Mercadito: Midtown's Very Own Taqueria!

Midtown has slowly been coming alive with the opening of several restaurants. Each one of them has its very own twist. Mercadito is the new Mexican food sensation! A comfortable outdoor lounge area and patio tables and chairs welcome food lovers that aren't afraid of spices. At Mercadito, your best bet is ordering several traditional Mexican appetizers. If you want to follow tradition, ordering some Guacamole is a must. If you've been to Rosa Mexicano, then you know they rave about their guacamole, but this one comes just a close and it's quite delicious. The Queso Fundido with Chorizo is a genuine Mexican appetizer to enjoy with warm mini tortillas. The cheese is nicely melted and topped with chorizo which gives it some extra flavor. You can't leave without trying their Flautas and Carnitas. They are both similar but very very yummy. The carnitas are four tortillas topped with a blend of ingredients and spices, and to add a twist, peanuts finish off the dish. It truly provides an excellent combination. The Flautas are different in the sense that they are rolled tortillas deep fried and filled with your choice of meat and topped with beans, sour cream, lettuce and a nice hint of spice. Make sure to have some extra water or perhaps a margarita or beer on the side to mitigate the spiciness. Overall, you will enjoy a great tasting casual Mexican dinner. It's definitely enjoyable for a change!!

Ambiance --8.5

Food ------ 8

Value ------ 8.5

Service ---- 8.5

Cafe Pastis: A True French Delicacy

Conveniently located in South Miami's busy area is Cafe Pastis, a quiet French bistro that's tiny but soley committed to offering HUGE flavors in every meal selection! This restaurant has been around for about 12 years, and time after time, clients leave more than satisfied. Several things on the menu are real must haves... the Escargots and Onion Soup. These are French classics, but very well prepared! After enjoying several fine dinners at Cafe Pastis, this time around, I was in the mood for something quite different. I chose the Lamb Shank served over Baked Lentils! This was truly a delicacy! The meat fell right off the bone, it was tender, and filled with yummy spices that gave it a kick! In a way, it seemed to be inspired by Mediterranean cuisine. The lentils were exquisite... don't be afraid to give them a try! It's a risk worth taking! The Snapper with tomatoes, capers, and wine sauce is a fine selection if you're into some good and delicate seafood. Overall, an excellent dinner! All you need is a nice glass of wine, and you're all set to spend a wonderful evening. But just a few pointers, before heading to this hidden French treasure... Always call and make a reservation! It tends to get very full on Fridays and Saturdays especially later in the evening, and very important, it's CLOSED on Sundays and major Holidays. Due to its small size, it's much easier to go in a very small party. You will more than likely be greeted by Philippe, the owner, who'll be speaking in his native language, so just go along with it or take the time to learn a few words! You'll feel as if you traveled to Paris, well if not just for a second or two.

Cafe Pastis

7310 SW 57th Ave

South Miami, FL 33143

Rating:

Service --------8.5/10

Ambiance: -----8.5/10

Food -----------9/10

Value ----------9/10

LOS PARRILLEROS: Doral's Best Kept Secret

Go for a change and visit Los Parrilleros, a small Uruguayan restaurant in the heart of Doral. Los Parrilleros offers a variety of meals ranging from seafood and pasta to excellent steaks. It has nothing to envy from other popular restaurants in the Gables. The menu features an array of selections but some of our favorites include the Escargots, Ravioli Negro, Corvina, and Filet Mignon. Time and time again, we catch ourselves ordering the same entrees simply because they're well worth it and these bold flavors are hard to find somewhere else. The Escargots are nicely coated with butter and garlic, perfect for dipping your warm bread rolls. The Ravioli Negro is truly one of the best pasta dishes I've ever enjoyed. You'll be seeing the stars when you take a bite out of the ravioli which is filled with fresh crabmeat and covered in an exquisite and creamy lobster sauce. The portion is large, but it's so good, you'll be making some extra room in your stomach for this one. The meats are tender and jucy and always prepared to your liking. Of course, if you're a meat lover, ordering steak at a medium cooking temperature is ideal. This is a small and cozy restaurant you won't want to miss out on! The service has always been great as well as the ambiance. If you're no stranger to this restaurant, well then, it's time to go back. But if you're a newcomer, Los Parrilleros should be your next stop on a night out.

