Lure Fishbar

On part three of my culinary adventures through the northeast, I ventured down to the SoHo neighborhood in New York City; a popular area in Lower Manhattan known for its large number of art galleries and trendy boutiques. One of the most unique shopping areas of the world, it is also well known as a hub for outlet stores of national chains. Following in the tradition of other neighborhoods in NYC, the name SoHo refers to the area located "SOuth of HOuston Street."  A favorite among artists, you will always find some interesting to do here.


Although the shopping is fabulous in SoHo, that's not the reason I decided to pay a visit (not entirely anyway). They have a number of excellent restaurants as well, and one in particular I never miss when visiting The Big Apple. It is Lure Fishbar, located at 142 Mercer Street. A basement culinary wonder, Lure's glamorous interior makes you feel like you've entered a gigantic, upscale yacht to embark on a seafood adventure like no other. With paneled teak wood and white leather banquettes, the dining and bar area transport you to the high seas; while pedestrians can be seen through the port hole windows, walking above on the sidewalk.

Deviled Eggs topped with American Caviar

Every time we visit Lure, I look forward to the surprises the chef has in store. Aside from the crunchy complimentary chips they serve as you sit down, they usually offer a couple of other small dishes, compliments of the chef. They have been a delight every time. This particular evening, our waitress brought us two treats as we looked through the menu. The first one was a plate of Deviled Eggs topped with American Caviar. Very nice. The second bite consisted of Grilled Shrimp with a sesame soy sauce that was utterly delicious. Off to a great start!

Grilled Shrimp

Lure House Roll

Seared Branzino

Since Lure offers pretty impressive Sushi and Raw Bar menu options, we decided to start off with their Lure House Roll: shrimp tempura topped with spicy tuna and a Japanese tartar sauce that gave it a kick. The combination of flavors of the fish and the sauces brought a party to the palate that was irresistible. We followed the roll with our first entree: the Seared Branzino. The buttery fish offered a subtle, enticing flavor and came topped with beet risotto, salsa verde, fava beans, and truffle vinaigrette. The beet risotto added color and depth of flavor to the dish, with its moist, sweet taste.

Grilled Whole Daurade

The next entree we ordered was the Grilled Whole Daurade, with heirloom tomato panzanella, baby arugula, and champagne-shallot vinaigrette. It was divine. The Dourade is a mouthwatering fish originally from the Mediterranean and known for being a small fish with big taste.  This one was succulent and rich, and although served whole, had no bones to deal with. The champagne-shallot vinaigrette added an extra sparkle to the dish that complemented it well.

"Lure Style" Burger

Before I tell you about the desserts, I have to add that although Lure is a seafood restaurant, they also offer other options for those who do not eat fish. There is a Meats and Butcher's Block section that provides alternatives. For example, if you have children or a teenager with you (yeah I know) they will be immediately drawn to the "Lure Style" Burger.  Served with either french fries or onion rings, it's a hefty burger that satisfies the most discriminating burger lover. When asked how good it was, the response was "It's right up there with the Quarter Pounder with Cheese". This coming from a huge fan of the McD's favorite. Enough said.

Warm Chocolate Cake

Strawberry Shortcake IceCream Cake

To end the magical meal, we chose two desserts: the Warm Chocolate Cake that came served with salted caramel ice- cream, caramel popcorn & chocolate pudding and the Strawberry Shortcake Ice-Cream Cake, made up of strawberry sorbet, vanilla ice-cream, mint syrup & strawberries. I have to pause for a moment as memories of the warm chills I got when I placed the spoon of warm chocolate cake into my mouth flood my mind. It was excellent! Since I hadn't ordered dessert on my previous visits, I wasn't sure what to expect. (Yes, I know that's strange), but I was awe-struck. The sweet and salty flavor of the salted caramel ice-cream went perfectly with the chocolate cake; and the smooth, velvety pudding just finished the masterpiece. As for the Strawberry Shortcake Ice-Cream Cake, it was all-right. I'm not a fan of strawberry shortcake and while it was refreshing, it didn't set off any fireworks for anyone at the table. That was totally fine though because we had already been blown away with the rest of the meal.

If you're planning a visit to New York, you don't want to miss dining at Lure. With its great ambiance and delicious cuisine, it will quickly become a tradition for you too. For more information on Lure, you can call them at 212-431-7676 or visit them online at www.lurefishbar.com.

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Cantina Beach

When I think of a summer night, I envision listening to the waves crashing against the sand, and watching the moon gently lighting the night sky. I imagine catching glimpses of the beach as far as my eye can see as I sit back in a comfortable, plush chair, listening to live music and sipping a cold, refreshing cocktail. How about living all this in Miami, but feeling like you've been whisked away to the coast of Mexico; your senses enticed through a cool summer breeze, tropical ambiance, authentic food and an incomparable view? That is what I experienced at the Caliente Summer Fiesta; one of the monthly events held at Cantina Beach,  in the Ritz Carlton, Key Biscayne, located at 455 Grand Bay Dr.

