NoVe Kitchen & Bar

I am a lover of fine dining in every way. I love to walk into a restaurant and feel a positive energy and a welcoming ambiance. I love to appreciate the presentation of my food for some time before I start eating. I love to taste exquisite flavors and truly savor the moment with each bite and I love to sense the passion and dedication a chef feels when he is preparing his creations - for that is what cooking is: a culinary art. When all is said and done, it all boils down to one thing: I love NoVe Kitchen & Bar, located at 1750 N. Bayshore Drive, in the Opera Tower.



I visited NoVe a few days ago and I am still thinking about the experience. I was so impressed and wooed by their food and service, that I have not been able to stop talking about it. It isn't just one thing that makes NoVe so spectacular, it is the combination of everything it encompasses - a central location, a chic ambiance, outstanding service and the most creative and original Japanese cuisine I have ever tried. It all began when I stumbled across NoVe online and thought the place sounded perfect for one of my adventures. I was even more intrigued when I got to sample their food during a recent Yelp event; finally deciding it was time to see if their food was as good as their menu sounded. It wasn't just as good, it was in a class by itself. The name NoVe stands for "North of Venetian"; cleverly referring to the geographical area in Miami where the restaurant is located. Their menu is very extensive, offering a combination of traditional Japanese dishes infused with familiar, American fare.  It was this uniqueness and originality, created by Chef Hiro Terada, that stood out most for me. Chef Terada is a master in his art; being first introduced to sushi making by his father as a child and then continuing to learn his craft and develop his talent in RKC Chef’s School in Kochi. His expertise in creating unique dishes with exceptional flavors have previously brought his signature style to other restaurants in Miami, but is presently the heart and soul at NoVe.

Spicy Ocean 3

Opera Tower

I knew I wouldn't be able to sample everything that intrigued me in just one visit, so I selected different rolls, focusing primarily with those from Chef Hiro Terada's Originals portion of the menu. I started with the Spicy Ocean 3, a sushi roll made with tuna, salmon and yellowtail, bathed with an inspiring trio spicy sauce, and topped with tempura flakes and scallions. It was delicious ! The spicy sauce had a definite kick to it, without overpowering the taste of the fish. The fish was very fresh and the tempura flakes and scallions added a crunchy texture to the roll. Next, I got down to business, anticipating the arrival of the chef's originals. The first roll to arrive was the one that blew me away hands down: the Opera Tower. It absolutely took my breath away! This roll consisted of tempura fried lobster, asparagus and avocado inside the roll; covered in a mound of their trio spicy sauce, tuna, crab, tobiko, scallions, mayonnaise, tempura flakes and a sweet sauce; all mixed together in perfect harmony. The flavor of the mix was so enticing, I wanted to scoop every last morsel with my spoon. Generous in size, its taste was unparalleled.

NoVe Slider

Up close and personal

Next, I tried a very unique and interesting roll on the menu: the NoVe Slider. A playful original by Chef Terada, it was made with grilled skirt steak seasoned just right, swiss, cheddar, pepperjack and cream cheese, fresh avocado, portobello mushrooms and scallions, rolled in a bun. A burst of flavor in every bite,  the combination of cheeses permeated the "roll" as it combined with the juicy tenderness of the steak. Wow! I was very curious about another roll on the menu so I ordered it next. It was the Calle Ocho roll. The calle ocho roll is another whimsical roll, and as the name suggests, holds a latin flavor to it. Made with skirt steak, black beans and avocado, and topped with tender pieces of sliced plantains, this roll is a perfect tribute to Miami; each bite exhibiting the spanish flare so reminiscent of a trip down eighth street. The combination of sweet and salty flavors does the trick and leaves you wanting more.

