Uvaggio Wine Bar

Attention Wine Lovers... There is a new spot in Coral Gables that is bringing wine and food pairing to a whole new level. I'm talking about Uvaggio Wine Bar located at 70 Miracle Mile. Uvaggio is a euro-influence wine bar and restaurant that is bringing a "tasting backwards" concept to its guests, where guests sip exquisite, carefully selected wines and then indulge in small plates food pairings that complement their taste, aroma and texture.

Set in a charming, upscale yet cozy ambiance, the selection of wines from around the world is extensive, and its team obviously take pride in bringing only the best to their patrons. Craig De Wald, the owner of Uvaggio,  is a confessed foodie and oenophile whose vast experience and passion for the food and wine industry are visible in every corner of the place. Heath Porter, its Sommelier, delves into his talent and knowledge of the industry to bring only the best boutique wines found in all the corners of the world. Finally, Bret Pelaggi, the chef, who recently competed on Bravo Channel's popular T.V. Show Top Chef, brings his flare for great taste and presentation to the mix, to make the experience at Uvaggio a memorable one.

The Gingie & Big Pimmpin

Salt Cod Croquetas

I recently spent a romantic evening at Uvaggio and sampled several of their dishes and wines. I was extremely impressed with the service we received from the moment we arrived. To start the tasting, we ordered two cocktails: The Gingie, a refreshing and bubbly marriage between Prosecco and Ginger Syrup and the Big Pimmpin, a luscious libation prepared with fresh mint, limeade, satsuma syrup and Pimm's. We wanted to try their "tasting backwards" approach so we let them guide us through their recommended pairings. Our first bite was their delicious Salt Cod Croquetas. Tender and flavorful, they elicited a heartfelt moan with each bite. The Prosecco truly complemented and brought out their taste.

Pork Rillette Terrine

House-made Naan Bread

Roasted Cauliflower

Next we sampled a Barboursville, Viognier "Reserve", 2012, from Virginia. It was a high acidity, fruity white wine, with hints of fresh apricots and lilacs. It was paired with an amazing Pork Rillette Terrine, that made us salivate instantly. The creamy terrine, which is slow cooked in its own natural juices and fats and then pulled and set in a terrine, was served with pickled vegetables, dill seed, grain mustard, a sweet jalapeno jam (which I need to buy for home) and slices of toasted baguette. We also munched on a dish of Roasted Cauliflower, mixed with toasted pistachios, turmeric, dates, mint and toasted garlic oil. I would've never thought that I'd like cauliflowers quite this much. When you visit, you also have to try their House-made Yogurt Naan Bread, served with goat cheese hummus, smoked baba ghanoush, and green olive tapenade. It's one of their most popular plates.

Octopus "Naranja Agria"

Braised Beef Short Rib

Cheesecake

Next, we traveled across the world through our senses. For our next pairing, we sipped on a deeply smooth and intense Pinot Noir. It was the Stift Gottweig, Rose of Pinot Noir 2012, from Kremstal, Austria; an "altar wine" made at a 1,000 year old monastery. We indulged in it savoring an Octopus "Naranja Agria", consisting of tender octopus drizzled with yellow pepper, papas bravas, Spanish paprika and jicama. It most certainly gave the palate a run for its money. Still having a bit of room for one more glass of wine and savory small plate pairing before ending the night on a sweet note, we wet our lips with a glass of an earthy Altaroses, Garnacha 2011, from Montsant Spain. An obviously very food friendly red wine, we paired it with their juicy Braised Short Rib, served in a pool of black licorice tea consomme, black olive soil and Meadow Creek cheese pomme puree. It was the favorite of the night and an instant hit. After a few minutes sitting back and replaying this amazing "tasting backwards" experience, we shared a dessert: a light and creamy Cheesecake that danced on our tongue like the last note of a romantic ballad.

Bring a date, hang out with friends, or come alone. There will definitely be some good times to be had at Uvaggio Wine Bar. For more information, you can call them at 305-448-2400.

