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

On Grand Avenue and Bourbon Street

Well that's not the exact location, seeing as how Miami has no Bourbon Street. However, I can see the possibilty of changing the name after the insertion of Christabelle's Quarter into the Grove. This looks, feels, and tastes like the real French Quarters. From emmaculate chandeliers and feathered masks to velvet draped windows and a huge stained glass dome, Christabelle's is capturing the essence that is New Orleans.

From what I understand, the jazz bands that play here are truly entertaining and we were 2 hours early for their Happy Hour, which starts at 5 PM. Lucky for us, the hostess let us in on a secret--"lunch is the best menu we offer"--and right she may be.

For starters, their Crab and Corn bisque is a must! This soup was filled with chunky crab meat that seemed to melt in your mouth. I'm not sure what else was in it besides corn because the soup was so white and all the flavors were blended well, but I do know that this had to be the best part of my meal. I also tried thier blackened chicken wrap, which had jambalya rice in it (because you can't call it New Orleans without jambalya), but was a little too spicy and overseasoned for my liking. Not to worry, Christabelle's finished with an 'A' after we shared thier Banana Foster at the end. Honestly, can you go wrong with bananas, ice cream, crepes, and bourbon? I think not.

This is the kind of place everyone should go to at least once simply for the decor. Every single detail in Christabelle's was hand-picked and purposely integrated. This designer had me sold and I only saw the first floor! That's right, the grand staircase actually leads to a more intimate second and even more VIP third floor.

I feel like Christabelle's should be visited at night. I've passed by there before and the music is lively, the lighting is perfect, and even if they don't offer the hostess' favorite menu, I'm sure it will be a fun night out.

Address:
Neighborhood: Coconut Grove
3157 Commodore Plz
Coconut Grove, FL 33133

Price Range: $8-10/lunch; $15-20/dinner
Some Menu Favorites: Crab and Corn Bisque . Christabelle’s Beef and Andouille Burger . Shrimp Remoulade . Blackened Mahi . Banana Foster . Creme Brulee
Picture Credits: Lauren Doval

Brosia Beautiful

If you want to escape to the Meditteranean without the flight, hotel stay, or travel expenses, Brosia Restaurant will do the trick. Situated in the Design District, Brosia transports you to a different world. The wall-covering Mosaic, the 4,000-square foot outdoor terrace, and the tremendously tall white colunms make-up a beautiful design.

Artistic decor is not all Brosia has to offer. The food is also worthy of praise. Everything from the starter hummus, served with pita chips, to the seared ahi tuna, accented with a tuscan white bean puree, to the pomegranate cosmopolitan tasted fresh and authentic. If you like plenty of options, beware because their menu is limited, but the choices are well thought out. Sometimes contemporary restaurants serve too little food for too much money; however, in Brosia, as shown in thier Parpadelle Pasta below, expect just the right portion.

Although the restaurant seemed to be full, it was amazingly quiet. Enjoying your friends' company is quite easy here. We sat along a huge back wall on a bench covered in brown, orange, and light blue pillows. I loved it because the outdoor setting is home-y, but still upscale. Once the Design District has fully undergone its transformation, Brosia will be one of THE places to dine.

As for now, I would suggest heading to Brosia to start your weekend off. The restaurant will make unwinding a little easier, and make you feel like your on vacation.

Address:
Neighborhood: Design District
163 NE 39th Street
Miami, FL 33137
(*Hint: Look for the huge 150-year old white oak trees)

Price Range: $19-28/plate
Some Menu Favorites: Meditteranean Salad . Parpadelle Pasta . Seared Ahi Tuna . Panna Cotta Cappucino
*Picture credits: Lauren Doval :)

A Grand Cafe

Nestled in the heart of Pinecrest, sits The Falls, a shopping mall filled with the latest and greatest of stores and dining options. Nestled on the outer rim of The Falls, sits Bice Grand Cafe.

The restaurant offers indoor and outdoor patio seating. The inside dining room is decorated with warm oranges and reds, while the oustide offers a more airy decor with large blue umbrellas that keep you amazingly cool along with chic orange and brown lounge chairs. I chose outside since Springtime in Miami is the only time in Miami to enjoy the outside and since my boyfriend brought his dog, Brewsky ( yes, dogs are welcome :] ).

The food here is perfection. Bice has taken classic recipes like Bruschetta and Burgers and added thier own twist like balsamic vinegarette and French dressing. For lunch, I decided to try their Chicken Avocado Sandwich, which is grilled chicken breast served on brioche bread (oh so soft!), topped with avocado slices, tomato, lettuce, cheddar cheese, bacon, and aioli sauce. This sandwich was extremely refreshing, suprisingly light, and perfectly balanced!

