SoBitch has really taken a vaca from blogging. I take full responsibility for my laziness, but in my defense the Miami restaurant scene tends to be hamotche brech. (hamotche brech : derived from the Sephardic American translation; defined as mediocre, nothing special, crappy) . I was tired of ripping on everything, so I just quit all together.
The good news is I found a restaurant worth sharing! Check out Pubbelly for a true gastropub experience; a fusion of Thai and everything else. Well priced, great vibe, no pretense, and fantastish food; right in time for basel. This gem has only been open for 2 weeks and I can truly say they delivered great food without the typical “were ironing out the kinks, we just opened” shpeel.
I highly recommend the dumplings, short rib tartar and carpaccio, pork belly, scallops (served like escargot), the noodle dishes, and the soft serve ice-cream deserts!! Unfortunately I only went with my hubby (shout-out to Alan who discovered the spot), so we couldn’t try everything on the menu. I will definitely frequent this one.
See for yourself:
www.pubbelly.com
1418 20th st (Purdy Ave, South Beach)
(305) 532-7555
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Choo Choo
oh yo oh yo catch this.. Some competition for the Japonais Market... Mishoi I love you, but Katana also holds its own - Yummy sushi train. The good news is JM isnt open past 7, and Katana is only open for dinner, so noone really gets hurt here.
Train takes off at:
920 71st st
Miami Beach
305-864-0037
Train takes off at:
920 71st st
Miami Beach
305-864-0037
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Travel Shots
June. London. Portobello Market.
London. Cute Vehicle.
London. Cute Vehicle.
London. Street Art.
June. Italy. Porto Rotondo.
Good. Fun.
Don't Drink and Drive.
Jerusalem. Shuk. Kotel. and more around Israel.
Whatever it takes.
A bit much.
Dead Sexy.
Beitzim
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Windy City Steps It Up
A little boring midwest action for me this evening, BUT one good thing i can report on is Graham Elliot- talk about a delicious gourmet restaurant with little pretense.
Start off with the FREE truffle parmesan popcorn. Then we had a delicious ceasar salad. I had the whitefish (I know weird, being that I am a Miami girl ordering fish in the midwest- was trying to be healthy i must admit), which had an indian twist to it, something sorta like gourmet tandoori. We also tried the Wagyu Steak with a truffle butter cream sauce. This was the best of all.
Overall, G.E was just right - not too snooty, nor too heavy.. about $65/head with 1 cocktail each..surely not cheap, but absolutely tasteful.
Bon apetit!
www.grahamelliot.com
Start off with the FREE truffle parmesan popcorn. Then we had a delicious ceasar salad. I had the whitefish (I know weird, being that I am a Miami girl ordering fish in the midwest- was trying to be healthy i must admit), which had an indian twist to it, something sorta like gourmet tandoori. We also tried the Wagyu Steak with a truffle butter cream sauce. This was the best of all.
Overall, G.E was just right - not too snooty, nor too heavy.. about $65/head with 1 cocktail each..surely not cheap, but absolutely tasteful.
Bon apetit!
www.grahamelliot.com
Saturday, June 19, 2010
What type of traveler are you?
Ive been thinking how the word traveling (for pleasure that is; this blurb doesn't apply to involuntary travel) can mean so many things.
You can travel around with the intent to “live” in all the places you visit. That means establishing a routine, immersing yourself in the local scene, regularly visiting your favorite spots, and maybe even grasping how public transportation works. So even on a vacation, it may be your style to stay put in one city, meet friends, sleep in the same bed for the entire time, and settle down there temporarily... These types you can scout out in Florida in the winter aka Snowbirds, aka Quebecians or even in far away foreign lands traveled to by American youth seeking adventure with the intent to find themselves.
Then, there is traveling, more my style(see my 'Brazil Muleki'blog so you can get a taste of SoBitch travel pace), which to me means moving around, seeing new things, carrying a lonely planet book to see where you can go next, feeling the need to explore the majority of the time, and talking to locals but with the clear understanding that this isn’t your home and you aren't settling down.
And then there is being away, where you are disconnecting from your routine life at home, but you’re not immersed necessarily where you are. You may be more interested in sleeping in, lounging by the pool, sipping them cocktails, reading your book, and checking email on occasion just to tap into reality. This sounds sorta like your family vacation at Naples.. ouch sounds painful!
Think about it before you take your next trip - what type of traveler do you want to be on your vacation??
You can travel around with the intent to “live” in all the places you visit. That means establishing a routine, immersing yourself in the local scene, regularly visiting your favorite spots, and maybe even grasping how public transportation works. So even on a vacation, it may be your style to stay put in one city, meet friends, sleep in the same bed for the entire time, and settle down there temporarily... These types you can scout out in Florida in the winter aka Snowbirds, aka Quebecians or even in far away foreign lands traveled to by American youth seeking adventure with the intent to find themselves.
Then, there is traveling, more my style(see my 'Brazil Muleki'blog so you can get a taste of SoBitch travel pace), which to me means moving around, seeing new things, carrying a lonely planet book to see where you can go next, feeling the need to explore the majority of the time, and talking to locals but with the clear understanding that this isn’t your home and you aren't settling down.
And then there is being away, where you are disconnecting from your routine life at home, but you’re not immersed necessarily where you are. You may be more interested in sleeping in, lounging by the pool, sipping them cocktails, reading your book, and checking email on occasion just to tap into reality. This sounds sorta like your family vacation at Naples.. ouch sounds painful!
Think about it before you take your next trip - what type of traveler do you want to be on your vacation??
