Hot Lunch Spots in the Downtown Area Part 1

The Downtown/Brickell area has been evolving by the day, becoming a center point for culinary delight.  I've had a lot of fellow foodies ask me for suggestions not only for great dinner places here, but also hot lunch spots as well. Since there are many places to go have an amazing lunch in Downtown/Brickell, I thought it would be fun to give you a taste of some of my favorites.

Whether you are in the mood for a salad, sushi, steak, seafood, or a sandwich, there are many dining spots available to choose from. The great thing is that many of these places have specials and deals happening on certain days of the week that will not only make lunch a delight for the stomach, but a relief for the wallet as well. I chose to start of with three places  in the Midtown area. The Midtown Miami  area is the neighborhood just north of Downtown Miami, along Biscayne Boulevard, and south of the Miami Design District. Once an area that was in disarray, it has been revitalized and become a trendy, well visited urban neighborhood, where there are paved sidewalks and abundant landscaping. It is now the home to The Shops at Midtown Miami, an outdoor shopping area designed to look like New York's SOHO district, and containing many popular stores and restaurants. Midtown Miami has  also become home to several Art Shows and lounges.

Lime Burrito

Bean Burrito

Our first adventure takes us to a place that has been rapidly expanding to over 11 locations in the East Coast, and for very good reason: Lime Fresh Mexican Grill located at 3201 Miami Avenue, Suite 100, at The Shops at Midtown Miami. I'll start by saying that I went to a couple Mexican places in the area to find the one I wanted to share with you, and none measured up to this one. The food here is delicious, fresh and very filling. They have their produce delivered daily and all the sauces, salsas and side dishes are homemade. The menu is extensive and the staff is very friendly and welcoming. On my latest visit, I ordered the Lime Burrito.  The Lime Burrito is one of the favorites here; imagine a flour tortilla stuffed with your choice of chicken or ground beef, homemade organic refried beans, jack and cheddar cheese, sour cream and shredded lettuce. Delicioso!  I chose the ground beef this time and it was incredible! The meat was seasoned so perfectly, I wanted to lick my fingers each time I got some there. The burrito was big and very generously filled. It came served with a side of warm, homemade tortilla chips that I just couldn't put down. Which brings me to something else I like at Lime: their variety of sauces and salsas. They have a counter filled with everything from fresh cilantro to pico de gallo.  These are not only great to put on your food if you choose to, but also to dip their delicious chips in. Being an avocado lover and knowing their homemade guacamole was divine, I ordered a small side of it and promised myself I'd order a large one on my next visit here. Another great thing about Lime? They're promoting healthy eating habits and giving us a break with Meatless Mondays. Veggie buys, such as the Bean Burrito, which I also sampled on my visit, are all twenty percent off! Definitely a great place for lunch and perhaps for a tasty Margarita? Call them at 786-260-2553 or visit them online at http://www.limefreshmexicangrill.com/.

Pork Buns

Honey Orange Ribs

Our next adventure in Midtown takes us to Sakaya Kitchen, located at 3401 N Miami Ave, Suite 125, also in the Shops at Midtown Miami. How many of us actually look forward to eating brussel sprouts? I didn't either until I tried them here. Sakaya Kitchen serves Asian  inspired food, with an edginess all of its own. I came here after a friend recommended it to me, and left both happy and satisfied.  The menu is very interesting, providing nutritious foods in a fun, delectable way. I started off by ordering the Pork Buns stuffed with 8 hour roasted pork, cucumber pickles, and ssamjang sweet chili sauce. Oh wow, were they good! The delicious mess I created eating each of my two pork buns was so well worth it. The buns themselves are so soft and fluffy, they practically dissolve in your mouth, and the meat..oh the meat! It  was tender, flavorful and sweet. I could taste the slow cooking and careful marinade it went through before reaching my mouth. Last but not least, the final touch to this creation: the sweet chili sauce. A blend of ingredients that complement each other, it gives the pork buns the ultimate kick to make it a wonderous experience.  Next, I had the Honey Orange Ribs, that came with jasmine rice, scallions, and ginger brussel sprouts. The ribs were very tender and sweet; with the meat falling off the bone, and the jasmine rice had a creamy texture as it mixed with the sweet spices of the dish...but the most impressive item on this dish were the brussel sprouts. I have never had brussel sprouts cooked this way. Talk about an explosion of gastronomical proportions! The sprouts are caramelized and smothered in ginger; making them sweet, savory and the best side dish I've had in a long time. You have got to try them and see for yourself.  If not here in Midtown, in their mobile food truck, Dim Ssam a gogo.  By the way, Sakaya Kitchen has also recently opened a second location in the downtown area, so depending on where you work, or which is closer, you have two choices of where to enjoy their one-of-a-kind brussel sprouts. Contact them at 305-576-8096 or visit them online at http://sakayakitchen.com/.

