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!

Read More

City Hall - The Restaurant

Planning a nice evening with friends at a local whisky tasting in the Downtown area, we decided it would be great to stay in the vicinity for dinner after the tasting. After tossing around some suggestions, we chose a restaurant we had never been to before. Loving the name, and having heard positive comments about the place, we reserved for dinner at City Hall - The Restaurant, located at 2004 Biscayne Boulevard. City Hall is owned by a well known name in the restaurant industry - Steven Haas. The two-story, art deco space, located five blocks north of Miami's Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts,  is as great a place to conduct a business meeting, as it is to host a party in a booming part of town. It is beautiful inside, featuring murals created by Andrew Reid and local artist, Michelle Rojas, and boasting an impressive second story overlooking the first floor. Complementing the trendy ambiance, are the floor to ceiling windows, the lacquered concrete floors, and the contemporary, fresh decor. The menu of American comfort food is very original, with words like "Opening Statements" to refer to the appetizers, "Primary Decisions" for the entrees and "Breaking the Law" for desserts. I felt a lot of creativity went into the formation of City Hall - The Restaurant, and I was truly able to see Steven Haas's signature style from the moment we stepped in.

Guava Mojito

Jumbo Lump Crab Salad

Although we had already had a few drinks at the tasting, the waiter enticed me into ordering their special drink of the evening - a Guava Mojito. I am very glad he did! It was an amazingly refreshing take on a classic drink. After a few majestic sips, and some bites of their soft warm bread, with sweet, pecan butter,  I decided to order an Opening Statement.  Even though I saw a Crispy Calamari and a Tuna Tartar on the menu that sounded extremely appetizing, I wanted to try something different; so I ordered the Jumbo Lump Blue Crab Imperial. This is where we had a "Minor Technicality", (if I may say, in following the whole legal lingo).  I continued sipping my delicious concoction, and when my appetizer arrived, I noticed it looked different than I had expected. Instead of the appetizer we ordered, the waiter actually brought us the  Jumbo Lump Blue Crab Salad. To be perfectly honest, while I noticed it was a bit different than what I read on the menu, and my first instinct was to yell "I object your honor",  I really didn't realize that it was a whole different dish until later. So, although the salad wasn't really our first choice, we enjoyed it, so I'm going to tell you all about it anyway. The Jumbo Lump Blue Crab Salad was a sizable dish that came with fresh crispy iceberg and romaine lettuces, carrots, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, a hard boiled egg, and crispy tortillas, with a nice portion of tasty jumbo lump  blue crab. The dressing was especially good, and had a spice to it that made it stand out.   Not bad for a nice lunch. Since I do plan on returning to City Hall in the near future, I'll have a taste of my original Jumbo Lump Blue Crab Imperial appetizer then, and let you know right here it if made my senses reel, as I suspect it will.

Sesame Seared North Atlantic Salmon

Order in the court; the review of the entrees is now in session . As Primary Decisions, we ordered the Sesame Seared North Atlantic Salmon and the Grilled Skirt Steak. They were both superb! I'll start with the salmon. The salmon was topped with toasted cashews and a miso glaze that made me want to lick the fork. It was that good. The fish was fresh, seasoned to perfection, and very tender. It came with a shitake jasmine rice that was very flavorful and paired well with the salmon and baby bok choy. The whole dish came together beautifully and was truly a gastronomical sensation.

Grilled Skirt Steak

The Grilled Skirt Steak was another hit. The flavor was intense and it was topped with kalamata olives, crumbled goat cheese, and a tomato-coriander vinaigrette that just got more delicious with every bite. The meat was juicy, with a hint of smoky flavor and cooked precisely to our specifications. It sat above a tri-color couscous that was fabulous and practically dissolved in my mouth as it blended with the vinaigrette; creating a combustion of yummy flavors, while the bold taste of the goat cheese blended perfectly with the other ingredients, adding a kick to the whole experience.

