GK Bistronomie

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Pachamamma

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Cardón y el Tirano

Photo Credit: Cardón y El Tirano.

Located in Little Havana, alongside Calle Ocho, is a small Venezuelan-owned locale. It's hard to see, unless you're looking for it. And in this restaurant's case, I truly recommend you do. The parking lot is a hassle, with no more than 10 spaces that it shares with a laundry shop, among others. But once you walk in through their glass door, it's another world. To your right is a bar adored with bottles and plants, to your left is the rest of the restaurant: about six tables with mismatched chairs. Strangely, the dim lighting in combination with the intentionally awry setting provides a wonderful ambient. But forget about the atmosphere, because once you get to the food there's nothing besides you and the plate in front of you. The menu has a small variety of appetizers and main dishes. To start, we went with the Lechon Dumplings and the Chorizo y Camarones (sausage and shrimp). The four little triangle-shaped, meat-filled dumplings came first, topped with a few onion slices and in a bowl of jus. I cannot begin to explain the surprise we had as the flavors blended in our mouths. The savory dish blew us away...to the point where we ordered another one. (Tip: do double-dip. You'll know why once you try it!) The chorizo y camarones arrived next. Three large shrimp spiced up with slices of sausage in a wine and garlic sauce accompanied by the occasional olive. The flavor was spectacular. The shrimp were just a bit too mushy, because they literally came apart as I was attempting to remove the tail.

Photo Credit: Zoom Into Miami.

However, it was a minor mishap I was all too willing to brush away. It also came accompanied by a loaf of bread--crunchy on the outside yet soft and warm on the inside. For the main course we decided on the Mahi Chicharon, on our waiter's recommendation. Oh my God. That truly was the cherry on top of a perfect dinner. Pieces of crunchy Mahi came atop a bed of white rice over which the waiter poured the most delicious sauce (and left it on the table in case we wanted more. And of course we did). Besides the amazing dishes, the service is astounding. My water glass was never empty, our waiter would come every so often to check that everything was in order, and best of all, they knew their dishes. Hence, they could make knowledgeable recommendations, which new customers like ourselves greatly appreciated. Also, if you're a beer fan, try La Fin du Monde; it's good. All in all, it's a restaurant definitely worth trying, even if you have to fight for the parking space. TIP!! Make a reservation! This place gets full.

Piola

Photo Credit: Piola.

Sitting on the side of North Miami Avenue is Piola, a cute restaurant with great outdoor seating. We visited it on Sunday, and with the cool weather that Miami's been under, the day started off great. There was live music--a soft, acoustic version of all the new and classic hits. Unfortunately, this was as far as the good experience got. My biggest disappointment was that the service was extremely, extremely slow. The restaurant served bread and olive oil on the house; however, we practically had to remind our server about it. About 10 minutes later, the bread arrived and it was cold. A few minutes later the waitress came back around to take our order. We asked for the Carpaccio Nabucco, a Diavola pizza and the Pollo Piola. The carpaccio came first, laid over a bed of arugula. While it was not bad, it definitely needed more seasoning.

Photo Credit: Zoom Into Miami.

We poured a little of the olive oil we had left and threw in some Parmesan on top in our attempt to make it more flavorful (which did help!). Next came the pizza and the chicken. The pizza was thin crust, which I truly liked, and it was overall good. The problem for me was that it did not live up to the expectation of the restaurant's slogan: "Famous for our pizza." I was expecting better. (Note: it tasted better the next day in that weird way that pizza does). Finally, the Pollo Piola was not very good. The sauced felt as if it was flour-based--which is not in itself bad, except for the fact that it tasted flour-y. Overall, the atmosphere of the restaurant is great, but the food does not compare. I don't precisely like to discredit restaurants based on one experience, so I might (eventually) try it again. However, Piola really needs to step it up by then.

R House

Photo Credit: Miami.com.

