James Beard Award Winning Chef Allen Susser Brings New Cheesy Creations To The Daily Melt

Daily Melt

I don't know about you, but I associate the smell of toasted, buttery bread and warm, melted cheese with the carefree summers I spent at my grandmother's house growing up. If I fast forward a few years from those days, it also brings me back to my late night partying spells when hunger pangs would hit at about 4 o'clock in the morning and the quickest, most comforting dish I could put together in the kitchen was a grilled cheese sandwich. While these were simple days where two slices of bread and a slab of cheese would suffice, in today's gastronomically complex era and Instagram picture-taking euphoria (guilty), this simplicity just won't do. Over in Midtown, James Beard Award Winning Chef Allen Susser is creating some mouthwatering gourmet versions of the traditional favorites that would put my measly sammys to shame.

Cheese Please

Never seen one of
these before!

The cheese is selected by Chef Allen

The Daily Melt, located on Buena Vista Avenue  in The Shops at Midtown Miami, is a small place with big flavor. Having opened in March of this year, it's primary focus has been to showcase a selection of gourmet cheese sandwiches, coupled with shots of creamy soups, at very affordable prices. The open kitchen is the focal point of the room, with a Coca-Cola Freestyle machine off to the side that offers patrons over 100 soda flavor options. You probably know Chef/Partner Allen Susser from his famous Aventura restaurant, Chef Allens, which he opened in 1986 and ran successfully for 25 years. Since then, he has received numerous awards and recognition not only for his culinary talents, but also his humanitarian efforts through organizations such as Share Our Strength and Feeding South Florida.

With Chef Allen Susser

I Melt For You Too Daily Melt

Starting to drool a bit...

Chef Allen, as he is affectionately known, has recently taken cheese to new levels by adding a variety of Chef's Blackboard Specials to the menu that include everything from Prosciutto and Mozarella with slow roasted tomato to Roast Beef with Boursin Cheese and balsamic onion marmalade. The funnest part? He pairs each sandwich with gourmet housemade pickles that tickle your taste buds. I had the opportunity to sample these lip-smacking new specials and watch Chef Allen in action as he put together his favorite ingredients, fig and rosemary, into a creation of aromatic proportions. "There's a method to layering the ingredients in a sandwich to bring out the 'yum' factor," explained the Chef.  He also let us in on how he uses two different cheeses to add an extra gooeyness to his tasty treats.

True passion in the kitchen

Coming Soon: Pickling Bar

Gravity Brewlab

While we munched away on the new warm, crusty creations, Chef Allen taught us a bit of his pickling secrets. From the brine made with salt, water and vinegar, all the way up to the unique ingredients he uses to come up with the distinct flavors in his different pickles, he took our palates on a wild ride that gave us an Asian kickin' and helped us find our "mojo", sort of speak. What did we sip between gooey bites of cheese and creamy shots of soup? None other than wheat based local craft beers from Gravity Brewlab.

Difficult Decisions

I've been to Daily Melt a couple of times for lunch, and I'm happy to know I will also be able to start my mornings just a little bit cheesier now. They've recently launched breakfast service seven days a week that will include six new breakfast melts. I guess it all boils down to Chef Allen's take on good eating, "If I can bring in what my mother and my grandmother did, and serve some comfort with my food, then it will all be good." For more information on Daily Melt, call them at 305-573-0101.

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MPP Brickell

It's National Ceviche Day! Peru has designated June 28th as the day to celebrate that delicious dish we all love made from uber fresh fish, marinated in citrus juice and mixed with ingredients such as the ever popular aji Amarillo and nice, hot chiles. Serve it in glass, and you can drink the Tiger's Milk for some extra fortitude.

 

 

Because I happen to love ceviche, and to be perfectly honest, find Peruvian cuisine as a whole incredible fascinating, I decided to make today's post on a relatively young Peruvian restaurant in the gastronomically booming area of Brickell. MPP Brickell, located at 141 S.W. 7th Street is quickly becoming a hot spot in the area. MPP stands for "Mi Propiedad Privada"; named after its predecessors in Lima, Peru. MPP is one of only five restaurants in the country approved by PROMPERU (Peruvian State Agency) to import its country's products; a  distinction they are very proud of.