100 Montaditos

Fries

Another place I love  is 100 Montaditos, located at 3252 NE 1st Ave, Suite 104, also in The Shops at Midtown Miami. It's no wonder they're all the craze with some 200 locations worldwide (in France, Mexico, Portugal, and, primarily, in Spain), and more popping up everywhere. (I saw one opening soon in Miracle Mile.) This Spanish wonder of small sandwiches, takes the concept of "montados" to a whole new level. In Spain, a montado is a flavorful topping "montado", or "riding" on a small slice of baguette. It is another small bite very popular in their tapas bars. They come in a variety of flavors and can be prepared both hot and cold. 100 Montaditos  has over 100 of these little sandwiches on their menu, and they vary in price from one dollar to three dollars, depending on how many ingredients are assembled on the bread. I usually order 3 or 4 sandwiches every time I go and while I absolutely adore almost all the ones I have tried, my personal favorites are: 

#87-Salmon with cream cheese, arugula, capers and olive oil on mediterranean bread, 

#91- Serrano ham with mozzarella, fresh tomato and pesto sauce, also on mediterranean bread and 

#69-Tortilla espanola with Iberic cheese, chorizo and olive oil on etiqueta negra

Delicious montaditos

Dollarmania Wednesdays

When you order the sandwiches, you want to accompany them with one of their delicious fries. They come with special sauces for dipping, including  brava, mojo picon, ali oli and ketchup. Their salads are an adventure in themselves, with the freshest of ingredients and generous portions. Try the Salmon Salad with mixed lettuce, smoked salmon, surimi crab meat, olives, crispy onions, cherry tomato and pink sauce. You will never forget it! For dessert, you have a variety of montaditos to sample as well, including one with a Dulce de Leche Chocolate Spread and Cookies and Cream Chocolate Bar. Their menu identifies which montaditos are vegetarian, lacto vegetarian or ovo vegetarian, so if that's your preference, you will find a good sampling here. Also, if you are on the run, they can pack up your montaditos to go, and they'll carefully place them for you in the cutest to-go boxes.

Here's the best part (besides the taste). Wednesday is Dollarmania at 100 Montaditos. That means every single montadito is $1.00! Yes, I said one dollar. Their fries are also a dollar, and their salads are 2 dollars. Great deal for amazing food! To contact them call 305 921-4373 or visit their website at http://www.100montaditos.com/us/.

Next time you're wondering where to go for lunch in the Downtown/Brickell area, give these places a try and let me know how it goes. Since there are so many other wonderful choices that provide great lunch food, in a relaxing ambiance, I'll be posting some more next week. If you have any other ideas or suggestions, I'd love to keep hearing them! Bon appetit! 

                             

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Sushi Samba Dromo

Sushi Samba Dromo

Samba Dancer

Mardi Gras is French for Fat Tuesday, which began its roots with the practice of celebrating the last night of eating richer, fatty foods before the ritual fasting of the Lenten season started on Ash Wednesday. Many countries celebrate Fat Tuesday ( known as Shrove Tuesday in the UK and Sprengidagur in Ireland), with their own traditions and celebrations. In Brazil, Carnaval celebrations take place during this time, with the biggest most lavish street parties in the world that feature samba dancers parading down sambadromes; making your heart pound with excitement. Here in the U.S., when we think of Mardi Gras, we think of New Orleans and all the beads, dancing, masks, scrumptious food and sinful drinking that come with it. But luckily for us in Miami, we don't have to travel very far to experience all the magic and exhilaration that comes with Fat Tuesday. While there were many places this year celebrating Fat Tuesday with incredible menus and festivities, I chose to spend my last day of gluttony before Lent, donning my purple, green and gold, at Sushi Samba Dromo, located at 600 Lincoln Rd.