Los Parrilleros

10775 NW 41st Street

Doral, FL 33178

Service: 9 out of 10

Food: 9 out of 10

Ambiance: 8.5 out of 10

Value: 8.5 out of 10

Sugarcane Raw Bar Grill: Enjoy Tapas Galore

Forget about large size dinner portions that fill you to full capacity…At Sugarcane Raw Bar Grill, it’s all about sharing small plates or Tapas. The restaurant, which is located in the newly redesigned Midtown, has three distinct kitchens: robata, hot, and raw bar. These three unite to create unique tasting food with an eclectic twist. Sit back and relax with friends in the impressive outdoor terrace where you’ll be surrounded by nature and ready to taste food inspired by international influences. Don’t be confused when you first read the menu. You will see dozens of options, but everything is served in small portions. Feel free to order three or four small plates per person. The one dish you CAN NOT go without trying is the Bacon Wrapped Dates with linguica and manchego. Only three dates come in an order so we strongly advice you to order two because you will enjoy every bite from beginning to end. The sweetness combined with the manchego cheese inside the dates is simply spectacular. Your next best bet are the Goat Cheese Croquettes served over a tangy marmalade sauce. You will also want to order the Kobe Beef Sliders served with a quail egg. It sounds rather strange, but the quail egg enhances the meat flavor and you won’t even realize it’s there. Two sliders come in one order. The skirt steak is served in small slices and marinated with chimichurri. It’s very flavorful and tender. While most small plates are very yummy, there are others that are not such a good bargain because the size is just too small and a bit overpriced for what it is. For example, the sweet potatoes are very bland in flavor. We just weren’t too thrilled with them. The braised short ribs didn’t have much meat, and although the raw tuna slices were absolutely delicious served over an oriental sauce, they were miniscule pieces for $14. For dessert, we highly recommend the Torrejas served with vanilla ice cream. While large group parties are more than welcome, we believe smaller parties will enjoy this experience much more since you’ll be sharing the dishes. If you’re in the mood for experimenting and eating food that’s truly not ordinary then Sugarcane Raw Bar Grill should be your next restaurant stop.


Food ----- 8
Service --- 8
Ambiance-- 8.5
Value ------ 7

Boater's Grill: Key Biscayne's Lush Tropical Oasis Awaits You

Whether by boat or by land, Boater’s Grill is every boat lover’s favorite lunch spot. Located at the very tip of Key Biscayne at No Name Harbor, you will feel as if you’re at a little private island. The restaurant has an elevated terrace with outdoor seating to enjoy the water and boats coming in, and its menu features seafood and some other homey Latin meals. Enjoy some ceviche, crab cakes, Grilled Mahi Mahi or a Grouper filet. It’s a light fresh lunch, in a relaxing setting, right by the water. The next time you feel like hanging out in comfortable clothes while having lunch, head to Boater’s Grill, and afterwards, go for a walk right by the water.

Food ---- 7.5

Service-- 7

Value --- 8

Ambiance -- 8.5

BLT Steak at the Betsy Hotel: You'll be Saying "OMG!" at BLT

If you’re strolling down Ocean Drive, you must certainly squeeze in some extra time for dinner at BLT at the Betsy Hotel. Enjoy outdoor seating that gives you the opportunity to enjoy some people watching while enjoying a yummy lunch or dinner. From the get go, the service is great. Forget about having a typical bread basket with butter at the center of the table. Here you will start off with two things: toasted bread with chicken liver pate, and their specialty house cheese bread. Don’t let the chicken liver pate scare you off because it’s quite a delicacy and it’s blended with other spices so you won’t be tasting anything awkward. The cheese bread is simply out of this world. It’s shaped like a chef’s hat, hollow inside, and baked with the finest cheeses. Now let’s start with the appetizers. The tuna tartar is prepared over avocado in a tasty oriental sauce. Crushed ice surrounds the plate to keep it nice, cool, and fresh. BLT is known for its steak, but also for its gigantic and very unique and well-crafted burger with lettuce, tomato, and red onions, but as you can see in the picture, you must be ready to take some big bites or share it because it looks like a tower. The burger does come at a steep price of $16, but hey, it’s Certified Black Angus beef so it's definitely nice to have a REAL burger every once in a blue moon. We also selected the Hanger Steak Au Poivre to try a different cut of meat. It’s not as tender as a filet mignon, but it’s very flavorful if you enjoy the taste of meat. The sides at BLT must be selected A La Carte which always become a bit more expensive. The Mashed Potato Balls with Cheese Fondue were one of the specials. They were amazing. Imagine some mashed potato blended with bacon and then flash fried with some cheese fondue on the side for dipping. A very different way of having mashed potatoes that's for sure, but you’ll enjoy every bite.