 

The ambiance and décor at MPP Brickell is contemporary yet warm. The outside couches welcome you with their colorful orange and brown cushions, while the inside lounge and bar area make it the perfect place to have some drinks and unwind after a long day at work, or simply watch a game on one of their large screen T.V.s. I like the way the ultra chic lighting and the sleek, modern white furniture in the dining area match so well with the upscale Brickell feel.

Maki Causa Festival

Three Pepper Ceviche

The first thing I noticed about the menu was how extensive it was and how they offered an original take to traditional Peruvian dishes. We started with the Maki Causa Festival, a dish consisting of five causa makis (potato causas prepared to resemble sushi rolls), filled with panko-crusted prawns, avocado, and cucumber, and topped with fish and a chalaca style sauce.  They were scrumptious, with a creamy texture and a tongue tickling kick. We also had their Three Pepper Ceviche, a combination of fish and seafood marinated in lime juice and combined with three kinds of creamy pepper sauces. It was an excellent rendition of the popular Peruvian delicacy with a completely different flavor.

Sautéed Filet Mignon

Chiclayana Rice with Seafood

Since I crave and enjoy this country's cuisine so much, I wanted to go for something different while indulging in some of my regular favorites. As a result, we chose the Lomo Saltado, one of the most popular dishes in Peru, (on MPP's menu it's called Sautéed Filet Mignon) and ventured into unfamiliar grounds by ordering the Chiclayana Rice with Seafood. I had never had this before so I was excited. The Lomo Saltado was exquisite. The sautéed beef tenderloin was enticingly flavored with onions and tomatoes, and served with white rice and French fries. The meat was very juicy and tender. While I had had Chaufa before, a Peruvian style of fried rice, Chiclayana Rice was totally new to me. It was amazing! The rice was moist and cooked with a variety of seafood, cilantro sauce and duck reduction; its signature ingredient. I noticed the main source of seafood that predominated the dish was calamari, and I would've liked to perhaps have more of a balance of the others (shrimp, fish, etc.) but it was fantastic nonetheless. I can't believe I have added yet another dish to my long list of Peruvian favorites.

Suspiro Limeno

To finish our delightful meal, I couldn't help but resist a taste of the ever satisfying Suspiro Limeno. While there are many desserts from this country I adore, this one is the one I always come back to. The creamy, sweet custard-like gem has a similarity to dulce de leche but lingers on the tongue just a tad bit longer. Theirs was fabulous and I had to stop myself from licking the glass when I couldn't spoon out anymore.

We truly enjoyed our meal at MPP Brickell.  Our server was very attentive from the moment we walked in and enjoyed talking to us about the dishes and giving us an insight into the origins of the restaurant. They have a number of different daily specials and events ranging from discounts on their ceviches on certain days of the week to live music. I also got a glimpse of their lunch specials and found them to be a great deal, particularly in this part of town.

Before I forget, like I told you at the beginning of this post, today is National Ceviche Day and to celebrate it, MPP Brickell is having an awesome offer. Their wildly popular ceviches will be available for only $10 all day long. This is a great opportunity to try as many as you'd like to and not break the bank doing it. Don't you just love food holidays? For more information on MPP Brickell, visit their website at http://www.mppbrickell.com or call them at 305-400-4610.

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Brother Jimmy's BBQ

 

Back in November, I did a post on Brother Jimmy's BBQ located at 900 S. Miami Avenue in the Mary Brickell Village. I hadn't had a chance to return since, and with a craving to put some south in my mouth, I headed over to the sports fan hangout for a proper lunch to fuel my day.

