PM Fish & Steak House

Photo Credit: Miami.com.

I'd come across PM's orange-on-black logo many times in Brickell, but it was only a few weeks ago that I finally stopped for dinner. The doors open up to a small lobby with the bar to the left and the rest of the restaurant behind a bend to the right. While not overly ornamented, the restaurant has small details all around--from the cloth over the back of the chairs to the coasters. As you look over the menu, the waiter brings out bread with the choice of regular butter or garlic and herbs butter (tip: go with the latter). The garlic butter was gone in a matter of seconds; it was that good. Once we realized the bread wasn't enough to hold us off until the main course arrived, we ordered a few appetizers. First, the Tuna Tartare: the best ever. The tuna felt exceedingly fresh and was lightly laid on a platter splashed with olive oil and soy sauce. Next arrived the Veal and Parmesan Carpaccio which was also perfectly seasoned, with subtle flavors arising in every bite. Halfway through the appetizers, we settled for a New York Strip Steak--split in two--as the main dish. There is one thing on which I am extremely picky, and that is how well salted the meat is. I can assure you, the steak passed the test with honors.

Photo Credit: Zoom Into Miami.

It was seasoned on point, with a crispy exterior, but a tender and juicy center. The knife almost cut through the meat as effortlessly as with butter. And to top the experience off, we tried the Madero house specialty drink. Made with cucumber and a hint of jalapeño and agave nectar, it has a crisp and refreshing feel to it. The salt-chili-and-lime covered rim leaves a tingly sensation on the lips. Definitely recommend it for both first-timers and veterans of PM. Overall, it's an amazing restaurant that excels in a variety of dishes--not just fish and steak. And if possible (taking into consideration Miami weather), get a table outside!

Cantina La Veinte

Photo Credit: Celebrity Chef.

Cantina La Veinte is not the traditional small Mexican restaurants you might come across in Miami. Located in the ground level of the Icon Brickell, two brazen sliding doors open up to a bustling bar and lively music. At the end of the short hallway between the energetic crowd at the bar and the adorned furniture, you wait as the hostess sets a table. Your options are open: either inside--under the high ceiling, between walls full of ornaments and and large proyectors--on the patio overlooking Brickell Key, or on the lower level--where its ambiance shifts more to a bar than a restaurant. It is safe to say that the decor is spectacular. Once seated, the waiter brings a small cup of soup. It tastes of seafood broth, and leaves a strong, tingling sensation on the throat (so beware if you have a bit of a cough, which was unfortunately my situation). After a good look at the menu, you can either go straight to the main course or order a few appetizers. Again, I'd recommend ordering to share, just because you can get to try different dishes. If you like oysters, the Rockefeller are a must; they were definitely spectacular. The Tacos Gobernador are basically shrimp tacos. They were very good and only a bit spicy but have a kick at the end.

Photo Credit: Zoom Into Miami.

I enjoyed fusing the flavors of some of the sauces it brings on the side. The dish comes with three rolled up tacos per order. The main course were the Camarones (shrimp) al Ajillo, which were laid on a bed of rice and were delicious. All these dishes were wonderfully accompanied by a large glass of frozen Margarita. And I am not big on Margaritas, but the one in Cantina La Veinte is definitely worth it. There are also two things to mention about the restaurant. First, it's definitely a good idea to make a reservation, because it really does get packed. Second, keep in mind that it's the type of restaurant where you're paying more for the experience than for the actual food. But overall, if you're in for a modern kick to Mexican cuisine and don't mind paying extra, it's a great place to try out.

Buena Vista Deli

Photo Credit: Burger Beast.

After a few hectic weeks, it was finally time to try out another new restaurant! This time, discovery took me to the Design District. Located on 46th and 2nd Ave, Buena Vista Deli is what I would call a corner bakery, with small tables and chairs in between the multiple showcases of desserts and pastries. The walls are lined up with blackboards, covered in multicolored chalk letters displaying the day's menu. On the side of 46th, BVD has a covered, small terrace that--on a not-so-hot Miami day--is the perfect place to eat. We headed to BVD yesterday at around noon, and after a twenty minute wait (yep, gets a bit full), we were seated on the terrace. One thing I'll say off the bat is that while the waiters/waitresses are very nice, the service is still slow. However, the food is so good I don't mind bearing through it (that much). As we were waiting for the rest of the party to arrive, a whip cream-covered, nutella-lathered, strawberry-topped waffle was set on the table right next to ours. No need to say any appetite I had for lunch was very quickly replaced by the desire to begin the day with a good old-fashioned breakfast--as was everyone else's. The entire table ordered waffles.

Photo Credit: Zoom Into Miami.

Not one of us regretted it. Crunchy on the outside and softer on the inside, with the perfect amount of sugar and sweetness. I can honestly say it tasted like homemade. Apart from the waffles, we ordered a ham and cheese croissant and some coffee. The croissant was just like the waffle, crunchy yet soft. It came with a generous amount of ham and cheese, which was much appreciated! The one thing I wasn't too content with was the coffee, but I suppose I'll just have to order some mimosas next time! I look forward to going back to BVD; I still have to try their paninis, which I hear are the best part of the menu, and their desserts. Also, Buena Vista has several extensions, like their next door restaurant that serves brunch. Looks like I'll be spending some more time in the Design District!

