The Skinny on Sergio’s New ‘Flaca’ Menu

By Jonathan Brooks JonathanBMiami@aol.com Authentic Cuban cuisine is not exactly the best choice for the weight conscious, but Sergio’s new La Flaca menu could change all that. Putting a healthy spin on their “simple, fresh and homemade” motto, you can now choose steamed vs. pan-fried, brown vs. white rice and baked vs. deep-fried. The new [...]

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Fox’s Lounge is Clandestine Divine

By Jonathan Brooks JonathanBMiami@aol.com Dark and divey, Fox’s Sherron Inn in South Miami delivers scrumptious cuisine and unparalleled ambiance. Miami’s best kept secret, which celebrates its 65th anniversary this year, still plays it classic and cool with neon signs, vintage red booths, dim lighting, and an oldies jukebox. There are also two cozy dining rooms [...]

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Blue Collar = Fine Dining

By Melanie Garcia garmelanie@gmail.com First it was fried chicken and waffles causing a stir, and now we have shrimp and grits in South Florida. Awesome! You can try it at Blue Collar, the newest addition to the string of restaurants popping up along bustling Biscayne Boulevard. Warm, inviting and casual, it’s already becoming a favorite [...]

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Say Cheeeeese!

By Jonathan Brooks JonathanBMiami@aol.com The Cheese Course, a European-style bistro offering more than 150 cheeses from around the world, has set up shop in Pinecrest. The South Florida-based business prides itself in authentic, hand-crafted artisanal creations made from dairy farms using old world cheese-making methods. As their website states, “we are a unique and culturally [...]

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Pull Up a Healthy Seat at The Green Table

By Jonathan Brooks JonathanBMiami@aol.com The Green Table in Coral Gables offers healthy, organic fanfare that is as delicious as it is good for you. This hole-in-the-wall, farm-to-table restaurant only seats 16 (and maybe a few more out front), and is run by Venezuelan Chef Monica Rios and her brother Luis Soto. It’s located on Le [...]

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Miami Pop-up Restaurant is Anything But Ordinary

By Sue Arrowsmith Sue.arrowsmith@yahoo.com You won’t see many typical dishes on the menu at Eating House in Coral Gables, but the odd combination of ingredients tastes familiar, and delicious. Take the Homestead Tomatoes ($11), for instance. You get a plate of fresh tomatoes hand-picked from Paradise Farms and garnished with lime, ginger, nuoc cham, peanuts, [...]

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Fine Southern Cooking on South Beach

By Melanie Garcia garmelanie@gmail.com Many would argue that Southern cooking is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. You’re not eating for flavor alone (although flavor never lacks) but rather eating to gather, to love, to savor and indulge. And that’s exactly what you’ll do when you visit Yardbird Southern Table and Bar. “Honest [...]

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Sweet Sugary Expectations

By Melanie Garcia garmelanie@gmail.com We’ve all used the term “sugar rush” when we’ve indulged in one too many desserts, but once you visit Miami’s own Sugar Rush food truck you won’t mind the abundance of sweet stuff. Without guilt, we sampled several menu items, specifically from their cupcake selection that offered a rainbow of possibilities. [...]

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Revel In A Happy Hour With A Bahama Breeze

By Jonathan Brooks JonathanBMiami@aol.com Escape the daily grind at Bahama Breeze’s Happy Hour, weekdays from 4 – 6 p.m. in Kendall. A quick glance at their island inspired menu and you’ll understand why they tout “it’s always summer here.” Take a seat under the gazebo amid fire torches and live music, and in minutes you’ll [...]

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A City Hall You’ll Want to Visit

By Melanie Garcia garmelanie@gmail.com You’re destined to have a winner when Steve Haas, chairman of the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau, decides to open a two-story, 6,000 square foot eatery and bring on Executive Chef Tom Azar, an apprentice of Chef Emeril Lagasse. The result of this wonderful partnership is City Hall restaurant, located [...]

