Sunday Brunch With The Yankees - NYY Steak at Seminole Casino Coconut Creek

If you're a New York Yankees fan (which is a good number of the population) and want a piece of that "Yanks" vibe along with a helping of tender, juicy steak, then have I got the place for you. Just think of eating Sunday brunch surrounded by Yankees memorabilia, including a wall of autographed pictures and diamond-shaped dishes sporting retired numbers of some of the legendary greats. That's what you'll find at NYY Steak, located inside the Seminole Casino Coconut Creek at 5550 NW 40th Street.

I had never been to NYY Steak before and was excited when I heard they were revamping their Sunday Brunch (one of the meals I look forward to all week). I had heard of the famous steakhouse partly owned by the New York Yankees empire, with locations near the Rockefeller Center and the iconic Yankee Stadium, and I trekked on over to the casino on a sunny afternoon to enjoy some good eating. NYY Steak believes that "Like the Yankees, they never bring anything but the best to the plate." After my experience, I agree. The lavish buffet offered an assortment of traditional brunch dishes, as well as some creative originals that piqued my interest from the moment I saw them. The ingredients were fresh and the presentation hit it out of the park (pun intended). 

I figured I'd scurry on over to first base with either a Mimosa, Bellini or Bloody Mary. Eeny Meeny Miny Moe...Mimosa it was. After a few sips, I decided to start my feast in the Fresh Seafood Station. A tantalizing mirage (only real) of large Cocktail Shrimp awaited us, along with ocean favorites like Freshly Shucked Atlantic and Pacific Oysters, Crabs, and Smoked Fish. Not bad. A homerun with my first at bat.

Next up, I saw two words I love - Eggs Benedict. Only these were preceded by Philly Cheesesteak. It turns out that NYY Steak changes their brunch offerings on a weekly basis, and their creative Egg Benedict dishes vary as well. They may be made with lobster, sausage, steak or any other Yankee flavor. These were one of my top favorites of the afternoon. Topped with a perfectly poached egg and drizzled with warm, classic hollandaise sauce, it was a total hit. Needless to say, I filled my plate with a lot more goodies I totally loved. The Bacon Wrapped Scallops were divine and the Aged Prime Rib made me take a second trip to the Carving Station while nobody was looking. Other stations included Salad, (for the healthy eaters), Eggs and Omelet, Pancake, (a.k.a. heaven) and the ever-decadent Dessert Station, which featured mouthwatering Crepes filled with just about anything you could think of. (Did I mention I chose Nutella?)

 

After brunch, we were given a tour of the casino as well as some 411 on the future plans of the restaurant. We also got an upclose and personal look at their butcher shop, where the first class steaks are dry-aged and prepared into the delicious, juicy delights we indulged in. You can come here, buy them raw and cook them at home for your friends. I'm thinking my poolside summer BBQs are looking so much sweeter right now.

 

 

As I walked around, I noticed a casing with steak knives on the wall, and curious me needed to know what they were. I learned that NYY Steak gives this honor to frequent guests and players, and actually etches their name on the knife. I think I saw an empty space on the wall where a new knife etched with "The Foodaholic" might fit nicely. Hint Hint.


After a fabulous meal, I waved good-bye to Babe Ruth as I exited the restaurant, with a smile on my face and "Take Me Out To The Ball Game" playing in my mind. If you want to enjoy a delectable brunch, in an elegant, yet inviting atmosphere with live music and a friendly staff, check out NYY Steak. For more information, you can visit them online at http://www.nyysteak.com/coconut-creek/#contact.

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Atrio Brings New Menu to the Conrad Miami

Are you ready for a foodporn parade? The spot with the best view of the city and Biscayne Bay, located high in the sky in the heart of Brickell, recently launched a new menu. Atrio Restaurant and Wine Room at the Conrad Miami hotel, has added some incredible new dishes to their already enticing menu, giving foodies a reason to come back again and again.

