Adventures of The Foodaholic: New Shake Shack in Coral

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Saturday, 15 February 2014

La Tagliatella

Posted on 17:03 by suresh kumar
When I walked into La Tagliatella, located at 301 Miracle Mile in Coral Gables, the first thing that jumped out at me was the rich and opulent decor that temporarily transported me to Italy. While some may consider it a bit gaudy, I found it to be elegant, and it was obviously designed with remarkable attention to detail. If you've been to The Forge in South Beach, La Tagliatella may remind of you of this popular restaurant with its deep colors and larger-than-life furniture. It is part of a very successful European franchise initially founded in 1991, that currently has over 150 locations in the world; four of which are in the United States.


Several food writers were invited to sample their cuisine, and get a taste of their eclectic take on Northern Italian recipes. Aside from signature entrees and Napoletano-style pizzas, La Tagliatella also offers a vast wine list that features top Italian choices. They pride themselves in using key ingredients that are carefully sourced from a network of small growers and manufacturers throughout Italy.



Great service! The Pera Rosamarino
was insane
Expresso Martini
After tasting several dishes, I have to say I had some favorites that were well balanced in flavor and texture, and some that while creatively prepared, did not impress me. However, what blew my mind away completely were their cocktails. Absolutely perfect! Their mixologist is a winner and truly made the evening stand out. My top pick for the night was the Pera Rosamarino, a sweet concoction made with Vodka, Pear Nectar, Lemon, Simple Syrup and Rosemary. But let's get straight to the food porn.

Here are some of the dishes we sampled. I've labeled my favorites **Top Pick** as these were the ones I personally enjoyed most. Try not to drool on your keyboard.

Torre di Pisa - A tower of sauteed eggplant, zucchini,
and tomatoes layered with fresh mozzarella and black
olive pate

Handcrafted Meatballs - Homemade sausage and beef
meatballs, seasoned with garlic, oregano and Grana
Padano cheese.

Tagliatella Pizza -  a perfect combination of paper thin,
fried eggplant with Parmigiano-Reggiano then drizzled
with honey and a balsamic glaze.  **Top Pick**

Pasta Carbonara - topped with an egg and cheese

Carpaccio Pepe Nero - Beef Tenderloin seasoned with black
pepper and finished with shaved Parmigiano-Reggiano
**Top Pick**

Napoletano Brochette - A hanging skewered pork, nicely
presented, and served with a special Tagliatella sauce
and fried gnocchi  (I could have done without the fried gnocchi
but the meat and sauce were excellent). **Top Pick**

Chef Antonio's Citrus and Dill Salmon - Marinated with
fresh citrus and dill, baked and served with with vegetables
and potatoes

Torta Rocher - a smooth and decadent wedge of hazelnut and
chocolate deliciousness **Top Pick**

Tiramisu - more of a mousse than a traditional tiramisu,
it was light, with only a touch of lady fingers.

Boccocino -  Creamy cheesecake topped with a caramel custard

For more information on La Tagliatella, or to make reservations, you can contact them at 786-464-0516.


La Tagliatella on Urbanspoon
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Tuesday, 11 February 2014

15 Steps at Eden Roc Miami Beach

Posted on 18:11 by suresh kumar
How many steps does it take to grill the perfect steak? How about to catch a fish or to grow a tomato? Well, according to the new farm-to-table restaurant at the Eden Roc Miami Beach, located at 4525 Collins Avenue, it takes 15 Steps.


15 Steps took the place of the former 1500 Degrees located at the Eden Roc, and just like its predecessor, is bringing fresh, local ingredients to the table. Spearheaded by Executive Chef Jeremy Ford, who began his culinary career at the age of 16, the concept is simple: chefs can impact the community by supporting local farms and bringing the very best ingredients to a dish. I had the opportunity to sample several dishes at 15 Steps, alongside several of my friends and colleagues, and I walked away very impressed and with a desire to return. 

Selection of  Artisan Cheeses

We started off the evening sampling a selection of cheese and fruit, and drinking specialty cocktails prepared by their very talented mixologist. The decor continues to be as stunning and fresh as ever, and captures the essence of the both the restaurant and the hotel in a very naturalistic way. After this lovely start, a parade of flavorful, beautifully presented dishes greeted us at our table, while a carefully selected wine pairing for every course alluded to our senses. From the mind-blowing charcuterie board that made everyone gasp at the sight of its selection of delicacies (absolutely loved the crispy pork ears and the duck rillettes) to my personal favorite, the buttery open-faced Florida stone crab ravioli, the chef's tasting was exceptional. Behold some of the mouthwatering dishes below.

