Cochon 555 Miami: Chef Aaron Brooks from EDGE Steak & Bar Crowned Prince of Porc

Yesterday Miami got a taste of hog heaven in the Fifth Annual Cochon 555 held at the Four Seasons Hotel on Brickell Avenue.  Pigging out was an understatement for those who attended this great feast. Five pigs, five renowned Miami Chefs and five wine makers came together for this traveling competition which promotes sustainable farming of heritage-breed pigs.  Each chef must prepare dishes using an entire 200 pound heritage-pig from snout-to-tail, and both judges as well as attendees vote for their favorite.

Foodporn at its finest

Chef Aaron Brooks

Chef Cesar Zapata

The creative juices were on full swing as chefs prepared everything from pork-dogs to pork nitrogen bombs to blood ice-cream. Competing were Aaron Brooks of EDGE Steak & Bar from the Four Seasons, Timon Balloo from Sugarcane, Jeffrey McInnis from Yardbird, Cesar Zapata from The Federal and David Thomas from The Bazaar. Don't miss this awesome video clip courtesy of Hedonist/Shedonist featuring Daniella Vera and I puffing the nitrogen dragon: Dragon's Breath Rinds from The Bazaar at the SLS Hotel. Watch out!

Nitrogen and pork...a smoky combination

Perfect Manhattans

Loving these

In addition to the pork competition, this year also showcased a cocktail competition called “Punch Kings” featuring Breckenridge Bourbon prepared by six local bartenders. The winner for Miami was Robert Ferrara of Swine Southern Table & Bar. To add to the fun, there was also a TarTare Bar where Executive Chef Todd Erickson from Haven Gastro Lounge worked some magic.  After tasting the delicious pork creations from the participating chefs, Part Deux came in the form of a scrumptious Heritage BBQ prepared by Conor Hanlon from The Dutch. 

Like kids in a candy store

And the winner is...

Chef Aaron Brooks

Although there was something spectacular at every table, Executive Chef Aaron Brooks of EDGE Steakhouse at the Four Seasons won the competition and was crowned the Prince of Porc.  His fabulous offerings included mouthwatering Porchetta Sandwiches made with shaved feet, Headcheese Pastelitos and Kielbasa that had attendees licking their fingers. He will now go on to compete at the Grand Cochon event at the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen on Sunday, June 16.

With Chef Aaron Brooks and his beautiful daughter

  

Congratulations to Aaron Brooks and his fabulous staff on the win. To follow-up or find out more information on Cochon 555, visit http://amusecochon.com/2013/miami/ .

Highlights from Cochon 555 Miami

Can we have some privacy please?

Say Pig...I mean Cheese!

Some delicious treats at EDGE's table

I'll take one of each please...

Chef Brook's tasty creations..had to keep coming back!

Yardbird's goodies...loved the porkbuns

Chef Todd Erickson at the TarTare Bar

Chef Erickson's Tartare Noir

Daniella Veras from Hedonist/Shedonist and Louis Aguirre

Porkness Grace...slider from The Bazaar

Smoker's Delight from The Federal

Fabulous dessert from Chef Timon Balloo of Sugarcane

Pigging around with Daniella Veras

Part Deux: Pop-up treats from Conor Hanlon of The Dutch

More from the Heritage BBQ

The low calorie part of the evening...

Survival of the Fittest when these goodies came out!

These aren't all for me...really!

Swine and Sweets to end the night

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Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza - Pembroke Pines

Nothing goes together like Love and Marriage quite like Pizza and Beer. If you've been to Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza, you know what I'm talking about. With several locations throughout the United States, particularly in Florida, they're hard to miss. It all started back in 2002, when Anthony Bruno, the owner of Fort Lauderdale's restaurant Anthony's Runway 84, decided South Floridians were in need of experiencing the taste of a good coal-fired pizza. Cooking their pizzas in an 800 degree oven for just four minutes, has produced the trademark "well done" flavor he is known for. Add to that the laid back atmosphere, and you have the ingredients for a great time.

Although pizza is what they're known for, they serve up a lot more. They even offer beer pairings on occasion. We recently signed up for one they hosted with Cigar City Brewing at their Pembroke Pines location, at 11037 Pines Boulevard.  It featured Anthony's "Well Done" pizza along with other Italian Soul Food paired with a variety of Cigar City craft beers. Exciting, huh?

Phil Palmisano from Cigar City Brewing hosted the event



Fresh Mozzarella & Tomato Salad



Anthony's Classic Italian Salad



We started our first course with Anthony's Classic Italian and Fresh Mozzarella & Tomato Salads. It was a light, refreshing way to begin our dinner. The salads were paired with Hotter than Helles Lager, an all grain beer just four months old. It takes about a month and a half to make this brew (the longest of the night) and was my favorite.

