 |
|
Best Affordable Meal:
Bar-B-Que Beach |
|
Ahoy! Smythe the Caricature Pirate at
your service, and I hate eating utensils! Arrrrr!
No, don’t get me started on cutlery! All right,
if you insist! Sharp objects should only be used
for one thing: stabbing the crew members of a
ship you intend to shanghai. That’s it. There’s
nothing wrong with using your hands. There are
five fingers on each one (if you’re lucky, arrrr!),
perfect for tearing at meat and fruits. That’s
all that be needed in a pirate’s diet — meat and
fruits. And potatoes. Meat, fruit and potatoes —
that’s all. And rum. Meat, fruits, potatoes and
rum. That be it! Well, bread. Meat, fruits,
potatoes, rum and bread. Arrrr!
Anyway, in this chapter, the SunPost
gives its pick of food establishments and
restaurants that be worthy of attention when
stuffing your gullet be your main goal. Many of
them insist on your using utensils, but I urge
you to mutiny, or boycott them altogether!
Arrrrr! Only go to places that allow you to use
your hands! Like sandwich shops or fast food
restaurants! Don’t go to those fancy places that
insist you hold your fork or knife a certain way
(instead of clenched firmly in your teeth).
Blast those scurvy snobs! Oh, what I’d do to one
of those snotty waiters who’ve raised an eyebrow
at me. “Arrr, what’s the matter? You don’t like
me gnawing on the bone of this hunk of mutton
(it’s making a comeback, you know)? Walk the
plank! Walk the plank! Arrrrrr!”
At any rate, all the bases be covered as far as
grub and grog be concerned. Name your poison and
chances are it be listed here. Go ahead and eat
at that fancy restaurant with the fancy forks
and knives. You know you want to. Just ignore
the pleas and plight of Smythe the Caricature
Pirate. I’ll just be sittin’ in front of my TV,
watching my DVD collection of Cutthroat
Island, Blackbeard’s Ghost,
Captain Blood, Captain Kidd
and Captain Pirate, of course, not
to mention Walter Mathau in Pirates, The
Princess Bride and me pirated copy of
Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s
End while eating me TV dinner — with my
hands! Arrrrr!
Personal Best: Thomas
Kramer
|
Best Market
Norman Brothers Produce
The only agenda Norman Brothers Produce has is providing
South Floridians with the freshest, most delicious,
finest foods available anywhere in the area.
Located off Sunset Drive on Galloway Road, Norman
Brothers has the feel of an old-fashioned open-air
market, with the modern conveniences of air
conditioning, cleanliness and gourmet products. For more
than 20 years, customers have been picking Norman
Brothers’ fresh tropical fruits and vegetables from the
aisles of overflowing baskets, and gathering warm,
homemade items from the mouth-watering bakery.
And after picking up a proscuitto panini or a helping of
BBQ beef brisket from the deli, don’t leave without a
milkshake from their juice and smoothie bar. The famous
shakes are made from fresh fruit blended daily, in
flavors like strawberry, banana, key lime, peanut butter
and peach. Also, whether you celebrate Shabbat or not,
the challah bread is probably the best excuse to eat
carbs in Miami. Location: 7621 SW 87th Ave., Miami.
Phone: 305-274-9363. Web site: www.normanbrothers.com
|
Even at the
tender age of 12, José Gaspar was quite the
little rogue. Described as small but “imbued with the
stamina of a Spanish fighting bull,” Gaspar kidnapped a
young girl and held her for ransom before he was old
enough to have his Bar Mitzvah (that is, if he were
Jewish). Rather than spend a couple years in the big
house, Gaspar opted to join the Royal Spanish Naval
Academy, and rose through the ranks, eventually becoming
a naval attaché to the Court of Charles III by the time
he was 27.
Heartbreaker that he was, Gaspar
had an insatiable appetite for the ladies, many at the
same time. But even a pirate is no match for the fury of
a woman scorned. After he dumped her, the spurned
daughter-in-law of the King framed Gaspar for stealing
the crown jewels. Gaspar took off in 1783 with the
Floridablanca and escaped to the Gulf Coast of
Florida, pirating all of the Spanish ships he
encountered along the way.
Gaspar set up shop in Charlotte
Harbor (eventually Gasparilla Island) near Fort Myers,
and spent the next 38 years ravishing more than 400
ships, killing all of its passengers and crew, save for
the lovely ladies he turned into concubines. Gaspar held
the wealthier women for ransom on Captiva Island.
When a U.S. warship disguised
itself as a British merchant vessel, Gaspar’s bull-like
wits were no match for the Americans. Rather than be
killed by enemy forces, Gaspar tied himself to the
ship’s anchor and jumped overboard uttering his famous
last words, “Gasparilla dies by his own hand, not the
enemy’s!” — Tiffany Glick (Source: Twenty
Florida Pirates)
|
Best African Restaurant
Sheba Ethiopian Restaurant
Amid the galleries and up-and-coming wine bars in the
Design District, one restaurant is not quite like the
others. Diners have even made the drive from Naples just
for the evening. Sheba serves Ethiopian food in an
upscale setting complete with elegant lighting, a full
bar and even a gift store, with Africana from across the
diaspora. The food is also excellent. Traditional dishes
include chicken, beef and lamb prepared with keywat
sauce, made of 18 different spices, and ingera, dough
that is both utensil and side dish. Recent menu
additions cater to today’s tastes, such as a seafood
sampler and the Cote D’Ivoire wrap. Don’t leave without
trying the rum cake and the honey wine. Location: 4029
N. Miami Ave., Miami. Phone: 305-573-1819. Web site:
www.shebamiami.com
Best Bakery
Paul
This international bakery chain can trace its roots to
Croix, France way back in 1889. Since then, Paul
expanded to other parts of that country as well as
Spain, Japan, England, Holland, Morocco and even
Lebanon. Left out of the Paul experience was the poor
old United States of America. But that ended in 2005
when the Paul chain decided to open in South Florida,
displaying its fresh, yummy baked goods to the outside
world. Pastries, pancakes, salads, soups, sandwiches —
all can be found at Paul. All are made fresh. All are
made on the premises. Locations: 14861 Biscayne Blvd.,
North Miami; 19575 Biscayne Blvd., Aventura. Phone:
(North Miami) 305-940-4443, (Aventura) 305-682-8012.