94th Aero Squadron

Photo Credit: Zoom Into Miami.

Brunch: Check! Unlimited Mimosas: Check! That's how my Sunday started at 94th Aero Squadron. Located right next to the airport, 94th has a perfect view of MIA's runway, allowing its clients the unique experience of enjoying a good meal while watching the planes take off. Even though 94th offers both lunch and dinner, what I've heard it been recognized the most for is its Sunday brunch. With food lined up in practically every corner of the location, you certainly have where to pick from. At the far west of the establishment is the breakfast station. A chef is there, ready to prepare your omelets the way you want them. Alongside the multiple ingredients available for the omelets are the waffles--toasty and delicious--which you can top with butter, syrup, strawberries and whip cream. In this area, the north wall is made up of windows, making it one of the better areas to watch the airplanes. Towards the center is a long table with a variety of breads and coffee--beware: Leave this for last! Don't fill yourself up with breads, believe me. If you keep making your way east, you'll reach the main part of the brunch. In the center of this room is the bar, surrounded by all types of meat, such as roast beef, pork, BBQ ribs, pepper steak, lamb, and chicken.

Photo Credit: Zoom Into Miami.

As far as seafood is concerned, you need not worry; there were practically piles of oysters, shrimp and crab legs as well as salmon and even paella. Moving into the carbs section, there was penne pasta, mashed potatoes and potato salad, and rice. Most of the food tasted really good. The biggest disappointment was the Chicken Marsala; it was too dry and not worth eating when other, better food was available. If you move a little more to the east--and if you fall within the category of the chocolate-addicts--you will melt as soon as you spy curtains of chocolate cascading down a fountain. Welcome to the Sugar Overdose section. Name it: flan, cheesecake, red velvet cupcakes, brownies, chocolate cake, tres leches (or three milk cake), arroz con leche (rice and milk)--the variety and the quality are great. I could've finished the whole flan tray on my own had I not felt like exploding first! Additionally, 94th not only offers a variety of food, but also every area is different from the other. The entire location lends itself towards a more rustic look, but once you step outside and into the patio, the atmosphere is entirely different. On a cool Miami day, it's the perfect place to have brunch. Overall, 94th offers great food--and unlimited mimosas, let's not forget!--for only $35, which I found quite reasonable. I definitely recommend you visit it at least once, but do remember to make a reservation ahead of time, especially if you're looking to go after midday.

109 Burger Joint

Photo Credit: Google.

Located in a very small locale, at the corner of 109 and 7th, is a joint that has garnered support in the college student community. Standing only a few blocks from FIU, and across the street from several student apartment buildings, it's no surprise it has become a local attraction. 109 Burger Joint offers the traditional sandwiches and make-your-own burgers, but specializes in artisan burgers of the kind you may not have heard before. Their burger menu goes something like this: The Blue Moon, Truffle lovers, Wakeup, MAC Addict and so on. In our visit, we ordered the first three. Most burgers are made with 100% Angus beef and come with a side of your choosing (we, of course, went with the truffle fries!). The Truffle lovers burger was a combination of several ingredients, including mushrooms, caramelized onions and the house's aioli. The Wakeup burger gets a little crazier, as it's served with bacon, hash browns, balsamic onions and the must-have fried egg. But above all stands The Blue Moon burger--aged with Blue Moon (for my beer lovers)--is accompanied with blue cheese, onions, mushrooms, lettuce, and

Photo Credit: Zoom Into Miami.

tomato. To add a little extra flair, I also asked the waiter to top it off with a few strips of bacon! However, when the burgers came, I reconsidered my decision of having added the bacon. The burger was HUGE. I had some serious struggles trying to take the bites. As far as taste goes, the ingredient combinations of all the burgers were ingeniously amazing. The problem lied in that the patties were not spiced adequately. The meat was somewhat bland, and that took away a lot from the overall experience. Nonetheless, the truffle fries and house aioli were their redeeming factor. Absolutely delicious! I plan to return soon to give them another shot; plus, I've been recommended the MAC Addict, a mac and cheese burger. I also look forward to trying several of their desserts, such as the Brownie from Cloud 9 and the Cookie Pie, both of which are the perfect disaster for a sweets-induced heart attack.

Wynwood Kitchen & Bar

Photo Credit: Miami Culinary Tours.

