Anything newer or on the way to Dade?

[netmover]

Yous guys are killing me!

Here it goes again....Fratelli Lyon in the Design District....expected in Jan 08.

[Frodnesor]

Jonathan Eismann (Pacific Time)'s pizza parlor and mozzarella bar in the Design District is supposed to be within weeks of opening.

www.foodforthoughtmiami.com

[Icantread]

not to continue extending to old thread, but where in the DD is it slated to open?

[Frodnesor]

On Miami Ave. between 39th and 40th (right around the block from PT). I think you can already see the "Pizzavolante" sign on the door.

[taiga]

Pollo Campero from Guatemala is opening on South Dixie Highway way down by Eureka next to a Pollo Tropical. Add this to Kokoriko from Colombia and Peruvian Pardo.

[netmover]

Pollo Campero was kind of disappointing if I may say so myself...packed with people, not so much with flavor. I got the grilled or roto chix as opposed to fried.

[netmover]

Pollo Campero's Fried Chicken is much better than their grilled if I may say so myself. I saw where they are opening a place called MIA at the bottom of a downtown Miami Sky Scrapper. Anything else new percolating in the 305?

[Icantread]

lest you think things have come to a complete halt, we have another thread going for 2009, since this one became a little ungainly to maneuver:

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/565642

[luvtoeatwell]

Ocean Prime, a steakhouse and seafood joint, recently opened inside the Aventura Mall. Now, I know mall locations are not necessarily the most appealing, but I have now had 2 very good experiences there. I guess they are a midwest restaurant group that is expanding down here. It is definitely one of the better places to open in north miami area in a long time.

[The Chowfather AKA sobe]

read this in the herald today
Loftin's 1116 Ocean, the Mediterranean-inspired restaurant inside Casa Casuarina, opens to the public Friday night.

[tpigeon]

Are they still doing $16 diet cokes there or have prices gone up?

[Icantread]

Have you guys seen all the goodies coming into Midtown? Sushi Samba is opening a lounge named SugarCane, Maison D'Azur is opening a brasserie down there to complement their reopening in the beach, and Lavazza is coming in with what I suspect is something similar to segafredo.

[jmdhsmiami]

glad to hear that some quality stuff might be moving in! Though I am not too excited about the return of Maison...

[The Chowfather AKA sobe]

The Grill on The Alley- Aventura Mall

I'm not familiar with this place and traveling to the Aventura Mall for food does little for me but it is new and post worthy.. (that being said I had a surprisingly good lunch at the Cafe in the New Nordstrom's. No lie)
Lax, are you familiar with the LA spot?
http://www.thegrill.com/index-2.html

[lax2mia]

I knew about it, but I'm not much into the leather banquette, steakhouse/grill type of places which this one certainly is. I think it'll do well in Aventura given its cache.

[lax2mia]

Guy from "Town" and "Country" is opening a place on the beach. Stayed at the hotel that housed "Country" last time I was in NYC and regretted not going. Now Country comes to me.

http://blogs.menupages.com/southflori...

[Icantread]

Question: Is Cefalos open or closed? I've heard both and the other day it still seemed open. Also, there's a restaurant opening called Sammy Cs in there. Does the C have a link to Cefalo?

[Blind Mind]

Cefalo's has been 86'd. Sammy C's is the new "Cefalo's" and I believe there is a link between the 2 but I could be way wrong. Word on the block is that Sammy C's is much better than Cefalo's in all aspects - food, service, and decor.

[YonaShyml]

Bummer about Cefalo's. The place was good, and a welcome addition to the Grove, though there was far too much space / capacity in there. They had a large market I never used, and an overpriced wine store, with middling selections marked up beyond belief. For a few months, Cefalo's made a terrific chicken wings appetizer, roasted with garlic, with some Aioli on the side. But then...poof...they stopped serving it.

[Frodnesor]

First person I've heard who had good food experiences there. The wines were indeed overpriced.

[markpy]

I saw a sign on top of the restaurant where Botticelli Trattoria was (now closed) in South Miami behind Gardner's. The name is Osteria Amici. Anyone have any info?

[Icantread]

Yardhouse, a bar scene with a huge list of beers, as well as a decent (but generic) menu, wine, and cocktails is moving into Merrick Park. Looks like it won't be open until 09, according to their website. Would be a nice change of pace for the city though.

http://www.yardhouse.com/default.asp

[truffled]

I just recently heard about the Yardhouse up in WPB. Being a diehard beer lover, and particulary with respect to draft beers, I am planning on making a sojourn up there soon. I will probably book a hotel room nearby. Coral Gables would be a little closer, but not by much, and I don't plan on waiting that long to visit the place.

[dbarnard]

and challenge the awesome majesty that is the Titanic Brewery? I'm looking forward to it, though I'm already finding it difficult to manufacture vague excuses and trivial errands to make the trek from Hollywood down to there.

[Icantread]

It looks like the barbecue place taking over Nexxt is not a barbecue place but another "southwestern" restaurant that will probably compete with Chilis. sigh. Red Rock Canyon Grill. http://www.redrockcanyongrill.com/ind...
so not one but two lower end southwestern chains moving in. Anyone else wondering if this will be another QDoba/Baja Fresh standoff?

[Frodnesor]

Speaking of which, and not sure if it was already mentioned elsewhere, but Baja Fresh has apparently won the Battle of Miracle Mile and Qdoba is now closed. Or maybe Qdoba just caught the same cold that Artfish down the street got.

[Icantread]

nope, and it's not just that location.

[Blind Mind]

Yeah, Qdoba in the Grove has been 86'd as well. Horrible location.

On the way to the Grove are Cita's Chophouse (open 7/22) and Angelo & Maxie's Steakhouse will be planting its roots in the Mayfair (http://www.angelo-maxies.com/about.htm

)

George's in the Grove is also fairly new. Fantastic French fare and great service. I recommend giving it a try for lunch and/or dinner. Its on Commodore Plaza next to Cristabelle's. Quarter.

[lax2mia]

Flipping through cookbooks at Books and Books and came across Wine Bar Food from Tony Mantuano of Spiaggia in Chicago. Have to admit I'm not familiar the chef or the restaurant but the recipes sounded delicious. Very heavily bent on Med cuisine with recipes for things I haven't seen since I left Barcelona (calcots with romesco for instance). The back cover says that Enoteca Spiaggia will be opening in South Beach in 2008. Any news? The link for Spiaggia and the cookbook are below and if the food at the restaurant in SB is anything like the book I'm basically going to have to move in.

http://www.levyrestaurants.com/Levy/DiningExperiences/Restaurants/Group2/Spiaggia.htm

http://www.randomhouse.com/catalog/display.pperl/9780307352798.html

http://www.foodandwine.com/articles/w...

[allpurposedark]

That was supposed to open at the Todd Oldham-designed condo-redo The Fairfax on South Beach (17th and Collins). But last I heard of that project it was Art Basel 2006. It's a shame too, as they catered a party at the space during Art Basel and I remember really liking the food.

[Debbie]

Spiaggia in Chicago is one of my all time favorites. I would love to see a counterpart open here! (And it wouldn't be another steak house either!) Our loss if it doesn't happen.....

[lax2mia]

I did some digging and came across articles of that event. Latest articles regarding the place were in 2007. Doesn't bode well. But then again, the cookbook, which came out in April 2008, talks about the restaurant opening in fall 2008. Would you put that in your cookbook if the project was stalled or in jeopardy? Lots of mixed signals.

[mikek]

I heard through the grapevine that the W in Ft Lauderdale will have a Stephen Starr restaurant (the guy from Philly). Not sure when the W is even going to be opening up there, but that should be interesting. Also heard Asia de Cuba will be in the new Mondrian on South Beach.

