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

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