So, the next time you're visiting South Beach, make a stop at BLT at the Betsy Hotel, but we must warn you to be ready to spend a couple of extra bucks on each dish. For those that value good food, it will be worth it.

BLT at the Betsy Hotel

1440 Ocean Drive

Miami, FL, 33139

Service ----- 8.5

Food ------- 7.5

Ambiance -- 8

Value ------ 7

Doraku Sushi: A Funky Sushi Boutique Restaurant

The next time you happen to be cruising through Lincoln Road, don't step into the dozens of tourist trap restaurants that simply offer mediocre food. Instead, let yourself be enticed by the Asian fusion cuisine that Doraku Sushi has to offer. The restaurant's decor is highlighted by light wood tables that glow under dim lights and Asian accessories.
Doraku is solely committed to providing the freshest fish and presenting it in an extravagant fashion. Although sushi may be perceived as simple food, Doraku takes it to a new level by even slicing the fish in such a way that your palate can enjoy it like never before.
Every dish on the menu is prepared with a blend of sauces and spices such as ginger, garlic, soy, aioli, wasabi, and much much more. Because portions tend to be large, you and the rest of your party are better off ordering several items and sharing with one another. This will give you the opportunity to try more selections and get more out of the experience. We always look forward to ordering the New Style Tuna Tataki. Small slices of seared tuna are served over Julienne Daikon Radish and Sweet Onions with Seasoned Wakame, Crispy Garlic Chips and finally drizzled with a DELICIOUS garlic aioli sauce. Another favorite is the Lobster Tempura. You will be biting into large chunks of Lobster tail tempura with Basil accompanied with a spicy pink sauce or you can ask for extra garlic aioli on the side for dipping. Although there's over 15 sushi rolls to choose from, we always stick to one of Doraku's favorite selections... the Emperor Roll. The name says it all. It's the emperor of all because it's filled with Tuna, Scallops Shrimp, Crab, Salmon, and Avocado. (We ask for it with no Salmon) This is all rolled with Avocado and crusted with Panko Breadcrumbs and flash fried served over a bed of mixed greens and sweet crispy onions. Each roll is also topped with Garlic Aioli. Now, last but not least, if you're still hungry, you can share the Garlic Steak Ribeye. It's only 4 oz. of ribeye because all the extra fat has been eliminated. It is sauteed in a Teriyaki Butter sauce and served with Mushrooms, Sweet Onions, Beansprouts, and Garlic Chips.
There is not one selection that you can go wrong with , but these are our personal favorites. Doraku now offers outdoor seating as well, but if you really want to experience the Asian vibe, we recommend you sit indoors. Despite always being full, the service is always excellent. The food comes to your table rather quickly and the servers are very helpful.

Rating:

Food ------8 out of 10
Service ----8 out of 10
Ambiance--9 out of 10

Doraku South Beach
1104 Lincoln Road
South Beach, FL
(305) 695-8383

Ruth Chris's Steakhouse: A True Miami Spice Bargain

Meat lovers in South Florida are very familiar with Ruth Chris's Steakhouse. For most people, it's no surprise to hear that they offer excellent meat, but this time around what makes it special is its Miami Spice menu. There are just a few days left to take advantage of this great opportunity. We were surprised to see that we were served more than expected for $35. Just so you have an idea, on a typical night, a Petite Filet costs $33 plus any other A la Carte item you pair it with, appetizer, or dessert. So you can do the math and see for yourself that just a few bucks can go a long way.

