Emily Codik

Miami's Best Eats and Drinks this Weekend: Southern Social and Anise Beer Tasting

As the nation's beer junkies close out another run of American Craft Beer Week, it's time for a few more beer events and some serious carb unloading. We know this sounds scary. But after all that beer, it's necessary.

Top Ten Places to Take Out-Of-Towners

Hey there, tour guide. Looking to show your out-of-towners a good time? Frozen drinks at Wet Willie's sure sound like fun. How about Cuban sandwiches at Versailles and Sunday brunch on Lincoln Road? Or, perhaps, a drive to the Everglades for fried alligator. Yes, it's gamey. Yes, it tastes like chic ... More >>

Dena Marino's Mercato Disappoints

The employee at Dena Marino's Mercato was busy. He played on his iPhone, filled out his W-4 form, and stared diligently into open space. He did not want to be interrupted. So I left the Design District breakfast and lunch spot with a few unanswered questions. See also: - Dena Marino Launches Mercat ... More >>

Miami's Top Ten Fritas Cubanas

An original frita cubana couples Cuban bread with a spiced beef patty, seasoned with cumin, paprika, and pepper. Some add chorizo to the mix. Others cap meat with an American-style hamburger bun. Despite minor variations, one thing remains consistent: Papas fritas, deep-fried and grease-slicked juli ... More >>

Acme Bakery & Coffee Is Closing

After only nine months in operation, Acme Bakery & Coffee is closing its doors this Sunday, April 28. The bakery with a vintage vibe specialized in sourdough loaves and jams. But the little shop had its share of trials.The 35-seat restaurant was hindered by high rents and, although there seemed ... More >>

Miami's Top Ten Inexpensive Restaurants

Miami is a city laden with restaurants of little value. There are stylish joints, the kind where mediocre $24 tuna tartares and $30 chicken breasts, filled with fontina and foie gras, are the norm. There are hackneyed Asian concepts, the type where $20 sushi rolls are packed with fried shrimp, douse ... More >>

Medialunas Calentitas: Uruguayan Crescents, Milongas, and Empanadas in Brickell

Medialunas Calentitas debuted quietly in Brickell nearly three months ago. The fledgling restaurant chain from Punta del Este, Uruguay has locations in its founding city, as well as Montevideo and José Ignacio. It has a presence in Paraguay and Brazil, too. Its Brickell outpost, located at 919 Bric ... More >>

My Ceviche Brickell Opens Today: Sam Gorenstein Reveals What's New (Photos)

Certain things make ceviche taste better: the crunch of spiced popcorn, the piquant flavors of chili peppers, the burst of citrus from a squeeze of orange or lime. But the menu at the new My Ceviche has something else -- something beyond the red onions, herbs, and aji. At the S. Miami Ave. location ... More >>

Miami's Best Fried Chicken: A Top Ten List

Eating fried chicken is no tidy affair. Golden brittle breading bursts after a gentle nibble. Bits of crust cascade beneath your chin. Juices flow. Fingers glisten. Lips gleam. (Call this gloss pollo frito; it sure as hell beats Chanel.) In Miami, a city brimming with restaurants of diverse ethnici ... More >>

Ten Best Miami Brunches

The debate over whether the best meal of the day is lunch or breakfast has been going on for millennia. Intense battles have broken out over the issue. But one day, a peaceful being came up with a compromise for the rivaling sides. The settlement was "brunch," a perfect middleman between the morning ... More >>

Miami's Top Ten Cuban Restaurants

​Want access to our Best Of picks from your smartphone? Download our free Best Of app for the iPhone or Android phone from the App Store or Google Play. Don't forget to check out the full Best of Miami® online at bestof.voiceplaces.com. Miami is a city of exceptional things. It's where early mo ... More >>

Big Pink: South Beach Late-Night Dining Spot Refreshes Interior, Expands Booze and Breakfast Menu

It was past dusk in early November and the windows at Big Pink -- South Beach's staple for late-night fare -- were covered with butcher paper. When we peaked through the open doors, we saw significant remodeling being done. Floors were gutted; the ceiling was in different stages of disarray; and dus ... More >>

La Camaronera: Miami Seafood Staple Launches Table Service, Plans to Open for Dinner Soon

Fish fry fanatics, we have some fantastic news. Three weeks ago, La Camaronera, the acclaimed West Flagler refuge for tostones, breaded shrimp, and fried fish roe, expanded its space and launched its inaugural table service. In the past, patrons seeking a taste of Miami's freshest, local sea creatu ... More >>

Reader Mail: Miami Beach Corruption Is Sickening

Watermelon Radish: What's In Season at the Farmers Market?