Calle Ocho Roll

Shrimp Ceviche

Yellowtail Carpaccio

Since the night was young and I was having such an unforgettable adventure, I was overjoyed to try another special chef's creation: the Shrimp Ceviche. While there are a variety of ceviches available on the regular menu, this one is not. Just think of it as ceviche royalty. Envision six U15 shrimp (they were enormous!), mixed together with yuzu-ceviche sauce, sliced cucumbers, chopped red onions, cilantro and kaiware; resulting in the most fragrant of flavors. It was both refreshing and satisfying all at once, with a most unique and delectable taste.  Finished with this heavenly dish, I sampled one more sushi treat: Yellowtail Carpaccio. The thin slices of yellowtail were covered with red onions, scallions, tomatoes and cilantro and sat in the chef's special ginger, balsamic vinagrette sauce; giving it a most amazing flavor. The tender fish dissolved in my mouth into tasty pieces of paradise.

Dark Chocolate Ecstasy Cake

Panqueque Flambee

While I wish I could have tried more of these captivating dishes, I knew I'd have to wait for a future visit because there just wasn't any more room. But thankfully, the experience wasn't over just yet, and I had room for dessert. Looking at the menu, I couldn't decide between two, so I had both: the Dark Chocolate Ecstasy Cake a la mode, and the magical end to my night: Panqueque with Dulce de Leche Flambee and vanilla ice-cream. Being the chocolate lover that I am, I was mesmerized with the cake - rich, moist and decadent. Couldn't put the spoon down. Then I tried the Panqueque, and suddenly, the world spun. No, it wasn't from overconsumption. It was the incredible taste of the dessert; with its flambeed dulce de leche seeping out from between the crepe as I swirled it with the vanilla ice-cream. Heavenly!

All I could say is that one must return several times to NoVe to get a true feel for their menu. It is that large and impressive! While I was in the mood primarily for sushi, their menu includes a variety of cooked dishes as well including blackened and grilled fish, teriyaki chicken, duck, burgers and fried rice. They even offer a children's menu for the little ones. NoVe will be celebrating its one year anniversary next month, and I look forward to seeing what other imaginative creations Chef Terada will surprise us with. You have to go see for yourself what I'm talking about. After a night of admiration and culinary extravaganza, it wasn't just an adventure...it was an adventure to remember. For more information, you can contact NoVe at 786-871-7727 or visit them online at http://www.novekitchen.com/.

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Greenstreet Cafe

There's always something special about Coconut Grove, sunny Sunday mornings, and brunch. I don't know if it's the sunlight shining on the lush trees lining the street side cafes, or the bohemian, laid back atmosphere that fills the air, but Coconut Grove just makes me want to put on a sundress, a pair of sandals, and head on over for a Noonish brunch. Didn't take much thinking about where to go either. There is one place in the Grove that epitomizes what a friendly and comfort-food laden Sunday brunch should be, and that is Greenstreet Cafe, located at 3468 Main Highway.

Greenstreet Cafe was founded 23 years ago and it has become an iconic part of the Grove. Tourists and locals alike flock to Greenstreet for a mouth watering breakfast, lunch, dinner or happy hour, every day of the week. The place is constantly buzzing with patrons, many of who are daily regulars, enjoying their food, drinks and friendly service. While there are several places offering Sunday brunch in Coconut Grove, Greenstreet is perhaps the most popular; not only because of their appealing a la carte menu, but also because of the vibrant  ambiance you experience throughout your meal.

We sat down in a nice table outside, shaded from the sun by a row of umbrellas. Perfectly situated for some interesting people watching, we sipped our Mimosas; toasting to another beautiful Florida day. While Mimosas are my brunch vice, I have to pause and mention that Greenstreet also offers a mean Bloody Mary, one that will perk you up and bring you back to life on any given post-partying Sunday.


Mimosa



Eggs Benedict

I knew I wanted eggs and they had a whole list of preparations on their menu for me to choose from: Eggs scrambled with Jerk Spices, Cheese, and Caviar, to name a few. Further down, interesting omelettes called out to me: Goat Cheese and Tomato Omelette and Spinach and Feta Omelette. But as I continued reading...Woop! There it was! I found what I was looking for: Eggs Benedict, either Florentine (with fresh spinach) or Nova (with smoked salmon). They both sounded good so why choose? I ordered my Eggs Benedict with both ingredients and let the good times roll. Since the omelettes sounded so interesting as well, we thought, "Ah, what the heck? Aren't eggs an important part of a balanced diet?" Alas! We ordered the Chives and Cream Cheese Omelette. Both dishes came served with potatoes; square little tongue teasers that were so good, I found myself gulping them down faster than I could swallow.

