130 NE 40TH Street
Miami, FL 33137
In searching for a nice spot to celebrate a dear friend’s birthday, we ended up at Michael’s Genuine—a chic, dim-lit, fabulous spot in the up and coming design district. Frequented by celeb diners and raved about by many including New York Times Food God Frank Bruni, I had to try this place for myself. And in all honesty, I wish I wasn’t writing this post for my site. I want Michaels Genuine all for myself. It’s just too good to share. Then again, that wouldn’t be fair to my fabulous foodies out there.
Once we took our seat, we were immediately greeted with a friendly smile and a brief intro about the menu’s dishes and sizes. Basically the Small dishes are single serving appetizers, Snacks and Medium dishes are appetizers and salads that can serve 2 -4 people, Large dishes are a traditional entrée and the Extra Large dishes are entrees to be shared by two people. Just a tip: try to sample a few dishes instead of getting an entrée per person...
We tried something from each size. The Giant Prawns were amazing. Lightly salted and buttered, they melted in your mouth. And if you like chicken wings, an order of them with cucumber sauce is a must—we should have ordered two;The Farm Fresh Pork Chop with pureed turnips and apple chutney – another winner; the Short Ribs with garlic mash potatoes-to die for and the list goes on and on especially when it came to dessert time.
Since we had to get our hands on the desserts we order two and to tell you the truth we probably need to get two more! We shared the Tangerine Pot de Crème served with a piece of pistachio baklava and candied tangerine peel. And although it was a hit, it was the Chocolate Cremoso with sea salt, olive oil, sourdough crostini and espresso parfait –that took the cake. It was the best dessert of the night!
A bright and talented Chef, Michael Schwartz knows what he’s doing. I can’t say it enough. Michael’s is outstanding. Make sure you make reservations and show up on time because this place gets packed-even on weeknights. Set a date and invite some friends or go it alone even-- just make sure you go because Michael’s Genuine is downright genuinely delicious, genuinely fabulous.
100 Collins Avenue (more or less)
Miami Beach, FL 33139
The Room is a great little neighborhood spot right around the corner from the chaos of Opium/Prive. True to its name, it’s literally the size of your bedroom, so if there's more than 20 people there, it can be a bit of a hassle to find a seat. In fact, you might just have to stand the whole time. But this little cozy lounge is totally worth it if you’re just looking for a cute, chic place to throw back a few beers with a few pals.
Once you’re at the Room, you'll be among an upscale and laid-back crowd enjoying a broad spectrum of music ranging from rock to...uh...rock. Their big business is beer - they have quite a selection from around the world - and most even come with their appropriate glass – reminiscent to many European bars where each beer is served in its own specialty glass. There is so much of a selection that you can literally be stumped. Ask the friendly bartenders for advice or be a dare devil and give anyone a go… Wanna be girly? Try the Iambic peche (peach beer) or throw back a Chimay and definitely try the Delirium. The prices are moderate about $6-15 a piece… And for those non-beer drinkers out there, The Room has some great wine selections too.
Come around 10ish, that’s when this place is at its best but be warned: smoking is allowed inside, so you might come out reeking of cigarettes. As for parking, it’s usually not so bad as the other areas of South Beach. Park in the many meters around and note that after midnight, they’re free.
When you're looking for a chill night or a new little spot to take a date for a drink, this dark, sexy, south beach secret is the place to go. Trust me-- it won’t break the bank, you’ll impress your date and even if you don’t, the beer here will! Head to The Room--you won’t regret it.
5813 Ponce de Leon Blvd.
Miami, FL 33146
www.titanicbrewery.com
Working a block away from Titanic is truly a blessing because sometimes, you just need a cold one after work and this is definitely the place to go.
A charming Gables mainstay, this dim, sea-themed bar opened up in the early nineties and has been serving up classic rock music, spicy Southern cuisine, and best of all, home-brewed beers. What’s better than that?
As for beer, ask for the Triple Screw or the frothy Woodchuck Cider—both a sure bet but don’t forget the munchies! The empanadas are delicious and so is their famous andouille bisque. Note to the wise: the spice in that soup will have you craving more beer!
In the mood for something more filling? Try the po boy sandwiches… full of crabmeat and totally satisfying. And if you’re coming for dinner, try the shrimp étoufée—full of shrimp and full of flavor. Top it off with key lime pie or a chocolate stout… any which way you go is bound to delight.
Most of all, sit back, chug a cold one or two and enjoy the ambience. There’s always a band at night and the college students trickle in by the minute. Park in the meters or across the street—the parking isn’t too much of a hassle. Overall, Titanic is a great place to throw back a few beers, listen to music and unwind with the locals.