[The Chowfather AKA sobe]

You are correct. Herald (Velvet Underground column) mentioned that Asia de Cuba is set to open at the Mondrian during Art Basel. I would assume they will open before that so they are ready to go unless the space is not ready. VU also mentioned that Au Pied de Cochon (Paris) is opening on first and Wash. Nothing wrong with a 24 hour French bistro

[Frodnesor]

I thought Au Pied de Cochon was from Montreal not Paris.

[rockysobe]

It's from Paris

[The Chowfather AKA sobe]

http://www.aupieddecochonatlanta.com/...

[Frodnesor]

Different one in Montreal ->
http://www.restaurantaupieddecochon.c...

Montreal one looks a lot more interesting to me, but I was dubious this place would be opening up more locales.

[non sequitur]

Pied de Cochon! WOW! I've been to it in Paris, and the soupe a l'oignon is practically worth the trip to europe (it feeds 2 hungry people). That is awesome.

I did a search at herald.com and couldn't find this news. When is it supposed to open?

[The Chowfather AKA sobe]

http://www.miamiherald.com/entertainm...

I'll actually paste it as well since the Herald pulls their online content quickly.

And finally, another monstrous restaurant plans to open on South Beach, in the South of Fifth area in that massive space at the corner of first and Washington. Good news is, it's not a steakhouse. It's Au Pied de Cochon, and it hails from Paris, Mexico City and Atlanta. The French bistro will be open 365 days, 24 hours a day, which will require more than just a pig's foot for good luck to survive. The space used to be a gym and a modeling agency; now it will serve foie gras and steak frites. How delicious is that irony? We wish them luck and a speedy completion so that maybe next summer, when things are crawling along at an escargot's pace, those stuck here without a ticket out can pretend they're on the Left Bank instead of feeling left behind.

In addition to the 600 steak houses that plan to open this season, we'll finally get something new. Adding to his ever-growing edible empire, Jeffrey Chodorow will open his famed Asia de Cuba restaurant during Art Basel at the yet-to-open Mondrian South Beach at 1100 West Ave. The restaurant will offer a fusion of Asian and Latin cuisines.

[lax2mia]

Au Pied de Cochon is a Paris institution if there ever was one. Remember one in DC (Georgetown) but I was just there this weekend and didn't see it. Thing is the DC one I recall wasn't all that great and it was kinda dirty. I think it's now a Five Guys. And another Chowdorow place on the beach? Is he trying to outnumber all the Starbucks on the beach?

[rockysobe]

Guess he didn't use Sagamore as a credit reference!!

[mialebven]

Has Au Pied de Cochon open yet?

[lax2mia]

APC has website up and running. Guess they're serious!

[2top]

Ready for another new steak house? Morton's is coming to the Crown, an apartment building at 40th & Collins on the beach.

[Frodnesor]

And that's after just opening the new one in Coral Gables. I guess when your stock is trading near the 52-week low and same-store sales are declining, the best thing to do is open new restaurants.

[Icantread]

To be fair, I believe these two locations were negotiated before everything took the downturn and now they're on the hook for the duration of the lease.

[humptea]

I saw where BLT Steak is coming to Ocean Drive in the months to come. Just what we need! I hear their are more steakhouses planned for our shores too.

[Blind Mind]

George's in the Grove recently opened on Commodore Plaza in Coconut Grove. French fare. Ive been twice but I havent made it past the apps and salads. Large portions. I wrote more about it here at the bottom of the thread...

http://www.chowhound.com/topics/515171

[Icantread]

Looks like a barbecue place, Red Baron or something like that, will be going into the Nexxt space in the Gables (fingers crossed) and "Crazy Piano", a piano bar concept out of Holland(?) into Tu Tu Tango's space. Not sure the ink is fully dry on each of those. Both sound promising.

[Blind Mind]

Where did you get the details on "Crazy Piano"? That does sound promising for that space but the space needs some work. They better keep the outdoor bar area!

[lax2mia]

Hmmm. Sounds like Howl at the Moon, which closed in Cocowalk years ago. Is this one of the other venues the new mgmt of Cocowalk is trying to lure in to upscale the place? So far Chili's is their only new large tenant. Not doing too good so far.

[Icantread]

I think they're just trying to do better and getting what they can. Chilis fills a space for both family and drinks. Maybe they thought it was a happy medium. Also, I think Chilis does well near theaters. Anyhow, somewhat agree with you on that. Crazy Piano's website, www.crazypianos.com does indicate they're going to Miami. I believe starbucks is putting a flagship in as well. Not elite stores, but they do create draws to the area. Hopefully the other stores will improve the local crowds. Quick edit, just went into the site and it does indeed show a picture of cocowalk in their "Crazy Piano is going to Miami" link

[Blind Mind]

Looks like a bit much for the Grove but we'll see what happens. Coyote Ugly seems similar and that thing sunk like a stone at Cocowalk. The Crazy Piano website looks like a Girls Gone Wild ad hahaha. I guess we will have to wait and see...

[Icantread]

dueling pianos tend to do well. I don't know about Coyote Ugly but Howl at the Moon had an incredible run down here. It comes down to whether or not the pianists can bring down the house.

[mialebven]

Manny's Steakhouse opened recently in Brickell at the Met 1 building. A chain from the Midwest, i think?

[jessierandall]

Manny's is indeed open. They are originally from Minneapolis. Their brownies with fresh whipped cream are killer. The patio area outside is *really* fantastic. I wonder what effect this place is going to have on the restos across the street.

Also, just saw a sign on Biscayne for Bistro 81. I know nothing about it. Anyone?

[lax2mia]

Sure it wasn't bin 18? What was the cross street?

[jessierandall]

I know Bin 18 very well. Bistro 81 is on 81st and Biscayne. The sign was up and it was evident that the space was being cleaned up.

[Miami Danny]

It's Bistro 82-perhaps causing the confusion. It's a breakfast/lunch spot on the NE corner of Biscayne Blvd and 82nd St. They've actually been 'cleaning up' the space for about a year. Don't know if it's open as of today.

[Frodnesor]

Miami 'AM @ 626 Lincoln Road? French? Only learned of this on account of a wine dinner they're doing w/ W Wine Boutique.

http://www.wineaccess.com/store/wwine...

[lax2mia]

Friend just sent this to me. Not sure anywhere on Lincoln Road can justify a $125 p/p check.

[tpigeon]

I think it has much more to do with the wines than the food. The wines seem expensive unless it is misleading...

[Frodnesor]

They're pouring one super-pricey wine, the 01 Lafite Rothschild, the rest are mid-range wines. $125 for a tasting menu with wines - incl. one "blockbuster" - is not completely out of whack (though I agree it's certainly not typical for Lincoln Road).

[herbage]

Anyone been to the new News Cafe by Soyka? I am thinking of checking it out for brunch one of these days.

[jmdhsmiami]

Problem solved, I called Soyka's and asked them as I couldn't find the # for the New's. They said it does not have a full breakfast, lunch, and dinner menu, but finger stuff and sandwiches. It is more of a hangout joint than a full fledged offering like Soyka's. I think it is more a bar than a cafe in other words. But Soyka's does have their brunch menu on the weekends.

Hope that is helpful!

[lax2mia]

Post #202!

According to this, Katsuya (of L.A. fame), is opening in 2009. If it's anything like the ones on the West Coast get ready to have a new favorite sushi place.

[tpigeon]

Any idea where he is opening - miami, mb, sobe, etc..

[lax2mia]

In the refurbished Ritz Plaza on 17th and Collins sometime in 2009

[tpigeon]

That has lots of good potential.

[Frodnesor]

Taj Mahal (f/k/a Renaisa) on 78th St. near Biscayne is closed. New place called "Monarch Bay", apparently a seafood place, will be going in.

[Frodnesor]

Manny's Steak House (across the street from Il Gabbiano / Prime Blue) had folks sitting outside when I drove by yesterday. They're taking reservations on Open Table after 5/21. Link to website here ->
http://www.mannyssteakhouse.com/
Because Miami needed another steakhouse.