I took the elevator ride up to the 25th floor and decided to check out some of these dishes for myself. There were several of us enjoying dinner, so it quickly became not only a feast for the palate, but also one for the senses. Their Executive Chef, Virgil Brandel has outdone himself with this new menu, and if you haven't visited Atrio lately, it's time. Think of it as a marriage between the alluring cities along the coast of the French Riviera, with the sultry, distinctive flavors that make Miami a pulsating destination. Bring a date and make it the most romantic night ever.

For now, grab a bib, lock your door so they won't hear you moan and get a load of this. 

Tuna Tartar "Sicilian Style"
Fresh Tuna with Eggplant Caponata, Watercress
Tarot Chips and Blood Orange Dressing

Grouper and Salmon Carpaccio "A Venetian Work of Art"
Thinly sliced flavorful pieces of fish, topped with micro greens,
salmon caviar, bottarga and a refreshing herb sorbet

Heirloom Tomato Burrata "From the Farm"
A creamy and mouthwatering portion of burrata cheese, served
with watermelon, arugula, basil olive oil and drizzled with 15
year old balsamic vinegar

Goat Cheese Croquette "It's Soooo Good"
A crispy goat cheese croquette sits atop a bed of roasted baby
beets, frisee, and candied pecan nuts, slightly bathed with a
sweet  and tangy orange dressing

Poulet Rouge Rotisserie Chicken Half "The Real One"
Organic Chicken marinated with barley and thyme, and served with grape
risotto, confit tomato, wild mushrooms, wilted spinach in its chicken jus

Colorado Lamb Chops "When Colorado Meets Provence"
With the meat practically falling off the bone and boldly flavored,
succulent lambchops are served with stuffed baby vegetable "farcis",
star anise and lamb jus

Pan Seared Scallops - The Taste of Being on Cloud 9"
Tender scallops topped with crispy, dried serrano ham, over a moist
green pea risotto, and sprinkled with parmesan crisp and a
cardamom cloud 

New York Strip Steak "1855 Black Angus"
Juicy Prime Angus cooked to perfection, sesrved with yucca
fries,  glazed cipollini onions, and peppercorn sauce

Crispy Skin Scottish Salmon "Ask Me Why It's Crispy"
Crispy on the top and tender inside, the salmon is served with
black rice, clams and a delectable vanilla saffron broth

Warm Doughnut Bread Pudding
Comfort food served with toffee sauce and
strawberry jam ice-cream

Arroz Con Leche Caliente
Sizzling at your table, a delight of black sweet rice and
mango mint

Chocolate Marquis
Ooh La La! My favorite of the night... A sweet surrender for
the tastebuds served with caramel sauce and meringue

Exotic Sorbets

For more information on Atrio, you can visit their website at Conrad Miami Atrio Wine Room or call them at 305-503-6500.

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Brunch at the Oceanaire

Do you also like to munch some brunch on Sundays? Well, the Oceanaire Seafood Room in Mary Brickell Village, located at 900 S. Miami Avenue, recently launched a Sunday brunch and my tastebuds had the pleasure to check it out on opening day.

I love The Oceanaire and its selection of fresh seafood. With Executive Chef Karim Anguin at its helm, The Oceanaire has become a familiar, upscale spot for a superior dining experience. (Check out my dinner post at  http://adventuresofthefoodaholic.blogspot.com/2012/12/the-oceanaire-seafood-room.html). I was ecstatic to learn that they would now be offering an a-la-carte brunch on Sundays and high-tailed my way over there immediately.

Oysters

Jumbo Lump Crab Cake

The menu is quite extensive and includes their oyster bar, a wide variety of starters, popular brunch specialties, and grilled or broiled fish dishes. After taking a sip from our Mimosas, we ordered some Oysters, (west coast are my favorite), and their signature Jumbo Lump Crab Cake. It was a great way to start the feast. The oysters were fresh and meaty, and the crab cake was beyond spectacular. Served with a creamy mustard mayonnaise, it was packed with pure crab meat and just the right amount of bread crumbs to bind it. I loved it. Spotting the Spicy Yellowfin Tuna Poke on the menu, I knew I couldn't look away. I figured it's Sunday, no calorie-counting necessary so why not? The presentation was beautiful and the taste refreshingly mind-blowing. It was a colorful flavor explosion of tuna, on a bed of cucumbers and nachos, all drizzled with their homemade sauce.

