Trumpalaya!!!!!

I had the opportunity to attend an amazing brunch this past Sunday over at Neomi's @ The Trump Hotel in Sunny Isles. This week the theme was New Orleans cuisine as a tribute to the 4 year anniversary of Katrina. New Orleans is a great city and a must do for all food lovers out there. I've been back post Katrina and the food scene is still amazing. Shoot me an email if you plan on going and need some recommendations. Anyway, I can't thank Chef Kurtis and Chef Mike enough for transporting me back to New Orleans on Sunday via their outstanding authentic dishes. The red beans and rice featuring pickled pork was crazy good. The crawfish etouffee was equally as good and I can't leave out the jambalaya and creole stuffed peppers. Sooo goood. Chef Mike also prepared a nice shrimp pasta salad and some great looking mac n cheese that I unfortunately had no room for. (plate/belly) Rumor has it Chef Mike makes a mean fried chicken. Where do I sign up for the fried chicken and biscuit brunch?? Michy's errr Popeye's who?????



Neomi's Grill
18001 Collins Ave # 2
Sunny Isles Bch, FL 33160-2722
(305) 692-5770

Yankee Q!!!!!

UPDATE

I've been back to bulldog bbq a couple of times over the past few weeks and really enjoyed it. The cornmeal crusted oysters with bacon, tomato-avocado salad were a great combination. I could eat them all day. The mac n cheese was much better than my initial visits and this Yankee couldn't put the baby backs down. Super smokey?? who cares!! Tasty is tasty.. The bbq chicken was good too. I like this place and will be back soon.

15400 Biscayne Blvd
Aventura, FL 33160-4614
(305) 940-9655

bulldog bbq

This weekend @ Lola's on harrison

THIS WEEKEND'S
FEATURED DISHES
AUGUST 28th-30th, 2009
BY CHEF MICHAEL WAGNER


GRILLED MANCHESTER
FARMS QUAIL
Pomegranate-Orange BBQ Glaze
Spicy Cole Slaw, Roasted
Summer Corn Salsa

HALF ROASTED
BELLE & EVANS CHICKEN
Savory Mushroom Bread Pudding, Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Applewood Smoked Bacon,
Natural Juices

CARAMEL RUM SMORES
Housemade Brownies Layered with
Basted Marshmallow Drizzled
with a Caramel Rum Sauce

Call 954-927-9851 for reservations, or go online to
Open Table

Ripert's Favorite Late Night Spot is in SoBe

This months Travel and Leisure is a special food issue. One article is titled World's Top Late Night Restaurants and features picks from 6 celebrity chefs. Ripert's choice was driving me crazy because I had no clue where it was until I realized he was referring to one of my all time favorite late night spots too... San Loco. It will always be San Loco to me.
Link to the entire list Top Late Night Spots

The North American selections are listed below

Daniel Boulud- Pho Kim Long II, Las Vegas

Anthony Bourdain . Yakitori Totto, New York City,

Sakagura, New York City

Marco Canora . The Black Hoof, Toronto

Hagi, New York City

David Chang’s Wo Hop, New York City

Akhtar Nawab Great NY Noodletown, New York City Au Pied de Cochon, Paris

Eric Ripert Café du Monde, New Orleans

T-Mex Tacos, Miami Beach

Photo: Noe DeWitt

Bagel & Burger Pit Stops

I had to be up north in the Treasure Coast today for work and made a couple of pit stops along the way... On the way up, I stopped at the new The Original Brooklyn Water Bagel Co. located on Military Trail in Delray Beach. In a nutshell, they claim to have found a way to turn Delray's finest into Brooklyn's tap. A nice marketing gimmick that should sell a lot of bagels in that area. I kept it real simple and went with a plain bagel with no butter or cream cheese to go. (a fresh warm bagel tastes great in the car. I normally get a baker's dozen at Sage and 11.5 make it home) I'm a big ET fan but I wanted to taste/test this thing with minimal distraction.

Okay, upon initial review I was a little concerned. First, the bagel was fresh but not warm like they are normally served at Sage (Hallandale) on a busy Sunday morning. Not a huge issue though. Second, it looked like one of those puffy steroid things offerdahl/einstein's calls bagels. (it should be noted that the outside did have a nice crispy crust appearance) That said, the bagel was better than I anticipated. It was crispy on the outside with a nice chewy dough on the inside. The taste of the dough was slightly off.