Wynwood has become one of Miami's must-go-to neighborhoods for residents and tourists alike. It has experienced exponential growth over several years and especially the past few months. With attractions ranging from the Wood Tavern "landmark" to its second-Saturday-of-the-month Art Walks, it's a neighborhood that offers a different perspective of Miami. And in the midst of its artsy and innovative decor, lie numerous gems, including Wynwood Kitchen & Bar. Located next to Wynwood Walls, the restaurant embodies the essence of Wynwood's art scene all along its walls. With seating both in- and outdoors, you can experience completely different environments with the air-conditioned section running more along "elegant" lines, while the breeze-based part appears more laid back. One key feature about WKB is that its menu is geared largely towards tapas, appetizers, and dishes made to share, not necessarily full-fledged entrees. Last I visited, we ordered a variety of plates. These were the Tuna Tartare, Queso Frito, Pork Belly, Shrimp Tacos and Skirt Steak skewers. The first dish that was

Photo Credit: Yelp!

brought out was the tuna. It was not served in the traditional, cake-like fashion; rather, the tuna came to the side, with the cucumber-topped avocado on the other. The tuna was perfect, but I would have added a little more flavor to its accompaniments. Next, the pork. We had initially not ordered the dish--it was brought by mistake. However, it was definitely the best mistake. Possibly the plate we enjoyed the most, the pork belly was tender--breaking down under our silverware--with a little spice and lots of flavor. The tacos came soon after, with the shrimp laying on a bed of lettuce and tomato and topped with a chipotle glaze. While good, I will probably try a different dish next time I visit. The skirt steak skewers, however, are definitely on my list. The meat was also tender, not too rare nor overcooked, and the chimichurri complemented it perfectly. Finally, the queso frito, while the last to arrive, is not nearly the last on the list. It comes accompanied by papricka sausage and overlaid with "salsa rosada." Both of which make the dish absolutely delectable. Overall, I greatly enjoy my visits to WKB; however, my biggest recommendation: Make a reservation!!

MIA Bruhaus

Photo Credit: Google.

The place I have been waiting for has arrived. Located on 104th NW and 33rd St., a white building stands tall, with the letters M, I, and A in bold, bright colors. MIA Bruhaus is the laid-back place to go after work, classes or just as an excuse for a night out. Especially if you are part of my crowd: the beer lovers. I visited it for the first time this weekend, and I cannot explain how packed it was. As we walked inside, a loud and energetic atmosphere caught us by surprise. It's immediately distinguishable from the typical bar environment, presenting itself as a community of people who enjoy good company and better beer. The center of the room is taken up by the long bar; the wall against it displaying its varied menu. Along the sides, there are high tables, small tables and booths. On the far left, the walls turn into glass, through which you can see the birthplace of the drinks in front of you. Before the glass plays a live band, whose enthusiasm is just as effective as the heaven-made drink in your hand. I loved the extensive menu, and the fact that the beers--at least those I tried--were extremely enjoyable.

Photo Credit: Zoom Into Miami.

For instance, the Miami Weiss (pronounced Miami "Vice," it makes me wonder if there was some hidden intention!) tastes wheaty and a tad hoppy, and man did I enjoy it. Next, the Blue Monster. Brued with agave and aged for 12 months in tequila barrels. It is dark and strong--in flavor and in alcoholic content at about 9%. It's definitely worth the try! The great thing about MIA Bruhaus is that they also serve food. To go with our beers, we ordered the Buffalo Chicken Nachos. They were delicious! They are quite flavorful--and messy--and great to share. The only thing to improve is the small terrace surrounding the building. Given that is was so full, we decided to sit on the wooden benches outside. Since it's Miami and it rains so very often, the farther sides of the benches were drenched, and only after some squeezing and sharing with other parties were we to get settled. But overall, MIA Bruhaus is definitely one of my favorite new places to chill.

La Moon

Photo Credit: Brickell Info.

La Moon can be considered one of Miami's landmarks--at 3 a.m. It took me a while to try out the restaurant, mostly because it's the type of place you head to after a good night of partying, and by then I'm thinking more about my bed than food (unbelievable, I know). However, over the summer I was able to finally attest the iconic image many of my friends and family had given it. The place in itself feels welcoming, with its wooden tables and metallic chairs, friendly waiters/waitresses--and by 1 a.m. even the customers are friendly. As a Colombian restaurant, La Moon prides itself in its burgers and hot dogs topped with crunchy little french fries and several sauces. I usually like to go for the Moon burger, which comes with onions, lettuce, tomato, cheese and the six sauces. However, I also enjoy the bandeja paisa, served with rice, red beans, several meats, sweet plantains, fried egg, cornmeal pancake and avocado.

Photo Credit: Food Spotting.

Nonetheless, the best part of the experience is having the refajo! My Colombian "familia de cariño" introduced me to the concept. Refajo is a combination of Aguila beer and Colombiana, which is a type of soda/soft drink from Colombia. Mixed in equal parts--or however, you prefer--the taste is definitely something interesting. It's sweet at first and leaves the beer's aftertaste, but without the bitterness. Overall, I enjoy eating at La Moon, however, I have yet to go at a reasonable hour. I definitely prefer to leave this restaurant as my guilty pleasure in the late hours of the night.

Cinquecento

Photo Credit: My Inner Shakti.

