Pubbelly: Tapas-Style Plates Bursting with Flavor

Many of you have probably already been to Sugarcane Raw Bar and Grill in Midtown as well as LuLu in Coconut Grove, but how about paying a visit to Pubbelly in Miami Beach, the newest restaurant sensation that serves tapas-style plates with a blend of flavors you've never had before.

Pubbelly, an Asian inspired Gastropub with a tavern-like feel, features an array of options in its uniquely crafted menu. It's obvious that the chefs behind this creation have a true passion for food.

The restaurant's signature dish is pork belly topped with butterscotch and served with bok choy and kabocha puree. Next we had the delicious dates with chorizo spicy tomato bacon, scallion and some goat cheese. They are simply out of this world. Last but not least and one of our favorie small plates on the menu were the brussel sprouts.

It's definitely something we would be a bit hesitant to order, but the owner hyped up this dish so much that we couldn't say no. His suggestion truly had us thrilled! The brussel sprouts were amazing... nice and crispy with some bacon and miso. The blend of flavors here were executed to perfection.
We recommend our readers to visit this restaurant in a small group in order to try more items on the menu, but remember you will need to order several small plates in order to satisfy a big appetite. Come with an open mind for trying new things! It's simply delicious and a nice selection in the beach area.

La Porteña Restaurant: A Hidden Gem

Tucked away in the most unexpected location is La Porteña Restaurant. Its fine selection of Argentinian and Italian food will please everyone in the family. Whether you're in the mood for a tender and juicy steak, risotto, or creamy raviolis, La Porteña has it.

The exquisite restaurant is located on 8522 SW 8th St., an unusual area to find such an amazing restaurant. The small and cozy restaurant has warm lighting with a romantic yet homey ambiance. Perfect for a quiet date night!

We were truly fascinated with the menu and the dinner specials and literally found ourselves debating what to order. Our selections were truly a hit. We decided to order the Filet Mignon Alla Roquefort and also the Risotto Filet Di Manzo Trifolati.

I was shocked to try such a spectacular risotto. I can honestly say it's one of the best I have ever had. The dish was prepared with three different types of mushrooms, cheese, and blended with chunks of filet mignon. The portion was quite large so I was happy to take some home for another great meal, and believe it or not it was only $19.95.

The filet mignon was filled with Roquefort cheese in a wine sauce. The sauce was the perfect balance without being overpowering. The true taste of the filet still came through. It was delicious. This dish was paired with mashed potatoes and vegetables which were also surprisingly very tasty.

To sweeten things up, we selected the peach creme brulee. We are creme brulee fans, but to be honest, it's sometimes difficult to find one that's well made. Remember, the top sugar layer should be caramelized on the spot and the creme should be warm. Sometimes, restaurants slack off and serve it cold, but La Porteña did things just about perfectly! The creme was more like a mousse with small pieces of peach and the top was caramelized with warm sugar layer. It was just the right amount to leave the restaurant feeling oh so sweet!

Without thinking about it twice, we highly recommend this restaurant.

We can't wait to go back!

La Porteña Restaurant
8522 Southwest 8th Street
Miami, FL 33144-4053
(305) 263-5808

Casablanca Seafood Bar and Grill: Casual Waterfront Dining

We're usually looking for waterfront restaurants considering that Miami's weather is absolutely great. Casablanca Seafood Bar and Grill has been around for more than 20 years and is known for always serving the freshest seafood possible. It originally was a seafood market and then they opened up a small casual restaurant overlooking the Miami River with an amazing view of the skyline at night. Some people even choose to come by boat.

Just recently we showed our bloggers how to get a $50 gift certificate to this restaurant for only $4. Even though we've dined here several times, we wanted to go ahead and use our gift certificate.

Every table is always served a small portion of smoked fish dip with chips to start off. Compliments of the restaurant. We love to order their ceviche. It's citrus juices are absolutely great especially with the mariquita chips they serve to along with it.

The menu features a long list of favorites including calamari, conch fritters and crab cakes. We've tried them all and you won't go wrong with any of them.

The entrees that we choose over and over again are the Seabass and Red Snapper. Foodies have the option of having the fish blackened, grilled or pan seared. Our personal favorite is pan seared with some lemon butter sauce. You can select different sauces for the fish, but they will always be served in separate containers. Their mashed potatoes and sweet potato fries are absolutely phenomenal.

There really isn't anything that we wouldn't recommend at Casablanca. Their service has always been outstanding which always makes dinner even more pleasant.

After ordering a bottle of wine and ordering our favorite dishes along with coffee after dinner, we received the bill and used our $50 gift certificate. An excellent meal ended up costing $82 including tip. It doesn't get any better than this. Whether you have the opportunity of using a gift certificate or not visit Casablanca Seafood Bar and Grill for a casual but delicious lunch/dinner.