ETA - though I suppose there's something to be said for a place with a menu item called a "Bludgeon of Beef" (40-oz bone-in ribeye).

[mikek]

I know it is in Delray and not Dade, but it looked intriguing enough to throw on this thread. Apparently some new steakhouse called Cut 432 just opened. The menu part seems to be fashioned in a contemporary steakhouse manner, ala Prime 112. However, the thing that made it so intriguing to me is that every single wine in the house is offered by the glass. This includes some gems like 1997 Shafer Hillside Select Cabernet (though at $700 a glass?!?). It seems like the wine list has a heavy emphasis on boutique and smaller vineyards, though has many of the usual ones as well. There also seems to be a heavy weight towards the New World wines.

[jmdhsmiami]

getting over all the steakhouses. They are turning into Starbucks but as individual coffee (steak) houses rather than a chain.

[mikek]

Agreed about the steakhouse trend. I am more interested in this one for its wine selection by the glass and creating my own flights. To check out their list, the website is cut432.com

[jmdhsmiami]

father in law said you open the bottle and it loses its flavor at the first pop, so unless you are the first out of the bottle, sounds lieke anyone else paying $700 a glass might be a fool.

He is a major foodie, so not sure if he is wrong about that.

[Frodnesor]

No doubt anyone paying $700 a glass is a fool, but a few further comments are probably warranted ->

- the "by the glass" prices on many of their reserve wines are just sort of silly and are really intended to capture most of the cost of opening the bottle. That '97 Shafer Hillside Select, for instance, has a BTG price of $700 but a price for the whole bottle of $1050. They could really just sell the bottle at $700 and make a decent profit (can be found at retail under $500).

- There is no way I'd do any wine at anywhere near these price points as a BTG, but "loses its flavor at the first pop" is probably not so accurate either. Indeed, many high quality wines may need several hours of decanting in order to be at their prime, so the notion that the flavor of a wine dissipates within minutes after being opened is off-the-mark. Indeed, a solid well-built wine *may* even improve after a day open, if properly re-sealed (usually with a layer of inert gas). However, the problem with any BTG program is that if a bottle has already been opened, you have no idea how long it's been open and whether it's at its prime or well past it.

In any event, I'm reasonably confident that there's nobody out there buying a $700 glass of the Shafer and that this is just a way of generating a little publicity for their wine list.

[jmdhsmiami]

Think you misunderstood, I do realize a bottle can sit for a few hours to "breathe" however I don't think they will get a bottle (3-4 glasses) sold in one night. What's to say that a bottle doesn't sit for a few days or weeks? Yes, there are all these contraptions to "re-cork" a bottle after opening (how reliable are those really) but not sure how many bottles they will go thru in a month.

[Frodnesor]

Don't think I misunderstood, only disagreed that "losing its flavor at first pop" is quite the right description. First pop is one thing, several days (even with a preservation system) is quite another. Indeed this is why I'm generally not inclined to order BTG often, and even less so for a place with a broad BTG selection unless it's clear they're moving through that inventory pretty quickly.

I have trouble believing that anyone is really paying $700 for a glass of a '97 CA cab (especially when you can get the whole bottle for only another $300) - I would be absolutely flabbergasted if anyone is paying that to drink from a previously opened bottle.

[jmdhsmiami]

agreed.

[mikek]

Would the system similar to the one at Cefalo's and other wine shops keep the wines preserved for a while?

[jmdhsmiami]

there are a bunch of different systems to "preserve" the wines. It's worth inquiring with them as most restaurants I see simply put a cork in them and sit them on the shelf or in the fridge perhaps..

[Frodnesor]

If you've got a relatively short BTG list so that you're plowing through it quickly, I have absolutely no problem with simply recorking and then maybe topping with nitrogen gas or some other preservation system at end of night. It's when you see these places that have 10-20 (or, as with cut432, everything, potentially) BTG that I get nervous about how long something's been open.

[The Chowfather AKA sobe]

Alfred Portale- Gotham Steak at the Fountainebleu
http://www.fontainebleau.com/miami/pdf/FACT-SHEET.pdf
http://www.gothambarandgrill.com/chef...

[Frodnesor]

Scott Conant from L'Impero is no slouch either (mentioned immediately after Portale in the press release).

[petroniusarbiter]

I was never overly impressed with L'Impero and quite surprised when it was regarded as the best new restaurant in NYC in 2003, largely I think due to the lack of much else of ineterest opening that year. It peaked pretty quickly and was in decline for the next few years. I used to live a few blocks away from L'Impero so I was a frequent customer largely due to convenience and thus could see the evolution of the kitchen's performance. But there is a higher density of high quality Italian food in New York so it may still be a welcome addition to Miami. I haven't been living here long enough to get a sense of the overall quality of available Italian restaurants. At least Conant is still operating an Italian restaurant rather than opening L'Impero Bistecca.

[lax2mia]

Why Gotham Steak? Why not Gotham South or Gotham Miami? Are they oblivious to the # of steakhouses we currently have and are openig soon down here? We should probably break this thread into two: "Anything newer or on the way to Dade - Steakhouses" and "Anything newer or on the way to Dade - Other".

[The Chowfather AKA sobe]

Funny, I thought the exact same thing.
Frod, I'm not familiar with Conant but it appears that the Fountainbleu is trying to compete with South Beach. I know they are opening a club that will be run by Pure in Vegas

[Frodnesor]

Did they approve casinos in Miami-Dade and I didn't notice?

[miachef]

They say Fratelli Lyon is opening in a month... we shall see

http://mangoandlime.net/2008/02/25/sn...

[herbage]

That's what they said two months ago!

[miachef]

I thought they were originally scheduled for February. In any event, you know how restaurants go when it comes to opening dates...

[Frodnesor]

"Fidele Seafood" has opened around 72nd & Biscayne. I put quotes around it because, while there was an old place named Fidele Seafood at this location, the place now there appears to bear no relationship to it. Rather, it's a Japanese place that's from the some folks that have brought us Moshi Moshi on South Beach. I popped in to grab a menu and talk to the proprietor but haven't tried it. He says they're doing a soft opening this week and will eventually change the name. The restaurant team includes folks who managed Sushi Samba and also Doraku on Lincoln Road.

The current menu is short and pretty simple - garden variety sushi, several "special" maki rolls, the usual teriyakis. Some semi-unusual items included several selections of tartares, tiraditos, etc., and also a couple cooked items - beef hayashi rice, kinoko pasta. I suspect the menu also is a work in progress.

The space itself still looks pretty bare but they've made an effort to make it look civilized. Wooden sushi bar, some nice soft lighting, etc.

I hope it's good. The menu at Moshi Moshi is pretty intriguing but my one visit there was rather disappointing ->
http://www.chowhound.com/topics/33372...

Also not really sure how many sushi places this neighborhood can support. There's already Sushi Square practically next door, Moonchine just down the block, Spyro just up the block, Sushi Siam a little further south ...

[The Chowfather AKA sobe]

"February 22, 2008 -- MR. Chow and Serafina will be neighbors in a Miami Beach hotel next year. Fabio Granato and Vittorio Assaf, owners of Manhattan's six Serafina restaurants, say they'll open their first out-of-town Italian eatery in the W South Beach Hotel, now under construction on Collins Avenue, when it opens in mid-2009. "It's a great combination with very good synergy," Granato told The Post's Braden Keil. Michael Chow signed a lease for his own oceanfront location last year. Serafina's space, designed by Glenn Pushelberg, will have indoor and outdoor seating for 260."
Source NY POST

[Miami Danny]

Michael Mina's new franchise in Aventura already touted as "the best thing to hit the local meat circuit -- ever." VPE in the Herald.