Cantina Beach

85 Premium Tequilas

Covered Dining Area

Cantina Beach is the only oceanfront, coastal Mexican restaurant in Miami. While it is perfect for an appetizing lunch and a cooling drink after a swim in the ocean; at night it transforms into a sultry paradise retreat.  Featuring  authentic dishes, infused with distinct innovations typical to the different regions in Mexico, Cantina Beach also offers 85 premium tequila selections. All this, set in a casual, yet refined ambiance signature to the Ritz Carlton. The restaurant, a Palapa structure with a thatched roof built by the Miccosukee Indians, is filled with colorful furnishings surrounding a center table. The table is crowned with tequila bottles and graced by an elegant chandelier. Overlooking the oceanfront, spacious lounge chairs and tiki torches add to the tropical feel; while a rustic fire pit welcomes guests to the outside dining area.

Yesenia Preparing the Delicious Guacamole

Guacamole Station

Guacamole Samplings

Caliente Summer Fiesta promised to be a night to remember and it didn't disappoint. The event featured music from their resident DJ, complimentary samplings of their irresistible guacamole, and tastes of their special Margarita of the evening. To satisfy the appetite,  Cantina Beach's renowned Tacos de Carnitas de Cerdo were served in a fun culinary display, while others enjoyed creations from the regular dinner menu. Later in the evening, an exciting presentation of fire performers set against the backdrop of the hotel's luxurious pool, heated up the night and stirred the desire to dance.

Jason and I

Margarita

Chef's Savory Bites

When you visit Cantina Beach, you must have their Guacamole. It is prepared table side and you can choose how spicy you want it. Creamy and tangy, it wouldn't be a true visit for me if I didn't indulge in it. After we had several samplings, we ordered the Margarita, made with Casa Noble's Organic Tequila, lime juice and Grand Marnier. It was refreshing and smooth. To start, we had their Chef's Savory Bites, a sampler of tasty finger foods including Mini Crab Tacos, Chicken Flautas and Carnitas de Cerdo. They were all delectable. The Mini Crab Tacos were tasty and sweet; made with crab meat salad and avocado salsa, in a crispy shell.  The seasoning in the Chicken Flautas was very flavorful, with a robust achiote taste. The Carnitas de Cerdo...oh the Carnitas de Cerdo...they were divine. The meat on the slowly braised pork rib was juicy and tender and fell right off the bone. We had them with fresh, warm tortillas, and the experience was heavenly. You'll be happy to know these are also sold as a main dish as well, and I highly recommend them.

Fajitas Al Carbon

Huachinango Al Mojo

For the entrees, we chose the Fajitas al Carbon and the Huachinango Al Mojo. The Fajitas al Carbon were made with marinated Skirt Steak, and served with Mexican Rice, Beans, Poblano Peppers and Queso Fresco. The steak was perfectly grilled; maximizing its tenderness and retaining its delicious flavor. The accompanying sauces added the finishing touch to each flour tortilla I filled. The Huachinango Al Mojo was a Pan Seared Snapper, sitting on a bed of Cilantro Rice. It was seasoned with roasted garlic and lime sauce, giving it a unique, pleasant flavor. The fish was delicate and moist, and paired very well with the delicious rice.

Checking out the Taco Station

After such an exceptional meal, we were excited about dessert.  They have four different ones and you can order a choice of two or three for a very reasonable price. Being the chocolate lover I am, I chose the Bittersweet Chocolate Mousse (twice) and the Cream Cheese Flan. The Chocolate Mousse was excellent. It was luscious and cool; a pure delight of rich chocolate and dark chocolate glaze, topped by a dollop of fluffy whipped cream.  The Cream Cheese Flan was a different, original take on flan. It was layered with slices of oranges swimming in a vanilla and cinammon caramel sauce. The consistency was thinner than traditional custard, but gave the treat a burst of flavor that was fun and light.

Bittersweet Chocolate Mouse & Cream Cheese Flan

Fire Performer

Here's a tip. If you stay at the Ritz Carlton Key Biscayne, Cantina Beach's Tequilier offers resort guests complimentary tequila tastings each day at 6 P.M. That is definitely something interesting to enjoy when treating yourself to an unforgettable vacation there. For more information on Cantina Beach, you can contact them at 305 365-4500 or visit them online at: http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/KeyBiscayne/Dining/CantinaBeach/Default.htm.

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City Lobster & Steak

On my second adventure biting through the Big Apple, I decided I wanted to check out a good seafood place. I preferred something close to the Times Square area, so after looking around for a bit, I found the perfect restaurant: City Lobster, located at 121 W. 49 Street, between 6th and 7th, in New York, New York. City Lobster is perfectly situated between Times Square and Rockefeller, making it a great spot to dine in either before or after catching a Broadway show. Before I go on with the restaurant, I do have to give you a tip. Although NYC is known as the "City That Never Sleeps", it does, and quite early on the weekdays. If you're planning to go see a Broadway musical on a weekday or a Sunday, make sure you have dinner before the show. Many restaurants close at 10:00 p.m.  and shows can run past 9:30. This one in particular closes at 11:00 pm on the weekdays, so you want to check all the restaurants' individual hours of operation when planning your night. You don't want to be all dressed up with nowhere to go.