If you order from the Miami Spice menu, you have the option of selecting a Creamy Corn and Crab Chowder, a Goat Cheese and Tomato salad, a Filet with Shrimp, a side item, and to add some sweetness to your night...dessert. And gues what, they are not cheating you out with the portions. The soup and salad are large appetizer portions. The filet is 6 ounces with 3 pieces of shrimp, and the side order of garlic mashed potato is literally enough for two, but if you prefer a different side, you can upgrade for just $2. Although Ruth Chris's steak is not prepared with fancy sauces, the meat is very tender, the restaurant is all about letting the real flavor of the meat come through. Of course, you can add a sauce on the side such as Green Peppercorn. If you choose to upgrade your side item, we recommend you go with the potatoes au gratin with a cheese sauce. Very yummy! Don't miss out on a fine dinner for less money than usual! You only have a few days left to take advantage of the Miami Spice menu. Visit Ruth Chris this weekend before it's too late!

Chef Allen's: Satisfying Food Lovers for Generations

With over 20 years of experience, Chef Allen has been able to charm generations of foodies with his fresh and flavorful gourmet cuisine. For those who live out west in South Florida, visiting Chef Allen's Restaurant may be quite a drive since it's located near Aventura Mall. So why not take advantage of the trip... go shopping and end the night enjoying dinner at Chef Allen's. After reading dozens of excellent reviews, we decided to give Chef Allen's Miami Spice menu a try for our very first time. From the moment you step in, it's modern decoration pops out and you can sense a Caribbean feel. After reviewing the menu, we chose to start off dinner with some Broiled Escargot and Oxtail Bolognese. It was good, but to be honest, we were expecting much more bold spices. The escargots were very delicate, but in my taste, they were quite bland in flavor and needed a bit more garlic in order to give it a strong kick. On the other hand, for being an appetizer, the Oxtail Bolognese was quite a large portion. It was very similar to a regular pasta with tomato sauce and cheese. Despite not being thrilled with the appetizers, we kept our fingers crossed for the main course. I went with the Tamarind Glazed Boneless Pork Chops accompanied with Creamed Corn and Chipotle-Sweet Potato Mash. The pork chops tasted a bit too smoky, but at least the sides provided a nice contrast. The corn and sweet potato mash simply melted in your mouth. Armando chose the Pan Seared Corvina with Curried Green Lentils and Tomato. In my opinion, this was the stronger dish of the two. The lentils were prepared with very aromatic and spicy condiments giving the fish a unique taste. Overall, the food was decent, and the service and ambiance was very good. Perhaps the regular menu features more elaborate and tantalizing meals than the Miami Spice menu, but for being our first time at Chef Allen's, it just didn't convince us 100% to go back... perhaps one day that we're in that neck of the woods.

Rating:
Food--------7 out of 10
Service----- 8 out of 10
Ambiance-- 9 out of 10

Chef Allen's
19088 Northeast 29th Avenue
Aventura, FL 33180
(305) 935-2900

Sun-Dried Tomato and Bow Tie Pasta: A Romantic At-Home Dinner

Instead of going out to eat, how about staying in and preparing a delicious Italian dinner for your other half. Armando put his OUSTANDING cooking skills to the test one more time with this recipe, and it sure was a HIT! Forget about your typical pasta sauces such as Alfredo and Tomato: that's just too boring. This bow tie pasta dish is filled with flavors since its prepared with a Gorgonzola cheese sauce and cooked with sundried tomatoes, pine nuts, prosciutto, basil, chorizo, and so much more. For an appetizer, enjoy some garlic toast, a Caprese Salad, or Bruschetta. Now, you just have to serve the food and wine, dim the lights, and turn the candles on for a romatic Italian dinner at home without having to break the bank. Watch out for the recipe coming soon.



Tip: Try to serve the food on a plain white plate. It draws the attention to the food and makes it look much more sophisticated.

Dining in the Dark at Chef Adrianne's

Imagine eating in the dark while blindfolded with nothing but candlelights on, and to top that off, not knowing what's on the menu. To truly enhance this unique experience, you'll be better off putting some of your table manners aside. Letting go is even easier in the dark. It may sound somewhat bizarre, but it's a concept that originated in Europe. When you lose your sense of sight, all your other senses become more acute. Therefore, the flavors become even more alive when you savor them. Instead of traveling thousands of miles to be a part of it, you can do it right here in South Florida at Chef Adrianne's Vineyard. This special event only takes place a few times a year, but when it does, it's truly unforgettable. The theme on this occasion was "Morrocan Nights." After seating about 50 guests, Chef Adrianne introduces herself and gives an overview of the event. It's an 8 course dinner, but all the portions are similar to samplers. Now, blindfolds on and be very careful not to spill anything. Trust me, it's quite a difficult task.