Today's review goes Italian with Cinquecento in Brickell. It all started with me craving of ice cream. I was almost desperately searching for an ice cream shop when I realized Cinquecento offered gelato. When I got there and saw the menu, I really wanted to order a bit of everything. They had a good variety, and I was hungry. So we set to a quick dinner--since we had tickets to Lookingglass Alice in the Arsht Center (loved it!!)--and then gelato. I ordered a peperoni pizza and my partner in crime had a Churrasco panini. The service was slow, given that there was only one waiter. However, the restaurant is rather small on the inside, so it doesn't need much as long as no one sits in the spacious terrace! I enjoyed my pizza even though I had to practically swallow it to make it in time for the show. The cheese, sauce and peperoni all tasted of good quality, but I wasn't entirely convinced with the dough. Pizza crusts are a make it or break it kind of thing for me, so the fact that the dough wasn't entirely satisfactory was a let down.

Photo Credit: ZIM Instagram.

The panini, however, was quite enjoyable and it came with long, thick french fries which I ended up stealing (yay!). By the time we finished we were already late for the show (we were going to regret this...), but we still decided to have gelato!!! That was what we were there for, right? They had a great number of flavors and combinations, of which I managed to try at least five different ones. They were all great, but they can't really shake the bond with my vanilla gelato (yes, yes, I know I'm boring). Even if you're not entirely enticed to try Cinquecento, do go for the gelato. At least six other people came in right after us just for a scoop of creamy goodness. As for the show, let me tell you what happened. I ended up almost getting brain freeze for eating the gelato fast enough before we arrived at the Arsht, only to have us wait because the show had obviously already started. I wasn't aware that this was an "interactive" show, so when we were at last allowed to enter, they were in the middle of a Red Queen and Alice scene. The actors blatantly made fun of all those that were entering late, to the delight of the entire audience. I must admit, it was hilarious.

Perricone's

Photo Credit: Local Eats.

The day started with the idea of going to brunch, but the desire of staying in bed after a late night out yesterday was a serious contender. However, by two in the afternoon, it was hunger that drove us out in search of food. We chose Perricone's; we'd been wanting to try it and were hoping we might make it in time for brunch. It included omelets, pancakes and many different salads and baked goods. Unfortunately, the brunch ended at 3 p.m., so we were better off just ordering something from menu. As an appetizer, we ordered today's special: Mediterranean mussels in white wine with diced tomatoes and garlic. I enjoyed the flavor the white wine gave it, but it also had a tomato sauce undertone. While we waited for it to come out, the server brought baguette bread and diced tomatoes on the house. As main dishes, we ordered pasta: capellini with shrimp and seafood linguini. The capellini is practically angel hair pasta, and it comes with their "signature" pomodoro sauce. I enjoyed the dish greatly. The sauce was flavorful, but light; it tasted original, not the just-out-of-the-bottle type. The seafood linguini was served with mussels, shrimp, calamari and scallops in a white wine based sauce. Surprisingly, the sauce was also very light, so you don't fill up halfway through the dish as has happened to me in other restaurants. While I would like to return to Perricone's to try more dishes, what really captivated me about the restaurant was the way it's set up.

Photo Credit: Zoom Into Miami.

When you go through the front door, the whole locale seems set up as a marketplace. On showcase, there's a variety of baked goods, salads, and pastries for customers to choose from. But as you go through another doorway at the end of the "marketplace," it opens up to a small room that looks much like a typical restaurant. However, it's the outdoor dining that captivates most clients' attention. You feel as if in a patio, but with the perfect weather (because it's air-conditioned)! So if you're looking forward to Sunday brunch at Perricone's in the patio, be sure to arrive early to get a table.

Nahuen Patagonia

Photo Credit: Yelp!

Known as either Nahuen or Patagonia, this restaurant has locations in Doral and Key Biscayne. I was introduced to this restaurant almost two years ago through a delicious little pastry. For several weeks I thought it was a bakery and pastries shop, and I've found out many people do as well. They're most famous for their great empanadas--whether it is cheese, meat, you name it!--but they are actually a restaurant based on a "store" structure. In the 103rd and 41st shop, you walk through an assortment of high chairs and tables until you reach the counter, where countless goodies lay in display. On one side, you have the side dishes, with numerous types of salads as the caprese and "ensalada rusa," an variety of vegetables, and other healthy options. On another corner are the warm empanadas that most people cannot leave without. And finally, on the far side are the many, many different kinds of pastries. You name it, they have it. In addition to all of this, the Doral Patagonia even offers fresh meat cuts in case you're planning on having a good ol' BBQ. Now, the food on their restaurant-side menu is also pretty good.

Photo Credit: Nahuen.

My favorite dish is the Milanesa de carne. It's a big piece of breaded steak that comes with the side of you're choice. I usually go for either the mashed potatoes or french fries (for the diet, obviously!). What's best about this plate is that I can put loads of chimichurri on top. This "green sauce" varies per recipe, but is usually made of parsley, chiles, cilantro, olive oil, and vinegar and Patagonia's is really good. They have little bowls of it throughout the shop on small counters along with ketchup, salt, pepper, etc. Other dishes I like to order include the skirt steak (or entraña)--which tends to be very juicy--and the steak sandwich, that is also quite good! All these come accompanied by a side of your choice. Another great plate is the parrillada, but I only tend to order it when I go with another person, because it's definitely made to share! It's served with several different meat cuts, including pork and the famous Argentinian morcilla, also known as blood sausage (yes, literally). Overall, I really love this place because it's a great stop at any time of the day, whether you're looking for a snack, something sweet or a full meal. 