Chives and Cream Cheese Omelette

The Eggs Benedict were classic. The carefully poached eggs were prepared sitting on two halves of a toasted English muffin; sinfully smothered in a smooth and creamy Hollandaise sauce. I absolutely loved the taste of the Hollandaise sauce which was rich and buttery, with just a hint of lemon juice . I pinched the egg, and the yolk oozed out over the plate in the most appetizing volcanic eruption.  By the time it was all over, I pretty much had completely cleaned my plate with every fiber of my being. Shameful I know! The omelette was just as delicious as I thought it would be. The chives added a hint of mild, garlic flavor to the warm cream cheese, totally adding a new dimension to both the texture and the flavor of the dish.  We chose a baguette to accompany the omelette and it was fresh and crispy. Absolutely scrumptious!

When they cleared our plates, I looked over to the side and saw the family next to us had ordered one of the fabulous-sounding pancakes on the menu. Were they Steve's Banana Pancakes? Whole Wheat Pancakes? Blueberry Pancakes? I don't know! I just know they were huge! I found myself staring at their plate like a hungry puppy, wishing I could start again; but I knew I wouldn't be able to take another bite after the enormous amount of amazing food I had just consumed. So, I hesitantly looked away; the only thought in my mind being... next Sunday is only 7 days away.

Penne Tetrazzini

Mini Lemon Ricotta Donuts

But wait, you don't really have to wait seven days to enjoy Greenstreet Cafe. To see if this nirvana could be repeated, I came back for their lunch as well - and it rocked! Their lunch menu offers a variety of dishes including a mix of appetizers, soups and salads, wraps, and pastas. In the mood for pasta myself, I ordered the Penne Tetrazzini, served with a light pink cream sauce, chicken and topped with pine nuts. The pasta itself was good but what made the dish for me was the chicken. The chicken is marinated overnight in ginger, yogurt and cilantro; sealing the flavor until it is ready to burst in your mouth. Yum! The sauce was delicious also and went well with the chicken. Saving some room for dessert, I asked  the waitress her recommendation. Since they have their own pastry chef,  she suggested a couple of selections that were her favorite. I went with her first one: The Mini Lemon Ricotta Donuts with chocolate sauce. They were good and I liked the subtle hint of lemon in the donuts when dipped in the chocolate sauce. For a finishing touch, I ordered a delicious Capuccino and sat back to enjoy.

Capuccino

As for the service at Greenstreet Cafe, it was top notch each time. Everyone was friendly and attentive, and when out of their way to make me feel at home. At this point, all I can say is that I have to go back soon because I have some unfinished business to take care of.  It's almost Sunday again, the weather is looking good and I'm still thinking about the pancakes. For more information, you can contact Greenstreet Cafe at 305-444-0244 or visit them online at http://www.greenstreetcafe.net/.

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Timo Restaurant and Bar

Sunny Isles Beach, the City of Sun and Sea, is situated on a barrier island in the northeast corner of Miami-Dade County between the Atlantic Ocean to the east, and the Intracoastal Waterway to the west. It is in a pristine location, midway between Downtown Miami and Ft. Lauderdale.  Many have referred to Sunny Isles Beach as Florida's Riviera, which is why it became the city's prestigious slogan. It is a beautiful, vibrant community with rich history and cultural diversity.

This is where I decided to have my next culinary adventure; in a neighborhood restaurant serving Italian/Mediterranean cuisine, named Timo Restaurant and Bar, located on 17624 Collins Avenue.