Best Chef
Govind Armstrong,
Table 8
Govind Armstrong is a young 35-year-old chef who began
his career at age 13 in Spago working for Wolfgang Puck.
It seems Armstrong has always been associated with
culinary notables such as Mary Sue Miliken and Susan
Feniger at their City Restaurant, Mark Peel and Nancy
Silverton in their Campanile, and Joachim Splichal for
his Pinot Hollywood. Armstrong’s swing from West Coast
to the East has enabled him to see, select and serve our
local seasonal treasures, just the way he does with his
California cuisine over there. Now he’s working with red
and green oak lettuce, fresh caught snapper and Florida
grouper. And just because Armstrong’s salt-crusted Kobe
porterhouse isn’t on the menu, that doesn’t mean it
doesn’t get ordered –– lots. Location: 1458 Ocean Drive,
Miami Beach. Phone: 305-695-4114.
Best Restaurant
of the Year
Ortanique
From atmosphere to menu, it’s a Jamaican treasure of
colors and tastes. Owner-Chef Cindy Hutson, being a
former fishing captain, knows her fish and is very
particular about what she brings into her restaurant.
The Pan Sautéed Bahamian Black Grouper is marinated all
day in sesame oil, teriyaki, lemon and garlic. When
prepared, it crisps outside while the interior remains
moist and flaky. Resting on a bed of boniato mash, a
creative sauce of ginger/pepper, teriyaki, red pepper
flakes, scotch bonnet, Vidalia onions and Bacardi Limon
brings the fish to life. Location: 278 Miracle Mile,
Coral Gables. Phone: 305-446-7710.
Best French Restaurant
Pascal’s On Ponce
This is truly French dining without the stuffiness;
incredible food in enchanting but not pretentious
surroundings. It’s like the chef himself, who when
praised about his food, smiled and simply replied, “We
try.” For years, working for others, Pascal Oudin fused
French and Caribbean, but when he decided to open his
own restaurant, he returned to contemporary French food,
because, “Miami needs some good French dishes.”
Location: 2611 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Coral Gables. Phone:
305-444-2024.
Best Irish Restaurant
Clarke’s
Before you even think of food, order a draught. Clarke’s
offers six different Irish ales, stouts and beers, from
Smithwick’s and Harp to Guinness. Our server explained
that it actually takes four minutes to properly pour a
Guinness. Three-fourths goes slowly into the glass,
where it actually continues to “percolate.” When its
permutations have concluded, the rest is added, a proper
pour coming just over the lip of the glass. We, of
course, needed a true Irish dish, and chose the
Shepherd’s Pie. Forget Meatloaf Mondays! The Pie – a mix
of chopped beef and lamb, with onions, carrots and peas,
all topped with creamy mashed potatoes and served in an
iron skillet – had a heady, enticing flavor that could
not be beat. That and a Guinness is a filling,
satisfying meal nowhere near those South Beach prices.
Location: 840 First St., Miami Beach. Phone:
305-538-9885. Web site: www.clarkesmiamibeach.com
Best Asian Restaurant
O Asian Grill
The centerpiece of O Asian is the kushiyaki dishes
which, translated, means grilled skewered. This is where
the special charcoal comes in, used in a bincho grill.
Nothing escapes the fire, from chicken to fish to cherry
tomatoes. Ten Skewers includes a light and flaky Chilean
sea bass and eggplant in miso, cherry tomatoes wrapped
in a strip of smoky bacon, a tender rib-eye with
teriyaki, two types of moist chicken breast and a third
chicken in meatball form, a rather fishy salmon, sweet
Shishito peppers, sautéed shrimp with roasted tomatoes
and even Japanese sausages. Location: 330 Lincoln Road,
Miami Beach. Phone: 305-531-2811. Web site:
www.oasiangrill.com
Best Affordable Meal
Bar-B-Que Beach
we decided to order EVERYTHING. That’s what you get when
with a Piggie Platter. The Big Piggie feeds six to eight
people, and since there were only two of us, we went
with the Little Piggie ($37) that supposedly feeds three
to four. Well, that’s only if the four folks have
enormous appetites and haven’t eaten in several days.
The platter contains half a slab of ribs, a half pound
of pulled pork, a half pound of beef brisket and a half
chicken. With the platter comes an excellent apple
cornbread and a choice of three sides. Location: 1555
Washington Ave., Miami Beach. Phone: 305-538-7201.
Best Pan-Asian
Atrio at the Conrad
Yes, the room is beautiful – upscale cozy – and the view
is breathtaking, especially at sunset, but it is the
creative perfection of the menu that should have the
crowds returning to Atrio. Wild rabbit casserole, whole
grilled barramundi, Banoffie pie; there is nothing on
the menu that is staid, boring or bland. Even a simple
grilled swordfish is a standout plate. Location: 1395
Brickell Ave., Miami. Phone: 305-503-6500.
Best Romantic Restaurant
Karu & Y
Go past the outdoor waterfall and through the foyer
falls, where you literally walk over the water, and pick
up your complimentary cocktails. Crowning the 126-seat
dining area is the Dale Chihuly aptly-named chandelier,
Blue Icicle. Opposing walls boast bronze panels by
Richard Boprae, and Venini Studio created the glass wall
sculpture in Mas Alla, a gorgeous private room.
Location: 71 NW 14th St., Miami. Phone: 305-403-7850.
Web site: www.karu-y.com
Best Foreplay Dining
Bond St. Lounge
If your idea of a romantic dinner involves a little
attitude and lots of ambiance (i.e., sexy) then Bond St.
Lounge is where it’s at. Once you’re in, you never want
to leave. Tucked away inside the Townhouse Hotel, this
cozy sushi restaurant is dimly lit with small low-set
tables and couches that make for an intimate dining
experience. Bond St. serves some of the most succulent
sushi and appetizers in Miami Beach, and the bar offers
dozens of varieties of sake, with an ample selection of
beer and wine. Although the restaurant is small, the
sushi and atmosphere are worth the experience and its
likely aftermath. Location: 150 20th St., Miami Beach.
Phone: 305-398-1806.
