North Miami Rumblings...

[advisor_Girl]

Happy Houndings>

On a Home Depot run this AM noticed that Burrito Grill has re-opened at a former Chicken Kitchen at 123rd and Biscayne (same side of the street as HD 2 blocks south). Also saw Beach BBQ has an electric sign installed and signs of life - so that should be opened soon.

Last weekend near Sang's on 1925 NE 163rd Street, saw that the indy donut shop next door is renovating into an indy BBQ spot. I still haven't figured out where Sweaty Top Chef Howie is opening his BBQ restaurant.

Anyone know?

AG

[racer x]

I noticed a sign on a shop announcing a new barbecue restaurant now open I believe on NE 6th Ave (or therebouts) just south of NE 167th St.
Anyone been?

[Frodnesor]

I think there's actually a couple newish BBQ places along 167th St. There's one pretty close to Biscayne on the north side of the street, and then another close to I-95 on the south side (actually off 167th on a side street). I haven't tried either and can't remember the names right now.

[rebus1805]

I often drive by the BBQ place on 163rd just west of Sang's and there are never many cars there at night. Do not know how long they will last.

[drangelo]

The one on the corner of 19th Ave is City BBQ Place, which a friend told me wasn't as good as Bulldog, so I haven't gone to verify.
The one on 6th Ave is called Bar-B-Q Trails, and is merged in with Vito's Italian. I haven't worked up the nerve to try either yet since those types of mergers tend to be disappointing.

[racer x]

C'mon, drangelo. Take one for the team!

Btw, how was Vito's Italian before the merger?

(I laughed out loud when I read, "I haven't worked up the nerve to try either yet since those types of mergers tend to be disappointing.")

[jessicam29]

I had lunch at Burritos Grill today. Clean and bright place. Chips were fresh and hot, salsa was tasty and spicy. I had chicken tacos. I kind of pressure ordered because we were in a hurry, but I was very satisfied. 3 small tacos with chicken, onion, cilantro, and some other sauteed veggies served with rice and refried beans. The owners are very nice people and I would definitely recommend it for lunch.

[aribo]

I was in Burritos Grill this past Tuesday. I had the chicken tamales called Vaporcitos.
they were great.
beer was real cold.
friendly service.

[The Chowfather]

I don't think they opened yet BUT the menu is available online now. Hope they are open before the super bowl
http://www.bulldog-bbq.com/

[advisor_Girl]

Chow>

City BBQ is opened on 163rd Street and there were indeed signs of life at Sweaty Howie's... will check it out today (ISO Chinese New Year spots this weekend).

AG

[Sobe4u]

The chef from Bulldog BBQ was on NBC6 this morning and said they will be open next week.

[The Chowfather]

They open Monday at 11( 2/9/09)

[Frodnesor]

I thought I saw something about soft-open this weekend.

[The Chowfather]

Really? any details? anyone?

[Frodnesor]

Of course I can't find the email now. And there's always a possibility I don't know what I'm talking about.

[Frodnesor]

Per UrbanDaddy, soft-opening Friday, official opening Monday. Whether 'tis true or not, I don't know - but may have a chance to find out tomorrow.

[onekrt17]

Bulldog opened about 5 pm yesterday. We were the first ones in. Restaurant was filled, people waiting for tables outside and waiting for takeout inside. Food way better than average bbq place. Atmosphere homey. Service will get better. Everyone was was too excited - employees and customers. We had oyster snack (wow), barn salad (salad), ribs & chicken (shared 1/2 &1/2 and took some home), beans (out of this world, spicy), slaw (tasted like my mom"s), chocolate puddin' cake (yum). Inviting wine list. Will go back and bring friends. Would like info about "Happy hour". Can biscuits and beer be added to menu?