Sumi Yakitori

Photo Credit: Yelp!

This week's review is up for a change of cuisine! I visited Sumi Yakitori in the heart of Brickell and was I surprised by how good this place is. I had seen the small--emphasis on small!--restaurant many times before, but I had never ventured to try it. I'm not too big on Asian food anyways, so I didn't feel like I was missing much. Over the weekend, however, we ended up there because we were in the area and looking for sushi. I was also looking for a new place to write about, so it was a win-win situation, right? So, we went in and started looking over the menu. I had to try the fried rice (because I love rice), but I also wanted to pick at some other things. We ended up with the Mr. 305 sushi, beef yakitori, pork belly rice bowl and stir fried pork ginger. Oh, and I can't forget about the sake and Sapporo beer! Those made the night even better. Starting with the beef yakitori (to see the picture, click here!), they were way too good. I never expected such tender meat from an Asian restaurant. It comes on a skewer (each order brings just one), but it's worth ordering several. It also makes for a great appetizer while the main dishes are prepared. The Mr. 305 and stir fried pork ginger came at the same time, both of which were just as good as the beef skewers. The pork ginger was tender as well, and it came mixed with onions that were bathed in sauce and made it all the better. It's a decently-sized plate, but given that we're apparently insatiable, we went for the fried rice too. In short, it is possibly the best fried rice I've tried thus far in Miami (if you know any better let me know!!). Knowing me, I obviously had to go again to keep trying more good plates, so we went again. And my palate wasn't let down. We went for pork belly yakitori, with meat so tender and the sauce so delicious--the same one used on the beef--we kept lathering the pork with the sauce left on the plate (don't judge!). Finally, we also ordered two new sushi, Roll 69 and spicy tuna. 

Photo Credit: ZIM Instagram.

I liked the spicy tuna, but I prefer the one in SugarCane (review below). The other roll, nonetheless, was really good! It was similar to Mr. 305 with the shrimp tempura, but a little more elaborate, topped with tempura flakes and mayo, among other things. Overall, it's a great little restaurant that I'm very likely to visit again before the week is over! The sushi comes with shrimp tempura and krab, topped with tuna and salmon and a jalapeño sauce (but don't worry it's not too spicy). The stir fried was too good--and I had actually ordered that one by mistake! The pork ginger was tender as well, and it came mixed with onions that were bathed in sauce and made it all the better. It's a decently-sized plate, but given that we're apparently insatiable, we went for the fried rice too. In short, it is possibly the best fried rice I've tried thus far in Miami (if you know any better let me know!!). Knowing me, I obviously had to go again to keep trying more good plates, so we went again. And my palate wasn't let down. We went for pork belly yakitori, with meat so tender and the sauce so delicious--the same one used on the beef--we kept lathering the pork with the sauce left on the plate (don't judge!). Finally, we also ordered two new sushi, Roll 69 and spicy tuna. I liked the spicy tuna, but I prefer the one in SugarCane (review below). The other roll, nonetheless, was really good! It was similar to Mr. 305 with the shrimp tempura, but a little more elaborate, topped with tempura flakes and mayo, among other things. Overall, it's a great little restaurant that I'm very likely to visit again before the week is over!

Divino Ceviche

Photo Credit: Trip Advisor.

This new review centers on a restaurant I've been wanting to write about for a while, but before I did so, I wanted to visit it again recently to refresh the memories I had about the food and the restaurant's environment. Fortunately, late last week, I was able to go again. I was reminded why I liked the place so much. It's a small locale--quite hard to find in the plaza, I may add--that is always absolutely packed. I went for lunch at 3 p.m. and the only free spots were on the bar. But the atmosphere is very warm in that Latino sort of way, where the happy chatter drowns the music away. The only complaint I have is the size of the tables and how close together you are with your neighbor. I could really use some more elbow room, but I guess it's all part of its charm. Anyhow, all uncomfortableness goes away once the food starts rolling out. Like all typical Peruvian restaurants, the server brings out the drinks and a small serving of cancha (basically toasted corn). They also bring out some mariquitas or plantain chips, whichever you prefer calling it, to help begin to settle a hungry stomach. As for the actual food, I--as usual--tend to go with my ceviche and lomo saltado. But to be honest, last week was the first time I tried the lomo at Divino Ceviche! So I'll start with that.

Photo Credit: Divino Ceviche.

