EDGE Steak & Bar is taking the edge out of South Florida's Summer Heat

Pastry Chef Sarah Thompson

New Summer Offering at EDGE

I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice-cream! South Florida summers are full of sun, fun and beaches. Of course, there's nothing cooler, in every sense of the word, than a refreshing scoop of ice-cream to beat the heat. Well, it could be even cooler if you have it made tableside from a liquid nitrogen cart and douse it with a kick of alcohol.

This summer, EDGE Steak & Bar at the Four Seasons Hotel in Brickell, is taking temperatures down a notch by offering extra cold ice-cream made with liquid nitrogen right at your table, and guests can choose from their favorite flavor - vanilla, chocolate or strawberry. In just 20 seconds, instant gratification will materialize in the form of mini cones filled with the cold, delicious treats. Because Executive Chef Aaron Brooks and his team think of everything, they have decided to give the experience an extra boost, by allowing adults 21 years of age and older the option to "spike it" shall we say, with a bit of rum or coconut rum.

Executive Chef Aaron Brooks

Seafood Paella

Pork Benedict

I donned my summer dress and drove out to the Four Seasons to experience the comfort dessert for myself, but first had a taste of their renowned Sunday Brunch. It had been too long since I had indulged in the decadent spread, and while I loved it the first time, I found it even more incredible on this hot, Sunday afternoon. With the best Smoked Salmon Slider ever in my hand, I walked around the stations to see where my starting point would be. I noticed that in addition to EDGE's signature raw bar featuring its tantalizing ceviche, larger-than-life foodgasmic suckling pig, and variety of fresh salads and charcuterie, they have added a selection of dishes that can be ordered a-la-carte as part of the brunch.  I tried the moist seafood paella, generously prepared with a medley of fish and shellfish and a Pork Benedict that I feel revolutionized the whole "benedict"experience by combining down home Floridan-Cuban flavors ( i.e. mojo) with a rich, buttery, Hollandaise sauce. The Baked Buttermilk Waffle also called out to me because, let's face it, would it really be a brunch without it? The list is quite extensive, so be sure to go hungry.

Baked Buttermilk Waffle

You won't believe it, but didn't end it there. Once enough damage has been done inside, guests can step out to the terrace and order from a series of grill-to-order items such as tender, juicy pieces of Churrasco and tangy Smoke House BBQ Ribs, which can be accompanied with a side of warm, corn muffins, and sweet and savory baked beans. It's like Fourth of July every Sunday.

Warm Doughnuts with Homemade Nutella

Of course, I don't have to tell you about the decadent desserts exquisitely prepared by Pastry Chef Sarah Thompson. They now feature an even larger, impressive selection of sweet endings including White Chocolate Cake, Vanilla Creme Caramel and a sinful helping of Warm Doughnuts and Homemade Nutella. All I can say is after each bite, I continued to grow (in every sense of the word) my love for EDGE. My quest for ice-cream turned into an all-out Sunday feast and I walked out of there with a huge smile from ear to ear. I'd tell you which flavor was my favorite, but then again, you probably already know.

Get it while it's cold...

Be sure to stop in to the Four Seasons this summer before the opportunity melts away. For more information, visit their website at http://www.edgerestaurantmiami.com/

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Cantina Laredo at the Village of Gulfstream Park

I often get asked for recommendations on the best restaurants for different types of foods. Where should we go for the best seafood or what is your favorite place for Italian? In Miami, we are so incredibly lucky because there is such a variety of cultures represented in the cuisine, that my answers usually involve more than one. I am excited to add a new place to the "Where can we find great Mexican food" age-old question (which I happened to have been asked on Twitter recently). And this place is Cantina Laredo, located at The Village of Gulfstream Park, 501 Silks Run, in Hallandale.

Cantina Laredo is a high-end Mexican food franchise, with locations throughout the United States. Opening in 1984, it provides a modern twist to gourmet dishes from Mexico City. The ambiance has a modern vibe to it. You will definitely not find the usual colorful look you expect in a Mexican restaurant but rather a more upscale, sophisticated feel. There is a vast selection of Margaritas to choose from and we spared no time in embarking on our adventure.

The Daring Duo: Hornitos Skinny Rita
and Cabo Flip

We started by ordering a Cabo Flip and an Hornitos Skinny Rita. The Cabo Flip was a tantalizing margarita made with Cabo Wabo Reposado and Grand Marnier Orange Liqueur. Inside there was a lime boat full of tequila..now that's what I'm talking about. The Hornitos Skinny Rita was more subdued and fruity, made with Hornitos Plata, fresh lime juice and agave nectar. You could choose to add a splash of Lime, Raspberry or Peach.