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Bonaroo 2010
Bonnaroo is a four-day, multi-stage camping festival held on a massive and stifling hot 700-acre farm in Manchester, Tennessee every June. Bonnaroo brings together some of the best performers in rock and roll, along with dozens of artists in complementary styles such as jazz, Americana, hip-hop, electronica, and just about any music you can think of. In addition to dozens of larger than life performances, the festival buzzes around the clock with attractions including a movie theatre, silent disco, ferris wheel, comedy club,and a neon fountain (which recycles its water, so by the end you dont want to go anywhere near it!)
THIS TENT? THAT TENT? WHICH TENT? WHAT !
Roo takes the small town of Manchester (5,000 ppl year round) and turns it into a 75,000 person hippy lovin madhouse, the closest thing i can imagine resembling woodstock! Who wudda thought that a weekend of camping, severe sweating, sun damage, junk food, and a slew of other activities i rather not mention could be so much fun? (I kinda did!)
My highlights included epic performances by Stevie Wonder, Jay-Z, Conan, The Flaming Lips performing Dark Side of the Moon, Neon Indian, Thievery Corporation, She and Him, Jeff Ross Roast, The Gossip, Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, Ingrid Michaelson (especially that Brittany Spear's cover -wow)!
Seriously, look at the lineup and download tunes from any of the artists that played at bonaroo! http://www.bonnaroo.com/artists.aspx
Ouch, where was his sunblock? 
See ya'll at Roo 2011!!
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Tribute to Ye'
Anyone know who ye is? She taught me everything I know about cooking. I am not a 5 star chef, by any means. I am a homey, yummy, feel good, light and semi healthy chef with a serious obsession with lemon and all types of oils.
So here are some of my recipes/tricks:
Eggs ~ to get your eggs just right (whether you like them well done or over easy), make sure to cover them with a lid when they are on the pan. Some of you say duh!! Not so obvious to everyone..
Steak ~ the simplest marinade makes a mean steak: olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic (lots of it) - you can even cheat by buying already chopped garlic
Fish ~ a simple sauté is all it takes. Marinade your fish (i like tilapia) with garlic, mustard, olive oil, and salt/pepper. Never marinade fish for too long before cooking, especially with lemon, because the lemon cooks the fish (i.e.: ceviche)
~Hamburger /Lamb Burger /or Turkey Burgers
1. Mix all these ingredients together:
Ground chuck meat
1 Egg
Chopped parsely
Finely chopped onion
Cornmeal (to keep them sticky)
Salt and Pepper
Garlic powder or fresh garlic (my preference)
Ketchup
2. Pan fry on medium; Turn over a few times
~Any pasta Bolognese (I like spaghetti or shells):
1. Let simmer for a while (15mins):
Diced Tomatoes- Use San Marzano canned/diced tomatoes (purple can;not available at all markets)
tad of olive oil
Finely chopped fresh onion
Finely chopped fresh garlic
Sea Salt and Pepper
A "cubito" (seasoning cube)
If sauce seems thick, add 1 cup of water
2. In another dish, mix chuck ground meat with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and some cornmeal (so meatballs dont fall apart). You can make meat balls, or simply throw in small peices of meat into the simmer. Let cook in simmering sauce for about 10-15 mins(try as you go to make sure meat isn't raw, but also make sure it doesn't dry out). Use a large pot so things do not overflow and the meat has its space.
3. Add Paprika or ketchup @ end to the stew
4. Place on pasta. Make sure to cook your pasta al dente! Top off with parmesan.
You can skip the carbs and just make meatballs.
~Mikey's coconut Thai chick dish:
Ingredients:
Chicken breasts (about 1 breast per person) cut into bite size strips
Scallions, sliced into thin strips, a bunch, half to use while cooking, and half to use for garnish
Cilantro, a handful chopped, save some for garnish (i dont use stems)
Green chilies, about 1-2 deseeded. Don’t fool around afterwards, it stings anything you touch (oucchhhh where the sun don't shine)
So here are some of my recipes/tricks:
Eggs ~ to get your eggs just right (whether you like them well done or over easy), make sure to cover them with a lid when they are on the pan. Some of you say duh!! Not so obvious to everyone..
Steak ~ the simplest marinade makes a mean steak: olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic (lots of it) - you can even cheat by buying already chopped garlic
Fish ~ a simple sauté is all it takes. Marinade your fish (i like tilapia) with garlic, mustard, olive oil, and salt/pepper. Never marinade fish for too long before cooking, especially with lemon, because the lemon cooks the fish (i.e.: ceviche)
~Hamburger /Lamb Burger /or Turkey Burgers
1. Mix all these ingredients together:
Ground chuck meat
1 Egg
Chopped parsely
Finely chopped onion
Cornmeal (to keep them sticky)
Salt and Pepper
Garlic powder or fresh garlic (my preference)
Ketchup
2. Pan fry on medium; Turn over a few times
~Any pasta Bolognese (I like spaghetti or shells):
1. Let simmer for a while (15mins):
Diced Tomatoes- Use San Marzano canned/diced tomatoes (purple can;not available at all markets)
tad of olive oil
Finely chopped fresh onion
Finely chopped fresh garlic
Sea Salt and Pepper
A "cubito" (seasoning cube)
If sauce seems thick, add 1 cup of water
2. In another dish, mix chuck ground meat with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and some cornmeal (so meatballs dont fall apart). You can make meat balls, or simply throw in small peices of meat into the simmer. Let cook in simmering sauce for about 10-15 mins(try as you go to make sure meat isn't raw, but also make sure it doesn't dry out). Use a large pot so things do not overflow and the meat has its space.
3. Add Paprika or ketchup @ end to the stew
4. Place on pasta. Make sure to cook your pasta al dente! Top off with parmesan.
You can skip the carbs and just make meatballs.
