2011 NFL Survivor Pool Pick Week 4

I told you Norv couldn't even screw up a home game against the Chiefs.

Week four provides us with some decent options.  Arizona, Jets and San Diego are off the board.

I really like the Saints this week against the offensively challenged Jaguars. But the Saints are on the road and I am not taking any chances with a road team this early in the season.

The Eagles are home against the 49ers and it looks like Vick is playing.  They should win this one but I'm not comfortable with their defense at this point.

The Bears are at home against Carolina.  I suspect a lot of people are shying away from this game because of the Cam Newton hype.  He's a rookie QB traveling to Chicago and facing a tough defense. Bears win this one.

The Packers look to remain undefeated when they host the Broncos.  Green Bay is the better team and should have no problem pulling away from the Broncos.  I expect a lot of people to use the Packers this week.


The official pick is.....

Tiers of Excellence - Miami's Best Restaurants

TIER ONE - The best of the best in Miami.

Bourbon Steak-Much more than a steakhouse. Chef Fenton is the most underrated chef in town. Best service and best wine list around.
Michy's- The Queen of Miami. Always delivers a great meal.
NAOE- Great daily changing bento box followed by mind and wallet blowing sushi. 100% omakase so leave your reading glasses at home. Slow pace so leave your watch too.
Michael's Genuine Food & Drink-The King of Miami. Great daily specials keep menu "fresh".  Don't miss dessert or Sunday brunch. 

TIER TWO

db Bistro Moderne- One word-Boulud
Hakkasan- Weekend dim sum lunch is a must do.
Makoto- Welcome addition to the Sushi scene.
Red Light- Tier one caliber food. Slow service and setting only drawback.
Yakko-San- Go with a group and order away.  Look for daily specials, pass on new sushi options.

TIER THREE

Sushi Deli-Special place for sushi fans. They close early so check times. 
Altamare- Great service and consistently good food. South Beach's finest.
Area 31- Make the effort to go. Chef Reidt has skills.
Timo- Diverse menu with something for everyone.
Sra. Martinez- Go early and stay after dinner so you can enjoy their great cocktails.

TIER FOUR

Sakaya Kitchen-Don't be fooled by this fast food-esque place. Addictive food is served.
Macaluso's-Best meatballs in Miami and not even close. Fahgettaboudit!!
Chow Down Grill- Chef Josh's specials board is the play.
Nemesis Urban Bistro-Chef Micah's world travels on full display. Sit back and enjoy the journey.

TIER FIVE

Sustain- Great affordable wine list and cocktails. Keeping it real.
Tudor House - Pork belly Cuban sandwich. You're welcome.
Sugarcane Raw Bar- Deceiving name with ambitious menu that delivers the goods. Lively scene.
Pubbelly- Fun place with fun menu.

TIER OF THEIR OWN (non traditional tier)

Gastropod- Miami's best food truck.  Chef Jeremiah is the real deal.
Shake Shack- That is a tasty burger.
Phuc Yea- Vietnamese inspired pop-up in downtown Miami. Phucin good. Run before it's pop over.
Crumb on Parchment- Chef Michy's delicious breakfast/lunch only spot in the design district. Don't miss Mrs. Bernstein's cakes.
Kings County Pizza-Best NY slice in Miami. Sicilian and grandma pies even better.  Don't miss the baked ziti.
Brana Food Group Chef Brana serves tier one caliber food on Sat. nights from home. Must do for food fans.
Joe's Stone Crab  Institution. Fresh stoney's from Oct. 15- May 15.

Honorable Mention- Meat Market, BLT Steak, Petit Rouge.

Places that I need to get back to because of new chef- Azul (Huff) and Sushi Samba (Bloise)

Places that I suspect are tier worthy but I have not tried,  Zuma, The Local, The Forge, Setai, Osterio del Teatro, Route 9 (one lunch), Palme d'Or, Whisk Gourmet.

Places that were tier worthy at one point but have dropped off because I have not been in a long time, Nobu, Bond St, Sardinia, Scarpetta, Blue Door.

Coming soon, Harry's Pizza, Yardbird, Pubbelly Sushi, The Dutch and Barceloneta.

Area 31 Common Threads Tasting Menu

I'm a big fan of what Chef Reidt is cooking over at Area 31 and this sounds like a fantastic meal and deal. Plus, they are donating $5 from each tasting menu ordered to a great cause so you are also doing some good while you stuff your face...  Chef Reidt delivered a great Cobaya dinner recently and I'm sure this will not disappoint.  See you there!!! 


The Tasting Menu is Back!
Beginning October 1st

Chef Reidt is bringing back Area 31’s popular nightly tasting menu.
A portion of the proceeds of the Tasting Menu will be donated to Common Threads, a national nonprofit organization, with roots in Miami, whose mission is to educate children on the importance of nutrition and physical well being.

