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Month: August 2017

One of the most frequently asked questions I get is where can I eat well that’s not noisy? It seems that restaurants get noisier by the day.Why? Could it be that it’s Miami’s love of a party scene with dining complete with DJ’s? I asked two “foodie” gurus for their opinion on the “why”. And then I listed my “go to” places for good food and conversation, ending with what to do if your heart is set on a restaurant you know will be noisy, but you really want to check it out.
Have you always wanted to have a lovely garden on your apartment balcony?One with little to no maintenance? And better yet, have someone choose the plants with your direction, do the plantings, and then take care of them? It has taken five years of my searching, but I’ve finally found someone who fits the bill, thanks to a good friend. And now I have my garden of paradise – it’s modest, but lovely. Here's how you can make this happen and also tips on apartment gardening. And she does succulent and orchid arrangements too.
Wine flight Wednesday in the Grove, an Israeli inspired hummus haven by the folks from Federal Donuts, uber pastry chef Antonio Bachour's exciting plans in Coral Gables,new Southern brunch at Bird & Bone, the latest on three story Italian eating hall La Centrale, Spice update and more in Eating News for August.
More regional Italian and Eastern Med restaurants are opening in Miami and happy to say, the large majority are reasonably priced. Plus, they bring exciting new dishes and taste sensations, and wines from regions that are otherwise unrepresented in Miami restaurants. One of the newest entrants is Panarea Mediterranean Sea Grill named for one of the Aeolian Islands near Sicily. Pristine and undeveloped, its waters are known for seafood which informs the menu here, and its craggy hills for super size capers. The laid back, casual seaside ambiance and very friendly service, makes one think that this neighborhood restaurant could have been plucked from Panarea’s coast. Luca Delogu, the owner, hails from Rome but grew up in Sardinia and the chef, Claudio Sandri, who’s from Torino, Italy, and has appeared on The Food Network’s “Iron Chef America,” is recognized by the Italian Culinary Federation as a “Master Chef.”
You'll love a special find from Miami Swim Week, designed in Italy and made in Bali (not swimwear). Then there's money saving wine news, and sure fire beauty products that are tested and proven by yours truly, a beauty product skeptic, in this month's Karen's Kudos.
Here's part 2 in the series of new top restaurants participating in Miami Spice 2017, and not the usual picks to put on your list: For part 1, click here.
Who’s ready for Miami Spice 2017? This year we've taken a new spin on the promotion with not the usual players. So you'll find new talked about places, a supper club, another top steakhouse you may want to try, a dining as party spot, and even a solid choice for vegetarians. While classics like Zuma, Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink, Milos, Palme d’Or and Red, the Steakhouse are all reliable options, newer hotspots like Brad Kilgore’s Alter, Michael Schwartz’ Fi’lia, Kaori by Walter Martino, and those listed below promise to show you a new side of the Magic City. Plus note that a three course brunch has been added to the meal offerings of lunch and dinner. Part 1 in a 2 part series.
You may have heard of the cruffin, a cross between a croissant and a muffin, a bakery item that took San Francisco by storm in 2014, then spreading to the East Coast. It starred in an earlier Fabulous Friday. On a recent trip to Portland, Oregon, I was smitten by another West Coast pastry standout -- the Monkey Muffin from Grand Central Bakery. The next pastry craze perhaps?