Iron Side Cafe

I have to admit I was very curious about trying out a small restaurant

located in the Little River Business District of Miami. It was the brainchild of Fernando Nascimento and Chef Nuno Grullon, both  formerly a part of Metro Organic Bistro. Located at 7600 NE 4th Court, on the Upper East Side, it's all about organic produce and grass fed beef at Iron Side Cafe.  Everything from the wine, to the food, to the eclectic surroundings reflect the laid back, natural feel of the place.

It was this fusion that initially caught my eye and my appetite. Their locally sourced menu changes according to what's in season. Owner/Chef Nuno Grullon, a Bronx native of Dominican descent, began learning the ropes early in his career from celebrity chefs such as Michelle Bernstein and David Kolotkin. His philosophy has always been rooted in the belief that organic, natural foods are the way to go, and he prepares them in a flavorful, innovative way. Combine this belief with Nascimento's Brazilian background, and my taste buds were in for a healthy, tasty carnival.

The area around the restaurant is primarily comprised of offices and studios for designers, architects and artists. The train tracks run parallel about a block down to the west and there aren't any other eateries in the immediate area, although Biscayne Boulevard is very close. As we parked, I wasn't sure what to expect but the minute we set foot inside, I was transfixed. The restaurant has two indoor, quaint areas; one with a communal table and the other with a counter across from where Chef Nuno works his magic. To the right of the communal table, there is a modern couch and a low table holding design books and magazines. I immediately got the feel of a warm loft; somewhere you can go relax and unwind in a bohemian ambiance  The decor included warm candles, guitars and contemporary furniture. It was an ecclectic mix that made you feel welcome and we loved it.

Outside, a terrace area with a romantic dining table and several couches, sat ready for conversation in the dim lighting. It was a picturesque setting where the surrounding greenery blended the indoors with the outdoors. The relaxing music played softly in the background, completing the mood and smoothly transitioning us into the weekend on this cool Friday night.

Casa L'Angel Red Wine

Spicy Tuna Tartare

Close-up of Crostini with Tartare

As I perused the menu, I learned from Nascimento that Iron Side Cafe has been open for lunch for about a year, and started serving dinner three months ago. While the lunch menu primarily offers gourmet sandwiches, salads and pizzas, the dinner menu showcases a combination of Nuno's and Nascimento's favorite dishes over the years. Looking forward to sampling an organic wine, I started off with a glass of Casa L'Angel, a red wine made with a blend of Spanish grapes. It had a sweet taste and a smooth finish. There were quite a few plates I wanted to start off with and after some serious soul searching, I narrowed it down to their Spicy Tuna Tartare (you know I can't resist) and a special of the evening: Chilled Avocado Soup with Pancetta. The Spicy Tuna Tartare was perfectly  prepared with Yellowfin Tuna, Red Onion, Capers and a Spicy Lemon Dressing that had intense flavor. It was served with Crostini and the yolk of a Quail Egg. Phenomenal! We mixed the egg with the tuna and just closed our eyes to enjoy the moment. The Chilled Avocado Soup was creamy and tasty, and the bits of Pancetta gave it an additional texture that brought it to a whole new level.

Chilled Avocado Soup with Pancetta

Before telling you about the entrees we had, I have to interject and tell you about their Organic Garden   Salad, made with Mixed Organic Baby Greens, Cucumber, Cherry Tomatoes, Organic Portabella and Avocado. It's not only a delight for the sense of taste, but also for the sense of sight! A true work of art! The produce was fresh, the avocado was beautiful and the presentation spoke volumes of Chef Nuno's culinary passion.

Organic Garden Salad

Grass Fed Cut of the Day

Pork Chop

Next came the entrees.  I was really excited about trying The Grass Fed Cut of the Day, which was a New York Steak, and the Pork Chop. They were both juicy and packed with flavor. The steak was tender and lean, with a rich taste that pleased the palate. The pork chop was grilled and topped with Garlic Confit, and caramelized apples. It was served with a delicious Potato Salad and Organic Baby Arugula. We enjoyed the variety of flavors combined in the dish.

Chocolate Truffle Cake

As a sweet ending to this fabulous meal, we ordered the housemade Chocolate Truffle Cake, a flourless cake with a layer of walnuts on the bottom. Not quite a mousse, and not quite a cake, it was so creamy and thick, I couldn't stop licking my spoon. Next time, I probably won't share!

We really enjoyed our dinner at Iron Side Cafe and I am looking forward to a return trip soon to try their lunch. Stop by and treat yourself to this healthy, amazing experience, while you relax. If you're in the mood for some good tunes, come in on a Saturday night where they offer  live music or a DJ along with their great food. For more information, you can contact Iron Side Cafe at 305-759-0551 or visit them online at http://www.miamiironsidecafe.com/.