Yesterday, nestled among boxes bursting with green lettuce, potted rosemary, and fresh dill at Bee Heaven Farm's stand at the Pinecrest Gardens Farmers Market, there was a root vegetable that resembled a stunted parsnip or a pale rutabaga. It was round and thick, about two inches in diameter, and it ... More >>

Reader Mail: Coaches Are Fired for Losing, Not for Being Black

Ten Restaurant and Gallery Pairings for Art Week

Art Week means countless guides, lists and must-sees for the weekend. The sheer amount of events and galleries can leave you overwhelmed and if you're not careful, on the couch confused and defeated. To help foodies make some decisions this weekend, we came up with yet another list that pairs what ... More >>

Mandolin Aegean Bistro Owners Launch Organic Garden and Announce Plans for New Eatery, Poor Man's Lobster

At Mandolin Organic Garden, Ahmet Erkaya shades his eyes from the gleaming afternoon sun. He walks towards a young cranberry hibiscus plant and rapidly pulls a leaf from the vibrant violet-red herbage. He eagerly hands it over for me to sample. "He's completely obsessed with this plant," says his wi ... More >>

Miami's Best Eats and Drinks This Weekend

The weekend's here, folks! And in its wake come hot and tasty things going on around the 305. This weekend we have everything from a Buffalo Brown show to a whole lotta beer, to a beer heaven's weekend inauguration, to famers' markets (where beer is probably sold). Really, why ask for anything m ... More >>

Peruvian Restaurant MPP Brickell Opens on 7th Street

MPP Brickell opened on November 3 on the first floor of the Neo Vertika building on SW Seventh Street. The location, which was once occupied by the Mediterranean eatery, Andu, underwent some significant renovations. The space kept Andu's basic layout, but the decor is less futuristic and more class ... More >>

Machiya Ramen Noodle House: Pricey Eats in Midtown

Machiya Ramen Noodle House has been open since October 15. "We hope you enjoy our soft opening menu." These are the words printed on their single-sheet of offerings. For diners, this means a couple of things. First, the menu isn't definitive. Second, the staff is in training, and the kitchen is pro ... More >>

Review: Pinecrest Gardens Farmers' Market

This market inside the lush Pinecrest Gardens is home to as many as 65 vendors during the high season, which begins December 1 and ends in mid-May. One of them is Copperpots, a tiny company owned by Tom Wilfong and his girlfriend, Vanessa Safie. Together, they produce jams and marmalades with flavor ... More >>

Italian Gelato is Full of Artificial Ingredients

A five-foot fluorescent sign depicts an ice cream cone topped with pink, green and ivory gelato. Across many of Rome's narrow cobble-stone streets, gelato shops announce their presence with illuminated signs that also list words like artisanal and natural. Inside the shops, displays feature overflow ... More >>

Hookers, Arroz Negro, and Chiringuitos: Welcome to Marbella, Spain

"150 euro for each," demanded a tall Romanian prostitute. She stood on the side of a bustling alleyway in Marbella, Spain's Puerto Banús. Her hair was greasy, streaked with blonde highlights with creeping thick dark brown roots. Her accent was thick and her clothing was tight -- jeans studded with ... More >>

Doma Polo Bistro: Great Start Argentine Style

Ulises Ledain opened Doma Polo Bistro this past August 23, but he's actually been in the restaurant industry in Miami for over a decade. Previously, Ledain was involved with Dolce Vita, the gelato-café with locations across Miami. For eight years, he also served many financial and consulting roles ... More >>