[tpigeon]

I can tell you that Kobe Club isn't. I took a big one for the team. I will say that the vastly overpriced kobe steaks are amongst the best steaks you can get in south beach though - I still prefer talula and table 8's steaks but not by much. I found the other food somewhere between eeh and good. Though one at my table thought the black truffle lobster mashed was great. I thought the truffle took away from the lobster taste.

Back on topic. There is this new french bistro type place across the street from Kobe Club that seemed pretty interesting. It is called cafe maurice.

I think I will change my name to Secret Service :).

[Frodnesor]

Cafe Maurice has been there a little while and has been mentioned here ->

http://www.chowhound.com/topics/379089#3290187
http://www.chowhound.com/topics/48031...

and also was reviewed on "Check Please" (Michelle Bernstein's show on WPBT).

Big spender on the kobe steaks! Did you get the real Japanese kobe or the US or Aussie wagyu beef?

[tpigeon]

Did the samurai (4 oz each japanese, australian, us wagyu sirloin + an 8 oz prime sirloin) and almost committed seppuku :).

Whoops on maurice. Decidedly mixed reviews....gonna have to check it out myself one day.

[Frodnesor]

On Maurice, I was discouraged by the mixed comments here, but they made it look pretty good on Check Please. Between Cafe Maurice, Maison d'Azur and Joley, the Beach is becoming pretty Francophilic.

[tpigeon]

They also overrated sushi samba there. The problem with those reviews is you have no idea of how good the reference is. On this board, for example, I can look up your previous posts and get an idea of where you have eaten before so I can put your responses in context.

I am very happy about the Franco trend. I liked Joley, but maison is better. I will try maurice soon.

There is also a new place on linclon rd, right next to sopranos cafe called miami am which bills itself as a creperie. I have also not tried the one by the movie theater. I plan to rectify this soon. I don't have huge hopes for either, but you never know. At least I won't be spending half the budget deficit this time to find out :).

[Blind Mind]

Im also liking the Franco thing. I need to get to Maison and Joley soon, especially Maison. That is long overdue. You mentioned "Miami Am" and I laughed. "Am" in Turkish is another word that means "a womens private part" LOL

[tpigeon]

Be sure to get the creme brulee at maison. I cannot stress that enough.

[mialebven]

I'm liking the Franco thing as well - which reminds me... any news on Ratatouille in the Beach?

[lax2mia]

Went a while ago and as long as your expectations are in check you'll enjoy it. Just like the reviewers on Check Please said, it's cheap for the quality and location. The food won't be the best French you've ever had, but it's basic and good. Place is casual, staff is friendly. Can't really say anything bad about it. Again, keep your expectations in check.

As for Check Please reviewers, you never know if one of them is a frequent poster on this board.

[tpigeon]

Thanks lax.

[Icantread]

Passed by Mint Leaf yesterday and the sign outside said it would be open Feb 29

[Auger]

Mint Leafs menu is on their site. Take note, towards the back of the menu it states "There is a minimum charge of $25 per person after 6 pm." So cheapos stay away! You can always get the order to go though.

www.mintleafib.com

Also Raja's owners has a new place called Chithra's, International & Indian Cuisine. 48 E. Flagler St. It's not open yet.

[Icantread]

wow, that is so tactless on their end. If that's the truth I may avoid them on principle alone

[mialebven]

Does that mean Raja's is closing as the owners make the move to Chithra's?

[Auger]

Well doing a search to see if someone already posted the news, someone posted that Raja's building was going to be demolished and the owners were looking for a new place. I got the news from a advertisement they had in the New Times, about the new place opening soon. But I don't know the time frame for if/when Raja will close.

[Frodnesor]

Abokado (pan latin sushi [?]) website says it's now open in Mary Brickell Village ->

http://www.abokadosushi.com/

[dlgc]

One Bleu at the Regent Bal Harbour has the tables set, the light are on and it looks like a go for March 4th. The room is gorgeous, and the view is simply amazing. The hotel will also open on the 4th. What a great addition to the Village of Bal Harbour.

[ankimo]

nobody has really commented on Abokado, I wonder what y'all think.
it's a little pricey (esp. nigiri, only had ama ebi which was fine), I tried the hokkaido scallops (very citrusy but nice scallops), miso sea bass was very fresh and prepared perfectly. i'm not a big roll person.

[Frodnesor]

Lots of action at Por Fin lately, tablecloths and glassware are down, tables and chairs were being put outside, lights are on - and they're on Open Table taking reservations after March 10. Should be any day.

[The Chowfather AKA sobe]

One Bleu at the Regent in Bal Harbour. Chef is Gerdy Rodriguez formerly of Cafe Sambal, La Broche and Mundo.

[Icantread]

News Alert! There was activity at Por Fin today. It's not open yet, but I walked by it and smelled food. Turned the corner and the kitchen was packed with chefs, cooks, etc. I imagine they're testing out the recipes. My guess is they'll be open any day now (I hope)

[augusto]

There is a rumor the Karu has closed, anyone knows.

[Icantread]

Wouldn't be surprised, but have not heard that.

[lax2mia]

Guess it's true.

http://www.southfloridagourmet.com/ne...

[herbage]

Good riddance. I guess the club part is staying open...from overpriced food to overpriced drinks. Do you think they will auction off the Chihuly's?

[lax2mia]

Great write-up of the just opened or opening soon.

http://julib.com/miami/februaryeats01...

[lax2mia]

The St. Pete Times tells us what's just opened and what may be coming. It says Jonathan Eisman of Pacific Time is opening something in April but I haven't heard any buzz.

http://www.sptimes.com/2008/01/27/Tra...

[mialebven]

That's a good article. I was not aware of Marilu's French Box Cafe.

[Miami Danny]

Probably because it's been closed for three years. I will be taking Frod's advice and going north.. There is so much wrong here, it's a gold mine! Thanks, L2M.

[Miami Danny]

Fratelli Lyon is not "just-opened", either, as the piece claims. It won't be open until mid-March the earliest. I met with the manager today. They will be doing an event for the SoBe W&F Fest, but they're not ready to open. I was cracking up at this sptimes piece.

[Frodnesor]

Maybe St. Pete is experiencing a wrinkle in the space-time continuum. Next thing you know they'll be reporting that Por Fin has opened in the Gables.

[Icantread]

Hey, they were holding interviews today and trying the wines, can't be too far off (I hope)

[lax2mia]

I think there's a race between Por Fin and Mint Leaf (the Indian place on Alhambra Circle) for most anticipated and delayed restaurant in the Gables.

[Frodnesor]

I think Por Fin has got at least a year's lead on Mint Leaf. I think Red Light deserves to be in that race too.

Edited to add - just saw you said "in the Gables," so Red Light is in a category of its own.

[Icantread]

Yeah, at least Mint Leaf didn't have the audacity to create a big ambitious building for its restaurant! Oh to be so rich. . .

[The Chowfather AKA sobe]

Abokado, a Pan-Latin/sushi restaurant scheduled to open in late January, in downtown Miami’s Mary Brickell Village.

Chef is Hiro Asano from Bond St.

[sanman]

I believe the chef is a gentleman named Elliot Harris, who came from San Francisco.....

[The Chowfather AKA sobe]

Bambino Grande -- ''The Big Baby Cafe'' -- at 235 Washington Ave., Miami Beach. It offers classic New York Italian and features sidewalk tables, a take-away window, deliver and catering

[Icantread]

just got an email from Daily Candy touting their meatballs ("the best"). Has anyone eaten there yet?

[netmover]

Did Paciffic Time take over the old District spot in the Design District?

[lax2mia]

Nothing's there yet. I had heard that it fell through or nothing got off the ground.

[Icantread]

That's too bad. I went one day randomly for lunch (it was 50% off on the Herald card) and was actually rather impressed with the food (especially at 50% off!). I could see how it wouldn't develop a following however with lack of marketing, clublike atmosphere and location.

