Free Friday stoner fest Coconut Grove

[advisor_Girl]

Hounds>

Lazer show free at the Coconut Grove planetarium tonight - where should we dine?

Fabulous First Friday
7:30pm - FREE Live Star Show begins in the Planetarium

8:00pm - 10:00pm - Weintraub Observatory is open (weather permitting)

Planetarium Laser Show Schedule
(Subject To Change)

9:00pm Tool
10:00pm A Perfect Circle
11:00pm Radiohead
Midnight Pink Floyd: Best of the Wall

Time: 7:30 p.m.
Location: Planetarium
http://www.miamisci.org/www/planetari...

Miami Science Museum
3280 South Miami Avenue
Miami, FL 33129
305-646-4200

AG

[Frodnesor]

Laser show? Shouldn't this have been on 420 instead of Cinco de Mayo weekend?

[Blind Mind]

Naw, we had the Crawfish Boil at Tobacco Road on 4/20. That was killer. Suckin crawfish heads, guzzlin brews, and tokin a doob was great on a temperate Sunday afternoon.

Now this thread has got me motivated. Im gonna hit up Jaguar tonite for some ceviche after I do a J at the homestead :)

[jessierandall]

I had no idea that First Fridays were free! Thank you! I am prepared to revisit my youth next month. I have all that time to decide what to eat but am seriously considering Hy Vong - a ways away but I'm craving it.

[advisor_Girl]

Jessie>

This Friday June 6th could be Hy Vong and

9:00pm Green Day
10:00pm The Doors
11:00pm Led Zeppelin
Midnight Pink Floyd: Wish You Were Here

Thinking seriously about Xixón Restaurant on 1801 Coral Way.

AG

[Blind Mind]

Whoa... The Doors and Zep? I might have to check that one out.

I encourage you to give George's in the Grove a try. Great food there and its quite an experience. Its located on Commodore Plaza between Christabelles and Moes.

[advisor_Girl]

Blind!

What's on the menu at George's? I was particularly stoked about the line up for Free Friday NEXT month -

July 11, 2008
9:00pm The Beatles Sgt. Peppers Lonely Heart Club Band
10:00pm Jimi Hendrix
11:00pm Bob Marley
Midnight Pink Floyd: Animals

AG

[Blind Mind]

Well, Ive been there twice and Ive yet to order an entree. This is for 2 reasons. First, for some reason the 2 times Ive been I wasnt super hungry. Second, the apps are HUGE. Here is a quick rundown of what Ive had there. Bear with me because Im long-winded :)

Tuna Tartar - this French version uses creme fraiche in the mix along with some chives. The pile o' tartar was enormous and came with a little side of greens w/ balsamic. I could only finish 1/2 of it. This was my least favorite dish to date because the creme fraiche left it tasting really bland. Needed some spice of some sort. I mentioned that to one of the managers there when he asked my opinion and he said it was valid point. You could easily split this dish between 2 people and be fully satisfied portion-wise.

Mediterranean Vegetable Salad w/ Lobster & Truffle Oil - This dish was surprisingly awesome. I was surprised because usually when you think salad you think "greens of some sort w/ veggies on top". This one was ALL VEGGIES. Julienne carrot, zucchini, squash, and cauliflower all mixed together and topped with Maine lobster - both claw and tail. Although the menu said "truffle oil" mine tasted more lemony, like the veggies had been marinated a little bit. They still were very crisp and fresh. The dish was light and really hit the spot after the tartar, plus I got more than my daily intake of veggies. This could be split between 2 people as well.

Caprese Salad - its called something else on the menu but its basically a tower of caprese. This was really good as well. The orange and red tomato and the mozzarella are stacked thin with nice pieces of basil in there as well. The dish is drizzled w/ EVOO and a little balsamic. I believe there was a little pesto action goin on there too. Looks pretty and again comes w/ a side of greens w/ balsamic. Another one that you could split between 2 as this nearly filled me up on its own.

Sauteed baby artichoke and shittake mushroom salad - I think this is the name of it anyways... This salad was a winner too but I was a little disappointed that the shittake mushrooms never made it to the dance. Instead, however, was a nice portion of thinly sliced pancetta (or some similar cured pork) and the best way to make up something to me is to provide something along the lines of bacon. Pine nuts were there, cherry tomatoes, and a light drizzle of balsamic dressing.