 

The décor at Brother Jimmy's still gives me a kick. The laid-back atmosphere and the casual ambiance makes you feel like you're in college again. (Oh, how I wish!) On this sunny afternoon, the many screens along the walls were televising a game and even though I had no clue who was playing, I immediately began to cheer when someone scored. It was a great opportunity to high-five the buff cuties around me.

Guacamole and Chips

But back to the food. Last time I was here, I went all out on the mind-blowing drinks, but at 1:00 o'clock in the afternoon, I figured I'd scale it back on the alcohol and focused on the meat instead. To start off, we ordered the Guacamole and Chips. I know I have an intense fondness for anything with avocado in it, but I have to say, it made the cut. Creamy and with the perfect pinch of salt, we both ensued in a discreet chip-grabbing fight to the finish. You know the kind; where you engage the other person in frivolous conversation just to distract them so you can dip and grab faster than they do.

 

Combo Platter with Brisket and Wet Ribs

 

Tomato & Avocado Salad

Baked Beans & Pulled Pork

Knowing the entrees would  be hefty, we didn't order another appetizer and went straight to the meat of the situation. We had a Combo Platter of  Brother Jimmy's Original "Wet" Ribs and Sliced Brisket, and a Po' Boys Blackened Catfish Sandwich. The ribs were juicy, smoked then bathed with their original BBQ sauce and practically fell off the bone. I love to take my taste buds on a joy ride, so I squeezed some signature Carolina BBQ sauce on them and let loose. The brisket was just as delicious. I actually tried both the marbled and the lean cut. While the marbled was more moist, I personally preferred the lean. However, I recommend trying them both because it's really a matter of what you're in the mood for. The Po' Boys sandwich was a great choice as well, served on French bread with lettuce, tomato and cajun mayo, the catfish was tender and flavorful. Each dish came with one side, so we ordered the Mashed Potatoes and the Baked Beans & Pulled Pork. The mashed potatoes had a nice, herb taste to them; adding a milder, comfort food characteristic to the dish, while the Baked Beans were bold and invigorating. They had a special, smoky, homemade kick to them you could taste from the very start. Back to me loving avocado, I noticed there was a Tomato & Avocado Salad on the menu and batting 100 with the guacamole, I decided to try it. The salad was light and refreshing; a perfect complement to balance out the meat. We also had a taste of their French Fries because well, who could resist some fried potatoes? I can tell you I noticed some definite changes in the food. While it was good the last time I went, I found they packed a lot more flavor on this visit.

I was ready to roll over and take a nap, but I had just enough room for a little something sweet to end the meal. (And I'm not talking about those buff cuties although that would've been satisfying also.) We went for a spectacular, firework-inducing Crack Pie. (You know like the ones from Fireman Derek's World Famous Pies?) The spoon sunk ever so slowly into it, like a pleasure-filled descent into a caramel tasting triangle of quick sand. The ice-cream on the top, the cream on the side, the drizzle of deliciousness - they all came together in perfect harmony and we were the mesmerized audience. Seriously, if you don't have one of these on your visit to Brother Jimmy's, well then you really weren't there. Totally foodgasmic!

Crack Pie

We walked out of there happy, satisfied and with plans to return. They recently started offering a Summer Saturdays Brunch called Kegs & Eggs that sounds outrageous. It includes all-you-can-drink specials, along with original BBQ brunch items and a DJ. As if that weren't enough, Brother Jimmy's BBQ has just launched a food truck! Talk about putting some south in yo mouth the mobile way. For more information on Brother Jimmy's BBQ, visit them online at http://www.brotherjimmys.com/locations/miami.

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Greenstreet Cafe

There's always something special about Coconut Grove, sunny Sunday mornings, and brunch. I don't know if it's the sunlight shining on the lush trees lining the street side cafes, or the bohemian, laid back atmosphere that fills the air, but Coconut Grove just makes me want to put on a sundress, a pair of sandals, and head on over for a Noonish brunch. Didn't take much thinking about where to go either. There is one place in the Grove that epitomizes what a friendly and comfort-food laden Sunday brunch should be, and that is Greenstreet Cafe, located at 3468 Main Highway.

