Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Celebrity Happy Hour @ The Parrot (Ft. Lauderdale) 4/1/09

Celebrity Happy Hour to benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in memory of Jack Sargis.
Wednesday, April 1 from 5-9pm at The Parrot Lounge, 911 Sunrise Lane,Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33304.

Just $20 in advance, $25 at the door includes your first drink, appetizers, silent auction of local products and services as well as autographed sports memorabilia. This is your chance to rub elbows with some of South Florida's coolest celebrities for charity.

Erica Chevillar-Playboy model


Currently confirmed to attend:
Paul Castronovo-BIG 105.9FM
Erica Chevillar-Former Playboy model
Lionel Dalton-Baltimore Ravens
Cameron Davis-University of Florida
Autry Denson-Miami Dolphins
John Haley-2008 Winterfest Boat Parade Chair
Dave Hyde-Sun-Sentinel columnist
Jim Jensen-Miami Dolphins
O.J. McDuffie-Miami Dolphins
Major Parker-University of Florida
Doc Reno-BIG 105.9FM
Errict Rhett-University of Florida
Tiffany Santos-Former Playboy model
Lori Smiley-Model


To purchase your tickets, visit http://mygreatstrides.com.

Monday, March 30, 2009

Passover @ North One 10 4/8 & 4/9/09

Passover Dinner @ North One 10
Egg white fritatta topped with eggplant caviar, scallion crème fraîche, boiled eggs and parsley and a couple of harosets with Miami Shores mango, cumin, pear and mint and papaya - apple, almond, followed by
potato smoked salmon cake, organic chicken and basil soup with toasted garlic and calabaza dumpling; yellowtail snapper; braised short rib and roasted duck with orange lavender sauce.
For the table there will be a three-potato kugel, carrot and turnip tsimmes and roasted beets with Gongonzola as well as a cornucopia of desserts.

North One 10
11052 Biscayne Boulevard,
305.893.4211
$48.00 per person, non inclusive of tax and gratuity
$24.00 per person for children under 12


Meet the Wine Maker Dinner @Lola's on Harrison 4/7/09

I'm a fan of Lola's and they do a good job with their wine
dinners and this one sounds good.
The short rib is great.

http://www.lolasonharrison.com/blog/uploaded_images/Celestine-DinnerBLOG-768093.jpg

Saturday, March 28, 2009

Bourbon Steak

Had another great meal over at Bourbon Steak. This place is a steak house and the steaks are great but there really is much more to it than steak. I went with the 18oz bone in ribeye which was excellent. Cooked perfectly (medium rare) and packed with flavor. The complimentary duck fat fries and accompanying dipping sauces (three types of fries and sauces) are a great start to a meal. The focaccia bread drizzled with truffle oil was also great. We followed both with the heirloom tomato and burrata appetizer which was outstanding. May be the best burrata I've had in Miami. (Had a very good one a while back at Table 8). The side of truffle mac and cheese was prepared perfect, a great side.

This place is not cheap but as I advised in a prior post, they have a new bar and burger menu which looks great. The bar and lounge area are nice and this is a much less expensive way to experience one of Miami's best spots.

Bourbon Steak Bar/Burgers Menu


You can check out All Purpose Dark's recent burger review here Bar Burgers


http://michaelmina.net/mm_bourbonsteak_miami/

Bourbon Steak Miami on Urbanspoon

All You Can Eat Gnocchi @ Piola (Hallandale)

Piola® Gnocchi day

All you can eat Gnocchi for one low price

on the 29th of every month.*

(Sunday, March 29th, 2009)

www.piola.it








1703 E. Hallandale Beach Blvd
Hallandale Beach, FL 33009


They have a couple of gnocchi options.
The least expensive is $10.50. I like their pizza and
this is a good spot to watch the NCAA tournament on Sunday
while you chowdown on some gnocchi...

Friday, March 27, 2009

Taste of MiMo

A Taste of MiMo
WHAT: Taste samples from participating restaurants and check out Miami Modern architecture.
WHEN: noon-5 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: Biscayne Boulevard between 67th and 78th Streets, Miami
ADMISSION: free with tastings from restaurants costing $2-$4
INFO: 305-609-4288 or mimoboulevard.org

I enjoyed the last one and was able to sample some great food at Kingdom, Uva 69, Red Light, Moshi Moshi etc.


Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Meat Bracket Mania

In the spirit of he NCAA Tournament, Paul Lukas at ESPN Page 2 prepared a Meat Bracket to determine the best meat of all. And the winner is...