Best Caribbean food
Ortanique
The creamy Pumpkin Bisque, though a thick, rich-tasting
pleasure, is actually heart healthy, since it contains
no cream. Its secret is that most of the ingredients are
brought in from Jamaica, whose soil is so intense it
brings a higher level to the products grown in it. Like
the calabasa pumpkin and the fresh thyme. These are
blended with sautéed sweet onions and smoked ham shanks
that bring out an extra flavor. Floating atop the bisque
is a crema of sour cream and fresh grated nutmeg.
Location: 278 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables. Phone:
305-446-7710.
Best Steak House
Prime One Twelve
The meats, like the name, are all prime. And, as with
any steak house, size does matter: 22-ounce rib eyes,
12-ounce filet mignon, 16-ounce veal chops. We can’t
pick a favorite. All the meat is dry-aged for 28 days
and served moist and tender. The 12-ounce Filet Mignon
is a tower of power, tall and thick, yet tender and
juicy, broiled to order…in just five minutes in One
Twelve’s state-of-the-art 2,000-degree oven. Location:
112 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach. Phone: 305-532-8112. Web
site: www.prime112.com
Best Mediterranean
Bizcaya
Chef Jason Schneider starts his Caprese Salad with half
a beefsteak tomato, settled over haricot vert with a bit
of extra virgin olive oil and basil oil. Atop that is
not just some Buffalo mozzarella, but rather half a ball
of burrata from Puglia, Italy. Think of the rich, creamy
cheese as a ricotta on its way to becoming a mozzarella.
Sharing the plate is an inverted blue water glass. When
the dish arrives at the table, the waiter removes the
glass and the roasted rosemary, which had been kept
beneath, floats out imbuing the platter with a wonderful
rosemary aroma. Location: 3300 SW 27th Ave., Coconut
Grove. Phone: 305-664-4680.
Best New Restaurant
La Marea
Pasta becomes an adventure when the only word on the
menu you recognize is Fettuccini. At La Marea,
Garganelli was egg pasta that looked a little like
penne, but was larger and thicker. Joining the
garganelli was a sweet homemade pork sausage and rapini
so the dish had a meat, a vegetable and a starch.
Paccheri was a Neapolitan egg pasta shaped into very
large tubes that collapse when they are cooked, trapping
inside them whatever they were sauced with. Chef Pietro
Rota added roasted pork cheeks and porcini mushrooms to
his light red sauce. Delish! Location: 1220 Ocean Drive,
Miami Beach. Phone: 305-604-5070.
Best Casual and Affordable French Café
Café Maurice
With a variety of delicious dishes well under $20 and a
homey café décor heavy on decoupage and low on lighting,
Café Maurice easily avoids the cursed fate of many a
South Beach here-today-gone-tomorrow restaurants.
Ambiance abounds with classic French tunes and
hand-written menus that lend this new restaurant an air
of European sophistication sans the pretense. From goat
cheese salads to fresh fish dishes, the cuisine pleases
with its superbly executed simplicity. An extensive wine
menu adds to the allure and makes this the perfect place
for a romantic dinner or to grab a bite solo with a book
on days when you could use a little less Deco decadence.
Location: 419 Washington Ave, Miami Beach. Phone:
305-674-1277.
Best Seafood
Oceanaire Seafood Room
The six-week-old Oceanaire’s menu changes daily,
because, as Executive Chef Sean Bernal explains, they
are at the mercy of the ocean. He also adds that “if it
swims, floats or squirms in the ocean, you’ll find it on
our table.” And that includes everything from Carolina
Ruby Red Trout to South African #1 Bigeye Tuna. One
stand-out entrée is an Oceanaire staple – the Baked
Stuffed Gulf Flounder. This simple, classical dish wraps
the flounder filet around a blend of blue crab, shrimp
and brie cheese which had been bound by a little mayo
and a touch of dill. The combination is then delicately
poached and served with a beurre blanc. Location: 900
S.Miami Ave., Suite 111, Miami. Phone: 305-372-8862.
Best American Contemporary restaurant
North One 10
The Roasted Duck is a restaurant favorite, crispy yet so
moist. The bird is dressed with some gorgonzola and an
orange lavender sauce, but the dried figs that are the
surprising treat to complete the dish. The Mojo Grilled
Tuna Loin is crusted with roasted wheat berries –
perfect for those wanting more fiber and natural grains
with their food – and a banana ponzu sauce that is a
tropical treat. So is the sweet carambola, with its hint
of spice. Location: 11052 Biscayne Blvd., North Miami.
Phone: 305-893-4211. Web site: www.northone10.com
Best Florida Cuisine
Table 8
Tender and moist Pan-Fried Sweetbreads are given a
unique presentation, being first dusted with chestnut
flour and then placed over torn truffle pasta – the
truffles are actually blended into the pasta dough so
their headiness permeates the entire dish. Both rest in
a confit of leek and roasted chestnuts. We never thought
light could be so right, as it is with the perfect
Pompano filet. The subtle, clean white fish shares the
plate with a parsnip flan that is light enough to be a
foam. Together they rest on a bed of wilted butter
lettuce in a pomegranate vinaigrette that is heightened
with crispy parsnip shavings. Location: 1458 Ocean
Drive, Miami Beach. Phone: 305-695-4114.
Best Taste of Miami
for Out-of-Towners
Garcia’s Seafood grill
Garcia’s Seafood is one of Miami’s best-kept secrets in
large part because of its location. Hidden away on the
Miami River, Garcia’s can be tricky to find but Google
maps will do the trick. The place, around since the
’60s, doubles as a restaurant and fish market, where you
can buy the catch of the day or dine outdoors and watch
the boats go by on the Miami River. This family-owned
restaurant is a must see for out-of-towners with a taste
for something authentic. Best of all, the fish is fresh,
the atmosphere is no-frills and the prices are great.
Location: 398 NW North River Drive, Miami. Phone:
305-375-0765.
Best Restaurant
to Leave Town
Norman’s
Since 1995, Norman Van Aken dazzled us with what he
dubbed New World Cuisine, a fusion of Latin, Caribbean,
Asian, African and American flavors at his flagship 21
Almeria Ave. address in Coral Gables. In fact that whole
New World Cuisine bit propelled him to the culinary map,
earning him critical acclaim and cookbook deals. Well,
it seems that the City Beautiful was not good enough for
ol’ Aken and he decided to fly the coop on June 1. “The
celebrated chef will focus his creative energy on the
award-winning Norman’s at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Lakes,
Orlando,” informed a Susan Brustman press release. “He
is also involved in two new restaurants scheduled to
open later this year at Beachside Resort … in Key West.”