It was a good NY style bagel but not great and certainly not as good as Sage. I'm sure you will see franchises pop up all over SFla. in the near future based on the people behind this operation. (subway)

14451 South Military Trail, Delray Beach FL 33484 (map)
561-455-7491








On the way back home, my pit stop was at Charm City Burger Company located on E. Hillsboro Blvd. in Deerfield Beach. I've read some great things about this spot so I went in with high expectations. It's a very casual almost divey spot with counter service. They specialize in burgers but also have some interesting stuffed rolls (soft shell crab, shrimp po-boy and jerked mahi) and blue bell shakes. They have five different burger options and the emperor (kobe beef patty melt with aged gruyere, truffled mushrooms and served in brioche for $10.95 oh and with seared foie for $24.95) was really calling my name but I didn't want to interfere too much with the actual burger on my initial visit and kept it simple. Thus, I went with a "good ole" burger which is a 1/3 pound steak blend cooked medium well and served with l/t/o/pickles and charm sauce. (no truffles and foie???) I also ordered a side of tater tots. Not sure how anyone passes on tater tots when they're on a menu. The taters scored highly on the tots scale. The burger was good but I was underwhelmed. It failed to deliver the knockout punch I crave in a great burger. I'm not exactly sure what was missing though. (grease/juice maybe) I would certainly go back if I was in the area but I would not make a special trip for it nor does it crack my top five. However, I'm craving that Emperor about now. Has anyone tried it?

1136 E. Hillsboro Blvd.
Deerfield Beach, FL 33441
(954) 531-0300

Flavors of Spain Wine Dinner @ Neomi's 8/27/09

Flavors of Spain Wine Dinner

Mark your calendars to join Neomi's as they tour the diverse wine regions of Spain. Seven different wines from seven different regions are carefully complimented by the flavors of Spain, with modern interpretation. Antonio Gomez-Orodea, GM of Terraspania wines has carefully selected this collection of highly rated spectacular wines. And, Chef Kurtis Jantz has put together a thought-filled menu that perfectly matches each wine. ¡Salud!

Menu available here.

79.00, inclusive of tax and service charge

For reservations, please call 305.692.5770

Artisan Scotch Tasting and Seminar 8/22 @ Hollywood Vine

Hollywood Vine is teaming up with Scotch-extraordinaire Herbie Loebl of Artisan Brands to bring to you a comprehensive “classroom style” single-malt scotch tasting and seminar.

The event will be held at the shop on August 22, 2009 from 2-4p.m. and will include a discussion on single malt whisky while tasting some of the finest selections available in the market. Enjoy the opportunity to learn about Whisky, taste differences & nuances in each selection, plus get to try an Old and Rare bottle from our collection.

This event is for both newcomers and connoisseurs.

Ticket price is $25.00 of which $15.00 can be applied towards the purchase of any bottle tasted.

RSVP is necessary as seating is limited and a credit card number or cash deposit is required to reserve your spot. Please call us at 954 922 2910.

Single Malts to be tasted:

Lowland : Inverleven 1991 15 yr 46%

Islands : Bunnahabhain Heavy Peat 1997 10 yr

Speyside : Edradour 10 yr

Tullibardine 1993 Sherry Wood

Mortlach 15 yr

Vatted Malt : Hogshead 43%

Old & Rare : Strathisla 25 yr

Hollywood Vine

2035 Harrison Street

Hollywood, FL 33020

hvine@comcast.net

www.hvine.com

954-922-2910

Road Trip!!!!!

Low-cost airline Virgin America today announced plans to launch daily, nonstop service from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport to two California destinations this fall.

Beginning Nov. 18, the carrier will fly two routes to San Francisco and Los Angeles seven days a week, airline spokeswoman Abby Lunardini said. Introductory fares as low as $99 each way from Fort Lauderdale to both cities are available online, she said.

AND

Low-cost carrier Virgin America, which today unveiled plans to offer daily non-stop flights from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, to San Francisco is already facing fierce airline competition: JetBlue Airways.

The New York-based low-cost carrier announced this afternoon plans to start a daily, nonstop flight to San Francisco beginning Nov. 17. JetBlue's service will begin the day before Virgin kicks off its twice-daily, nonstop service to both San Francisco and Los Angeles on Nov. 18.

Source: Sunsentinel

Tanglewood Wine & Food Classic

I don't do the Twitter thing but I'm about to leave the Tanglewood Wine and Food Classic and feel the need to twitter... . What a great event. Great weather, great crowd and great great food and wine. Chef Steve Woods from the Patina Restaurant Group rocked a zucchini blossom stuffed with lobster. Awesome dish!!

Solo @ Yakko-San

Yakko-San is a favorite spot of mine that I unfortunately do not get too often enough. I had the opportunity to go solo last Sunday night and that is big trouble thanks to the huge selection of great dishes.

Yakko-San is an izakaya-style (Japanese tapas) restaurant located on Dixie Highway in North Miami Beach. They have an extensive menu with plenty of daily specials to choose from.

On Sunday, I went with an order of tuna sashimi which is always super fresh and outstanding. I also went with an order of Nasu Buta Miso Itame a/k/a Asian eggplant, pork, miso sauce. This may be my favorite dish there. The flavors are perfect. Another favorite of mine is the grilled pork belly. It's not a large portion so I knew I would be fine. However, they had a pork belly stew that the waiter highly recommended. It was great but a huge piece of pork. Last up was angel hair uni, ikura (fresh sea urchin & salmon roe). Sooo good.

I definitely ordered too much for one person but it was so worth it.




17040 W. Dixie Highway
North Miami Beach, FL 33160
West Dixie Highway and NE 171st St.
305-947-006

Weekend Specials @ Lola's on Harrison

Received an email regarding some great sounding specials at Lola's this weekend.