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

8oz Burger BUST

I'm a bigger burger fan than bbq fan so 8oz Burger was a much bigger disappointment than Bulldog. I was really underwhelmed by this place and can't figure out how a talented chef opens a place that specializes in burgers and doesn't knock it out of the park. I went with the 8oz burger with a side of truffled potato skins. I wanted to try the chorizo stuffed olives and fried pickles but they were out of both. How do you run out of pickles and olives??? The burger had no flavor, no soul. It's fine for a burger on a restaurant menu but not good enough for a place named 8oz Burger Bar. I went in expecting Mandalay Bay Burger Bar quality and it did not deliver. Not even close. Oh yeah, you can get better potato skins at a chain restaurant. Donde esta las trufas?

If you are craving a good burger stick with Kingdom, Five Guys, Char-Hut and LeTub. Burgers are not their specialties but Sonny's Famous Steak Hogies (Hollywood) and Kelly's Landing (Ft. Lauderdale) also do good burgers. If you hit Sonny's you still have to order a cheese steak. At Kelly's grab some chowder, clam bellies and a lobster roll.

www.8ozburgerbar.com

8 OZ Burger Bar on Urbanspoon

Monday, March 23, 2009

Bulldog BBQ and Chef Tally

I'm not a BBQ expert or traditionalist by any means. I'm just a guy who appreciates all types of good food and have enjoyed some very good bbq during my days in the deep south. I've been to the legendary Rendezvous in Memphis a couple of times and loved it. My palate is capable of identifying good BBQ from bad.

I'm a top chef fan was looking forward to Headband Howie's opening of Bulldog BBQ in North Miami. I've tried it a couple of times now and want to like it but... everything I've tried is good, nothing is bad but nothing is great. It all lacks flavor and some kick. (sides too) The pulled pork and brisket were tender but surprisingly flavorless. Nothing I've tried has any wow factor and every aspect of my meals have been forgettable.

It's still early and I will give Howie another shot but I think he will have issues with the BBQ purists and some have already said so over on chowhound.

For the purists out there, I would highly recommend checking out Chef Tally. He sets his operation up in a warehouse parking lot on Friday and Saturday nights just North of Hallandale Beach Blvd. (from 95 take Hallandale beach blvd west, right on 56th ave, left on 25th st, he is set up in a parking lot, can't miss the lines) He is there from 3pm until 2 a.m.ish. His chicken and rib combo does not stink... smokey and full of flavor. He serves very good sauces too.

Bulldog Barbecue on Urbanspoon

Friday, March 20, 2009

Bourbon Bar Burgers @ Bourbon Steak

I went on the Bourbon Steak website to review the new bar menu and noticed that they have a new Bourbon Bar Burger Menu. I suspect those burgers are going to be very good. The Bourbon malted milkshake sounds great too (Jim Beam and Salty Caramel) and we can't forget those duck fat fries

Links to both new menus are below.
bar menu

Bar Burgers


michaelmina.net/mm_bourbonsteak_...

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Kuro Cube

Looks like it's time to ditch the Arm & Hammer in the fridge guys...


Kuro Cube

kuro-charcoal-cube.jpg

You gotta love something that absorbs odors and only needs a little bit of sun to 'reactivate' its powers.

Kuro Cube reduces the refrigerator odor
and gives a healthier environment.
Kuro Cube adsorbs gasses and odor
to keep the food fresh longer.
Kuro Cube is made of powdered White Charcoal
and is active for years. Give it a sunbath every now and then to reactivate its powers.

Dimensions: 3" x 3" x 3"

$45.00, Buy it here.





Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Patz & Hall Winemaker Dinner @ The Setai 4/9/09

“Patz & Hall Winemaker Dinner”

Thursday, April 9, 2009

7:00pm Reception ~ The Courtyard

7:30pm Dinner ~ The Restaurant

Established in 1988, Patz & Hall, has remained one of the most innovative and passionate wineries throughout California. Being one of the first to focus on single vineyard wines they established many important relationships with vineyard owners over the years. Today with these relationships they are the leaders in the production of single vineyard chardonnay and pinot noir. All their wines are made in very small lots and are consistently praised for their seductive character and vivid flavor. Please join us for rare opportunity to meet owner and founder, Donald Patz and taste some of their most sought after new releases, paired with an exclusive menu from Executive Chef Jonathan Wright.

