The Butcher Shop

Photo Credit: Cantinetta Vintners.

This week's review is taking us to Wynwood! Located on 165 NW 23rd St, The Butcher Shop is a  chill place to hang out with friends and share some good beers. The restaurant is a bit out of sight for those who tend to traffic only Wynwood's Second Avenue, but it's totally worth it to get sidetracked for this "garden and grill." I was lucky--or unlucky--enough to have visited The Butcher Shop during the second Saturday of the month, which the regulars know to be one of the busiest days. The ambiance was great and felt very welcoming, but it certainly took us a while to get a table outside. We watched the Heat game and drank craft beers as we waited at the bar, half of which is outside--roofed but open--and the other half inside. Finally, we got seated at the tables that were more like benches covered with (obviously) alcohol-sponsoring umbrellas. We ordered a beer tower to start, accompanied by grilled octopus and Mongolian duck wings. The octopus was the best one I've tried! It was exactly how I like it, on the grill with a soft citrus-y taste. You could really feel the juicy meat as you bit into it. However, it was also the smallest dish of octopus I've had. The Mongolian duck wings were also quite good, but a bit too sweet for my taste; I prefer my good ol' buffalo wings. 

Photo Credit: Zoom Into Miami.

As a entrees, we ordered skirt steak and the prime sirloin burger. The steak had a really good flavor, but it was not evenly salted, which took away a lot from the experience. The fries, however, were freshly done and were right on point! The burger was also good, but not out of this world. Nonetheless, next time I hit The Butcher Shop I plan to try the Butcher Shop Signature Mix, which a friend has recommended as "the best burger" he's tried. The burger we ordered came accompanied with sweet potato fries and their honey mayo dip. The fries were good and so was the dip, but it left a weird aftertaste--at least for me. Overall, the food was good, but the reason why I'd love to go back to The Butcher Shop is for its atmosphere. It's definitely the place to be on a cool Miami night.

SUGARCANE

Photo Credit: Miami and Beaches.

Located in Midtown on 3252 NE 1st Avenue and conveniently hidden from view by a tall hedge, Sugar Cane appears to be a secret wonderland. Walk in through the arch and find a seat on the small patio--I promise it's the best part of the restaurant. What I would recommend for this restaurant is order to share. Take a date or just some friends and wait for your taste buds to be blown away. I'm sure everything you order from the menu will be amazing, but in case you need a head-start, here are some recommendations. As far as the crudos go, I tried the scallop apple, black truffle, lime and jalapeño. What was interesting about this dish was that all the flavors clearly stood out in my mouth. I could distinctly savor the fresh green apple and hints of lime--and don't worry, it wasn't spicy at all! Then, the tapas. Wow. The bacon wrapped dates were absolutely amazing. If you're a bacon fan please go for it. Meat was the most pronounced flavor, followed by the sweet hint of dates. After the date came the american wagyu sliders.

Photo Credit: Honest Cooking.

They were mini burgers topped with a sunny-side-up quail egg and lathered in tonkatsu sauce--don't worry about the name, just know it tastes great! The beef short ribs, referred to as "Korean style" were pretty good, too. I probably wouldn't call them my favorite since I like them best just on the grill. Finally, the sushi. I am not a big fan of sushi; in fact, I rarely ever order any because I cannot eat more than a couple. But for the crunchy tuna sushi at Sugar Cane, I could've eaten every single one. It was absolutely delicious, so do order it!! Honestly, this restaurant is a great deal, given that the prices are not too bad for the quality of food that you will be getting. So go ahead and let me know what you think!

Seaspice

Photo Credit: Miami and Beaches.

Located next to the Miami River, on 422 NW North River Dr, Seaspice provides a great atmosphere for a relaxing weekend afternoon--if you're inside. On the dock, the restaurant turns into a party with a live DJ and lively group of people. Seaspice has great customer service, not once was my cup empty or the table dirty. One of the dishes was a little overcooked, and the waiter immediately changed it. But apart from the slightly burned octopus, the food was great. The Meli Melo of Tartare was delicious, with the avocado giving the tuna and salmon the perfect touch. The Escargot Toast was also very well prepared as was the Truffle Brie Tart; certainly one of the best ones I've tried. However, what truly stole the show was the Snapper. It came beautifully adorned--it even caught the attention of the tables around--and the waiter did not miss a beat as he showed it off.

