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