Wine and Food Pairing

Sea Urchin, Shiso, Wasabi and Ginger Tempura,

Oscetra Caviar, Ginger Yogurt

2006 Chardonnay “Dutton Ranch” Sonoma Coast

-

Lightly Smoked and Confit Columbia River Salmon, Celery Root Puree

Slow Cooked Cipolini Onions, Pinot Noir Reduction

2007 Chardonnay “Zio Tony Ranch” Napa Valley

-

Seared Tuna Belly, Warm Salad of Capers, Spring Morel Mushrooms

Green Olives, Garlic Emulsion

2006 Pinot Noir “Chenoweth Ranch” Napa Valley

-

Spiced Wagyu Strip Loin, Enoki Mushrooms, Braised Leeks

Porcini Puree, Truffle Ponzu Sauce

2006 Pinot Noir “Alder Springs Vineyard” Mendocino

-

Dark Chocolate and Earl Grey Crèmieux, Hazelnut Praline

Bitter Chocolate Ganache, Orange Sorbet

2006 Pinot Noir “Hyde Vineyard” Napa Valley

Dinner ~ $110 per person (plus tax and gratuity)

More Info: the setai





Beer v Wine Dinner @ Lola's On Harrison 3/19

Beer v Wine Dinner Lola's on Harrison in Hollywood.

When: Thursday, March 19th

Time: 7:00 pm

Where: Lola’s on Harrison, 2032 Harrison St, Hollywood, FL 33020 (954) 927-9851

Cost: $60

These are the tentative wines for the event.

Reception:

Purple Potato Pancakes with Mango Crème Fraiche

Fresh Basil & Organic Mint

Bliss Sauvignon Blanc & Shipyard Brewery Chamberlain’s Pale Ale

Appetizer:

Mini Shrimp Burgers with Bibb Lettuce,

Heirloom Tomatoes & Housemade Tartar Sauce

Bliss Chardonnay & Shipyard Ringwood Old Thumper

Entrée:

Grilled Buffalo Strip Loin with Salsify Puree,

Brocolini & Green Peppercorn Demi Glace

Bliss Cabernet & Shipyard Signature Series Barley Wine Style Ale

Dessert:

Dark Chocolate & Pecan Pie with Mocha Fudge Sauce

Shipyard Signature Series Imperial Porter

More Info: Lola's on Harrison


Friday, March 13, 2009

Hell's Kitchen thursday's! @3030 Ocean

Every Thursday night 3030 Ocean holds a viewing party in the 3030 Bar and restaurant starting at 9pm and going until the party is over. Join them for $5 drink specials along with some passed samples of items Paula is cooking on that nights show.

**Paula DaSilva is chef de cuisine at 3030 Ocean and is a contestant on Hell's Kitchen**

She has a real shot to win this

PAULA DASILVA.jpg

Paula DaSilva

3030 Ocean


Thursday, March 12, 2009

St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Festival in Downtown Hollywood – March 15


Downtown Hollywood’s annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Festival will feature Irish folk and rock bands, step dancing, Irish coffee, food and beer from noon to 6 p.m. Sun., March 15 along Hollywood Boulevard west of Young Circle, between 18th and 19th avenues.

The parade will roll at 1 p.m. at S. 21st Avenue and Harrison Street, travel north to Hollywood Boulevard, east to Young Circle, south to Harrison Street and back to 21st Avenue.
New Irish Pub Mickey Byrnes located on Hollywood Blvd. in downtown Hollywood is having a block party as well.
www.mickeybyrnes.com

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Neomi's Wine Dinner 3/12

Cellars Wine & Spirits Warehouse wine dinner at Neomi's at the Trump International Beach Resort on Thursday, March 12th, 2009 at 7:00pm. They will be featuring outstanding wines paired with some exceptional dishes from Neomi's.

Menu

Starter

Black Cod ~ Black Tea

lemon balm tea infusion, peanut pain de gene, caramelized white chocolate,

1,000 flower honey compressed pears

2006 Stratton Lummis Chardonnay, Carneros

1st Course

Duck '3 'Some

sous vide, confit, roast

3 textures of cherry, 3 textures of basil

2007 Row Eleven Viñas 3 Pinot Noir, California

2nd Course

Smoked Wild Salmon

cherry wood cold smoke, cranberry consommé

vanilla caviar, Iberian bacon

2006 Row Eleven Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley

3rd Course

Colorado Lamb

Char-grilled strawberries & blue cheese marble

smoked sea salt & black pepper crust , spiced cola glace, pumpernickel streusel

2005 Row Eleven Pinot Noir, Santa Maria Valley

Dessert

Tobacco Chocolate Square

red currant compote, cassis sorbet, dehydrated chocolate

2004 Stratton Lummis Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley

Date: Thursday, March 12th, 2009

Time: 7:00pm Reception 7:30pm Dinner

Reservations: RSVP at 305.692.5770

Neomi's at Trump Miami, 18001 Collins Avenue, Sunny Isles Beach, FL 33160 www.trumpmiami.com