Photo Credit: Zoom Into Miami.

He cut the snapper in large pieces for those at the table with the side of mashed potatoes and a delicious butter-based sauce. It has been the best fish I have eaten in a long time. It suffices to say the table turned quiet as soon as everyone began to eat. As for the drinks, the Moët Ice with strawberries and blueberries was both refreshing and delicious. However, I must give a few warnings. First, if you don't make a reservation, there is very little hope you will get in. Second, the area around Seaspice and its exterior are quite different to how it truly is on the inside. Third, just make sure to keep an eye on the check! And a few recommendations: go with a group and order dishes to share. That way you can try a little of everything and enjoy good company in a great restaurant.

Lagniappe

Photo Credit: Lagniappe.

What stands out most about Lagniappe is not necessarily the food or the great selection of wines that they have. Rather, what appeals most is the ambiance of the "wine house." Located on 3425 NE 2nd Ave, the front of the house is reminiscent of the New Orleans French Quarter, just as much as the lively interior with its live, jazzy or other non-mainstream music as well as the loud chatter of people having a good time. It's a great place to hang for a while and order a couple glasses of wine, but the best part of Lagniappe is the outside. Once you step through that threshold, you're not going back. It's a beautiful scenery with lights hung from ceilings to trees and tables with mismatched chairs throughout the patio. It's a great place for a date, but it truly works out for anyone who wants to have a good time, be it with a group of friends or just a girls' night out. However, do beware that Lagniappe does not have a very large selection of food.

Photo Credit: Zoom Into Miami.

What they serve is very good quality and great taste, but I would go there for appetizers, not dinner. Also, for girls with sandals! You might get some dust in your shoes if you plan to sit outside, so closed-toe shoes are a good idea, unless you don't mind. Overall, Lagniappe hosts a very nice ambiance that offers a different setting in which to spend a Friday night in Miami--or any other night for that matter!

Joey's

Photo Credit: ZoomIntoMiami.

This Italian cafe, located on 2506 NW 2nd Avenue, holds all the allure of Wynwood in an enchanting and small restaurant. The best part of Joey's is sitting outside. It provides a private little patio for its customers to enjoy a cool day or night in. Joey's offers great Italian food with a few additions from other cuisines. The Bruschetta Fresca is a perfect starter. It's mozzarella and cut up tomatoes seasoned with basil and oregano on ciabatta bread with a splendid taste. The Carpaccio del Bosco is also a good appetizer. It is not my favorite carpaccio as to how it's served. I prefer a carpaccio in which all its ingredients come already mixed together, but it certainly has great flavor. For entrees, the absolute recommendation is the Linguine Indiavolate.

Photo Credit: ZoomIntoMiami.

Its texture and spicy tomato sauce were spectacular to say the least. The shrimp simply makes it even better for all the seafood lovers. The Spaghetti al Pomodoro are also very good; however, it's missing that spicy flavor that truly brings the linguine to life in your mouth. Finally, the Diavola is a delicious pizza. The thin crust is perfect for the pizza, given that it makes the tomato sauce and salami flavors jump out. Overall, Joey's is a great restaurant, it has not yet let down!

Mignonette

Photo Credit: Flickr Mignonette.