The October Menu features:

Swordfish Tartar
Quail Egg, Crispy Chicken Skin and Truffle Caviar

Seared Foie Gras
Smoked Blueberry, Crispy Serrano and Ginger-Lemongrass Crumble

Lionfish and Confit Duck
Cider Braised Apples, Red Cabbage, and American Bourbon

Spice Crusted Lamb Loin
Pumpkin, Coconut and Hani’s Goat Cheese

Caramelized Paer Cremeaux
Walnut Brittle, Peppermint and Blue Cheese Ice Cream

The Tasting Menu will be available nightly for $60 per person or $95 per person with wine pairings.
Area 31 will donate $5 from each menu sold directly to Common Threads.

To learn more or to make a reservation please call 305.424.5234 or book online.

p.s. A little birdolee told me that the deal would run in November as well with a new menu.  It may look something like this 

 Bay Scallop/Burnt Orange/Coconut/Citrus

Sesame Cobia Tataki/Red Quinoa/Black Olive/Smoked Mango

Quail/Spiced Winter Squash/Pork Belly/Brussel Sprouts

Pork Cheek/Celery Root/Lobster Mushroom/Cranberry-Pistachio Crumble

Pumpkin Sponge Cake/White Chocolate/Caramel-Balsamic Ice Cream

2011 NFL Survivor Pool Pick Week 3

Hello fellow survivors!!!  All three of the teams I mentioned last week won easily including my official pick, the Jets.  Hopefully, you took my advice and stashed the Steelers for down the road.

Week three shapes up as a very difficult week if you follow my rules and avoid road teams and division rivalries.  Thus, we are going to deviate from my rules in order to survive this week.

The first game actually violates both rules but I can't see the Patriots losing to Buffalo.  Buffalo is improved but not ready to beat a Patriot team that is rolling on offense. That said, I'm holding the Pats for a home game.

Next up is the Detroit Lions.  As I advised last week, this team is clearly on the rise and destined to make the playoffs.  They too hit the road to face a rival.  They win but still too risky for me.

The super aggressive players out there may want to take a shot with the Carolina Panthers.  They are at home and face an awful Jacksonville team who has a rookie QB making his first start.  Carolina and Cam should win but I just don't trust them enough to make them the official pick. 

Last up is the San Diego Chargers who are at home against division rival Kansas City.  The Chiefs are a bad team who lost their best defensive player in week one and their best offensive player last week.  Not even Norv can screw this up...

Week three official pick is.......

Family Day in the Design District 9/24/11

I know where I'll be after Disney on Ice.....Hoping Harry's Pizza will be open

Click on people's faces in the photo to tag them.

NOLA Meets MIA 9/29-10/1

Great music plus great po-boys from Rumcake Factory

2011 NFL Survivor Pick Week 2

I'mmm baaaaaaaack!!!!!!

Just when I thought I was out they pull me right back in....


On to week 2.  I really like three games this week.  First up is the Detroit Lions at home against a reeling Chiefs team that just lost there nest defensive player last week (Berry) and has a QB regressing from the loss of C Weiss.  Detroit is a playoff caliber team on the rise.  They win at home today.

Next up, my J-e-t-s Jets Jets Jets!!! This Jets defense is once again legit and should have no problem shutting down the anemic Jaguar passing game.  This could be a shutout.

Last on my lock list this week is the Pittsburgh Steelers.  Seattle is an awful road team and they are making the long trip East for a 1pm start.  Not a good combination for them but a great one for Survivor pools.  Moreover, the Steelers are coming off an embarrassing defeat at the hands of their division rival last week.  I expect them to come out with a huge chip on their shoulder and win this one easily.

As my followers over the past few years know, I preach picking the best game each week and avoid looking ahead.  Slight departure from that theory this week because I view the Jets and Steelers games as even and one team has a mush easier schedule with some nice survivor options.

Thus, the week two pick is.......

 

Stag Leap Wine Dinner @ Michy's 9/22/11

Don't miss next Thursday, September 22nd for a Four Course Dinner along with wine from Stag's Leap Wine Cellars      welcome at bar   Sauvignon Blanc by Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, Napa Valley 2008   first   Salad of Heirloom Tomato Roasted Beets, Mâche, Candied Pistachios, Point Reyes Blue Cheese Karia Chardonnay by Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, Napa Valley 2008    next   Pan Roasted Squab Chestnut Spatzele, Pomegranate Brown Butter, Torchon Shaving Hand of Time by Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, Napa Valley 2008   then   Veal Osso Bucco Marrow Buttered Egg Noodles, Wild Mushrooms, Picked Herb Salad Artemis Cabernet Sauvignon by Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, Napa Valley 2007   finally   Cherry Clafoutis Sweet Cherry Pudding Pie, Laura Chenel Chèvre   Fay Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon by Stags Leap Wine Cellars, Napa Valley 2007   $75 per person (not including tax and gratuity) Thursday, September 22, 7pm sharp for reservations call tomorrow at: 305.759.2001

Join us on Facebook:

 www.facebook.com/MichysMiami

 

Michy's

6927 Biscayne Blvd
Miami, FL 33138

www.michysmiami.com

 

www.chefmichellebernstein.com

The Setai Wine Series 9/20/11

THE SETAI WINE DINNER SERIES

GRANDI VINI D’ ITALIA

Presented by Roberto Pighin, Giovanni Folinari and Alberto Chiarlo

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

8:00pm

USD110 per person

Please join us for an amazing journey through Italy with three winemakers whose wines follow the traditions of family experiences passed down from generation to generation.

