Archive for March, 2010

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Pacific Time restaurant (Miami Design District). Finally a place with decent French fries

Posted: Sunday, March 28th, 2010

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Posted by Gracielita Bella, Miami Culinary Tours

I visited Pacific Time restaurant on the Miami Design District because for some reason I have had it in my head for a while. I am not sure if I read about it on an ad on New Times or maybe even on Biscayne Times.

I was driving in the neighborhood so I decided to stop bye. Well I was driving and talking on the phone with my husband. As soon as I heard his voice, I knew for sure he was not up for going to dinner anywhere (that voice that tells you I am b.u.s.y) so although I love his company, even when I go without him I have a nice time as my MacBook Pro is always there for me.

I was parking the car and in a matter of seconds I had a valet guy all over my face, I mean, this is the Design District in Miami, there is no problem with parking here, and I am sorry to say, there is no “happening” in this neighborhood, if you walk just five or six blocks on the wrong direction, well down here you are in trouble.

Pacific time restaurant Chinese eggplant

Chinese eggplant $7, red curry and haricort vert

Pacific time restaurant fries

House Idaho fries $6

Hot and sour popcorn shrimp with asian vinaigrette

Hot and sour popcorn shrimp with Asian vinaigrette $9

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Mussels at Quattro (Italian) restaurant on Lincoln Road, South Beach – Nothing out of the ordinary really

Posted: Sunday, March 28th, 2010

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Posted by Gracielita Bella

quattro restaurant bread

Quattro (Italian) restaurant on Lincoln road, South Beach

Impepata Di Cozze Alla Marinara $13. Steamed Mussels with white wine, garlic, black peeper and house-Made Marinara

I have heard about QUATTRO in several occasions and it was the time to pay tribute to this Italian classic down on Lincoln road, South Beach.

I arrived at QUATTRO and walked straight down to the bar section, this is where for some reason I always feel comfortable when I am alone (well, not entirely alone, I have my MAC with me at all times packed with all my virtual friends).

At the bar is where servers, floor managers and hostess hang out and I like to hear what they say behind the scene. It’s like hearing all of the gossip from a dysfunctional family because one thing is apparent about restaurants is that those who work in that environment need to bitch on a regular basis, it’s just the nature of the oficio (can’t remember how to say that word in English)

I sat at the bar and ordered the best glass of champagne on the menu – just to refresh from the three blocks I walked to get down here. I know, I am spoiled.

I was greeted with a friendly smile, this is a good sign around here in SoBe because they usually don’t come that often, she quickly acknowledges my presence, she is professional, knowledgeable of the menu, and I can tell she will put a thought or two to give a recommendation. I asked what dish is her favorite on the menu and she replied “mussels come with a great broth that reminds me of how my mother used to prepare soup in Guatemala, so I said “then that’s exactly what I’m having”

Sure, the mussels were okay (not her fault she’s not the cook) at QUATTRO and the focaccia that comes with them was nothing out of the ordinary – I don’t think I will be back here to have them again any time soon.

Again, no award winning video here (working on getting better), but I shot it with you in mind so if you think that QUATTRO might be a good option for you on Lincoln road, then you know what
ambiance to expect.


Quattro Gastronomie Italiana

1014 Lincoln Road
Miami Beach, FL 33139-2502
(305) 531-4833
quattromiami.com

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Elevated Mexican food at Mercadito Restaurant in Midtown Miami

Posted: Sunday, March 28th, 2010

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margaritas at el mercadito restaurant in midtown miami

I met one of our foodie tour guides at el Mercadito this past Tuesday and when I arrived, she was already having a fabulous margarita (I like that), a glamorous margarita is all a girl needs after a day of hard work. The glass was chilled but not drippy (not sure if that word exist, drippy? I’ll google it later), but you know when the water starts running outside a chilled glass – that’s drippy to me. I had a zip of it – but this is not for me, too sweet and the rim had what we thought it was a combination of sugar and comino but they were pretty busy and I did not want to start getting on our waiter’s nerve as I just walked in the place. I am a wine type of girl so I just had a chilled glass of German wine ( which was pretty spectacular).