Greenstreet Cafe was founded 23 years ago and it has become an iconic part of the Grove. Tourists and locals alike flock to Greenstreet for a mouth watering breakfast, lunch, dinner or happy hour, every day of the week. The place is constantly buzzing with patrons, many of who are daily regulars, enjoying their food, drinks and friendly service. While there are several places offering Sunday brunch in Coconut Grove, Greenstreet is perhaps the most popular; not only because of their appealing a la carte menu, but also because of the vibrant  ambiance you experience throughout your meal.

We sat down in a nice table outside, shaded from the sun by a row of umbrellas. Perfectly situated for some interesting people watching, we sipped our Mimosas; toasting to another beautiful Florida day. While Mimosas are my brunch vice, I have to pause and mention that Greenstreet also offers a mean Bloody Mary, one that will perk you up and bring you back to life on any given post-partying Sunday.


Mimosa



Eggs Benedict

I knew I wanted eggs and they had a whole list of preparations on their menu for me to choose from: Eggs scrambled with Jerk Spices, Cheese, and Caviar, to name a few. Further down, interesting omelettes called out to me: Goat Cheese and Tomato Omelette and Spinach and Feta Omelette. But as I continued reading...Woop! There it was! I found what I was looking for: Eggs Benedict, either Florentine (with fresh spinach) or Nova (with smoked salmon). They both sounded good so why choose? I ordered my Eggs Benedict with both ingredients and let the good times roll. Since the omelettes sounded so interesting as well, we thought, "Ah, what the heck? Aren't eggs an important part of a balanced diet?" Alas! We ordered the Chives and Cream Cheese Omelette. Both dishes came served with potatoes; square little tongue teasers that were so good, I found myself gulping them down faster than I could swallow.

Chives and Cream Cheese Omelette

The Eggs Benedict were classic. The carefully poached eggs were prepared sitting on two halves of a toasted English muffin; sinfully smothered in a smooth and creamy Hollandaise sauce. I absolutely loved the taste of the Hollandaise sauce which was rich and buttery, with just a hint of lemon juice . I pinched the egg, and the yolk oozed out over the plate in the most appetizing volcanic eruption.  By the time it was all over, I pretty much had completely cleaned my plate with every fiber of my being. Shameful I know! The omelette was just as delicious as I thought it would be. The chives added a hint of mild, garlic flavor to the warm cream cheese, totally adding a new dimension to both the texture and the flavor of the dish.  We chose a baguette to accompany the omelette and it was fresh and crispy. Absolutely scrumptious!

When they cleared our plates, I looked over to the side and saw the family next to us had ordered one of the fabulous-sounding pancakes on the menu. Were they Steve's Banana Pancakes? Whole Wheat Pancakes? Blueberry Pancakes? I don't know! I just know they were huge! I found myself staring at their plate like a hungry puppy, wishing I could start again; but I knew I wouldn't be able to take another bite after the enormous amount of amazing food I had just consumed. So, I hesitantly looked away; the only thought in my mind being... next Sunday is only 7 days away.

Penne Tetrazzini

Mini Lemon Ricotta Donuts

But wait, you don't really have to wait seven days to enjoy Greenstreet Cafe. To see if this nirvana could be repeated, I came back for their lunch as well - and it rocked! Their lunch menu offers a variety of dishes including a mix of appetizers, soups and salads, wraps, and pastas. In the mood for pasta myself, I ordered the Penne Tetrazzini, served with a light pink cream sauce, chicken and topped with pine nuts. The pasta itself was good but what made the dish for me was the chicken. The chicken is marinated overnight in ginger, yogurt and cilantro; sealing the flavor until it is ready to burst in your mouth. Yum! The sauce was delicious also and went well with the chicken. Saving some room for dessert, I asked  the waitress her recommendation. Since they have their own pastry chef,  she suggested a couple of selections that were her favorite. I went with her first one: The Mini Lemon Ricotta Donuts with chocolate sauce. They were good and I liked the subtle hint of lemon in the donuts when dipped in the chocolate sauce. For a finishing touch, I ordered a delicious Capuccino and sat back to enjoy.