The portions were generous and by the time we were finished, I was disappointed I could not have any dessert to finish the meal. I did look around to our neighboring tables, and noticed some amazing looking desserts, presented beautifully, which I must try on my trip back to City Hall. Upon leaving, I also noticed they offer a "Gospel Brunch" which sounds pretty interesting so that is definitely  something else to look forward to. Can't help but want to say "Meeting Adjourned" at this point, but it really isn't, because I've got plenty more adventures to share with you.  To check out City Hall - The Restaurant, visit them online at  http://cityhalltherestaurant.com/ or call them at 305 764-3130.

Read More

Fontana's Sunday Champagne Brunch at The Biltmore Hotel

I often get asked where I took my profile picture for my blog. I always respond that it was at the most lavish brunch in Miami: Fontana at the the Biltmore Hotel. While I have had the pleasure to go to several opulent Sunday Brunches in Miami, I just haven't found any that compare to the one at the Biltmore. A combination of elegance, sophistication, and superb cuisine, Fontana's extravagant Sunday Champagne Brunch fulfills its promise to fascinate our senses and entice our palate. From the timeless beauty of the romantic courtyard, to the acoustic guitarist playing a diverse repertoire of music, the experience is unparalleled and magical, and there just isn't another way to describe it.

First we need to imagine the ambiance. The Biltmore Hotel is a National Historic Landmark, nestled in the heart of Coral Gables. It was built in the 1920's, and captivates all who enter it with a history that is both rich and impressive. Perhaps one of the most alluring aspects of the Biltmore is its Mediterranean Revival architecture.  Exquisite, hand-painted frescos on barrel-vaulted ceilings, elegant marble columns, dark mahogany furnishings and an impressive tower, all adorn this charming masterpiece. Now imagine a restaurant that along with indoor seating, also offers diners the delight of enjoying award-winning cuisine in the courtyard of such an intricate setting; listening to the soothing sounds of the water cascading from the fountain that sits in its center, surrounded by lush and tropical landscaping.  Those sitting in the tables and chairs around the fountain enjoy the warm climate of Miami, covered by far-reaching umbrellas which protect them from the sun. The others enjoy the scenery in cozy tables for two placed strategically along the corridors around the courtyard. That is Fontana, and this is where my Sunday adventure began.

As I walked along the corridors surrounding the courtyard, I was once again mesmerized at the  abundance of food on the buffet tables containing the different stations. My first stop is always the Seafood, Caviar and Raw Bar Station, where I find the favorite part of my adventure: the caviar and roe. They offer a variety of four caviar and roe, presented with blini, toast points and the traditional condiments of chopped red onions, capers, hard-boiled egg whites and egg yolks, and sour cream. I have to admit that as usual, I graced this table several times during my visit. Other favorites I enjoyed were the chilled shrimp, Florida Stone Crabs, oysters, smoked Scottish salmon and smoked white fish and mahi-mahi. There are also a variety of seafood salads and ceviches to choose from as well..

I love to eat all my cold items first, so my next stop was the the sushi station. The fish is always very fresh and prepared skillfully by the sushi chefs. Selections include sushi rolls and sashimi made with tuna, salmon, white fish, shrimp and crab. By this point, I couldn't carry anything else, so I walked back to my table to find my champagne flute had already been filled with a sweet mimosa, and as I had requested, I also had a nice glass of orange juice right next to it. That is one additional perk here you don't always find in other Sunday brunches. You can have all the champagne and mimosas your heart desires. Additionally, the service here is impeccable and extremely attentive at all times.

After thoroughly enjoying the feast before me, I headed over to the Breakfast Station. I grabbed a croissant along the way from one of their fresh baked bread selections. At the Breakfast Station, I chose the Eggs Benedict which came with ham and Black Truffle Hollandaise Sauce. I also got some country sausage links and patties, and a spoonful of Roasted red potatoes whose aroma called to me. I knew I'd be raiding the dessert room in just a short while, so I bypassed the pancakes and selected an individual quiche instead. There is also an amazing Omelette Station featuring chef prepared omelettes with an assorment of vegetables, cheeses, meat and seafood.

