Sneak Review: Cecconi’s Miami Beach

A small bite of next week’s Cafe review (we’re still full from yesterday): We went instead with nearly transparent wisps of black truffle shavings upon mashed potatoes, an accompaniment to poulet rouge ― modeled after France’s Label Rouge birds, raised on all-grain diets and three times as expensive as commercial…

Following South Florida’s Food Truck Trend

While this week, Miami New Times is celebrating our inaugural Miami People issue, our sister paper, New Times Broward-Palm Beach, has a feature that explores South Florida food trucks.Former food critic John Linn focuses on the meals-on-wheels phenomenon from Palm Beach to Miami-Dade, profiling trucks like Nacho Bizness, Latin Burger…

Cantina Beach at Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne Reopens

If at first you don’t succeed, try again. Cantina Beach at the Ritz-Carlton in Key Biscayne reopened its freshly refurbished doors on November 15 after a kitchen fire caused its closure over the summer. “The new Cantina Beach offers innovative menu additions with daily special’s I have created based on…

Grazie’s New Zealand Lamb Rack a Steal at $29

The appeal of Grazie Italian Cuisine comes in part from its curious location on Washington Avenue. In a neighborhood of casual eateries and dives, a restaurant that prides itself on quality of service and food is a refreshing thought, especially when the prices are more than fair. On a Tuesday…

Author Julie Pech: Eat More (But Better) Chocolate

Don’t hate Julie Pech because she has the best gig on the planet. It took some serious guts ​for the gal to toss her corporate job years ago to pursue her passion–chocolate–and share the knowledge she gleaned about this wonder food by writing an informative, research-based book incorporating various findings,…

Pubbelly Finally Opens on November 23

Overly eager business owners and publicists are notorious for announcing new restaurant births only to have the public wait, and wait, and wait for an actual opening. Pubbelly, Miami’s newest Asian-inspired gastropub, is no exception.We announced it more than two months ago and now, partners Andreas Schreiner, Jose Mendin and…

Christian Awe’s Art Colors Wynwood Kitchen & Bar

Wynwood Kitchen & Bar, set to open on November 26, has been a work of art shrouded in secrecy; so much so that although we were granted access inside to speak with artist Christian Awe about the pieces he was hired to create for the restaurant’s dining room, we weren’t…

Decadent Pumpkin Pie Cupcakes With Recipe Just in Time for Turkey Day

As Thanksgiving gets closer, the smells of cinnamon, cloves, ginger and all spice become increasingly more irresistible, especially when referring to dessert. Two words – PUMPKIN PIE.Despite the fact that pumpkin pie can be made all year round thanks to ingredients like canned pumpkin puree, it seems as though most…

Joan Nathan on Quiches, Kugels, and Couscous

​South Florida certainly has its share of Jews–it has been estimated the tri-county area of Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach is home to about 10 percent of American Jews–so we wanted to share some culinary inspiration, especially in the wake of our bacon and pork belly craze. Thankfully, author Joan…

Miami Ad Students In National Competition To Reinvent Fast Food

“What if fast food could be…different?” That’s the latest question posed by Yoxi (pronounced YO-see), a new interactive competition and social game that challenges teams of problem solvers to create and communicate unique solutions to pressing social issues. Nadia Payan, Rose Llera, Suhey Saldarriaga, three students from Miami Ad School,…

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…

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…

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…