What sets this Cafe apart from the rest is their attentative service. I never had to ask my server for a refill and our table was always being cleared off. Another great perk about eating here is that right after a meal, you can enjoy some outdoor shopping in the mall. Personally, I couldn't ask for more.

Whether it's for lunch, dinner, or even brunch (served Saturday and Sunday until 3 PM), Bice Grand Cafe is a great place to get a great meal.

Address:
Neighborhood: Pinecrest
8888 SW 136TH ST
Miami, FL 33176

Price Range: $13-20/plate
Some Menu Favorites: Bruschetta . Artichoke and Spinach Cheese Dip . Herb Crusted Salmon Salad . Chicken Avocado Sandwich . Gnocchi with Chicken and Pesto . Creme Brulee

Orange you happy??

I'll tell you what makes me happy: vibrant citrus colors, lively samba music, and trendy local South Beachers; in other words, Sushi Samba Dromo makes me happy.

Literally glowing in the heart of Lincoln Road Mall, Sushi Samba hosts their weekly COSPLAY (a combo of Costume & Play) party every Tuesday night. Here, chic and fun meet. Whether its the music, the moving activity, or the upscale crowd, it's hard to walk by and not want to go in.

The cuisine is a mixture of Brazilian, Peruvian, and Japanese dishes. The combination may sound a little odd, but your taste buds and eyes will have no objections. The dishes are infused with exotic ingredients, and each dish seems to match the restaurant with orange, yellow, red, and lime always taking part. Lucky for me, I got a taste of thier appetizer Chicharron de Calamar, which is cornmeal-crusted calamari with tomato and tamarid sauce. I also enjoyed their Shrimp & Chimichuri skewer served over peruvian corn (this dish was so pretty, I didn't want to eat it!). For drinks, I suggest the traditional Brazilian Caipirinha or what I had, the Nina Fresa which consists of Stoli Strasberi vodka, muddled strawberry, orange liqueur, fresh lime & guava juices. Do not skip dessert and try their Três Leite, everyone at your table will be happy you did!

Since parking is usually the worst part of going to South Beach, I would suggest parking in the City of Miami Beach garage on 17th Street right before Washington Ave., because it is right next to the restaurant and there's always space. No dining spot on Lincoln Road is cheap and Sushi Samba is no exception, so go when you're in the mood to splurge.

To experience South Beach at its best, bring your friends, get ready to eat, drink, and live happy, then make your way on over to Sushi Samba Dromo.

Address:
Neighborhood: South Beach
600 Lincoln Road
Miami Beach, FL 33139
http://www.sushisamba.com/

Price Range: $18-30/plate
Some Menu Favorites: Chicharron de Calamar . Butter Lettuce Wraps . Samba dromo Roll . Miso-Marinated Chilean Sea Bass . Três Leite .

Welcome to...The Crab House

How can a restaurant be casual yet upscale? How can attentative service be acheived in a buffet restaurant? Ask The Crab House. Nestled in Miami's own North Bay Village, The Crab House seems to keep the perfect balance.


Visiting for my first time, I needed a lesson from the hostess. She informed my party that we had two options: 1.Spend $28.99 and enjoy their hot and cold buffet line of unlimited fresh crab, a variety of shrimp and sides to accompany, and an extensive salad bar; 2. Choose from their a la carte menu options ranging from $19-27. We chose to go a la carte (I saw the menu and had my eye on the clam chowder and crab dip not offered at the line.)

The choices don't stop there, with indoor and outdoor seating options available, too. For the nighttime, I suggest the patio--the view of the Bay is a great way to relax at the end of a long day.

Now, if you love seafood, this is the place to be. For my entree, I enjoyed their Mahi Mahi Bienville, which is Dolphin, topped with a crab and shrimp cream sauce, and accompanied by their crab orzo pasta; I wasn't too fond of the crab orzo just because I would have preferred the pasta alone, but overall it was a good meal. What made this place really shine was its service. Our server, Chris, not only gave us a Key Lime Pie on the house, he also threw in some free appetizer cards for our next visit (talk about a sales pitch!).

Keeping in line with the calm of Biscayne Bay, The Crab House is not an overly busy restaurant. It's really a great place to sit and enjoy your company, so bring someone you enjoy talking to like your best friend or significant other or you can follow in my steps and bring both! If you're looking for trendy, keep going on the Causeway, but if you want quality time and quality food, stop at The Crab House.

