'Round the Bend

Tarpon Bend, that is. This isn’t your usual bar. Yes, you’ll find happy hour goers enjoying the daily 2-for-1 drink special, starting as early as 4 p.m.; and, yes, after a certain time, people do get rowdy and a little loud. But, the main reason that this isn’t your usual bar is because of their unbelievable food.

I know what your going to say, "This site is called Miami Bites, not Ft. Lauderdale Bites!" But, no worries, they have two locations, one in Ft. Lauderdale and one in Coral Gables. I was in the neighborhood and decided to visit the Broward location. I started with their daily-offered Nantucket Sound Clam Chowder. I am a huge fan of chowder and, from experience, I know it can go very wrong, but this Tarpon Bend version was oh so right. Next up, I ordered their Crab Cake Burger. Blue crab cake with nothing but lettuce and tomato made for a simple and fresh bite. Now, this is what I call seafood at its best—uncomplicated and affordable.

Bring anyone you want to share a good meal with here, and they’ll love you forever.

Address:
Neighborhood: Downtown Ft. Lauderdale
200 SW 2nd St
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
www.tarponbend.com

Price Range: $10-20/plate
Some Menu Favorites: Any chowder . Crab Cake Burger . Skewered Shrimp . Aged NY Strip Steak

Trip Report: Feast with the Beasts

Thanks to my lovely best friend, Chantell, I was able to snag 2 tickets to this year’s Feast with the Beasts at Miami MetroZoo.

We were running late, and being the ultimate punctual guest, I was not a happy camper. However, when we arrived, I was delighted to see there was neither a line at the entrance nor any lines at the tables. (Food festival lesson learned: Show up late enough for the crowd to pass, and early enough to visit all the participants.)

From Los Ranchos’ churrassco, un-strategically placed in front of the tigers, to Trattoria Sole’s risotto, and Badrutt’s Place’s heavenly Mousse au Chocolate, this festival offered plenty of choices. The event had more than 5 open bars throughout the trail and an awaiting “Dessert Oasis”, which included Ghrardelli’s Chocolate Company and Blue Bell Ice Cream booths. Since this particular food festival doesn’t seem to be advertised enough in Miami, I’m here to tell you GO TO MIAMI METROZOO’S FEAST WITH THE BEAST! If the food’s not enough reason to splurge on a ticket, proceeds benefit Zoological Society of Florida’s education and conservation programs. So, no more excuses, just go!

Address:
12400 SW 152nd St
Miami, FL 33177
http://www.miamimetrozoo.com/

It's Good to be Green

There’s something special about sitting comfortably outside with a small group of friends, enjoying the crisp Miami night air over appetizers and drinks. Surrounded by large trees, in the historic Coconut Grove area, Green Street Café offers just that. With lounge music in the background, still low enough to have a conversation, this is a perfect place for a first date or a girl’s night out.

I was lucky enough to go here in February, when the weather is ideal for dinner outside. For appetizers, we ordered their Jamaican Chicken Wings, which turned out to be well seasoned and not greasy at all (often a concern when ordering wings). For an entrée, I was able to try their tossed Linguini with Clams with white wine sauce. Let’s just say, there were only a few shells left on the plate by the end of the meal. Another perk at Green Street is that since it is a full bar and lounge as well, they have an array of drinks to offer, including wine, champagne, and their special Mango Martini. Cheers to that!

Address:

Neighborhood: Coconut Grove

3468 Main Hwy

Miami, FL 33133

http://www.greenstreetcafe.net/

Price Range: $13-20

Some Menu Favorites: Jamaican Chicken Wings . Hummus . Linguini with Clams . Blackened Dolphin . Mango Martini

For My Fellow Night Owls

As their website proclaims, “Benvenuti,” or Welcome to Segafredo. Welcome to red plush velvet couches and high-rise skyline. Welcome to loud house music and fashion shows on LCD screens. Welcome to beautiful crowds and crystal chandeliers.

If you find yourself in the heart of Brickell, on a late Friday night, with a rumbling stomach, please do yourself a favor and stop by Segafredo. Although Miami’s not the only city you’ll find this spectacular mix of restaurant and lounge, it is the only place you can find it in the Continental US.

As I yelled to our server, “I’ll have the Cotto e Funghi, please,” I didn’t quite realize what a treat I was in for. This late night menu pizza, topped with mozzarella, cooked ham, and mushrooms came straight from the oven to our table. It was a perfect complement to the drinks we’d enjoyed earlier (Caipirinhas, anyone?) and the scene that surrounded it. Followed by an authentic tiramisu, Segafredo’s menu proved to be a great way to satisfy any urge of late night munchies.

After your stomach has been filled, visit the nightclub inside, Spazio Negro, for more drinks, music, and fun.

Address:

Neighborhood: Brickell/Downtown

1421 South Miami Ave

Miami, FL 33131

http://www.segafredobrickell.com/index.html

Price Range: $10-20/plate

Some Menu Favorites: Classica Bruchettine . Gnocchi al Pesto . Cotto E Funghi Pizza . Tiramisu Martini . Sensation Dessert

I'm BACK!

In honor of Lent, I've decided to Resurrect my blog. Don't worry, I've missed you guys, too. Even without regular postings, I've still been scoping the city for great food spots and have much to share with you all.

First stop: Bottega Grill.