Aken’s partner, Thomas Wood Jr., called their closing of
Norman’s a “transitional moment” and claims they will
re-open somewhere in Miami “sometime in the near
future.” Yeah, yeah, yeah — come on, say it, Van Aken!
You’ve grown tired of Miami-Dade and have left and gone
away. Well, see if we’re still waiting for you when and
if you come back. (We probably will be.)
Best Gone Restaurant
Pacific Time
Let it be known that gentrification has killed the
culinary star. After operating on Lincoln Road since
1993, Jonathan Eismann’s Pan-Asian seafood restaurant
Pacific Time closed its doors with so little fanfare
that even some neighboring restaurants and longtime
customers didn’t know he was gone. Tired of coping with
the astronomical rents Lincoln Road has become famous
for, Eismann decided the time was now (June 19) for
Pacific Time to close its doors, and its kitchen. “I
decided last week that that’s what needed to happen,”
Eismann told the SunPost in a June 28 Murmur. But he
isn’t ready to call it quits yet — he’s looking at spots
in the Miami Design District where sophisticated diners
can be found in greater abundance, he says, and (more
importantly) the rents are cheaper.
Best Eats
For Club-hoppers
San Loco
After a night of clubbing on South Beach there’s no
better place to quell a late night snack attack than at
San Loco. The food is fresh and cheap and the service is
quick. The place stays open until dawn, and nothing on
the menu costs more than $10 (which is good because they
don’t take plastic and at that time of the night, who
has much cash left?). The fish tacos and chicken
quesadillas are worth the trip. The staff is always
friendly and would not hesitate to make your burritos,
enchiladas or tacos veggie style. The place is great for
take-out and there is delivery service available too.
Location: 235 14th St., Miami Beach. Phone:
305-538-3009.
Best Wine Selection
W Wine Boutique
Whether you know your grapes or not, W Wine Boutique is
the place for you. Those with refined taste buds will
delight in a wall of rare wines handpicked for quality
rather than hype, while a selection of more than 30
wines priced below $15 and an astute staff assures that
even the clueless will emerge with a bottle worthy of
the most discerning of dinner guests. Champagnes and
collector wines are among the highest priced here and
deservedly so. Free wine tastings nightly make this a
great place to spend a little time picking up tidbits to
impress those at your next soiree before choosing a
bottle to be chilled on the spot en route to a
sophisticated night with a few good friends. Location:
1328 Alton Road, Miami Beach. Phone: 305-673-8282.
Best Brunch
Front Porch Café
Locals know to never dine on Ocean Drive. With extremely
overpriced entrees and throngs of sunburned tourists
pushing past tables, that’s a given. This café, located
in the Penguin Hotel, is one of the few exceptions.
Breakfast is served all day for those taking advantage
of a few extra hours of sleep on the weekends and the
spacious patio allows for enough tables that it’s easy
to avoid the sidewalk mayhem that occasionally ensues
during peak seasons. Omelets are a favorite, as are the
wide variety of fresh salads. Enjoy one of the café’s
signature spicy Bloody Marys while watching the
uniformed tourists rush off to long lines and smaller
portions elsewhere. Location: 1418 Ocean Drive, Miami
Beach. Phone: 305-531-8300.
Best German
Hofbrau Beerhall Miami
Steeped in brew history that dates back 400 years orso,
this new addition to Lincoln Road’s restaurant strip
carries more clout than most. In addition to five
trademark beers served in pint or half-pint glasses,
Hofbrau’s menu boasts an array of traditional German
dishes to please those pining over the cool weather,
hearty fare and large portions of Munich. Well-placed
hedges encourage the beer garden feel and shield diners
from sidewalk traffic without totally forfeiting the
great people watching. A favorite happy hour for young
professionals downing fish, steak and sausages with a
cold pint, outdoor tables often go quickly on pleasant
afternoons. Come early or place your delivery order
during lunch when you find yourself stuck in the office
and in need of a little comfort food. Location: 943
Lincoln Road, Miami Beach. Phone: 305-538-8066.
Best Lincoln Road
Lunch Counter
Noodle Shop
Though parent restaurant O Asian Grill is elaborate
enough to go head to head with any megaclub on the
Beach, Noodle Shop is decidedly more down to Earth. Take
your place on one of the stools lining an open cooking
space to dig into a wide variety of noodle dishes and
sides priced just under $10. Entrées, including soups
and salads, are of the hot and cold variety, making this
an appetizing lunch choice in any weather. The stylish
Asian décor makes you feel like you’re fine-dining, even
though the prices give your average chain fast-food
joint a run for the money. Location: 330 Lincoln Road,
Miami Beach. Phone: 305-531-2811.
Best Pub Grub
The Office
Since this joint’s much more than a mere pub, the grub’s
gone well beyond normal pub fare. Sure there are
burgers, and sure there are fries, but the burgers are
10-ounce Angus and the fries come Truffle Romano. And if
you dig your side of beef slab-sized and sizzled to
perfection, the rib-eye steak is to carnivore for. Add
nightly live music, pool tables and some of the Beach’s
brightest barkeeps, and you’ve got neighborhood casual
dining in the newest last best trough in town. Location:
2701 Collins Ave, Miami Beach. Phone: 305-532-4444.
Best Noir Night Out
Magnum
Whatever your persuasion, it takes little persuading to
recognize the romance in Jeffrey Landsman and Kurt
Schmidt’s Magnum. Dark, dangerous and decidedly not
sleazy, it is nevertheless the kinda joint Raymond
Chandler might write had he exchanged his City by the
Bay for a ’50s era Big Easy. Booths that hold secrets,
tables that tie tongues, and dim enough to get away with
everything you’ve ever dreamed of. Yes, there’s food,
great good food, but between all the canoodling it might
be hard to pick up a fork. Location: 709 NE 79th St.,
Miami. Phone: 305-757-3368.