As you drive down Collins Avenue, you might miss Timo, since it sits in the middle of a shopping center. Once you step inside, however, it's a whole different story. The place was beaming with excitement; every table was occupied and from the looks of it, it seemed to be a regular crowd. The manager walked around the dining area speaking to the patrons, and the conversations were friendly and familiar. I learned the restaurant had it's 9th anniversary just a couple of days ago, and while it changes its menu seasonally, it is proud to still offer a few of its original favorites.

We started off ordering a Chilean Pinot Noir that was fabulous: Lai Lai from the Bio Bio Valley. The wine was a bit fruity and velvety; somewhat dry towards the end but lingering just a bit before it said goodbye. Nice! As we sipped our wine, the waiter brought us a basket  that contained the most addicting  breadsticks and bread assortment. I couldn't stop breaking off the pieces and dipping them into the olive oil. Then I saw two appetizers on the menu that immediately caught my eye. They were the Blue Crab Raviolo and the Bufala Mozzarella. The Blue Crab Raviolo was served with citrus brown butter and topped with pine nuts. The flavor was a bit subtle for my taste and while the blue crab was very fresh and tender, it lacked zest.  I was hoping for a more exciting explosion of flavors when I envisioned the combination of the citrus brown butter and the blue crab, but I just didn't get it. The Bufala Mozzarella brought a smile to my face though. It was warm and creamy and it came with clay baked Roma tomatoes and slices of eggplant. Wow! This one was a winner.

                                                                                                                                                                   

Blue Crab Raviolo

Bufala Mozarella

Ahi Tuna

Grilled Whole Dorade

We then moved on to the entrees. I noticed they had a nice brick wood oven and a variety of pizzas that included one called Black and White, made with shaved black truffles. Mmmm...I was tempted after an inner struggle, but after reading over their fish & shellfish selection, I decided on the Ahi Tuna. It was seared "Au Povre" with artichoke puree, sweet and sour cipollini onions and crispy artichoke. Being the sucker that I am for sweet and salty, I was sold. Once again, it didn't hit the mark for me. The tuna was very fresh but missing flavor. There was only a hint of sweetness that I felt every other bite and other than that, not much to the dish. The taste of the pepper was the one that overpowered and while I tried to swirl my tuna in the puree to find what I was looking for, in my opinion, it needed more. The second entree we ordered was better. It was the Grilled Whole Dorade, with smoked sea salt, roasted peppers and grilled lemon. The fish was tender and flaky and had a rich, succulent meaty flavor. The secret to this dish is in the sea salt. I have had it several times in numerous places and found this one to be satisfactory.

Brick Wood Oven

Parmesan Risotto

Chocolate Mousse

Now I have to mention the dish that blew me away: It was a side dish that took me to the moon and back: the Parmesan Risotto with wild mushrooms and black truffles. Delicious! I could've probably ordered three of these and called it a night. Actually, the bufala mozzarella appetizer and the risotto are both part of their original menu and I can see why because they were my two favorite dishes of the night. Enough said! I was feeling pretty satisfied, but really wanted to try one of their desserts. At first, I was leaning toward the Tiramisu, since it's one of my Italian weaknesses, but the waiter suggested I try the Dark Chocolate Mousse Terrine with Orange Caramel Gelato. I only heard three words in that name: Chocolate, Caramel and Gelato. I was game. Out came a chocolate delight filled with creamy, delicious mousse. As I glided each piece through the orange caramel, I savored the heavenly taste. The gelato was smooth and sweet, branding the same orange flavor. Very good combination and a nice finish to the meal.

We received stellar service throughout the evening, from the moment we walked in to the moment we left. The ambiance is very friendly and has a welcoming allure.  For more information, you can call them at 305 936-1008.

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Food Truck Frenzy Part 2

Recently I did a Food Truck Frenzy post where I sampled a few of the awesome food trucks out there cooking up some really hearty cuisine. Of course, there are so many incredible ones offering a finger licking good meal,  that it is virtually impossible to try them all. But feeling a need for some mobile grub,  I decided to try my hand at Thursday's Wheels & Meals at Tropical Park. This is a fun event where bikers, custom car aficionados, and food trucks get together and chill. I checked out Food Truck Invasion's page online to see the lineup for the evening, and found a couple of the trucks I was looking forward to checking out were going to be there. So, I got into my very own 4 wheels and drove on down to get me some meals; bringing you guys Food Frenzy Part 2.