305-692-5770

Price: $75.00 per person all inclusive (including tax & gratuity)

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Single Malt Scotch Dinner @River Oyster Bar 3/11

SINGLE MALT SCOTCH DINNER

Date: Mar 11, 2009 (Wed)
Time: 7:00 PM - 10:30 PM
Cost: $70 per person


Place: The River Oyster Bar
650 South Miami Avenue
Miami, FL 33130

amuse

FIRE ROASTED OYSTERS

sofrito butter, chorizo, queso manchego

Caol Isla, 8 Year, Islay

first course

“PAINTED HILL” FARM TENDERLOIN CARPACCIO

steak tartare, horseradish rémoulade, quail egg, crostini

Bladnoch 15 Year, Lowlands

main course

ROAST ORGANIC SALMON

artichoke, lobster & wild mushroom hash, salsa verde, crispy leeks

Mortlach 21 Year, Speyside

dessert

CHOCOLATE TRUFFLE CAKE

coffee caramel, vanilla bean cream

Glenrothes Macphail’s Collection, 30 Year, Speyside

More Info: The River Oyster Bar

The River Oyster Bar

Beer v Wine Dinner 3/11 Bin No. 18

I've never been to Bin No.18 so I can't vouch for it but the menu/dinner sounds good.

Beer vs. Wine Dinner

March 11 @ 8pm

at

Bin No. 18

275 NE 18th St # 107

Miami, FL 33132

(786) 235-7575

Bin No. 18 Chef/Owner Alfredo Patino, along with Sarah Noble of Selected Brands Inc., and Chris Montelius of Fresh Beer Inc, will be presenting a gourmet four-course experience that will feature hand selected craft beers and wines specifically paired for each course in a challenge for culinary superiority.

The “Beer vs. Wine” Dinner will begin with a welcome reception, followed by expert commentary and full descriptions

of the beers and wines (4oz each) provided along with each course.

Guests will vote for their choice of the best pairing at the end of each course.

After the the night, votes will be tallied and the victor will be announced!

****First Course****

Herb Stuffed Artichoke with Dijon Truffle Dressing

Wine: Sauvignon Blanc, Momo, New Zealand

Beer: Blanc de Chambly, White Beer, Quebec

****Second Course****

Porter Glazed Pan Seared Duck Breast served with

Potato Hash, Cranberry & Sage

Wine: Shiraz, Jim Jim, Australia

Beer: Rogue Hazelnut Brown, Colorado

****Third Course****

Rib Eye Steak (Tagliatta) with Beer Batter Onion Rings, Garlic Spinach with Maytag Blue Cheese & Tomato Confit

Wine: Tempranillo, El Curato, Toro, Spain

Beer: Avery “The Reverend” Colorado

****Fourth Course****

Vanilla Crème Brule with Caramelize Figs

Wine: Trentadue Chocolate Amore

Beer: Olde School, Barley Wine

Cost: $50 per person, plus tax & gratuity

Please RSVP to Bin No. 18 @ 786-235-7575


Home Page Image

Monday, March 9, 2009

Kelly's Landing (Ft. Lauderdale)

I have a great casual spot in Ft. Lauderdale for all the New Englanders out there. It's Kelly's Landing. You'll think you are back in Boston with the Red Sox, Celtic and Patriots games on and
the memorabilia on the walls. I am a die-hard Yankee fan so you know the food must be great if I frequent the place... The original is still open in Boston. Must gets include the clam chowder, fried ipswich clam bellies, lobster rolls and the burgers. Yes, the burgers are great too.

link
Kelly's Landing Seafood Restaurant - Welcome!
11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Sunday through Thursday
11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Friday & Saturday

1305 SE 17th St.
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
Kelly's Landing-New England on Urbanspoon
Logo





Sunday, March 8, 2009

Starbucks New Pairings

Starbucks introduced new breakfast pairings options last week. For $3.95 you get a 12-ounce drip coffee or latte and an artisan bacon sandwich, artisan ham sandwich, oatmeal or coffee cake.
There is obvious value here when you opt for one of the sandwiches so the real question is how do they taste.