~Mikey's coconut Thai chick dish:
Ingredients:
Chicken breasts (about 1 breast per person) cut into bite size strips
Scallions, sliced into thin strips, a bunch, half to use while cooking, and half to use for garnish
Cilantro, a handful chopped, save some for garnish (i dont use stems)
Green chilies, about 1-2 deseeded. Don’t fool around afterwards, it stings anything you touch (oucchhhh where the sun don't shine)
Veggies (Broccoli, Mushrooms, Bean Sprouts, Bok Choy all add a nice textural crunch)
Thai fish sauce, about 1-2 table spoons
Osem chicken consommé powder, about 1-2 heaping tablespoons, to taste (check before you add all of amount, its salty)
Coconut milk
Zest of 2 limes (you need to buy a proper lemon zester for this, look for a "microplane" available at your grocery store)
Thai fish sauce, about 1-2 table spoons
Osem chicken consommé powder, about 1-2 heaping tablespoons, to taste (check before you add all of amount, its salty)
Coconut milk
Zest of 2 limes (you need to buy a proper lemon zester for this, look for a "microplane" available at your grocery store)
1. In a bowl, add chicken with lime juice and lime zest and try to marinade for an hour, but not necessary
2. Heat up olive or sesame oil (my preference) in a wok , about 2 tablespoons, and add the meat pieces and brown. Cook for 3-4 minutes or until toasty
3. Add green chilies and cook for another minute-on medium -high heat4. Add any veggies you like (Broccoli, Bok Shoy, Bean Sprouts, Mushrooms). I like to pre-marinade the veggies with salt, pepper, chilli, lemon, garlic salt, and garlic powder)
5. Add coconut milk, fish sauce, consomme cube, half of scallions, half of cilantro and cook until chicken is cooked and tender being careful not to overcook it and not to make the veggies soggie. (About 5 minutes on low heat)
Serve over fragrant Thai rice and garnish with fresh cilantro and scallions.
I have tried this recipe with chicken and veal, and both have been delicious. I have also included broccoli (step3). Feel free to add any veggies to this dish (spinach, bok choy)
~Broiled Veggies:
1. Steam or sauté your veggies adding salt, pepper, garlic, and chilies (just a hint to give it a kick).. Then place them in a pyrex with olive oil or sesame oil (depends on the veggies) and broil them in the oven for about 10 mins til they seem BBQ'd
~Quinoa
1. Heat coconut oil or olive oil in a bowl on high heat
2. Toss in some chopped onions til brown
3. When onion are almost brown, throw in some fresh garlic
4. Add 2 cups of water + cubito
5. When water boils, add 1 cup of quinoa
6. Lower heat to medium, cover the pan. Let simmer for about 10 mins until water is evaporated
*ratio of water to quinoa is 2:1
~Smoothies:
- Easy breezy. Add fresh fruit and coconut water plus ice+ maybe honey. Any fruit goes. Add some rum, for a daiquiri kick.
~Chimichurri
this is a major mish mosh of ingredients and I can't give you exact amounts. Use a food processor to crush up parsley (leave the stems out).. then in a bowl, mix the chopped up parsley, add finely chopped garlic,oil,lemon,white vinegar,salt/pepper. Vuala!! you have now fresh chimmi- makes for great topping over skirt steak,fish,and i love it with quinoa too,.
Oils to experiment with: sesame oil, coconut oil (only with starches, very oily for meat), hemp oil, almond oil, avocado oil (only for salad)..
These are nothing fancy. Simply homey, delicious, quick, and easy.. Bon appétit. Fellow readers, please post your recipes below!
5. Add coconut milk, fish sauce, consomme cube, half of scallions, half of cilantro and cook until chicken is cooked and tender being careful not to overcook it and not to make the veggies soggie. (About 5 minutes on low heat)
Serve over fragrant Thai rice and garnish with fresh cilantro and scallions.
I have tried this recipe with chicken and veal, and both have been delicious. I have also included broccoli (step3). Feel free to add any veggies to this dish (spinach, bok choy)
~Broiled Veggies:
1. Steam or sauté your veggies adding salt, pepper, garlic, and chilies (just a hint to give it a kick).. Then place them in a pyrex with olive oil or sesame oil (depends on the veggies) and broil them in the oven for about 10 mins til they seem BBQ'd
~Quinoa
1. Heat coconut oil or olive oil in a bowl on high heat
2. Toss in some chopped onions til brown
3. When onion are almost brown, throw in some fresh garlic
4. Add 2 cups of water + cubito
5. When water boils, add 1 cup of quinoa
6. Lower heat to medium, cover the pan. Let simmer for about 10 mins until water is evaporated
*ratio of water to quinoa is 2:1
~Smoothies:
- Easy breezy. Add fresh fruit and coconut water plus ice+ maybe honey. Any fruit goes. Add some rum, for a daiquiri kick.
~Chimichurri
this is a major mish mosh of ingredients and I can't give you exact amounts. Use a food processor to crush up parsley (leave the stems out).. then in a bowl, mix the chopped up parsley, add finely chopped garlic,oil,lemon,white vinegar,salt/pepper. Vuala!! you have now fresh chimmi- makes for great topping over skirt steak,fish,and i love it with quinoa too,.
Oils to experiment with: sesame oil, coconut oil (only with starches, very oily for meat), hemp oil, almond oil, avocado oil (only for salad)..
These are nothing fancy. Simply homey, delicious, quick, and easy.. Bon appétit. Fellow readers, please post your recipes below!
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
School's out for Summer!
My apologies for going MIA (no pun intended) in the last few weeks. What can i say, i have commitment issues...