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Head for the Swamp and Hit the Pit Bar-B-Q

By Jonathan Brooks JonathanBMiami@aol.com The secret, homemade basting sauce and Blackjack Oaks used for grilling at the Pit Bar-B-Q on Tamiami Trail makes for some sweet, succulent and smoky fare. “This is certainly not your regular everyday barbecue sauce,” says Elena ZelicsKovics of Coral Gables. “I love the savory and smoky combination.” The Pit is [...]

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Taste the Love at Soya e Pomodoro

By Sue Arrowsmith Sue.arrowsmith@yahoo.com At Soya e Pomodoro, where the sign outside reads “Simple Food Made With Love,” you will find aromatic soups, homemade marinara sauce poured over tender eggplant, crusty paninis, creamy pastas, and more. This real deal Italian bistro in the heart of downtown Miami is incredibly romantic, with an artsy, bohemian soul. [...]

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The Perfect Marriage of Culinary and Literary Arts

By Melanie Garcia garmelanie@gmail.com Perhaps one of the secrets of success for Miami’s premier independently-owned bookstore is the unique, fun and fresh menu at The Café at Books and Books. With cafes at three locations, (Coral Gables, Lincoln Road and Bal Harbour Shops), Books and Books is a must on your reading and eating list. [...]

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La Nonna Woos Pasta Lovers with Traditional Recipes

By Rodolfo Roman romandh@yahoo.com Chef Nick Gonzalez, 78, practices the same cooking methods he learned as a kid while watching his grandmother whip up delectable Italian dishes. Those recipes have made their way to his restaurant, La Nonna, located in Sweetwater. Named after his late grandmother, Ernestina Cossentino, the restaurant has been serving everything from [...]

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Five Delectable Dining Options at the Miccosukee Resort

By Jonathan Brooks JonathanBMiami@aol.com The Tribe of Indians of Florida’s Miccosukee Resort at the intersection of S.W. Eight Street and Krome Avenue offers something for everyone with five delectable dining options. Discover great culinary treats at either Empeek Cheke (their intimate signature restaurant), Empeeke Aaweeke (their international buffet), Empeeke Aya (their 24 hour deli), Cafe [...]

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Limon y Sabor is a Whole Lot of Flavor

By Melanie Garcia garmelanie@gmail.com One of the perks of living in Miami is the diversity and authenticity of restaurants, specifically with influence from Latin America and the Caribbean. So when we had a chance to visit Limon y Sabor, a Peruvian restaurant on Biscayne Boulevard, I was excited to try cuisine from a country with [...]

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CinéBistro Caters to Movie Buffs and Foodies Alike

By Sue Arrowsmith Sue.arrowsmith@yahoo.com If you think popcorn and Snowcaps top any movie experience, you haven’t seen anything yet. CinéBistro at Dolphin Mall, the first to open in the country in 2007, is a dream-come-true for adult moviegoers wanting to escape noisy theaters. With a 21 and older policy, the theater offers a grown-up, upscale [...]

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French Cuisine with a Hint of Argentina

By Jonathan Brooks JonathanBMiami@aol.com Located across from The Falls in Pinecrest, the French Bistro is truly an unforgettable experience. Indulge in steak, pasta, chicken, seafood, crepes, soups, salads, and more at this continental steak house. Owner Daniel Gonzalez, who managed Rincon Argentino in Coral Gables, serves fresh, innovative, healthy, and delicious dishes with the help [...]

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Wasabi Turns Up the Heat in Pembroke Pines

By Melanie Garcia garmelanie@gmail.com Nestled within the hustle and bustle of a busy Pembroke Pines plaza, Wasabi West is the kind of culinary jewel that you might miss if you’re not on the lookout. It’s small and cozy, serving some of the best Sushi in South Florida. Aptly named Wasabi, the food is sure to [...]

