Chef Michael Schwartz and Best Buy - A Winning Combination

A couple of weeks ago I had the opportunity to chat with one of Miami's favorite chefs. James Beard Award winning Chef Michael Schwartz, owner of Michael's Genuine Food, Harry's Pizzeria and The Cypress Room was one of the chefs participating in Best Buy's national campaign, launched in 13 cities to show the world that Best Buy Small Appliances Can Do Big Things.

We joined Schwartz at the Aventura Best Buy from 1 pm to 5 pm, where he demonstrated how to make creative dishes using small appliances we all have in our kitchens. Sampling tasty bites such as Classic Deviled Eggs, Slow Roasted Pork-Shoulder with Pickled Onions and Parsley Sauce, and Tuna Crostini with Grilled Spring Onions and Provencal Vinaigrette, attendees participated in a series of giveaways while watching Schwartz work his magic. Prizes included a Best Buy gift card, dinner for two at one of Schwart'z restaurants and the big one: a $2,000 small appliance kitchen makeover. Man I really wanted that one but I would've gladly taken any of the prizes. Unfortunately, lady luck is seldom on my side when it comes to raffles.

The event was a lot of fun, and I had a great time interviewing Shwartz. It doesn't hurt that now that I have a better idea how to use small appliances in my kitchen to create gourmet meals, I can score some brownie points at home. Bam!

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Grille 66 & Bar Rocks Both Views and Food For Dine Out Lauderdale 2013

For my second Dine Out Lauderdale adventure I headed up to Grille 66 & Bar, located adjacent to the Hyatt Regency Pier 66 Hotel at 2301 Southeast 17th Street. The first few steps in, I was already enthralled with the panoramic views of the intracoastal waterway. Floor-to-ceiling windows and strategically placed outdoor seating provide guests with an unparalleled dining experience. The elegant yet inviting atmosphere is enhanced by the traditional decor. Although the place is large, the surroundings still exude a sense of intimacy and individuality that adds to its allure. Service was top-notch from beginning to end and we enjoyed sipping our nice vintage while we perused their Dine Out Lauderdale menu.

Sesame Crusted Rare Tuna

Petite Maryland Crabcake

The menu has a nice selection of courses. For starters, we chose the Sesame Crusted Rare Tuna, served with julienne vegetables and a tamari vinaigrette for dipping. The tuna was fresh and tender and I loved the way the roasted-nut and citrus flavors of the vinaigrette incorporated an Asian kick to the dish. We also ordered the Petite Maryland Crabcake with Roasted Sweet Corn. Oh wow that was lick-your-plate good! The taste was accentuated by a jalapeno relish and sauce remoulade.

Petite Filet Mignon

Because Grill 66 & Bar is known for its prime meats and fresh seafood, we decided to go with both. As entrees we ordered the Petite Filet Mignon and the Grilled Shrimp and Sea Scallops Brochette. The Filet Mignon was really not petite at all. Barrel cut and served with forest mushrooms and cippolini onions, it was rich and bold in flavor. The creamy, roasted garlic mash served as a perfect complement to the dish. The Grilled Shrimp and Sea Scallops Brochette was impressive. Two beautifully presented skewers of well seasoned grilled shrimp and the most tender scallops I've had in a long time, sat on a colorful bed of sweet pepper pignoli, Basmati Rice Pilaf and curry butter.

Grilled Shrimp and Sea Scallops Brochette

Key Lime Tart

Double Chocolate Mousse Tort

Our sweet finale consisted of a Key Lime Tart topped with fresh cream, and a Double Chocolate Mousse Tort with raspberry sauce. Anytime I see the word "double" in front of the word "chocolate", there's no need for any further thought process. Both desserts were delicately prepared and plated, and required a few minutes of admiring before finally digging in. The Key Lime Tart was a refreshing and zesty end to the meal while the Double Chocolate Mousse Tort was rich and decadent in all of its layered splendor. Served with berries and a thick raspberry sauce, I smiled all the way till my last bite.

It was an excellent Dine Out Lauderdale experience! For more information on Grill 66 & Bar, or to make reservations, you can contact them at 954-728-3500.

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Toro Toro at the Intercontinental Hotel Downtown Miami

For the longest time I had been dying to go to Toro Toro, located at the Intercontinental Hotel in Downtown Miami at 100 Chopin Plaza. It's one of those places I kept running into at events where samples of their dishes were featured,  or got glimpses of their foodporn either on Twitter or Facebook. However, because Miami's food scene has exploded to the point that it can pretty much compete with any of the big wigs when it comes to tantalizing restaurants, sometimes our hit lists grow by the day.