Most people find Miami's summers to be brutally hot and humid. But I appreciate the 4 pm monsoons-gives me a great excuse to let my hair go frizzy. It just feels so sexy to get out of the shower and never dry. That’s one of the ways I got my nickname “Sweaty Broad.” Secret tip: to tame the frizz call The Beauty Factory at(954) 783-7270 for the Brazilian keratin treatment. As natural as it gets (compared to all other salons), and done by only Brazilian ladies themselves. Warning: não fale inglês.
Ive' put together a list of great ways to spend your summer without breaking the bank completely (well, kinda, key word being "completely"):
1. PrayerDanse at "The Sacred Space" Sundays 10-noon; a chance for creative movement and soul cleansing.. Whether you’re just getting off last night's high or starting fresh, prayerdanse has no rules. Show up, open up, danse it off. No dansing experience required. 100 NE 25th St., Miami - Find out more at www.prayerdanse.com
2. Fanagle a membership to Miami's new Soho BeachHouse. Don’t ask how I'll do it- I have no clue? Under 27's get 50% off the "private membership" fee. Samantha Jones couldn't even get in here...hmm
3. Take a yoga weekend off. Check out retreats at the Standard Hotel (Miami Beach), Samasati Hotel (Costa Rica), or Yoga Farm (Costa Rica)
4. Enroll your rugrats in SwimGym Aquatic Sport Camp, Key Biscayne's funnest acquatic sport camp for kids ages 3-17. Counselor positions available. www.swimgym.net
5. Eat latin food: Ceviche 105, La Lupita, SuViche, Casa Juancho, and the South Florida staple, Versailles! (see past blogs for more info on Miami's latin food)
6. Get your festival on: Bonaroo is a road trip away (June 10-13)-- Feel free to stop by my tent and holla... look for my neon tent with 3 hot chickies and a handsome half naked BBQ griller named Alan. http://www.bonnaroo.com/
7. Check out Legacy Fit. Find 4 friends and get personal training for $25/hour/person with former football player Manning Sumpter from Birmingham, Alabama. He's quite the looker, but beware of his Puerto Ricena fisty ladyfriend, scary!. This isn't your usual gym rat workout. You will get a glimpse of what real football players train like. http://www.legacyfit.com/(305) 799 0850
8. Join an organic food co-op. Pick up fresh organic groceries from your local host for only $45. Visit www.AnniesBuyingClub.com for more info. This is a great way to eat right and support our local FL farmers.
9. Paddleboard for charity on June 12th. For $35, you can provide a homeless person food for an entire week at Camillus House. Start your day early (8:30am) at the Purdy Lounge boat ramp. Race begins at 9am. All spectators are welcome to watch from the Standard. Even if you don't wanna race, at least you can play too cool for school at the Standard. Hipster or not, it’s for a great cause.
www.paddle4people.com
10. Summer is always a good time for Blockbuster movie hits! Start the summer off with Sex in the City 2 (the girls are baaaaack, el grupo whose game?)…
how bout the A-team?! (a new rendition of the 80’s TV show…”I pity the fooool”), you want a real thriller, how bout Inception with Leonardo di Caprio and Michael Caine (this comes from the director of The Dark Knight and Memento, even the plot has not been made publicly available yet)…there will be plenty others, but the theater is always a nice way to escape the heat!
11. Check out my favorite fellow blogger www.youngvelveteen.blogspot.com , make yourself cooler. Also visit http://www.daytrotter.com/ for more free music from the finest indi bands!
12. Last but not least, foam parties. Woops, its 2010, not 1996…get your miami pool parties on. Get those oversized sunglasses out, short Villebrequin bathing suits(gentlemen), and take your Euro ass to the W, Standard, Raleigh for a Fantastish time...
Enjoy and don't forget your sunblock!
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Bub- Ba- Q
A few days ago i promised myself i would only eat meat in those "worth it" moments. Of course "worth it" is subjective. To me worth it means a home cooked brisket, or hamburgers on the BBQ (camping style in the everglades), or a cuban style picadillo (love my carne molida) . To others it means a juicy american rib eye from Prime 112 Steakhouse. However, I have found the "worth it" meat that takes subjective to OBVIOUSLY worth eating!
Last night I ate at Q American BBQ. Boy oh Boy. The baby back ribs were absolutely scrumptious, fell right off the bone. Even their bowl starter-salad was spectacular. It was Beale Street in the heart of Miami's Design District.
Though the service is lagging a bit (In their defense, only been opened a few weeks), these folks know what they are doing. I highly recommend their Kentucky Lemonade, their blend of three bourbons and fresh lemonade, just perfect to quench that thirst! Don't miss out on the cheddar cheese grits and the mashed potatoes. I didn't get to have their sliders, but will do so on my next visit. On the table they serve different BBQ sauces. I drenched my ribs with their Memphis Vinegar sauce.
Q also turns it up with live music on some nights, typically American rhythm and blues, hard country, that sort of thing. Not your usual downtown tunes, more of the Mississippi Delta... if you do not know what that means, go watch the movie Road House.
VEGETARIAN mission ABORTED!
4029 N Miami Ave
Miami, FL 33137
(305) 227-2378
www.qamericanbarbeque.com
No reservations needed- no hassle, no frills, get sloppy and grub on down.
Last night I ate at Q American BBQ. Boy oh Boy. The baby back ribs were absolutely scrumptious, fell right off the bone. Even their bowl starter-salad was spectacular. It was Beale Street in the heart of Miami's Design District.
Though the service is lagging a bit (In their defense, only been opened a few weeks), these folks know what they are doing. I highly recommend their Kentucky Lemonade, their blend of three bourbons and fresh lemonade, just perfect to quench that thirst! Don't miss out on the cheddar cheese grits and the mashed potatoes. I didn't get to have their sliders, but will do so on my next visit. On the table they serve different BBQ sauces. I drenched my ribs with their Memphis Vinegar sauce.
