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

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.