Monday, July 23, 2012

Best Restaurants Miami "Tiers of Excellence"


TV SOUTH PARK



I spent the past two weeks visiting several new and/or first time spots around town making this ranking the most difficult and thorough to date.  I'm going to stick with my normal "tiers" format because I think it is the best way to group the restaurants.  However, I decided to limit my tiers to twenty restaurants making the task even harder.  

In addition to recently losing Sustain, we lost two more tier mainstays with the closing of Sra. Martinez and the departures of Zakarian/DeRosa from Tudor House.   Two more that will be missed.


TIER 1- The BEST of the BEST. Run don't walk to these spots for A++ meals.

The Bazaar- Four fantastic visits. I could eat that way every day. Culinary treat!

Tuyo- Not sure there is a more talented chef in town. Chef Brana is doing the French Laundry thing in the 305.

Bourbon Steak- Always an A+ meal with A+ service and A+ wine. Specials always shine. Chef Gabe is James Beard worthy.

Naoe- Bento box starter always full of treats followed by mind blowing sushi.


TIER 2- This is a solid tier of restaurants putting out great food and providing an overall great dining experience. 


The Dutch- Chef Conor and crew are killing it over on the beach under the guidance of two time NYC James Beard winner Chef Carmellini. Don't miss the little oyster sandwiches or the ribeye for two.

Michy's- Would easily be in tier one if Chef Bernstein was in the kitchen on a daily basis.  Still great and a must do for tourists and locals.

Michael's Genuine- See Michy's

Azul- Kitchen continues to crank out some of the most creative and cutting edge food in town.

db Bistro Moderne- Chef Boulud's restaurants are always good and this one is no exception.

Edge Steak & Bar- Chef Brooks and Chef King are a welcome addition to town.  Don't miss their monthly tasting menu dinners.


Tier 3- Another strong tier featuring outstanding spots.

neMesis- Funky spot serving globally inspired food. Enjoy the journey.

Makoto- Sushi is up there with Naoe. Non sushi offerings great too.

Sushi Deli- Special place for sushi fans. Shhhh keep that a secret.

The Federal- Fun menu that delivers plus great wine, a great host and a cool spot to hang.

1500 Degrees- Chef Paula is a star for sure.

Red Light - Food is tier one worthy...


Tier 4

JuviaChef Oh's raw fish offerings coupled with dynamite views makes Juvia tier worthy and a must visit.

Milos- $20.12 lunch special is a steal and a deal compared to dinner prices.

Yakko-San- Hit the specials board.  Avoid sushi.  Perfect for groups.

Macaluso's- Best meatballs in Miami and not even close. Everything else is great too.


Honorable Mentions- Salumeria 104, NiDo Caffe, Pubbelly, Chef Philip Ho, Eating House, Sugarcane Raw Bar, River Oyster Bar, Timo, Altamar, Area 31 & Tuscano Divino.

To Eat Tier - Need to visit Haven, The Dining Room, Il Gabbiano, Zuma, The Setai & J&G Grill.


The Casual Tier- Counter service and/or on the casual side.

Shake ShackShack burger is so freakin good. 

Harry's Pizzeria- Enjoy this place more after every visit.  Cool casual spot in the Design District. Perfect pre Marlins game stop for those traveling from north of the stadium.

Sakaya Kitchen-  Don't be fooled by this fast food-esque place. Food is addictive so be careful.

Blue CollarGrab a burger or the big ragout sandwich along with the pork and beans. Killer secret menu item, The Chowfather burger.

Crumb on ParchmentChef Michy's delicious breakfast/lunch only spot in the Design District. They've turned their daily specials up a notch recently. Don't miss Mrs. Bernstein's cakes.

La Sandwicherie- Salami and provolone with the works. Pate works too.

Josh's DeliPastrami on rye all day

Kings County PizzaBest NY slice in Miami. Sicilian and grandma pies even better.  Don't miss the baked ziti. 




Thursday, July 12, 2012

Celebrate Bastille Day @ db Bistro Moderne

The hits keep coming from chef Boulud and db Bistro Moderne.  Celebrate Bastille day and take advantage of a three course lunch or dinner for $38.  This is a steal.  The pate and escargot dishes are both must gets.  Enjoy!!!