Casablanca Seafood Bar and Grill
400 Northwest North River Drive
Miami, FL 33128-1628
(305) 371-4107

Coral Gables Restaurant Week: June 6-19

The fourth annual Coral Gables Restaurant Week is right around the corner. Beginning June 6, food lovers will be able to choose from specially-priced three course menus at more than 30 fine restaurants.

Some of the restaurants include Anacapri on Ponce, Bangkok Bangkok, Benihana, Caffe Abbracci, Caffe Vialetto,Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, Fritz & Franz Bierhaus, Graziano’s Restaurant, La Cofradia, La Dorada, Le Provencal, Morton’s The Steakhouse, Norman’s 180 and Ortanique.

Most restaurants offer a lunch and dinner menu. We highly recommend that you call in advance and make reservations since the Coral Gables Restaurant Week is a popular event in the neighborhood.

For more information visit www.coralgablesrestaurantweek.com.

New Business: Catharsis Restaurant & Lounge: Revolutionizing Calle 8 at Night

Calle 8 may have a lot of meaning and culture for Miami's Hispanic community, but it's never been the "in place" for late night dinners, but that's until several new restaurants started popping up in the area including Catharsis Restaurant & Lounge attracting a younger and chic crowd.

Catharsis means "an experience or feeling of spiritual release brought about by an intense emotional experience." The concept of the restaurant reflects exactly what it means. It's a place to unwind and destress by enjoying great food and music.

Even though it's located in a modest neighborhood and business district, Catharsis Restaurant & Lounge has a very welcoming atmosphere for those looking for a refined menu without breaking the bank and even live music. Its warm lighting, loungy atmostphere and delicious food have earned the restaurant a spot in our Great Meals Miami blog.

We started off the night with a Tuna Tartar and Spinach and Ricotta Cheese Empanada. These appetizers are just right for one person each. They may be small portions but filled with lots of flavor which is of utmost importance. The Tuna Tartar contains the perfect blend between sweet n' spicy and it's paired with mariquitas. Absolutely amazing.

When looking at the menu, we were in between several items including the Short Ribs, Pear and Gorgonzola Ravioli and Corvina. After debating what to order, we went with the Short Ribs accompanied with Carrot Puree and the Corvina. My absolute favorite was the Carrot Puree. It may sound totally bizarre, but everyone must try this! I'm personally not a fan of carrots but this puree is sweet without being overpowering and its texture is like a mousse. Simply perfect! The short ribs are slow cooked in red wine and are served in a wine reduction sauce and mushrooms, very tender, and for an unbeatable price of $18.95.

The corvina also was great! It was simple but very fresh and healthy, but for next time, we'll definitely be giving the Pear and Gorgonzola Ravioli a try.

Since portions are a normal size, you won't be feeling overstuffed after dinner. I consider this to be a very good thing, so you might have a little extra room for dessert. We chose the Guava Souffle with Vanilla Ice Cream and a touch of Rum. It's delicious and very different from your typical restaurant desserts.

But the food wasn't the only thing to enjoy at Cartharsis.

They have live entertainment on Fridays and Saturdays. A small stage is located in the back of this small and cozy restaurant where you, your partner, and friends can have fun sipping on wine and dancing. It's truly the perfect combination - great food and live entertainment at a very reasonable price.

Before heading to the Brickell area, give Catharsis Restaurant and Lounge a try. You'll definitely enjoy it. We do recommend that you call in advance and reserve a table. Since there's live music, people typically stay some extra time after dinner.


Catharsis Restaurant & Lounge
1644 SW 8th St.
Miami, FL 33135
(305) 479-2746

CVI.CHE 105: Peruvian Dining in Downtown

Savor the most traditional and delicious peruvian food in town in a modern restaurant that guarantees guests a great ambiance...come to CVI.CHE 105 in Downtown Miami.

Yes, CVI.CHE is a play on word for "ceviche," an extremely popular seafood dish in Central and South America.

CVI.CHE 105 has one of the largest selections of raw fish marinated in citrus juices and other special sauces. Every creation gives foodies a taste of the very best of Peru.

We, of course, ordered a Corvina Ceviche that our waitress recommended and then went on to order one of my favorite dishes in the menu, Lomo Saltado, tender pieces of steak, tomatoes, yellow peppers, and onions sauteed with soy sauce and later mixed with French Fries. This is a typical peruvian dish with great flavor and very well made at CVI.CHE 105. It is served with white rice and you'll have more than enough food to perhaps take some home.

The inside is impeccable and very trendy. It's a good idea to go in a semi-large group considering that the portions are large.

If you're looking for a restaurant that's different and serves food that you typically don't eat, dine at CVI.CHE 105. It will be a great cultural experience.