Hotter Than Helles Lager

Coal Oven-Roasted Chicken Wings

Meatballs with Ricotta Cheese

Our second course consisted of Coal Oven Roasted Chicken Wings and Meatballs with Ricotta Cheese paired with a  Florida Cracker White Ale. While there was a mixed consensus at the table, I loved the chicken wings. They had a smoky taste and a bold flavor which went very well with the beer, a highly carbonated brew with a lemon-like finish. I also thought the meatballs were an excellent choice, since the citrusy taste accentuated the marinara sauce and distinct ricotta flavor. It was harmonizing to the palate.  

Concentrating on my Chicken Wings

Next up, we sampled the former best seller at Cigar City Brewing: The Maduro Brown Ale, a brew initially made to drink while smoking cigars (thus, the name). Because of its roasted chocolate and coffee aftertaste, it was paired with a more full-flavored dish, Pork Ribs with Vinegar Peppers. If you like darker, stronger ales, this may be your cup of tea (or glass of  beer). Personally, I prefer lighter ales. I did, however, thoroughly enjoy the ribs. They were meaty and nicely seasoned. I wouldn't have thought to order these in a pizza place. You see, you can't judge a book by its cover.

Maduro Brown Ale

Vegetarian Options

Pizza Time

Last but certainly not least, out came their famous pizzas. There were a variety served and we wasted no time in grabbing them off the boards. My favorites were the Meatballs and Ricotta, and the Fresh Mozarella, Sliced Tomato and Basil pizza. There is definitely something to be said about the unique taste you get from the coal-fired ovens. Very good. I noticed the beer was getting stronger and darker with each pairing. We enjoyed the pizzas with a nice, cold Jai Alai IPA. 

You should definitely look out for these events at Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza in the future. You can find the location nearest you at http://www.acfp.com or if you're interested in contacting their Pembroke Pines restaurant, call 954-443-6610.

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Bahama Breeze

Yaka Hula Hickey Dula

Aloha!

Have you ever had a little Hawaiian girl dancing on your dashboard? Chances are that if you went to Bahama Breeze last month and tried their new Yaka Hula Hickey Dula cocktail, you have. Inspired by the many love affairs born out of the Hawaiian love song sang by Bing Crosby, this concoction of Pineapple Juice, Chateau Ste. Michelle, Riesling Wine, and Myers' Dark Rum is a great way to welcome the weekend or any day of the week for that matter. For years I've been going to the Bahama Breeze located at 12395 S.W. 88 Street for either Happy Hour with my friends or some late night bites. We always have a good time enjoying their fun cocktails and our favorite dishes.

Conch Fritters

Onion Rings

World Famous Coconut Shrimp

On my last visit, I noticed they added some relatively new items to their menu. To their Snacks & Small Plates section, they now offer some Conch Fritters that are a fried food fan's ode to life. Following a traditional, Key West-inspired recipe, they are flavorful with a slight kick and pleasing texture. The dipping sauce is amazing and I could literally dip bread in it and be happy. We made those suckers disappear so quickly, that we had to have a second order just to make sure they weren't a figment of our imagination. Their Onion Rings are also a tasty treat to enjoy with a refreshing cocktail.  Hand made with panko breading and shredded coconut flakes,  it was a fun way to start the meal. If you've been to Bahama Breeze, then you know about their signature favorite: The Coconut Shrimp: large, crispy shrimp served with finger-licking good citrus-mustard sauce. You just can't come here and not have an order, so we did. There is one small plate I didn't have on this visit that I highly recommend; the Ahi Tuna Stack. I don't have to tell you about my addiction to tuna and this starter is a winner. Fresh Hawaiian ahi tuna is marinated in Ponzu sauce, with pickled cucumber and stacked with crispy wonton. It is served with a pineapple salsa that gives the whole thing that coveted sweet and salty combination that makes my head spin every time.

Chipotle Beef

Carnitas

Now here are the new kids on the block I was so excited to try. They just added a variety of  "bowls" featuring the most interesting combination of ingredients. Since there were so many, it was hard to pick which ones to try, but we decided on the Chipotle Beef and the Carnitas. The Chipotle Beef bowl consisted of sauteed beef sirloin, fresh corn and black beans in a mildly spicy chipotle sauce, served over basmati rice and cheese. The scrumptious treat was topped with sour cream, fresh salsa and chunks of ripe avocado. Nice and satisfying! The Carnitas bowl was a blend of slow roasted pork sauteed with chorizo sausage, fresh corn, sweet plantains and garbanzo beans in a cumin-citrus sauce and served over yellow rice. There was a delicious burst of sweet and savory in every bite.

Key Lime Pie

Although we were all sitting back aware that we had not at all behaved in a manner befitting of an approaching summer (i.e. bathing suit) season, we figured we couldn't finish without sharing a slice of Rebecca's Key Lime Pie (named after the staff person who gave them the recipe.) Taking deep breaths, we dipped our spoons into the homemade, addicting pie, and enjoyed the brown sugar crust and golden meringue. It was worth every last minute on the treadmill the following day.