After some time of wanting to try out a new place in Wynwood, we finally went to R House. The first thing to notice about the restaurant is its concept; it's decorated with for-sale artwork. The second thing: It's crowded. The tables are very close to each other and it gets packed. While you may find seating for two, I'd recommend making a reservation, especially if it's a group. The restaurant also has an outside area which is more lounge-y and perfect with cool weather. Now, onto the food. As an appetizer, we went with the Yellowfin Tuna Tartare. It tasted good, although on the simpler side. However, if you dabbed a bite with the sauce that was decoratively served alongside, it gave the dish the flavor it was missing. For drinks, we went with the Japanese Lemonade, the Negroni, and the R House Margarita. The lemonade was fruity, tasting much like a mix between strawberries and raspberries.

Photo Credit: Zoom Into Miami.

The Negroni, on the other hand, was incredibly strong (coming from someone who loves hard liquor). It had a hint of orange at the end, but also left you with a raspy throat. The Margarita is also strong, but even more so were the jalapeño that come mixed with the drink. Very simple: if you don't love jalapeños, don't order it. For entrées, we had the Butchered Cut and the Brazilian Moqueca. The cut varies per the day you go--for us, it was rib eye. While it was not unappetizing, it was also not worth the $45 it came out to. It was burnt on the outside and rather plain. And while the chimichurri was on point, it was not enough to make the dish reach expectations. The saving grace of the restaurant was definitely the moqueca. It was a dish of mixed seafood dipped in a delicious sauce. If you have ever tried "Sopa de Caracol" (a Honduran soup) it tasted very much like it. The seafood is served in a skillet with a mix of vegetables and comes with a side bowl of rice. This entrée is definitely a must. Overall, while I enjoyed the ambiance at R House, I was not left entirely satisfied with the food.

La Gamba

Photo Credit: Miami New Times.

One thing I can say about Coconut Grove is that it's a neighborhood full of surprises. Walking down Main Highway, we saw the small Spanish restaurant. It was early still, and a bit empty, so we debated whether it would make for a good dinner. After a few looks around--everything else was full--we settled for La Gamba. We sat down on the high tables and chairs they have outside, next to the bustling Main Hwy and were gladly greeting by servers who immediately served olives on the house. We flew through two servings of olives and a basket of bread with a side of balsamic and olive oil (I was in love with the restaurant already) when we decided on a pitcher of Sangria and two appetizers: Carpaccio de Pulpo con Aioli a la Paprika (octopus carpaccio with paprika aioli) and Mejillones al Vapor con Salsa de Vino Blanco (steamed mussels with white wine sauce). The service was a little slow, but once the sangria came out, the waiters and the kitchen seemed to have gotten into gear. The sangria tasted good, but was a little too watery for my taste. Our server then brought out the octopus carpaccio.

Photo Credit: Zoom Into Miami.

It was a small dish, and when you first put it in your mouth, the flavor is minimal. But once it starts to move around and begins mingling with your taste buds it's an explosion of savors. The one that stands out the most is paprika, which mixed in with the rest of the spices, leaves a tingling sensation. Next arrived the mussels. This dish was larger, with the bottom third of the mussels submerged in the white wine sauce. I enjoyed it; however, much like the sangria, I prefer stronger, more distinct flavors. After another basket of bread and a good look over the menu, we settled on two last dishes: Navajas de Almeja (razor clams) and Gambas al Ajillo (grilled prawns with garlic and parsley). The clams were delicious, flavorful, marinated in a myriad of seasonings with a limey hint at first that turned from one savor to another. As we finished the clams, it (unfortunately) began to rain. We ran into the small locale that is the restaurant with glasses of sangria in our hands to wait for our last dish: the gambas. They were exquisite. Six large shrimp (or "langostines" in Spanish) come next to a small, decorative serving of salad with a spectacular dressing. Needless to say, if you like garlic shrimp, the gambas are a must.

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!