Sneak Review: Emeril’s

So Emeril’s lost its head chef — who knew? Truth be told, the problem isn’t just the chef. But you’ll see in next week’s Cafe review. For now, just a small bite:There are two ways to go with this fare: Serve traditionally prepared dishes at modest prices, or up the…

Chef Brandon Benack Jumps From Emeril’s to Norman’s

A call to Emeril’s Miami Beach confirmed that executive chef Brandon Benack left the establishment in mid-April in order to go work for Norman Van Aken’s restaurant at the Ritz-Carlton in Orlando. They are currently in search for a replacement; the website now lists Emeril Lagasse as Executive Chef.Timing is…

An Escopazzo Mother’s Day at The Farm

Chef Giancarla of Escopazzo will be cooking up a special Mothers Day Luncheon Buffet at Paradise Farms this Sunday, May 9th. A driver will pick up the guests at Escopazzo at 11:30 a.m., lunch begins at 1:00 p.m., and includes Schnebly organic wines, live music, a complimentary bottle of Schnebly…

Recipe For Sun Life Stadium Cheese Arepas

No longer any need to rush out to Sun Life Stadium for the delicious food behind the concession stands. Centerplate executive chef Orlando Morales, with whom we just completed a two-part interview with (a-one-and-a-two), has been kind enough to share a recipe for the official Sun Life Stadium cheese arepas…

At Barú Urbano, Have A Drink And Plant A Tree

With a groovy Earth Day vibe still in the air, as well as the pungent smell of oil upon the Gulf, now might be a good time to tell you about the TREEtini. It’s a mojito-like martini made with Veev Açai Spirit (pronounced ah-SIGH-ee), mint leaves, lime wedges and club…

Talking Marlins Ballpark Food With Chef Morales: Part Two

In part one of yesterday’s interview with Centerplate Sun Life Stadium Executive Chef Orlando Morales, we went over some of the logistics of providing food to tens of thousands of hungry Marlins fans. Today the chef describes some of the specific new foods — like paella!New Times: There are all…

Talking Marlins Ballpark Food With The Chef Who Makes It, Part One

I recently poked fun at a perceived lack of improvements in Centerplate’s concession stand food at Sun Life Stadium. In spite of this, Sun Life’s executive chef Orlando R. Morales was good natured enough to answer some questions regarding the culinary options at Florida Marlins home games. Morales grew up…

Cinco de Mayo Twofers at Salsa Fiesta

In honor of Cinco de Drink-o, Salsa Fiesta will offer two-for-one margaritas and beers, with free chips and Hot Tamale salsa with the purchase of any beverage. Burritos will also be going twofer one, and there will be a DJ spinning tunes on the patio. That’s Wednesday, from 11 a.m…

Sneak Review: AltaMare

A tidbit taken from next week’s Cafe review of AltaMare:If Giordano and new chef Simon Stojanovic make providing a seamlessly smooth dining experience appear easy, it’s because they have learned how to do so through hard work. The former finessed his skills while orchestrating Alta Mar over the past nine…

D-Rod Cuba Gives Mom A Break

Lots of expensive Mother’s Day “deals” are being reported on Short Order and elsewhere, but here is an actual bargain:D. Rodriguez Cuba will be offering up a 3-course brunch with choice of items such as Torrejas, a Latin-style french toast, or a signature Latin Benedict. Unlimited Sangria will be poured,…

The Kentucky Derby = Mint Julep Recipe

The Kentucky Derby takes off today, and if you’re like me, that means Mint Julep time (I think there might be horses involved as well, but I’ve never been). Wild Turkey’s Master Distiller Jimmy Russell has put together the following classic Julep recipe, which to no great surprise features Wild…

IHOP Cheesecake-Pancake Stackers: Apocalypse Now?

International House of Pancakes has jumped into the disgusting food combo sweepstakes with a new Pancake Stacker consisting of a crustless cheesecake between two buttermilk pancakes — topped with strawberry, blueberry, or cinnamon apple compote and whipped topping. You can order it a la carte or as part of a…

AriZona Iced Tea is From New York, Not Arizona

It was reported by The Daily News this week that in response to the controversial Arizona immigration law, an initiative was started on the Internet asking people to boycott the AriZona Beverage Co., makers of AriZona Iced Tea and juices. Thing is, the company has been based in Woodbury, 20…

Pork In Poetry

Nobody bothered to tell me that April was National Poetry Month — no doubt a conspiracy started by someone who has read my poems.  Here goes:3 Cuts of PorkI.I don’t think I’ll ever seeA poem as lovely as pork bun with kimchiII.Lobster with peanut butter and jellyA big fat square…

Talula at The Water Club, DJ at Essensia, Ortanique at School

The Water Club is scheduled to open in late May in the former Miami Shooters location in the Intracoastal Mall, on the Intracoastal Waterway (3969 N.E. 163 St., North Miami Beach). The Water Club has undergone a multi-million dollar refurbishing and will seat more than 400 diners in a mix…

Where It At? Red Velvet Cake

Elvis loved it — though he never got to try this version. Where it at? Take an educated guess in the comments section below and we’ll let you know if you get it…

The Tea Party Is A Poison Pickle to Republican Pastrami

Let’s say the Democratic Party is a corned beef sandwich, and the Republican Party is a pastrami sandwich (if you’re a Democrat who prefers pastrami, or a Republican who prefers corned beef, feel free to switch around the meat metaphor). And let’s say both are very tasty sandwiches, but there…