyed my meal there a little while ago. I should have posted these pics sooner, but alas, I am a lazy lass. Herewith some sea-oriented food porn to get you through the weekend.
PS - the banana shrimp curry was insanely good. RIP Fin.

Hot Cheeca...Lodge

2010-10-07T16:50:00.004-04:00

We recently took a jaunt down to the Keys and parked ourselves on the salty grandeur that is Cheeca Lodge. We felt the sand under our toes…and took a baths outside. Facing the ocean. At sunset.
The boutique sleepery reopened last year after a year-long renovation with oceanfront villas that have outdoor tubs facing the sea and a restaurant run by South Florida celeb-chef Dean Max. The 27-acre resort sits on a sliver of land halfway between Miami and Key West and has been the go-to getaway for political royalty since it opened in the 60’s (President Bush senior stayed there on a fishing trip or two).

There’s an old-school charm to the place, with rooms outfitted like Caribbean estates – large mahogany beds, plush ottomans and polished teak chairs on the balcony where you can spy seagulls flying low over the beach. The resort’s classic 525’ wooden fishing pier is still intact, with fishing rods available for hotel guests, and there’s a saltwater snorkeling lagoon nearby, should you want to get up close and personal with the area’s oceanic bounty.

All that is exciting enough but we directed our attention to one of the 62 newly constructed suites with oversized tubs on outdoor patios with views of the Atlantic at sunset. For an extra dose of drama you fill that tub via an overhead cascading water spout, sort of like your own private waterfall.

I so needed my own waterfall.

Brunch @ One Bal Harbour

2010-09-24T15:30:00.002-04:00

Ever since Mark Militello left the kitchen at One Bal Harbour no one talks about the restaurant any more. And while I haven't been back there for dinner since the change I have stopped by for brunch. And there's lots to love at the midday feast. The spread is sized just right. There’s a modest buffest set atop a marble high top table in the oceanfront dining room. You'll find large white bowls filled with chilled jumbo shrimp, square plates of petite tomato caprese with basil and baby arugula, gazpacho soup shooters, beef tartar and silky salmon that’s been marinating in a bath of olive oil, key lime juice and kumquats.

The chef is young Frenchman Thomas Rossi. Nobody's heard of him down here but if more folks sampled that salmon he might start making a name for himself. There’s a choice of three entrees – depending on the day it could be grilled swordfish or roasted chicken with creamy polenta. Then there’s the dessert table, with mini Key lime pies, panna cotta and chocolate mousse.

Ask for a table on the terrace, overlooking the Haulover inlet, and watch the fishing boats putter by. Or sit indoors, where there’s anything from live jazz to bossa nova, samba, Latin and Brazilian music.
Sundays, 12-3pm, $35 or $45 for unlimited champagne and Bloody Marys, 10295 Collins Ave, 305-455-5460.

Vinyl & Kai, South Beach

2010-09-24T14:12:00.003-04:00

At first it seemed too good to be true.
A locals-friendly sports bar with four massive projection screens and reasonably-priced drinks in the middle of club land?
And yet here it is: Vinyl and Kai, a comfy New Zealand-influenced bar, with round-the-clock drink specials and belly-filling pub grub. When it opened in February the black and red bar quickly established itself as the place to watch the Olympics, the World Cup, whatever raucous sporting event happened to playing on any given day. The place feels like a sports bar crossed with a revamped record store: there is an elevated loft for a live music, and the walls are covered with new and old vinyl album covers (there’s even a Bee Gees gem in the mix). Owner Chris Barron, a native Kiwi, infuses the space with an easy-going atmosphere that makes it easy to linger over lamb ribs and sweet potato fries.
I'm a fan of the jalapeno margaritas (just spicy enough) and the mezze platter (not really New Zealand-y, but I can forgive that). Prices are reasonable: $6-$10 for apps and most sandwiches are under $14. Happy hour is M-F with half off drinks and appetizers.
1131 Washington Ave, South Beach.
305-531-2640

Inspired by the Beat @ CIFO

2010-09-23T14:22:00.002-04:00

Creative Children Therapy (CCT) is a local non-profit organization selected earlier this year for Ad2 Miami's 2010 Public Service Campaign. On September 30, CCT will host their 4th annual exhibition “Inspired by the Beat,” at the Cisneros Fontanals Art Foundation (CIFO) in Miami. All event proceeds will go to funding the organization’s art programs, which focus on helping special needs children in the Miami community.