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Food Fiesta on Kendall Drive

By Ily Goyanes ily.goyanes@gmail.com You can throw a stone from any street corner in Miami and hit a Cuban restaurant, but Mexican restaurants are a bit more difficult to locate, especially one serving authentic Mexican food that’s fresh and at reasonable prices. El Rancho Grande, located right on Kendall Drive, is such a place. The [...]

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Azucar Puts a Fresh Spin on Ice Cream

By Sue Arrowsmith Sue.arrowsmith@yahoo.com Suzy Batlle is a creative force to be reckoned with, in and out of the kitchen. She can whip up ice cream out of just about anything, make crafty seats out of old guayaberas and even lay down tiles. Most recently, she’s gaining fans with her new shop, Azucar Ice Cream [...]

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Mangia, Mangia!

By Melanie Garcia garmelanie@gmail.com When I think of pasta, pizza and meatballs on the go, I think of one amazing food truck. After visiting Mangia Mia, which translates to “eat mine” in Italian, I wanted to eat mine, his and hers, and everything else on the menu! The owners of this popular food truck, who [...]

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A Daily Dose of Awesome

By Melanie Garcia garmelanie@gmail.com At The Daily Creative Food Co., the menu is as big in taste as it is in size. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, this place could live up to its name and dish out a different food selection, daily. Located on busy Biscayne Boulevard, this casual café has an on-the-go, New [...]

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Tropical Smoothie Heaven in Kendall

By Ily Goyanes ily.goyanes@gmail.com Tropical Smoothie Café, with several locations throughout Dade and Broward, serves surprisingly healthy fare in the form of everything from soups to salads to sandwiches to wraps – oh, and let’s not forget smoothies! It features a superstar roster of the most delectable fruit combinations we’ve ever had the pleasure of [...]

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La Palma – Doing Cuban Food Right for 32 Years

By Jonathan Brooks JonathanBMiami@aol.com Since 1979, La Palma restaurant has been serving up old school Cuban cuisine at old school prices. The atmosphere is warm and friendly. There are not many winter nights in Miami where you can’t find a Spanish television station camped out in front of the walk-up window filming locals enjoying some [...]

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Elwoods Gastro Pub is Charming and Cool

By Sue Arrowsmith Sue.arrowsmith@yahoo.com Not to be mistaken with pink-loving Elle Woods, or soul man Elwood Blues of the Blues Brothers, but Elwoods Gastro Pub in downtown Miami is just as charming and cool. Owners Lorry and Louis Woods have poured their hearts and souls into this cozy eatery, featuring a variety of traditional English [...]

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The Hot Dog Revolution on Wheels

By Melanie Garcia garmelanie@gmail.com Though the Dog Days of Summer are coming to an end, Miamians can still celebrate by savoring one of the season’s most popular food – hot dogs, of course! Dog Eat Dog: The Hot Dog Revolution food truck will have you eating this summer staple all year long. Ordering the Asquerocito [...]

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Spanish Tapas y Tintos Comes to Midtown

By Melanie Garcia garmelanie@gmail.com I was lucky to spend this Spring Break in Spain, so when Tapas y Tintos opened a second location in Midtown Miami (the original is a South Beach staple), I jumped at the opportunity to indulge in Spanish food. For those who are not too familiar with Spanish cuisine, tapas are [...]

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Scotty’s Landing Evokes Florida Keys Vibe

By Jonathan Brooks JonathanBMiami@aol.com Like a trip to the Keys minus the mileage, Scotty’s Landing offers Biscayne Bay views and casual waterfront dining at the piers in Grove Key Marina, accessible by boat or car. Whether it’s a cocktail and appetizer at sunset, a beer and burger after a boat ride, a relaxing getaway for [...]

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Day or Night, La Sandwicherie is a Fresh Food Oasis

By Sue Arrowsmith Sue.arrowsmith@yahoo.com Where can you go for some substance after a long night on the steamy South Beach scene? You head over to La Sandwicherie, that’s what you do. This outdoor café has been serving up French-style subs and salads for 23 years, staying open as late (or early) as 6 a.m. These [...]

