Something different for Miami Spice – a New England experience, a winning white wine ideal for Miami’s weather (awarded world’s best), a Wagyu burger with rare wine special at Capital Grille Miami, and a $1 breakfast at the Mondrian star in this month’s Eating News.
If you missed summer in New England, the food and the atmosphere from those casual seafood eateries, take heart. You can find a delish lobster roll (albeit with bearnaise rather than mayo), rich and creamy New England chowder, Maine scallops, frozen lemonade and more at Izzy’s Fish & Oyster. Plus, find it all on the well priced Miami Spice menus and it comes with a glass of house wine, cold draft of Narrangansett, Sam Adams Oktoberfest ale or a special cocktail. A standout was the scallop served on a bed of sweet local corn( I could have made a dinner of this alone), condimented with basil, chili for a zip and dollops of sweet potato puree. Meat lovers will find solace from the beef tartare with toasted brioche. Want a twist from the traditional lobster roll? There’s also a clam belly roll or blue crab roll served with waffle fries.Of course there had to be a daily catch, and so it was, a grilled filet with the crispy skin on and adorned with tomato, orange, tarragon and shallots. Dessert brings Rhode Island classic Dels frozen Italian ice which reminded me of what I enjoyed in my childhood, made with real lemon rind. Or opt for Fireman Derek’s krack pie or apple pie a la mode, like an apple pie on steroids, single crust more like an apple crumble. Wine by the glass starts at $9 and bottles at $37. Izzy’s Fish & Oyster, 423 Washington Ave., T.305-397-8843 .There’s another outpost coming to Ft. Myers this winter and after that, to Key West.
One of the “sleepers” in the white wine category that doesn’t get its due in my book is Albarino, a Spanish wine from Galicia. It’s ideal for the hot days of summer — fresh and crisp, yet full bodied and fragrant. And, it’s usually very reasonably priced even in restaurants. Albarino is from the Rias Baixas white wine region featuring deep wide inlets of sea water called “rias” that run inland from the Atlantic coast. The Albarino grape is indigenous to Spain. I recently tried one of the best of its kind that, in fact, just won the top prize from the association of producers from the Rias Baixas for the best worldwide. It’s called Vionta Albarino and is from the Ferrer family with 18 generations of winemaking. You may know one of the more famous of their family of wines, the sparkling wine Freixenet. Next time in the liquor store, check it out. It’s $15 a bottle.
Capital Grille Miami ’s popular promotion is back — Wagyu & Wine.Choose from three Wagyu burgers to enjoy with a glass of world-class wine for $25. Featured wines include 2013 Duckhorn Cabernet Sauvignon and 2013 Goldeneye Pinot Noir, two wines rarely available by the glass. Offered now through November 20. Capital Grille Miami, 444 Brickell Avenue, T.305-374-4500.
A $1 breakfast for two at the Mondrian in SoBe….yes, you read right. Starting this month,Mondrian South Beach is offering Continental breakfast for two for only $1 at Mondrian Caffé. Breakfast options include gourmet coffee, an array of fresh fruit, homemade pastries, bagels, toast and cereal. Mondrian Caffé also features fresh-pressed cold juices by Juicee and light snacks from 7:00 – 11:00 a.m. After breakfast, guests can lounge poolside or relax in a swinging hammock while taking in views of the Biscayne Bay or make your way to the beach before the crowds set in.