This year’s event will feature local Cuban artist David ‘LEBO’ Le Batard alongside 23 artists from CCT’s Artistic Realization Technologies program, also known as CCT/A.R.T. 4 Collaborative Works between the Artists of CCT & LEBO will be auctioned off @ event, the Debut of 'LEBO LIVE' - A Multimedia Experience including Live Painting, Video Mixing & Music will take place and LEBO's new coffee table book "Inspired by the Beat" will be available for viewing/purchase.
September 30th from 6:30PM-10:30PM
$20 pre-sale here.

Bleau Goes Pink @ The Fontainebleau

2010-09-20T13:10:00.000-04:00

Sample Stephen Starr's Pop-Up Tonight

2010-09-10T13:24:00.004-04:00

The swanky Bal Harbour Shops transform into a block party tonight in honor of the global shopping event known as Fashion’s Night Out. Swing by Agent Provocateur where live models will be showing off the latest in corsetry while Thomas Pink will be passing out complimentary pink champagne and woven silk cufflinks with every $200 purchase. There’ll be a Bocce court outside Tiffany’s, and you'll have a chance to sample Stephen Starr's new restaurant slated to open at the Shops in December.

The pop-up will be serving the following bites gratis:
Baby green peaches, whipped tofu, olive oil, sea salt
Spicy Tuna maki, Crisp rice Cracker, serrano chile
Chicken and ginger tsukune
Nitro Cookies - Green tea cookies, deep freeze

September 10, 7-10p, Bal Harbour Shops, 9700 Collins Ave, 305-866-1816

Cape Cod Room Closed?

2010-09-08T16:54:00.001-04:00

Sad to report the closing of Ken Lyon's Cape Cod Room. Now fresh seafood at J Eismann's new Fin in Design District!!9:54 AM Sep 3rd via Twitter for iPhone

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VictoriaPesceElliott

Avec 'appy 'our

2010-09-08T12:41:00.003-04:00

The best thing about happy hour in France? The cheap booze, of course - a carafe of syrah for 10 Euros - and the free snacks. In addition to small cups of marinated olives we were treated to baskets of home made waffle chips constantly replenished by the ingenue waitress at Cafe Blanc, a sidewalk spot down the street from the Louvre.

Good Morning, Paris: Breakfast @ Le Meurice

2010-09-07T12:02:00.002-04:00

We had a few elegant meals (and a few glorified happy hours) in Paris, the first of which was the breakfast at Le Meurice. First, there was the platter of bread and pastries - flaky chocolate croissants, sweet brioche, fruit-flecked financiers, mini-baguettes with pointy tips. All this flanked by jams from Fauchon (red currant, apricot, acacia honey) and soft butter. Next, impossibly fluffy omelets stuffed with chantarelle mushrooms. Strong coffee. Gracious service. Japanese businessmen feasting at tables nearby. A dining room dating nearly two centuries. A crisp International Herald Tribune. Fresh-squeezed grapefruit juice. Silver coffee pots. Toast with the crusts trimmed.

It was so proper, so delicate, so French. And it was a great introduction to a city whose formality and attention to culinary detail I was just slowly beginning to understand.

European Vacation

2010-09-07T09:49:00.004-04:00

It's been a while since I've posted here my friends. Apologies. Needed a break from writing, the internet and computers. Also needed a break from Miami. It happens. As opposed to our usual international destinations (Asia and Israel) we decided to go Western world on this holiday and headed to Switzerland, France and Germany. Lots of lush countryside, beer drinking and croissant eating ensued. I'll be sharing some highlights soon.

An Orgy of Curries and Suvir Saran

2010-08-17T16:40:00.020-04:00

Lately I've been spending lots of time at The Setai. As fas as hangouts go, it's pretty swanky. One week it was to drink copious amounts of champagne and listen to jazz in their temple-like courtyard. Last Wednesday it was to feast on delicacies from the Far East.

The occasion: a new mid-week dinner party with a 4-course Indian menu. The guest host for the night: Suvir Saran, famous cookbook author, chef and owner of New York's Devi, a well-respected Indian spot.