[Icantread]

Anybody been to Trattoria del Doge on 8th Street and Ponce de Leon Boulevard? I just ate there and it was absolutely fantastic. Incredibly reasonable too for the quality of the food. Most dishes were in the $10-15 range.

[Frodnesor]

Noticed that and wasn't sure if they were open yet. What kind of food?

[Icantread]

This was not one of those restaurants that I had any expectations for, because how nice it looks. I figured another place with too much emphasis on style and no substance when you sit down. I'd say it's northern Italian. Mrs. ICR insists one of the dishes reminded her of something she had in Florence, except it had prosciutto and peas to give it the earthiness truffles did in Florence. She made that comment to the chef and he said he'd shave some truffle on it for her next time. It was a penne in a parmesan sauce. I had a squid ink spaghetti, which was not opaquely black but rather came in a very green pesto and succulent shrimp. we also had a shrimp fra diavolo appetizer, a great portion, very tasty in a light tomato sauce. It was not, however, very spicy. Third and final dish was an eggplant parmesan. Let me just say, when you live in South Florida, you forget just how delicious that dish can be. None of the food was very heavy, though flavorful. We ordered a Barbera d'asti wine, 2001 vintage that ran us $30-$32. Very good, mellow, old world style that really went well with the eggplant and especially the Penne. Anyhow, we booked a meal for Wednesday, so I will be able to give a more detailed report then.

[2top]

Sounds very southern Italian.

[Icantread]

How so? you could be quite right. Don't mind standing corrected. I wasn't 100% sure which is why I decided to just describe what I ate

[eatnbmerry]

Enjoyed your review and can we please agree that it seems to be a welcomed Italian (north south central) in these parts (SW Mia) ok :).

[2top]

Eggplant is a very southern veggie. Ask any Sicilian and they will tell you there is no doubt that Eggplant Parmesan's origins are from Sicily. Following the unification of the Italian peninsula and the successive Italianization of local dialects the traditional name of this recipe became Parmigiana di Melanzane from the Sicilian dialect word of Parmiciana. Shrimp fra diavolo is from the Amalfi coast. The Penne dish with cheese sauce, peas and prosciutto sounds like Alfredo which comes from Alfredos Restaurant in Rome @ 1930.

[Frodnesor]

At the old Norman's spot in the Gables there is now a banner up for "Coral Prime ... Tiberio". I put the "..." because that's sort of how it appears on the banner - "Coral Prime" on the left side, and then "Tiberio" on the right, in a different script. Go figger. Know nothing else about it.

Given the proliferation of banners lately I'm thinking I should have invested in a banner company.

[Icantread]

keep meaning to pass by there on my way to work. They were trying to sell of the lease on the space for dirt cheap. The Norman's space is actually two spaces (real estate wise) so I would not be surprised if it becomes two restaurants, or possibly a sort of lounge and a restaurant, related but separate.

[Frodnesor]

That would explain the odd sign.

[lax2mia]

Roundup from the New Times. Man, the Gables is really getting chain-y.

http://blogs.miaminewtimes.com/riptid...

[The Chowfather AKA sobe]

Good info- Thanks.
is Mint Leaf open?

Interesting info
CHEF JEFFREY BRANA, meanwhile, has been quietly helming the restaurant in South Beach’s Raleigh Hotel.
THE SMOKING RABBIT, a gastro-pub, will be lighting up where 510 Ocean used to be

[Icantread]

Mint Leaf still closed. I sure am curious to eat there though.

[Frodnesor]

I was by a couple weeks ago and Mint Leaf doesn't look anywhere near opening.

Surprised not more pub on Brana at the Raleigh - but then they've never really publicized the restaurant that much.

[The Chowfather AKA sobe]

Agree- most people didn't know that Eric Ripert was involved at one point.

[lax2mia]

Sign on Mint Leaf looking for experienced servers. Opening should be soon.

[tpigeon]

I haven't been to the raligh to eat in a while. Is this a new place?

[Frodnesor]

Here's a little bit of info including a menu on "Oasis" at the Raleigh, which appears to be a temporary thing set up for Spiegelworld. Not sure whether or not Jeffrey Brana is behind this.

http://www.spiegelworld.com/oasis/oas...

[The Chowfather AKA sobe]

I saw that and was wondering the same thing

[lax2mia]

Five Guys Burgers finally opened in Midtown. It's a pretty good burger. Everything is made from fresh and not frozen ingredients. Definitely a keeper.

http://spangdish.blogspot.com/2008/01...

[Icantread]

was in midtown the other day. didn't stop long enough to eat, but it sure smelled delicious

[karmalaw]

I tried them.. found them awfully mediocre and over-priced. The french fries did nothing for me either. They're a "don't bother again" on my list.

[Icantread]

Frustrating news, guys. Got the lowdown on Por Fin yesterday. Apparently there was a bit of a screwup (by the architect, according to the owner), so we'll be looking at a vacant building full of chairs for some time to come.

[eatnbmerry]

Speaking of driving, I was passing through S Miami Ave last night around 9 or so and thought I saw a new Segafredo? Does anyone know? It was very dark but seemed to be full of people.

[tpigeon]

You are correct. Apparently they are taking much business away from novacento.

[eatnbmerry]

Incredible! The place was so dark I had to do a double take and lo and behold it was packed! And sadly TP, the River Oyster Bar down the street appeared empty by comparison. I do look forward to checking your recs out there real soon btw.

[lax2mia]

River's bar has been dying since they lost their main bartender plus the competition is killing them. They're going to have to revamp or come up with something to get people back because they're being abandoned for the places in Mary Brickell (chain restaurant mecca) Village.

[karmalaw]

mmmm raspberry mojitos! you have to love segafredo for those...

[eatnbmerry]

Never had, but judging by the Tuesday night crowd they must be something!

[tpigeon]

I doubt you will be amazed at anything segafredo has to offer, though I do like some of their drinks, it is much more of a scene place.

[The Chowfather AKA sobe]

I don't think the Segafredo downtown has any relation to the one on Lincoln Road. Segafredo downtown is owned by the coffee company

[eatnbmerry]

You are right on sobe.

I called the Lincoln place for the S Miami Ave number (couldn't find listing) and they abruptly cut me off and said "nutin to du with us". Could it be that all those people I saw on Tuesday night were night owls getting their "morning fix" at 9pm?

[mialebven]

I wonder what differences exist between the two Segafredos.

[tpigeon]

Interesting, I would have thought the coffee company would have used the same management group as the lincoln rd one is so successful...

[sanman]

Segafredo is a franchise. The one in downtwon is owned by the same group that owns most of Espanola Way (Mojitos, Chocolate, etc.)

[eatnbmerry]

Makes sense now, thanks.

I guess the beach one is a little paranoid about "new brother" stealing some of the action eh?

[tpigeon]

Not sure what you mean, I doubt the one on brickell will have a noticable affect at all on the sobe location. The one in sobe is all about the location not about food or drink.

[eatnbmerry]

I agree, but found it interesting how they didn't want anything to do with the other which is strange for a franchise. As oipposed to saying something like we have different owners but we all belong to Segafredo Cafe franchise. Especially since like you said competition should be minimal if at all.

[The Chowfather AKA sobe]

No, I think they are completely unrelated. The one on Lincoln Road is not part of any franchise.

[tpigeon]

Funny, someone just told me the exact same thing just before I read this post, funny on the timing....

[eatnbmerry]

Makes MORE sense:). But how can they use name?

[lax2mia]

Novecento deserves to have business taken away from them.

[tpigeon]

Agreed.

[Frodnesor]

From a recent drive on Biscayne Blvd.:

- big banner for "Bengal Modern Indian Cuisine" on west side of Biscayne around 20th St. (under construction or not even commenced).

- "Brazilian Churrascaria" on east side of Biscayne around 22nd St. (exterior construction work looks pretty well finished). Something in my brain is saying this used to be the location of a German restaurant though it looks nothing like what I recall.