Best Vegetarian Restaurant
Garden of Eatin’
Garden of Eatin’ might as well be called the Secret
Garden for the manner in which it’s hidden away just off
of Northeast 62nd Street, somewhere between I-95 and
Biscayne Boulevard. That’s not to say it hasn’t been
discovered, however, as every lunchtime, scores of
hungry diners — be they starving artists or county
accountants — file into the tiny mirrored restaurant to
feast on all kinds of non-meat fare. Vegetarians and
vegans, have no fear: Everything here is strictly Ital,
a Rastafarian form of cooking delicious, hearty and
healthy food that contains no animal products — not even
dairy or — and not a trace of salt. Should you pop in,
make sure to try the lemonade; it’s perhaps the tastiest
cup you can buy north of downtown Miami. Location: 136
NW 62nd St., Miami. Phone: 305-754-8050.
Best Dinner and a Show
Madame’s
If you’re in Sunny Isles Beach and the girl you’re
checking out has a voice deeper than your own, don’t be
alarmed.
Established in August 2003, Madame’s Restaurant, Cabaret
and Lounge welcomes an array of visitors to its drag
dinner show every Thursday through Monday night. The
servers at this full-service bar and restaurant are
celebrity and female impersonators, who sing, dance and
perform.
On any given night, audience members can interact with
Lucille Ball, Dolly Parton and Bette Midler — or drag
versions of the like, while dining on modern American
cuisine. There is no cover charge at Madame’s, but the
joint does add a 20 percent show and service charge to
the food and beverage bill. And, in the city of Sunny
Isles Beach, Aug. 20 is Madame’s Day. Location: 239
Sunny Isles Beach Blvd., Sunny Isles Beach. Phone:
305-945-2040. Web site: www.madamesusa.com
Best Place for Ice Cream
Jaxson’s Ice Cream Parlor & Restaurant
How many ice cream parlors make their own ice cream and
serve it in a kitchen sink? Jaxson’s Ice Cream Parlor &
Restaurant does. They offer all sorts of food, from
salads to burgers, but it’s the desserts that keep
people lined up at the front door until closing time.
Come in with a party of four or more and order the
aforementioned Kitchen Sink. If that sounds like too
much ice cream, their endless variety of flavors and
combinations for individuals will satisfy all tastes.
The Chocolate Suicide, for example, consists of
chocolate ice cream, chocolate brownies, hot fudge,
whipped cream and chocolate chips. Location: 128 S.
Federal Highway, Dania Beach. Phone: 954-923-4445.
Best Philly Cheesesteak
Woody’s
One word: Woody’s. This is one of Miami’s hidden
treasures in fast food. This small North Miami
establishment has been around since the 1940s and is the
perfect place to find die-hard Philly Cheesesteak
lovers. Customers can watch as their food is cooked in
about five minutes and enjoy their meal inside, where
the latest sporting event plays on TV, or the outside
patio. The perfect accompaniment to a Woody’s
cheesesteak is an order of curly fries — regular or
seasoned, they’re delicious. Location: 13105 Biscayne
Blvd., North Miami. Phone: 305-891-1451.
Best Cupcakes
Misha’s Cupcakes
Several restaurants in Miami are peddling the most
delectable, perfectly portioned pieces of heaven to ever
pass a pair of lips.
Misha Kuryla-Gomez bakes the cupcakes sold at 10
different Miami cafés and restaurants including both
Books and Books locations, Town Kitchen and Bar, Morning
Call Bakery and the Van Dyke News Store.
Misha uses her mother’s chocolate cake recipe and her
own special vanilla formula, a luscious cake that dances
with morsels of white chocolate. Misha also creates
Oreo, peanut butter, Kahlúa and coconut cupcake flavors.
Her icing and sprinkles are never overwhelming or too
sweet, only elegant swirls and soft colors that make one
want to swim in frosting. Location: 7344 SW 48th St.,
Miami. Phone: 786-200-6153. Web site:
www.mishascupcakes.com
Best Fusion Restaurant
La Cofradia
For hardcore foodies, the whole fusion craze is highly
overrated. Neo-Franco-Asian and those sorts of things
are just way too much sometimes unless done properly.
Case in point: La Cofradia in Coral Gables. Mixing
Mediterranean and Peruvian flavors with a touch of
classic European cuisine, Chef Jean Paul Desmaison
delivers the best of all worlds. Flavors, aromas,
textures arise from the variety of chilies, corns, fresh
lime and cherimaya (also known as the custard apple).
Kick off your meal with the Pears and Manchego salad —
tart pears, savory Manchego cheese, tomatoes, sunflower
seeds and mixed greens drenched in balsamic vinaigrette.
Who can go to a Peruvian-inspired restaurant without
trying the ceviche? Choose between the Ceviche of the
Day or the Sole Tiradito. And you cannot leave without
trying the Risotto del Cofrade, a gorgeously golden
risotto with lobster tail. Location: 2525 Ponce de Leon
Blvd., Suite 110, Coral Gables. Phone: 305-914-1300.
Best Power Lunch Site
Tarpon Bend
Looking to close that deal? Take your
client/realtor/boss to this upscale sports bar. It says
you have good taste but you’re not stuffy. Try the fresh
oysters served in half-shell or the Grilled Tuscan
Calamari Steak, a delicious and healthy alternative to
the fried stuff. Hearty soups and chowders like Aztec
Tortilla Soup (Wednesdays) and Smoked Seafood Chowder
(Fridays) are extremely satisfying, for those eating
on-the-go. Fast service and friendly, knowledgeable
staff combined with good eatin’, your guests will be
impressed. Location: 65 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables.
Phone: 305-444-3210.
Best Wheat Pizza
Miami’s Best Pizza
Pizza is not meant to be healthy in any way and if the
Italians could have it, the greasier and heavier in
caloric value the better. However, if you can cut some
of the calories without cutting the flavor, then why
not? Miami’s Best Wheat Crust pizza is the way to go.
Fluffy-in-the-middle with just the right amount of
crusty part, this is hands-down the way wheat crust was
intended to be. To upgrade to wheat on any pizza, it’s
just a measly $1 extra. Small price to pay for baked
goodness. Some fine choices are the Barbecue Chicken
Pizza and the Super Stuffed Pizza. Location: 1514 South
Dixie Highway, Coral Gables. Phone: 305-666-5931.
Best Italian
Timo’s
A perfect example would be the Bruschetta. We’ve been
eating the diced tomatoes and olive oil bruschetta
literally for years. But you won’t find that at Timo’s.