I'm a big fan of their Pike's Place drip but normally pass on a pastry or sandwich with it. However, the artisan bacon sandwich looked good sitting in the display case and I decided to give it a shot this morning. Glad I did because this was very good as far as fast food (Dunkin/Starbucks included) breakfast sandwiches go.

Starbucks describes the sandwich as a flavorful bakery-style sandwich made with a parmesan egg frittata, four smoked bacon slices, and Gouda cheese on a perfectly-baked hand-shaped artisan roll. The roll was the real star.
I would recommend giving the Pike's Place/artisan bacon sandwich combo a shot.


starbuckssandwiches.jpg
Starbucks

Saturday, March 7, 2009

Most Desirable 2009

Chowfather's TOP 10

1.Bar Refaeli
Bar Refaeli - 2009 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition - SI.com
2.Miranda Kerr
http://www.nypost.com/photos/galleries/entertainment/pp_20090305_victoria_secret/photo01.htm
3.Tori Praver
Tori Praver - 2009 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition - SI.com
4.Irina Shayk
Irina Shayk - 2009 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition - SI.com
5.Jessica Alba
Image results for jessica alba
6.Alessandra Ambrosio
Image results for alessandro ambrosio
7.Adriana Lima
Image results for adriana lima
8.Marissa Miller
SI.com - 2008 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Photo Gallery - Marisa ...
9.Heidi Klum
Image results for heidi klum
10.Natalie Portman
See full size image

Honorable Mention Rachel Bilson, Sienna Miller and Emmanuelle Chriqui
Image results for rachel bilson
Image results for sienna miller

Check, Please!

Season two of Check, Please! South Florida with host Michelle Bernstein starts this Monday(3/9) @ 7:30 on pbs (2)

Guests will be reviewing El Toro Taco, Homestead; Rustic Inn, Ft. Lauderdale; and Berries in the Grove, Coconut Grove

*** check out Pres. Obama on the original Check,Please! Chicago in 2001.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8oyTD6JGie0

Thursday, March 5, 2009

Local Produce Deal

Sunset Corners Wines & Liquors in Kendall and Teena's Pride farm in Homestead are joining forces to form a community-supported agriculture program. People can pay $40 a week for a full box of local produce -- lettuces, herbs, peppers and tomatoes -- or $25 a week for a half box.

A four-week trial begins March 12, with customers picking up their produce on Thursday afternoons at Sunset Corners, 8701 SW 72nd St., Miami. For further information, call 305-216-2336 or e-mail sbfinc@teenaspride.com.

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Passover @ Chef Allen's

They are serving Seder dinners at Chef Allen's, for the first 2 nights of Passover on April 8th and 9th. The menu tells the story. The remained of the Passover week they will serve foods appropriate for Passover. Proceeds from the Seders are donated in honor of Chef Allen's grandmother to the Rose Rosenkranz Philanthropic League to benefit those less fortunate families, to bring them Passover foods.

The Traditional SEDER plate

Served with A Tasting of Charoseths
  • Ashkenazi: Apple, Walnut and Concord Grape Wine
  • Caribbean Sephardic: Coconut, Almonds and Dried Fruit
  • Yemenite: Dates, Apricot and Sesame
***************

Pan Roasted Mahi Mahi Cake
Moroccan Carrot -Almond Relish, Horseradish Foam

***************

Zucchini Matzo Lasagna
Organic Spinach, Purple Eggplant, Tomato Salsa
or
My Grandmother's Chicken Foot Soup
Parsnips, Green Onion, Motzah Balls

***************

Zaatar Grilled Lamb Steak
Sweet Potato Matzo Brei, Crisp Pickled Vegetables
or
Preserved Lemon Rotisserie Kosher Chicken
Cinnamon, Apples and Apricots
or
Olive Oil Poached Salmon
Braised Fennel, Grapes, Raisins, and Saffron

***************

for the family to share
Root Vegetable Cholent, Tahini Haricot Verts Calabaza Motzah Kugel

***************

Hazelnut Almond Cake
Lemon Curd and Seasonal Berries
or
Chocolate Pecan Macaroon Brownie
Chocolate Cinnamon Sorbet


Adults: $75.00 per person (plus tax & gratuity)
Children: $50.00 per person (plus tax & gratuity)


> Click Here To Make a Reservation for Saturday
> Click Here To Make a Reservation for Sunday