Carnavale Cocktail

I first read Sushi Samba Dromo's special Fat Tuesday menu online and thought it sounded amazing. They were going to feature samba dancers and drummers, making Lincoln Road come alive with the aura of the Brazilian carnivals. Once we sat down and read through the menu, Cynthia, our waitress, was extremely helpful.  She explained that Sushi Samba serves an infusion of Japanese, Peruvian and Brazilian cuisine. We quickly realized there were so many dishes that sounded tantalizing, we just couldn't decide what to try, so Cynthia helped us narrow it down with a good variety of dishes. She also came by our table a few times to see if we liked our choices. Before we ordered anything to eat, I ordered the amazing looking drink I had been craving all night: The Carnavale Cocktail, an alluring mix of Leblon cachaca, Domaine de Canton, fresh kiwi, and Champagne.

Wagyu Gunkan

Once I had treated myself to a couple of sips of this amazing concoction, we decided to start off with one of their Gunkan selections. Gunkan (named after the Japanese word battleship because of its appearance) is a kind of nigiri sushi, comprised of a mound of sushi rice wrapped with a strip of nori, and topped with various ingredients. At Sushi Samba, they extend on this concept by combining unique, unexpected flavors. We chose the Wagyu Gunkan, which consisted of densely marbled, rich raw beef, with potato paille, sea salt, and topped with a raw quail egg yolk. The portion wasn't large, with only two rolls, but the flavor was huge. All I could think of when I popped one in my mouth was WOW! Truly delicious and unforgettable!

Sea Bass and Miso Anticucho

The next morsel of paradise we tried was one of their Anticuchos. Anticuchos are popular dishes in Peru consisting of small pieces of grilled, skewered meat. The meat is usually marinated in spices before it is cooked.  Knowing we were now looking to sample some seafood, Cynthia suggested we try the Sea Bass and Miso anticucho, which was comprised of two skewers served with  Peruvian corn. In this instance, the sea bass was marinated in miso, making the end result a delicious, sweet fish with an incredibly tender texture. The kernels of peruvian corn that accompanied the sea bass skewers were the largest I had ever eaten before, and were very tasty as well; delighting the senses with  a smoky and delicate finish.

Crispy Taquitos

Following this amazing dish, we ordered two Crispy Taquitos, served with spicy aji panca sauce and fresh lime. We chose the Yellowtail, mixed with shiso, avocado and roasted corn miso, topped with shredded cabbage and radish, and served in a crispy taco shell. Once again, this was an amazing dish! The tuna was extremely fresh and flavorful and it left us with the desire to have a couple more; but we were excited about keeping the variety of food coming.

Carnaval Roll

At this point, I wanted to try something else from their special Carnaval menu, so I ordered another item that had caught my eye: the Carnaval Roll. The Carnaval Roll was created with tuna, salmon, shrimp, yellow chimichurri and brazil nut. This was not a typical roll, even to the eye. The fresh pieces of tuna, salmon and shrimp, sat atop batter-like squares, that practically melted in your mouth. This was an incredibly exhilirating experience!

Copacabana Crispy Red Snapper

There was still another item on the Carnaval menu that we were curious about: the Copacabana Crispy Red Snapper, flavored with lime, chili  and cilantro, and accompanied with coconut rice. I truly enjoyed the presentation of this dish. Deliciously seasoned snapper "nuggets" surrounded the backbone of the fish; with a buttery sauce on the side for dipping. The coconut rice was moist and savory; pairing perfectly with the fish.

Suspiro Limeno

Finally, after this grand feast, we shared a dessert. While there were several selections on the menu that sounded appetizing, we went for the Suspiro Limeno, noticing it was a different take on ones we had had before. This one was "doce de leite" flan, roasted meringue ice-cream, port cake, and almond crumble. All the ingredients were served mixed together in a large bowl; the ice-cream and flan on the bottom with a rainfall of chunks of port cake and almond crumbles showering them. It was a nice combination of flavors; subtle yet refreshing.