Also, the 1st night I was there they gave me a free slice of pizza. It had creme fraiche for the sauce and was topped w/ lox (or was it nova?) and capers. Strange but it was actually really good. The warm dough mixed with the cool, salty lox and capers and smooth creme fraiche worked well.

Another reason to check this place out - George himself. The guy is a good guy, funny, and likes to make customers feel special. They give free glasses of champagne (at least everyone Ive seen in the place has got one) and George is constantly hustling around, whistling like a songbird to get his staff's attention, and shouting things in French. Really makes you feel like youre out of Miami. I was actually their 1st customer which was pretty funny. Also, I was there the night before last and had dinner with Maurice Cheeks, the coach of the Philly 76ers who just bought a place in the Grove. We chatted about a variety of stuff and he was a pretty cool guy that likes the area. Mo really enjoyed the salmon he ordered although the goat cheese terrine that George gave him for free was out of his tasting zone. Just not a goat cheese fan. He did enjoy George's whistling and running around and said if anything he would come back just because of that haha.

Definitely give it a shot. The Grove needs the business and I cant afford to lose another quality restaurant in my 'hood!

[advisor_Girl]

Blind>

<<...the best way to make up something to me is to provide something along the lines of bacon.>> Duly noted.

Done and done! Philly is my team... you've totally sold me. You've OVER sold me. I want to go - now.

Thanks so much for the comprehensive deets on the eats!

Creme fraiche and bacon... ::heavy sigh::

AG

[Blind Mind]

Yeah, you could wrap a spare tire in bacon and Id eat it. Now Im thinking either BLT or grilled cheese & bacon for lunch haha

Hey where do you find the details on the set list for the laser shows?

[advisor_Girl]

BM>

Definitely thinking George's tonight! Thanks for the post...

http://www.miamisci.org/www/planetari...

AG

[Blind Mind]

Did u end up going to George's? Ive been out of town and may pop in for lunch today. August 1st laser lineup is killer. Do you normally stay for more than one show?

[advisor_Girl]

Blind>

We did and we're thinking of hitting it again tonight before Pink Floyd... Have you tried IDEAS (tapas) yet?

Thanks for the suggestion.

AG

[Frodnesor]

AG - Ideas is much more of a sit-down dinner type place than a tapas place. I was there some time ago and enjoyed it, though it's been a while ->
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/389482

I'm intrigued by "Cocido" day on Thursday, a great traditional dish w/ stewed meats, sausages and chickpeas along with the broth from the cooked meats. Check out the pic from their website (scroll down) ->
http://www.ideasrestaurant.com/cateri...

[lax2mia]

Warning on cocido, we went in Madrid in July and when we rolled out of the place and into the heat felt like vomitting for a few hours. Definitely save it for a lazy, cold day.

[Blind Mind]

Havent tried Ideas yet but 2 friends have said its really good. One of those friends tends to exaggerate though.

If youre looking for a new Grove spot and havent tried Cita's Italian Chophouse. yet, I recommend it. Its a sit-down place with a great neighborhood vibe and tonite would be a great night to dine al fresco on the back patio. Menu is a little on the pricey side but the ingredients, preparation, and presentation more than justify the price. Ive yet to have a steak there but the Lamb rack was great and the Grouper was phenomenal. Ive also heard from friends who are big fans of their homemade pastas and risottos.

[Blind Mind]

Jaguar, Christabelles (new chef, better food), Nikki Grove, or Tu Tu Tango would be my recs. Smoke one for me ;)

-----
Jaguar Restaurant
3067 Grand Ave, Miami, FL 33133

Christabelle's Quarter
3157 Commodore Plz, Miami, FL

Nikki Coconut Grove
2889 McFarlane Road, Coconut Grove, FL 33133

Cafe Tu Tu Tango
3015 Grand Ave, Coconut Grove, FL

[LargeLife]

Jaguar is my pick....A varied menu that has mexican and peruvian influence....the ceviche there is as good and as fresh and as creative as any in the area.....The outside tables are nice and the weather is perfect....The inside is trendy but not overdone.....

EMac

[mikek]

Jaguar is relatively close and solid food. El Carajo in the gas station on US1 and either 17th or 27th (I forget) is good as well.

[lauderdale75]

I have not lived in Miami since 2004, but I still have fond memories of Casola's pizza (Not Cozzoli's) on 27th avenue and US-1. Its close to the planetarium, cheap and they offer excellent pizza.

[Gabled]

Casola's is even closer to the museum than you may think. It's actually on 17th avenue -- not 27th. But, yes, one of the best authentic pizza places around.