Lunch at el Carajo in Miami

[keysrat]

Just finished lunch at el Carajo. Fun place.
My wife couldn't get over the fact that this place is in the back of a Citgo gas station. She took a bunch of pictures.
I went there specifically to order the piquillos stuffed with bacalao. I ordered it and was told that they were out. :(
Phooey. I have read here on Chow about how fabulous it is.
So, we ordered the octopus, the grilled sardines and the ceviche.
The octopus was tender but quite bland. Avoid. The sardines were grilled perfectly and quite tasty.
The ceviche was excellent. Not spicy like peruvian ceviche but excellent none the less.
I guess I'll have to go back again so I can finally taste the reportedly wonderful piquillos.
Dinner tonight is at Plein Sud for the foie gras and the duck breast.
Happy birthday to me!

[yomyb]

OK chows, I need clarification. Where is this place? I thought it was on US1 and 17th St, but I saw El Carajo Tapas place on Red Road and 16 St...

Are there two owned by the same people? Are they both as good?

[Frodnesor]

I have only been to the US1 and 17th spot in the Citgo station. Have not been to the Red Road location and not sure it still exists, but f so it is the same owners to my understanding.

[Rachal961]

Kind of the same owners- they are related anyway, but family members have told me there was some sort of riff, so each is operated separately now. One of them also owns Carpaccio (?) on Miracle Mile- few doors east of Ortanique.

[Frodnesor]

I have never noticed a Carpaccio on Miracle Mile. Think there is one in Bal Harbour.

[yomyb]

How is Plein Sud? Have a friend who wants to try it, asked me how it was and I had no clue....

[keysrat]

I'll let you know later tonight as it is my first visit.

[keysrat]

We had dinner at Plein Sud last night.
They were out of the foie gras. Seems it takes 24 hours to make it and since they were closed Monday, it wasn't ready. Phooey.
The place was empty. One other couple. The restaurant is quite small.
Since we couldn't have the foie gras, my wife ordered the escargot. They were quite garlicy and tender, not overcooked.
I ordered the duck breast in a seared peach reduction, which was quite good, but I wish there were more of it. Came with a nicely done vegetable medley.
My wife was served a steak au poivre that was excellent.
I would certainly go back, if anything to try the foie gras.

[advisor_Girl]

Happy Birthday Rat!!

I hope you get your piquillos and foie real soon...

AG