Drummers

My adventure at Sushi Samba was superb and the service was unequivocal. Our glasses were always full and our plates were replaced after each dish. Amazing! The ambiance was truly festive and we enjoyed watching the live feed of the Rio de Janeiro Carnavals on their walls, as well as the energetic samba dancers and drummers. This is a place I highly recommend and am looking forward to returning to soon. There are just too many dishes on the menu I need to enjoy! For reservations, call 305 673-5337 or visit them online at

http://sushisamba.com/index.cfm/id/7/id2/15.html.

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Nexxt Cafe

When you're a seafood lover like me, there's nothing like walking down the street and seeing a sign with two lobsters on it and a caption reading $24.99. That's a deal I just can't pass up. And I didn't. The haven boasting this alluring message? Nexxt Cafe on 700 Lincoln Road. I have to say I love this place. Its location on Lincoln Road, an area where you could come to take a stroll, shop in one of its unique stores, have a drink with friends, or a nice meal in any of their restaurants or cafes, is just one of its many allures. I have tried a bunch of items on their menu and I still haven't found something I didn't like.

Sangria

On this my latest visit, the place was as busy as usual. The people-watchers sitting outside under the large, umbrella-covered area were enjoying their meal and relaxing, as the crowd of locals and tourists walked by. After a couple of minutes, we joined them and were given the huge book otherwise known as the menu. Nexxt Cafe has a very extensive menu; very similar to the one in the Cheesecake Factory, with literally something for everyone. Since the menu is so varied, I decided tonight I'd try as many plates as possible, to be able to give you a good sampling of the items they offer.  As I reviewed the menu, I ordered their delicious Sangria. It was refreshing, and very fruity. I knew I'd be having more than one since it seemed to hit the spot just right.

Ahi Tartare

Chicken Croquettes

I decided to start off my adventure with an old favorite: Ahi tartare! It's very hard for me not order tuna tartare when it's on the menu and tonight was no exception. The raw tuna  comes mixed with avocado and soy-ginger sesame sauce, and served with wonton chips. Very tasty and fresh. I enjoyed the way the chunks of tuna and avocado were randomly set together; making it exciting and a surprise with each bite. Next I tried the Chicken Croquettes. They sounded like a lot of fun because they had a twist. They were filled with fontina cheese, which I happen to love, fried crisp, and came with an amazing dipping sauce. Delicious! The cheese was nice and hot and it literally melted in my mouth.

Tuna Tacos

Mini Buns

The next appetizer I ordered was the Tuna Tacos. I figured the ahi tuna tartare was so fresh, I'd try it in yet another dish. These were mini tacos filled with ahi tuna, guacamole miso, chili aioli, and lime-jalapeno sauce. I hit another winner! The taco shells were very crispy and once again, the tuna mix had a nice unique kick to it. I wanted to make some comparisons so I ordered the Mini Buns. These were bite-sized Although they didn't come with cheese, I added it because they just wouldn't be complete without it. They were scrumptious little fellas. Big bold flavors in tiny packages!

Two Lobsters

Jambalaya

I told you what brought me here in the first place, right? The lobsters! So, my next request were the Two Lobsters. They came sitting pretty on the plate, accompanied by delicious garlic butter. Absolutely scrumptious! They were an excellent size and the meat was very tasty. I couldn't believe the value! I thought I'd try one more favorite before calling it a day and ordered the Jambalaya. Just as I like it, the Jambalaya was prepared with shrimp and chicken, and sauteed with fresh tomatoes, onions and peppers. All was combined in a delicious spicy sauce over rice. Flavorful with just the right amount of spice, the dish was a great rendition of the New Orleans staple.

Belgium Chocolate Cheesecake

You're probably thinking, my goodness, does this girl have a bottomless pit? The answer is, although surprising, no. I brought a couple of reinforcements with me and the expectation of a doggie bag when I just couldn't ingest anything else. But, since I had treated myself to such a variety of flavors, I wanted to end the night with something sweet. Nexxt is known for their famous cheesecakes, so I thought we'd share one- my personal favorite: the Belgium Chocolate Cheesecake. Talk about luscious and sweet. This slice of paradise is made with Belgium chocolate cake and chocolate mousse. Once I finished, I looked around and actually scraped the spoon on the plate and licked it quite diligently. That's how amazing it was!