I am happy to say I have popped that cherry. And let me tell you, I will be going back real soon - particularly to try their brunch. Toro Toro is located right off of the lobby at the Intercontinental Hotel, in a trendy, contemporary space featuring dark wood tables, wrought iron accents and leather seating. The ambiance exudes an elegant, upscale feeling without any pretentious stuffiness. Spearheaded by Chef Richard Sandoval and a fantastic team, the restaurant features the finest meats, poultry and seafood, sourced from small, family owned farms in the heartland of America.

My foreplay to the foodgasmic experience about to unfold, was a most refreshing, sweet cocktail that completely awakened my palate. Balanced with the right ratio of alcohol and "oh that's good" ingredients, I sipped away while I looked at the menu we would be enjoying for the evening. The first thing I noticed was that the dishes seemed to combine a variety of Pan Latin flavors in unexpected, creative ways. There was an infusion of different cultures in the food's preparation that added a unique twist to popular dishes.

Heirloom Tomato Salad

We started off with.a refreshing Heirloom Tomato Salad and a Tuna Tataki Salad. The Heirloom Tomato Salad was prepared with creamy burrata, chunks of juicy watermelon, hearts of palm, herbs, avocadoes and then drizzled with chipotle vinaigrette, to give it an awakening kick. It was a phenomenal combination of flavors. The Tuna Tataki Salad brought together a combination of baby greens, spring onion and tasty tuna, and was topped with a lemon wasabi vinaigrette. I was pinching faster than I could swallow. We were definitely off to a great beginning.

Tuna Tataki Salad

Short Rib Arepas

Cachapas

Next up we sampled their Short Rib Arepas, the Cachapas and the Chicharron de Camarones. It was a carnival of Latin American flavors but I'll tell you the Cachapas totally blew me away. They were a palate-pleasing delight of corn pancakes filled with melted cheese and topped with tomato jam. I think I drooled a bit as they dissolved in my mouth. The Short Rib Arepas were mini bowls of corn cakes filled to the brim with the goodness of flavorful short ribs and crowned with a dollop of guacamole and crema fresca.  I know they expect you to share here, but seriously? I don't think so. Which brings me to the Chicharron de Camarones. You know that putting these two words together in one bite has got to amount to something spectacular. Crispy shrimp, aji amarillo, avocado and rocoto mint salsa all came together to officiate a marriage between cultures that completely worked.

Chicharron de Camarones

Arroz Chaufa

Asparagus and Broccolini

Hot off the grill, our entree was a Churrasco Platter that consisted of a well seasoned potpourri of steaks, lamb chops, chorizo and chicken. It was a meat lover's version of paradise. And this dish was served with two sides: Asparagus and Broccolini, bathed in olive oil, lemon and garlic; and Arroz Chaufa, Peruvian's rendition of fried rice. 

Churrasco Platter

Tres Leches

Churros

I bet you can't believe that after this feast, I still had room for dessert. If the thought even crossed your mind, then you must not follow me because when do I ever say no to dessert? We sampled two: Tres Leches and Churros. The tres leches was extremely moist, a heavenly genoise cake soaked in pure creaminess and dulce de leche. What can I tell you about the churros? These crunchy pastries are a trademark in my family. I had a trip down memory lane dipping the cinnamon coated sticks inside the hot chocolate.

Toro Toro is a must-visit place to experience a harmonious fusion of the different cultures present in Miami. Word on the street is that their brunch is fabulous. I must find out for myself very soon. For more information, you can contact them at 305-372-4710.

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Glam-A-THON's Lipstick Lounge is Helping to Kiss Breast Cancer Goodbye at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

As you probably know October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and there are a lot of fundraising events going on around town benefitting this incredibly important cause. On October 4th, I attended Glam-A-THON's annual Lipstick Lounge, held at Passion Nightclub at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. Glam-A-THON™ is a dynamic breast cancer charity dedicated to helping local families, friends and neighbors affected by this disease. Their goal is to raise awareness, provide support and bring hope to women by "kissing breast cancer goodbye".

The event featured a silent auction, cosmetic stations, fabulous fashion, delicious bites (Grille 401's crabcake was amazing) and of course - cocktails. This year they kicked off a section exclusively for men called the "Big Boy's Toy Chest" which showcased everything our other halves love - cigars, bourbon, toys and sexy ladies. Several local restaurants, catering companies and sweet confections were part of the event and everyone had a good time for a worthy cause. Of course, you can't leave a party without a goodie bag, and Glam-A-THON's was epic! I practically had to carry mine with both hands and just to give you a few highlights, it included a custom designed sterling silver necklace from celebrity jewelry designer Jane Basch, a flip-and-dazzle jewelry organizer and skin care from Philosophy at Nordstrom.