HAPPY HOUR 5-7PM

$3 CRAFT BEERS
50% OFF WINES BY THE GLASS
50% SIGNATURE COCKTAILS


CHEF'S FEATURES


PAN SEARED HUDSON VALLEY FOIE GRAS
Roasted Jalapeno and Cherry Lentil Salad, Fresh Mango Gastrique

PAN ROASTED NEW ZEALAND RACK OF LAMB
Herb Goat Cheese Crust, Pine Nut Cous Cous,
Oven Dried Tomatoes, Wild Berry Demi Glace

WHITE CHOCOLATE & AMARENA CHERRY BREAD PUDDING
Amarena Cherry Sauce, Whipped Cream

2032 Harrison St
Hollywood, FL 33020-5020
(954) 927-9851

Lola's on Harrison (Hollywood)

I recently realized that I've neglected to actually enter a post on the blog about one of my favorite restaurants, Lola's on Harrison. Lola's is located on Harrison St. in Downtown Hollywood. The chef/owner is Michael Wagner who has worked under Chef Allen and spent several years at Tuscan Steak.

Lola's specializes in sophisticated comfort food. The menu changes seasonally but his signature dishes remain in order to avoid a revolt by his regulars...

The restaurant is modern, comfortable and lively. They have a full bar now and have a huge selection of craft beers. They also offer half price bottles of select wine on Sundays and have great wine and beer flights at reasonable price points.

There have been some bumps along the way with service but the current manager is on the ball and the staff is top notch.

They are about to expand next door in order to accommodate private groups. They frequently host beer and wine dinners that feature creative dishes not on the regular menu. I would look out for them.

Standouts

The ricotta gnocchi is served in a wild mushroom sauce, shaved riccota salata and drizzled white truffed oil. Gnocchi's are light and the combo is perfect. Hard to pass on this dish. Comes in two sizes.

The "falling of the bone" beef short rib. They are known for their Coca-Cola BBQ beef ribs but the short ribs are the real winner. They are tender and packed with flavor. They also come in two sizes.

I'm not a crab cake fan but the Maryland blue crab cake is very good. It contains plenty of fresh crab with minimal filler.

The purple potato skins are a favorite of The Chowife. They are served with a sundried tomato creme fraiche, smoked bacon bits and caviar. Bacon and caviar? SOLD!!

If you catch the lobster or crab ravioli on the menu give it a shot.

Chef Wagner's Tuscan Steak experience is evident with his steaks. The cuts vary and they are usually very good as are his sides.

They currently have a grilled ruby red trout on the menu that is great.

As I mentioned earlier, they are famous for their Coca-Cola BBQ beef ribs. They are too sweet for me but they are good and people love them.

Make sure you stop off at Hollywood Vine across the street for a pre and/or post dinner glass of wine or two...

Lola's on harrison

Fulvio Spice

Fulvio's 1900 located on Harrison St. in downtown Hollywood, is offering a Summer Special Menu ala Miami Spice. Fulvio's is on the expensive side for Italian but they do a consistently good job and I've never had a bad dish there. The "spice" menu offers real value and a good opportunity to try some of their standouts.

The special prix fixe menu is available Sunday thru Friday, for a limited time only, for $35 per person.

Diners may choose from the following selections;

Appetizer

Mozzarella - Tomato, roasted peppers, castelvetrano olives, basil.
Meatball - Slow braised, with tomato sauce, ricotta.
Calamari - Sauteed with vinegar peppers, basil, and tomato sauce.

Entree

Chicken Cutlet - Peppers, onions, plum tomatoes, spinach, garlic and oil.
Filet Mignon - Roasted asparagus, portobello mushroom, gorgonzola cream.
Agnolotti - Roasted Butternut squash, brown butter, sage, and cream.
Snapper Francese - White wine, lemon, butter, wilted spinach.

Dessert
Strawberry Panna Cotta - Cracked black pepper, balsamic reduction.
New York Style Cheese Cake - Whipped cream, berries.

The calamari and mozzarella appetizers are solid options but the meatball is the play. It's one of the best in the area. The agnolotti is a popular dish if you are looking to follow it up with some pasta.

Fulvio's is an upscale, reliable Italian restaurant with very good service. Only issue is with some of the pricing, especially the BTG wine options and pours. Nevertheless, the food is in Broward's Italian top 4 along with Valentino's, Casa d' Angelo and Cafe Martorano.

Fulvio's 1900

Brunch & Beach for Free @ Neomi's (Trump Sunny Isles)

With the purchase of Neomi’s new Sunday brunch from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. ($39 per person and $20.00 for children under 12), guests will receive a complimentary day pass to Trump International Beach Resort’s pool and private beach,($35 value) Brunch includes a selection of traditional items, from truffled Kennebec potatoes and Bourbon Street French toast to Southern fried chicken and cilantro lemon fish and cupcake dessert bar featuring an assortment of mini confections. Brunch, Beach and stay for their Miami Spice Lobster Dinner. That's a nice trifecta...