Now that I've gone over all the dishes I sampled on this visit, there are a couple of other things I'd like you to know. The portions here are lavish, and when I say lavish, I mean huge. From the salads to the entrees, you can easily share the dishes, or get ready to ask for a to-go box because you will more than likely have plenty of leftovers. The service is not all that great. I've been here several times, and it's been a hit and miss each time so come prepared to enjoy the food - not the service. Finally, while I didn't have these two dishes on this visit, you may also want to try the Shrimp Guacamole Bites and the Guacamole made-to-order. They are both fabulous and I highly recommend them.

Well, you've gotten a pretty good idea of what to expect at Nexxt Cafe and there are still so many other delicious options to explore from their menu that it makes me giddy with anticipation. I'd love to hear what other dishes you have tried here so I can enjoy them on my next visit. For now, after this feast, I am going to run, not walk, to the gym. For more information on Nexxt Cafe, visit their website at http://www.nexxtcafe.com/ or call them at 305-674-3320.

 

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Soyka The Restaurant and Lounge

Less than a decade ago, the MiMo district (Miami Modern District) was not a place beeming with too many tourists or visitors in general. Although quite popular in the 1950's, with a string of affordable hotels and the first franchised Playboy Club (sorry, no longer there), the stretch along US1, running on Biscayne Boulevard from 50th to 77th streets, fell into disrepair for many years. Now, however, the neighborhood is being revitalized with boutiques, parks, lounges, art galleries and an excellent variety of restaurants, making it a great alternative to those looking for respite from the hustle and bustle of South Beach.

Cheval Noir

It was National Drink Wine Day, so we wanted to find a casual, yet trendy place to celebrate with a nice bottle of wine and great food. Looking for just the atmosphere of the MiMo district, we ended up in Soyka, located in the 55th Street Station, at 5556 NE 4th Court. There were many events going on in Miami this weekend, such as Premios Lo Nuestro, the Miami Boat Show and the Coconut Grove Arts Festival, so the place was packed. They have their own valet parking area but it was already filled and so we had to circle around a while, looking for parking; ending up right back at the valet. After about 15 minutes, we left the car right at the entrance, and the valet parking attendant took the keys. Inside, was just as full. There was live music playing and the main dining room was bustling with conversation.

We had reservations, and after checking in and waiting a few minutes, the hostess came and offered us a table. It was just set away from their main dining room, in an area they call The Gardens. Since I hadn't seen this area before, I was a bit hesitant; but once we walked in, I fell in love. It was an intimate patio corridor dining area filled with colorful flowers and beautiful green  potted plants cascading down the walls between the ironwork of the windows.  I was immediately transported to Venice and one of their romantic outdoor cafes. Everything became more quiet and the entire mood changed. This was exactly what I wanted this evening!

 



Crab Cakes

Argentinian Chorizo

We ordered our bottle of wine, a Cheval Noir, from St. Emilion in France, and looked through the menu; a unique and interesting take of what they refer to as American comfort food dining. For starters, we ordered the Crab Cakes, made with pan seared jumbo lump crab meat, and a dash of remoulade sauce, sitting atop of julienne vegetables. They were tasty and meaty and the portion was very satisfying. We also ordered the Argentinean Chorizo, a stew-like dish that incorporated the chorizos with bell peppers, onions and tomatoes. Of the two appetizers, this was my favorite! It was extremely flavorful and I not only enjoyed the meat itself, but the sauce was amazing also!

Lobster Ravioli

Porcini Crusted Grouper

For our next course, we chose the Lobster Ravioli and the special fish for the day which was a Porcini Crusted Grouper. Both entrees were superb. The Lobster Ravioli was delicious, with each ravioli filled with lobster meat, and prepared with shallots and scallions in a creamy brandy sauce. The pasta was just the right consistency and melted in my mouth with a splash of flavors that were heavenly. I loved it! The porcini crusted grouper was just as amazing, accompanied with haricot vert salad and yellow pepper coulis. It was fresh and well seasoned, with a great crispy texture on the outside and juicy inside. As a side dish, we ordered the Sweet Potato Fries, which I must say, were addicting - there was no way to stop grabbing them!