Finding I still had some room on my plate once I rearranged a couple of my goodies, I strolled over to the Carving Station, and picked up a couple more delicious items. I asked for a thin cut of the Leg of Lamb with mint sauce and jelly, and a slice of the Rib Eye with horseradish mousseline. My eyes caught a glimpse of the Vanilla Rum Sweet Potato Mash and I knew I just had to have a dollop, so in the infamous words of Rapper's Delight, "I poured some more on my plate". Finally, and before I carried this treasure of gastronomical proportions back to my table, I placed a spoonful or three, of the beautiful looking paella beckoning me to eat it.

There are several other stations, some of which I was unable to sample from the mere fact that I just couldn't fit another bite in. For example, there is a Salad Station with a wide variety of salads such as Blue Crab and Avocado, Greek Salad, and Mediterranean Grilled Chicken with Tarragon and Capers. There are also other Greek favorites such as Stuffed Grape Leaves, Roasted Garlic Hummus, Kalamata and Greek Olive Tapenade and Cracker Bulgur Wheat Tabbouleh. As if all this food was not enough, you will find a Tapas Station with assorted cheeses, meats and pates and a Pasta Station with imported pastas cooked to order.

I love to save the best for last and today is no exception. Despite having some difficulty taking a deep breath, being as full as I was, I strutted over to the dessert area. For a minute, I thought I entered an oasis of sheer pleasure. There was a chocolate fondue fountain to my right with strawberries, marshmallows and pieces of sponge cake to dip. Then there were assorted hand-dipped ice-creams with a selection of toppings. As I turned to my left, I thought I heard some harps playing in my mind...and there they were: the chef's pastries. The selection was great and I suddenly wished I had ten arms, but I knew I couldn't sample them all, so after much thought, I made my choices. I tasted the Chocolate Oremeus, Floating Island, Cake Pop, Tiramisu, Chocolate Peanut Tart, Chocolate Cremeux, Pistachio Financier with Nutella, and my favorite...drum roll please..Chocolate Fondant. They're portioned just right to give you the freedom to go wild and try a whole bunch in one sitting. All of them were incredible; beautifully created and absolutely delicious.

On a recent visit to Fontana for a friend's birthday dinner, I had the privilege of getting a behind the scenes look at the Biltmore kitchens with Hotel Executive Chef Rolando Cruz-Taura. It was quite an impressive experience to see how and where cuisine of this caliber is prepared and the daily dedication and talent that goes into making these culinary creations. I highly recommend treating yourself to a Sunday Champagne Brunch at Fontana at the Biltmore Hotel, and you'll understand where my passion to write this came from. To check pricing or to make reservations, visit them online at http://www.biltmorehotel.com/dining/fontana.php or call them at 305-445-1926


 

Read More

Hot Lunch Spots in the Downtown Area Part 1

The Downtown/Brickell area has been evolving by the day, becoming a center point for culinary delight.  I've had a lot of fellow foodies ask me for suggestions not only for great dinner places here, but also hot lunch spots as well. Since there are many places to go have an amazing lunch in Downtown/Brickell, I thought it would be fun to give you a taste of some of my favorites.

Whether you are in the mood for a salad, sushi, steak, seafood, or a sandwich, there are many dining spots available to choose from. The great thing is that many of these places have specials and deals happening on certain days of the week that will not only make lunch a delight for the stomach, but a relief for the wallet as well. I chose to start of with three places  in the Midtown area. The Midtown Miami  area is the neighborhood just north of Downtown Miami, along Biscayne Boulevard, and south of the Miami Design District. Once an area that was in disarray, it has been revitalized and become a trendy, well visited urban neighborhood, where there are paved sidewalks and abundant landscaping. It is now the home to The Shops at Midtown Miami, an outdoor shopping area designed to look like New York's SOHO district, and containing many popular stores and restaurants. Midtown Miami has  also become home to several Art Shows and lounges.