Saran isn't a huge fan of Florida but he's a huge fan of Setai chef Jonathan Wright (and Lee Schrager who has invited him to participate in past Sobe Wine and Food Fests). And he was a gracious host, making the rounds from table to table, taking time to chat with diners (some of whom were old friends, others were chef groupies). He's a charming guy, sporting chef's whites and plaid Paul Smith pants ("the cuffs are too narrow - like Indian pants"). I found him inspiring, too. He's doing what he loves - writing and lecturing about the food of his childhood. The food he finds endlessly fascinating. The intersection of history, culture and appetites that forms the backbone of culinary traditions.
He sipped watermelon juice spiked with ginger. We talked about my Persian background. "India and Persia were once the center of the world. Everything beautiful in life comes from Persia - not just food and carpets. Everything." It made me want to visit Iran.
In this lifetime, inshalla.

As we spoke the table became crowded with little brass pots of stews - grouper swimming in broth of garam masala, curry leaves and tumeric. Pork cooked with garlic, mustard seeds and dried chilis. Naan bread fresh baked four feet away in the Setai's open kitchen. We chatted in between bites of Tandori lamb dipped in pear chutney, mussels steamed in a lusicous mix of tamarind, tomatoes and black peppercorn and sea bass marinated in coconut, cumin and lime.

We talked about his farm in upstate New York where he's got chickens, goats, sheep. His hens are lazy ("they'll lay an egg every five or six days. Most lay eggs every day") and he sells the eggs to local chefs in the area, in keeping with his farm-to-table philosophy.
He reflected on the origin of curry dishes. "What we Indians refer to as curry is very different from what Americans think of as curry. And it's definitely not that vile powder that comes in a jar." And don't even get him started on the murky brown gravy that is the abomination known as Japanse curry.

"To Indians curry is a sauce. It can be the tomato sauce you put on noodles. It's not necessarily this spicy, gloppy stuff they serve in most Indian restaurants." The stews on this table were elegant, balanced, fiery. Not cut with clarified butter like most Indian dishes I've tried. I cooled the fire in between bites with scoops of a minty yogurt raita. Saran commented that most Indian households include yogurt with every meal "and you have a small dish of it by each plate that you dip into throughout the meal so you balance all the ph levels in your stomach. That's why Indians have no need for Pepto Bismol."
I had tasted 12 dishes over the course of the meal and each one was a magical carpet ride through the souks of Arabia, the crowded alleyways of Mumbai and the vast waters of Indus River. At the end we tempered everything with pastry chef Noah French's banana ice cream and fritters, fennel and anise seed pancakes and Saran's famous rice pudding cooked with almonds, cardamom and saffron.

At the end of the night he signed my menu: "May Persia come alive for you with each meal you eat." It wasn't The Setai but a very creative place I visited that night.
The restaurant will be showcasing the Indian menu every Wednesday night. Suvir Saran won't be there but his recipes will.

Call (305) 520-6400 for more info.

Marina Blue for the Miami Heat

2010-08-17T13:16:00.001-04:00

The LeBronification of downtown commences with plans for a massive restaurant and micro-brewery across the street from the AA arena.

A Sign of the Apocalypse?

2010-08-16T17:59:00.001-04:00

You know things are dire when steakhouses in Vegas start modeling themselves on steakhouses in Miami.

Free Sushi on the Horizon

2010-08-15T22:41:00.002-04:00

Zen Sushi Lounge opened near Mary Brickell Village over a week ago. Their grand opening party is this Thursday. More info here.

Good Looking Plates: La Marea

2010-08-11T17:13:00.003-04:00

Here's the best looking dish I've eaten recently. Grilled jicama and seafood salad at La Marea. Lightly fried calamari nests on a bed of arugula, chunks of jicama, orange segments and slivers of watermelon radish (not much for flavor but adds gorgeous color). All of it gets doused with a lemon and olive oil dressing. It was almost too pretty to eat. Almost.

Preview of Dishes at Miami Spice Kickoff

2010-07-29T15:08:00.006-04:00

Two very similar events are going on this week. If you play your cards right you can eat and drink from over 50 fine restaurants without actually setting foot in one. Tonight there's Taste of the Nation and Saturday there's the first ever Miami Spice Kickoff. Tickets are a great deal - $35 in advance, $50 at the door. Curious what 35 ducats gets you? Take a look at some of the small plates the Miami Spicers will be offering.

Tuna Tartar - A Fish Called Avalon
Roasted Veal Leg w/ Rosemary Potatoes - Ago
Tomato Water Shot, Corvina, Balsamic Cloud Floater - Area 31
Beef Short Rib on Wonton Chip - Asia de Cuba
Hamachi, Avocado, Hearts of Palm w/ Yuzu vinaigrette - BLT Steak
Florida Sweet Corn Soup, Peeky toe Crab, & Piquillo Pepper Relish - Bourbon Steak
Golden Gazpacho w/ Key West Shrimp & Coriander - Gibraltar
Caviar, Smoked Duck & Salmon Mousse - Kaspia

More info on purchasing tickets here.