Sweet Potato Fries

Homemade Brownie

We asked for the dessert menu, and perused it for a while. Nothing stood out at me, but being the chocolate lover that I am, I finally decided on the Homemade Brownie. It was made with dark chocolate and came with vanilla ice-cream on the side.  It was good but definitely not the best part of dinner and I would probably try something different the next time I come.

Since the restaurant was very full, we did have to wait quite a bit of time between the courses, and that got a bit bothersome; but the food was so wonderful and the ambiance so picturesque, that at the end of the night, all else was forgotten. 

For additional information, visit their website at http://www.soykarestaurant.com/ or call them at 305 759-3117.

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Hakkasan at the Fontainebleau

Valentine's Day is a day that symbolizes love. Whether we are celebrating the love we have for a child, our parents, a friend, or a significant other,  a popular tradition is to mark the occasion with a nice dinner. Some choose to stay in and enjoy each other's company at home, others perhaps pick up some food and have a picnic at the beach, while others go out to a restaurant. While any way we celebrate it becomes a memorable moment, this Valentine's Day, I was surprised with a romantic dinner at a beautiful place, where the mystery of the Orient meets the modern elegance of Miami Beach: Hakkasan at the Fountainbleau. Hakkasan, a world renowned Chinese restaurant, first opened its doors in London (Hanway Place), and was the first Chinese restaurant in Europe to receive the Michelin Star in 2003. Currently, there are seven Hakkasans globally in places such as Mumbai, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, London (Mayfair) and most recently New York City; with plans to expand to other key locations in the U.S.

The first impression that jumps out when you step into Hakkasan is the amazing decor. A series of elegant labyrinths leading to romantic niches surrounded by ornately carved screens that envelope the space, create a very private and seductive ambiance. The rich textures and dark hues of the wood panels separating the dining enclaves add an even more sensual feeling to the subtly lit Asian environment.

Once you're done admiring the gorgeous surroundings, you are ready to be introduced to Hakkasan's haute Cantonese cuisine. The menu is presented in Chinese and English. Although I had been here before, it was during Miami Spice in September, so I had many questions on what each dish entailed. Our waitress was happy to answer them and make suggestions based on our preferences. We decided to order one appetizer and two entrees to share, since the food is served family style and the portions vary depending on each dish. 

Dim Sum Platter

Silver Cod

We started off with the obvious choice: the Dim Sum Platter. It consisted of eight portions of dim sum, two Scallop shu mai topped with roe, two shrimp har gau, two shrimp with Chinese chives, and two vegetarian, all served in a bamboo steamer. They were delicious! The wrappers were soft and fresh, allowing the bold, distinct  flavors of each dumpling to explode with every bite. We accompanied the meal with a full bodied and silky Tempranillo blend, from the Riolta Alta region in Spain, Villa Ardanza, Rioja Rva, 2001. It paired well with the meal, with its aromatic cranberry and damson flavors.

Next we tried the signature Charcoal Grilled Silver Cod with Champagne and Chinese Honey. We weren't prepared for the incredible decadence of this dish! The symphony of flavors was spectacular, enticing the palate with the sweetness of the honey and the silky juiciness of the fish. I highly recommend this entree if you want to try a dish that will leave you breathless!

Szechuan Beef

Spring onion & egg fried rice

As a second entree, we shared the Crispy Szechuan Shredded Beef Tenderloin. It was prepared with a  mango sauce, cashews and onions, making it quite savory without it being too sweet. I loved mixing it with our side dish, the Spring Onion and Egg White Fried Rice, which was not overly flavorful but went well with the entrees we chose.

White Chocolate Mousse

Cafe Latte

Finally, we pondered over dessert. After some heavy negotiations between ourselves, we finally agreed on the White Chocolate Mousse with Passion Fruit Sorbet. It was an amazing  dessert with a refreshingly tangy and sweet taste. I actually caught myself moaning as I engaged in this celestial experience. To finish off, I ordered a Cafe Latte, which came with the perfect amount of foam, and sat back to reminisce on the fabulous Valentine's Day dinner I was just treated to.

As I was leaving, I learned that Hakkasan offers a Dim Sum lunch on weekends. I am already making plans to return!  For more information, visit their website at http://www.fontainebleau.com/web/dining/hakkasan/ or for reservations call (786) 276-1388.