Hello Lover!

Sipping away we scanned the menu. The first thing I noticed was that it offered quite a bit of dishes, which based on my trips to Mexico, sounded very authentic. There was everything from enchiladas, carnitas, tacos and an appetizing choice of fish. Then I saw IT and I knew I had to have IT: Top Shelf Guacamole, made tableside. Look, I don't know what it is between me and avocados and I actually started eating them as an adult but the green little suckers are my apple a day. We also tasted a new appetizer on the menu, Botanas Trio, which consisted of two ahi tuna tacos, crab cakes and Poblano Chicken Empanadas. Let's go back to my vice. The guacamole was spot on! It had a creamy texture and just the right amount of jalapeno kick. I will confess I was rather unladylike as I dipped my chips in a hurry to ensure most of it was mine. The Botanas Trio had a nice sampling of snacks. The crabcakes were tender and made with micro cilantro to heighten the taste and the empanadas had a generous filling of chicken and roasted poblano peppers. The star of the trio for me were the ahi tuna tacos. The fresh chunks of tuna were blissfully combined with chipotle aioli and jicama slaw, ending in a crispy bite.

Botanas Trio

Torta de Carnitas

Swordfish

For entrees, we tried the Camaron Poblano Asado and the Fish of the Day which was a mild, tender filet of Swordfish. Call us gluttonous, but we also shared a new dish, the Torta de Carnitas, but more on that later. Cantina Laredo offers 2 or 3 fresh fish daily and tonight's was grilled and served on a bed of cilantro rice and pan seared zucchini. The swordfish was flavorful and I loved the creaminess of the cilantro rice. The Torta de Carnitas was a fun griddle baked sandwich on ciabatta bread, made with slow-roasted pork and topped with fried eggs, apricot spread and goat cheese. Can you just imagine the flavor explosion? Oh and even the onion jalapeno fries served with the torta were outrageous. And now our favorite of the night: The Camaron Poblano Asado. One of the main things that stood our for us throughout the adventure was the originality of the food in terms of the ingredients and preparation. This dish was the king. It was a juicy grilled steak wrapped around poblano pepper with shrimp, mushrooms, onions and monterey jack cheese, crowned with a bang of chimichurri sauce. This baby was served with a side of rice and zucchini vegetables and I absolutely loved it. Just remembering it is making me salivate.

Camaron Poblano Asado

At this climatic point of the night, we sat  back and realized why Cantina Laredo is growing so quickly and becoming the spot to go to for Mexican gourmet cuisine. But it wasn't over yet.  We couldn't walk away without sealing the evening with a sweet finale. And so we did. We shared the Mango Tres Leches, a creamy and milky vanilla cake bathed in mango sauce. Decadent and rich, it was almost like biting into a mango from heaven. Artwork you can eat.

Mango Tres Leches

Taking a drive out to the Village of Gulfstream Park just became a lot more exciting now that we discovered Cantina Laredo. For more information or to make reservations, you can visit their website at http://www.cantinalaredo.com/ or call them at 954-457-7662.

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Madrid Food Tour: Tapas, Taverns and History

Plaza Mayor

You know I'm all for learning a country's culture through its food. What better way to do it than like a local? If you want to get some history, traditional food and the general feel of a place when you're traveling, I find a food tour takes care of all three. Of course, you want to go with one that is good and offers the best bang for your buck. I found all this and more in Madrid Food Tour.

 

Puerta del Sol

I planned my Madrid Food Tour early on in the Spanish leg of my trip. It was one of the best things I could've done. Depending on your preference, there are a variety of tours to choose from and each one offers a unique glimpse into the city. Caught between a couple of tours that sounded right up our alley, we chose the Tapas, Taverns and History tour because it offered a little bit of everything we wanted to experience in the shoes of a Madrileno: food, history and drinks.  After participating in the 4 hour adventure, we were completely psyched with Madrid, and had a list of places to go and things to do in the coming days.

James Blick, our tour guide

Like most food tours, the fun consists of a cultural walk through the city center, stopping at various taverns to indulge in mouth-watering tapas and drinks.  However, this is where the likeness ends. From the moment we met our guide, James Blick, I knew this was going to be en extra special evening. A New Zealand native, James came to Europe to find love, which he did, and has lived in Madrid with his wife ever since. His passion for both food and history are evident in the way he tells the stories and brings the magic of Madrid's past to life. Just imagine strolling through picturesque, cobblestone medieval streets on your way to having an aperitif and a tapa while learning about the vivid events that made Madrid the city it is today. It's completely unforgettable.