Spicy Yellowfin Tuna Poke

Jumbo Lump Crabcake Benedict

Crab & Chorizo Omelet

Feeling happy and looking forward to more, we ordered the Oceanaire Jumbo Lump Crabcake Benedict and the Crab & Chorizo Omelet. (We had a crab thing going that morning I know.) They were both great picks but my heart fell in love with to the Crabcake Benedict. Two perfectly poached eggs sat on a toasted english muffin, crowned with a scoop of their delightful jumbo lump crabcake. To seal the deal, it was bathed in a creamy, invigorating Hollandaise sauce, and served with potatoes.  The same Hollandaise sauce reappeared in their Crab & Chorizo Omelet, consisting of a generously-sized omelet, made with lump crab meat, chorizo, and gruyere cheese.

Freshly Made Stack of Pancakes Topped with Berries

Yes, the top button had mysteriously been undone from my dining companion's pants, but you know what they say, "there's always room for dessert". We finished off by ordering a freshly made Stack of Pancakes.  They were the perfect finale for The Oceanaire's new Sunday Brunch.

For more information, or to make reservations, you can contact them at 305-372-8862. Brunch is currently being offered on Sundays from noon to 4:00 pm.

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Seasalt and Pepper

Looking for a special place to take your date to that will score you some serious points? Or how about going to indulge on some fresh Mediterranean seafood while running into celebrities like Beyoncé, Jay Z and Ryan Phillippe. Yup, whether you're starstruck or planning a romantic night out, Seasalt and Pepper, the new seafood restaurant located at 422 N.W. North River Drive on the Miami River, is making waves.

 

Created by developer and designer Stephane Dupoux, who is also the mastermind of places like Pearl, Nikki Beach and Buddha Bar Resorts, along with a team of visionaries, Seasalt and Pepper brings the river a stylish, Miamiesque vibe complete with sleek, sultry curtains and a nautical theme. I totally loved the decor from the moment I walked in. Set in one of the area's industrial warehouses, the 200-seat eatery offers on-the-water dining, an event space, an outdoor lounge and an eclectic menu.

 

Beef Tomato Burrata

Meli Melo of Tartar

To start off with, let me tell you that it was a weeknight and the place was packed.  I was extremely glad I had a reservation (Make sure you do too). We kicked off the evening with a bottle of wine and ordered two appetizers, their Beef Tomato Burrata and the Meli Melo of Tartar. The Beef Tomato Burrata was a generous portion of flash fried burrata cheese, sitting on top of black heirloom tomatoes and a pool of pesto dressing. The tartar was a party for the palate of tuna, salmon, scallops, crab, watercress pesto with a soya pesto marinade, served with avocado fries. It's one of their signature dishes and I can see why.

Chilean Sea Bass

Next up, we had two of their casseroles as entrees: the Alaskan Black Cod and the Chilean Sea Bass. The Alaskan Black Cod was served with fennel, broccolini and pernod. It was very fresh and flavorful. Of the two, however, my favorite was the Sea Bass. It was quite possibly one of the best I've had. The fish was tender and buttery, practically melting in my mouth, and the sauce bathing it and the potatoes was exquisite. I didn't leave a drop in the casserole.

 

Alaskan Black Cod
 

Seasalt PB&J

Sorbet of the Day

The evening ended with dessert, of course. Our very attentive server didn't have to twist my arm too much to entice me. We chose the Seasalt PB & J, a ricotta cheesecake with peanut butter crunch; served with a strawberry balsamic jelly over a berry sorbet. It was very refreshing and light. Then I just had to try their sweet and savory Sorbet of the Day with bits of bacon and eye-rolling caramel. I would do unspeakable things for a gallon of this.



For more information on Seasalt and Pepper or to book a reservation, which I highly urge you to do if you want to try it for yourself, you can contact them at 305-440-4200 or visit them online at Seasalt and Pepper. It took me a long time to get through, since the call goes to voicemail most of the time, but keep trying.

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