It was very good, the meat was tender and the sauce tasted excellent. The only problem was that I felt it could use some more meat. The other concern I had was the french fries. Even though they were good, I prefer when they come mixed with the meat and soaked up in its sauce, given that they taste that much better. But apart from that, I feel like it was a good choice. In regards to the ceviches, they are all actually very tasty. But how to decide among so many? What I do is order the Trio de Ceviches, where I have three ceviches, each with a different type of sauce. This way, I feel like I'm truly taking advantage of the great food Divino offers. And a tip: Once I've finished the fish and only the juice is left, I tend to mix the sauces together to have an amazingly delicious ceviche juice (I know it's a bit weird, but trust me, it tastes great). Overall, Divino Ceviche is a pretty good place to go, especially if you work around the Doral area where one of its two main restaurants is located. The other is in Coral Gables. And if you want delivery, there is a third (and slightly secret) locale, that has a  limited menu, but hey, it can deliver to your job!

Apizza Brooklyn

Photo Credit: Examiner.

This week's review goes Italian! Last week I had the fortune of running into Apizza Brooklyn as I was looking for some to-go food. I was starving (as usual) and definitely in the mood for some pasta, so I called up my aunt to see if she wanted to join me. She'd visited the place before and told me it was great food. I started looking through the online menu and got fixated on "Da Bomb." Yes, that's the actual name of a dish! It's a pizza topped with meatballs, pepperoni, and sausage--the perfect combination for meat-lovers. We picked it up (unfortunately, they don't deliver) and as soon as we got home, the feast began. The pizza was absolutely delicious! You can really taste the quality ingredients, even though they do use them sparingly. Every bite was flavorful, and I could almost say exquisite, for a pizza. It was just enough to share, given that all pizzas they offer are 12 inches. Knowing me, I couldn't let this restaurant out of my head until I had tried at least a couple of their other dishes. So some days, I called her up again for some more Apizza.

Photo Credit: Yelp!

This time, I ordered the spaghetti carbonara and she had the eggplant rollatini. My dish was huge. It was a lot of pasta with even more sauce and a very generous amount of bacon. Again, this was to-go, so I can only imagine how good it must be in the restaurant, coming right out of the kitchen. The eggplant was also very, very good. It also comes with a generous portion of marinara sauce and parmesan. Overall, I have no complaints about the food. The actual restaurant is a very small but cozy locale, so I would recommend calling ahead to reserve a table. A fair warning: It's small enough that you really have to look for it in the plaza where it is located. But it's the type of place that's good for a date and a family dinner--the place for lovers of good Italian food. I will most certainly be paying Apizza Brooklyn another visit quite soon to try some more things from the menu. Like my aunt said, "Everything there is good!"

Love Is Blind

Photo Credit: Google Street View.

This week's review takes place in Coral Gables, in the corner of Aurora Street and Altara Avenue. I came upon Love Is Blind (yes, that's the name) for brunch over the weekend. It's atmosphere was definitely the perfect place for brunch. And it would have been much better if the day had not been the typical humid Miami day, because we could've sat outside and enjoyed the terrace. Nonetheless, we were still seated close enough to have some nice sunlight coming in through the windows. And I was also able to see one of the BEST quotes ever painted on one of the walls: "In victory, you deserve champagne; in defeat, you need it." Needless to say, that immediately set us in the mood for some mimosas. Which were 99 cents. (Yep, I gave that same look to the waitress). All the mimosas you could have for less than a dollar each before midday. So that definitely got the morning going really well. The waitress then brought the menu and explained how brunch worked. Each main dish is accompanied by an appetizer for a total of about $18. We ordered the Chicken and Waffles and the Grilled Short Rib Benedict for entrees, and the Huevos Rotos and the "Maybe the Best Serrano Ham Croquettes" (yes that's the name) for appetizers. The Chicken and Waffles was not excellent, but good. The waffles were not warm, but then again waffles do get cold pretty quick.

Photo Credit: ZIM Instagram.

It came served with two well-sized chicken fingers and the side of syrup and potatoes. The potatoes were honestly the best part. They had what I call in Spanish "salsa ranchera," which is not like ranch dressing--just clearing it up! It's traditionally a mix of different vegetables in a red, spicy sauce, so what they did was mix the potatoes up with the sauce and make them taste absolutely delicious. The Benedict was also good, but again, not excellent. However, it did come with the potatoes, too! As for the appetizers, the croquettes were really good. The ham on the inside was almost creamy. But do keep in mind that it only brings about six small croquettes. Finally, the Huevos Rotos were also pretty good. They were sunny side up eggs laid over a bed of fried potatoes and ham. The potatoes were too crunchy for me, but that of course depends on personal preference. Overall, the restaurant was good, but I'm looking forward to trying it for lunch or dinner and see what more dishes they offer. And before you go, the brunch is every Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Shorty's BBQ

Photo Credit: Chopped Onion.