Our first stop, Taberna Real

Vermouth

Our first stop was a popular tavern that was booming with Madrilenos: Taberna Real. James ordered us a Vermouth as an aperitif, the traditional Spanish way to start a meal, and two tapas: Marinated olives and potato chips fried in olive oil. The Vermouth, a fortified white wine whose brand was Miro, was outstanding with subtle hints of caramel. It was actually served from tap (it comes in barrels) rather than from a bottle. The olives were the most flavorful I've ever had.  So much so, that several of us wanted to find out where we can get some to bring back home at the end of our tour. I learned two interesting fun facts at this bar: In Madrid, once you finish an olive, you don't throw the pit in the garbage. Instead, you toss it on the floor underneath the bar's counter. Interesting! And, whenever you order a drink at a taberna, there is a small tapa included in the price of the drink. It is their choice which they include and you don't really mention it if it doesn't come, but it is a standard custom.



Stop Numero Dos: Taberna La Concha

Anchovies

Tostas de Cabrales and Anchoas

Our next stop was Taberna La Concha, a small place we probably would have never thought to visit. Along the way, James pointed out a wealth of more information like the known and unknown final resting places of several famous Spanish artists such as Velasquez, the difficult time when the Moors conquered Spain, and the ins-and-outs of the Spanish Hadsburg dynasty. Once we arrived, we were greeted by the friendly owners and staff and served a refreshing Parxet Cava. The effervescent wine had a delicate citrus aroma and a delightfully long, clean finish. It was paired with an assortment of tapas that were mind-blowing. We enjoyed some Boquerones en Vinagre (anchovies in vinegar), Morcilla (blood sausage), Salmorejo (this was the tapa included with our drink), Tostas de Gamba with homemade mayo (a toast topped with shrimp), and Tostas de Cabrales and Anchoas (toast topped with blue cheese and anchovies).  Each tapa had its own distinct taste that was highlighted by the Cava. My favorites were the Salmorejo, a gazpacho-like soup with a thick, creamy texture and the Boquerones en Vinagre, which opened my appetite and made me pucker all at once.. Just between us, we learned another fun fact at this bar: In Asturia, Blue Cheese is called the devil's shit.

Salmorejo

 

 

Rich history and culture: La Venencia

Feeling giddy with excitement at all this fabulous food and drink, we walked through the ancient streets to our next stop: La Venencia. This spot only serves Spain's finest sherry, out of the barrel and in all of its glory. It is named after the long, narrow tool that is used to sample the sherry through an opening in the casks. It's very quaint and once we walked into the wood covered place, I felt as if we were stepping back in time. Ernest Hemingway himself sipped sherry here during Spain's Civil War from 1936-1939, where left-leaning Republicans fought against the Fascist. It was during this time he wrote "For Whom the Bell Tolls" about the war. James ordered us two styles of sherry - a light and a dark one, and a table full of tapas. I would have loved to have taken pictures to show you, but that is one rule in La Venencia - no photographs. The reason? It just dates back to the Civil War days when Republicans would gather here and didn't want to be exposed by Fascist spies. Pretty cool, huh? I sampled both sherries, and preferred the stronger, dark one. Although they both come from the same grape, I learned the darker sherry changes color and flavor during the oxidation process. Something else I loved is that as I ate the tapas, the flavor of the sherry changed for me. We ate Mojama, (cured tuna), Cecina (smoked cured beef), Chorizo, and aceitunas (olives). As I looked near the bar, I noticed a large chalkboard with writing on it. It turns out when patrons place their orders, the tabs are written in chalk on the board. Once you're done, you just look at it and see how much you owe. It was a truly enchanting experience.

Pimientos de Padron



Cazon

Callos Madrilenos

Our last stop for the evening was a bustling taberna named El Lacon. The place was packed and had a vibrant, pulsating ambiance. I actually sampled two drinks here - the Tinto de Verano, which is the less complicated yet delicious way Madrilenos actually drink their "sangrias", and a glass of Tempranillo wine. As we worked our way to a table, James ordered a huge selection of tapas. It was awesome! We had Empanadas de Carne (meat patties), Callos Madrilenos (a stew of cow trife and chick peas), Pimientos de Padron (fried peppers with sea salt on top), and Pollo al Aji (Pepper Chicken). We also shared some raciones, which are larger tapas. These were Cazon (marinated cape shark or dogfish), Asparagus (cooked a-la-plancha) and the ever famous Secreto Iberico (the fatty, juicy armpit of the Black Iberian Pig).  The Cazon was tender and seasoned perfectly with cumin. I couldn't keep my hands off the plate. The Callos Madrilenos were outstanding - a hearty, bold flavored  dish for a midsummer night.This was the grand finale of the savory part of the evening- sort of like the fireworks at Disney World.  Once we were all finished moaning out of pure delight over the incredible tapas we'd just devoured, out came the desserts: Flan Casero con Helado (homemade custard served with ice-cream), Crema Catalana (catalan crème) and Filloas Caseras con Chocolate (homemade pastries filled with chocolate)