Q also turns it up with live music on some nights, typically American rhythm and blues, hard country, that sort of thing. Not your usual downtown tunes, more of the Mississippi Delta... if you do not know what that means, go watch the movie Road House.
VEGETARIAN mission ABORTED!
4029 N Miami Ave
Miami, FL 33137
(305) 227-2378
www.qamericanbarbeque.com
No reservations needed- no hassle, no frills, get sloppy and grub on down.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Home Cookin
omg omg omg orgasm... I just experienced the most exquisite culinary experience in my existence. It all started with thrillist, when my friend Marc (with a C) send me the link to this "restaurant." Being that I am the food snob, I put it on my to-do list. So 3 weeks later, I got to it. Not thinking much about it, I followed the link and made a reservation. This "restaurant" is a very loving chef's home- Chef Alan.
Since I am naive and curious (some say I have ass everywhere syndrome), I booked it. It wasn’t until I was driving there, that I realized this idea can go very sour. For all I know, I can get killed or raped or abducted. I am heading to a stranger’s house with 2 bottles of wine, and in 2 hours can potentially find myself sliced up. Despite, my scary hallucinations, I walked in, and entered a foodie's heaven.
The chef greeted us so kindly. He made us feel right at home. Then he began his masterpiece. He cooked:
Wahoo Crudo with Homegrown Arugula, Shaved Fennel and Smoked Tomato Vinaigrette
Duck Confit wrapped in Endives with Charred Apples and Caramelized Garlic
Red Roasted Mahi with Asian Coconut Broth and Seared Shiitakes
Ile Flotant and Passion Fruit Soup
We literally sat in his living room, watching him. If it were warmer we would have sat outside in his garden under a tipee table. Every dish was made fresh on the spot. Herbs were grown in his veggie garden in. A true digestion of passion.
Ya'll are very luck I am sharing this. Make sure to visit:
http://chefalanhughes.com/services/#2
Since I am naive and curious (some say I have ass everywhere syndrome), I booked it. It wasn’t until I was driving there, that I realized this idea can go very sour. For all I know, I can get killed or raped or abducted. I am heading to a stranger’s house with 2 bottles of wine, and in 2 hours can potentially find myself sliced up. Despite, my scary hallucinations, I walked in, and entered a foodie's heaven.
The chef greeted us so kindly. He made us feel right at home. Then he began his masterpiece. He cooked:
Wahoo Crudo with Homegrown Arugula, Shaved Fennel and Smoked Tomato Vinaigrette
Duck Confit wrapped in Endives with Charred Apples and Caramelized Garlic
Red Roasted Mahi with Asian Coconut Broth and Seared Shiitakes
Ile Flotant and Passion Fruit Soup
We literally sat in his living room, watching him. If it were warmer we would have sat outside in his garden under a tipee table. Every dish was made fresh on the spot. Herbs were grown in his veggie garden in. A true digestion of passion.
Ya'll are very luck I am sharing this. Make sure to visit:
http://chefalanhughes.com/services/#2
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Magic KingDUMP
DisNOT! i had to go to Orlando for work this past week, and let me tell you Disney gives me the heeby geebies. Its so plastic, oversized, artficial, and overpriced. Don't get me wrong Walt knew what he was doing when he built that empire, and its great for the kids, but it sure aint for SoBitch. I feel almost guilty saying this out loud, i mean who hates disney? that is a true sign of pessimism. i should be ashamed of myself. if i have any disNOT followers, speak up now, so i know im not alone!
Suck on DisNuts!
Suck on DisNuts!
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Joyas Japonesas
The Japanese Market is the freshest sushi counter in No Mi Beach, Normandy Isle! 
Make sure to call and reserve your spot at the counter a few hours before.
www.japanese-market.com
1412 79th Street Causeway
Miami Beach, FL 33141
(305) 861-0143
10:00-7:00 PM Mon- Sat
12:00-6:00 Sun
Order their handrolls, especially the scallion handroll! The chef toasts the seaweed and makes every bite soo crunchy! Get courageous, relinquish control, and let the chef serve you his freshest selection. I think fish delivery is on Thursdays, so that may be the best day to go.
They sell beef for Sukiyaki and Shabushabu, ribs, sausage, ground meat, and cow tongue. Black pork loin is their specialty, YUMMY. Aside from their nasty selection of Japanese meats, they have these great gummy Japanese candies called HI-CHEW, frozen gyoza, all types of noodles and rices (Kagayaki, Tamaki-mai, Akitaotome, and Koshihikari). They even sell Japanese beauty products, but their selection was rather unattractive.
Another dementedly amazing spot is Hiro's Yakossan.
Hiro's Yakko-San
17040-46 West Dixie Highway
North Miami Beach, FL 33160
Tel 305.947.0064
Sun-Thu 6pm-2am
Fri-Sat 6pm-3am
This is the most authentic Japanese restaurant in the area. They features home cooking and Japanese tapas, so you can try a lot of very different menu options. I suggest you go with a group so you can really endulge in all the eccentricities. I start with the salmon sashimi salad, fried Chrysanthemums, and deep-fried Bok Choy. Followed by the catch of the day,which you hand pick yourself, which is then fried served in bite size chunks with a stellar ponzu dipping sauce. You will always find chefs eating here,which to me is a great sign. Not to mention they are opened late night, so there aint no rush! Lines and prices are average and very managable.
