the culinary issue - InterContinental Miami

The Culinary Issue
Check out 100+ appetizing adventures
to be had in The Magic City & beyond.
Contents
brickell MAGAZINE mar 2013
“You don’t need a silver fork to eat good food.”
— Paul Prudhomme
60
67
76
98
Departments
Fe atures
14 Editor’s Memo
16 Success
52 Entrepreneur
54 Quench
58 Essentials
84 Spaces
104 Sojourn
116 Bar Tab
118 Taste
120 The 411
136 Encounters
162 Successory
60 Foodie Commandments
Learn the rules you should follow (or
shouldn’t) to make sure the next time you
eat out, you’re not embarrasing youself.
67 Palate Pleasures
Meet some of Miami’s top chefs and find
out what inspires them and how they’re
planning to satiate your appetite.
76 Memorable Nights
If you want to look your best when heading
out on the town for dinner, drinks and
dancing, these looks have you covered.
98 Plates & Pours
We scoured the neighborhood to bring you
50 of the most delectable dishes, drinks,
desserts and bites in town.
The Culinary issue
Check out 100+ appetizing adventures
to be had in The Magic City & beyond.
On The Cover
Photography: Nick Garcia for BlindLight Studio;
NickGarciaPhotography.com Model: Mary V for
NextModels.com Styling: Annie Fernández for BlindLight
Studio Hair & Makeup: Allyson Pastora for Rocco Donna;
RoccoDonna.com Production: Angela Bonilla for
BlindLight Studio Photo Assistant: Alvaro Peralta Location:
Toro Toro @ InterContinental Miami; ToroToroMiami.com
Special Thanks to Saks Fifth Avenue at Dadeland Mall;
305.662.8655 Wardrobe: Dress by Nicolle Miller
Feature
Palate
Pleasers
For the chefs you’re about to meet, passion,
creativity, vision and style combined with an
ingrained love of — and respect for — good food
whether it’s modern or traditional fare.
In t erv ie ws by S tac y W y n n
Ph otos co u r t e sy o f r e spec t i v e e s tab lish m en t s
67
Toro Toro Ribeye
Education: The Culinary Institute of America
First kitchen experience: “Growing up in Mexico, I spent Sunday
afternoons in my grandmother’s kitchen helping her prepare for weekly family
feasts. My father also owned restaurants so I spent a lot of time there as well,
watching action on the line.”
Culinary style: “I believe in old ways, new hands…I’m passionate about
my Mexican heritage but love reinterpreting the classics with modern cooking
techniques and infusions of flavor from around the world.”
The menu: “We’re a Pan-Latin steakhouse. The highlight of each meal is your
choice of meat, chicken or fish off of the traditional grill…I always choose the
rodizio option with unlimited meats served to the table on skewers and sliced.”
The vibe: “Chic, upbeat yet friendly and relaxed.”
Inspiration: “I like introducing diners to the Latin cuisine that I’ve developed
during my travels and the endless diversity of ingredients, techniques and
cuisines around the world.”
Most memorable compliment: “Several patrons have said that I inspired
them to become chefs.”
Favorite dish: “Causa, a Peruvian dish made of a chilled potato cake topped
with ceviche or other flavorful salads. The colors are vibrant — we often use
purple potato and colorful ceviche — and the flavors are fresh.”
Favorite part of the job? “The people. I’ve traveled around the world to hire
the best chefs and source the best products. Also, I like that I never stop learning
— there’s always something new to try or taste.”
Most challenging part? “I’m spending 2/3 of the year on the road. My wife
and children support everything I do and often meet me at different destinations,
but nothing replaces quality time at home.”
What’s in your fridge at home? “Ingredients to whip up Mexican comfort
foods like fresh chiles, herbs, Mexican cheeses & tortillas.”
Goals for the future? “I plan on growing several of my scalable concepts —
we’re on a roll, so I don’t see us slowing down anytime soon!”