Wednesday, July 11, 2012

To Live & Dine with Chef Boulud 7/25/12

It  looks like we have another great charity food event in Miami.  On July 25, chef Boulud will play host to a tasting event featuring some great restaurants inclduing a sneak preview of Kris Wessel's new spot, Florida Cookery.  Tickets are only $25.00.

To Live & Dine in Miami Co-Hosted by Chef Daniel Boulud - July 25 [special invite]
To Live & Dine in Miami Co-Hosted by Chef Daniel Boulud - July 25 [special invite] To Live & Dine in Miami Co-Hosted by Chef Daniel Boulud - July 25 [special invite]

Monday, July 9, 2012

Taste of the Nation- Eat for the Kids!!! 7/19/12

taste-of-the-nation-banner

If you are a food fan like me this is a great opportunity for you to experience something you will enjoy while helping to end childhood hunger. So skip a couple of meals next week and head over Turnberry Isle on July 19th and eat some kick ass food from some great local restaurants/chefs and more importantly, help the children!

Share Our Strength’s Taste of the Nation is the nation’s premier culinary benefit, featuring top chefs and mixologists — all of whom are coming together to donate their time, talent and passion to end childhood hunger in America.

This year we celebrate the 25thYear Anniversary of the Taste of the Nation Miami led by Event Chair and Miami legend Chef Allen Susser. Chef Allen Susser and Restaurant Chair Chef Andre Bienvenu of Joe’s Stone Crab will put together an incredible line-up of local restaurants committed to Share Our Strength’s vision to ending childhood hunger. Each restaurant will prepare small portions of their best dishes for guests to taste, and guests will also have the opportunity to bid in a live and silent auction.

July 19, 2012

6:00 VIP/ 7:00 GA – 10:00 PM

Turnberry Isle Miami

19999 West Country Club Drive
Aventura, Fl 33180




2012 Event Chairs




We’re grateful to have Event Chair, Chef Allen Susser (Burger Bar/Chef Allen’s To Go) and Chef Chair, Chef Andre Bienvenu (Joe’s Stone Crab) back for the 25th annual Share Our Strength’s Taste of the Nation Miami.

2012 Event Hosts



A special thank you goes out in advance to MC’s Lori Jennings and Calvin Hughes of Local 10 News and Chef Ralph Pagano of Gulf Stream Casino will be hosting our exciting live auction

2012 Participating Restaurants

  1. III Forks Prime Steakhouse
  2. 1500 Degrees
  3. Area 31
  4. Bianca at The Delano
  5. Bourbon Steak
  6. Cantina Laredo
  7. Cookies by Shar
  8. Edge Steak and Bar
  9. Essensia Restaurant & Lounge
  10. Burger Bar by Chef Allen
  11. db Bistro Moderne
  12. De Rodriquez Cuba on Ocean
  13. J&G Grill at The St.Regis Bal Harbour
  14. Joe’s Stone Crab
  15. La Cote
  16. Lantao Kitchen
  17. Little Palm Island
  18. Makoto (Modern Japanese)
  19. Meat Market
  20. Mercadito Midtown
  21. Quattro Gastronomia Italiana
  22. Red, The Steakhouse
  23. Rosa Mexicano
  24. STK, Gansevoort
  25. Shake Shack
  26. Steak 954
  27. Sugarcane Rawbar Grill
  28. SushiSamba Dromo
  29. Ten Palms
  30. The Dutch
  31. The Forge
  32. Tudor House
  33. Turnberry Isle Miami
  34. Vita by Baoli
  35. We Take the Cake
  36. Whole Foods Market
  37. Wynwood Kitchen
  38. Yard Bird




Monday, July 2, 2012

Daniel Boulud Rosé Dinner 7/24/12

It looks like chef Boulud is planning another trip to Miami.  Lucky us!! I attended the burgundy dinner he hosted a couple of weeks ago at db Bistro Moderne and it was a great night of food and wine.  This looks like another must do for food and wine lovers in the 305.