Here it goes the byline in which they are marketing themselves:

Expertly blending traditional Mexico with creative interpretations of local and seasonal ingredients is the inspiration behind Mercadito restaurants.

ceviche from el mercadito in midtown miami

Ceviche Dorado $10.50 – mahi mahi, avocado, tomato, orange-chile de arbol broth

This was the first guest arriving to the party and wow, this was ceviche perfection. The avocado was buttery, the oranges fresh, sturdy delivering small amount of rapid cold orange juice shots as you bite into them, by the time I tasted the mahi mahi while savoring the limey juices with chile I had nothing but a moment. In short, I feel sorry for the rest of the Mexican people making ceviche and chefs that cook Mexican food and even all of the Peruvian ceviche out there because el Mercadito really scored on this one. (yeah, I know, this is my opinion)

Camaron shrimp, tangerine roasted jalapenos, citrus-guajillo broth

Ceviche Camaron $10.50 shrimp, tangerine roasted jalapenos, citrus-guajillo broth

Shrimp is getting on my nerves lately, shrimp this, shrimp that… (so what?). This dish was good, nothing to compared to the mahi mahi ceviche though. If you are still all hyped up by shrimp then order this one.

tacos at el mercadito restaurant in midtown miami

Tacos Hongos $13.50 – huitlacoche, wild mushrooms, manchego, cheese, salsa verde

If you like tacos, then drop what you are doing and head to el Mercadito, seriously. You can literally lick the sauce out of the plate on this one – crunchy in all the right places, fresh, with a mild salsa verde accent. There’s some real talent going around at el Mercadito.

el mercadito tacos

Tacos Pastor $13.50 – chile ancho rubbed pork, grilled pineapple, chile de arbol salsa

I get it, people love to have pineapple in their food here in South Florida (at least I see more dishes with pineapple than when I was living in San Francisco), I simply don’t like it. Of course this is one of the staple flavors of Mexican cuisine and Caribbean countries use it a lot in their food (I am not so clueless about food), but for me pineapple is too sweet to combine it with an animal flesh like chicken (call me whatever, this is my opinion). I think it is a matter of taste, I tried these tacos because Gigi order them – you can put anything in front me, I will try it.

So that’s it for now for el Mercadito. I will be back to try the entire menu little by little. I will bring my camera next time and I’ll shoot some video, stay tune.

Mercadito Midtown

3252 N.E. 1st Ave.
Miami, FL 33137
www.mercaditorestaurants.com/midtown

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Churros with sugar in Little Havana without the dulce de leche (but with extra attitude) why?

Posted: Sunday, March 28th, 2010

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churros in little havana, miami, florida

I embark on Miami food tours adventures all of the time, pack my camera and I am out the door. You never know who you meet on the streets and when it comes to food, people are usually very happy to share their stories. I love recording small eateries, bakeries, kiosks, hot dog stands, burger trucks, ice cream vans, etc. etc. I am even attracted to gas station food markets! – just to see what is in there for me is a foodie tour adventure like no other. Food stories and foodie places are my escape from real life, like alcoholics with the next drink I would imagine. The thing is that I love to do this so much that I am now falling into the crack addict category (food world people). I find it so from the heart when people are willing to share with me their food stories, the passion they have for what they do… Well, not in this case with the Churros people.

I approached this Churros stand when I went to a food tour adventure (one of the millions I do) to Little Havana. But right at the beginning these people didn’t like me – maybe they thought the jewelry I was wearing screamed all over “spoiled Argentinean” I don’t know, maybe my accent? why would they? =), well, they did not like me or better to say, they did not receive me like others with a smile, well maybe they just had a fight or something (who cares).

But I put my camera right where the action was (maybe I should have asked if I could shoot them, my bad) and took this video. They are definitely not very good in promoting their little churro business, I mean, if you are not approachable and you are selling churros on the street and you are not nice to people (even annoying people), then I would recommend that they sell churros online so they wouldn’t have to interact with people, but then, they did not look like the type that goes home and sits on their MACs.

The thing here was that it says  “Churros de dulce de leche” and I was wondering where the dulce de leche was. I got an answer from… (I have to cut this post, it is getting too long) – care to see? watch the video.

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Anise Waterfront Taverna a Greek restaurant with a big heart

Posted: Saturday, March 27th, 2010

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olives at Anise tavern

Olives was the first thing they put on the table when I arrived at Anise Tavern on the Upper East Side – and as I am a hard core olive addict, this set the tone just right. The olives are good, now I envisioned a different type of olives at a Greek restaurant (okay I am an olive aficionado and Greek olives are usually a mix of green and very ripped black olives), nonetheless, these were good.

hummus at anise tavern

Dish: Chick Pea, Olive Oil, Garlic Dip Hummus $8.

Their slogan for this dish “Made with natural ingredients & served with warm pita bread” Next I ordered the hummus. I can testify that is even better than the one at Jerusalem because it is not as dry, although the one at Jerusalem is absolutely divine. My favorite part was the pitta bread from this dish, it came warm (perfect!) with a hint of garlic notes.

