Prima Pasta!

On 71st Street in Miami Beach lies the infamous Prima Pasta! It took six months of passing down 71st before Mercedes and I were out on the hunt for decent food to go when we shrugged our shoulders and decided to wander in. It was a stressful day full of drama and the mood was tense for both of us. She and I sat at the bar, glass of wine in hand discussing the drama while we waiting for our food.

(Photo courtesy of toprestaurants.com)

Since then, we have made our way there several times. I have also gone there on dates and with visiting family. To start off, I absolutely love the atmosphere, its dark and mellow in traditional Italian style. The ambiance is incredible and I always feel like I could hide in there and no one would be able to find me. They also have outside seating which is great as well, save some of the traffic noise from the street, buses in particular. The staff has always been incredible there. They are all very friendly and sociable when necessary. Their timing is usually very well played.

The food, oh the food! I have yet to be disappointed! They bring fresh bread to the table and the appetizers run between $9 and $15. I have tried the Carpaccio di Manzo, Bresaola, Parma & Bufala, and Bruschetta. They are incredible and although I haven't decided on a favorite, I tend to lean toward the Carpaccio and Bresaola. The Caprese Salad was delicious as well.

The entrees run between $20 and $30. I try and steer clear of pasta even though I love it but most entrees come with a side of penne. I have ordered both the Chicken Marsala and the Lemon Chicken, both of which left me pleasantly surprised. Mercedes really enjoyed the Chicken Caprese as well.

Although I have stuck with my beloved Chianti when dining there, their menu boasts "The Best Pasta and Martini's in Town!" I may have to consider that when I return. I did try to order lemoncello but I was advised that it, "wasn't ready yet." That's right, they make their own lemoncello and it takes about eight weeks. I am eager to try it in the very near future.

Also worth mentioning is they currently have a promotion - from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm, everything on the menu is half-price (except the wine, although house wine is included). If you love Italian food, this is a great place and the best time to go stuff your face.

Bar-B-Que Beach

Last night, I went with "Mercedes" to Bar-B-Que Beach (almost the corner of 16th and Washington) to grab a bite to eat. I stumbled across this place one day over a year ago, when I was aimlessly wandering the streets of South Beach. From the beginning I have really enjoyed this spot, more for the atmosphere I think than anything else. That and it's a good hiding spot. Most people I know wouldn't think to look for me there.

The bar is decorated all beach, although I tend to think of it as more Hawaiian than South Florida. Nonetheless its beachy, beachy with fake palm trees, surfboard bathroom counters, and seashells galore. I think that might be its biggest draw for me. The menu consists of mostly what I would consider southern BBQ and is predominantly pork. Pulled pork sandwiches, BBQ chicken or mahi sandwiches, ribs, collard greens, fried dill pickles (you heard me), etc. Not much of that really appeals to me, so suffice it to say I eat very little from their menu. In fact, the only thing I have ever ordered there has been the potato skins. They come with a whack of pulled pork on top with some cheese and a side sauce that I think is a sour cream based sauce with a seasoning that gives it a tangy kick. They are actually pretty decent when I decide to am in the mood!

The service, that is where you gamble. I have always sat in the bar and service has been decent, not stellar, but decent until last night. Usually, since I don't eat there very often, I am just served drinks and that has always been pretty consistent and reliable service. However last night, the bartender was going at it alone for at least about the first hour of our visit. We sat at a table in the bar but I had to approach the counter to request menus and order a drink. I was able to order the potato skins fairly quickly and they were delivered within a reasonable amount of time but we had to ask for silverware and plates. Mercedes on the other hand, took a while to decide. Once she did decide on a BBQ chicken sandwich, she was advised there were no buns. Hmmm... Okay. They have quite a bit on their menu served on buns. After a lot of frustration, she finally ordered a hamburger, sans the bun, cooked medium. When her burger arrived a half hour later it was burned and cooked well done. She sent it back and 45 minutes later, she still didn't have her burger. Hmmm... Not okay. Ultimately she canceled her order.

Now I realize this isn't the bartender/server's fault, but when the burger was sent back because it was over-cooked, Mercedes was civil and did tell the bartender she knew it wasn't her fault. During the 45 minutes that followed, not once did she get any type of comment or sympathy from the bartender. No, "I'm sorry its taking so long" or "Let me check on that for you" - absolutely nothing. Go for the decor, go for the drinks, even go for the food if it suits you, but as for the service, you have been warned.

Orale! The Taco Truck!!

As you may or may not know, I am from the western United States where the predominant Latin race is straight-up MEXICAN. I remember the good old days, in the bars downtown - shutting them down at 2:00 AM.... That's right!! Its not like the wild nights in Miami, but what my wild northwestern town had to offer was as wild as you could get. We would come out the clubs, drunk to no end hitting up the food vendors to set us straight before the trek home... One of the best options was always the Taco Truck. You don't find them out here so much and I haven't decided if it's because the Latin population in Miami is predominantly everything BUT Mexican, or if its just that you can't find hometown Mexican food this side of the Continental Divide...