Address:
Neighborhood: North Bay Village
79th St Causeway
Miami, FL 33141
http://www.crabhouseseafood.com/

Price Range: $28.99/per person (buffet); $19-27/plate (a la carte)
Some Menu Favorites: Crab Dip . New Englad Clam Chowder . Cedar Plank Salmon . Mahi Mahi Bienville . Shrimp Scampi . Alaskan Crab Legs . Key Lime Pie

Amici's Forever

Amicis in Italian means "friends", and that's kind of the relationship I have with Amici's Trattoria Italian Restaurant. I've been visiting this place since middle school, when I would save my lunch money and use it to by a $1.25 delicious, over-sized slice of pizza on the way home. Honestly, it was just as good then as it is now. Amici's grew over the years, while I was doing the same just blocks away, from a tiny, 5-table restaurant to what it is now - a slightly larger, 15-table restaurant.

I've never been to Italy, but I imagine this is how the neighborhood restaurants really are. With Italian herb and cheese aroma filling the air, warm colored decor, framed black and white photos, I feel like I'm in the heart of Venice. The food here is fresh, hearty, and very affordable. I recommend coming in for the lunch specials, when you can order pretty much any dish for $6.95 and it comes with salad and garlic rolls (bring mints because these bad boys are covered in minced garlic, but are to die for!). Aside from the dishes, Amici's offers a large selection of brick oven pizza, cooked right in the front of the restarant.

For the family, this is the perfect place to eat well, save money, and come together.

Address:
10201 Hammocks Blvd # 140
Miami, FL 33196
http://www.amicismiami.com/

Price Range: $6-8/plate (lunch); $10-12/plate (dinner)
Some Menu Favorites: Pasta Fagioli . Garlic Rolls . Baked Ziti . Stuffed Shells . Calamari Marinara . Hawaiian Pizza . Amici's Homemade Tiramisu

Celestial Nights at Cielo

Recently attending their 1-Year Anniversary Party, I realized that Cielo Restaurant & Supper Club has singled-handedly revived the once thriving Coconut Grove.

The venue itself is gorgeous, but unlike some South Beach restaurants whose decor overpowers the food, the 'Supper Club' is not to be underestimated. I enjoyed their Grilled Salmon Napolean dish off the new, revamped menu and let's just say it was worth the waiting for my entire 10-person party to be present to then finally be seated. This salmon was stacked with tomatoes, spinach, and an added wonton crunch to make a great dish.

Since I was attending during a big event for Cielo, media covered the place with flashes going off everywhere, music blared to set the atmosphere, and a few celebrities were present in Cielo's private wine room. However, I've been there plenty of other times and I can truly say it's always hosting a beautiful, elite crowd.

Reservations are recommended, however you can always enjoy the bar options while you wait for your table. ;)

Address:
3390 Mary Street
Streets of Mayfair
Coconut Grove, FL 33133
http://www.cielorestaurant.com/

Price Range: $18-28/plate
Some Menu Favorites: Empanadas de Ropa Vieja . Grilled Salmon Napoleon . Spicy Seafood Linguine . Lobster Bisque . Chocolate Fondue (For Two)

Sushi for you!

At first, if you hear “Let’s go get sushi on 8th Street,” you might be a little, more like very, hesitant and with good reason. However, Bonsai Thai + Sushi is one of my favorite places to eat and it’s really the ultimate sushi spot. From the concrete ceiling & floors, to the mix-matched cherry blossom paintings across the wall, this place contains a great atmosphere, unbelievably fresh sushi, and outstanding service.

Bonsai is obviously a favorite among those who have discovered it, always rustling with activity-not to worry though, the wait is usually never longer than 5-10 minutes. The sushi bar is armed with at least 3 chefs and can be seen from the entire restaurant. One of those places where you can bring your best friend, your significant other, and believe it or not, your family!

With its contemporary Japanese décor and soundtrack of soft techno, Bonsai feels like it belongs in a chic New York neighborhood, but lucky for us, it chose West Dade as its home.

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

Price Range: $10-12/plate
Some Menu Favorites: Edamame . Spicy Octopus Salad . Crab Croquette . Dragon Roll . Crunch Roll . Thai Donuts

Why does Miami Bite?

If you've ever read any article, anywhere pertaining to 'America's Best Food Spots,' or 'America's Favorite Restaurants,' you've probably noticed that Miami restaurants are never featured. Being a 'foodie' myself, I've always wondered why Miami just never makes the cut. I've grown up here and I just refuse to believe that Miami dining has nothing to offer. That being said, I've recently made it my personal goal to discover what this South Florida food cuisine lacks, what it excels in, and what it really tastes like.