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Yardhouse in Miami Beach

With the weekend here, I thought you might want to try the new Yard House in Miami Beach, located at 1681 Lenox Avenue. I got a media preview of the place right before they opened at the end of February and I was totally pepped up with their food and beer options. The 12,000 square-foot restaurant offers everything from lunch and dinner to a late-night cravings menu after 10 p.m., and they have over 140 beers on tap. Got your attention now, didn't I? Expect to wet your lips to popular local favorites like Cigar City Brewery, Funky Buddha Brewery, and Due South Brewing Company, while munching on drool-inducing burgers, tacos and hard core entrees. Being that this is their fifth location in South Florida, I'm sure you're familiar with the establishment, but I got to say, I loved the location of this one; especially, the fact that there is a metered parking lot right across the street and we all know how fun parking can be at the beach.

While Yard House is famous for their beers,  their specialty drinks made a cocktail girl like me's heart skip a beat too. The Hawaiian Sunset rocked and I totally loved the sweetness in the Strawberry Fields. I found the menu to be quite extensive, with pretty much something for everyone - whether in the mood for appetizers to share, or a nice hunk of meat.

If you're looking for a place to watch the Miami Heat's next win, I think you won't go wrong with the Yard House in Miami Beach. For more information, visit their website.

Photo Gallery:

Great ambiance to hang out with friends

Lots of TVs - Go Heat

Pomegranate Press

New York  Steak Salad
Field Greens, Roasted Peppers, Fried Pickled Egg, Avocado,
Green Beans, Chips, Onion, Tomato tossed in a
Gorgonzola Vinaigrette

Fried Chicken Strips

Hawaiian Sunset Martini

Blue Crab Cakes with Mango Papaya Chutney,  passion
fruit beurre blanc and tomato oil

Mediterranean Seared Scallops

Strawberry Fields

Mini Creme Brulee
Topped with Caramelized Bananas

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Khong River House Guest Chef Series

Khong River House's decor is
impressive

Checking out the menu and sipping
a Manila in Miami

Khong River House, located at 1661 Meridian Avenue in Miami Beach, recently started hosting a Guest Chef Series that has been bringing Miami foodies something new to rave about. I got the opportunity to participate in the one held in March featuring Chef King Phojanakong of New York's Kuma Inn and Umi Nom restaurants. Being the Asian food lover I am, I was ecstatic to get a taste of Chef Phojanakong's signature Southeast Asian cuisine, which is largely influenced by his Filipino and Thai cultures. Before opening his two restaurants, Chef Phojanakong spent time in the kitchens of some of the best French chefs in the world: Daniel Boulud, David Bouley and Jean-Georges. However, he has remained true to his roots and continued to entice his guests with the flavors of his Asian culture.

With Chef King Phojanakong

This particular multi-course experience was paired with cocktails crafted with Tanduay Asian Rum, a Filipino spirit that has been produced in the island country for nearly 160 years. The pairings truly brought out the intense flavors of each dish, and added an element of continuity to every course. It was a memorable dining adventure and I highly recommend that if you enjoy sitting down at a table and letting remarkable chefs wow you with their craft,  you go get yourself some tickets and attend a future Guest Chef dinner at Khong River House.  

Pinoy Punch
Tanduay Gold, Thai Basil, lemon juice
and Malbec Float

Lumpia Shanghai
Crispy Pork Spring Rolls

Pork Belly Adobo Tacos
Pickled red onions, Thai chili lime sauce

Pancit Canton
Stir-fried egg noodles with Chinese sausage, shrimp,
chicken and garden vegetables

Garlic Fried Rice

Whole Grilled Fish
Branzino with Atchara

Turon
Plantain Fritters and ice cream

For more information on Khong River House's Guest Chef Series, visit their website.

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TGI Fridays' Brand Ambassador Program Kick Off Event

Who doesn't love goodies?

Dinner at TGI Fridays' in Dallas

If you caught my Twitter and Instagram feed this past week, then you were probably wondering what the heck I was talking about when I said I was now going to be a Brand Ambassador for the old-school favorite restaurant  TGI Fridays', Inc. As a matter of fact, I got a lot of friends and fans that sent me messages asking what that meant. So, I decided to write a post to tell you a little bit about it, and bring you up-to-speed on what's coming up.