First, the servers brought a glass of champagne and Naan (pita with a curry garlic olive oil and oregano). It's amazing how your sense of smell and taste is enhanced. As you begin to feel the food and smell it, you can immediately detect some of the key ingredients. The following course was a delicious and very refreshing Morrocan Chickpea and Feta Salad with olives and cucumbers. No forks were needed for this salad, just your fingers! One of our personal favorites was the Moroccan Lentil soup. It took approximately 7-8 hours in preparation, and it was simply exquisite. The soup was very creamy and also had a hint of bacon. By now, everyone is even more excited to try the next courses. The tables are starting to get a little messy, but remember, no one is looking. The fourth course was a Curry Chicken topped with Caramelized Onions and Red Wine Tasting. Chicken is normally not very flavorful, but this meal was the exception. The chicken was tender with yummy Moroccan spices and curry. The onions were also so amazing that I couldn't even tell what they were. The next dish is saved for the richest class in Morocco, Filet Mignon with Curried Carrot Puree. Can I just say WOW?!?! Armando was even licking his fingers which would be a big NO NO had it not been dark dining. Just refer to the picture on the right. The carrot puree was beyond extraordinary. It was sweet with a hint of spices and very creamy, and the filet mignon was sliced into small pieces so it could be eaten easily. This truly had us craving for more and more. The night started coming to an end with a Honey and Pepper Salmon with Pine Nut Couscous, and last but not least, dessert, a Passion Fruit Goat Cheese Cheesecake. Every dish truly took you to Morocco. Once the blindfolds came off, we had quite a couple of crumbs and stains on the white tablecloth. Well, I guess that was no surprise.

We recommend this event to any food lovers out there that also enjoy a little adventure. There is nothing to be afraid of because Chef Adrianne will never let you down with her cooking. Trust that everything she serves, even when you can't see it, will be MAGNIFICENT! For those of you interested in partaking in this unique event, we will certainly keep you posted. You just might find us there again because we won't miss it!

Meat Market: Every Bite is PERFECTION!

Don’t let the name scare you off because it’s anything but an ordinary Meat Market. Its warm lighting, combination of lounges and table service, and dozens of displayed wines give this steakhouse a twist, making it sensual and sophisticated. After glancing at the Miami Spice menu that Meat Market is currently offering, we couldn’t think about it twice and reserved a table. From the get go, we were treated like royalty. Our server was extremely helpful and had a great attitude. Instead of bringing the typical small bread basket and placing it at the center of the table, another server comes with a large tray and an array of bread to choose from. He neatly places what you choose on a small plate. Now onto the real good stuff! The appetizers we chose were beyond exquisite, they were PERFECT in every possible way. We chose the Alaskan Crab Tail pan fried with baby bok choy and passion fruit butter sauce, and Baby Back Lamb Ribs with Spicy Hoisin BBQ Sauce, topped with peanuts and cilantro. This food had everyone in other tables talking about its deliciousness. Every bite was filled with rich flavors, the texture of the crab tail was nice and tender, and the meat just fell right of the ribs with just the right amount of spices. As the main course we had Slow Cooked Harris Ranch Short Ribs with Tomato, Shallots, Garlic, and Polenta Fries, and the Pan Seared Striped Bass (Asian Style bok-choy and arugula with tomato pesto and lemon infused avocado oil). These two options were so perfect that I simply can’t decide which one was better. They're both different in their own way, but the ingredients are top of the line each time. These meals will simply have you gu-gu ga-ga!
Our waiter also recommended that we order an extra side from the regular menu.... how about some potatos au gratin, but wait, they were beyond unique. This side dish consisted of Yukon Gold Potatos with Sliced Apples and Goat Cheese on top. It was truly to die for and definitely worth putting the diet aside for the night. Although there was only one option for dessert, it was still great. They served us Milk Chocolate Panna Cotta with vanilla cream, a pecan biscotti, and bittersweet chocolate dust. The panna cotta was nice and creamy and not too sweet since you could pair it with the bittersweet chocolate dust. It was the ideal way to top off dinner! Meat Market was glamorous all around, and we recommend that you too give it a try. We guarantee you'll eat and be treated like ROYALTY! Call and make a reservation!