68
Richard
Sandoval
Toro Toro
100 Chopin Plaza – Lobby
Miami, FL
305.372.4710
ToroToroMiami.com
Photos by Andres Aravena
“I believe in old ways, new hands…I’m passionate
about my Mexican heritage but love reinterpreting
the classics with modern cooking techniques and
infusions of flavor from around the world.”
69
Wardrobe
Dress by Herve Leger; Shoes by Valentino.
All @ Saks Fifth Avenue, Dadeland Mall;
305.662.8655, ext. 210.
76
MEMORABLE
NIGHTS
Whether you find yourself lounging, dining or dancing the
night away, one thing’s certain: These looks will get you the
attention you deserve no matter where you find yourself
having a good time.
Photography: Nick Garcia for BlindLight Studio; NickGarciaPhotography.com
Model: Mary V for NextModels.com Styling: Annie Fernández for BlindLight Studio
Hair & Makeup: Allyson Pastora for Rocco Donna; RoccoDonna.com
Production: Angela Bonilla for BlindLight Studio Photo Assistant: Alvaro Peralta
Wardrobe: Saks Fifth Avenue @ Dadeland Mall; 305.662.8655, ext. 210 and Nicolas Felizola; NicolasFelizola.com.
Location: Toro Toro @ InterContinental Miami; ToroToroMiami.com
77
Dress by BCBG Max Azria; Shoes by
Yves Saint Laurent @ Saks Fifth Avenue,
Dadeland Mall 305.662.8655 ext. 210.
78
Dress by Parker; Clutch by Alexander
McQueen; Shoes by Valentino. All
available @ Saks Fifth Avenue, Dadeland
Mall; 305.662.8655, ext. 210.
79
80
Dress by Emilio Pucci; Shoes by Miu
Miu. All available @ Saks Fifth Avenue,
Dadeland Mall; 305.662.8655, ext. 210.
81
French sequence silver base with embroidered black tulle
with flowers motif. Dress is one-of-a-kind handmade
piece by Nicolas Felizola @ NicolasFelizola.com.
82
Feature
98
PLATES
& POURS
We scoured the neighborhood to bring you some of the
most delicious, delectable and downright buzz-worthy
dishes, desserts and drinks in The Magic City.
T E X T BY DAV I D C . CLEL AN D
99
Pizza @ Mario The Baker
1
Porterhouse @ Chop House
300 S. Biscayne Blvd.
305.938.9000
ChopHouseMiami.com
Why we picked it: This massive 42-ounce steak (for 2, of
course) is the epitome of what steakhouses aspire to dish out.
It’s big, impressive and totally unapologetic.
2
Brassica Leaves & Fennel Salad @ Atrio
1395 Brickell Ave.
305.530.6500
ConradMiami.com
Why we picked it: It’s not that often you see brassica leaves in
a salad, and this hearty version makes us wish we saw it more
often. Featuring buttermilk, corn and slow-roasted tomatoes,
this dish is sure to make you think about going vegetarian.
3
Fiore Indigo @ Toscana Divino
900 S. Miami Ave.
305.371.2767
ToscanaDivino.com
Why we picked it: This sexy cocktail that takes you to the
Mediterranean via India utilizes gin, blueberries, rose water
& cardamom bitters (when was the last time you saw tasted
that?) and is finished with just a hint of citrus.
100
4
Pizza @ Mario The Baker
43 W. Flagler St.
786.316.0166
MarioTheBakerPizza.com
Why we picked it: With all the places in Miami for pizza, it’s
hard to pick a favorite, but with crisp crust, fresh toppings and
fast delivery all over Miami, this joint should be everyone’s goto place for a hot slice.
5
Custom Pasta @ Vapiano
1221 Brickell Ave.
305.374.0311
VapianoInternational.com
Why we picked it: This cool new restaurant’s unique concept,
in which you place your order directly with the chef, allows
you to personally customize your pasta with fresh ingredients
and delicious sauces.