Lime Burrito

Bean Burrito

Our first adventure takes us to a place that has been rapidly expanding to over 11 locations in the East Coast, and for very good reason: Lime Fresh Mexican Grill located at 3201 Miami Avenue, Suite 100, at The Shops at Midtown Miami. I'll start by saying that I went to a couple Mexican places in the area to find the one I wanted to share with you, and none measured up to this one. The food here is delicious, fresh and very filling. They have their produce delivered daily and all the sauces, salsas and side dishes are homemade. The menu is extensive and the staff is very friendly and welcoming. On my latest visit, I ordered the Lime Burrito.  The Lime Burrito is one of the favorites here; imagine a flour tortilla stuffed with your choice of chicken or ground beef, homemade organic refried beans, jack and cheddar cheese, sour cream and shredded lettuce. Delicioso!  I chose the ground beef this time and it was incredible! The meat was seasoned so perfectly, I wanted to lick my fingers each time I got some there. The burrito was big and very generously filled. It came served with a side of warm, homemade tortilla chips that I just couldn't put down. Which brings me to something else I like at Lime: their variety of sauces and salsas. They have a counter filled with everything from fresh cilantro to pico de gallo.  These are not only great to put on your food if you choose to, but also to dip their delicious chips in. Being an avocado lover and knowing their homemade guacamole was divine, I ordered a small side of it and promised myself I'd order a large one on my next visit here. Another great thing about Lime? They're promoting healthy eating habits and giving us a break with Meatless Mondays. Veggie buys, such as the Bean Burrito, which I also sampled on my visit, are all twenty percent off! Definitely a great place for lunch and perhaps for a tasty Margarita? Call them at 786-260-2553 or visit them online at http://www.limefreshmexicangrill.com/.

Pork Buns

Honey Orange Ribs

Our next adventure in Midtown takes us to Sakaya Kitchen, located at 3401 N Miami Ave, Suite 125, also in the Shops at Midtown Miami. How many of us actually look forward to eating brussel sprouts? I didn't either until I tried them here. Sakaya Kitchen serves Asian  inspired food, with an edginess all of its own. I came here after a friend recommended it to me, and left both happy and satisfied.  The menu is very interesting, providing nutritious foods in a fun, delectable way. I started off by ordering the Pork Buns stuffed with 8 hour roasted pork, cucumber pickles, and ssamjang sweet chili sauce. Oh wow, were they good! The delicious mess I created eating each of my two pork buns was so well worth it. The buns themselves are so soft and fluffy, they practically dissolve in your mouth, and the meat..oh the meat! It  was tender, flavorful and sweet. I could taste the slow cooking and careful marinade it went through before reaching my mouth. Last but not least, the final touch to this creation: the sweet chili sauce. A blend of ingredients that complement each other, it gives the pork buns the ultimate kick to make it a wonderous experience.  Next, I had the Honey Orange Ribs, that came with jasmine rice, scallions, and ginger brussel sprouts. The ribs were very tender and sweet; with the meat falling off the bone, and the jasmine rice had a creamy texture as it mixed with the sweet spices of the dish...but the most impressive item on this dish were the brussel sprouts. I have never had brussel sprouts cooked this way. Talk about an explosion of gastronomical proportions! The sprouts are caramelized and smothered in ginger; making them sweet, savory and the best side dish I've had in a long time. You have got to try them and see for yourself.  If not here in Midtown, in their mobile food truck, Dim Ssam a gogo.  By the way, Sakaya Kitchen has also recently opened a second location in the downtown area, so depending on where you work, or which is closer, you have two choices of where to enjoy their one-of-a-kind brussel sprouts. Contact them at 305-576-8096 or visit them online at http://sakayakitchen.com/.