We begin with Roberto Pighin who, for over 40 years, has been crafting exemplary estate Pinot Grigio from the cooler climate of the Collio Region near the base of the Italian Alps.Heading south to Central Italy and dating back seven generations of winemaking, Giovanni Folinari captures the essence of Tuscany and produces exceptional Chianti Classico and Super Tuscans. Reaching the final destination near the top of the Mediterranean is Piedmont where Alberto Chiarlo, an eighth generation winemaker, prides himself on the production of old-world classics like his award-winning single vineyard Barolo «Cerequio».

Your evening will start in The Courtyard with canapés followed by a 5-course wine paired dinner in The Restaurant for USD 110 per person. For more information, please contact Dining Reservations at 305 520 6400 or setaidining@ghmamericas.com, or visit www.setai.com/dining/specialevents

.

***

MENU

CANAPÉS

PARMESAN “SFOGLIATINA”

CARAMELIZED EEL, FOIE GRAS AND RADISH

Pinot Grigio «Grave» Pighin, Friuli 2010

BALLOTINE OF ARCTIC CHAR AND LOBSTER

Fresh Herbs and Caviar

Pinot Grigio, Pighin, Collio 2009

DOPIO AGNOLOTTI

Braised Wild Boar and Blue Cheese,

Crispy Walnut, Sage and Red Currant 
Chianti-Classico «Riserva, La Florra» Nozzole, Tuscany 2005

GRILLED PRIME RIB EYE

Black Truffle Mash Potato and Jus Gras 
Cabernet Sauvignon «Il Pareto» Nozzole, Tuscany 2008

THE CHEESE

Testun Al Barolo & Champagne Grapes

Gorgonzola Cremificato, Pear and Sauternes Compote

Pecorino Foglie di Noce and Crispy Honey

Barolo «Cerequio» Michele Chiarlo, Piedmont 2006

RASPBERRY AND CHOCOLATE MILLE-FEUILLE

White Chocolate Ice Cream

Moscato d’Asti «Nivole» Michele Chiarlo, Piedmont 2010

A credit card is required to hold your reservation. Price is exclusive of tax and gratuity.

2011 NFL Survivor Pool Pick Week One

Welcome back NFL Survivor Pool followers.  I regret to inform you that I have decided not to post my picks on the blog this year despite its popularity.  That said, I will still post my weekly pick via Twitter until we are eliminated.  If you are not on Twitter you can check back here since my Tweets are linked/posted on the right hand side.  Good luck and thanks for following.

p.s. My week one pick is...

Dolphins Express

 We should pack the bus with Jets fans!!!!!

 

Catch The Dolphins Express To Sun Life Stadium

2011 Dolphins Express ticket packages are on sale now for select games.
We are making it easy for you to catch a Miami Dolphins game and be at South Florida’s Biggest Party at Sun Life Stadium, thanks to Duffy's Sports Grill, the Official Sports Grill of the Miami Dolphins.
Dolphins Express Package Includes:

• Round-trip coach charter to Sun Life Stadium provided by American Coach. Simply park your vehicle at Duffy's Sports Grill and catch the Dolphins Express to Sun Life Stadium. One-half hour after the game, the charter will depart Sun Life Stadium and take you back to Duffy's. Just sit back and leave the driving to American Coach.
• Dolphins game ticket in the corner/end zones in the 400 Level. Ticket upgrade is available to 100 Level End Zone for an additional fee.
• Pregame tailgate party at Sun Life Stadium.

The bus will depart from the following participating Duffy's locations:

• Duffy's of Melbourne: 1700 Evans Rd, Melbourne 32904
• Duffy's of Jupiter East: 185 E Indiantown Rd, Jupiter 33458
• Duffy's of The Villages Inc: 721 Village Blvd., West Palm Beach 33409
• Duffy's of Boynton: 4746 North Congress Ave, Boynton Beach 33426
• Duffy's of Superplay USA: 1608 NW Courtyard Cir., Port St. Lucie 34986
• Duffy's of Royal Palm Beach West: 11943 Southern Blvd, Royal Palm Beach 33411
• Duffy's of Delray: 1750 S. Federal Highway, Delray Beach 33483
• Duffy’s of Coconut Creek: 4800 W. Hillsboro Blvd., Coconut Creek 33073
• Duffy’s of Plantation: 811 S. University Drive, Plantation 33324