Our crostini was layered with grilled pears, a little
arugula and a handsome slice of prosciutto, and then
drizzled with truffle honey. It was a beautiful
combination of sweet, sharp and savory. Location: 17624
Collins Ave., Sunny Isles. Phone: 305-936-1008.
Best Southern Italian Restaurant
Sardinia Enoteca Ristorante
Dimly lit and out of the way, take your next date to
this new addition to the oft-ignored Purdy Avenue.
Reviewers across the board (from The Boston Globe and
The New York Times to Food & Wine magazine) are touting
this as the next best thing to hit South Beach. Expect
authentic Sardinian cuisine (and no, they don’t serve
sardines) featuring inexpensive fare like the Spaghetti
all’aragosta (a surprising one-pound lobster and pasta)
for $22. A local favorite is the pane carasatu,
flatbread with olive oil, rosemary and sea salt. The
restaurant also has a huge selection of wines that would
make Bacchus proud. Be prepared to wait because Sardinia
does not accept reservations. Location: 1801 Purdy Ave.,
Miami Beach. Phone: 305-531-2228.
Best Northern Italian
Grazie Italian Cuisine
Every evening at Grazie Restaurant, chefs prepare
authentic, unique Italian meals that remind the palate
of what really good food tastes like.
The South Beach establishment relocated to its current
location after several years in Pinecrest, where it
stood out among a sea of mediocre pasta peddlers. The
gustatory experience begins with Grazie’s pesto sauce to
accompany its warm Italian bread, followed by a wide
selection of soups and salads to prep your belly for the
satisfaction it will soon meet. The restaurant’s
signature bisque (homemade Maine lobster with lobster
tail) is recommended.
Any item off the menu is significantly delicious;
however. the Fettucine Neri Con Gamberi (black fettucine
pasta with shrimp in a white saffron cream sauce) is a
classic representation of the restaurant’s upscale, yet
comfortable atmosphere and food selection. Location: 701
Washington Ave., Miami Beach. Phone: 305-673-1312. Web
site: www.graziesouthbeach.com
Best Slice Deal
Pizza Rustica
If there’s one food that’s overdone throughout the
world, it’s pizza. Seriously, once you’ve seen one,
you’ve seen them all. Right? Wrong. Enter Pizza Rustica,
who for more than 11 years has been reinventing the art
of pizza-making on South Beach. With atypical but
high-quality toppings like bleu cheese, arugula and
porcini mushrooms, among many others, the oversized
Roman-style pizzas here aren’t just uniquely delicious —
they’re an entire gourmet meal. And at less than five
bucks a slice, this is probably the best deal to get a
satisfying meal on Lincoln Road. Whether you take a
slice to go or stay in the lively setting, you can’t go
wrong with Pizza Rustica. Location: 667 Lincoln Road,
Miami Beach. Phone: 305-535-8882.
Best Brooklyn Italian
Fanucci’s
Even if this joint didn’t resemble something straight
outta Goodfellas, we’d put this on our short list of
frequents. Checkerboard out front; white linen in; and
enough framed and signed photos on the wall to cast a
whole new run of The Sopranos. Then, of course, there’s
the food: heaping bowlfuls of primo pasta, a famous
Sunday Gravy that’s better even than your Nanna’s and
award-deserving meatballs that even former undisputed
Heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis calls “a knockout.” In
fact, Fanucci’s is popular with celebrities such as
Frank Vincent, Mickey Rourke, James Caan and Ray “Boom
Boom” Mancini. So if you are the sort of person who
likes to stand in front of the mirror saying things like
“Luca Brasi sleeps with the fishes” or “fuggedaboutit,”
or if you just like good Italian food with a New
York/Brooklyn accent, then head on over to Fanucci’s.
Location: 1233 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach. Phone:
305-534-8800.
Best Cuban Breakfast
Sergio’s
Sergio’s is like the Cuban version of Denny’s — fast and
cheap. The only difference is Sergio’s is damn good.
Especially their breakfasts, which are also served all
day long. El Mezclado (The Mixed One) features two
scrambled eggs with ham, cheese (your choice of American
or Swiss) or both. Served with Cuban toast, all buttered
up and warm and hot café con leche just like abuela
makes for $4.95. Looking for something more hefty?
Sergio’s serves huge Spanish-style omelets with ham,
cheese or Spanish sausage. You can also ask for potatoes
and onions. Feeling lazy? They deliver. Location: 3252
SW 22nd Terrace, Coral Gables. Phone: 305-529-0047.
Best Sunday
Morning Eatery
A La Folie
Sundays are meant to be lazy, whether you’re just
lounging around or sleeping off the terrible hangover
from Friday and Saturday combined. The only thing that’s
worth getting up for is A La Folie’s deliciously
satisfying light fare. Located at the solitary end of
Española Way, you can sit and enjoy a bowl of hot
unsweetened chocolate or café latte. Be sure to try to
the crepes — SunPost favorites are the Bourdaloue
(caramelized pears and almond filling) and the Italienne
(prosciutto, sun dried tomatoes and mozzarella).
Location: 516 Espanola Way, Miami Beach. Phone:
305-538-4484.
Best Service
Bizcaya
The service is top notch, with the entire staff – water
bearers, bread carriers, wine stewards, busboys and a
waiter so skilled in the menu that you could almost call
him a Bizcaya docent – working as a team to make certain
your dinner is a pleasant experience. Location: 3300 SW
27 Ave., Coconut Grove. Phone: 305-664-4680.
Best Eat-Till-You-Explode Sushi
Taisho
Where else in Miami can you endlessly stuff your face
for only $13.99? Sure, there is a list of rules on the
wall (No sharing! Don’t leave the rice ball!), but for
14 bucks, you can afford to have someone lay down the
law. With cute little strips of colorful paper to mark
order after order after order after order, there’s even
something for the picky kid in the family. Choose from
sushi, hand rolls and tempura or order one of Taisho’s
dinners, starting at just $8.95. The decorations may be
lacking in this joint, but you’ll be too busy basking in
the glory of neverending California rolls to notice.
Location: 2522 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Coral Gables. Phone:
305-441-1217.