Crema Catalana

We all walked away full, a bit tipsy and deeper in love with Madrid. Because the groups are kept small, they afford you the opportunity to ask as many questions as you want and interact extensively with each other. James was an excellent guide that truly enjoyed sharing his knowledge and passion, and took the tour to a whole new level. I feel there is still so much I need to see, eat and drink in this beautiful city, that when I return, I will definitely take another Madrid Food Tour. For more information or to reserve your spot, visit them online at http://madridfoodtour.com/.

 

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Costa Rica Part 2- Don Rufino

I recently told you about a great resort in Costa Rica, located near the famous Arenal Volcano in La Fortuna, called The Springs Resort & Spa. While we were cocooned in this beautiful place for quite some time, we also ventured out to try some more of the local flavors. There is a traditional dish in Costa Rica called the Casado. A Casado is a common staple in the country usually consisting of beans, rice, plantains, salad, a tortilla, an egg, and a choice of meat such as chicken, beef or pork. It is similar to a Bandeja Paisa in Colombia or a Plato Tipico in Honduras, with just a variation in its components. The name of the dish is said to have originated either because it is a popular favorite for wives to make their husbands at home (casados)  or because all the components are eternally "married" or casados on the plate. You can pretty much find it at every restaurant, particularly the sodas, or small, family-owned diners.

We enjoyed the dish so much, we tried it at different places throughout our trip searching for the best one. We found it at Don Rufino, a busy restaurant located in the heart of Downtown La Fortuna. I can't give you a precise address because they don't use addresses in the same way we do in Costa Rica but if you mention Don Rufino, every driver knows exactly where it is. It is a special place, named after the grandfather of its owners, Senor Rufino Quesada Vargas, who inspired them through his pioneering efforts more than seven decades earlier, when he became one of the first 10 people to inhabit the area. He had the courage and vision to move his family to the less than hospitable rainforest, later to become the booming La Fortuna de San Carlos.

Ensalada de la Maison

Gazpacho Don Rufino

Most restaurants in La Fortuna do not have air conditioning but they're very open and breezy. The place was packed but we were able to get a spot underneath one of the ceiling fans. We started our meal with the Ensalada de la Maison or their House Salad, made with arugula, speck, buffalo mozzarella, grilled peaches and avocado, drizzed with dried cherry tomato vinaigrette.  It had a very generous helping of ham, that lasted all the way to the end. The salty flavor of the ham and cheese contrasted well with the sweetness of the peaches and the tangy kick of the dressing. We also tried the Gazpacho Don Rufino, a cold tomato soup with sweet & sour chili sauce, onions, peppers, lemongrass and avocado, and infused with a hint of ginger oil. It was a very refreshing and creamy beginning.

Casado

Now we go to the star of the show; the infamous Casado that blew all the others straight out of the water. The variety of foods that made up the Casado at Don Rufino definitely resulted in a marriage made in heaven. Fluffy white rice and black beans, a "picadillo of the day" which in this instance, happened to be picadillo de papaya (my favorite part of the dish), a hefty salad, plantains, a rolled up tortilla and my choice of meat: juicy strip loin - lustfully graced the plate. The colorful ensemble came topped with a bright, sunny side up egg. Can it get any better than that? It was one of those moments we wanted to savor - literally.

Chocolate Strawberry Dessert

Although my companion had to unbutton his pants by this part of the meal, (I'm a lady so I wouldn't dream of doing that) we decided to share a dessert. It was their Chocolate Strawberry signature treat, with chunks of fresh strawberries and strawberry jam sitting between two thin chocolate strips. It was rich and decadent but did not top my amazing entrée.

A visit to Don Rufino is a must if you are traveling to La Fortuna in Costa Rica. Service is very friendly and the food is excellent. For more information, you can visit their website at http://www.donrufino.com.