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Che, Amigo!

By Melanie Garcia garmelanie@gmail.com Che: (ch-eh) interjection… 1. Argentine expression used as a greeting 2. Argentine equivalent of English “hello” 3. Call out to friendship and camaraderie3. Used frequently and often in Argentine culture Now that we’ve got that covered, let me introduce Che Grill, a culinary adventure featuring 100 percent Argentine cuts of beef [...]

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Blissful Food Down to the Crumbs

By Melanie Garcia garmelanie@gmail.com When you first walk into Crumb on Parchment, it’s like you’ve discovered a country retreat hidden amid the upscale shops around this stealthy, pop-up restaurant. And then the smell of fresh-baked pastries lures you toward the chalk-written menu where you uncover the real gem: blissful comfort food. Crumb is Chef Michelle [...]

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Anthony’s Creative Pizzas are a Nice Surprise

By Sue Arrowsmith Sue.arrowsmith@yahoo.com Cauliflower on pizza? Bring it on! This summer, Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza, with about eight locations in South Florida, unveiled a new creation: Roasted Cauliflower Pizza. Robert Flume, the general manager at the Pinecrest store, admits the concept didn’t wow people at first so he began passing around samples while customers [...]

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Stumbling On a Purple Patch of Tastiness

By Melanie Garcia garmelanie@gmail.com Remember that cool 80s movie Purple People Eatery with Neil Patrick Harris and the one-eyed monster? Yeah, we don’t either. Thankfully, the owners of the psychedelic Purple People Eatery do remember it. In fact, so much so, that they’ve based their food truck menu and décor off the cinematic creation. I [...]

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Off The Grille Is Off the Charts

By Jonathan Brooks JonathanBMiami@aol.com Off the Grille Bistro is off the charts. Folks come from near and far just to try some of their scrumptious fast fusion cuisine. They boast “good food, healthy choices, real chefs,” and they totally deliver. No appetizers here; they focus fully on the main attraction. Menu items may change due [...]

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Showing Miami Who’s Boss

By Melanie Garcia garmelanie@gmail.com If the bright orange and yellow colors aren’t enough to reel you in, I’m pretty sure the food will hook you. Jefe’s Original Fish Tacos & Burgers is a gourmet food truck experience that transports you to the cool and easy going shores of Ensenada, Baja California. The menu is a [...]

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This Truck has the Good Stuff

By Sue Arrowsmith Sue.arrowsmith@yahoo.com Stop by Mr. Good Stuff’s food truck and feel like a kid all over again. The names on the menu alone, such as I Dream of Winnie and Cheezy-My-Neezy, will make you giggle. On a recent balmy summer night, I stumbled on this jovial, yellow truck with a big image of [...]

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Jimmyz Kitchen Rocks a Puerto Rican Classic

By Sue Arrowsmith Sue.arrowsmith@yahoo.com Miami’s historic Puerto Rican neighborhood may be all souped-up with galleries and designer shops, but one recent newcomer to the Wynwood area is making sure tradition stays alive. Six months ago Chef Jimmy Carey opened a second location for his celebrated restaurant, Jimmyz Kitchen, serving six different types of Mofongo and [...]

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This Ms. is all Cheese

By Melanie Garcia garmelanie@gmail.com She’s hot, steamy and going around town…serving delicious, cheesy creations that is! Ms. Cheezious is a little sexy food truck offering variety of bold flavors in unexpected combinations that leave you wanting more. Among the Ms. Cheezious must-haves is my personal favorite, the Grilled Blue & Bacon. The creation consists of [...]

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Seasons of Food for 475 Calories or Less

By Sue Arrowsmith Sue.arrowsmith@yahoo.com That’s right! If you’re trying to slim down this summer, but down want give up dining out, Seasons 52 in Coral Gables offers fresh, season dishes that add up to 475 calories or less. Located right on the Miracle Mile strip, Seasons 52’s menu changes to reflect each season, and the [...]

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