A small corner restaurant, Mignonette sits on 210 NE 18th Street. It has an eerie look from the outside--no doubt due to the City Cemetery across the street--but that just makes the whole experience a tad more interesting. Once inside, the smell of seafood hits you like a wave, but you forget all about it as soon as the waiters begin to set your dishes on the table. Its cozy interior provides the perfect ambiance for a date, and sharing plates is not a bad idea. With so many delicious things to choose from, you might want to have a shot at trying as many as you can. The Oysters Rockefeller are absolutely spectacular. It is a well-sized appetizer with about eight oysters covered and baked in spinach, melted cheese, herbs and butter. As soon as it touches your taste buds, it's an explosion of flavors that you don't want to stop experiencing. The Crudo--which sells at market price so make sure to ask before ordering!--is a tad less flavorful compared to the Rockefeller, but compensates because it's a more soothing experience. Regardless, it is just as addictive. The shrimp and lobster tails are both prepared similarly with a mixture of butter, herbs and other ingredients which were difficult to pinpoint.

Photo Credit: Flickr Mignonette.

At that moment, however, the last thing in your mind will be discovering the ingredients when that dish sits before you. Finally, the Prime Rib. You would not expect an oyster bar and seafood restaurant to serve this dish, and I honestly expected an average plate. Nonetheless, the prime rib blew my expectations. While it was not the best I've had, it certainly was much better than many meat-specialized restaurants around Miami. It lacked some salt and spices, but overall was quite enjoyable.

Dr. Limón

Photo Credit: Dr. Limón

With one of the most interesting names I have yet encountered in Miami, Dr. Limón has me debating on whether it should take the lead as one of the best Peruvian-cuisine representative I've tried thus far. Located on 13766 S.W. 84th Street, it has what Miami folks would call a typical Cuban facade on the outside, with a more modern touch on the inside. If you've ever been to CVI.CHE 105, it's like a smaller, cozier version of that. Dr. Limón has all the typical Peruvian dishes on its menu; however, finding them is quite an entertaining adventure. As the restaurant's name suggests, it is as if you've entered a doctor's clinic--all the plates bear health-related names such as Remedio Casero (Home Remedy), Cuarentena (Quarantine), and Fiebre Amarilla (Yellow Fever). As a starter, the waiter brings complimentary shots of Leche de Tigre, which is the juice they use for one of their ceviches--extremely rich in flavor.

Photo Credit: Dr. Limón

The Diagnostico Reservado, a ceviche dish, has a great flavor and is a mix of different seafood. The size was not too small, but definitely would enjoy a bigger dish. The savor was on point, however, so it made up for the small portion. The lomo saltado was also exceedingly good. My praise for Sabor a Peru's lomo definitely met its match. The only downside, again, is the small portion. There was more fries and sliced tomatoes than meat. But it also had a redeeming quality! The meat was tender and had soaked up the sauce very well. Overall, Dr. Limón is a great restaurant; so good that customers will wait in the sun for 40 minutes to get a table.

The Porterhouse

Photo Credit: Genius.

Bearing a more bar-like image than that of a restaurant, The Porterhouse Bar & Grill sits on 17004 Collins Ave. in Sunny Isles Beach. Just one block from the beach, this restaurant constantly gets a light breeze, perfect for sitting on the front patio in the high tables with a cold beer in hand. On the inside, Porterhouse continues to transmit the same relaxed atmosphere, but it hints a little more at the "bar" side of its name. One thing that either makes or breaks this restaurant is the fact that customers are allowed to smoke inside. If you're a smoker, you'll love it; if you're not, then keep in mind that you'll be secondhand smoking a lot.

Photo Credit: Foursquare.

I suggest you try and find a seat outside, where the breeze might help keep some of the smoke away. Porterhouse has great Buffalo wings that you can choose from mild, medium or hot. Their flavor is great and the Buffalo sauce topped with a little ranch is the perfect combination. Another great thing about this restaurant for all the beer fans out there is that it offers 3x1 draft beers. However, they do cheat you a little; the beer glasses are smaller than your typical 12-ounce beers. It also offers another happy hour from 11 p.m. to 3 a.m. with 2x1 drinks. So for all you heavyweights out there: Enjoy!

Pepito's Plaza

Photo Credit: Yelp!