For more information on Bahama Breeze, you can call them at 305 598-4040 or visit them online at Bahama Breeze Kendall Location.

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Energy Kitchen - Coral Gables

There comes a time in our lives when we look in the mirror and say, "Whoa....is that where all those salted caramel chocolate cupcakes went?" And it's about at this time when we start looking for ways to count calories, points and prepare miracle shakes to drink three times a day. I don't know about you, but most of the time I miscount (intentionally or otherwise), I get bored of eating the same frozen food for a week, or it just becomes too much work. (Much easier to eat a juicy burger and feel guilty afterward.) However, I found something easier that tastes great and while I was a bit skeptical at first, I must say I was pleasantly surprised. Have you been to Energy Kitchen, located at 2626 Ponce De Leon in Coral Gables?

They haven't been open very long so I wanted to find out more about Energy Kitchen. It turns out they have other locations in the United States, most of which are in New York, and offer guilt-free meals that are always grilled, baked or steamed. At under 500 calories a pop for each menu item, you can control your caloric intake much easier than counting a bunch of numbers, and it isn't packed with sodium (or other mystery ingredients). I figured, what can I lose (except a couple of pounds) so I paid them a visit.

The first thing I noticed was their slogan "Fast Food Doesn't Have To Be Fat Food." Yeah, yeah I'll be the judge of that. My pet peeve with low-fat, reduced-calorie food is that many times, it tastes like cardboard and it leaves you hungry. I eat healthier but I sacrifice flavor. No bueno for me. I looked at the menu board above the register and saw it included salads and wraps, better burgers, fit fries & sides, and smart shakes. It was lunchtime, so I ordered a Chicken Fajita Wrap, consisting of a Cajun seasoned grilled chicken breast with peppers, onions, fat-free cheddar cheese, salsa and fat-free sour cream in a whole wheat wrap. (356 calories) I was a little worried with all the "fat-free" in that description but in the name of bathing suit season, I went for it. As a side, I ordered the Baked Sweet Potato Fries (237 calories) and of course, washed it all down with a Diet Coke.

Holy skinny jeans, it tasted fantastic! If I hadn't known that all the ingredients were healthy and low in fat, I would've never guessed it. The chicken was juicy and the whole combination tasted like a regular, flavorful fajita minus the big butt afterward. I didn't miss the fried part of the sweet potato fries and they complemented my wrap well. Who would've known? These people can cook up a nice meal that's healthy. What I noticed most when I was finished was that I was satisfied, (didn't even get to try a shake) but yet I didn't feel that overly-full, bogged-down feeling you get when you overeat an unhealthy, fat-filled meal. I can do this.

Another plus is that Energy Kitchen delivers. So if you can't get out to them, they'll get out to you. (Of course if you're in the Coral Gables area, maybe you should walk there and add a little exercise to the mix.) Regardless, if you're looking for a healthy alternative that will make keeping your weight in check easier and will not compromise on the pleasures of eating, Energy Kitchen is the place to go. For more information, you can call them at 305 442-9115 or visit them online at http://www.energykitchen.com/.

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BRIO Tuscan Grill - The Falls

Let's face it. Kendall is not known as the dining Mecca of Miami. This is why most people who live in the west side end up having to fill that gas tank up, put the pedal to the metal and head east for some good eats.

However, things have been looking up lately. There's a new Italian kid in the neighborhood that is causing quite a stir. Many of you may be familiar with the restaurant, since there are a few already in South Florida, but this baby is the first one in Miami-Dade. Say hello to BRIO Tuscan Grille, located at 8888 SW 136th Street, in The Falls Shopping Center. What does BRIO stand for, you ask? Well, I'll tell you. BRIO stands for vivacious and lively, and the name fits the bill. Having been open a little less than a month, it's quickly becoming the go-to place for delicious food and great cocktails.

When you think of a restaurant in a shopping center, you may think, "OK, I have a new place to stop in for a bite when I'm doing the shopping thing."  BRIO is so much more! I had never eaten at one of their restaurants, but when I stepped into BRIO at The Falls, I was very impressed. Imagine enjoying authentic Northern Italian cuisine in a picturesque Tuscan villa with a hint of Miami flair. It is very spacious, offering indoor seating and al fresco dining in an Italian-style terrace complete with an outdoor fireplace. The ambiance exudes subtle elegance with a comfortable feel, featuring large wrought-iron chandeliers, arched colonnades and hand-crafted Italian mosaics.