[jessierandall]

Frod, the Braz. Churrasc used to be the site of a Haitian artist's gallery if I remember correctly. You are thinking of Edelweiss.

[Frodnesor]

It is indeed Edelweiss I'm thinking of.

[mialebven]

I'm not sure, but I drove westbound by a condo building on SW 7th St (yeah, that's not helpful information, I realized that) just east of I-95, east of Publix and the sign for Andu (the hyped restaurant thanks to its Facebook popularity) is lit-up, and the interior of the restaurant seems to be very ultra-chic and modern a la SoBe in moneyed Brickell. Thought I might alert you guys about it since it might be open or if not, it looks like it'll open this month.

[mikek]

I am friends with the owner Duly, it is supposed to open sometime this month. They had a soft opening in December. Hopefully it is up and running soon.

[Icantread]

Forgot to add that there's a place supposedly coming to the Mile, ArtFish, I believe. It will feature fresh seafood served "French Style". I'm not sure if it's a specific area of France or not, but they debone the fish tableside and all that.

[Frodnesor]

Where on Miracle Mile? I haven't noticed anything in the works.

In the "Francisco Franco is still dead" category, Por Fin has still not opened.

[Icantread]

Where Anacapri used to be actually. They were supposed to open early this year. Work across from Por Fin and I have to say that it looks in about the same stage as it's been throughout. I thought young people were supposed to be impatient, hence the name

[netmover]

CG construction codes are among the tuffest, if not the tuffest in the county!

What else is coming or new to the Magic City?

I heard that Badrutt's Place is a very famous Swiss joint...a lot of good that'll do them here in the land of ??? Anyone been yet???

[2top]

How's that, Badrutt's Place? Where?

[sanman]

Excellent! Try the porcini mushroom risotto. It's in Brickell: 1250 S Miami Ave.

[Icantread]

I believe it's Novecento going into 1 Alhambra Tower. Also Mint Leaf finally has a paper sign up where I imagine a menu will be in the future

[mikek]

I do not know if it was mentioned yet, but BLT Steak is opening at the Hotel Betsy(?) on Ocean some time in the spring. Phillippe should be opening within the month as well.

In regards to the BLT Steak, I just cannot help but revisit "ANOTHER STEAKHOUSE?!?!?". He has BLT Steak, Prime and .... FISH in New York. You would figure that opening on a peninsula that is chock-full of steakhouses they would go the fish route (especially since that model is already in place, but alas.

[Frodnesor]

NY Times reported a few months ago that Tourondel would be opening a BLT Steak in the Betsy Ross Hotel on South Beach ->
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/05/din...

The Betsy Ross is toward the north end of South Beach, 14th & Ocean Drive(nearly next door to the hotel that Table 8 is in).

[lax2mia]

The kvetching on this started a while back. Feel free to join in.

http://www.chowhound.com/topics/443535

[Frodnesor]

A couple new Latin American options written up recently in the Herald ->

El Sitio (Columbian, SoBe)
http://www.chowhound.com/topics/469584

Choripunk (Argentinian-ish, North Miami
)http://www.miamiherald.com/entertainm...

Anyone tried? By the way, not quite sure when Enrique Fernandez started contributing to the Herald, but he seems like a nice addition.

[netmover]

Come on Frod...it's COL"O"MBIAN!!! Sorry, having lived and studied there, it's one of my biggest pet peeves. You unfortunately are not alone when it comes to this mistake for I have seen it misspelled in the finest publications. Not to be mistaken with the District of...Col"U"mbia.

[eatnbmerry]

Its an easy mistake to make for sure. The trick is to think Cristobal Colon for whom its named. Unfortunately in the English translation of his name we use the U for some reason.

[Frodnesor]

With the numbers of posts I do, I'm not allowed the occasional typoe? (that one's intentional).

What's worse, I got the link wrong! Here's the proper link to the ColOmbian restaurant which is at Washington & 7th ->
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/miami...

[netmover]

No worries Frod...I have seen it mispelled in that fishwrap you linked to too!
You certainly are entitled to unlimited typos as the info and posazz you bring to this board is irreplacable. I am positive if I looked back thru my posts there would be countless typos. I just didn't want you to go thru life thinking that's the way our neighbors to the south spell their country's name.

Actually, I stopped by Prima Arepa on Wednesday for a stew, only to learn that Wed is Mondongo day....double yuck! That's tripe stew for all you intestine fans. I did notice Ajiaco (my favorite Colombian dish) is Fridays, which I vowed to the senorita I would return for one day soon.

[mialebven]

Hey! The mondongo isn't that bad! The best I've had was at Los Balkanes bakery on 57th Avenue in Miami Lakes (just south of the Palmetto) in a nondescript bakery that's not good for much else but for greasy food. As for Ajiaco, have you tried the Colombian restaurant named Ajiaco in Doral (58th St and 107 or 114 Ave)?

I haven't tried Ajiaco (the restaurant), but my favorite Colombian place to date is El Rinconcito Paisa, a local chain.

Also, I see that the churrascaria on Biscayne is about to open soon! Also, what's that nearby place serving food in the motel nearby (around 33rd St, south of 135)?

[Frodnesor]

Tripe is good food! And tripe is stomach lining, actually, not intestine. But if your thinking is "Parts is parts," then I guess that's close enough for (dis)comfort.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OTzLVI...

[netmover]

You're right...it's stomach stew! You should try it and let me know what you think. The colombos LOVE it, in fact they named a restaurant after the famous dish out on 87th Ave in Doral, Mondongos.

[tpigeon]

So we can say with certainty you never tried the tripe tacos at Dona Raquels :).

[netmover]

Yes you can! I am not sure they even have them there? I have had some quasi exotic tacos there though. Suadero, and some other funky one whose name escapes me at the moment.

Hasn't anyone had the Mondongo at Prima Arepa? All you tripe and stomach eaters unite each and every Wednesday for lunch and let me know what you think...they swear by the stuff! I'll be by come Friday for some Ajiaco Santafereno...not to be confused with the inferior Cuban soup.

I just saw where Prima Arepa is taking over another spot up on Collins and 70th just in case that fits your schedule better come Wednesday...

I know there is something else new coming to Dade I've been meaning to tell you guys...I just can't come clean with it right now, not because I don't want to, but because London Fog seems to have set in.

[tpigeon]

Oh, they are there alright. Like you said, real-deal mexican :).

[mialebven]

Speaking of Mexican, Pepper's Mexican Grill is set to open in South Beach. Just walked by it, and it looks like another Mexican chain coming from another state, perhaps. A redo of a Baja Fresh, most likely.

I also saw a new place in Brickell, Batrullo's Place (spelling?) or something like that, in the 1st floor of the stand-outish light pastel-greenish condo building near by coral way and on south miami avenue. I haven't heard anything about it to date.

[lax2mia]

Badrutt's Place. Apparently it's a very upscale bar it's just the upscale people don't know about it yet. Friends have gone and said the place is beautiful but no one is there. We'll see.

[sanman]

Badrutt's Place is beautiful. The food is amazing. I had a porcini mushroom risotto, cooked perfecty and a very simple arugula salad to start. A little pricey but very good. They have a nice cigar selection also.

[Frodnesor]

New place opening up in the old Ouzo spot on Normandy Circle is to be called Ariston and will do "Greek European Cuisine"

[lax2mia]

Jean Georges baby!

http://www.gayot.com/restaurants/miaminews.html

http://www.nrn.com/breakingNews.aspx?...

[netmover]

Excellent news! Thank you very much for this gem lax...to see Miami named along side world class cities is always nice.

Do you know what our mission is now?

Donde!!!

1st one to procure that juicy news gets a Gold Star like the one I hearby give to laxmia for reporting this .

Spice Market Miami . . . we're going to be very spoiled soon !

Morimoto now Jean Georges .. .who'd a thunk ?

BTW, thanks for site links.