Either way, what I have found here, that is the closest I come to my cherished Taco Truck memories is - Taqueria Mexicana Orale! - the Taco Truck in Coral Gables. Coming from an abundance of authentic Mexican food, this is by far the closest I have come to authentic. Granted the menu is minimal, however the quality in my eyes is great. Simple yet authentic. Go for a simple taco de carne asada and add some cilantro and some hot sauce and WOW. I love this joint!! GO there, GO there, Go there, especially if you have any appreciation for authentic Mexican and locals. I never forget this country was founded by immigrants and I appreciate their contributions even if in the format of Food...
The only time I have ever seen this wonderful taco truck has been Saturdays and Sundays at a park across from Douglas Cove apartments and south of DaVinci apartments on S.W. 37th Street.

Seriously - go stuff your face!

Epicure

I stopped at the new Epicure in Sunny Isles one night this week on my way home from work. What a beautiful place! I started at the bar with a glass of nice smooth Spanish red. Unfortunately I missed the label, but I will go back and update on that later.

After I took my time to enjoy a glass of wine, I shopped up and down every isle. The place is small but most everything had perfect presentation and was, dare I say an elitist's selection. The had an array of caviar; foie gras; imported cheeses, oils and vinegars; organic fruits and vegetables; a nice selection of wine and liquors; European chocolates; and local soups, dressings and sauces. They also had beautiful fresh flowers~their freesia looked gorgeous. The only thing I remember not looking good were the pomegranates, but hey they are out of season.

I picked up some organic salsa and chips, edamame, boconccini, foreign chocolate, an avocado, some green teas, and some tofu. If you enjoy more holistic or organic stores make a point to stop here, and don't skip the bar. I can't wait to go back for more to stuff my face.

Biker Bars

Biker bars. Not something you would normally associate with great food. However, I have been presently surprised in South Florida!! Here a couple that I have hit lately:

Quarterdeck on Las Olas in Ft. Lauderdale. Although not really a biker bar, it draws a large crowd of motorcycles, probably due in part to its location on Las Olas, right near A1A. The food here is not bad, and it’s fairly inexpensive. Their lobster bisque is good but rich, in fact a little too rich for me, but sharing to expand your plate variety is a good idea. Their hamburgers aren't bad either. I don't think I would head there specifically for a hamburger, but it’s always an option... But the main thing that draws me to Quarterdeck is the steamed clam dish. They aren't the best steamed clams but they are good and you get three dozen for what you pay for one dozen everywhere else!

Alabama Jack’s is on a waterway in the top of the keys off Card Sound Road. The atmosphere open air, live band and sheer fun!! Most of the food is fried seafood, but there are a few chicken dishes and hamburgers common to a bar. We ordered crab cakes, a hamburger and the chicken fingers. Absolutely delicious. I am particular when it comes to food, although I will try most anything often time nothing sounds good, and I usually stay away from fried foods or too many carbs. I think the chicken fingers were the best I have had in SoFla, and the crab cakes were incredible. I didn’t try the hamburger, but my dining partner, the Rican Rocker is a picky burger eater and really enjoyed the AJ Burger. Neither of us were in the least bit disappointed. We sat at a table by the water, watched the fish, the birds and the passing boats. The service was great and I really enjoyed this bar. Even though its known as a biker bar, it closes at 7:00 pm. Plan accordingly, but don’t pass this one up!

Shipwreck’s Bar & Grill we found on a whim, we were escaping a moment of adrenaline and passed a sign directing us and we obliged. It was a typical seaside/waterway bar for the north Keys area, and it wasn’t busy when we were there. However, the setting was nautical awesome and even had a Cuban exile raft that had been towed to shore. The service was great, the view was so serene and the service was really wonderful; very personable. I ordered the ahi tuna, which I absolutely loved! The tender without being mushy, slightly seared and came with a s0y/Thai dipping sauce and wasabi. It was absolutely tuna heaven. Sitting waterside we had a great view of the incoming storm, plenty of boats and some local kayakers. If you come upon this place, don't pass it up, it was definitely worth the stop.

Nicks Bar & Grill on the Broadwalk in Hollywood is one of my favorites!! Again, I think it draws a large biker crowd due to its location, open windows, door and bar that serves mostly bar food, a lot of fried seafood, but they do by far have the best steamed clams. I have eaten both a burger and chicken fingers there (I can't help it - watching what I eat I try to go safe when everything is fried!) but the clams are by far my favorite. They are simple, yet have the best flavor. I have yet to eat them in SoFla that have been better than Nick's. The bar sits right on the Broadwalk in Hollywood so regardless of the time of day, people-watching is always guaranteed! When its hot the people constantly flow by in every variety, and when it is stormy and raining, the cool rain scented air flies in through the plastic "walls" into the simple yet cozy bar. I absolutely love Nick's. I take everyone visiting from out of town here and sometimes seek solace alone there. If you have never been to Nick's, make a point to check it out, if you like low key (even just on occasion) this is a place not to miss!!!