Meat Market
915 Lincoln Road
Miami Beach, FL

(305) 532-0088

5300 CHOPHOUSE: Don't Let The Menu TRICK You

For the most part, enjoying 5 star meals is one of our favorite pastimes, but every once in a blue moon, we find a restaurant that's a big "NO, NO." This time around, we were looking at the Miami Spice lunch menus, and truthfully, not many restaurants offer a good lunch menu on weekends. One of the few menus that caught our attention was at 5300 Chophouse. Don't let the name and menu fool you, instead save yourself a couple of bucks.

We originally thought it was located at the Doral Resort and Spa, but to our surprise, it was just a couple of more blocks down at the Hyatt. It definitely wasn't a resort, but we still wanted to give it a try. Just like the saying goes, "don't judge a book by its cover," but this time around, boy were we wrong to stay. The food wasn't horrible, but it definitely wasn't worth Miami Spice, and the restaurant reminded us of a nicer version of a Holiday Inn. Totally lame for our preference. To start off, the service was horrible and the background music was worse. At first, we didn't know who was really going to be our server, and once we started asking questions about the food, their descriptions were very weak. We ordered Tostones Rellenos and Croquettes filled with Chorizo and Manchego Cheese. Like I said before, the taste wasn't bad, but after waiting forever for your food to arrive, you simply get annoyed. Since it was lunch, we had a pulled BBQ Brisket sandwich and a Churrasco. These meals certainly didn't tickle my fancy. Your best bet is to save yourself the time and money, and "chop" off, I mean scratch off this restaurant from the Miami Spice list.

How To Get Your Money’s Worth During Miami Spice Restaurant Month

1. Visit www.ilovemiamispice.com and read the detailed list of participating restaurants.
2. Make sure the restaurant you select is offering the Miami Spice lunch/dinner menu on the day you plan to go. (Note: Some of the restaurants don’t offer Miami Spice on Fridays or Saturdays)
3. It’s very important to read the Miami Spice dinner menu before visiting. The menus are subject to change, and some restaurants don’t offer a great selection. You want to make sure you like what you plan on ordering so you can spend an enjoyable evening.
4. Bon Appétit

Red Fish Grill: Tasty Seafood in a Tropical Oasis

Dine under the stars while overlooking Biscayne Bay at Red Fish Grill. The lush tropical setting alone will truly impress everyone. It's tucked away in Matheson Hammock Park, on the shores of a saltwater lagoon, and the menu offers succulent seafood with a funky gourmet twist.

Even though it's not our first time dining at Red Fish Grill, it's so exquisite that we decided to come back and give the Miami Spice Menu a try. Some restaurants that participate in Miami Spice offer food that is different from their traditional menu or simply don't have a good variety, but at Red Fish Grill, there's no need to sacrifice your palate in order to obtain a great deal. The Miami Spice menu featured three appetizers, three entrees, and two desserts. Of course, each person selects one item from each category. Now let's begin with the appetizers... Shrimp with Ecuadorian Sauce and Seasoned Popcorn, and Conch Fritters served over a Basil-Orange Aioli Sauce, topped with Red Onions. Our choices turned out to be great, but the flavors were turned up a notch with the entrées. We chose the Blackened Mahi Mahi and Pan Fried Grouper Filet.
The Blackened Mahi Mahi was served over sweet potato puree with sautéed spinach and blue cheese leek fondue. The plate had bold and enticing flavors written all over it. The combination of Mahi Mahi with blue cheese fondue was delectable, and the sweet potato puree was very creamy and provided a nice contrast.
On the other hand, the Pan Fried Grouper Filet had a more delicate sauce, lemon ginger vinaigrette with fried yucca chips. The spices were a lot simpler, but nonetheless delightful.

Call beforehand to reserve an outdoor table and your eyes will thank you for it. You will be sitting in the middle of an oasis with the freshest seafood before you.

Red Fish Grill
9610 Old Cutler Road

Miami, FL 33156

Phone: 305.668.8788