CVI.CHE 105
105 N.E. 3rd Ave. Miami, FL 33132
305.577.3454

Mr. Yum's Asian Cuisine Stirs Up Calle 8

Despite being a predominantly Cuban neighborhood filled with small businesses, Mr. Yum chose Calle 8 (Little Havana) as the location to open its doors and welcome Asian cuisine lovers.

Its modern white and crimson red decor with hearts, sleek chairs and tables set the scene of the restaurant and may even confuse a few for a trendy South Beach hot spot.

The parking lot is not the most convenient place, but the slight inconvenience will be a thing of the past as soon as you sit down and pick up the menu.

A must have for every table is the Calle Ocho Tuna which includes chopped tuna and crab mixed with spicy mayo, avocado and rice topped with eel sauce, served with crispy wonton chips. You'll be blown away with this appetizer and may even choose it as an entree due to its spectacular flavor.

Another favorite selection was the Love Roll and Deco Drive Roll. The Love Roll includes shrimp tempura, green apples, topped with fresh tuna, tempura flakes, spciy mayo and eel sauce. At first, I was a bit hesistant to order it because I thought the green apples were rather odd to eat in a sushi roll, but it turned out to be a great selection. The green apples give the roll just the right amount of crunchiness with a bit of sweet and sour taste. Absolutely amazing!

The Deco Drive roll is an ideal choice for tuna lovers. It features spicy tuna wrapped in pink soy paper, topped with chopped tuna, onions and toro sauce.

The food selection is moderately priced and the service was great!

Don't think twice about dining at Mr. Yum. The drive drive down Calle Ocho will be totally worth it. You'll be falling in love with Asian cuisine and saying "yum" over and over again.

Mr. Yum Miami
945 SW 8th St
Miami, Fl 33135
786.360.2371

Coming Soon... Taste of the Gables

In just a few weeks, foodies can treat their palate to a bit of sweet and spicy food during the Taste of the Gables event, Thursday, June 2, 2011. More than 20 participating chefs will offer samplings for attendees who will later vote for their favorite dish. The event will be held in the Westin Colonnade Hotel's rotunda from 6 to 8 p.m. To purchase tickets CLICK HERE.

Taste of the Gables is a preview event for the fourth annual Coral Gables Restaurant Week beginning June 6-19. Some of the participating restaurants include Talavera Cocina Mexicana, Ruth's Chris Steakhouse, Red Koi Thai and Sushi Lounge, Caffe Vialetto, Bangkok Bangkok and Caffe Abbracci. Make sure to stop by the Great Meals Miami blog for some great recommendations.

Where to Go for Cinco de Mayo...

No matter what your nationality may be, most of us love to celebrate Cinco de Mayo at local trendy Mexican restaurants. Great Meals Miami has a list of where to dine and drink for this spectacular Mexican fiesta!


1. Cancun Grill in Miami Lakes. Enjoy a LIVE Mariachi Band, lots of drinks and food starting at 5 p.m.

2. Mercadito Midtown

3. Talavera Coral Gables

4. Rosa Mexicano in Brickell celebrates with live music, a special menu and lots of prizes and giveaways.

5. Jaguar, 3067 Grande Avenue, Coconut Grove, will have a grand party starting at 8 p.m.

6. Chilorio’s, 130 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables, celebrates with 2 for 1 Mexican beers. The restaurant also is giving complimentary nachos with a purchase of $20 or more.

7. Lime celebrates with $3 Cornoas, drink specials, entertinment & giveaways between 11am-10pm. Extra bonus - keep the party going all month long with $3 Coronas through the end of May.

New Business: Not Just Cakes by Patty

Many of you have probably already tried Mischa's Cupcakes which are known for being quite delicious, but a new local cupcake and cake shop is the next hit in town. Not Just Cakes by Patty is the new sensation serving cupcakes of every possible flavor including cookies n'cream, guava, carrot cake, dulce de leche, coconut, strawberry and many more.

The delicately painted cake shop on Sunset Drive prepares everything using only the finest ingredients. We stopped by during the store's grand opening and tried a few of these sweet treats. They were so good I couldn't figure out which one was my favorite. The cookies n'cream cupcake has a cookie layer in the bottom which adds a nice texture. The dulce de leche cupcake is filled in the center with just the right amount of dulce de leche without being too sweet.

Not Just Cakes by Patty also specializes in catering to special events such as wedding, bridal showers, baby showers, birthdays or any other special occasion. Customers can choose from cakes on a stick, cupcake towers, an elegant three tier cake or anything else they wish to design. Mini cupcakes cost 80 cents, regular sized cupcakes cost $1.25, and the jumbo sized cupcakes cost $2.50.