~Sayonara~
Enjoy my complementary Japonese Dictionary:
Make sure to call and reserve your spot at the counter a few hours before.
www.japanese-market.com
1412 79th Street Causeway
Miami Beach, FL 33141
(305) 861-0143
10:00-7:00 PM Mon- Sat
12:00-6:00 Sun
Order their handrolls, especially the scallion handroll! The chef toasts the seaweed and makes every bite soo crunchy! Get courageous, relinquish control, and let the chef serve you his freshest selection. I think fish delivery is on Thursdays, so that may be the best day to go.
They sell beef for Sukiyaki and Shabushabu, ribs, sausage, ground meat, and cow tongue. Black pork loin is their specialty, YUMMY. Aside from their nasty selection of Japanese meats, they have these great gummy Japanese candies called HI-CHEW, frozen gyoza, all types of noodles and rices (Kagayaki, Tamaki-mai, Akitaotome, and Koshihikari). They even sell Japanese beauty products, but their selection was rather unattractive.
Another dementedly amazing spot is Hiro's Yakossan.
Hiro's Yakko-San
17040-46 West Dixie Highway
North Miami Beach, FL 33160
Tel 305.947.0064
Sun-Thu 6pm-2am
Fri-Sat 6pm-3am
This is the most authentic Japanese restaurant in the area. They features home cooking and Japanese tapas, so you can try a lot of very different menu options. I suggest you go with a group so you can really endulge in all the eccentricities. I start with the salmon sashimi salad, fried Chrysanthemums, and deep-fried Bok Choy. Followed by the catch of the day,which you hand pick yourself, which is then fried served in bite size chunks with a stellar ponzu dipping sauce. You will always find chefs eating here,which to me is a great sign. Not to mention they are opened late night, so there aint no rush! Lines and prices are average and very managable.
~Sayonara~
Enjoy my complementary Japonese Dictionary:
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Party Hardy
Lets talk Parties. Everyone wants to have fun, but nobody likes the prep time. So i am presenting a few solutions to throwing killer gatherings/parties/get togethers. In no particular order, these spots work for all types of parties; young/old, cheap/lavish, tame/wild. BOTTOM'S UP!
Let's start with Lou's Beer Garden.
I'd say they have the most unique selection of beers in town, solid pub grub, open air vibrations, and a killer setup for a low-key hipster fiesta.
The next spot is the old and sophisticated Miami Beach Surf Club.
This place looks like an old orfanage, where the floors creek and the women wear knee high stockings that show at the helm of their skirts. The club's glittering early parties hosted world famous personalities such as the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, Douglas Fairbanks, Jr., and General Douglas MacArthur. Other early guests include Winston Churchill. I actually checked this spot out for our wedding, but it wasn't the right fit. Do not be confused, this place is a dumpy old school country club, but with a tasteful selection of cocktails,swanky tunes, and the right crowd, you can bring its dusty charm back to life milk and honey NYC style...
The Garden Lounge, former home of the my Mr. and Mrs. Extravaganza is my most magical gardenesque venue. Bring your friends, your tunes, your booze, and all other necessary accessories for an bamboo-rific time.
Let's start with Lou's Beer Garden.
I'd say they have the most unique selection of beers in town, solid pub grub, open air vibrations, and a killer setup for a low-key hipster fiesta. The next spot is the old and sophisticated Miami Beach Surf Club.
This place looks like an old orfanage, where the floors creek and the women wear knee high stockings that show at the helm of their skirts. The club's glittering early parties hosted world famous personalities such as the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, Douglas Fairbanks, Jr., and General Douglas MacArthur. Other early guests include Winston Churchill. I actually checked this spot out for our wedding, but it wasn't the right fit. Do not be confused, this place is a dumpy old school country club, but with a tasteful selection of cocktails,swanky tunes, and the right crowd, you can bring its dusty charm back to life milk and honey NYC style... The Garden Lounge, former home of the my Mr. and Mrs. Extravaganza is my most magical gardenesque venue. Bring your friends, your tunes, your booze, and all other necessary accessories for an bamboo-rific time.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Mall Madness
For those of you Aventorture residents, you will surely appreciate this interesting anectode. So as some of you may know, I recently wedded. This means I have now embarked on a one year relationship with Bloomigdales, William Sonoma, Pottery Barn, Restoration Hardware, ect. My weekends will be spent writing thank you cards, learning to use an expresso machine, returning and exchanging broken and/or ugly merchandise, and all other sorts of housewife activities.
When i walked into Aventura Mall i was shocked to see how few stores from my childhood still remain (I am an 80s kid). I can say with confidence that the only old school stores are Bebe, Cache, Gap, Wet Seal, Sears, Macys, and JCPenny. Oh how i miss Anika and Hughie! "Treats" is not what we were once accustomed to. The only familiar face was Sarku Japan, yummy to those free teriyaki chicken samples. What happened to the Potatoe sack? Mama B's Pizzeria? Mario's? Thank goodness for Hagen Daz's loyalty.
All my childhood memories are gone. Damn the new shops that exist in all other malls across America. Damn you Barneys (terrible Barneys Coop selection), Damn you JCrew, Damn you M.A.C. (Thank you Forever 21 and Urban Outfitters-SoBitch pick of the new mall). And the saddest of all is that in all this change, there aint a damn decent thing to eat in that god foresaken mall.