Miami Spice Grill

The weather was not the best, but since it held up most of the evening, it was all good. (Other than of course, the fact it wasn't the most ideal hair night). Once we walked in, the first food truck I spotted that I was dying to try was Miami Spice Grill.   Their slogan is "Bringing Fire to the Streets" and I could see why. A picture I had seen of one of their Yuca Bowls had haunted me since I first laid eyes on it and I was about to find out why tonight.

Steak Yuca Bowl

Yummy Fries

As I looked on their menu  board, I noticed they had a variety of bowls to choose from, so I decided on their Steak Yuca Bowl. It was a yuca treat, shaped like a bowl (which is no easy task), and filled with exquisitely seasoned grilled churrasco, lettuce, chopped tomato, onions, cilantro and a homemade roasted garlic mojito. I saw a light flash across the sky as soon as I bit into it, and I don't know if it was lightning or imaginary fireworks set off by the delicious flavors. At first, I was going to eat it with a fork, but a couple of veteran fans of Miami Spice Grill sitting next to me quickly encouraged me to put the fork down and pick up the bowl; allowing me to sink my teeth into all of the ingredients at once.  I will be forever grateful for that suggestion. So extremely delicious! The pieces of meat were very tender and retained the flavors well during the grilling process, and the mojito sauce, well that just brought it all together.  It turns out they have a selection of about 8 or 9 sauces that are all homemade and believe me, they make all the difference.

Say Yuca Bowl!

Shrimp Yuca Bowl

The very friendly folk of Miami Spice Grill saw the look of intense joy on my face when I finished my bowl and they mentioned how the Shrimp Yuca Bowl had a totally different taste but would blow my mind as well. I hesitated for about two seconds, but knew I couldn't say no. In a matter of minutes, off I went into yuca oblivion again with this morsel of tastiness. The Shrimp Yuca Bowl came with chopped shrimp and all the other fixings of the Steak Yuca Bowl, but I noticed the sauce was different. This one was a garlic lemon butter sauce which truly stood out. The shrimp and the sauce went very well together; and combined with the hot, toasty yuca, was another hit with me.  I most definitely enjoyed the food at Miami Spice Grill.

Overload Philly Steak Bomb

Overload Extreme Street Food

Next up, I trecked on over to Overload Extreme Street Food. They offer a variety of monster burgers and subs that will bring a smile to any meat lover's face. I looked over their menu board, and found I wanted to try just about every item there. Then I saw their staple..the king of all subs..the reason we all know where Philadelphia is on the map: The Overload Philly Steak Bomb; and I said "I do". Holy Moly was it good! It was made with shaved ribeye steak, provolone cheese, grilled onions, mushrooms, and sweet peppers. The minute I had my first bite, I wanted to break into song and belt out my rendition of "Motown Philly" by Boyz II Men. It was that delicious!  The ribeye was shaved so thinly, you practically didn't have to chew it. It was flavorful, fresh, and full of melted cheese in every bite. The provolone was perfect in the sub because of its fuller taste and satiny consistency; and the peppers added a hint of sweetness to the experience that was unparalleled. And it was big....oh so big!

Imagine sinking your teeth into this...

Cheese Fries

Meat Lover's Dream

As a side dish, I had their Cheese Fries to continue with the cheesy motif and they were great. As I stood there, I noticed how several customers came by just to pick up specific subs for their husbands, or to get a couple of burgers to go. I then realized the freshness of their food and the love and dedication they put into creating it, made people drive out here, or anywhere they were stationed, just to have it. That says a lot. By the time I was done, and after I had taken a few deep breaths to aid in the digestion of all the food I had just consumed, I noticed there were still a couple of subs I wanted to try, like their Give Me the Farm and their I Love You Bleu. Overload Extreme Street Food, you'll be seeing me again soon.