100 Montaditos

Fries

Another place I love  is 100 Montaditos, located at 3252 NE 1st Ave, Suite 104, also in The Shops at Midtown Miami. It's no wonder they're all the craze with some 200 locations worldwide (in France, Mexico, Portugal, and, primarily, in Spain), and more popping up everywhere. (I saw one opening soon in Miracle Mile.) This Spanish wonder of small sandwiches, takes the concept of "montados" to a whole new level. In Spain, a montado is a flavorful topping "montado", or "riding" on a small slice of baguette. It is another small bite very popular in their tapas bars. They come in a variety of flavors and can be prepared both hot and cold. 100 Montaditos  has over 100 of these little sandwiches on their menu, and they vary in price from one dollar to three dollars, depending on how many ingredients are assembled on the bread. I usually order 3 or 4 sandwiches every time I go and while I absolutely adore almost all the ones I have tried, my personal favorites are: 

#87-Salmon with cream cheese, arugula, capers and olive oil on mediterranean bread, 

#91- Serrano ham with mozzarella, fresh tomato and pesto sauce, also on mediterranean bread and 

#69-Tortilla espanola with Iberic cheese, chorizo and olive oil on etiqueta negra

Delicious montaditos

Dollarmania Wednesdays

When you order the sandwiches, you want to accompany them with one of their delicious fries. They come with special sauces for dipping, including  brava, mojo picon, ali oli and ketchup. Their salads are an adventure in themselves, with the freshest of ingredients and generous portions. Try the Salmon Salad with mixed lettuce, smoked salmon, surimi crab meat, olives, crispy onions, cherry tomato and pink sauce. You will never forget it! For dessert, you have a variety of montaditos to sample as well, including one with a Dulce de Leche Chocolate Spread and Cookies and Cream Chocolate Bar. Their menu identifies which montaditos are vegetarian, lacto vegetarian or ovo vegetarian, so if that's your preference, you will find a good sampling here. Also, if you are on the run, they can pack up your montaditos to go, and they'll carefully place them for you in the cutest to-go boxes.

Here's the best part (besides the taste). Wednesday is Dollarmania at 100 Montaditos. That means every single montadito is $1.00! Yes, I said one dollar. Their fries are also a dollar, and their salads are 2 dollars. Great deal for amazing food! To contact them call 305 921-4373 or visit their website at http://www.100montaditos.com/us/.

Next time you're wondering where to go for lunch in the Downtown/Brickell area, give these places a try and let me know how it goes. Since there are so many other wonderful choices that provide great lunch food, in a relaxing ambiance, I'll be posting some more next week. If you have any other ideas or suggestions, I'd love to keep hearing them! Bon appetit! 

                             

Read More

Sushi Samba Dromo

Sushi Samba Dromo

Samba Dancer

Mardi Gras is French for Fat Tuesday, which began its roots with the practice of celebrating the last night of eating richer, fatty foods before the ritual fasting of the Lenten season started on Ash Wednesday. Many countries celebrate Fat Tuesday ( known as Shrove Tuesday in the UK and Sprengidagur in Ireland), with their own traditions and celebrations. In Brazil, Carnaval celebrations take place during this time, with the biggest most lavish street parties in the world that feature samba dancers parading down sambadromes; making your heart pound with excitement. Here in the U.S., when we think of Mardi Gras, we think of New Orleans and all the beads, dancing, masks, scrumptious food and sinful drinking that come with it. But luckily for us in Miami, we don't have to travel very far to experience all the magic and exhilaration that comes with Fat Tuesday. While there were many places this year celebrating Fat Tuesday with incredible menus and festivities, I chose to spend my last day of gluttony before Lent, donning my purple, green and gold, at Sushi Samba Dromo, located at 600 Lincoln Rd.

Carnavale Cocktail

I first read Sushi Samba Dromo's special Fat Tuesday menu online and thought it sounded amazing. They were going to feature samba dancers and drummers, making Lincoln Road come alive with the aura of the Brazilian carnivals. Once we sat down and read through the menu, Cynthia, our waitress, was extremely helpful.  She explained that Sushi Samba serves an infusion of Japanese, Peruvian and Brazilian cuisine. We quickly realized there were so many dishes that sounded tantalizing, we just couldn't decide what to try, so Cynthia helped us narrow it down with a good variety of dishes. She also came by our table a few times to see if we liked our choices. Before we ordered anything to eat, I ordered the amazing looking drink I had been craving all night: The Carnavale Cocktail, an alluring mix of Leblon cachaca, Domaine de Canton, fresh kiwi, and Champagne.