Charcuterie Board

Saltwater poached Atlantic Wahoo with Meyer Lemon
Shishito vinaigrette and a citrus bubble

Swank farm kale and roasted heirloom carrot salad

Open-faced Florida Stone Crab ravioli

Black Truffle Gnocchi with slow-braised pork shank,
topped with a quail egg

You'll be happy to know that 15 Steps is now offering a hybrid-style brunch, featuring its fresh local produce as well as an a-la-carte signature menu. It is available on Sundays from 11:00 a.m. until 4 p.m. Guess you know where I'll be very soon, and it'll probably just take me 15 Steps to get there. For more information, you can contact them at 305-674-5594 or visit their website at http://www.edenrocmiami.com.


15 Steps on Urbanspoon
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Wednesday, 5 February 2014

6th Annual STMC Pig Out

Posted on 12:02 by suresh kumar
Who says you can't have the pig and eat it too? Wait, isn't that how the saying goes? On January 18th, 2014, St. Timothy Men's Club in West Dade hosted their 6th Annual STMC Pig Out, one of the biggest charity pig roasts in Miami.

The day was filled with fun including bounce houses for the kids, local vendors, art, and live DJs. Over 16 pigs were roasted and dressed in costumes, while guests salivated nearby, awaiting their chance to sample a piece of crispy skin and juicy meat.

The VIP tent featured complimentary beer from Wynwood Brewing Company, Tito's Handmade Vodka, and Miami Club Rum. To keep the hunger pangs at bay while the piggies were roasting, the VIPs also got to savor a nice, moist paella cooked onsite. Both the judges and the guests got to vote for their favorite pig and it was a tough choice to make.

The winners were:

1st Place:                Pig Pirates
2nd Place:              Chicharron Crew
3rd Place:               Pig Dynasty
People's Choice:     Los Maestros del Lechon
Kid's Choice:          Notorious P.I.G.


At $10 for General Admission (included all-you-can-eat pig samples) and $20 VIP Admission (included all-you-can-eat pig samples, plus paella, beer and cocktails in the VIP tent), the event is a winner. Check out the picture gallery below and don't miss next year's STMC Pig Out.


Photo Gallery 
































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Wednesday, 22 January 2014

Giralda Under the Stars

Posted on 15:18 by suresh kumar
Miami is the envy  of many during the winter months.. The weather is golden and there's no better way to spend it than outside. That is one of the main reasons I think Giralda Under The Stars in Coral Gables is genial!. Produced by the Business Improvement District of Coral Gables and presented this year by Zacapa Rum, it happens on the first Friday of every month from November to April. Just imagine music, art and over a dozen restaurants and bars bringing Giralda Avenue alive between Ponce de Leon Boulevard and Galiano Street.

Giralda Under The Stars in January

Otherwise known as "Restaurant Row", the street becomes one giant party, as participating restaurants bring out their tables and chairs from 7 pm to midnight and serve their culinary delights to the beat of some live music.  I love how you can choose food from all the over the world in just one block and there are opportunities for all tastes and budgets.

Let the feast begin!

Taking advantage of  the starry night, I came out for this past month's Giralda Under the Stars and had a marvelous time. The weather was cool, the ambiance was festive and the food was delicious. I munched away at Spritz Pizzeria, Divino Ceviche and The Local Craft Food & Drink. Oh what a night!

Live Music keeps things lively.

The next Giralda Under The Stars will take place on Friday, February 7th. For more information or to see a directory of participating restaurants, click here.

In the meantime, walk down Giralda Avenue with me through my photo gallery:

Loved sitting outside Spritz Pizzeria

The pizza was finger licking good! Did you know you can
make your own pizza here? This one had a crispy thin crust,
and a decadent combination of mushrooms, black olives,
goat cheese and tomatoes. Can I get a "yum" please?

Divino Ceviche, one of my top Peruvian food spots, has opened
its second location.  Now you can satisfy the craving both
in Doral and in Coral Gabl
es.

Divino Ceviche- a taste of Peruvian Nirvana. The chunks
of mango give it a Miami flair.

Chicken Causa - Always order one of these treats when I'm here.

The place was packed and the street is lit up so nicely.

My first time at The Local Craft Food & Drink. I liked!

Duck Pate Croquettes served with Olives and Cuban Crackers

Roasted Bone Marrow with Asian Chimichurri and Toast Points

Glazed Doughnut Bread Pudding with Salted Caramel and
Crème Anglaise. The place was packed and we had to wait
a while for it, but I'll tell you, it was worth the wait.






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suresh kumar
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