North Miami Ave Fest and Fin Menu

2010-07-24T13:32:00.004-04:00

The western edge of the Design District is celebrating their North Miami Ave-ness with a block party tonight. Sort of like gallery night, but only one one street and a few blocks long. Fin's offering a special menu tonight as well, see below.

TONIGHT’S DINNER AT FIN
Saturday July 24, 2010

Complimentary Welcome Snack
Maine Lobster and Tomato Broth And Popcorn Shrimp With Ginger Tartar Sauce

First Course
Ceviche/Local Yellow Tail - Watermelon, Chilies, Rice Vinegar, Citrus 9
Six Iced Totten Bay On The Half Shell/Puget Sound, Washington State
Mignonette, Tabasco, Lemons 18
Crab Cake Maryland Style – Mayonnaise, Mustard, “Joe’s” Style Mustard Sauce 12
Spicy Shrimp Curry - Jasmine Rice, Celery, Bananas, Fermented Chili, Coconut Water 14
New England Corn “Chowder”/Florida Corn 8
Goat Cheese Salad – Mixed Greens, Dried Cherries, Red Wine Vinegar, XVO 9

Entree
Steamed Halibut / Juneau Alaska
California Chardonnay, Crushed Tomatoes, Coriander, Sea Vegetable 27
Rockfish / Gulf Of Alaska – Day Boat
Thin Fillet Lightly Browned in Organic Olive Oil
Preserved Lemon Risotto /Lemon Grass Nage 25
Wild Striped Bass / Virginia Coast
Basil Lemon Veloute, Lemon-Dill Basmati Rice Pilaf 25
Long Line Ling Cod / Oregon Coast
Pan Butter Roasted, Potato Puree, Edamame / Green Apple -Caper Beurre Blanc 25
Texas Style Pit-Roasted Beef Brisket, Whipped Potatoes, Chimichurri 20

Side
Caesar Salad 8
Green Salad, Corn Bread Croutons – House Herb Vinaigrette 7
Organic Idaho Potato Gratin 8
Wood Roasted Parsnips and Beets – Parsley Infused Oil 7
Curried French Lentils 6

Dessert
Lemon Tartlette 8
Warm Apple Crumble 7
Crème Brulee 6
He Original Warm Chocolate 9 Please Order In Advance Bomb ( 15 Minutes )
At FIN Rest Assured You Are Being Served The Finest
Safe Water Seafood From My Most Responsible Vendors
Jonathan Eismann - Chef Owner And Brian Bell and Ervin Bryant Restaurant Chefs

Networking Happy Hour @ Mondrian

2010-07-20T09:59:00.000-04:00

In the Kitchen with Michael Psilakis

2010-07-16T23:40:00.012-04:00

If you've ever watched the Food Network show "Chopped" you know Chef Michael Psilakis is one serious dude. He doesn't smile much, he's a bit tough on the contestants (they usually deserve it) and he looks like he doesn't want to be there.

Which is cool. I get it. He's a chef. He should be in the kitchen, around food, shiny pots and sharp knives. But given his intensity I wasn't sure what to expect when I arrived half an hour late to a media tasting in the back of the house at Eos. Chef was expounding on the consistency of a particular ricotta cheese as I slinked into a bar stool. I expected him to call me out, junior high-style with a "Well look who decided to join us..." Thankfully, he did not. Instead, he proceeded to feed me plate after plate of delicious food over the course of an hour, which is its own punishment, in a way.

The occasion was the debut of his new "bistro e," a restuarant-within-a-restaurant at Eos. Basically, it's a new breakfast and lunch menu. Call it a new name, slap some different t-shirts on the waiters, and voila - new micro-staurant. We tried most of the menu, which you can look at here. Standouts include the lamb burger, the asparagus salad topped with truffle vinaigrette, the grilled branzino and the home made potato chips (above). The portions are big and some of the food is too messy to eat in front of your boss (like the short rib tostada topped with a poached egg, below) but it all tasted great and most of it is made using local or seasonal ingredients.