Oysters & Crabmeat Rockefeller

Crispy "Point Judith" Calamari

Back to City Lobster... The place is spacious and it wasn't overly full. It has a dining area to the left, the raw bar section in the center, and a bar and lounge to the right of the entrance. I was enthralled that it featured a large selection of delicacies such as Live North Atlantic Lobsters, fresh Alaskan King Crab Legs, and authentic Maryland Lump Crab Cakes as well as a full raw bar with an assortment of Oysters from the East and West coasts. When the server came, he presented us with several menus. Their regular menu, a Restaurant Week Menu and a Spring 2012 Prix-Fixe Menu. We ordered primarily from the last one, adding a few items from the regular menu.   I hadn't had oysters in a while so the minute I saw Baked Mid-Atlantic Oysters & Crabmeat Rockefeller, I knew what I was starting with. They were divine! Three oysters were topped with spinach, a savory crabmeat blend and a cheesy sauce. I probably could order a whole batch of this and eat it as an entrée. Next, we ordered the Crispy "Point Judith" Calamari.  Point Judith, Rhode Island has the largest squid-fishing fleet on the East Coast and is the hub of the squid business in the United States. I can see why. These were excellent. Sometimes calamari can be rubbery if not done well, but these were perfect. They were crispy on the outside and tasty with a soft, slightly chewy texture inside. We actually ordered a second round.

North Atlantic Salmon with Horseradish Crust

Maryland Lump Crabcakes

The first entree we tried was the North Atlantic Salmon with Horseradish Crust. It was delicious. The salmon was moist and flaky and had a buttery taste that was heightened by the horseradish crust. It sat atop a Maine crabmeat beurre fondue and was served with asparagus. We also had the Maryland Lump Crabcakes, which we heard were very popular. Definitely another hit! The seasoning was amazing; bringing out the natural sweetness of the crab, and the chipotle aioli dipping sauce had a welcoming kick to it. The two crabcakes were served with southern corn and sun-cured cranberry relish.

Alaskan King Crab Legs

Seafood Risotto

We looked at the table next to us and saw they ordered king crab legs. They looked fierce! Exchanging glances, we just knew we had to try them.  We asked the waiter for the 20 oz Alaskan King Crab Legs and a side of  their Seafood Risotto. The steamed Alaskan King Crab Legs were colossal and impressive. I loved dipping the succulent, sweet meat  in the warm garlic butter. The Seafood Risotto was rich, creamy and full of flavor. The medley of seafood and saffron came together nicely, and we were fighting for each spoonful.

Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie

Creme Brulee Cheesecake

Finally time for dessert. With our prixe-fixe menu, we had several options. We chose the Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie, served a-la-mode with Vanilla Ice-Cream, and the Genuine "Creme Brulee" Cheesecake. Both desserts were good but not out of this world. The Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie was interesting, with the chocolate adding a new flavor to the traditional take. We found the Creme Brulee Cheesecake was also original; having a smooth, creamy texture.

The service at City Lobster was very good and we enjoyed ourselves. There will definitely be another adventure here on a future trip to NYC. For more information, you can call them at 212-354-1717 or visit them online at http://www.citylobster.com/.

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New Shake Shack in Coral Gables

Talk about coming a long way! What started out as a hot dog cart in Madison Square Park in New York City back in 2001 has evolved into a “burger legend” if you will; with over 14 locations nationwide and two in the Middle East. Best news for us is Shake Shack just opened a brand new location this past Sunday July 15^th in Coral Gables, at 1450 South Dixie Highway(US1). With one location already open on Lincoln Road, those on the west end of town can now enjoy some shack at whim.

 

I had the pleasure of visiting Shake Shack last Wednesday, a few days before the Grand Opening, and loved their new place. Conveniently located near the Universityof Miami, this is their largest Shake Shack yet, and it features cool tabletops, built from reclaimed bowling alley lanes in Brooklyn. Where else can you know what your table was before you were eating on it?

Engraved on Table Top

SmokeShack Burger

Cheese Fries

The food is awesome as usual. I indulged in their SmokeShack Burger, a tasty patty topped with applewood smoked bacon, chopped cherry peppers and Shake Sauce. Although I pride myself in being a lady, I must confess I was licking my fingers when I was done. I also had a side of their delicious Crinkle cut Cheese Fries, made from Yukon potatoes and topped with their signature Shack cheddar and American cheese sauce. Can I hear a round of Oh Yeah?

Refreshing Lemonade

Shack-cago Dog

Chocolate Shake Sample

As a very nice server walked up to me and offered me a bite of their Shack-cago Dog, (no that is not a typo), I politely said “Sure”. After all I was getting my vegetable servings for the day, being that it is topped with relish, onion, pickle, tomato and pepper. Finally, I saw them: the Shakes; little mini versions of their famous sweet delights, just waiting for me to pick them up. They were thick, they were rich, and they were good. I won’t even tell you how many of them I had because there are just some things a girl doesn’t share.

No Caption Needed

Plan to stop by soon and get your shake on! For more information, you can call Shake Shack at 786-470-3701 or visit them online at http://www.shakeshack.com/location/coral-gables/.

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