Proceeds from the Lipstick Lounge event will be donated to the Broward Health Foundation and used to provide funding for women battling breast cancer, mammograms, diagnostic testing and other forms of assistance. They have several other events coming up that you don't want to miss. For more information, visit their page at http://www.glam-a-thon.com/home.html.

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Da Campo Osteria at the il Lugano Hotel - Dine Out Lauderdale 2013

Complimentary Bread Presentation

After watching Letters to Juliet for the 53rd time, I started out my first Dine Out Lauderdale adventure for 2013 at an Italian restaurant that, while the food was not necessarily from Verona, it was from Tuscany, Rome and Florence, which in my romantic state of heart, was close enough. Da Campo Osteria, located at the il Lugano Hotel and Residences at 3333 NE 32nd Avenue in Fort Lauderdale, is a charming, elegant place with stunning views of the Intracoastal waterway. It has a warm, cozy ambiance and an open kitchen with a chef's table that will make you feel like you're back in Roma, getting ready for a homemade feast. I have to start by telling you that the bread presentation was lovely. A board of different types of breads was served with a tomato jam, roasted garlic dip. and olive oil and balsamic vinaigrette combo that were to die for.

Chef's Table and Open Kitchen.

Tableside Prepared Caprese Salad

Oh yeah!

The Dine Out Lauderdale menu has some fantastic selections and we were psyched to get started. One of the things Da Campo Osteria is famous for is their tableside preparation of freshly pulled mozzarella. I was ecstatic to see that they offered a Tableside Prepared Caprese Salad as one of the appetizers part of the Dine Out Lauderdale promotion. We had fun watching the enthusiastic chef knead and pull the curds as he used the finest of ingredients to prepare our salad. The heirloom tomatoes, fresh basil and vin cotto, topped with flavorful balsamic vinaigrette were both refreshing and delightful. We also ordered the Jumbo Meatball, prepared with veal, beef, pork and housemade pomodoro sauce. At first glance you might think, "ah, it's a meatball". But when you bite into that tender, tasty, explosion of Italian flavors, there's just no turning back. I can't remember a meatball tasting quite as incredible before; with such perfect texture and combination of ingredients. It was my dining companion's hit of the night.

Jumbo Meatball stole my heart and palate

Seared Tuna

Barolo Braised Short Rib Ravioli

Initially, I was going to choose the Wood Fire Roasted Wild Salmon as my entree, but it had been a busy night and they had run out. Instead, they were substituting the dish in the promotion with a Seared Tuna. No problem for me since I am a devout lover of the chicken of the sea. The tuna was nicely seared and came served with farro and an amaretto broth. I wasn't crazy about the farro, since I'm not a fan of the grainy and nutty flavor, very similar to brown rice. But it is gluten-free and rich in fiber, so if you enjoy healthy alternatives, this side dish is for you. Our second entree was the Barolo Braised Short Rib Ravioli, bathed in calabrese spiced pomodoro and a pecorino romano. The homemade pasta was delicious, and the bold flavors of the short rib tucked away inside the mouthwatering pockets went exquisitely well with the pomodoro sauce.

Tiramisu Souffle

White Chocolate Bread Pudding

We ordered both of the desserts on the menu and I think I saw fireworks when I dipped my spoon in each one. The Tiramisu Souffle and the Warm White Chocolate Bread Pudding were both unbelievable.The only problem we had was that we were both a bit nervous the other was going to get more spoonfuls of each so we swallowed like our life depended on it. I had never had tiramisu in a souffle and the minute we cut a hole in it and poured the mascarpone cream inside, it was like we were in a dream sequence of dessert heaven. It was also served with a scoop of creamy mocha gelato. The Bread Pudding, oh the Bread Pudding, I can still taste it now. Moist and sweet with a rich chocolate ganache, I would easily roll around in it for a lifetime. It was served with vanilla bean gelato and plated quite seductively.

What a perfect begining to my Dine Out Lauderdale adventures! Just think, all this for just $35 per person, plus tax and gratuity. And something that stood out to me, was that the portions were not smaller just because the price was. It is truly a great deal. For more information on Da Campo Osteria or to make reservations, you can call them at 954-226-5002 or visit them online at http://www.dacamporestaurant.com/.

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