6
Yuzu Key Lime Pie @ Zuma
270 Biscayne Blvd. Way
305.577.0277
ZumaRestaurant.com
Why we picked it: Key lime pie comes with the territory
when you live in South Florida, but it’s easy to get tired of.
Fortunately, these tart and unique slices remind us of why we
love this tasty dessert in the first place.
7
Pulpitos @ Baru Urbano
1001 S. Miami Ave.
305.381.5901
BaruUrbano.com
Why we picked it: This grilled octopus salad
is exactly what you’ve been craving: fresh,
interesting and delicious. Don’t be scarred
of octopus, it’s the grown-up version of that
fried calamari we all grew up with.
8
Burgers @ B & B Joint
900 S. Miami Ave., Ste. 130
305.523.2244
BNBJoint.com
Why we picked it: With the burger wars
raging on, everyone seems to have an opinion,
and this is our opinion: B&B has the best
burgers in town, at prices that won’t break
the bank. Plus, they have a beer selection to
brag about.
9
Caprese Swirl @
Segafredo Brickell
1421 S. Miami Ave.
305.577.9809
Sze-Brickell.com
Why we picked it: This has been described
as the best caprese salad ever, only it’s not
a salad, it’s a cocktail and an awesome one
at that, with balsamic reduction, basil,
strawberries and Leblon Cachaça.
Perfect Pear @ Blue Martini
10
900 South Miami Ave., Ste. 250
305.981.2583
BlueMartiniLounge.com
Why we picked it: We love simple cocktails
made well and this is a perfect example,
featuring excellent vodka, pear puree & lime.
Better yet, you can’t beat the ambiance!
11
Angus Beef Sliders @
Brickell Irish Pub
1451 S. Miami Ave.
305.381.6651
BrickellIrishPub.com
Why we picked it: This was one of the easiest
choices for us: great beef, Jameson Irish
Whiskey caramelized onions, aged cheddar,
herb aioli…enough said.
Caprese Swirl @ Segafredo Brickell
101
Smoked Salmon Bites @ Fado
12
Maine Lobster Pot Pie @
River Seafood & Oyster House
650 S. Miami Ave.
305.530.1915
TheRiverMiami.com
Why we picked it: Although the oysters here are the best in
town, it’s not the only thing on the menu. Their pot pie is
succulent, with a flaky crust and perfectly tender Maine lobster.
13
Veal Churrasco @ Crazy About You
1155 Brickell Bay Dr.
305.377.4442
CrazyAboutYouRestaurant.com
Why we picked it: This cool, young place offers great views,
and very reasonably priced food & wine. Their different take
on churrasco is delicious and comes with shoestring fries and
even an appetizer.
15
500 Brickell Key Dr.
305.913.8358
MandarinOriental.com
Why we picked it: Although Lobster Thermidor is a relic
of sorts in the food world, it’s been rescued here and
modernized, with fresh truffles and foie gras — it’s culinary
opulence at it’s best.
16
Lolita Julep @ Dolores Lolita
1000 S. Miami Ave.
305.403.3103
DoloresLolita.com
Why we picked it: Even though mojitos rule in Miami, the
other drink that definitely deserves a well-earned place at our
table is the mint julep, and this is one of our favorites with just
a hint of the islands.
102
The Art @ Red Bar
52 SW 10th St.
786.316.0303
RedBarGallery.com
Why we picked it: Ok, so you can’t really eat the art here, but
it’s nonetheless a feast for the senses worth mentioning on this
list. Plus, their cocktails are pretty stiff.
17
14
Lobster Thermidor @ Azul
Crispy Oysters & Peppers @ Truluck’s
777 Brickell Ave.
305.579.0035
Trulucks.com
Why we picked it: Although Truluck’s is known for their
top-notch steaks and hearty entrees, this creative appetizer
is second to none and features fried oysters with tempurabattered shishito peppers and a ginger dipping sauce that gets
the tastebuds reeling.