Capuccino

As for the service at Greenstreet Cafe, it was top notch each time. Everyone was friendly and attentive, and when out of their way to make me feel at home. At this point, all I can say is that I have to go back soon because I have some unfinished business to take care of.  It's almost Sunday again, the weather is looking good and I'm still thinking about the pancakes. For more information, you can contact Greenstreet Cafe at 305-444-0244 or visit them online at http://www.greenstreetcafe.net/.

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Hot Lunch Spots in the Downtown/Brickell Area Part Deux

So many of you have asked me for some more great places in the Downtown/Brickell area to go to for lunch, that I thought I'd do a "Part Deux" before moving on to another part of town.  Although the area is really beaming right now with excellent places to go unwind from work during the much coveted lunch hour, these three were my favorites- hands down. Whether you're in the mood for a gourmet sandwich or for some fresh, tasty sushi, I've had an amazing experience each time I've visited these hot lunch spots. My first adventure begins at Sushi Sake Brickell located at 261 S.W. 8th Street.

Sushi Sake Brickell

While there are several Sushi Sakes all around Miami, I love the ambiance and decoration here the most. I've visited several times for both lunch and dinner, with friends and by myself, and both the service and the food have always been extraordinary. I kind of already expect the manager, Carlos, to come by our table and say hello, since he's done it every single time I've been here. Personally, I believe that is a sign of dedicated customer service. There are also so many dishes that are amazing here, I could go on forever, but I'll talk about a few of my top choices, and I'll let you come here and try the rest on your own.

Angel Roll

Miami Heat and Kendall Rolls

The sushi roll that absolutely blows my mind is the Angel Roll.  The Angel Roll is made with shrimp tempura, crab salad, masago, and cream cheese, and topped with avocado, spicy mayo, eel sauce and crunch. This is a masterpiece! The avocado is creamy and combines perfectly with the sauces and the crunch, making it stand out between the delicious bites of shrimp. It not only looks amazing on the plate, but tastes incredible as well. Another roll I love is the Miami Heat roll. Similar to the Angel Roll, it is also made with shrimp tempura, cream cheese, and crab salad, but it is topped with salmon, spicy mayo and crunch. Their spicy mayo is so tasty and blends so well with the crunchy bits and the salmon, that you don't want to see it end. By the way, if you come here during a Heat Game, they have a special where the roll is only 8 dollars. Although their menu of creative sushi rolls is so extensive, I'll only tell you about one more I love: the Kendall Roll. The Kendall Roll has tuna, hamachi, salmon, white fish, crabstick, masago and avocado. It's a great fix of raw fish prepared in their traditional tasty fashion that makes my sushi glands salivate. What I love about Sushi Sake, is that if someone in your group doesn't eat sushi or raw food, their menu also includes a large selection of Hibachi specialties, Teriyaki and Katsu dishes, Fried Rice Specials (the Crab Fried Rice gives me chills) and other cooked appetizers.

Thai Donuts

Me being bad

To finish your meal, don't forget to order their Thai Donuts. They come ready to be dipped in some decadent condensed milk. Oh, and leave room for some good old fashioned, complimentary cotton candy. Everyone gets to enjoy this treat when they bring the bill. I'll let you in on a little secret. If I have condensed milk left over after I inhale my Thai Donuts, I dip the cotton candy into whatever's left. I know, it's wrong, but it's so incredibly good, I can't help myself. For  more information, visit their website at http://www.sushisakemiami.com/ or call them at 305-385-3232.

