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!

Joey's

Photo Credit: ZoomIntoMiami.

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

Photo Credit: ZoomIntoMiami.

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

Mignonette

Photo Credit: Flickr Mignonette.

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

Photo Credit: Flickr Mignonette.

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

Dr. Limón

Photo Credit: Dr. Limón

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

Photo Credit: Dr. Limón

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

The Porterhouse

Photo Credit: Genius.

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

Photo Credit: Foursquare.

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

Pepito's Plaza

Photo Credit: Yelp!

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

Photo Credit: Yelp!

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

CVI.CHE 105

Photo Credit: Google images.

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

Photo Credit: Miami Food Lovers.

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

Sabor a Peru

Photo Credit: FIUSM.

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

Photo Credit: Yelp!

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

La Palapa Hondureña

Photo Credit: Google Maps Street View

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

Photo Credit: Yelp!

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

La Lupita

Photo Credit: FIUSM.

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

Photo Credit: Yelp!

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