18
Smoked Salmon Bites @ Fado
900 South Miami Ave., Suite 220
786.924.0972
FadoIrishPub.com
Why we picked it: This traditional smoked salmon is served on
“boxty” which is the Irish equivalent of a bilini and better than
one, too. Served with capers and horseradish sauce, these are
some of the most perfect little bites you’ll ever eat.
19
Saganaki @ Taverna OPA
21
Reneboy @ Aijo
1331 Brickell Bay Dr.
786.452.1637
AijoRestaurant.com
Why we picked it: One of the most surprising and delicious
sushi dishes you’ll ever have, this special menu item features
crunchy rice, salmon, walnut and sweet eel sauce…ingredients
that combine for something greater than the sum of its parts.
22
Sgroppino Al Limone @ Piola
900 S. Miami Ave., Ste. 260
305.673.6730
TavernaOpaRestaurant.com
Why we picked it: Serving up great Greek food, even late at
night, this is a favorite of locals looking for a good time. For
us, there’s something alluring about bubbling cheese that’s
covered with flaming brandy and hip-shaking bellydancers.
1250 S. Miami Ave.
305.374.0031
Piola.it
Why we picked it: It’s essentially a grown-up milkshake made
with lemon ice cream and vodka and blended to the perfect
consistency. Be sure to stick around for some of the best woodfired pizza in town and a nice selection of healthy apps.
20
23
Brownie Tempura @ Doraku
900 S. Miami Ave., Suite 133
305.373.4633
DorakuSushi.com
Why we picked it: This is fusion at its best: Crisp, decadent
and whimsical. Served with fruit puree, chocolate sauce and
ice cream topped with macadamia nuts, it’s worth saving a
little room for this treat after you’ve enjoyed some sushi rolls.
Thit Kho @ Hy Vong
3458 SW 8th St.
305.446.3674
HyVong.com
Why we picked it: This restaurant has a 30-year history of
bringing traditional Vietnamese country cooking to Miami.
Their pork stewed in coconut milk is a favorite and packed
with flavorfully tender meat & potatoes.
Thit Kho @ Hy Vong
103
Mexican Cevice @ El Vato
24
Mixed Seafood Ceviche @ El Gran Inka Brickell
947 Brickell Ave.
786.220.7930
GranInka.com
Why we picked it: It’s hard to beat a really good Peruvian
ceviche, and they do it right here with tender, super-fresh fish,
herbs and vegetables combining to yield the perfect pre-dinner
appetizer or light lunch.
25
Tartare Sampler @ Edge, Steak & Bar
1435 Brickell Ave.
305.381.3190
EdgeRestaurantMiami.com
Why we picked it: Tartare is awesome, and here you can try
their 4 different — yet equally exquisite — offerings: beef,
octopus, ahi tuna & corvine. Be sure to stop by for their
Sunday brunch, too.
27
1000 S. Miami Ave.
305.415.9779
SushiMaki.com
Why we picked it: This is Sushi Maki’s Miami version of their
famous California Roll featuring crab, plantains, mango and
guava all coming together to create a perfect bite that you can’t
find anywhere else.
28
Bar Snacks @ Toro Toro
100 Chopin Plaza, InterContinental Lobby
305.372.4710
ToroToroMiami.com
Why we picked it: From Smoked Swordfish Dip to Wild
Mushroom Coca Flatbread and Hamachi Tiradito, the bar
menu at The InterContinental’s Toro Toro is good enough to
inspire even the most resistant appetite.
104
Crispy Paratha Cake @ Little Lotus
25 N. Miami Ave.
305.533.2700
LittleLotusMiami.com
Why we picked it: This crispy savory pancake is topped with
spicy tuna, red onion, cilantro, tomatoes and a sweet onion
dressing. Little Lotus is still a bit of a local secret, so shhhhh.