Since I got you on the shopping kick, here are few of Sobitch's shop spots:
-The Webster (only the intelligent visit during their 80% sale)
-C Madeline
-On My Own (cant beat their basics and their prices)
-Citrine By the Stones Jewelry Boutique
-I on the District
-Oxygen
-Sebastien James (great for men work clothes)
-Steven Allen online (for men)
-Shopbop.com
-Topshop.com
-CB2 (lincoln road)
-Brownes Beauty (Beauty products and Salon)
-Standard Spa (overpriced Beauty products)
-Letterheads (stationary/specialty giftshop)
When i walked into Aventura Mall i was shocked to see how few stores from my childhood still remain (I am an 80s kid). I can say with confidence that the only old school stores are Bebe, Cache, Gap, Wet Seal, Sears, Macys, and JCPenny. Oh how i miss Anika and Hughie! "Treats" is not what we were once accustomed to. The only familiar face was Sarku Japan, yummy to those free teriyaki chicken samples. What happened to the Potatoe sack? Mama B's Pizzeria? Mario's? Thank goodness for Hagen Daz's loyalty.
All my childhood memories are gone. Damn the new shops that exist in all other malls across America. Damn you Barneys (terrible Barneys Coop selection), Damn you JCrew, Damn you M.A.C. (Thank you Forever 21 and Urban Outfitters-SoBitch pick of the new mall). And the saddest of all is that in all this change, there aint a damn decent thing to eat in that god foresaken mall.
Since I got you on the shopping kick, here are few of Sobitch's shop spots:
-The Webster (only the intelligent visit during their 80% sale)
-C Madeline
-On My Own (cant beat their basics and their prices)
-Citrine By the Stones Jewelry Boutique
-I on the District
-Oxygen
-Sebastien James (great for men work clothes)
-Steven Allen online (for men)
-Shopbop.com
-Topshop.com
-CB2 (lincoln road)
-Brownes Beauty (Beauty products and Salon)
-Standard Spa (overpriced Beauty products)
-Letterheads (stationary/specialty giftshop)
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Secretos Latino
After a crazy holiday season of getting married at Vizcaya, excessive partying at Bardot in my wedding dress (oh Oscar please forgive me!), Brazilian Reveillon (new years eve), xmas en Prea Beach, Fortaleza, I am here to report I have THREE new amazing miami eateries. Of course, both latin cuisines.
The first one is Salmon Salmon, not in the jazziest part of town, but way worth it . No lines, no hassles, no posh, just great reliable peruvian food. Not cheap but very fair. Make sure to order the ceviche, the tacu tacu, the frito mixto, papa a la huancaina, the lomo salteado. This spot is great for carnivores, seafood lovers, and vegetarians. Only bad thing is that you will wake up with some serious morning breath after a Salmon Salmon meal- Even if you brush your teeth before going to sleep (Must admit I dont always do that...shhhh! )
Another killer spot i recently came across is Talavera, in the heart of Coral Gables. This upscale Mexican (no TexMex BS) spot makes a mean margarita, vuelve a la vida (ceviche in red sauce , straight from Veracruz, MX), tacos al pastor, Nopales ( a delicious tangy cactus salad), and Huarache (a house specialty corn masa dish). Huarache is the Mexican word for sandal. So you are actually eating a sandle shaped corn meal dish topped with either meat or shrimp or chicken or just veggies. Absolutely delectable!
Finally, King Kone on Alton Road. Not exactly "Latino" because it is technically Japanese. However, it's run by Brazilians and I discovered it in Rio de Janeiro. Then 2 weeks later, by a magical coincidence, they opened near Lincoln Road. So for blog purposes, its Latino. King Kone is a strictly handroll Japanese restaurant. They have all types of handrolls. My fave is the salmon, masago and chives one. I advise you to steer clear of the small/mini hand rolls, only order the regular or large size. The small ones taste like cardboard! YUCK.
They also have killer sweet waffle cones, filled with fruit and nutella. Not very Japanesy, but hey nutella is a universal wonder. Some negatives: bad music, bad soy sauce serving squirts, and not the greatest lighting. They sill have some loose ends to figure out, so I'm not sure how long the heat will last? Get your handrolls while they're still cold!
Sobitch says: Finger Lickin Good!
The first one is Salmon Salmon, not in the jazziest part of town, but way worth it . No lines, no hassles, no posh, just great reliable peruvian food. Not cheap but very fair. Make sure to order the ceviche, the tacu tacu, the frito mixto, papa a la huancaina, the lomo salteado. This spot is great for carnivores, seafood lovers, and vegetarians. Only bad thing is that you will wake up with some serious morning breath after a Salmon Salmon meal- Even if you brush your teeth before going to sleep (Must admit I dont always do that...shhhh! )
Another killer spot i recently came across is Talavera, in the heart of Coral Gables. This upscale Mexican (no TexMex BS) spot makes a mean margarita, vuelve a la vida (ceviche in red sauce , straight from Veracruz, MX), tacos al pastor, Nopales ( a delicious tangy cactus salad), and Huarache (a house specialty corn masa dish). Huarache is the Mexican word for sandal. So you are actually eating a sandle shaped corn meal dish topped with either meat or shrimp or chicken or just veggies. Absolutely delectable!
Finally, King Kone on Alton Road. Not exactly "Latino" because it is technically Japanese. However, it's run by Brazilians and I discovered it in Rio de Janeiro. Then 2 weeks later, by a magical coincidence, they opened near Lincoln Road. So for blog purposes, its Latino. King Kone is a strictly handroll Japanese restaurant. They have all types of handrolls. My fave is the salmon, masago and chives one. I advise you to steer clear of the small/mini hand rolls, only order the regular or large size. The small ones taste like cardboard! YUCK.
They also have killer sweet waffle cones, filled with fruit and nutella. Not very Japanesy, but hey nutella is a universal wonder. Some negatives: bad music, bad soy sauce serving squirts, and not the greatest lighting. They sill have some loose ends to figure out, so I'm not sure how long the heat will last? Get your handrolls while they're still cold!
Sobitch says: Finger Lickin Good!
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Brazil Muleki
I want to report on one my top trips yet ~ Brazil Muleki. I went to Brazil on my honeymoon this past December.