The Cheese  Course

My next lunch adventure takes me to The Cheese Course, located at 3451 NE 1 Ave, Unit 100.  The Cheese Course is a European-style cheese shop which offers over 150 artisanal cheeses imported from different parts of the world, as well as jams, spreads, honey, olives and sausages. The place is quaint, and the decor very charming. They have books and wine everywhere, along with cheese samples to try and accompaniment suggestions for the different types of cheeses. Their staff is cheerful and friendly and excited to answer questions or offer suggestions.  Along with these selections, The Cheese Course offers a menu of warm or cold sandwiches, salads, soups and cheese platters that if you're a cheese lover like I am, will leave you breathless. Everything is fresh, and perfectly crafted to achieve a balance of flavors that will definitely keep you coming back.

Prosciutto di Parma

Grilled Chicken Breast

My favorite sandwich at The Cheese Course is the Prosciutto di Parma. It comes with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, fresh basil, basil pesto, extra virgin olive oil, and balsamic vinegar on your choice of a white or whole wheat baguette. No matter how many times I have it, I always find it as delicious as the first time. The prosciutto is amazing; always delicate and sweet, slightly salty, and deliciously fragrant. Paired with the basil pesto, oil and cheese, it creates harmony for the tastebuds. Another sandwich I enjoy is the Grilled Chicken Breast. This treat comes with Fontina cheese, tomatoes, basil pesto, roasted red onions, rosemary aioli, and greens. As opposed to the Prosciutto di Parma, it is a warm sandwich, but just like it, it is a savory delight. The chicken is tastefully seasoned and juicy, and the pesto, onions, and aioli give the sandwich a flavorful kick. Truly a remarkable experience! Another fun tid bit of information on this charming place is that they have a great array of classes on topics such as "Hands on Mozzarella Making" along with cheese and champagne tastings, so keep on the look out for these great opportunities. It's easy to see why this place makes such a fabulous lunch spot.  Visit their website at www.cheesecourse.com or call them at 786 220-6681.

The Daily Creative Food Co.

Finally, my third adventure took me to The Daily Creative Food Co., located at 2001 Biscayne Blvd. Suite 109. This New York style diner is just as its name suggests, very creative with a journalistic theme and catchy names for their sandwiches. Imagine eating The Miami Herald Chicken or The Newsday Badabing. in a casually upscale cafe. Catchy right? Well, the taste is even  better, and the portions - huge! You will definitely walk out of there extremely satisfied and ready to go back to put another few hours in the office.  Their menu offers salads, sandwiches and wraps, and they also serve a pretty amazing breakfast as well.

Wall Street Journal Smoked Salmon

The Biscayne Times Tuna Salad

My all-time favorite sandwich is the Wall Street Journal Smoked Salmon. Extra! Extra! Eat all about it....it is one-of-a-kind. It is made with smoked salmon, avocado, alfalfa sprouts, tomatoes, and cucumber-wasabi dressing, all spread on a Pumpernickel bread. Hungry yet? I thought so. Another delight I love to have is The Biscayne Times Tuna Salad. It is a tuna salad, with hummus, cucumbers, arugula, roasted red peppers and alfalfa sprouts, on a multigrain bread. I must say I don't let any salad that drips out of sandwich and into my plate, stay there very long before I scoop it up with my fork. The tuna is extremely fresh and always prepared with the healthiest of ingredients.

Hand Cut French Fries of the Day

Hand Cut Sweet Potato Fries

The Daily also features a nice variety of side dishes, including the Hand Cut French Fries of the Day which is usually amazing. On this visit, I had the Cottage Fries, which were potato wedges, sprinkled with hot sauce and  blue cheese. It had some punch to it and left the tongue nice and hot. I also tried the Hand Cut Sweet Potato Fries, which came with maple syrup and cinammon. Felt like it was a little breakfast with a little lunch. Yummy! You definitely want to try this spectacular place next time you get a craving for a sandwich, or a salad, or perhaps a wrap. You'll be glad you did. For more information, check out their website at www.thedailycreativefood.com or contact them at 305 573-4535.

I hope you get to try and enjoy these hot lunch spots in the Downtown/Brickell area and look forward to hearing all about it. Bon Apetit!

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