[drangelo]

If anybody is craving a good Falafel sandwich, I've been going to Grill Time on 163rd and Biscayne lately, and they have a great version for $5(even at dinner time, although they tend to only serve this at the bar during dinner since its not on the menu.) Really a great deal, and the owners are super nice. I've heard good things about their grill items, but the rest of their menu is a bit pricey due to the Kosher nature.

[advisor_Girl]

ChowDaddy>

Both Bulldog and City BBQ (next to Sang's on 163rd) look like they could open at any moment. Sad to see 21 Toppings is gone as they were nice folks. We had a decent (greasy) steak sammie at Woody's at 135th and Biscayne while waiting on a quickie car repair at the wonderful Mueller's and another great dinner at Little Havana at 127th and Biscayne too. Had excellent (!) chicken soup during a seasonal cold at Paquito's (still my go-to spot) and a bagel fix with all the post-Rascal-House-liner-uppers at Mo's yesterday.

Gotta love North Miami!

Note to CHUBBI - I did not attend NMB but have lots of friends who did back in the day...

AG

[greeneyes]

City BBq was terribly dissappointing. had the brisket sandwich for lunch with fries, coleslaw and mac and cheese. meat was great, sauce had a nice flavor. mac and cheese tasted of the box variety, very rubbery and tasted as if theyd been doused with cheap garlic powder. fries were cold and tasteless. Coleslaw was boring. So far best BBQ in NMB/Aventura/NM area id Beach BBQ. Even Bulldog was a disappointment.

[winegirl1973]

As mentioned below, Bulldog Barbecue is from Chef Howie Kleinberg (Cheif Bulldog on his business cards). They had a table at the Share our Strength benefit "Taste the Nation" in Ft. Lauderdale last month, and if the BBQ served there was any indicator, the BBQ at the restaurant will be worth checking out. I couldn't pin them down on an opening date, but here are the other details (note: website is not up yet, apparently)

Bulldog Barbecue
15400 Biscayne Boulevard
North Miami, FL 33160
305.940.9655
305.940.7972 fax
www.bulldog-bbq.com
[e-mail]

(Note: The website doesn't appear to be up yet, the phone message still has another restaurant name on it, but I sent an e-mail to Chef Howie at the address above and will update as soon as I hear anything)

[dlgc]

They are working on Bulldog BBQ....saw Howie outside today....says he will open in two months!

[The Chowfather]

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

[advisor_Girl]

ChowDaddy>

The BBQ restaurant next door to Sang's on 163rd had tables and chairs set... ready to rumble. Howie had better bring his A game.

Will keep an eye on the new spot and report back soon.

Anyone been to the former Vito's at 6th Ave yet for BBQ or Fugazza?

AG

[CHUBBIGIRL]

Advisor_girl - I went to NMB senior also... class of 81.

Wow.. memories. Last time I went to Vito's was about 10 years ago, and it was not quite as good.... When Frank & Vito were together; that Fugazza pizza was a melt in your mouth monster. Neighborhood has changed so much, it seems like a time warp to me.

[kevdog]

any word on whether or not Vito's is anything close to how it used to be? I'm always tempted to go in, but don't want to go in and be disappointed... and I saw that the BBQ restaurant was open for business, however we were going to Sang's for Chinese New year dinner.....anyone been to either?

[The Chowfather]

Newtimes blog said Bulldog BBQ recently opened but I tried calling to confirm and it went to VM with no message. Is it open?

[dlgc]

No, I was at that strip mall on Wednesday and they looked like they were getting it together, but it wasn't open. Window washers and cleaners working, but the restaurant was not finished . I would guess another week or two.

[non sequitur]

I heard about the Bulldog BBQ opening at 154th and Biscayne on the restaurant roundup on WLRN yesterday at 1pm. Did a search and got confirmation from the sun post: http://www.miamisunpost.com/051508cho...

I balked about ever going to 21 toppings for an $8 hamburger, but they seem to have a special that includes fries and a drink for that price, and since I can't find a Cheeburger Cheeburger anywhere in SoFla anymore, it may be the new place for my fix.