This week's review is on my go-to restaurant for ribs: Shorty's BBQ. Located on multiple locations throughout South Florida, Shorty's is a self-proclaimed "southern BBQ family restaurant," an idea on which I wholeheartedly agree. I was introduced to its famous BBQ ribs several years back by my dad--I still remember it like it was yesterday! My dad took my family and me to show off his new finding, and at that moment I could've sworn I'd eaten the best ribs in my life. Perfect amounts of BBQ sauce on tender, fell-off-the-bone meat. It was delicious. That first day, I remember seeing rolls of towel paper on the tables and members of entirely different families sitting almost elbow to elbow. My dad explained to me the towel paper was there to clean up after the mess we were likely to make--I mean, it's ribs!! And so we sat down in the packed restaurant, also elbow to elbow with the neighbors, and thoroughly enjoyed it. Since then, I've introduced almost everyone I know to that restaurant, precisely because of its atmosphere. It's a very welcoming, open-space kind of restaurant, with long picnic-style tables and "southern" decor. I regard it as a place with fond memories, even though as the years have passed I believe its quality has declined a bit. I still enjoy the baby back ribs, they are still very good and I won't pass out on an opportunity to visit Shorty's when I have an aching for ribs, but definitely not as good as those first times. On the other hand, through time, I have also been able to try different items on the menu.

Photo Credit: ZIM Instagram.

As for appetizers, I personally don't go for the onion rings. They're a bit too filling for my taste; they have too much breading and is a little mushy. So I prefer to go for the wings. They come in batches of 5, 10 or 20 and have a great seasoning that I couldn't quite pinpoint. It has a very light breading, just enough to make it crunchy, but not so much that it would be overwhelming compared to the seasoning. As for ribs, I'd go for the baby back. They're a little juicier and already have the BBQ included, as opposed to spare ribs. Of course, they're also a bit smaller, but quality over quantity, right? However, if you put on some BBQ sauce (bottles of which are found on every table), the spare ribs come to life. The platters are all accompanied with cole slaw, some pretty good french fries, and (my fave) garlic bread. The combination of these make for a pretty good meal in both size and flavor. Even better, I tend to get the wings and spare ribs and baby back platter and share it with a friend. Overall, I regard Shorty's as a place to go to because of its unique atmosphere more than for its food, but some wings and baby back certainly don't hurt.

Emeril's Delmonico - New Orleans

Photo Credit: ZIM Instagram.

With way over a thousand restaurants, I’ve known New Orleans to be a hub for spectacular food and an authentic cuisine. This weekend, the Big Easy didn’t let down. I visited several several restaurants, among them Drago’s and Landry’s Seafood House (for which you can find pictures on ZIM’s Instagram! Click here). However, one jewel stood among them, Emeril’s Delmonico. This particular restaurant has been standing in St. Charles Avenue for over 120 years, but was acquired a few years back by Emeril Lagasse, renowned American chef. I was aware Delmonico was considered practically an icon, still standing in the same corner throughout the years, but I didn’t think it would stand out in my mind amid so much good food. One visit, however, soon changed that. Let me start off by saying, this is the type of restaurant for which you want to make sure you have a good appetite. It’s the type of place where you want to have enough space to order appetizers, an entrée, and desert. And I’m absolutely serious. There are so many things to choose from, the more you can try the better! I began my meal with Louisiana Crawfish Beignets. They were three small balls of a mix of ground and thick chunks of crawfish, fried on the outside, topped with thin slices of red onion and laid on a bed of avocado (see side picture). For the main dish, I had the Gulf Fish of the Day,

Photo Credit: ZIM Instagram.

which for me was a Red Snapper. It was topped with three shrimp, and was soaked with bouillabaisse broth and surrounded by veggies. The veggies were SO good. They had really taken up the broth’s flavor and it filled your mouth with deliciousness. I can even say I ate them all (mom would be proud!). To finish, I ordered the Vanilla Crème Brûlée. WOW. It was amazing. I felt like I was going to explode with so much food, but if they had placed a second one in front of me, I would’ve probably eaten it. It was topped with raspberries and blueberries and had what appeared to be an oats-and-chocolate cookie. To share, we also order the Bananas Foster desert, which was a spectacle all on its own. They brought out the ingredients and prepared it right before the table. I don’t even really need to emphasize how good it was. You can probably imagine it already. So if you’re ever in New Orleans, take a look at Delmonico—and watch out for the check!

Suviche

Photo Credit: Trip Advisor.

Suviche. I’ve seen that name many times before, but never had I ventured to try it out. It was only recently that I realized the name stood for “sushi” and “ceviche.” So I went on to try the one at Mary Brickell Village on 49 SW 11th Street. My table ordered several ceviches including the Suviche Ceviche, Aji Amarillo ceviche, and Suvama Ceviche. We also ordered the Perfection roll. The Suviche ceviche was spectacular! I loved the rich sauce and small and tender fish cuts. It’s sauce consistent of japanese mayo and generous servings of leche de tigre, according to our server. The Suvama ceviche was also good, but definitely didn’t top the Suviche. It had a sprinkle of japanese spices, which changed the traditional ceviche taste. The Aji Amarillo was the one I liked the least—and unfortunately was my dish!—but it was no bad. It was merely too simple; it felt as though it was missing a condiment or spice. Finally, the Perfection roll was not bad either (the rest of the table loved it), but I’m very particular with the type sushi I like. So the Perfection roll passed the flavor test in a 3-1 vote. For dessert, we ordered the Nutella pie. It was spectacular!! I like nutella a bit, but that pie blew my expectations. Funny enough, my table-mates wanted to return the next day again to have some more of the Suviche ceviche. I must admit I also wanted to go to try the lomo saltado. I have my very own quest of finding the best lomo saltado in Miami.