[Frodnesor]

I've never been to one of Jean Georges' places but he certainly seems to have a lot of them. Seemed like Miami was only a matter of time. Morimoto is much bigger news to me if it comes to fruition.

[netmover]

creme d la creme!

the fact that they both are even considering a move to the MIA is HUGE.

I saw Morimoto the other night and was relishing the day!

Does anyone remember a place called World Pie on South Beach? It was across from Mynt...didn't last long. Anyway, the chef owner, Ralph Pagano was a finalist on the first Hell's Kitchen(took 2nd). He now has a new show on mojo on HD called Pressure Cook for all your info...

[The Chowfather AKA sobe]

I forgot about World Pie. Not bad. I didn't know Ralph was involved. I think they had a Hampton's spot that was/is famous.

He's running the Kitchen at Mancini's on Las Olas. Haven't been.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/features/...

[netmover]

That was World Pie in the Hamptons...which he came down here to open, but between construction delays and other reasons the joint never caught on down here. I had just heard he was in the SS today, thanks for the link!

[The Chowfather AKA sobe]

Morimoto opted for the Boca Raton Resort

[The Chowfather AKA sobe]

Morimoto opted for Boca Raton Resort

[Blind Mind]

Any idea when this place plans to open? I just ate at Morimoto in Philly last weekend and it was phenomenal. Totally blew me away. I had the $120 (highest) omakase and every dish was incredible with the exception of dessert but I dont like dessert anyways. I ordered some uni sashimi for my real dessert :)

Looking forward to heading up to Boca once its open so if you have any guesstimates that would be great.

[2top]

Wow, Jean Georges, yes! He's supposed to be honored at the South Beach Wine & Food Festival this year. What's up with that gayot link? They have Blue Oyster Grill opening, which closed months ago, at the now new Two Chefs Too location.

[The Chowfather AKA sobe]

That's usually a running list that doesn't get updated frequently

[tpigeon]

I wouldn't get too excited over an outpost of spice market just yet...

[lax2mia]

Haven't been to Spice Market in NYC so I can't comment on it. But at least it'll take up the space that could've been another steakhouse. That's a plus.

[The Chowfather AKA sobe]

TP, why? not happening or not good?

[tpigeon]

Nothing in particular against spice market or Jean Georges, but it is no guaranty that just because a big name chef is coming to town doesn't mean the place is going to be good - especially in miami/sobe. I will get excited when/if the Morimoto, Jean Georges and Bouley sattelite restaurants are actually great.

I find it nice they are coming to town, but it just seems to me we are just a cog in their respective empires and the quality may suffer because of it.

[netmover]

TP you make a good point. I have seen countless famous places from NY especially come down here hoping to make a big splash only to belly flop in a big way...look no further than Bouley for recent proof. The MIA marches to the beat of a different drummer for sure.

And the guy Ralph Pagano from World Pie, I thought he was going to clean up only to close up 6-8 months later. This is not an easy market.

[drmtk674]

we'll see. it seems that most high-end restaurants do not do well in
miami. it's either the staff or the lack of interest in the general population here. that's why everyone opens in south beach first... full of tourists. what happened to Norman's? that was easily the best restaurant in Miami...

[lax2mia]

Seriously, Norman's was tired and showing its age. It was around for over 10 years and not much changed about it. I don't think it's a good example of what you're trying to prove. Besides, Norman's had a restaurant in L.A. and it bombed as well.

[drmtk674]

I also lived in LA, where I had also been to Norman's. It was easily the best restaurant here (not necessarily in LA). Table 8 (also from and very good in LA) was not as good here either. Seriously, what restaurants in Miami have excellent, changing menus?

[Frodnesor]

Michael's Genuine - Design District
Michy's - Biscayne Blvd.
Timo - Sunny Isles
Talula - South Beach

Each of these places has several menu items that are relatively steady and then a procession of additional items that move on and off the menu, sometimes seasonally, sometimes just on the chef's whim - often enough that I usually will find something new or different on every visit.

Romeo's Cafe near Coral Gables supposedly has no set menu, chef asks the diner's preferences and comes up with a multi-course menu.

Can't think of anyplace that's doing a completely different menu every night.

[tpigeon]

Sardinia has a list of specials that change almost every day. I think I have eaten more items off the menu than on the menu there...Their specials are usually great btw...

[tpigeon]

Changing menus or not, Ortanique and Osteria del Teatro are also at least as good as Normans was.

Table 8 serves great steaks. I think the rest of the food is not as good as it was when it first opened, though I really like the tres leches cake there.

[drmtk674]

I've eaten at Ortanique, Sardinia and Romeo's and I would rather eat garbage than go back to any of those. Michy's really is excellent. I think her restaurant is appropriately the highest Zagat and Gayot rated restaurant in Miami. Although Michael Schwartz is a tool, his restaurant is not bad at all.

[Frodnesor]

And silly. I've been to both Ortanique and Sardinia multiple times and have never had a bad meal. And Michael Schwartz is a good guy. In any event, fine by me you won't be taking up a table at Ortanique or Sardinia.

[netmover]

The Smoking Rabbit will be taking over the space at 510 Ocean. Look for their opening this month.

I also saw a Waxy O'Conner's set to open across the street from the Playwright, which just doubled in size. Seems we got a Little Dublin brewing over there on 13th and Wash!

What else is pegged to open over in the upper eastside?

[jessicam29]

Daily Candy mentioned The Smoking Rabbit this morning:

First: The inspiration may be a traditional English pub, but there’s nothing stodgy about the place. Vintage photos, antlers, taxidermy, and hand-hewn wood tables make it hip. (And English pubs don’t have back patios. You’d freeze your bum off.)

Second: Owners Armen Minasian (Leo boutique) and Robert Fautz (NYC’s Burger Joint) know what people want — cool but not contrived.

Third: No bangers and mash. Just hard cider-steamed mussels; burgers with Roquefort cheese and shoestrings; and pork chops with mango chutney, cabbage, and tomato.

The whole-food approach makes for tasty meals.

[tpigeon]

Anything you liked in particular there? I am going this week.

[mialebven]

I found the following info in the All Purpose Dark blog. Kung Fu Chu's at the Catalina Hotel is open.

The exec chef used to cater to the emperor of Japan with the Izakaya-style menu. You can get the uncommon okono miyaki (Japanese cabbage pancakes) here.

Additionally, looks like the Beach got a new dim sum player. Yup, dim sum is served here and the blog says it is "great."

[Frodnesor]

Hmm - Catalina Hotel website refers to "recognized local chef Chu" who pairs his traditional Chinese cuisine with his wife's native Japan dishes.

Does anyone know if this is the same Chu as Mr. Chu's?

[lax2mia]

The menu looks way to plain to be the chef from Mr. Chu's. But maybe he's taken it on as a side project? Regardless, the menu doesn't sound all that great and if those are the prices for dim sum, they're pretty high.

http://www.catalinahotel.com/kungfuch...

[Frodnesor]

Anyone tried "Bistro One LR" in the Ritz Carlton South Beach? Just noticed this on Open Table. Website says the chef comes via Hotel Arts Barcelona - where the head chef is none other than Sergia Arola (remember La Broche?) The menu on the website doesn't bear much evidence of it, though.

http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Propert...

[The Chowfather AKA sobe]

Coral Gables update. Enough with the chains... Hurts to even post this

The folks in charge of promoting downtown Coral Gables boast that six new restaurants are scheduled to open in the City Beautiful in the new year: Fatburger, the California chain's third Sunshine State location, at 232 Miracle Mile; a Morton's Steakhouse at 2333 Ponce; a Chili's Grill & Bar at 2420 Ponce; Pasha's, the local fast-casual chain, sharing an address at 130 Miracle Mile with the Mexican Chilorio's; and Por Fin Restaurant & Lounge, a Spanish and Mediterranean fine-dining establishment at 2500 Ponce.