The Last Chance Saloon you will be familiar with if you have ever driven from Miami to the Keys. It is the last stop in Florida City on the west side as you head south on Route 1 to the Keys. The first time I stopped there, it was dead, but the service was good and the bar was dark. I stopped again, on the way back home, to find a much more vibrant crowd. It was more of a local and biker crowd but comfortable just the same. The beer is cheap and the pool and jukebox at your own discretion can be such a blast!! I did not notice any food though so I have only experienced this as strictly a bar sans food.

And finally, Fuddrucker's in South Miami. Every Thursday night is "Bike Night" and this has emanated loud and clear through the biker community in South Florida. It was a rare COLD night this past Thursday when I ended up here, so it wasn't as packed as usual. However, I was still impressed with the amount of people and the number of bikes. The food, which is no place for someone on a diet, was worth what you pay and more. The burgers, deemed best in Miami, were actually very, very good! You build them to your own taste with an entire condiment bar at your disposal. I also noticed a "dessert counter" which served cookies, ice cream, milk shakes, all those things that are outside my boundaries at the moment. The hamburger really was, if nothing more, worth the trip south down Route 1 in the freezing cold on the Harley. Aside from that, the bikes on display were impressive. If you are into motorcycles, Bike Night at Fuddruckers is a must!! There were the classic Harleys and Indians, and the built Choppers, to the Hondas and Crotch-rockets, and even some tiny cruising bikes built from ground up. I love to see the choppers with the airbrushing; some are so impressive. At any rate, if you dig bikes, definitely go. If you dig burgers, make your way there. I am looking forward to going again on a warmer night, and hope to be even more impressed.

Oye! Tequila Chicas

Last night I headed out to Tequila Chicas at 15th and Ocean in South Beach. I love this joint. Now don't go there if you are expecting five star food or authentic Mexican food. The motto at Tequila Chicas is "Lick. Suck. Swallow.", which clearly indicates it is a tequila bar more than a restaurant. I have yet to see women dancing on the bar as the website indicates, but maybe I have just missed those festive nights. However the bar itself does have a fun and unpretentious atmosphere. The staff is friendly and usually the patrons are pretty intersocial.

Keep in mind, after growing up in the western United States where Mexican is the dominant Latino race, I must admit I don't find a Mexican restaurant to label as authentic here in South Florida very often. Tequila Chicas is no exception~it is definitely not authentic, but the beer is cold and the tequila variety is pretty impressive. The tequila list offers more than the food menu (but I saw very minimal Mezcal options). There is minimal inside seating and also outside seating, and South Florida is perfect for dining al fresco.

My dining partner, the Rican Rocker, and I went for a drink and ordered the Macho Nachos and a bucket of beer. The nachos were typical nachos for a bar - the melted processed cheese, canned refried beans, tomatoes, jalapenos, chicken, sour cream - like I said, typical bar nachos which sometimes just hit the spot. I have only been to this bar a couple of times, and I never venture past the appetizers when ordering food because when I head to Tequila Chicas, I am going for drinks not quality Mexican food~last night was no different.

If you are looking for somewhat of a more authentic Mexican dining experience, you are better off heading to El Rancho Grande which has two locations: Pennsylvania Avenue in South Beach and 72nd Street in the North Beach area. But, if you are in the mood for (Mexican) bar food, cold beer or tequila, go stuff your face!

So, Stuff Your Face With Lola

Okay, so when I say stuff your face, I don't mean over stuff your face! I love food and drink, but I am a big proponent of healthy eating and healthy living with exercise. Yet I can appreciate good food, or maybe I should say I am learning to appreciate it, surely I am still a novice. Sometimes I am considered a snob, but I like trying new things and often find that I very much enjoy some exquisite and different things. So be it.

I decided I would create this blog after a couple glasses of wine (2006 Snake River Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre blend) and a few hours of blogging for From Lola's Lips. I have enough to say about where I eat, what I eat and whether it is good or bad and didn't want to jam it all into From Lola's Lips, so here it is!! I couldn't decide what I wanted to eat tonight, my roommate was starving but not feeling well at all, so I was on dinner duty. I decided to go with Pasha's. I called in an order for pick up: one filet mignon wrap, an order of hummus, an order of tabbouleh, one lentil soup, and basmati rice with tatziki. Needless to say, this was an obscene amount of food for my roommate and I to share! Prior to this evening, I have only had the tabbouleh, Greek salad, and hummus. And I constantly crave the tabbouleh and hummus. The wrap was delish, the basmati rice with tatziki was better than I expected, and of course the tabbouleh did not disappoint me. (Note: Don't ever buy tabbouleh from the Publix deli.) I am a big fan of Pasha's, its a healthy Mediterranean option that is worth what you pay. It sure beats the hell out of my miserable experience at the local Chinese joint Bamboo Garden (let me say again, don't go to Bamboo Garden).

And although I didn't drink the wine with my dinner, I did very much enjoy the wine. Maybe I am just partial to wines from back home (this was one my darling mother sent to me over the holidays) but no lying, it was wonderful!