He was still tweaking menu items and probably changed a ton of things after our dinner that night but it seems like a solid lunch option downtown. The (hyper-branded) e³ | daily special is a good deal. For $15 you get three courses like corn jalapeno soup, a ridiculously rich grilled cheese BLT, a full-size dessert AND a pint of beer.

Yeah, clearly this won't last forever.
And it's offered on the weekends.

11am-4pm daily, 485 Brickell Ave, 305-503-0373.

Beach Ball Festival This Weekend

2010-07-15T13:02:00.000-04:00

Support your favorite bar tender in a Dodge Ball tournie while sipping samples of rum. You could do worse on a Sunday afternoon.

Standard Sounds with Cleveland Jones

2010-07-14T12:47:00.002-04:00

Swim Week kicks off tonight with a slew of fashion events (I'll be a the Fontainebleau consuming far too many calories; bikinis tend to make me hungry) but if you're in the mood for something chill, this weekly music party at the Standard seems nice. It debuts tonight with $7 cocktails.

Cabana Sundays @ The Raleigh

2010-07-09T11:46:00.000-04:00

The Raleigh recently kicked off a weekly Sunday afternoon party that’s a cross between a Hampton’s pool shindig and a summer day in Ibiza. Claim a table at the outdoor restaurant and order a pitcher of mojitos before you take to the ping pong tables set up amidst the lanterns and lounge chairs. There’ll be organized volleyball tournaments the last Sunday of the month in July and August so start practicing your award-winning serve now.

Sundays, 4-11pm,1775 Collins Ave, 305-612-1163.

Friday Happy Hour @ Cafeina

2010-07-07T11:41:00.003-04:00

It’s easy to make a meal of new $7 happy hour menu at Wynwood’s hipster haven. Start off with their hockey puck-sized crab cakes and move on to mini Kobe burgers and tuna tacos. Beers and well drinks are half-off (making them $4-$6) as are coffee-inspired cocktails like the Café con leche martini (coffee infused vodka, Amarula Liqueur, creme de cocoa).

Ice Cream Madness @ The Tides

2010-07-01T10:15:00.011-04:00

La Marea, the restaurant at The Tides, launches their swanky ice cream cart service today in honor of July aka National Ice Cream Month. I swung by yesterday and sampled some of the flavors Chef Gonzalo Rivera is churning out this month.

I must have tried 16 scoops but I lost count after the third variation on vanilla (Indonesian, New Guinea and Mexican vanilla bean to be exact). Basil was my favorite, after that white chocolate bread pudding impressed. Dulce de leche had the creamiest texture. Mojito sorbet the most refreshing zing and Chocolate Mole with huckleberry sauce the most unique with a spicy bite tempered by the sweet fruit sauce.

Chef makes the ice cream using using an anglaise base (eggs and cream) and then adds the flavors – fresh fruits, herbs (basil) or sauces like the Mexican mole made with chipotles, chilis, star anise and garlic.

In terms of cocktails they're playing around with frozen variations on classic like a grasshopper with vanilla ice cream and muddled mint, caipirnhas with basil ice cream and strawberries, champagne with a scoop of mango sorbet and Cointreau with vanilla for a creamsicle drink.

Brooklyn Brewery Dinner @ Lou's Beer Garden

2010-06-27T22:17:00.001-04:00

I like beer and I like Lou's and this event looks good.

Notes on $8 Cocktails at the Mondrian

2010-06-24T17:25:00.017-04:00

So it's Friday night and you want to get drinks? Somewhere pretty, scenic, sexy. Also, let's have those drinks be somewhat inexpensive for South Beach ($8 as opposed to $14) and made by a bartender who takes his spirit-mixing seriously. Throw in cheap valet ($8 as opposed to a whopping $24) and like-priced snacks and you've got the Mondrian's new Friday night deal. I checked out this happy hour a few weeks ago and I walked out buzzed, sun-kissed and smiling.
Here's a rundown of the $8 cocktails, each made by Mondrian head bartender Jess Tommy, one of those types who can chat endlessly about house-made bitters, old school cocktails and the origins of Aperol (a kinder, gentler Campari).

Sunset Manhattan
Grapefruit peel infused Sazerac straight Rye whiskey stirred with sweet vermouth, orange bitters and garnished with a passion fruit laced maraschino cherry.

I wasn't a big fan of this one, a little too strong and whiskey-heavy for hot weather.