So do you come here often?

Did you know TGI Fridays' invented
the loaded potatoes?

Sweet just as I like it

I was contacted about a month ago by the TGI Fridays' brand and asked if I'd be interested in being one of their Brand Ambassadors. I happen to love the brand and its world famous cocktails, so it didn't take much convincing at all. I'm sure you've all visited the restaurant at one point or another; whether to get some grub or hang out with friends. They're pretty hard to miss with hundreds of locations in over 61 countries, including the United States.

Once upon a time...

Cotton Candy and alcohol?
Sign me up.

Short Rib Tacos

The fun would start with a trip over to their headquarters in Plano, Texas (near Dallas) where a group of 8 bloggers from across the nation (including myself) would be immersed with information on everything we ever wanted to know about TGI Fridays', but were afraid to ask. Giddy with excitement, I donned my Donald Pliner cowboy boots and prepared to visit the place that made the term "Who shot JR?" famous.




My room kind of reminded me of a NYC loft

More drinks, more joy, oh boy.

Outdoor concert at the
Dallas Arboretum

To give you a few highlights of the kick-off event, we were whisked away from the airport in a black SUV to our cool-retro hotel, the Nylo, where a welcome gift from TGI Fridays' awaited us at the front desk. (Don't you just love those?) The rest of our evening included a cocktail-filled Happy Hour and a dinner tasting at a local TGIF in Dallas, where the chef explained all about the new dishes currently on the menu and the healthy approach TGI Fridays' is now taking in the preparation of their food. After we were all content to our hearts' desire with extremely satisfied tummies, we boarded our party bus and headed to the Dallas Arboretum for an outdoor concert that rocked - literally. The place is beautiful, by the way.

Jack Daniels Burger was unbelievable

Back at headquarters...

All of a sudden I want
to sing a Beatles song.

The next day was an intensive ride through the history of TGI Fridays', including a memory stroll back to the beginnings of the restaurant in 1965, where perfume salesman Alan Stillman opened the first location in New York City, as a place for singles to meet and unwind. (No internet dating during these times.) We reminisced through a gallery of pictures in the corporate office's lobby, capturing images of the first menu and the phenomenal evolution of the place. It was evident by the passion we heard from everyone we talked to, and the proud display of memorabilia, that TGI Fridays' has a deep rooted love for their product.  By noon, we were all excited to check out their "Little Fridays" located inside the building, where we were treated to a lunch showcasing the drink and food items that will be coming out in their new September menu. Get ready for some impressive food that will make your Instagram feed an instant hit. Sort of makes your mouth water, doesn't it?

Coming soon...

Shake shake shake

Before we left for the airport, we got the opportunity to learn a few bar tricks from a finalist at their annual World Bartender Championship. Now that was a sight for sore eyes; watching me spin that mixer in the air. Not bad for an amateur though. After learning some more about the restaurant, it was time to board a flight and head back home to the 305.

Will work for drinks...Just learned the Figure 8.
Anybody hiring?

What will I be doing as a Brand Ambassador for TGI Fridays'? I'll be sharing all the exciting changes, new menus, and events with you guys for the next 12 months. Be prepared to see foodporn you would never have guessed was shot at a chain restaurant, and get a first look at "clean" dishes whose nutritional value and no preservatives approach will make your jaw drop. Next year will mark TGI Fridays' 50th anniversary so I'm excited to get the scoop on what goodies they may have planned and bring them straight to you.

Lots of surprises are definitely in store, so you better believe we're going to have some fun, you, me and TGI Fridays'. In the meantime, you don't have to wait till Friday to start the weekend vibes...just drive to one. "In there, it's always Friday". And remember, this Cinco de Mayo, grab your amigos and a Horny 'Rita at TGI Fridays' for only $5 for the entire month of May. I know, I know... I just gave you the best news of the day.

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