Category: Food

I like falafel, fried balls of ground chick peas with spices, but it hasn't been one of my favorite dishes. That's until now, and my discovery of the Amsterdam Falafel Shop, a recent import that's already in Washington D.C, Boston and Dallas. Highly reviewed, it has appeared everywhere from USA Today and Grub Street to Food and Wine and others. In their two Miami shops, on Washington Avenue in South Beach and Sunset Drive in South Miami, they focus on only two dishes -- falafel and Frieten, french fries the Belgian way, as in twice fried.
Get fresh fruit and produce delivered direct to your door (no outside pickups required) with new purveyor Hungry Harvest. The point of difference is that it’s "rescued" produce that would otherwise not be eaten because the farmer or wholesaler over planted or overbought, or because of minor cosmetic flaws. They're offering readers $10 off too on signup.
In honor of the recent National Dumpling Day, I started researching places for the best dumplings in town. At first, the idea was just for a list, not identifying which was the top place.And then I discovered Tanuki on Alton Road. OMG, hands down the very best dim sum in the Magic City. So here's the scoop on Tanuki and a list of other good bets and variety -- from Wagyu beef and chive and crab meat, to crispy chicken, mushroom and potato, shrimp, and edamame. Note that places where I've tried the dumplings are highlighted in blue; the others are recommendations from foodies in town with special credentials on Chinese food. Get ready to drool!
I checked in at Social Miami's "Behind the Magic: Second Annual Tablescapes & Culinary Experience" for some serious eye candy on a rainy yesterday at SoHo Studios in Wynwood, and eye candy it was. A photo gallery.
This month's Kudos go to exciting cultural exhibits including a roller dancing rink as art today, advances on Art Basel, luxurious indulgence for him and her, and a new Coral Gables spot for an OMG mega milkshake.
Mozzarella making class, "Wines and Cheeses from France" happenings at Whole Foods, another Miami Spice pick for your list, and other foodie news you won't want to miss in this month's Eating News.
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.
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.”
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.