Dish: Grilled octopus $8  – Marinated in olive oil & herbs

Now I know why Anise Tavern is known in Miami for their signature octopus – this was by far the most tender, tastier and perfectly cooked octopus I tried so far in the city. It is actually quite hard to get octopus to be at the right elasticity when cooked. I usually prepare octopus at least twice a month. Outside it has a thin crust with lemon hints and the olive oil was of quality (I hate cheap olive oil). This dish was magnificent. Period.

Lamb & Eggplant Casserole (Mousaka)

Dish: Lamb & Eggplant Casserole Mousaka $18

Well, this was not my favorite dish at Anise. I know it’s a hearty dish  and one of the staples of Greek cuisine and I should be more appreciative but this one definitely did not go well with me. I think that what this dish missed was an accent to it, there was no ingredient that took the lead, I did not taste the lamb, nor the eggplant and I do not recall now what other veggies were in there and that is not a good sign because if something is to remember by the time I blog about a dish, I easily can remember every ingredient, but on this one, all I remember is a mix of things that nothing deserved a piece of ram on my memory storage.

Ambiance and people at Anise Tavern

You know when people care and it makes for a much better dining experience. Anise is where locals go for a plate of goodness and to receive personalized attention by the owners who run and operate this place from the heart. I went by myself so I usually take out my laptop to write, but very discrete I was following them with my eyes over the screen and saw them the entire night coming and going, talking to people, watching all the tables, aware of every move that was happening. I like this.  I truly felt that I was at someone’s living room and that they personally care for me.

Anise Waterfront Taverna

620 Northeast 78th Street
Miami, FL 33138-4702
(305) 758-2929
www.anisetaverna.com

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I Finally edited the South Beach Wine & Food Festival Videos I tool to share with you all!

Posted: Saturday, March 27th, 2010

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For all you foodies out there that couldn’t attend the Whole Foods Market Grand Tasting Village at the 2010 South Beach Wine & Food Festival, I pushed hard to get to the front row to bring the bits and bites of this exquisito Miami food event. I try to get the personalities behind those preparing the dishes – I think I did good on some stands and not so good on others – as wine kept pouring in, people’s sense of personal space changed so in my defense, it was hard to get the camera straight while throwing some elbows around (I was nice though).

It was hard to hold the camera, fight for a bite and shoot the chefs or cook, but here it is. I did it for you, for those who couldn’t attend because I always think it will be so cool to be able to see videos of food festivals from other states, and so here is our Miami tour adventure on Saturday, January 2010. Enjoy!

Whole Foods Market Grand Tasting Village – Part 1

Whole Foods Market Grand Tasting Village – Part 2

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My mom’s cooking classes of traditional Argentine cuisine in Buenos Aires will be featured on the TENNIS CHANNEL!

Posted: Saturday, March 27th, 2010

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I am so proud of my mom for having the spirit of always being up for a new adventure in life, and when we began with the idea of Cooking With Teresita in 2005, we never dreamed that people would have reacted so positively to the simplest idea of spending a day cooking traditional Latin cuisine. Add to her Argentine cooking a day spent at her beautiful country-like home in Buenos Aires, Argentina and people started to come and today she is visited weekly by passionate foodies and curious gourmands.

My mom has been a passionate cook for as long as I can remember and is because of her  that I have found comfort in all things edible. Food at home reminds me of good times. and  her now renowned Traditional Argentine empanadas Argentinas are a true reflection of the warmth and care she has for those around her (if you would try one, you will understand what I am saying). At the age of 60 my mom agreed to begin with a new adventure after owning and operating a grammar school in Argentina for nearly 25 years where she was a true pioneer introducing children to the benefits of healthy eating. At her school she personally conducted what she called an “ecology” class in which children were taught to grow vegetables and fruits and the importance of supporting the fragile town economy by purchasing goods from local farmers. Okay, I will cut it off here because you are not her daughter and you might find it boring.