Harry's Pizzeria: My Favorite Miami Restaurant

"What's your favorite restaurant?" That question, recently batted around at our weekly editorial meeting, got us all thinking. If we had to choose one favorite at gunpoint, what would that restaurant be, and why? Each week, a different Short Order blogger will celebrate his or her favorite eatery -- ... More >>

Lee & Marie's Cakery Company: South Pointe's New Farm-Fresh Lunch Spot

Lee & Marie's Cakery Company -- a hybrid bakery, restaurant and coffee shop -- opened up a few weeks ago with a perfectly crafted concept. It serves Panther Coffee, sources fresh ingredients from local farmers, and even benefits a great cause. The eatery proudly supports adults with autism spect ... More >>

Acme Bakery & Coffee: Finally Great Bread and Pastries Starting September 14

See also: Acme Bakery & Coffee to Open in Midtown, Will Serve Panther Coffee, Pastry Chef Cindy Kruse Out of Acme Bakery & Coffee. Miami needs a good bakery. In fact, Miami just needs good bread. Before you start naming an endless array of mediocre bakeries in the comments section of this ... More >>

Crumb on Parchment: Design District vs. The Webster

See also: Michelle Bernstein Brings Crumb on Parchment to Miami Beach. Michelle Bernstein has a knack for opening Crumb on Parchment at inorganic locations. The lunch spot's first location is in the Design District, in the middle of a design shop complex. With its mismatched tables, chairs and couc ... More >>

Kevin Cory of Naoe Talks Jet Setters, Locals and Moving From Sunny Isles Into Brickell Key

If you weren't looking for Naoe, you probably wouldn't notice the Japanese restaurant on the side of Brickell Key drive -- the manicured, handsome block on the isle of Brickell Key. There's no sign for the small spot, and it's setting seems rather mismatched among its neighbors: a market place, real ... More >>

Barceloneta's Mixologist Martin Calero: The Magic Behind Their Gazpacho Bloody Mary

Martin Calero, bartender at Barceloneta and mastermind behind this year's winner of Best Bloody Mary, generously explained the magic behind a great Bloody Mary. The first component is quite simple: fresh ingredients. Like many other restaurants turning out quality cocktails, Barceloneta makes its ve ... More >>

New Times Changes Up Food Team

For more than a decade, New Times has offered South Florida's most extensive food coverage. From our food blogs -- Short Order and Clean Plate Charlie -- to the Voice Places directory of restaurants to our weekly reviews, the coverage equals or betters any in the American Southea ... More >>

Giancarla Bodoni of Escopazzo: How to Master Risotto

All photos by Emily CodikIf making perfect risotto were a race, it would be a marathon, not a sprint. The cooking process is all about maintaining a watchful hand, and a careful dedication to teasing the starch out of each rice grain. In fact, if a restaurant serves a risotto less than fifteen minut ... More >>

The Perfect Roast Chicken: Tips From Andrew Carmellini, Jeff McInnis and Michael Schwartz

Emily CodikA roast chicken is a lot like a chocolate chip cookie. Both are obviously prepared in an oven, but aside from that, both are one of the most popular subjects tackled by food writers, alongside other classics like the perfect pie crust or chicken noodle soup. Just like every pastry cookboo ... More >>

Jugofresh: Buy Into a Healthier Lifestyle

All photos by Emily CodikA fit, well-dressed man entered Jugofresh, the organic, unpasteurized, raw juice bar in South Beach, and eagerly approached the store's owner, Matthew Sherman."Can you recommend something for me today?" he pleaded. He then tapped his hand on his belly and continued to explai ... More >>

Scenic Beaches, Dirt Roads, Fresh Fish and Coconuts: A Local's Guide to Las Terrenas, Dominican Republic (Part One)

All photos by Emily CodikA lone motorcycle raced through the coral dirt road, unraveling misty gusts of powdered sand. We were lost, and had already given up on reaching Playa Cosón, a beach off of Las Terrenas in the Dominican Republic.We waved the driver down. "Hey! Excuse me!" my father shouted ... More >>