Randazzo's Little Italy, currently packing 'em into a 60-seat space on Giralda Avenue, will expand to a 112-seat facility at 375 Miracle Mile.

[lax2mia]

They're boasting about a Chilis?

[The Chowfather AKA sobe]

I know I know. Just relaying the info....
Now I have that annoying baby back rib jingle stuck in my head.

[lax2mia]

And Fatburger? Boasting about Fatburger? Fatburgers are supposed to be in strip malls in the Valley and frequented by skaters and people baggy jeans. The Gables is supposed to be one of the premier dining destinations in the city and it's turning into a food court. Not only that, they're actually proud of it! Is it actual Gables residents that flock to these places or is it people from other areas? I just can't see people who live in multi-million dollar houses flocking to Benihana.

[Frodnesor]

If they get a lot of business and help pay the taxes, I'm sure they're welcome in the City Beautiful.

As more and more office space is built and filled in the Gables there is becoming more of a market for less expensive lunch places - not just places that cater to the residents of the multi-million dollar houses.

[lax2mia]

Isn't that what Qdoba and Saladworks are for?

And even though the chains like Benihana and CPK fill the need for inexpensive lunch options, they're constantly packed at night for dinner and on weekends!

[Frodnesor]

Yes, that's what Qdoba and Saladworks are for, and what Fatburger, Pasha's, Chili's, etc. are hoping to tap as well.

And if Morton's has the good sense to do lunch, it will actually fill a real need for a good steakhouse in the Gables that's open for lunch. Ruth Chris only does lunch on Friday's I believe, Fleming's isn't open for lunch (and isn't that good), and while Christy's does lunch it seems to have declined, at least based on my last visit. There's the Palm but it's up by Merrick and not right in the heart of the Gables business district.

The fundamental issue is that as the rents go up (and they are doing so in the Gables just as they have in South Beach), the places best able to afford them are the mega-chains. Not to reopen the thread hijack that prompted us to start this new thread, but that's exactly why I believe the more interesting chef-driven restaurants are going to be in places like the Design District and other lower-rent areas.

[chefLa]

design district has low rent now. So did Lincoln Road back in the day. I think Pacific Time paid $3k/mo. when he left it was $40k/mo. In a few years the design district will have it's very own strip of chain restaurants.

[Frodnesor]

I'm guessing the time that Design District rents were cheap has already come and gone. By way of example, here's a listing for space in Atlas Plaza (where MGF&D is) @ $40 - 50 / SF.
http://property.loopnet.com/xNet/Main...

[Icantread]

Those prices are net. Add another $8-$14 to that. That's as pricey as the Gables gets right now, excluding a few unique instances.

[eatnbmerry]

Now I get it. The Rules are Different Here! (btw I dont know if you remember that this was our offical tourism slogan not too long ago). Instead of having the high-end restaurants near the "multi-million dollar houses" they will just have to drive to the DD and Wynwood for dinner!

OK no more on the subject I promise, but if you check out my "steps" post on that hijacked thread you'll see that the Gables is right on plan.

[bailey1]

Welcome to Miami. Having a high end service business I have learned not to judge someone by where they live or what they drive, Usually they are the worst ones paying so I'm not surprised if they don't want to spend on food either.

[Frodnesor]

Just one small note to avoid confusion - I don't believe Por Fin is a chain. I'm also hesitant to make any predictions as to when it will open, given that it seems they've been in construction for about 4 years.

As for Randazzo's, that's an interesting move. That far end of Miracle Mile (near corner of LeJeune) doesn't get much action.

[The Chowfather AKA sobe]

yes I think you are correct regarding Por Fin.

[eatnbmerry]

Por Fin means "At Last" and maybe they like building up the suspense :).

Moving is never a picnic and doubling in size is almost always troublesome as well.

[lax2mia]

Just thought of something. There's a place called Mint Leaf that's been under construction next to my dry cleaner's on Alhambra Circle (in the old Restaurant Brana space). Apparently it's the same owners of Mint Leaf in London and will feature upscale Indian food. How come the Gables people aren't boasting about that? It's probably a bigger coup than Chili's or Fatburger.

[Frodnesor]

Probably because if people heard that's the spot they're going into, they would talk them out of it. That spot is cursed. Indeed there's even been an upscale Indian restaurant that's already failed there - Darbar, years ago. Getting yet another restaurant to take that spot is in itself a coup. Shame it couldn't have been Chili's going in there.

[netmover]

The Gables is no walk in the park!

[The Chowfather AKA sobe]

Someone reported that Morimoto was at Michael's the other day. This was in the NY Post today

"December 26, 2007 -- FIRST Nobu went to Miami, and Bond Street Sushi followed soon after. And now, we hear Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto is scouting the town for a location to open his own eatery. Morimoto was in South Beach last week checking out new restaurants Brosia and Domo Japones and sampling their wares. A source said, "He is very excited about a Miami restaurant." Morimoto had his first self-titled eatery in Philadelphia before he opened his place at Chelsea Market with Stephen Starr."

[netmover]

Holy caca!

Morimoto would cement the double D as a bonafide dining destination and Miami for that matter!

Let's keep our ears to the ground on this one!

[eatnbmerry]

No doubt,

Morimoto would definitely push the momentum forward at a higher speed than I would ever have guessed. Interesting though, how sobe's NY Post article mentions SoBe as the location of Domo and Brosia. I guess we are just one big Beach down here :).

[netmover]

Yeah it was a little nebulous. Wherever a guy like Morimoto lands in the 305 would be a welcome addition and lend much to the chow cred of the Magic City..

[tpigeon]

Only if his place is any good. It's not like bouley did anything amazing for us yet...

[Frodnesor]

Adriana in Surfside? Just noticed the signage for this today. Doing a little digging around, found this tidbit indicating it's supposed to be upscale Peruvian ->

http://allpurposedark.blogspot.com/20...

[The Chowfather AKA sobe]

Adriana review

http://www.miamiherald.com/1010/story...

[miachef]

Texas de Brazil opened a new location at 300 Alton Road a few weeks ago.

[mialebven]

Oh, another fratelli! I know there's a Fratelli Milano in Downtown... but Fratelli Lyon sounds like an oxymoron - Fratelli is an Italian word and Lyon is a French word... is it going to be Italian?

Also, while I was walking along 41st St today in Miami Beach, I think I spotted La Provence French Bakery's THIRD outpost that's almost ready to be open (first two being in SoBe and Coral Gables). It looks expansive and nice. It probably will bring competition since there's La Brioche Doiree French Bakery (spelling?) close by.

[netmover]

Funny, I recently noticed the Provence was closed on Collins...they must be moving north?

You are right about the franco-italiano thing with fratelli lyon. There's also fratelli bufala on sobe at 5th and washington, which I wonder how it is? Lyon will definately have a strong Italian slant to it. Antipasti, pizze, panini, paste seem to have been the highlights I read on a poster they had.

This guy is definately a pioneer, so if this desitnation comes anywhere close to resembling his first forey over on Lincoln, the double D could become quite the happenin' hood in the 2 double 0 eight!

Elements
Micheal's
Brosia
Grass
Domo
Fratelli Lyon

What else am I missing?

[eatnbmerry]

I thought grass was "mowed" down?

[Frodnesor]

Reopened - unless re-closed down again, which I'd not heard.

[eatnbmerry]

Ty Frod,
Better luck to them this time around.

[2top]

I'll play too. Looks like "Two Chefs Too" will finally open on Monday on 123rd Street in Mark's original location.

[netmover]

You know I have always wanted to try the original, but it's just beyond my comfort zone. How is it? Any signature dishes worthy or the drive?

[The Chowfather AKA sobe]

http://www.chowhound.com/topics/443907
http://www.chowhound.com/topics/425581

[Frodnesor]

OK, I'll follow here - Por Fin in Coral Gables actually has tables & chairs, so perhaps they'll actually open sometime in 2008.