Pepito's Plaza is a small locale located next to a gas station on 10701 NW 58th St. Belonging to a Venezuela owner, the idea of the "plaza" began many years ago, when the original Pepito's began to take off. As the restaurant saw growing success, it expanded into a bigger building. The site is still adjacent to the gas station convenience store, where they share a pathway. Given the limited seating space inside, Pepito's created a "patio" with flat screen TVs that are always showing soccer matches. If the day or night is cool, that's the best place to eat. The plaza took its model from fast food places: You wait in line to reach the counter where you order anything form hot dogs, burgers, parrillas or pepitos.

Photo Credit: Yelp!

What they're most famous for, and take their name after, are the pepitos. They're like hot dogs, but with sausage instead of the traditional hot dog meat. Their "secret" component, however, are the six sauces that make all their food stand out. You have to keep in mind, though, that Pepito's Plaza will not bring you in with restaurant-style dishes or presentation. It's thought of as Venezuelan "street food," but as one Yelp! user put it, "[It's] street food heaven!" However, the restaurant is more than just the sauces or the flavors, it's about the environment. There's no such thing as a Latin American country without street food--and Pepito's Plaza does a great job of bringing that to Miami. And just like traditional street food, it only accepts cash, but it houses an ATM machine inside.

CVI.CHE 105

Photo Credit: Google images.

Known as one of the Peruvian go-to's in town, the restaurant is highlighted not only for its food, but also for its looks. I could easily call CVI.CHE 105 as the most "hip" and "fashionable" Peruvian restaurant in Miami, as their website states. The food is served exquisitely, and the ambiance throws off a chic look with the all-white-and-gray furniture and green finishes, giving the restaurant a lively yet stylish feel. CVI.CHE serves a large variety of dishes, and is best known for its ceviche selection. Whether you want the ceviche mild or spicy, with a pink sauce or a yellow sauce, this restaurant has it. The sauces' texture is great: not too liquid, but not too dense.

Photo Credit: Miami Food Lovers.

For as good as the texture is, though, I expected the flavor to be more pronounced. The lomo saltado could also use a stronger flavor. Both hold a very passive taste, which if it were intensified, would be amazing. The meat is tender enough and the onions, peppers and tomatoes that come with it are thoroughly soaked in the meat's juice, causing a juicy burst in your mouth. The problem with the dishes in CVI.CHE is the size; they're too small for my appetite. CVI.CHE's goal is not just to serve "traditional Peruvian gourmet," as their website states, but also to provide that chic atmosphere. It's not uncommon for frequent clientele to bump into artists and actors at CVI.CHE 105. But keep in mind that here, you're paying not just for the food, but for the looks as well.

Sabor a Peru

Photo Credit: FIUSM.

Sitting on 2923 Biscayne Blvd, the owner honored her roots by opening a Peruvian restaurant. I've tried a good variety of the different entrees and appetizers they offer. Trying everything from the anticucho de corazon to my typical lomo saltado and ceviche de pescado, to chaufa de mariscos and arroz con mariscos. The anticucho de corazon is a delicious appetizer that consists of chopped up pieces of cow's heart on two skewers and a light sauce on top. The lomo offered in Sabor a Peru is very flavorful and it prepares the tender meat strips so well that it leaves you wanting more.

Photo Credit: Yelp!

Sabor adds a little je ne sais quoi in their ceviches that make my taste buds buzz in response. The chaufa de mariscos and arroz con mariscos are very similar plates. They're both prepared with a large variety of seafood, ranging from shrimp to oysters to calamari. The difference is that the chaufa is fried-rice-style, while the arroz is simply rice mixed with seafood. However, there's nothing simple about these plates' savor. Both are tasty dishes that I often order depending on which I'm in the mood for. Sabor a Peru definitely exceeded my expectations. 

La Palapa Hondureña

Photo Credit: Google Maps Street View

La Palapa Hondureña sits on 2699 Biscayne Blvd, a restaurant that came into the market several years ago through the efforts of a Honduran lady. The pupusas are tortillas filled with cheese and accompanied with repollo--cabbagge mixed with tomatoes and a special sauce. The carne asada is roast meat topped with onions and served with your choice of rice, French fries, plantains or salad. Sopa de caracol is a delicious soup served in many seafood restaurants and several Latin American ones, but the one the La Palapa offers is one of the best I've tried.