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Lolita's Kitchen

From the moment we dipped the complimentary, soft Focaccia filled with pecorino cheese and sun-dried tomato into the extra virgin olive oil and aged balsamic vinegar at Lolita's Kitchen, we predicted it was going to be a good night. Lolita's Kitchen, located at 2219 N. Commerce Parkway in Weston, is a cozy, family-owned hidden gem, serving international cuisine with Colombian flair. It's owner Hector Alonso and his brother Fernando do everything from greeting the guests, to entertaining the diners, to making sure everything runs smoothly in the kitchen. This family is quite familiar with the restaurant business. They have two other eateries in Cali, Colombia: Restaurante Mochika serving an infusion of Peruvian cuisine and Patio Santo (also known as El Patio), a popular place featuring live shows and entertainment.

Focaccia filled with Pecorino Cheese and Sun-dried Tomato

Initially starting with more of a fast food approach, Lolita's Kitchen has evolved in the year and a half it has been around. Now it serves an incredibly diverse menu with traditional favorites and global fare. It has a jovial ambiance, with its "Sharing and Creating Life's Little Pleasures" philosophy and bright green hues. On the walls hang flat-screen T.V.s perfect for watching sporting events (I'm already thinking ahead to next year's Heat win) and for following along during open mic time.

Michelada

Fundido Lolita's

Caipirinha

As we looked at the menu, we decided to order a Michelada: a traditional Mexican drink consisting of a "prepared beer", in this case  made with Aguila, a salted rim and a splash of lime at the bottom. We also ordered a nice, cold Caipirinha, for the cocktail lover in me. Our first appetizer was the Fundido Lolita's, a marriage of mushrooms and vegetables sautéed in cream, mozzarella and parmesan cheese. It was creamy, thick and full of flavors and textures. We also tried Lolita's "Mozzarella en Carroza"(Mozzarella in a Carriage) which consisted of fresh baked mozzarella sitting on a bed of basil pesto and topped with a mound of ripe tomatoes. I completely enjoyed how the bold flavor of the pesto complemented the more delicate taste of the baked mozzarella.

Lolita's "Mozzarella en Carroza"

Next we had one of my favorites of the evening: the Mexican Soup. It sounded so appetizing on the menu, I figured I'd give it a go even if I had to walk the block ten times after dinner. One slurp and I was hooked. Imagine a hot, creamy soup filled with crispy tortillas, shredded chicken, melted cheese, pico de gallo, slices of fresh avocado, corn, jalapenos, pork cracklings and sour cream. A meal on its own, you have to try this dish.

Mexican Soup

Hector and Alvaro

Alvaro Ruiz

By now the entertainment was starting, and Hector, the talented owner, was rocking it on the mic alongside Alvaro Ruiz, singer and comedian. Already close to 11 pm. the place was packed and it was a very family-oriented ambiance where everyone was having a good time. The later it got, the more alive Lolita's became. The party continues way into the night on the weekends.

Lolita's "Lomo Jalapeno"

Passion Fruit Salmon

We ordered our entrees: Lolita's "Lomo Jalapeno", and the Passion Fruit Salmon. The 10 oz. steak was thick and juicy,  grilled to perfection and rested on a pool of roasted tomato and honey sauce. It was topped with melted mozzarella cheese and jalapenos, and served with Pasta Alfredo and their special salad. The grilled salmon was tender and flaky, bathed in a passion fruit sauce and also served with Pasta Alfredo and a salad. We enjoyed the combined flavors in this sweet and savory dish.

Nutella Crepes

Banana Wrapped in Puff Pastry

For dessert, we sampled two of their favorites: the Nutella Crepes and the Banana Wrapped in Puff Pastry. The crepes were a chocolate lover's dream - sweet and decadent, filled with the gooey treat and served with vanilla ice-cream. The caramelized bananas were wrapped in puff pastry, drizzled with chocolate and also served with a scoop of ice-cream and fruit.

Cafecito

As you know there couldn't be an open mic night and me not take part. So, I decided to sing the karaoke version of  Olvidame y Pega La Vuelta from Pimpinela, with Hector. While I doubt I'll be getting a call from American Idol anytime soon, I don't think I did half bad. I've actually been practicing these past couple of weeks because it was so much fun, I really want to do it again soon.

And there she is...the next American Idol!

So, if you're looking for a night of great food, in a fun, family-style setting, look no further than Lolita's Kitchen. To add to the excitement, there is something different going on each night: Broadway Night on Mondays, Comedy Night on Wednesdays and Latin Night on Fridays and Saturdays with live entertainment to dance the night away. They also offer a pretty amazing daily happy hour as well with $5 cocktails and light bites from 5-7 pm. For more information on Lolita's Kitchen, you can call them at 954-389-8871 or visit them online at http://www.lolitaskitchen.com.

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