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Meat Market Miami Beach

There's something pretty spectacular and magical about Miami Beach, and particularly Lincoln Road. I don't know if it's the glamour that abounds, or the prospect of running into a celebrity, but the energy and vibe that is felt on the beach is unique to any other place. This same excitement and sexiness is overwhelmingly felt the moment you walk into the Meat Market Miami Beach, located at 915 Lincoln Road. From the ultra-chic decor, to the lively bustling of the trendy crowd, the ambiance creates a perfect setting for a feast of the senses.

It was a Saturday night, and the place was packed. We had reservations, but still had to wait about half an hour. We could've sat down quicker if we would've taken a table outside, but it was cold, and the Miamian in me wasn't wearing very "wintery" clothes, so we opted to wait for an indoor table. The host was very gracious and we didn't mind. Finally, we were taken to a table in the back of the restaurant, in a quiet area where we could see the chefs prepare the food. I loved it! It was cozy and interesting all at the same time. Our waiter, Gabriel, quickly came to our table, welcomed us to the Meat Market and offered us water. He was amazing the whole night, thoroughly answering all my questions on the menu and explaining how each dish was prepared. He paid a great deal of attention to us the whole evening and made sure we didn't need anything. I truly have to say the service was impeccable.

Mixed Nuts, Peruvian choclo, Wasabi

Since we knew we'd be having some of their fabulous meat this evening, we ordered red wine (my favorite). We asked for the Pali Alphabets Pinor Noir from Oregon. It was a perfect pairing, with its subtle fruit flavors and earthy finish. We enjoyed the first sips munching on the complimentary treats they provide of Peruvian choclo, Spanish mixed nuts, and spicy wasabi peas. The Peruvian choclo was addicting! After a look through the menu, and a difficult time narrowing down the choices, we decided to order two appetizers; both which turned out to be not only delicious, but memorable. 

White Truffle American Kobe Tartare

American Kobe Beef Slider Duo

The first one was the White Truffle American Kobe Tartare. I resisted the urge to order my usual tuna tartare and decided to go for something different. It was out of this world! The presentation was beautiful and the taste divine. The beef was fresh and bold, prepared with capers and onions, and served with parmesan flat bread. The garnishes added the perfect touch to the mix and made it all come together. The second appetizer was the American Kobe Beef Slider Duo, each dressed with bacon, white cheddar foie grass, mango mustard and caramelized onions. These were quite possibly the best Kobe Beef Sliders I've ever had. We actually caught each other closing our eyes as we savored them! The beef was juicy, tender and tasty, with a hint of smoky flavor that lingered in your mouth. Amazing!

32 Ounce Porterhouse

Mixed Grill Special

For the entrees, we ordered the 32 Ounce Center Cut Porterhouse and the famous Mixed Grill Special of the day, a daily rotating trio of meats. The porterhouse was tender, with a perfect complement of flavors in each side of the T-shaped bone. The accompanying sauce tasted delicious, and gave the steak additional flavor when dipped in it. It tasted fabulous either way! Definitely a good choice! But the "wow" factor came with the mixed grill special of the day. It was the perfect variety for me! I actually embarked on a sensory ride with this one! The "trio" of the day consisted of New York Strip with baby carrots, glazed with marrow butter, a lobster tail with citrus butter and compressed watermelon, and a Deckel ribeye truffle with asparagus puree and duck confit. What a firework display of flavors! I absolutely adored it! While they were all spectacular, I especially enjoyed the New York strip's tenderness and texture. I ate it slowly to make it last longer!

Gouda Tater Tots

As a side dish, we ordered their Gouda Tater Tots; bite-sized bits of pleasure under the guise of potatoes filled with gouda cheese. They were so appetizing we went ahead and ordered a second round. That's how mouth-watering they were!

Chocolate Temptation

Finally came time for dessert. We shared one because there really wasn't much room left after this tantalizing dinner. I ordered the Chocolate Temptation since I have an unwavering weakness for the "C" word. It was a warm chocolate cake with chocolate ice-cream. It reminded me of a chocolate souffle; very rich, moist and a perfect ending to my ecstatic adventure at the Meat Market. I have to finish by saying we thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of our dinner, from the service to the food, and are looking forward to returning real soon. For reservations, call 305-532-0088. http://meatmarketmiami.com/enter.html

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