Photo Credit: Yelp!

They also have a great plate of camarones al ajillo (garlic shrimp) and pescado frito entero (fried fish). The shrimp come bathed in a rich, buttery-garlic sauce. The pescado frito comes whole--yes, head, tail, teeth and everything--topped with onions and lemons. Also, there's nothing better than being able to go to La Palapa and ordering a nice baleada. It's a tortilla topped with many, many things. At home I used to have them with fried beans, a cream similar to what sour cream is in the US, scrambled eggs, avocado and sausage. Overall, this restaurant is a great place to go.

La Lupita

Photo Credit: FIUSM.

Known for staying open until 6 a.m and for its amazingly good tacos, La Lupita sits on 1057 SE 1st Ave, just a block away from several Brickell bars and clubs. With a variety of appetizers ranging from the delicious guacamole and chips to gringas and flautas mixtas to fried tacos. They also offer soups and salads, but the reason why it's so successful is for its tacos. Every time I go, I order tacos al pastor, which the restaurant explains is "pork meat slowly cooked on a vertical rotisserie."
Each taco costs $2, and you can order however many you can eat.

Photo Credit: Yelp!

You can order the tacos with cheese, pico de gallo--cut-up onion, peppers, tomatoes and lime juice--and pineapple. Apart from the tacos, La Lupita offers grilled beef steak, grilled chicken and enchiladas--fried tortillas topped with chicken or beef and cheese, apart form other toppings you can ask for, such as the ones for the tacos. Every day from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., they offer margaritas at half-price for their Happy Hour. They also have an all-day, every-day special in which a five-beer bucket is valued at $25, and includes an appetizer of either guacamole and chips or queso fundido--a special cheese dish.

El Centro Americano

 

Photo Credit: Blog.

El Centro Americano rests on 155 SW 107^th Ave. It is a hidden jewel I came across thanks to a Salvadorian friend who, thankfully, decided to share it with me. For breakfast, El Centro Americano serves a variety of plates. The desayuno especial, which includes a six-ounce piece of meat or chicken to go with the eggs and beans, is a pretty good option. As appetizers, El Centro Americano serves the famous Salvadorian pupusas as one of their options. You can also go with the chicharrones, small, fried pieces of pork.  

Photo Credit: Yelp!

For lunch and dinner, some of my usual orders include the pan con bistec, or steak sandwich; the parrillada, a mix of various meat cuts, pork and chicken; and the chuletas de cerdo, or pork chop. The pan con bistec is a favorite of mine. The meat is very flavorful, although sometimes a little tough, and it comes with lettuce and substantial amounts of mayonnaise. The parrillada is a good plate for a good price. It brings a reasonable amount of food—almost enough for two—and it’s not even the larger one, the parrillada para dos. The meat does not necessarily hold the best flavor around, but for its reasonable price I find it satisfies you well enough. This restaurant also houses Regia, a Salvadorian beer recognized for its larger volume—approximately 20 ounces more than the usual 12-ounce beers. 

Peru Criollo

Photo Credit: Google images.

Peru Criollo sits on Southwest 108 Avenue and Bird Road. The location is easy to find, and the place itself takes after simple, Latin American-style diners, with several wooden tables and chairs and a long bar. It has a large selection of seafood and Peruvian specialties such as their ceviches, several soups and multiple appetizers. However, it also serves a variety of chicken, meats and salads. I ordered the usual ceviche and lomo saltado. The food is brought promplty after ordering. The portions are a good size, and that's coming from someone who doesn't enjoy meager servings.

Photo Credit: Yelp!

The ceviche was the better of the two, although its flavor was a bit different than that from downtown seafood restaurants. The fish was tender and thoroughly soaked in a rich, lemon-based sauce. The lomo saltado, however, was somewhat bland. Although it was bathed in sauce, the meat felt slightly dry and could have used more seasoning. While not a bad option, it could certainly consist of a better flavor for its $12.99 value. Overall, the experience was a positive one in regards to food quality and service.