Kegs & Eggs Brunch at Brother Jimmy's BBQ

Can you think of a word that rhymes with "eggs"? How about "kegs"? I bet you're thinking that's an unlikely pair but in fact, the twosome make for quite a memorable brunch. I was recently invited to a chillaxing get together hosted by Miami's favorite fashion blogger, Rosie Cordero, at Brother Jimmy's Barbeque in the Mary Brickell Village. While I've put some south in my mouth a few times before, I'd never tried their relatively new Kegs and Eggs Brunch, happening at the BBQ haven every Saturday and Sunday from 12:00-3:00 pm.

Brunching with the ladies

They weren't kidding when
they said Unlimited Mimosas

Getting the party started with
BJ's famous corn bread

Imagine unlimited mimosas and yes - beer, along with some southern, down-home brunch favorites. I had a hard time choosing from the menu because, let's face it, how do you reasonably pick between Chicken and Waffles and Carolina Benedict? That's like having to pick a favorite between two of your own children. So we decided to put the age-old quote to use and practice the "sharing is caring" philosophy; all the while sipping on our bottomless mimosas which never stopped flowing.

Chicken and Waffles

Carolina Benedict

While we waited for the feast to begin, we munched on Brother Jimmy's famous corn bread and maple butter. The pieces practically dissolve in your mouth so make sure you set a limit for yourself because once you start, it will be hard to stop. The first entree we sampled was The Chicken and Waffles. The plate featured a colorful delight of homemade belgium waffles topped with bits of hickory smoked bacon with red, plump strawberries alternating between boneless pieces of fried chicken. The ensemble was drizzled with their very own Bourbon BBQ maple syrup. Ta da! Next, we bit into the Carolina Benedict. This BJ version of the popular brunch dish was prepared starting with two pieces of their signature corn bread, and then topped with flavorful and smoky pulled pork, 2 poached eggs, and chipotle BBQ hollandaise sauce. It was served with their famous home fries and some fruit. I"ll tell you this one rocked my world.

A shot of bourbon infused with bananas? Yes please!

Home Fries

Stuffed French Toast

Because the home fries were so finger-licking good, I ordered an extra side. I mean this whole sharing thing can be a bit overrated when you want hands off your favorites. Which brings me to another awesome brunch pick at Brother Jimmy's: The Stuffed French Toast. Picture thick slices of Challah bread stuffed with peanut butter and raspberry preserves, then dipped in a sweet batter and topped with confectionary sugar. On the side? Some fruit and warm maple syrup.

Bloody Mary

Just when I thought I couldn't ingest anymore, liquid or solid, I overheard some talk about their Bloody Mary. I had hit the ball and run the bases but it was time to take it home. I have to be thorough for you guys, right? Down went the refreshing concoction. It was perfect with just the right amount of kick to keep the blood flowing and the tongue happy.  In case you're wondering how much the brunch costs, it is $29.99 for unlimited mimosas and beer plus one entree. If you haven't tried the Kegs and Eggs at Brother Jimmy's BBQ, you should definitely give it a shot, or two, or three.

For more information, you can visit them online at http://www.brotherjimmys.com/ or call them at 786-360-3650.

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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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