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Boca Raton Wine and Food Festival 2012

Two weekends ago was the 3rd Annual Boca Raton Wine and Food Festival.  I filled my tank with gas and headed out to Boca on Saturday night to find out what this "Culinary Affair" was all about. I had tickets to their Grand Tasting, a 1/6 mile stretch of palate pleasing samples prepared by 70 chefs from the Tri-County Area, and over 50 tasting stations throughout the festival offering the world's finest varietals of wine.

Hosted by Resident Executive Chef Lee Bakley and Executive Chef Juan Montalvo, the Grand Tasting event took place on Saturday, November 11th, from 6-10 pm in the beautiful Boca Corporate Center and Campus (former IBM Headquarters), located at 5000 T-Rex Avenue. The area was transformed into a gastronomical global showcase featuring 6 World Culinary Regions and a Sweet Endings Village. The walkway was creatively decorated in representation of the regions and it was fun to see a lot of the chefs and their staff dressed in costumes.

The Hungry Cuban

Believe me when I tell you the place was packed! Besides the endless tables of delectable bites and the array of fine wines, there was also live entertainment and cooking demonstrations in an area called Kitchen Alley. Among the chefs we got to speak to was Chef Juan from The Hungry Cuban. After serving 28 years as a firefighter and paramedic captain for the city of Deerfield Beach, Chef Juan decided to follow his passion for cooking. He graduated from culinary school, used his extensive firehouse cooking background and started his paella company; bringing nutritious foods to his clients and cooking up tasty Paellas at catered events. I'll admit I mozied on down to his table a few times. The paella was finger licking good!

Creating something delectable

NYY Steak in Seminole Casino
Coconut Creek

Sweet Revenge

The culinary world trip through the festival proved to be not only delicious, but also a sensory experience with each new bite. Although it was my first time attending the Boca Raton Wine and Food Festival, it certainly will not be the last. Besides the Grand Tasting Event, the festivities included a exclusive Dinner Under the Stars on Friday night, featuring a four course dinner with wine pairings. Saturday morning showcased Perfect Pairings, where their Executive Culinary Team explored the art of pairing food and wine by conducting aromatic experiences to identify the fruits, vegetable and herbs that inspire each food and wine pairing. The festival continued the morning after the Grand Tasting,   by celebrating the Jazz Bubbles and Brunch; a chic, European delight, an array of brunch stations. 

Candy's Cake Pops

Molecular Cocktails

After my Grand Tasting Experience at the Boca Raton Wine and Food Festival, I can certainly see why it's called a Culinary Affair. I can't wait for number 4 next year! Check out their website at http://www.bocaratonwineandfoodfestival.com to see a full listing of the participating chefs as well as more information on the event.

Nice Souvenir...Cheers!

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Blue Moon Fish Co. - Brunch

Sunday mornings are meant to be enjoyed. Since I really like to sleep in, starting my day out lazily and heading out to a Sunday Brunch is a favorite past time for me . While there are some great a-la-carte brunches out there, I must say I'm a buffet kind of gal. I can't really explain it, but I get a warm and fuzzy feeling when I walk into an open space and see an assortment of culinary stations I can indulge in to my heart's desire. Having said that, this past weekend I was excited to visit a place I had heard served a mean brunch and was situated right on the water. This restaurant is Blue Moon Fish Co., located in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea at 4405 W. Tradewinds Avenue. Join me below as I take you on a virtual sensory tour of their impressive new brunch menu. Oh, and make sure you read all of it because we're giving you a chance to win a $100 Gift Certificate to Blue Moon Fish Co.at the bottom of this post.

This is how I roll...

With Chef /Owner
Bryce Statham

Romantic Live Music

Blue Moon Fish Co. has been a staple in the area for many years. It specializes in fresh seafood in an elegant, picturesque setting overlooking the Intracoastal. All I can say is that the minute I set foot inside, it reeled me in. The indoor dining area boasts elegant high ceilings and contemporary wrought iron and brass lamps, while the mahogany and maple wood accents envelope you in a luxurious ambiance.  I went to Blue Moon Fish Co. for their newly redesigned Sunday Brunch and immediately noticed Chef/Owners Baron Skorish and Bryce Statham walking around and having fun with the diners. I loved how both of these celebrated, award-winning chefs were personally welcoming everyone who walked in.

Chef Dario's Famous Oysters Rockefeller

Our gracious hostess walked us to the outdoor terrace and down to a dock area literally right over the water. I was floored! It was the most breathtaking, romantic view I had seen in a long time. The cool breeze felt fabulous on my face and there were boats cruising up and down the water. Seriously, with a view like this, I forgot for a few minutes that I was starving. But as I regained composure and made my way back to the brunch stations, I remembered.

Delicious Seafood

Sushi rolls include
Eel and Salmon sushi
and Spicy Tuna Roll

Yellowtail Snapper Ceviche

The presentation of their brunch is spectacular, while the array and quality of the selections are impressive. Everything looked so scrumptious, I didn't know where to start. I  actually had to laugh a couple of times as I was eyeing all the tables, because I noticed that other diners had the same awe-struck smile on their faces that I did.  Finally, I decided to start with the seafood (always a personal favorite) and work my way through the rest of the culinary stations. It was quite interesting to find that many of the dishes had a distinct Cajun theme in their preparation that was both authentic as well as appetizing.