29
26
MSC Cali Ocho Roll @ Sushi Maki
Mexican Cevice @ El Vato
1010 S. Miami Ave.
305.523.6449
ElVatoBar.com
Why we picked it: Simply put: This will be one of the best
ceviche’s you’ve ever had. Featuring mahi cured in ginger
lemon juice, red onions, jalapeno and corn relish served with
chips. Add one of their nice tequila cocktails to the mix and
you’ll never need to go South Of The Border again.
30
Smoked Scallop @ TIKL
Baked Brie @ Perricone’s
1450 Brickell Ave.
305.372.0620
TiklRestaurant.com
Why we picked it: Sophisticated and sexy, this
is the perfect start to any meal. The pickled
chanterelles and the pink peppercorn elevate
this dish to ethereal levels. In the heart of
Brickell, TIKL is one of the best places to stop
in for a bite and sip after work.
31
Roast Pig Collar @ Area 31
270 Biscayne Blvd. Way
305.424.5234
Area31Restaurant.com
Why we picked it: When it comes to pork, the
best parts are hard to find, but luckily Area 31
carries our favorite: Pork collar served with
bacon apple crumble & salsify…it’s savory,
fatty, and oh so good!
32
SuperMoon Perro @ La Moon
97 SW 8th St.
305.379.5617
LaMoonRestaurantMiami.com
Why we picked it: Mmmmm…smoked sausage,
bacon and a perfectly cooked quail egg to top
it all of…this is what a true Colombian hotdog
should be…and is.
33
Brazilian Creamy Cracked
Conch Chowder @ Tuyo
415 NE 2nd Ave.
305.237.3200
TuyoMiami.com
Why we picked it: Creamy and delicious
with chunks of conch in a saffron, orange &
star anise cream broth…need we say more?
Although a perfect chowder is hard to come by,
this place comes pretty close.
34
Baked Brie @ Perricone’s
15 SE 10th St.
305.374.9449
Perricones.com
Why we picked it: This decadent app is a muststart to any meal featuring apples, gooey sauce
and lots of cheesy goodness all within a crisp
crust with heart-shaped crackers on the side.
You’ll fall in love at first bite…and come back
for seconds.
105
Churros En Bolsa @ Rosa Mexicano
35
Panacotta De Dulce De Leche @
Graziano’s Brickell
177 SW 7th St.
305.860.1426
GrazianosGroup.com
Why we picked it: After having meat cooked over an open fire
(a Graziano’s specialty), this Latin riff on an Italian classic is a
fine end to a leisurely meal because it’s delicious and
not nearly as heavy as most other offerings in the city.
38
49 SW 11th St.
305.960.7097
SuViche.com
Why we picked it: With their second location now open on
Miami Beach, it seems SuViche is here to stay, and we couldn’t
be happier. While all their ceviches are good, this is our
favorite, with mixed seafood and an eye-catching bright color.
39
36
Churros En Bolsa @ Rosa Mexicano
900 S. Miami Ave.
786.425.1001
RosaMexicano.com
Why we picked it: Who doesn’t love donuts? And these are
awesome, light, fluffy and crisp with a trio of awesome dipping
sauces. Be sure to get a cup of Mexican hot chocolate to go
with it, too!
Omelets @ Balans Brickell
901 S. Miami Ave.
305.534.9191
Balans.co.uk
Why we picked it: Balans is our favorite place for breakfast,
great coffee, good service, perfect people-watching, and of
course…omelets! All of their custom and made-to-order options
are fluffy and huge with anything you want stuffed inside.
106
Passion Fruit Curd @ DB Bistro Moderne
255 Biscayne Blvd. Way
304.421.8800
DBBistro.com
Why we picked it: This elegant, exotic dessert, presented with
guanabana & raspberry ice cream, macadamia nut biscuit and
caramelized white chocolate crémeux, is the utter definition of
pure finesse.