We started in Fortaleza in a small town called Prea. Let me just preface you with the notion that there are no roads here. To travel, you have to take a sand buggy that drives on the beach. The closest “city” to Prea is called Jeri, which basically has no real floor. It’s all on sand. Homes have sand inside. Stores have sand inside. Restaurants are on top of the sand. And by sand, I don’t mean beachfront Miami prime time property. I mean that literally the city is just on sand, no asphalt, NADA. No shoes allowed either. I can't imagine what their beds feel like?
We started in Fortaleza in a small town called Prea. Let me just preface you with the notion that there are no roads here. To travel, you have to take a sand buggy that drives on the beach. The closest “city” to Prea is called Jeri, which basically has no real floor. It’s all on sand. Homes have sand inside. Stores have sand inside. Restaurants are on top of the sand. And by sand, I don’t mean beachfront Miami prime time property. I mean that literally the city is just on sand, no asphalt, NADA. No shoes allowed either. I can't imagine what their beds feel like?
The reason we came to Prea was to kitesurf. Warm water, clean waves, and sick downwinders for miles and miles. We stayed at this amazing hotel called Rancho do Peixe. It was a half ranch, half beach bungalow spot. Absolutely amazing.
WARNING: there were frogs in the toilet. I was a bit stunned by that, but the hotel’s answer was “well frogs do like fresh water.” So I made peace with the frogs and did my business. I have to confess, I would always flush them down the toilet before getting started.
After 3 kite days, we left the beach jungle for Rio de Janeiro. Talk about an amazing city! Surrounded by Favelas, mountains, beaches, and metropolis. In a normal city, you have different areas with different vibes. In Rio, you have different beach lifeguard stations that represent this eclectic city. Lifeguard station# 9 is where the hottie tottie celebs hang out. Station 6, more of a family crowd. Station 5 is the gay scene. Kind of like the table scene at lunch in high school.
Beside the beaches, you have Favelas. We visited the largest favela in the world: Rocinha, tax free living. We walked in from the bottom of the favela (favelas usually sit on mountains, with homes stacked up the mountain) and ate the most authentic Brazilian meal. There were 14 year olds walking around with AK 47s and all types of guns. (I am not a big gun connoisseur, so I couldn’t tell you what they were really holding, but they could kill.) Young kids selling drugs on the street, taxi drivers on motorcycles with guns hanging on their necklaces, MAYHEM? Yes and No. There is no crime within the favela (all crime takes place outside). Favela residents are singing and rapping Brazilian hippy hop. Believe it or not the favela had hidden surveillance cameras. The minute you walk in, the chief knows you are there. They have electricity, power, and heat, all without paying taxes. Not too shabby..
Some amazing restaurants to note in Rio are: Casa de Feijoada, Oasis Churrasceria, Aprazivel, the restaurants in Leblon, King Kone (just opened recently in Miami), and Botequin Informal (fine beer spot).
Unfortunaly we didn’t get a chance to visit Buzios, but that is next on the wish list.
Last stop: Florianopolis. This place is so over rated. It is filled with Miami wanna be’s, backpackers, and cover charge. Kind of like a Tamarindo, Costa Rica with Ibiza apirations. They have a few roads and too many tourists, so the traffic is brutal. The partying is good, but you can run into the cheesy transy stuff. The food, shameful! Sobitch no likey, clearly.
Highly recommend Brazil. Top country, easy, in South America.
SoSappy
SoBitch is going to try something different. In a way it is very Sobitchy because its honest. However the topic is a bit unexpected.
Below is my MEMO to all my readers about life and love.
• Believe in love. Believe you deserve it.
• Love heals.
• Do not resist love, it will find you anyway and nip you in the ass.
• Understand that love is a journey and can get bumpy. So keep your fights clean and your sex dirty!
• Realize that half the time you are ripping on someone else, it is most likely a projection of the things you do not like about yourself.
• Don’t let things go because you are scared or not “ready.” Don't be a pussy! Sometimes it takes jumping in to get where you want to get.
• Fall in love with someone’s soul, not their image. It's very easy to add a little cool, it’s not so easy to add what counts. (penis!)
• Have fun with your mate: be natural, get dirty, travel when you can. Spend all your money on each other!
• Let yourself be happy. It doesn’t always have to be dramatic and complicated.
• Go on your honeymoon BEFFORE and AFTER the wedding! You need a darn vacation due to planning a wedding, and of course should get a little getaway afterwards. A pre-wedding Honeymoon also helps detach from Bridezilla. WARNING: Even the coolest of them all go BRIDE BONKERS!
Mazel Mazel , Good Things.
Below is my MEMO to all my readers about life and love.
• Believe in love. Believe you deserve it.
• Love heals.
• Do not resist love, it will find you anyway and nip you in the ass.
• Understand that love is a journey and can get bumpy. So keep your fights clean and your sex dirty!
• Realize that half the time you are ripping on someone else, it is most likely a projection of the things you do not like about yourself.
• Don’t let things go because you are scared or not “ready.” Don't be a pussy! Sometimes it takes jumping in to get where you want to get.
• Fall in love with someone’s soul, not their image. It's very easy to add a little cool, it’s not so easy to add what counts. (penis!)
• Have fun with your mate: be natural, get dirty, travel when you can. Spend all your money on each other!
• Let yourself be happy. It doesn’t always have to be dramatic and complicated.
• Go on your honeymoon BEFFORE and AFTER the wedding! You need a darn vacation due to planning a wedding, and of course should get a little getaway afterwards. A pre-wedding Honeymoon also helps detach from Bridezilla. WARNING: Even the coolest of them all go BRIDE BONKERS!
Mazel Mazel , Good Things.
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