Twilight Margarita
Cazadores reposado Tequila mixed with freshly squeezed lime juice, crushed cucumbers, dash of Aperol and a splash of orange liqueur.
This one (pictured at top) was refreshing and not too sweet. A nice bitter citrus bite from the Aperol. If you like tequila, drink this.

Pisco Dusk Sour
Gran Sierpe Peruvian Pisco shaken with fresh crushed blackberries & cardamom pods, hand squeezed lemon juice, a hint of honey and frothy egg white garnished with 3 drops of Jerry Thomas bitters.
A labor-heavy drink (there are probably 11 steps to this one), but so worth it. Mix-man Tommy explained that he does a "dry shake" with the egg white, meaning he shakes it without ice in the shaker so as to emulsify the egg and get the right foamy consistency. After adding in the pisco, blackberries, crushed cardamom pods and everything else, he strains the mixture leaving a smoothie-like drink (akin to a retro daiquiri). The cardamom added a spicy and perfumey complexity.

Sundown Sidecar
Hennessey VSOP Cognac shaken with crushed Lychees, fresh squeezed lemon juice and a touch of ginger liqueur, garnished with a Hawaiian raw sugar rim.

Okay, usually not a fan of the sugared rim, but this drink really impressed me. Mind you, I had consumed sips (or a bit more) of three drinks already. But I took a sip of this and thought, I can drink these all night. I'm a ginger lover and that Domaine De Canton is a nice base for the fresh lychees. It was summery and delicious.

Pegu Club Paradise
Hendricks Gin shaken with freshly squeezed lime juice, orange bitters, crushed strawberries, coconut cream and orange curacao.

All the drinks were great, but this one was Best in Show. The coconut lent a subtle creaminess, the muddled strawberries added tang and sweetness and the whole thing just came together in a balanced, refreshing way. It's a pink drink, sure, but there was something serious and strong about it.

More info here.

Lobster Cappuccino Revisited

2010-06-21T11:11:00.010-04:00

I recently covered Sugarcane's Lobster Cappuccino and Beignets, possibly the finest take on coffee and doughnuts in the city, and today I'm craving this dish so I figured I'd pay tribute again and delve into its preparation. This frothy, soul-warming combo is the love child of a New England seafood shack and a mad carnie's fry stand at a state fair. It is also deceptively simple: a heady mix of lobster bisque topped with cream and served with four lobster fritters.

To make the bisque chef Timon Balloo (pictured) throws lobster shells, plum tomatoes, lobster stock, aromatics like coriander, star anise and Szechuan peppercorn in a roasting pan and then douses the whole mix with a layer of cognac. He then slow cooks the mix for six hours, strains and reduces it and adds chunks of lobster meat to the musky, velvety soup. It all gets topped with heavy cream that's been whipped and frothed with a latte steamer and accompanied by the doughnuts (a simple yeast dough, with the sugar left out and fresh pepper added) stuffed with lobster meat.

It goes for $10 and is only offered as a special, but they should really add this gem to the menu.
Read my Q & A with Timon here.

Yelp! It's What's For Dinner

2010-06-21T10:55:00.004-04:00

Yelp Eats Week returns for a second season of wallet-friendly dinners. Like Miami Spice, only cheaper, this deal gets you 3 courses for $25 with some high profile restos on the docket including Cafe Sambal, Cape Cod Room, Por Fin and Fratelli Lyon.

More info and menus here.

Cheap(er) Cocktails at the Mondrian

2010-06-18T13:33:00.004-04:00

There’s no better way to usher in the weekend than by commandeering an oversized bed at the Mondrian’s waterfront lounge, ordering a few strong cocktails and watching the work week cares float away like the pricey yachts in the bay. Making things even sweeter: the new $8 cocktails like the Sundown Sidear (cognac, crushed Lychees, ginger liquor) and the Pegu Club Paradis (gin, lime, crushed strawberries and coconut cream).

Thursday-Fridays, 6-9pm, 1100 West Ave, 305-514-1941.

Urbanize Your Daddy

2010-06-18T12:42:00.001-04:00

Go here to register.

Dad's Have Kneads

2010-06-18T11:53:00.004-04:00

Of all the Father's Day gimmicks out there this one sounded the best. And you can also consider this research for that spa-cigar lounge you and your dad always talked about. Multi-tasking! The InterContinental’s den of de-kinking is throwing in complimentary scotch and cigars after a 60-minute sports massage. Best of all, you get to do it all in a plush bathrobe.

June 20, $198, 100 Chopin Plaza, 305-577-1000.