As I walked to my car (or rolled-depending on how you looked at me), I couldn't help but realize that the food trucks I visited tonight had a loyal following of customers that kept returning. I thought that was a great sign of how loved the Food Trucks are in our community, and I wondered how many more also enjoy that kind of support. That's when it hit me...I wasn't done yet. Soon there would have to be a Food Truck Frenzy Part 3...

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Paradisus Punta Cana

Hello Fellow Foodies! I just got back from an incredible week in Punta Cana, Republica Dominicana. Had plenty of sun, music and alcohol...but what totally blew me away were: first the people, who were the warmest and friendliest I've met in a long time, and then THE FOOD! We stayed at the Paradisus Punta Cana Resort and there were no less than 12 restaurants to choose from; each one with a different theme. So, instead on posting on a local restaurant today, I thought you'd enjoy some highlights of the amazing pictures I took at the various restaurants we had the pleasure of eating at. It was truly an adventure of culinary proportions! If you're planning a trip to this side of the Caribbean, and want to experience  a cultural infusion for your senses, I highly recommend a stay at Paradisus, where you will find not only traditional Dominican cuisine, but a little Japanese, Italian, New World, and Chinese to appeal to even the most discriminating palates.

Vento at The Reserve featuring contemporary Mediterranean Cuisine

 

Vento is located in The Reserve at Punta Cana. It is included for guests staying at The Reserve, and available to guests of Paradisus staying in rooms outside The Reserve for a nominal fee. The food is exceptional, the presentation exquisite, and as with all the other restaurants in the property, the service is superb. We ordered breaded shrimp and salad for starters, fish and lobster bruschetta for entrees, and several desserts to finish the meal. I totally enjoyed the elegant ambiance found here as well as the tasteful surroundings.

Dolce Vita featuring Italian Cuisine

The best way for me to describe Dolce Vita's ambiance is that of an Italian Trattoria meets Bora Bora. They have regular tables in the main area of the restaurant, with bridges leading up to more intimate ones sitting over a man-made lake, exuding a very tropical feel. Flamingos look up at you while you dine; squawking every once in a while to get your attention. The menu offers an array of pizzas and pastas, as well as tasty desserts such as my all-time favorite Italian one: Tiramisu. We ordered their Caprese Salad, Fried Calamari and Minestrone Soup to start and they were all delicious. While we tried their Gnocchi and Penne a la Carbonara, my favorite dish here was the Lobster Lasagna. It was very flavorful, and prepared with traditional spices.  

 

Sakura featuring Japanese Cuisine

A visit here comes with an early morning rise. This restaurant requires reservations since it features a Teppanyaki grill and it is not very big. Guests make a line outside the main buffet breakfast restaurant, Ciel, starting at around 9:30 a.m. to ensure getting their name on the list. It is a lot of fun, as the chef conducts the usual "show" while preparing the fried rice, meats and seafood. Appetizers include sushi rolls and tempura fried vegetables, and the desserts are very interesting and original; including Rice Croquetas and Fried Ice-Cream.

 

Romantico featuring New World Cuisine

Romantico was one of my favorite restaurants, although I really had several in that category. It served haute cuisine with a French flair. The ambiance was romantic and seductive, with beautifully lit candles everywhere, and impressive chandeliers. We ordered two different shrimp appetizers, one which was accompanied with caviar, to start the tantalizing dinner. As entrees, we had the duck and a delectable fish that was both bold and impressive in its taste. To complete our dining adventure, we had Passion Fruit mousse and a Chocolate Delight.

I can go on and on since there were so many fabulous places to eat. Breakfast was offered buffet style at Gabi Club and Ciel, and included many traditional Dominican favorites such as Queso Frito and Mangu. Each meal was a treat and needless to say, left me with an unavoidable date with the Elliptical machine upon my return to my local gym. Of course, it goes without saying that the unlimited drinks made the adventure even more exciting, especially when talking about the famous Mama Juana!  I will post more pics on my Facebook page, so feel free to stop by and enjoy. Stay tuned for Thursday's post, taking place back in the 305.

 

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