Spicy Tuna Roll

The Breakfast Bar

The Seafood Table

Ready for the virtual sensory tour? The Breakfast Bar features traditional breakfast items such as Eggs Benedict, Corn Flake Crusted French Toast and House Cured Salmon Graviax. The Seafood Table offers a wide variety of delectable items like King Crab Clusters, Chef Dario's Famous Oysters Rockefeller, Weekly Trio of Ceviches and tasty Sushi Rolls. I practically moved in to this last station if you take into account the number of times I came back for more goodies.

Treats from The Salad Table and The Carving Board

The Carving Board

The Salad Table and Charcuterie

The selection at The Carving Board was outstanding with items such as Mint Leaf and Shallot Roasted Leg of Lamb and a Spice Rubbed-Grilled Loin of Pork that made me close my eyes in wonder as I bit into the tender meat. I have to add The Pineapple Habanero sauce on the side gave it the ultimate sweet and spicy kick. The Salad Table and Charcuterie featured a huge variety of salads and vegetables, as well as sliced aged Italian Meats and high quality Imported Cheeses. There was also The Soup Station, which included Louisiana Seafood Gumbo and Florida Fish Chowder, and The Tuscan Trattoria; an incredible stop for Chef-selected Pastas and Sauces. Mamma Mia!

You're not going to believe it, but in addition to all of this, Blue Moon Fish Co. also includes Chef Prepared Entrees you can order from your server as part of their Sunday Brunch. In my book, that totally sets them apart from other buffet brunches. Take a look at them below and please try not to drool all over the keyboard.

Australian Lamb Chop with
Eggplant and Ratouille

Chicken Milanese with an Arugula
and Fresh Tomato Salad

Seared Diver Sea Scallops with
Udon Noodles, Julienne Vegetables
and Coconut Curry Lime Broth

Grilled Swordfish with Cucumber,
White Bean Salad and
Grilled Romaine

Louisiana Crawfish and Jumbo Lump Crab Cake with
Cayenne and Cilantro Aioli.  I could have had 10 of
these.

Pecan Pie

Key Lime Pie

Of course, Sunday Brunch wouldn't be complete without a sweet ending, and Blue Moon Fish Co. doesn't hold back here either. Chef Maria's Sweet Shop, their decadent dessert station, was a sugar lover's dream. Just envision Pecan Pie, Fruit Tartlettes, Chocolate Tortes, and so much more, along with a cascading Chocolate Fountain with delicious treats to dip. Yes...this place is for real.

Chocolate Fountain

Blue Moon Fish Co. is a total catch! No wonder it was voted Best Sunday Brunch in Broward.  The service is outstanding and they are definitely proud of their establishment. Our servers, Christie and Cory made the afternoon very special. If you'd like to make reservations, or find out more about the restaurant, including their upcoming Thanksgiving Feast, you can contact them at 954-267-9888 or visit them online at  http://www.bluemoonfishco.com/home.html.


Now here it is...the moment you've all been waiting for! Do you want to experience this fabulous brunch for yourself? I've partnered with Blue Moon Fish Company for my upcoming 1 year Blogaversary and we're giving away a $100 Gift Certificate to use at the restaurant! That's right...$100 to spend at this amazing place! An opportunity like this occurs only once in a "blue moon" so don't pass it up! Here are the details of the contest:

To Win $100 Blue Moon Fish Company Gift Certificate, you must : (See asterisk at the bottom if you don't subscribe to all the social medias listed below)

• Like my Facebook Page at Adventures of the Foodaholic *
• Like Blue Moon Fish Company on Facebook at Blue Moon Fish Co *
• Post on Blue Moon Fish Company's Facebook Wall "Adventures of the Foodaholic Blue Moon Fish Company Reader Giveaway"
• Follow me on Twitter @mariasgoodtaste *
• Follow Blue Moon Fish Company on Twitter @BlueMoonFishCo *
• Tweet "Adventures of the Foodaholic Blue Moon Fish Company" with hashtag #ReaderGiveaway and mention @BlueMoonFishCo.
• For an extra chance to win, Comment on this post  "Adventures of the Foodaholic Blue Moon Fish Company Reader Giveaway". *

* Each social media site counts as one entry: If you "Like" the pages and write the wall post on Facebook only, that's one entry. Following and Tweeting with the correct hashtag on Twitter is another entry. Commenting on this post gives you one extra entry. You increase your chances of winning by doing it all. 

The contest will run for 7 days from today, Wednesday, November 14th, 2012 to Wednesday, November 21st, 2012 at 11:59 pm est. Once a winner is selected randomly from the pool of participants who have met the requirements above, I will announce the winner through my Blog, Facebook page and Twitter Account. Good luck and Bon Appetit!

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