40
37
SuVama Ceviche @ SuViche
Iceberg Salad @ Morton’s
1200 Brickell Ave.
305.400.9990
Mortons.com
Why we picked it: We know...it’s old-fashioned and can
sometimes be a bit of a boring menu option on some menus,
but we love it anyway! Crisp lettuce, oozing blue cheese
dressing, bacon & chopped tomatoes — old-school or not,
you gotta try it.
41
Elderflower Fizz @
Café Sambal
Omelets @ Balans Brickell
500 Brickell Key Dr.
305.913.8288
MandarinOriental.com
Why we picked it: Elderflower Liquor isn’t
something you see that often, which is a
shame. It’s light, sweet floral notes add the
perfect touch to this cocktail made with gin,
lemon & champagne.
42
Veal Lasagne @ Rosinella
1040 S. Miami Ave.
305.372.5756
Rosinella.net
Why we picked it: For over 15 years, Rosinella
has been turning out classic Italian-American
food and we think it’s pretty darn good. Our
favorite is their fresh veal lasagna that’s rich,
tasty, filling…and well, just plain awesome.
43
London Sparrow @
Blackbird Ordinary
729 SW 1st Ave.
305.671.3307
BlackbirdOrdinary.com
Why we picked it: This cocktail is made with
Nolet’s gin, lemon, passion fruit and just a
pinch of cayenne for an added kick.
44
To-Go Sushi @ Publix
Various Locations
305.358.1575
Publix.com
Why we picked it: Sometimes it just isn’t
possible to sit down for a healthy meal during
our daily grind. Luckily, nearly every Publix
in town has a nice variety of prepared sushi
options right on site ready to be picked up
and enjoyed.
45
La Bomba @ D-Dog House
50 SW 10th St., Ste. 46
305.381.7770
D-DogHouse.com
Why we picked it: Heart attack? Maybe. Off
most diets? Probably. Delicious? Definitely.
A deep-fried beef hotdog wrapped in bacon,
topped with mozzarella cheese, potato chips,
coleslaw, green sauce, pink sauce, pineapple
sauce and an egg for good measure.
107
Midnight Sandwich @ Bongo’s
46
Midnight Sandwich @ Bongo’s
601 Biscayne Blvd.
786.777.2100
BongosCubanCafe.com
Why we picked it: This is basically one of the best sandwiches
in town: Sweet, thick and satisfying, this is one sandwich that
should be on everyone’s must-try list.
Pappardelle Milano @ Fratelli Milano
49
Tater Tots @ The Filling Station
95 SE 2nd St.
786.425.1990
TheFillingStationMiami.com
Why we picked it: You probably haven’t thought about tater
tots since elementary school, and we don’t blame you, but
it’s time to give them a second look, or at least a little taste...
preferably crispy and seasoned like they come with every
sandwich at The Filling Station
47
213 SE 1st St.
305.373.2300
RistoranteFratelliMilano.com
Why we picked it: Fresh homemade pasta, fillet mignon,
porcini mushrooms, sundried tomatoes, goat cheese and more
combine to create a dish to remember.
48
Tan Dan Mian @ MOMI Ramen
5 SW 11th St.
786.391.2392
MOMIRamen.com
Why we picked it: It’s about time we got a ramen joint in town,
and MOMI doesn’t disappoint. Although tiny, they pack the
flavor in with top-notch meats, broths and condiments.
108
50
Croque Monsieur @ La Sandwicherie
34 SW 8th St.
305.374.9852
LaSandwicherie.com
Why we picked it: With 25 years of experience making
sandwiches, it’s no wonder this place is packed during lunch.
And with more than a thousand combinations available,
it’s easy to find your favorite, and we surely found ours: The
Croque Monsieur, featuring a serious dose of melted cheese
and fresh ham…it’s toasty and full of saliva-inducing goodness
all year round.