Eat Local Miami 

 
 

6030 S Dixie Hwy 
Open Mon-Sat 11am-2am; Sun 5pm-12am


This place was quite the experience. Surrounded by the lights and posh buildings around Sunset Place, you wouldn't even notice this little grey building. Its no wonder the locals come here to relax and chug a cold one back without the fru-fru nonsense that goes on around the other places. I was surprised at how dark it was when you get in. In fact, you can barely see in there! But that doesn't stop the regulars from taking a seat at the bar. Who can blame them? This is just the place to get away from the hustle and bustle.

Once you get past the dark bar, there's a fabulous little sun room in the back. It is almost as if the place converts into a charming french cafe at the end of the hall. Yellow paint, floral wallpaper and wooden chairs make for a cozy dining space.

The waitresses try their best to juggle all the orders from the locals. Its actually amazing. You would never think this inconspicuous place was so packed. Sitting next to a table of Jewish grandpa's all eating Ruben sandwiches and French Dips, I knew they couldn't all be wrong. So, I ordered the French Dip and my friend ordered the Ruben.

The sandwiches weren't to die for, but they were good. Especially the Ruben. Just the right touch of greasiness and goodness. Golden crispy fries and delightful laughs from the gramps's table were enough to make Fox's a nice little lunch retreat.

I can't wait to try the bar. Next week maybe. I've heard their martini's are to die for.

Fox's has been around since 1946 and I can definitely see why. Good eats, a laid Back dwelling and fabulous locals make this a great local spot.







 
 

Come to Eat Local Miami's Meetup group to break bread with fellow foodies and gourmets. Discover great little places around the neighborhood with me while enjoying great company and delicious food. Each week we I will post a new place for us to meet and check out together. Talk about good food and company!

What are you waiting for? There's plenty of room at the table!

 
 

Lunch: Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Dinner: Monday & Tuesday from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Wednesday through Saturday from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Sunday from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

I cannot believe it took me this long to try Ortanique. This is a restaurant you can easily fall in love with. In fact, Ortanique on the mile is true to its name.Sweet and exotic, an ortanique is a hybrid orange native to Jamaica. The moment you walk in, you feel like you've been swept away to a paradise island. Beautifully decorated, the warm orange glow of the tiny spider-like lamps makes it truly romantic...perfect for an intimate chat.

The menu provides a culinary journey to the spice islands and the food doesn't disappoint. The "Cuisine of the Sun" will delight your palette in the creative, passionate melding of Carib-Euro-Asian influences served by the friendly waitstaff who's more than eager to please.

You cannot skip the mojitos. They are fabulous! But a word to the wise, drink slowly they pack a punch! The conch appetizer was fresh and delicious. Melts in your mouth. Try the Guava Smoked Salmon...mmmm... or the pork chops. They were so thick, the chef had to butterfly them.

Before making your selections, note the entrees with an asterix... they belong to the prix-fix menu. Ortanique lets you have an appetizer, entree and dessert for a mere $36.00! What a deal for such delicious cuisine.

Hats off to the head chef, Cindy Hutson, for perfecting the fusion of Latin and Caribbean cuisine. I cannot say it enough: Ortanique on the Mile is amazing. True to its name, it’s sweet, exotic and definitely a local gem.

 
Whisk 03/22/2009
 


4702 S LeJeune Road
Mon-Fri :11am-7pm
Saturdays: Only Catering
Sunday: Closed
www.whiskgourmet.com


For a while now, my boss has been raving about Whisk. In fact, we have tried to have lunch there a few times but no luck-until yesterday! But a few words to the wise: come at least 15 minutes before you plan on dining. This tiny bistro is jammed packed from open to close and its no big wonder why. The food is amazing. Owned and run by a brother -sister duo, Whisk serves up some fabulous gourmet meals. Turkey avocado sandwiches, tossed salads and the most fabulous skirt steak sandwich you've ever tasted!  
Although the wait can be a bit discouraging, don't let it get in the way. The waitstaff is super friendly and quick. As for parking, that can be a serious challenge.The strip mall only holds a few spaces. Check in the back... there are a few spaces that are held for patrons. 
As your meal comes to an end, don't forget to let the waitress know you want a Misha's cupcake. Once they are gone, they're gone-so reserve yours as soon as you sit down. The red velvet is my favorite as well as the most popular. 
All in all, I can totally understand my boss's love for this great little spot. It definitely "whisks" your  taste buds into celebration mode. 



 
 

7991 SW 40th St
Miami, FL 33155


 Sun-Thurs 11:30am-10:30pm
Fri-Sat 11:30-11pm

One of my most favorite memories of San Francisco was its Chinatown’s Dim Sum. The warm tea and the endless list of unpronounceable goodies were too good to just enjoy it once a year on vacation. After hearing about Tropical Chinese Restaurant’s outstanding Dim Sum, I definitely had to try it out and I can honestly say, its damn good.
The restaurant is beautifully decorated with large red lanterns that hang from the ceiling. Pictures and positive reviews from many a food critic and magazines hand ornately on the walls and the amazing wine selection is beautifully presented in a glass case by the bar.

But some important things to note: if you’re in the mood for dim sum alone, you should just stick to lunch.But keep in mind the full dim sum menu only lasts till 3:30pm. Prices are pretty cheap for the dim sum. But if it’s the dinner menu you want, it can be a bit steep. Prepare to spend about 20.00 per entrée. 

Next time you feel like Chinese, give this place a try… if you’re feeling adventurous try the duck (their specialty) or shark fin soup. All in all, it’s a great place to dine. It’s fresh, authentic and delicious.


 

 

 
 

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2050 W 56th St Hialeah, FL 33016
Open Mon-Thu,Sun 8am-10pm; Fri-Sat 8am-11pm

My cousin Vivi invited me to lunch here the other day and to be honest,  I wasn't expecting it to be as good as it was. The food was delicious…in fact, it’s the best mofongo I’ve had! Puerto Rican wife and Cuban husband duo combine both of their island’s delicious eats to create food fusion fabulousness. Start with the tostones rellenos de camarones; these crisp freshly fried, lightly salted patties, wont disappoint. For your entree, you must eat the mofongo. Not too mushy, soft in the middle, seasoned with crunchy pork bits and garlic ... this mofongo -- whether you order it with pork, shrimp, or plain -- is perfect.
And if you have room, don’t miss out on their Flan de Queso. It’s creamy, light and smooth at the same time. Share it with a friend while you chat a bit… You’ll need a few minutes since you will be full!
Don’t be discourages by the hard to find parking and overcrowding. The plaza isn’t a beauty, but the food is definitely worth this atheistic downfall. Trust me, it is well worth well worth it. Great prices, decent service and most of all, delicious dining.

 
 

265 Aragon Avenue
Coral Gables

Lets see... fresh food... great service and surrounded by books... What's not to love?

The Cafe at Books and Books is a great neighborhood spot where locals gather for some fabulous book finds, coffee and a quick chat.
I cannot recommend this place enough for a nice lunch with a colleague, a friend or a anyone actually! I religiously eat here every Friday. The grilled roast beef and blue cheese on ciabatta is delicious--pair it up with some tropical ice tea or a nice glass of wine and you're set. 
If you want something uber fancy or a decadent meal, then this wont do. This is casual, light, down- to- earth dining.
You can sit in the cozy indoor cafe, or if the weather permits, sit outside and enjoy your meal or coffee under the shade of the large umbrellas.Don't be surprised if you see Mitchell Kaplan walking around or eating with friends and definitely don't forget to drink their frothy cappuccino!