How great is it when a restaurant has delicious food, but is also so close to home that it can be an any-day-of-the-week outing? I’m sure I speak for everyone when I say, it’s awesome! I originally heard about this place because I once worked for Macaroni Grill (it was a long time ago people!) and when I visited there, my former co-workers informed me that the amazingly talented and highly respected GM of the ‘Grill’ had gone and opened up her own restaurant; at the same time, I learned that my favorite head chef had gone with her, which meant I had to try it.

Situated next to a CVS and playschool, you may not think so highly of Bottega Grill. However, that’s what gives it that undiscovered feeling. Once those doors open, though, all your doubts will escape. Friendly servers, a dark-wooded setting, and that comforting sound of pans and glasses clinking together in the background make for a great restaurant. On my first lunch visit, I tried their Pasta Torino, and was immediately sold. The perfectly combined sautéed shrimp, garlic cream sauce, and parmesan cheese were enough to make me a regular. Of course, the calamari before and mile high chocolate cake after didn’t hurt either. I recommend this restaurant for casual lunch or dinner out with friends or for a family outing. Trust me, Bottega won’t let you down.

Address:

Neighborhood: Southwest Miami

2411 S.W. 147th. Avenue

Miami Florida 33185

http://www.bottegagrill.com/index-grill.html

Price Range: $13-18/plate

Some Menu Favorites: Shrimp & Spinach Dip . Panini Rustico . Pasta Torino . Ravioli Formaggi . Mile High Chocolate Cake

My Kind of TOWN

The call themselves "a neighborhood joint", and with good reason because Town Kitchen + Bar is nestled within a cozy street in South Miami and the staff is welcoming and friendly. This place has a certain buzz about it. It feels like one of those restaurants where something important is always happening. From the large group celebrating a birthday to the couple sitting by the projected fireplace, Town really caters to whatever you might have going on.

Luckily, I made reservations because the place seemed full. Although, Town is quite large with outdoor seating available, plenty of bar space, and the usual dining area, with a separate room for extra seating. This night, we were seated in the dining area. It has low lighting, black & white photographs hanging, an industrial floor and roof, and a distinctive aroma of hearth oven pizza (which convinced me to order their personal Margherita).

To start, we had their warm shrimp salad. This was disappointing because it was basically guacamole with 3 large shrimps served atop, and it was not warm. Town redeemed themselves after the appetizer let-down when I received my Margherita pizza. It turned out to be thin, crispy, and delicious--exactly what I was expecting. It came with plenty of pizza, as I could not finish it all.

Town offers a really cool "Sides to Share" menu, which we ordered their 'Town Mac and Four Cheese Sauce' off of. This Mac and Cheese came straight out of the oven onto our table and was everything Mac and Cheese should be. It had a four-cheese blend, melted throughout the bowl, a slight crisp on top from the baking, and it was perfectly portioned for four of us to share. As an end to our meal, we ordered the Town Cupcakes dessert (that's right, cupcakes!). It came with (you guessed it) four cupcakes--two vanilla, two chocolate--and successfully managed to be the only dessert anyone can ever finish after a full meal.

My visit to this Town was not the last. I would recommend it for family gatherings, friendly outings, and even if your just going to get appetizers and desserts.

Address:
Neighborhood: South Miami
7301 SW 57th Ct
South Miami, FL 33143
http://www.townkitchenbar.com/

Price Range: $13-30/plate
Some Menu Favorites: Town Calamari . Margherita Pizza . Lobster Ravioli . Town Mac and Four Cheese Sauce . Town Cupcake Dessert

Revisit: Bonsai Thai + Sushi

Ok, I know I already reviewed this one; however I felt the need to elaborate because a) it was my first entry and b) it's officially my favorite sushi restaurant in Miami.

I recently went here on a Saturday night and its was P-A-C-K-E-D. Suprisingly, we waited about 15 minutes and then we were seated. The reason they had space for us is because Bonsai just expanded, adding a small "lounge room" on the side. This section has black walls with intimate lighting and only offers floor seats. I think this side would be great for a small party and obviously the food would be fantastic! (MiamiBites Launch party anyone?)

Speaking of the food, I'm guilty of doubting Bonsai. As we sat down, I turned and said to my boyfriend, "I really hope they don't take long with the food," and I really meant it. I was very hungry and the servers seemed busy with such a full restaurant. I should have known better because to my delight, our food was actually out extremely fast. We got our salad and appetizer just before I was about to pass out from hunger, finished it, and immediately was hit with our sushi rolls. You can't beat perfectly timed sushi!

Another thing to mention about Bonsai is that even with a packed house, even with to-go service going crazy, they still managed to deliver quality food. We had shrimp shumai to start and those little dumplings were fresh and simple, not overfried, but just right. We also shared chicken fried rice which has ripe tomatoes, cucumbers, peas, and carrots tossed right in.

I can't stress this enough: Bonsai is awesome! Affordable sushi, fresh ingredients, chic decor, and neighborhood friendly service. Just get up and go already!

Address:
14240 SW 8th St
Miami, FL 33184
http://bonsairestaurant.com/


Price Range: $10-12/plate
Some Menu Favorites: Edamame . Shrimp Shumai . Spicy Octopus Salad . Dragon Roll . Crunch Roll . Chicken Fried Rice . Thai Donuts