Wagyu Gunkan

Once I had treated myself to a couple of sips of this amazing concoction, we decided to start off with one of their Gunkan selections. Gunkan (named after the Japanese word battleship because of its appearance) is a kind of nigiri sushi, comprised of a mound of sushi rice wrapped with a strip of nori, and topped with various ingredients. At Sushi Samba, they extend on this concept by combining unique, unexpected flavors. We chose the Wagyu Gunkan, which consisted of densely marbled, rich raw beef, with potato paille, sea salt, and topped with a raw quail egg yolk. The portion wasn't large, with only two rolls, but the flavor was huge. All I could think of when I popped one in my mouth was WOW! Truly delicious and unforgettable!

Sea Bass and Miso Anticucho

The next morsel of paradise we tried was one of their Anticuchos. Anticuchos are popular dishes in Peru consisting of small pieces of grilled, skewered meat. The meat is usually marinated in spices before it is cooked.  Knowing we were now looking to sample some seafood, Cynthia suggested we try the Sea Bass and Miso anticucho, which was comprised of two skewers served with  Peruvian corn. In this instance, the sea bass was marinated in miso, making the end result a delicious, sweet fish with an incredibly tender texture. The kernels of peruvian corn that accompanied the sea bass skewers were the largest I had ever eaten before, and were very tasty as well; delighting the senses with  a smoky and delicate finish.

Crispy Taquitos

Following this amazing dish, we ordered two Crispy Taquitos, served with spicy aji panca sauce and fresh lime. We chose the Yellowtail, mixed with shiso, avocado and roasted corn miso, topped with shredded cabbage and radish, and served in a crispy taco shell. Once again, this was an amazing dish! The tuna was extremely fresh and flavorful and it left us with the desire to have a couple more; but we were excited about keeping the variety of food coming.

Carnaval Roll

At this point, I wanted to try something else from their special Carnaval menu, so I ordered another item that had caught my eye: the Carnaval Roll. The Carnaval Roll was created with tuna, salmon, shrimp, yellow chimichurri and brazil nut. This was not a typical roll, even to the eye. The fresh pieces of tuna, salmon and shrimp, sat atop batter-like squares, that practically melted in your mouth. This was an incredibly exhilirating experience!

Copacabana Crispy Red Snapper

There was still another item on the Carnaval menu that we were curious about: the Copacabana Crispy Red Snapper, flavored with lime, chili  and cilantro, and accompanied with coconut rice. I truly enjoyed the presentation of this dish. Deliciously seasoned snapper "nuggets" surrounded the backbone of the fish; with a buttery sauce on the side for dipping. The coconut rice was moist and savory; pairing perfectly with the fish.

Suspiro Limeno

Finally, after this grand feast, we shared a dessert. While there were several selections on the menu that sounded appetizing, we went for the Suspiro Limeno, noticing it was a different take on ones we had had before. This one was "doce de leite" flan, roasted meringue ice-cream, port cake, and almond crumble. All the ingredients were served mixed together in a large bowl; the ice-cream and flan on the bottom with a rainfall of chunks of port cake and almond crumbles showering them. It was a nice combination of flavors; subtle yet refreshing.

Drummers

My adventure at Sushi Samba was superb and the service was unequivocal. Our glasses were always full and our plates were replaced after each dish. Amazing! The ambiance was truly festive and we enjoyed watching the live feed of the Rio de Janeiro Carnavals on their walls, as well as the energetic samba dancers and drummers. This is a place I highly recommend and am looking forward to returning to soon. There are just too many dishes on the menu I need to enjoy! For reservations, call 305 673-5337 or visit them online at

http://sushisamba.com/index.cfm/id/7/id2/15.html.

Read More