With Executive Chef Rojelio Fernandez

The Executive Chef, Rojelio Fernandez, is very passionate about what he does and it shows not just in the flavor of his cuisine, but in his attention to detail. With over 10 years experience serving at the helm of kitchens in popular restaurants across the country, Chef Fernandez brings his philosophy of putting "your heart into your food and love what you do" into his delectable creations. Sit with Michael McClung, manager at BRIO for a few minutes and watch his eyes light up as he tells you about the cocktails. You'll never want to leave. There seems to be a feel good vibe emanating from everyone at BRIO, and it's contagious.

Cheers from Manager Michael McClung

Spicy Shrimp & Eggplant

Beef Carpaccio

The food is spectacular and the prices are very affordable. Let me start by recommending their Tuscan Tasters; happy hour deals that are, how should I say it, "the bomb"?  Dishes like the Beef Carpaccio, (a tantalizing delight served with field greens, capers, mustard aioli and Parmigiano-Reggiano) and the Spicy Shrimp & Eggplant (Pan seared shrimp with Romano crusted eggplant and a black pepper cream sauce that is to die for) come in what they call happy hour portions (and I call huge) for just $3.95. The Tuscan Tasters menu includes about another eight dishes just as scrumptious for the same price. Now imagine accompanying these dishes with $5.00 cocktails, like the Sangria Rosa, Strawberry Mojito and White Peach Sangria; all unbelievably good. You want the perfect night? Start with their first round offered Monday-Friday from 3:00-6:30 p.m. and then come back for the late night session available on Monday-Thursday from 9:00 p.m. to Close. You can't go wrong with that.

White Peach Sangria and Sangria Rosa

BRIO's Bruschetta Quattro

Chef Fernandez and his famous
Pasta Alla Vodka

Other dishes that blew me away from their regular menu were BRIO's Bruschetta Quattro, a sampling of their four housemade bruschettas and the Chef's personal favorite dish, Pasta Alla Vodka, a delicate ricotta filled handmade pasta, bathed with a spicy tomato Parmesan cream sauce and topped with pancetta, garlic and basil.

I couldn't wait to sink my teeth into this baby

Pasta Pesto

Shrimp Mediterranean

If you're watching your figure for the beach season, BRIO has a Lighter Side of Tuscany menu where dishes average 500 calories. Personally, I fell in love with the Pasta Pesto, consisting of Angel hair pasta tossed with grilled chicken, caramelized onions, basil, tomatoes, roasted peppers, Feta and Spinach. There is also a Shrimp Mediterranean, prepared with spicy grilled jumbo shrimp on a bed of orzo and farro pilaf, broccoli, asparagus, tomatoes, spinach, Feta cheese and pesto vinaigrette that will make you think you have crossed the Atlantic Ocean.

Buon Apetito!

What can I tell you? I'm smitten! But instead of just reading about it, join me as together we learn a little bit more about the BRIO culture. Click on the video Adventures at BRIO Tuscan Grille.

Thank you BRIO for bringing an authentic and worthwhile Italian dining experience to the Kendall area. This is one West Side Story that has a happy ending. For more information, you can contact them at 305 234-0012 of visit them online at http://www.brioitalian.com/the_falls_now_open_.html.

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Time To Win Some Tickets to The Great Taste of the Grove!

 

 

It's here! It's here! It's finally here! The 23rd Annual Great Taste of the Grove is back and it's going to be incredible. Presented by the Coconut Grove Chamber of Commerce, this popular and palate-pleasing event is bringing together over 20 restaurants, an amazing line up of live entertainment and a giant kid zone that will have the little ones eating out of the palm of your hands, while you walk around and taste the best of the Grove. Get ready to sample delicious cuisine from Jaguar Ceviche, Greenstreet Café and the Ritz Carlton, among others.

The fun will take place at Peacock Park, located at. 2820 McFarlane Road, on April 13 and 14. The best part? You can bring the entire family without breaking the bank. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children and sample bites will only cost between $1-$8.  As is tradition, participating restaurants will be competing to win the "Best Taste Award" and I will be one of the lucky judges this year. Be sure to stop by and say hello.

And now for the moment you've all been waiting for. I've partnered with the Great Taste of the Grove to give away a pair of tickets to the event. And it's super easy to enter! All you have to do is visit my Facebook page (Adventures of the Foodaholic) and share the status linking back to this post pinned to the top. **

Are you like me that goes all out to win contests? Well, then I'll give you an extra way to win (just between you and I so don't go spilling the beans to everyone). In addition to the FB share, tweet this message:  "I am going to go to The Great Taste of the Grove. Just ask @mariasgoodtaste. http://t.co/2jHzwnDk2M."

That's it! One lucky winner will be selected on Monday, April 8th at noon. Winner will be posted on my Facebook page, Twitter and this post. Be sure to check back.

For more information on The Great Taste of the Grove, visit their website.


** Winner must have Liked Adventures of the Foodaholic's Facebook page to be eligible to win.

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