Farm Tropical Offers South Florida Fruits Nationwide

Local Fruit: The Secret Ingredient For a Perfect Batido

All photos by Emily CodikI've had my share of batidos. Growing up in the Dominican Republic, my mother would always whip up thick shakes with produce from her favorite street-side fruit carts. She'd add the fruit, milk and ice to a blender and serve a simple, yet delicious, batido. The chilled drink ... More >>

Best Fats for Baking Pies: Butter, Shortening & Coconut Oil Battle It Out

Emily CodikAfter inquiring about trans fats at supermarket and restaurant bakeries and receiving unsatisfactory response, I devised a blind fat taste test. I baked identical pies, with the same filling (fresh strawberries), but with different fats.I tested the following 100 percent artificial trans ... More >>

Trans Fats: New York Bans It, Florida Lets Anybody Use It

Flickr CCShoppers entering the Fresh Market in Coconut Grove are greeted with vibrant flowers, elegant wooden fixtures and mellow classical music.The bakery section features organized stacks of sugar cookies, fruity pies and loaf cakes, all placed in a very sweet, delicious way.But, if you take a cl ... More >>

Panther Coffee's Tips on Making Mom a Classic Cappuccino for Mother's Day (No Fancy Equipment Required)

All photos by Emily CodikBring out your inner barista this Mother's Day, and skip those dull gifts of flowers, cards and balloons. They will all end up in the trash anyway.Instead, offer mom a gift loaded with caffeine, topped with frothed milk and served in a dainty cup. This Sunday, make a classic ... More >>

Pink Slime and Now Mad Cow? Skip the Beef, Opt for a Homemade Veggie Burger Instead

Emily CodikVeggie Burger from Green Gables CaféOn Tuesday, the USDA confirmed the detection of Mad Cow disease in a California dairy cow. Even though the agency also announced that American beef and milk continue to be safe for consumption, reports have already surfaced of countries like Indonesia ... More >>

Horacio Rivadero's Tips on Cooking Like an Inspired Restaurant Chef

All photos by Emily CodikSick and tired of those dull, home-cooked dinners of buttered pasta? Instead, try following the advice of Horacio Rivadero, executive chef of The Dining Room in South Beach. With his advice, you can develop an inspired recipe of your very own.Chef Rivadero believes that trul ... More >>

Sam Gorenstein's Tips on Fresh Fish, Part Two: Learn to Fillet with Finesse

Filleting fish has become borderline passé among home cooks. The practice is commonly viewed as a forgotten technique that is reserved solely for restaurant kitchens, guided by master chefs and expert fishmongers.But there is definitely a general curiosity about the subject. During the time that I ... More >>

Sam Gorenstein's Tips on Fresh Fish, Part One: Shop for Guts, Slime, and Bloodlines

Photo Courtesy of My CevicheThe phrase "catch of the day" might evoke thoughts of family-run fishing boats, quaint coastal towns and early morning markets. Add a couple of seagulls, a few fishmongers wearing yellow rubber overalls and you have quite the romanticized vision of fresh fish.Unfortunatel ... More >>

Top Five Local, Tropical Fruits In Season Now

All photos by Emily CodikRobert, the owner of Robert Is Here, the timeless fruit stand and farm in Homestead, knows all about the variety of local Florida produce. He's been a grower for more than 50 years. Since it can be tricky to get to know the selection Robert is here to list the top five local ... More >>

New Downtown Miami Publix: Does It Deserve Being Ranked Third in the Nation?

Hipsters and dog owners in midtown and downtown can now rejoice. Publix has finally opened a convenient location in the Omni area. No longer will denizens have to visit the jam-packed outpost on Biscayne at 48th Street. The new location, at 1776 Biscayne Blvd., features both a liquor store and a pha ... More >>

Free Tickets: Harry's Pizzeria Hosting James Beard Winner Marc Vetri Pop-Up (Updated)

​We're not sure if Michael Schwartz is having more fun as chef or host at Harry's Pizzeria, but we say whatever makes him happy, makes us very happy (and hungry).As an early kick-off to the parties and festivities of the 2012 South Beach Wine & Food Festival, Harry's Pizzeria is hosting anothe ... More >>