Cooking With Teresita

Destination Tennis: Buenos Aires at the TENNIS CHANNEL. Premiere! March 28th 7 pm ET / 4 pm PT

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Wedge salad; blue cheese, tomato and bacon – Sugarcane

Posted: Friday, March 26th, 2010

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wedge salad at Sugarcane

Dish: wedge salad $8 – with blue cheese, tomatoes and bacon

Once again I visited Sugarcane in Midtown Miami this time for lunch. I got lucky because when I arrived there were not many people so I had a server coming right away. I have to add, there are a couple of servers who are so knowledgeable about the menu and I don’t know if you noticed but to me that is refreshing in Miami. The salad above (which to me is a piece of art, I was thinking to blow it up on a poster but then that’s tacky), but this dish is a delicious piece of art. All the flavors together make up of a refreshing yet light salad although it has blew cheese, the chef is delicate enough to just put the right amount (I don’t know you, but I have had wedge salads with mountains of blew cheese and that’s not cool). The bacon pieces you see are cooked to perfection and you truly do not feel you are eating fat – is like the bacon without the guilt, they probably do some type of drying because it is crispy yet soft at the same time – oh and the price certainly fits the attraction on this one.

I did not try this dish in its entirely because it was not my order but I got to try some of the chips. AMAZING. Salty, crunchy light potatoes chips. I  could literally envisioned myself (while my friend kept talking) lying on my bed watching the bitches of New Jersey with a popcorn size bucket filled up to the top. Now that’s scary.

I know I am not going to win an academy award with this video, but at least you get a feel of how Sugarcane looks inside and you know what to expect.

Sugarcane Raw Bar Grill

3250 Ne 1st Ave
Miami,FL 33127
(786) 369-0353
See Map
www.sugarcanerawbargrill.com
Chef de Cuisine: Timon Balloo

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Finding the best Cuban Cafesito at the end of Bird Road (Coral Gables). Just by accident.

Posted: Friday, March 26th, 2010

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where to have the best cafesito in Miami

I was looking for a Cuban bakery that I have read about online where they make Tres Leches dessert – this is a true story and a long one (I warned you) – and I could not find it, so I drove around and around (Miami Google Map sometimes is not 100% accurate, at least not this time). At one point I decided to turn around and go back home, but I saw this man parking his car right in front of a Cuban cafeteria and I (not so lady-like) shouted out the window “hi, do you know where Cuatro Leches is? “ He smiled at me and happily replied, “I am the owner”

I parked the car next to his as quickly as I was able to maneuver my chunky monkey SUV (I hope you know what I mean), got out of the car and extended my hand while showing my best smile (hiding the frustration I had for the last 30 minutes) and I said “Hi, I am Gracielita from Miami Culinary Tours and I heard great things about your bakery” He shown a very proud smile, sort of like if he would have been featured on Gourmet mag or something, I am not sure if he thought that Miami Culinary Tours is something of a renowned name or he is just full of himself (who cares).

We walked a few steps to the front of this Cuban cafeteria and he invited me for a cafesito and so we started talking, I mentioned what I do, and he quickly debriefed me about his bakery (which resulted not to be a Cuban bakery, more of a Puerto Rican one).

He was incredibly friendly, proud that I asked so laud through my window where is Cuatro Leches. He asked me “do you want to come over” and I went on following his car to his impossible to find bakery.

cafesito cubano

Okay, I have to get back to this Cuban Cafesito and why I rated this place one of the best places to have a cafesito en Miami. See that foamy (espumita) at the top? That is pure perfection. It was so delicious, perfect balance of a good Italian machine (something like a Ferrari but for coffee making), excellent coffee bean roasting (Bustelo my friend), and just a touch of white sugar (no raw to be found at this type of places), but oh so good.

(sorry not sure what the address was)

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Soyka restaurant in North Miami, a taste of urban life

Posted: Friday, March 26th, 2010

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miami Soyka restaurant, shrimp with polenta

Dish: Shrimp Polenta $14.95
I have been to Soyka in several occasions, I love its ambiance, I think that when I end up going there is usually only because of their industrial urban-ish decor. I don’t care that much for their food and the last time I brought my parents here, the food was not good, we had pizza and it was horrible.

But I decided to stop there the other day to write a post, enjoy a glass of wine and ordered the Shrimp Polenta. I always anticipate the worse when I order a dish with polenta because if they do not know how to prepare it (I grew up eating polenta by the way), then the dish ends up being a big disaster – but this dish was just perfect, the polenta reminded me of the one my grandma used to make, it felt like home. The shrimp were fresh with the crunch you expect at the first bite. The sauce tasted like a marinara vodka-type of sauce. Good dish.

The service was impeccable, quick, attentive, the server had a perfect timing for everything, from getting my drink quick as I sat down to filling my glass with water. I will definitely be back this time.

Warning: not a good video but at least some preview of Soyka’s ambiance – and the street leading to the restaurant which is my favorite part…

Soyka

5556 Biscayne Boulevard
North Miami, FL 33138
(305) 759-3117
www.soykarestaurant.com

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