The Chowfather: December 2008

Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Burger Battle Update

As you may recall, I posted my top Burgers in Miami/Broward a few months ago and indicated that I was underwhelmed by my first Five Guys experience. That sounds perverted, I know. Anyway, I have been back to the Midtown Miami and Ft. Lauderdale locations a few times since and have changed my tune. The first time I ordered a regular cheeseburger without knowing that their standard burger is actually a double patty which led to my disappointment. I also ordered the Cajun fries which I didn't like. On subsequent visits, I've been ordering the single patty little cheeseburgers which i like much better. I like the regular fries too. I'll give the standard burger another shot next time and report back.

Current top 4

1. Char-Hut (Five guys coming on strong)
2. Kingdom
3. Le Tub
4. Five Guys
Knocked off Jack's (need to get back there soon though)

Five Guys fans, there is a new one opening at Aventura Mall.

Saturday, December 27, 2008

Meat Market- Lincoln Road

Wow! Very impressed with every aspect of the recently opened Meat Market on Lincoln Road. This could be my new favorite place on South Beach. They did a great job renovating/updating the old Pacific Time spot and it is very sharp looking. The have a nice bar area up front which made the wait for our table a non-issue. The model hostesses didn't hurt either...

I started with the kobe beef slider duo with bacon, white chedder & foie gras, mango mustard and caramelized onions. They were extremely tasty. After devouring both I assumed they would be the winner of the night but I was wrong. The kobe skirt steak was even better. It was cooked perfectly, tender and packed with flavor. It was perfect.

I didn't try them but the white truffle kobe tar tar and buffalo mozzarella also received raves at the table.

This place is a great addition to South Beach and should be a winner. If you are looking for great food in a fun/lively SoBe setting I would highly recommend Meat Market
Looking forward to going back

MEAT MARKET MIAMI

Survivor Week 17

What happened to Denver last week?? How do they lose at home to Buffalo in a crucial spot? No time to dwell on the past we need to move forward.

Tampa is in a must win situation and should dominate Oakland at home.
Atlanta beats the Rams
Baltimore needs a win and should beat Jacksonville
Pittsburgh wins easy against the Browns
Good luck

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Survivor week 16

Boy did Zona get spanked last week. Didn't see that one coming. At least Indy, NE and Philly came through.

This is an interesting week. Zona on the road, heading east to NE who are battling for their playoff lives. I like the Pats in this spot.

As weekly readers know, I always recommend against taking a road team and division rival games. However, this week I really can't see Washington beating Philly. I would still avoid unless you have no other options at this stage.

San Fran heads to St. Louis. Normally I would steer you away from this one too but San Fran is a different team under Mike Singeltary and should win this one by a TD+

Best play on the board for survivor this week has to be Denver at home against Buffalo.
Second best is Tampa at home against the Chargers. Norv blows.

Good luck

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Beer tasting 12/19 Brown Spirit Tasting 12/20 @ Hollywood Vine

This Friday night Norbert from Fresh Beer Distributor will be back for another beer tasting. 7-9pm. They will try 10 different micro brewed beers including several new and seasonal ones. $20.00 per person. You get to try all 10 and after the tasting choose your two favorites to drink at the store or take home.

Here’s the line up. Stone Oaked Arrogant Bastard Ale, Stone IPA, Stone Pale Ale,

Stone Ruination IPA, Terrapin Wake and Bake, Stoudt’s Double IPA, Dog Fish Head Raison D’Etre,

Dog Fish Head Palo Santo, Rogue Dead Guy Ale and Dog Fish Head 60 IPA.

On Saturday Night 7-10 pm they welcome Herbie Loebl from Artisan Brands back for what will be one of our most exciting tastings ever for those of you into high end Brown Spirits. This collection is amazing! $15.00 per person that will be applied to any retail purchase that night on any item in the store.

Four Single Malt Scotches: Benromach Traditional $39.99, Benromach Organic $89.99,

Glen Grant 12yr $54.99 and Glen Grant 21yr $119.99

Four Armagnacs: Dartigalongue Bas XO $61.99, Dartigalongue Bas Hors D’Age $64.99

Baron de Lustrac Bas 1982 $114.99, Baron de Lustrac Bas 1980 $119.99

Two American Whiskies: Black Maple Hill Small Batch Bourbon $47.99

Black Maple Hill 23 yr Rye $144.99

Hollywood Vine

2035 Harrison Street

Hollywood, FL 33020

hvine@comcast.net

www.hvine.com

954-922-2910

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Survivor week 15

Wellllllll if you still have Indy available this is a NO-brainer. They should win by 2-3 TD's.
However, I;m sure most of you already used them so let's look for more options.
I expect Arizona to beat Minny, New England to top Oakland and Philly to crush the Browns

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Tequila Tasting 12/13 @ Hollywood Vine

This Saturday from 7-9pm. There will be a $10.00 charge which can be used as a credit toward any retail item in the store that evening.

EL CONDE AZUL

Artisan Brands, the company that brings you the highest quality distilled spirits in Florida presents a tasting flight of El Conde Azul . El Conde Azul tequila is from Mexico made from 100% BLUE AGAVE. This tequila is available in Blanco (aged 2 months), Reposado (aged 8 months), and Añejo (aged 2 years). El Conde Azul has won accolades in Mexico and the United States as one of the best tasting and smoothest tequila brands on the market. Their proprietary oxygenation process allows for the distilled spirit to blend with 100% pure oxygen before bottling, which gives it a silky smooth texture and no bite at the end. El Conde Azul is luxurious tequila that is best enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in your favorite cocktail combination. Join us for a wonderful flight of all varieties of El Conde Azul Tequila at Hollywood Vine.