Photo Credit: Zoom Into Miami.

Hence, we ended there again for lunch and I ordered my lomo. It was very good, the meat was tender and juicy, even though it had an Asian-style flavor which wasn’t entirely to my preference. I have also been used to having the meat mixed with the fries, onions and tomatoes. In Suviche, they serve the fries separate and in a thick cut, so I ended up having more like a side of fries (but were very good). Finally, the dish in itself was a reasonable size, but I still prefer my lomo in Sabor, with its quite generous servings and mixed-in fries. Also, the chef on the second day was different and, according to my table-mates, the Suviche ceviche tasted completely different and not as good. However, (if you do get the good chef), the place is good overall, especially if you’re interested in the mix of the Japanese and Peruvian cuisines.

LoKal

Photo Credit: Localeur.

LoKal is located in 3190 Commodore Plaza, Coconut Grove, right around the corner from the neighborhood’s local veterinary. The outside is reminiscent of a dinner, but the high chairs and tables and the graffiti on the sidewall tell another story. It has a variety of burgers, ranging from the Frita—a guava-topped burger—to My Childhood Dream—a burger that uses a donut cut in half instead of burger bread. All the burgers can be accompanied by one of multiple sides, such as the sweet potato fries. Although I still haven’t gone for either of those, I have tried The Classic and the Fidy-Fidy. Both of them have great flavor, but my favorite part is going half-and-half with sweet potato fries and normal fries and dipping them in the two sauces that accompany every dish. The Classic is self-explanatory, it’s the typical American burger, but with sharp Wisconsin cheddar. The Fidy-Fidy is more exotic, with the meat being half ground beef and half ground bacon, topped with even more bacon and sweet onion marmalade.

Photo Credit: The305.

If you’re a bacon person like me, go with the Fidy-Fidy. A very interesting thing that LoKal does, is that in the menu, it states the city where some of the ingredients that they use come from—sometimes it even mentions the farm’s name. So if you’re not certain that you’re getting local and high-end ingredients, look it up. Some of the best-selling plates include the LoKal burger, the chicken and waffles, the key lime pie and the doggie chicken and rice. The restaurant does not only provide meals with quality ingredients for its human customers, but for their dogs as well. LoKal’s clientele ranges from dog-lovers to business people to college students. It’s a comfortable environment open to anyone who wants a taste of clean proteins, grass-fed beef and good beer. So if you do plan to go to LoKal, expect seeing at least one of man’s best friends relaxing by a table or devouring its meal.

Batch

Photo Credit: Miami.

Yesterday for the boxing world's big match Pacquiao v. Mayweather, my friends and I headed to Batch. It's located on 30 SW 12th Street, on the first floor of the Hampton Inn and Suites. The place is quite visible, but you don't realize it's there because it has no banner or sign saying, "Hey, this is Batch!" What gives it away is the music and loud chattering of a crowd in a great environment. Batch has two areas, an exceedingly nice terrace at the front and the inside bar with booths along the edges and high tables in the midst. In the very back, there is even a "dance floor" that, if you're into Latin music, proves to be the best place to be in. If you're not a Latino, don't despair either! Batch makes sure there is a variety of music throughout the night. As for the food, it's great. The one small problem is that yesterday they seemed to have a special menu with items I believe I haven't seen in their everyday menu. Nonetheless, they might be offering them, so it does no harm to ask! As for the items on the "ordinary" menu, I've had the truffle fries, Margherita pizza, Dry Rubbed Hanger Steak and Pulled Pork Sliders. As a standard, it's a bit difficult to go wrong with fries, but these are substantially good; although I wouldn't mind some extra cheese! The pizza is delicious. Suffice to say we had to order another one before the last slice started WWIII among members of my table. The hanger steak: wow. It was amazing. The meat was tender and juicy and it just made a great appetizer. Finally, the sliders were too darn good. The pork was seared in BBQ and topped with onions and pickles to make the perfect slider. I would absolutely recommend ordering these if you visit Batch.

Photo Credit: Urbanspoon.

As for items I am not certain are on the normal menu (which if I am wrong please let me know!!), I'll start with the wings. They had a very sweet sauce and a touch of a spicy aftertaste. As I've said before, I'm more into straight-up buffalo style wings, so these turned to be too sweet for me. The steak tacos that we ordered came with the meat in a bed of lettuce and on a flour tortilla. They were good, but they could have included a light touch of sauce that would have added the flare it was missing. However, the quesadillas absolutely made up for both the tacos and the wings. It was a burst of flavor between the cheese and--surprisingly--veggies. They definitely rank among the top quesadillas I've tried. The thing I would recommend for this restaurant, as I have for several others, is to order to share. There are so many good things to try that it's great to be able to have a little (or a lot) of everything. But if you don't feel like giving away part of your food, there's also several burgers I've heard are great. Before you go, you have to know Batch offers great happy hours on Fridays and Saturdays after midnight. You get a pretty good deal on the beers--and this comes from experience!!

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!