Cider-Brined Turkey & Maple-Bourbon Glaze: Recipes from Seasons 52

​In our look at Seasons 52, parts one and two, we pretty much covered the food and wine at this new restaurant on Miracle Mile. Today we close our look out with two of chef Clifford Pleau’s recipes that could turn out quite useful come Thanksgiving Day: Cider-brined Turkey and…

Che Pasta, Lilo’s Pizza, and Macy’s Taste Bar Busted

So, you haven’t heard from us in a while. Doesn’t mean rat  turds aren’t ending up in your lunch break. Brush your teeth and read on to find out who’s been busted recently for health code violations at our local restaurants. The following inspections all occurred since October and were…

Some Grocery Totes Contain Lead

They say the road to hell is paved with good intentions. That may be, but what about the road to learning disabilities in children and fertility problems in adults? Who knew that being environmentally conscious could make you sick?If you are one of the millions of people that has bought…

Single Serving Shots: A New Way to Wasted

Juan Echeverri did not start out selling frozen alcohol to overzealous college students. This Medellin-born entrepreneur first started a non-profit venture producing frozen treats that single mothers could sell in the summer for some extra money. But then he noted the popularity of his frozen pops on the beaches of…

Blog Watch: Fabada, Cupcakes and Flat Stanley

The latest from the South Florida food blogosphere …A cupcake order goes bad for … And the Eggs.Redland Rambles tells us about the opening of the Pinecrest Gardens Market.The Chowfather has Sol Kitchen cater his NFL Sunday.Jeff Eats visits Buena Vista Deli. The Burger Beast reminds us that Lee Schrager will…

Sneak Review: Lee Schrager Interview

​This week’s Cafe column will contain an interview with Lee Schrager, best known locally as being the man behind the South Beach Wine & Food Festival. In the talk we discuss the upcoming SBWFF as well as the new SBWFF cookbook, which Schrager will be discussing in person at the…

Seasons 52: First Bites (Part 2)

On Friday we offered a first look at Seasons 52, which debuts on Miracle Mile this afternoon. Today we take a closer look at some of the foods and wines sampled.We sat down for a round of courses matched with wines. My favorite among the dishes sampled was one of…

Crazee Olive Not So Crazy For Serving Up A Falafel Burger

It’s beef?!…No!… It’s vegetarian?!… Yes, it’s Afazel’s falafel! Mohsen Afazel’s Crazee Olive Mediterranean Grill can easily be missed while driving, or walking, down Washington Ave. But find it, step inside, and discover a casual Mediterranean restaurant with a diverse menu of distinct dishes. And then, among the list of simple…

Paradise Farms Now Serving Lunch

​Paradise Farms Organic, under the elegant auspices of Gabriele Marewski, starts up another season of Dinners in Paradise. First lavish outdoor organic meal takes place December 12 with a chef lineup of Sugarcane’s Timon Balloo, River Oyster Bar’s David Bracha, and Loews Hotel Miami Beach’s Fredrick Delaire & Jason Prevatt…

Gigi Starts Serving Lunch Next Week

Have you ever gotten a craving for Gigi’s pork buns right smack in the middle of the day? Good news. The restaurant will open for lunch starting Tuesday, November 16, according to its Facebook page. It will also serve brunch on weekends…

The Wholesome Grocer Brings The Farm To The Beach

​The Wholesome Grocer, a community service created by cooking instructor Cindy Hill, brings fresh, local and organic foods from farmers, ranchers, artisans and vendors to Miami Beach every month. It works like this:You start by selecting the products you want at info@onceuponacarrot.org They will then confirm the order and price, at…

Seasons 52: First Bites (Part 1)

Seasons 52 debuts on Miracle Mile this coming Monday, November 15. When plans were announced for the Coral Gables venue some months ago, I was skeptical; just couldn’t see a corporate restaurant with outlets in eight states being nimble enough to fashion menus based on seasonal and local produce in…

Expanding Mex: Salsa Fiesta Plans #2, Lime Fresh Grill Celebrates #7

​It’s been just one year since Salsa Fiesta, opened its doors, but Cesar Olivo, CEO, chef, and founder, is ready for store number two in Pembroke Pines. The new 80-seat space will be located in Cobblestone Plaza (itself new) at 14914 Pines Blvd. Opening is set for around mid-to-late March.”We’re…

Tonight: Food Truck Meet Up on Bird and 65th

You can get your tasty treats in “La Souwesera” once again tonight from 5:30 to 9 at SW 65th Avenue and Bird Road AKA Miami Street Food Court. You will see a vacant lot, illuminated only by the food trucks. Tonight, Nacho Mama’s Grill from Key Largo will sling their…

Moonchine’s New Lounge: Garden 71

The fast growing and perhaps too busy Biscayne corridor welcomes a new hot spot. Lounge 71 at Moonchine (7100 Biscayne Blvd.)The restaurant has long served Thai, sushi and Vietnamese food. There is both indoor and outdoor seating. The new garden lounge spins beats while you sip drinks. You can also expect…

Check Out Mai Tardi’s New Menu During Happy Hour

The Place: Mai Tardi 69 NE 39th St., Miami305-572-1400maitardimiami.comThe Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 5 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.The Deals: Enjoy $4 beers, $5 wines by the glass, and $6 specialty cocktails.The Scene: This week the Design District’s Mai Tardi got a revamp. The outdoor area went zen with Buddahs, serene…

Grilled Chicken Chipotle Sandwich: Get it While it Lasts

​We first discovered the grilled chicken chipotle sandwich ($2.79) from Pollo Tropical upon the recommendation of a friend who had to convince us to try it, knowing that we refused to eat Pollo Tropical until the day came when we became trapped inside one of the restaurants during a plague…

First and First Peanut Butter Cupcakes

Ray Hicks is a good Southern boy who grew up on comfort food and at his downtown eatery, First & First Southern Baking Company. He’s bringing those flavors to Miami one deliciously gooey cake at a time.  From Coca-Cola cake to red velvet,  the only thing more American in this…

Five Drunk Ways to Celebrate Thanksgiving

That time of year is approaching again — the day we get to stuff our faces with a large amount of heavy food and have the luxury of napping afterward. However, we must not forget about the festive cocktails. Forget about the wine. Get your hands on a drink intended…

Catch Grill + Bar To Open In Marriott Biscayne Bay

The Miami Marriott Biscayne Bay’s $31 million dollar renovation is nearing completion. When the dust settles next month, Catch Grill + Bar will be a gleaming new restaurant within, with glistening bay and marina views. The look promises to be that of a “sleek steakhouse,” but the menu will focus…

Greens Cookbook Recipe: Basque Pumpkin and White Bean Soup

​Yesterday we featured the 23-year old classic, The Greens Cookbook: Extraordinary Vegetarian Cuisine from the Celebrated Restaurant. Today we share a recipe from the book that seems perfect for Thanksgiving, or just for autumn in general. This recipe, and others in the book, is as meticulously detailed as you’ll find…