Miami Spice at Atrio at the Conrad-Miami Hotel in Brickell

What goes perfect with unparalleled service and impressive food? A great view! My first pick for this year's Miami Spice is Atrio Restaurant & Wine Room at the Conrad Miami Hotel located at 1395 Brickell Avenue. Atrio is a luxurious restaurant in the trendy yet sophisticated area of Brickell, offering panoramic views of the city and bay area. Its beautiful decor personifies unpretentious elegance, with a warm and inviting feel.

As I rode the elevator up to the 25th floor, I saw the Miami Spice menu displayed on the wall. Usually, I know right away what dishes I want to try because not all of them will appeal to me. However, the first thing that jumped out on our high speed ride was that the choices they offer for each course of the Miami Spice menu all sound amazing. And on top of that madness, you could also choose a select wine pairing for just $6 a glass.  Me likey already!

We sat down next to the floor-to-ceiling window and admired the view, while our incredibly knowledgeable and friendly waiter, Shane, gave us an in-depth description of the preparation of each dish. Wow! I can get used to this. There were a few of us having dinner together, so since we really wanted to try everything, we each ordered something different. You know what they say, sharing is caring.

Almond  & Grape Gazpacho

Goat Cheese Salad

Atrio offers the same Miami Spice menu for both lunch and dinner, so let's start with the appetizers. The selections are Almond & Grape Gazpacho, Salmon & Grouper Carpaccio, and Goat Cheese Salad. All three are winners. I'm not talking about just taste either - the presentation is remarkable. The Almond & Grape Gazpacho is completely unique and fun. It actually consists of a fried shrimp, grapes and mixed greens salad on one side of the dish with a shot of gazpacho on the other. So you eat it by taking alternating bites and sips. Think of it as a "deconstructed" gazpacho. It was extremely refreshing and flavorful. The Salmon & Grouper Carpaccio is equally as alluring. Thinly sliced pieces of salmon and grouper are artfully arranged on the plate, and topped with a fine herb sorbet. My first observation was that it totally awakened my palate, providing an aromatic, cooling array of flavors. Perhaps one of my favorites of the night. The Goat Cheese Salad was another fresh start to the meal, expertly pairing fried chunks of tangy, goat cheese, with the crispness of organic greens sourced from Paradise Farms. I loved the touches of roasted beets and crunchy pecans which added more depth and texture to the experience, and found the dressing to be phenomenal. They certainly know how to put together an opening course befitting the culture and feel of Miami at Atrio. All of these choices were perfect summer dishes.

Salmon & Grouper Carpaccio

Seared Scallops

Mushroom Cannelloni

The second course offerings were as exquisite as the first, providing a delectable option for every preference. They include Seared Scallops, Glazed Kurobuta Pork Belly, and Mushroom Cannelloni. The Seared Scallops were buttery and soft, sitting on a nice, creamy and smooth cauliflower mousseline, and topped with a cardamon cloud. The cardamon gave the tender scallops an intensely fragrant character that seemed to warm the taste buds with every bite. The Glazed Kurobuta Pork Belly was, how should I say, a masterpiece. Oozing in superior taste, texture and marbling, it was the kind of dish you savor with your eyes closed. Difficult to describe with just one adjective, I have to alternate between crispy, tender, chewy and sweet. It was served with crispy octopus and mascarpone polenta, all coming together like a loving family on Christmas morning. Can it get any more genius than that? For those preferring a meatless or vegetarian alternative, the Mushroom Cannelloni would be spot on. Served in a creamy gorgonzola sauce, the strong flavors of the sauce balanced the earthiness of the mushrooms in pure, gastronomic harmony.

Glazed Kurobuta Pork Belly

Peach Trifle

Exotic Virgin Daiquiri

The third course choices proved to have been designed with as much care and detail as the other two. They consisted of Peach Trifle, Exotic Virgin Daiquiri and Farm Goat Cheesecake. The Peach Trifle was served in a glass; the chunks of peaches layered between dollops of Amaretto whipped cream. It was light, creamy and another refreshing ode to Miami weather. The Exotic Virgin Daiquiri was an original dessert, made with passion fruit, mango and kiwi, and served with champagne granite. This one was more subtle and fruity in taste yet memorable in its simplicity and presentation. It kind of reminded me of a tropical escapade through the Caribbean. Although I was enthralled by all the desserts, the Farm Goat Cheesecake was my favorite. A picture is worth a thousand words, but in this case it doesn't do it justice. The mild flavored, creamy texture of the goat cheese created a decadent sweet basis for this dessert, while the raspberry coulis infused a seasonal zest that brought it all together. I can sleep with one of these on my pillow every night.

Farm Goat Cheesecake

All this, for $23 for lunch and $39 for dinner. Can't think of a better place for a  fantastic, romantic night. And with a Miami Spice menu like this, it is an eat-and-repeat kind of place. After starting off with an experience as memorable as this one, I can't wait to see what else awaits us for 2013. For more information, you can visit Atrio online or call them at 305 503-6500.

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Sunday Brunch at the Ritz Carlton Key Biscayne

Sipping Mimosas near the water, while gentle tropical breezes caress your face takes any dining experience to a whole new level. The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, nestled between swaying palm trees and lush tropical foliage, has recently jazzed up their Sunday Brunch, by adding Southern-inspired dishes and live entertainment every second Sunday of the month. It's no secret that I love Sunday Brunches and the unparalleled food and service of the Ritz, so this was my cue to get on the Rickenbacker Causeway and head south to 455 Grand Bay Drive.

 

With a touch of signature Miami flair, Southern belles dressed in their Sunday finest greeted us at the entrance to Cioppino, the resort’s main restaurant, while a captivating saxophonist played soulful jazz favorites. For us, the anticipation kicked in almost immediately, as we perused the lavish selection of brunch stations. After taking a sip of our refreshing Mimosas, with an unspoken promise to return for a Bloody Mary, we started by sampling the caviar; an array of American, Keta and Trout Roe, displayed with the classical garnitures. Once we awakened our palates with these delicacies from the sea, we continued on the seafood route, enjoying a variety of tangy ceviches, crab claws, succulent shrimp and oysters. A sizable sushi boat also called out to us, accompanied by a variety of Asian dishes including Curry Beef wonton, soy marinated udon noodles and a selection of dim sums. This was just the beginning...

 

The beautifully displayed stations also included a feast of salads and a charcuterie offering fine meats, imported cheeses, and crispy breads and crostini, along with a Carving Station featuring tender cuts of Salt Crusted Sirloin with Beef Jus and Roasted Herb Crusted Salmon with Lemon Beurre Blanc. The Italian roots of the Chef were ever present with an array of tantalizing dishes such as Lobster Risotto and Penne a la Bolognese luring us to the Pasta Station. No brunch would be complete without the traditional breakfast items, and at the Ritz, they include an omelet station, unforgettable crepes, chicken sausages and crispy bacon. While the Southern staples may vary from one brunch to another, our taste buds were taken on a journey through the Big Easy with classics like Chicken and Waffles, Crawfish and mouthwatering Jambalaya.
 

There's no question you will bounce from station to station like a kid at Toys R Us, but you must save room for dessert. There is an impressive separate area dedicated exclusively to the decadent sensations. The fine line between art and sweet indulgence blurs at this point of the meal, and the selection of pastries reach unimaginable heights. From chocolate-laden creations to international treats, the choices are endless.

 

Who says you can’t have champagne wishes and caviar dreams? At The Ritz-Carlton, you can have both with a side of jazz.  For more information, visit their website at The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne.

 

 

 

 

 

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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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