Best Tex-Mex
Outside of Texas
Lime Fresh Mexican Grill
In a city where Mexican food generally means Cuban with
a splash of salsa, Lime Fresh Mexican Grill is more than
actual Tex-Mex, it’s actually really good. And the best
thing about Lime is its healthy attitude toward fare
that’s often deep fried. Lime Fresh makes its own fresh
salsa and guacamole each day and serves light, low-fat
and low-carb Tex-Mex options. And thanks to South
Florida’s proximity to ocean waters, Lime Fresh never
uses frozen fish—only seasonally fresh catches like
mahi-mahi and yellowfin tuna go into its soups, tacos
and burritos. Try the Texas Chili made with Mexican beer
along with a fresh pitcher of frozen sangria. With
locations on North and South Beaches and another opening
later this year in Pembroke Pines, South Florida will
mess with Texas! Location: 1439 Alton Road, Miami Beach;
14831 Biscayne Blvd., North Miami. Phones: 305-532-5463
(Miami Beach); 305-949-8800 (North Miami). Web site:
www.limefreshmexicangrill.com
Best Salad
Christy’s Restaurant
It seems every restaurant these days is tossing up its
own version of Caesar salad, but Christy’s Restaurant in
Coral Gables blows the other romaine and crouton
combinations so far out of the water, they end up in the
Midwest. Each entrée at the red-velveteen restaurant
comes with a large Caesar so good you may want another
for your main course. Christy’s consistently
high-quality food and service keeps it busy during lunch
hours, and its famous salads have dinner patrons
salivating all the way from the valet stand. Take a
salad home with you, keep it in the fridge and have it
for lunch the next day—the dressing marinates the
lettuce leaves in Italian heaven. Location: 3101 Ponce
de Leon Blvd., Coral Gables. Phone: 305-446-1400. Web
site: www.christysrestaurant.com
Best American Fare
The Big Pink
The bubblegum pink VW Beetles delivering delectable
sandwiches, salads and desserts are the perfect
representation of the classic good eats with a twist
that are served at The Big Pink on Miami Beach.
Owner Myles Chefetz opened The Big Pink in 1996, serving
large portions at the right price, encouraging patrons
to take home their leftovers for a midnight snack (or
maybe a noon snack, as The Big Pink is open until 5:30
a.m. on weekends). Stumbling distance from popular
nightclubs Opium Garden and Privé, The Big Pink is the
perfect location for club-goers to fall off the dance
floor and into a healthy helping of Big Pink Meatloaf or
a bucket of “State Fair” corn dogs.
Known for their magical hamburgers, The Big Pink has
transformed the classic meat/bun combo. The Ventnor
Pizza Burger comes with mozzarella cheese and pizza
sauce, and the Verde Burger is adorned with spinach and
cheese dip—just two of the many burgers that transcend
the Mickey D’s formula.
Unique to The Big Pink is the TV Dinner, a
six-compartment, stainless steel tray filled with the
fixings that bring Mom’s home cooking to South Beach,
without having to do the dishes.
Former English Prime Minister Tony Blair and family
stopped by The Big Pink during a recent tour of our
Magic City, showing that even fancy Brits enjoy some
good ol’ American eatin’. Location: 157 Collins Ave.,
Miami Beach. Phone: 305-532-4700.
Best Fast Food If You Don’t Want a Heart Attack by Age
30
Chicken Kitchen
There’s a deep-seated desire in Americans for a bite of
something submerged in terrifically hot oil and cooked
faster than you can say “high cholesterol.” However, one
kitchen in Miami is fighting the good fight against
cheap and deadly, providing South Florida with something
to eat that is healthy, fast, inexpensive and most of
all delicious.
Chicken Kitchen began grilling in 1988 in North Miami.
Today, the franchise has more than 30 locations across
South Florida, with most of its menu items under the $10
mark.
Chicken Kitchen prides itself on menu items that adhere
to American Heart Association guidelines like salads,
sandwiches and the world-famous Chop-Chop—marinated
chicken breast on a bed of rice served with lettuce and
tomato, dressed with the homemade mustard n’ curry
sauce. Variations include: the Mexican Chop-Chop served
with guacamole, sour cream and cheddar cheese, the Cuban
Chop-Chop with black beans and the Oriental Chop-Chop
cooked with oriental spices, served with sesame seeds
and a tangy teriyaki glaze.
While mustard ’n’ curry is the signature sauce, Chicken
Kitchen has BBQ, sweet and sour, cran’orange and fresh
salsa sauces to top any and all of its chicken
creations.
New to the Kitchen’s menu are the Panini Grillers,
sandwiches filled with gourmet ingredients like carved
chicken, pesto-mayo spread and sundried tomatoes.
Chicken Kitchen also caters your functions and events,
bringing platters of chicken, rice and tubs of that
highly addictive mustard ’n’ curry sauce.
With locations opening soon in Hialeah, Wellington,
Naples and Homestead, there are no excuses for that
triple bypass. Locations: All over South Florida Phone:
305-892-7878. Web site: www.chickenkitchen.com
Best Burritos
Moe’s Southwest Grill
Home-wreckers and Ugly Naked Guys created right before
your eyes. Moe’s Southwest Grill brings these
hard-to-imagine creations to life as their one-pound
burritos and over-stuffed tacos make you forget about
Taco Bell, along with their salads, fajitas, and various
other menu options. Although every day offers
mouth-watering selections, Monday night’s $5 special is
particularly popular among kids and college students.
Even adults can’t pass up the tasty and filling portions
that Moe’s offers. With fresh rice, beans, your choice
of protein and shredded cheese among a few of the
ingredients that many of their selections include, it’s
no wonder Moe’s continues to grow in popularity
throughout South Florida. Location: 10660 NW 19th St.,
Doral. Phone: 786-336-0138.
Best Reason Not to Go
to Key West
The Blond Giraffe Key Lime Pie Factory
New Orleans has killer Gumbo, Philly’s got cheesesteaks,
and sourdough bread from San Francisco is worth an
escape from Alcatraz. But it is Key West that has
mastered the art of regional refreshments with Key Lime
Pie. That soft sweetness with the graham cracker crust
keeps tourists flocking down to the States’ southernmost
point, looking to satisfy their cravings for this
Floridian goodness. Luckily for the folks on the
mainland, the best Key Lime Pie doesn’t have to take you
across the seven-mile bridge.