[The Chowfather AKA sobe]

$8 is reasonable for a good burger
As I previously advised, I think 154th and Biscayne is next to Chéen-huaye

Did BBQ beach open in N Miami yet?

[Frodnesor]

BBQ Beach was not open as of last weekend when I was by there, but looks to be making progress. I'm very much looking forward to this.

And Cheen Huaye is 154th & Biscayne - I think the projected location for Bulldog BBQ place is in the same strip mall.

[advisor_Girl]

Hi>

We're still determined to hit the former Vito's Pizza (fugazza) and BBQ joint across from Krispy Kreme donuts at 6th and 167th in NMB. Our friends attended NMB Sr High (waaaaaay back when) who still lament the loss of Vito's fugazza and legendary MyPie mentioned another Vito's in Boca/Delray that disappointed.

Has anyone ventured to the restored Vito's on 6th/167th?? Anyone? Bueller?

AG

[keysrat]

BBQ Beach was open today when I drove by. The missus had already eaten or we would have been there.

[The Chowfather AKA sobe]

I think Headband Howie is opening near/next to cheen huaye

[advisor_Girl]

ChowDaddy -

All that time over a real BBQ pit... sweating into the pork. Oh Howie! It makes me a little bit queasy.

Looking forward to Beach BBQ's expansion. I am worried about 21 Toppings as they are often closed when we pass by. They had originally planned odd hours - closing Sundays which frankly I believed were the best days to serve lunch in a mall by a Costco etc.

Anyone been to 21 lately?

Anyone tried the reopened Vito's (fugazza) meets ribs joint across from Krispy Kreme on 167th and 6th Avenue in NMB "the Chinese Corridor"?

So many strip malls - so little time.

AG

[The Chowfather AKA sobe]

I hit 21 toppings a few weeks ago and the burgers were still good.

[The Chowfather]

I drove by 21 toppings the other day and they appeared closed (forever closed)

[lax2mia]

I was gonna post about it. There's a sign on their door from the landlord that they've vacated the property.

[herbage]

Went once. Liked it. Wife hated it. Never went back. Bad, bad location.

[Foodfroggy]

I was at 21 Toppings for the first time last week Friday at about 7:30PM & it was me & one other couple in there so they do not seem to be doing too well. The goat cheese burger was great except that they use store purchased buns. I would pay extra $$ for better buns. Regardless, I will return, maybe bring my own buns...

[herbage]

I drove past 21 a couple days ago and thought they were doing pretty poor as well. I haven't been there in about a year (mainly because they always seem to be closed when I drive by). The location seems bad to me. They need foot traffic. I liked the burger I ate, just hated the damn bun.

[The Chowfather AKA sobe]

Bulldog barbecue update

Though Top Chef's top prize of $100,000 (to finance a restaurant for the winner) eluded Howie Kleinberg, the pugnacious season three Miami competitor, has announced he'll be opening his own joint anyway this fall. Named, aptly, Bulldog Barbecue, the place---located in an easy-to-miss space in a North Miami mini-mall, formerly occupied by Sun City Café---will offer what Kleinberg calls "New Barbecue." i.e. it'll be Klein's idea of how a ‘cue restaurant should be, which includes incorporation of some Latin flavors, plus some salads and other lighter food. Bulldog Barbecue, 15400 Biscayne Blvd., North Miami Beach, FL 33160, no phone available yet.

[pilches]

I heard his sister won the Lotto and is financing.

[mialebven]

... Indy donuts? I wasn't even aware that we had indy donut shops - only that mediocre one on 27th avenue and Calle Ocho!

[advisor_Girl]

mialebven>

Ohhellyeah - AB is a donut man so we travel far and wide for a donut with no corporate ties. Dandee Donuts in Hollywood is good. Not sure if Bird Road donuts is still there or M & J in Hialeah? I know the hounds are all about designer cupcakes now.

No hole, no soul.

AG