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.