Not Just Cakes by Patty
10067 SW 72nd Street
Miami, FL 33173
(305) 401-0401

HOT Deal Alert: Get a $50 Restaurant Gift Certificate for $4

Saving a couple of bucks here and there is something we all like and dining at very high-end restaurants every week can sometimes get expensive. So I decided to hunt down some deals to use every now and then, and what I found is quite impressive.

This week the deal is at Casablanca Seafood Bar and Grill. This little restaurant by North Miami River has been around for many many years. Despite not being located in the greatest neighborhood and not having the fanciest decorations, the seafood is always fresh and delicious. To top it off, the restaurant has outdoor seating with a view of Miami's skyline. How would you like to get a $50 gift certificate for only $4? Well, it's true and I just printed one out for myself. There are some steps you need to follow but it's well worth it.

1. Visit www.coupons.com and click on the red tab on the left hand side title "Restaurant Deals."

2. A window will open asking you to enter your zip code.

3. Once you are redirected to a different website search for "Casablanca Seafood Bar and Grill. You can now select the gift certificate that best suits your needs. When you checkout, you will receive an additional discount and your certificate will be cheaper than buying a meal at a fast food restaurant.

To use the $50 gift certificate you need to spend a minimum of $100. Remember to stop by Great Meals Miami to find more great deals every Friday!

Special Event: Dine for a Great Cause

On Tuesday, May 17, take the opportunity to dine with some of South Florida’s most popular chefs during the Chefs For a Cure event at the Eden Roc Hotel in Miami Beach. The five-course feast will benefit the American Association for Cancer Research. Enjoy an exquisite meal prepared by the very best while helping out in the fight against cancer. Participating chefs include Paul DaSilva(1500°), Dean Max (3030 Ocean), Michael Bloise (American Noodle Bar), Timon Balloo (Sugarcane) and Sean Brasel (pictured from Meat Market). Some of these restaurants have been featured right here at Great Meals Miami. The menu will feature a variety of items to give guests a taste of the best of Miami.

More Details:
Chefs For a Cure
Tuesday, May 17, 7pm
1500° at the Eden Roc Hotel, Miami Beach
$150 per person
For reservations call 305-674-5594

Special Event: 32nd Annual Food & Garden Festival at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden

Looking for something to do this weekend in Miami? Check out the 32nd Annual Food and Garden Festival at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden.



Click here to find out how to get $2 off admission.

Delicious Corn Souffle Recipe

Ever since I discovered this Corn Souffle recipe I have been preparing it for a variety of occasions including birthdays, Thanksgiving or simply as a dinner appetizer or side. This dish is so good that some people have even told me they would have it with ice cream or honey. It's definitely worth a try and if you're not the greatest cook, there's no need to worry. Prep time is less than 10 minutes and the rest is up to the oven.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Serves: 6-8 People

Ingredients:
1 can 15 oz. cream style corn
1 can condensed milk
1 stick butter or margarine - melted
2 eggs - beaten
2 tablespoons all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
Pinch of salt

Directions:
Mix all ingredients in blender
Pour in greased Pyrex or glassware (preferrably 9x12 pan)
Bake 35 minutes or until golden brown on top.

I personally enjoy serving it warm!

A Dining Experience that will Leave You Crazy About It!

Are you crazy about your lover? Are you crazy about Miami’s beautiful skyline? Are you crazy about staying within your budget? Well, then I can almost guarantee that you’ll be crazy about “Crazy About You,” one of Brickell’s newest restaurants situated right on the water. Its modern animal print décor, great service and ambiance, and better yet low low prices makes it your next date night or group party hang out spot. The concept at Crazy About You is what makes it unique and affordable. All the entrees include any appetizer of your choice for $15.95 or $19.95. You got that right, it’s basically $20 per person and you can add a bottle of their house wine for only $13. This is totally unheard of especially in the Brickell area. Crazy About You is the sister restaurant of Dolores Lolita, but it’s a fancier version with better food. You won’t be having filet mignon or seabass, but hey, it’s only $20 and the view is amazing. You can’t beat that! We ordered the Chihuaha cheese casserole with chorizo and the Calamari with red and green peppers flatbread. Both appetizers were tasty and a large portion was served. This restaurant really doesn't cheat you out of what you're ordering for such a great deal! Next up... the entrees. These included a slow cooked steak with risotto and a Flat Iron Steak paired with Shoestring Fries. The slow cooked steak was extremely tender and much more flavorful than the iron steak. They are both different yet good in their own way. Lastly, we viewed the dessert options in a small silver ferris wheel menu holder and went with the Tiramisu and some coffee. It was an extremelely enjoyable dinner with a spectacular view at a price you don’t see very often in Miami. No wonder people leave the restaurant crazy about it… there really isn’t much not to like.