3040 Main Highway
Coconut Grove
www.lebouchondugrove.com
As the back of the menu so cleverly states; a bouchon is a small, friendly, neighborhood restaurant that serves up great cuisine using the best local products available. True to this, Le Bouchon du Grove is an authentic and exceptional French bistro. From the French speaking wait staff, to the very animated chef, Christian Ville, who pops out from time to time you may just forget you are in the Grove and not Lyon.
The food is superb. Come for breakfast served until 3pm, and have one of the fluffiest, perfect omelets. I recommend the goat cheese and tomatoe omelet. If you stop by for lunch or dinner, an excellent starter is the wonderful gratinée Lyonnaise (French onion soup). The steak sandwich is also delish. Coming for diiner? Remember that the fish is brought in fresh daily so you can’t go wrong in picking one. I once had the Chilean Seabass and every bite was heaven. Not in the mood for seafood? No problem. Try the carre d'agneau roti (roasted rack of lamb with Provence herbs) it is served warm and tender, with just the perfect amount of seasoning. Pair it with an amazing glass of wine. The waiters know best and this little spot boasts a great selection.
And who leaves a French restaurant without dessert? The crème brulee is outstanding but you just can't leave without trying the warm, flaky, Tarte Tartin (caramiles apple pie). Mmmmm. This place is pure food fabulousness.
7232 SW 59th Ave
South Miami, FL 33143
www.delilane.com
Hands down, Sunset Tavern is the place to go for Happy Hour. Neighborhood bars are supposed to be friendly and this place is true to that. Sunset Tavern has friendly people, friendly staff and definitely, friendly prices. You can get drinks for $3!
Take a seat at the bar or sit outside--the people watching is amazing. Full of regulars, this place caters to all. From people in their 70’s to freshman in college, everyone is just relaxing and having a good time. Throw a buck into the jukebox and hear your favorite tune or just wait for the live bands at night.
What’s not to love…great beer selections, strong pours and free appetizers inside until 7pm during happy hour. You can snack on garlic chicken, shrimp and oysters—just make sure you snag one the moment they bring it, they go quickly.
Don’t be fooled… it’s not just the happy hour that’s good here. Their sister locale, Deli Lane (right next door), serves up some great breakfast and lunch. This place is packed on Sundays with families and their dogs all enjoying Miami’s sun outside. Have one of the omelets—they’re to die for. And for lunch, my God don't missed the pressed duck sandwich!
Parking can be a bit tough at times. If you get there for happy hour around 4:30, you can valet park for free. Otherwise, you have to go meter searching a bit. On Sundays, it can be even tougher but it’s worth it.
Don’t miss out… come for breakfast, lunch or both… If you come for Happy Hour on a Friday, make sure to say hello… I’m one of the regulars!
2750 SW 26th Ave
Miami, FL 33133
www.coralbagels.com
Oh my God. What can I say about this delicious greasy-spoon other than thank you Emil, good friend and colleague, for introducing me to this great breakfast spot almost a year ago. Since then I have come almost every weekend and can not recommend it more.
Jammed packed with regulars and Coconut Grove's police officers and staff, Coral Bagels is not your typical breakfast spot. It's for those who want a big and scrumptious meal for a small price--about $6.In fact, I've dined here with the most hearty of eaters and the bill has benn under $15!
Don't let the unflattering aesthetics of the place fool you... The coffee may be served in different mugs from many of the local businesses in the area and the place could use a bit more light but, for those of us who wake up on Sundays in the mood for bacon, eggs, sausage and of course, a strong cup of coffee, this is the place to go.
Bring a friend before work, after church or just whenever. Have some eggs, home potatoes and a bagel with some chive cream cheese..mmmm... They also have some mean sandwiches for lunch, but trust me on the breakfast.
Parking is a breeze, the staff is friendly and most important, the greasy goodness will start your day off right-- it definitely did it for me today. Thanks again Emil!
7318 Red Rd
South Miami, FL 33143
www.mojitogrill.com
A local South Miami favorite, Mojito Grill is the Cuban man's Subway. Everything is good in this tiny cafeteria. The Mojito Special for breakfast which consists of 2 eggs, ham/bacon, toast and home potatoes is the best way to start your day.
Come in for lunch and order their legendary pan con bistec. It's absolutely delicious. They have daily specials as well, but you just can't go wrong with the pan con bistec. Pair it up with a Jupina or a Materva to drink and your set and best of all its all for around $8.00.
Important things to note: parking can be difficult to find during lunch hour. The place is smack dab in the middle of a popular strip mall that holds other restaurants and a bank. During the week, a security guard mans the lot, so it can be a challenge to convince him or her to let you park in a spot designated for another business... but try...its worked for me in the past!
Mojito Grill also has the option to order before pickup. This can save you a long line and wait time. Enjoy it in a park or take it back to the office. Just know that the powerful aroma of those onions can be smelled from a distance.
Perfect for that bit of Cuban cuisine will all crave from time to time, Mojito Grill is the place to go and leave satisfied.
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