Adventures of The Foodaholic: New Shake Shack in Coral

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Thursday, 25 April 2013

WD 555

Posted on 21:55 by suresh kumar
If you're like me, when you go buy a bottle of wine, you can't wait to open it and take a sip. The thought of tasting it right there and then, is incredibly alluring. As a matter of fact, many times I fantasize about what dish  I'd pair my newly purchased bottle of wine with, or even wondered what would bring out its flavor the most. To be able to do this, is unbelievable and at WD 555, located at 555 Jefferson Avenue in Miami Beach, you can.


Formerly known as Wine Depot, a popular neighborhood wine store in South Beach, WD 555 is under new ownership. It has taken Wine Depot's original concept of enjoying wine purchases while delighting the senses with light bites - to new levels; offering over 300 exquisite wines at very affordable prices. The menu has been expanded to include signature flavors from the Mediterranean coast such as Mediterranean anchovies and seared octopus, along with favorites such as Foie Gras "Au Torchon" and cheese and charcuterie platters. Another new addition to satisfy the palate is a grilling station that will offer Ribeye and Skirt Steaks, Rack of Lamb and Tuna dishes accompanied by typical South of France, Greece and Italy sides.



The decor inside WD 555 continues to be sleek and ultra-modern with a horseshoe-shaped bar overlooking the bistro tables and aisles of wines. The outside patio features a large, beautiful space enclosed with a brick wall, lighted palm trees and lined on one side with their very own grapes. While it's not a vineyard, I thought that was extremely original. The furniture is chic, consisting of Italy's Pedrami Bergamo's white acrylic tables and whicker chairs. It is a very relaxing and welcoming ambiance set apart from the usual SoBe scene. You know what also makes it unique from every other place on the beach? It has its own parking lot.



Besides the updated wine list, I was impressed by the selection of Rose, Champagne and Grand Cru. I totally enjoyed the Rose and if you want to come sample some for yourself, the best time is during their new Pink Friday, a WD 555 twist on traditional Happy Hours. Every Friday evening from 5 pm to 10 pm (notice the long hours) you can come and indulge on $1 tapas and $5 glasses of Rose, while listening to the tunes of DJ Rico from Paris. Seriously, what better way to start the engines for a hot night? Kick off the weekend while picking up a bottle or two to continue the party at home. Oh yeah!

For more information on WD 555, you can visit their website at http://www.winedepotmiami.com.


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Wednesday, 24 April 2013

Veritage Miami - Fine Wine Tasting At Village of Merrick Park

Posted on 20:48 by suresh kumar
Veritage Miami, formerly known as the United Way Wine and Food Festival, hit Miami by storm this past April 17-21. In it's 18th year, it brought together food, wine and spirit lovers from all across South Florida through a series of notable events. Aside from being fun and a great opportunity to spend some time with renowned chefs and sommeliers, Veritage Miami benefits the United Way of Miami-Dade, supporting programs for our very own residents.


This year's events included a Craft Beer Tasting at Wynwood Walls on Wednesday, April 17th, showcasing the best brews and food from around the world and a Fine Wine Tasting at Village of Merrick Park on Thursday, April 18th, where wine lovers (like myself) got to sample a variety of incredible wines and tasty treats from excellent restaurants. Friday, April 19th, marked their signature Interactive Dinner with famed Chef Daniel Boulud at the J.W. Marriott Marquis and everyone headed over to the Orion Center on Saturday, April 20th, for the Auction and Wine Dinner with Michelin-star chef Davide Brovelli of Italy.

Chefs Ingrid Hoffman and Norman Van Aken
I attended the Fine Wine Tasting on Thursday, and indulged on delicious Shrimp & Grits especially prepared by Chef Aaron Brooks from EDGE Steak & Bar at The Four Seasons. There was Ceviche from the Miami Culinary Institute, a spectacular Jambalaya that made me come back again and again, and signature oysters shucked by Chef Kareem Anguin from The Oceanaire on Brickell. Chefs Norman Van Aken, Ingrid Hoffman and Allen Susser signed copies of their books for fans and I even got some great hair tips from Ingrid Hoffman herself. (It was a hot day in Miami) The wine flowed, the ambiance was lively and the music was entertaining. But don't just take my word for it. Take a look at the pictures from the Fine Wine Tasting of Veritage Miami 2013.

This is where the fun started
This Jambalaya made me think I was back in NOLA
Interesting wine..would love my face on one of these bottles

Diet who?
Sweets sweets and more sweets
Where should we go next?

Aspiring chefs from the Miami Culinary Institute
Missed my picture moment

Hard at work on taste bud ticklers 
This Short Rib Cupcake had the crowd going wild

Yo quiero tacos...you get it
Toro Toro's treat was yummylicious. 
All smiles from Miccosukee Resort & Gaming

Sprinkle Designs
Your wish is my command
The place was packed
I'll take one of each please... Misha's Cupcakes
Guess who!

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Monday, 22 April 2013

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

Posted on 18:24 by suresh kumar
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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