The first Blond Giraffe Key Lime Pie Factory opened in
1999 on Duval Street in Key West. Their award-winning
recipe gave the Blond Giraffe the guts to open other
locations across the island, leading to the South Miami
location in 2003. Their distinctive formula combines
rich meringue and a tart custard filling, cradled in a
delicate pastry crust. The Blond Giraffe also has a
whipped cream topped variation, as well as a chocolate
version. And for Key Lime cravers on the go, the Blond
Giraffe’s frozen Key Lime Pie on a Stick covered in
chocolate and—like the name implies—on a stick.
The Blond Giraffe also makes its own Key Lime rum cake
and several different drinks and juices. Pies are
available whole and by the slice. Location: 6022 South
Dixie Highway, South Miami. Phone: 305-661-2744. Web
site: www.blondgiraffe.com
Best All-Day Breakfast
Muffin Tin
Instead of a time when your eyes are still crusty, and
the smell of crispy bacon and hot coffee is the only
thing keeping you from falling into your plate,
breakfast is becoming a fancy affair that involves
white-glove service and bottles of Veuve-Clicquot. Not
so at the Pinecrest eatery, The Muffin Tin, an inviting
small breakfast and lunch spot just north of The Falls
Shopping Center on South Dixie Highway (not Drury Lane)
that is known especially for their homemade,
melt-in-your mouth muffins.
The staff always greets you with a smile and a pot of
coffee, quickly delivering the satisfaction that can
only come from a delicious morning meal. The Muffin
Tin’s cinnamon nut French toast is an absolute favorite,
along with their omelets, hot cakes (the chocolate chip
stack might make you pass out, it is so good), Belgian
waffles and a slew of sides like bacon, bagels, home
fries and grilled onions, (all between about $3 and $7),
the only unsettling thing about this place is worrying
what to choose.
For lunch, The Muffin Tin serves a wide array of salads,
hot and cold sandwiches, as well as grill items. But
breakfast is served all day, so even if you sleep in,
there’s a chili and cheese omelet or a moist blueberry
muffin waiting for you. Location: 12655 South Dixie
Highway, Pinecrest. Phone: 305-235-9020. Web site:
www.themuffintin.us
Best Smoothies
Juiceblendz
It’s usually so hot in Miami that the idea of sitting
down to a hot meal makes the idea of shoving buckets of
ice down your pants enticing. Well, fear the heat no
more Miami! A more appealing means of cooling down is
available at Juiceblendz. While most smoothie franchises
dump ice cream in its smoothies, Juiceblendz uses sweet
fruits and fresh-squeezed juice to attract customers.
Their friendly staff will help you decide on what
concoction from their animated menus you might enjoy,
depending upon what kinds of fruits you like.
Located in Suniland Shopping Center, Juiceblendz lists
the Strawberry Samba (strawberries, bananas and fat-free
frozen yogurt) as the most popular blend. Juiceblendz
also has the all-night partier in mind, blending their
Hangover Healer smoothie—orange juice, bananas,
strawberries and a dash of multiplex and glycerol –– to
re-hydrate even the hardest of Miami club hoppers.
Juiceblendz also stocks their shelves with specialty
waters, and other healthy, nonliquefied items like
protein bars, soy crisps and rice cakes. Location: 11401
S. Dixie Highway., Pinecrest. Phone: 305-259-8688. Web
site: www.juiceblendz.com
Best Place for Appetizers
Canela Café
You know those days when you’re hungry but don’t want a
three-course meal? You just want to have a little bit of
everything over some good wine and conversation. Canela
Café is exactly what you’re looking for. Tucked away
behind the dusty construction, it’s easy to overlook
this cozy little place. Try the Tapa de Queso Mixto, an
array of cheeses and fruit (manchego and mango,
delicious) or their homemade empanadas. The wine list
includes a wide selection of Argentine wines at
affordable prices. The Food Network recently aired an
episode of The Hungry Detective featuring Canela Café,
so you know it has arrived. Location: 5132 Biscayne
Blvd., Miami. Phone: 305-756-3930.
Best Intimate Dining Spot
Oliver’s Bistro
People-watching and dinner go hand-in-hand on South
Beach. But for those days when you just want to be alone
with your honey or have a quiet dinner with some
friends, head over to Oliver’s Bistro on West Avenue and
start your meal off with a scrumptious appetizer. Some
good choices are Smoked Salmon and Brie Crostini and the
Tempura Firecracker Shrimp. Any of the seafood dishes
are sure bets. Try the Riesling off their wine list;
it’s perfectly refreshing for those hot summer days.
Location: 959 West Ave., Miami Beach. Phone:
305-535-3050.
Best After the
Beach Snack
Iron Chef Sushi
Typical Beach Day in Miami: it’s hot and you’re roasted
beyond belief and starving. Before trekking home, stop
by Iron Sushi on Washington Avenue for some serious
sustenance. They have the good (and cheap) stuff. They
have sashimi combos (drink included) for about $5. The
restaurant is small so your best option is take-out or
eating outside. Iron Sushi’s menu comes with colorful
pictures so you can point what looks appetizing to you.
Their JB rolls are pretty damn good. Locations: 840
Washington Ave., (Miami Beach); 6940 Collins Ave.,
(Miami Beach); 120 SE Third Ave., Miami. Phone:
305-532-6500 (Washington Ave.); 305-864-1101 (Collins
Ave.); 305-373-2000 (Downtown).
Best Taste
of the French Quarter
Christabelle’s Quarter
Hurricane Katrina was a horrible tragedy that devastated
the city of New Orleans more than anyone thought
possible. Foodies were also crushed as the cuisine in
New Orleans is one of a kind, and the experience and
ambiance of the down-home traditional restaurants that
once crowded the city are nearly impossible to
reproduce. Unless, of course, you are John El-Masry and
Kim Koch, and you are working with legendary
Louisiana-born Chef Alex Patout. This awesome threesome
has collaborated to create a unique restaurant that
serves up traditional Cajun & Creole food in an
atmosphere that is so New Orleans — if you close your
eyes, you are no longer in Miami but in the heart of the
French Quarter. Christabelle’s Quarter pays homage to
the style of Industrial Revolution-era France, the flick
Moulin Rouge and the distinctive French Louisiana
architecture. And if you want a “Big Easy” style private
event, Christabelle’s can cater to 100 of your closest
friends in its three-story, stained-glass masterpiece.
Welcome to Louisiana, cher! Location: 3157 Commodore
Plaza, Coconut Grove. Phone: 786-517-5299.
