Bread + Butter

For months now I’ve heard my friends call me crazy for not having tried Bread + Butter. So I decided to stop in for lunch one afternoon and see what the fuss was all about. The restaurant is small, but trendy and very decorative. The dining room area is decked out with cool coiled light bulbs, vintage Cuban photos, mason jars, books, with the poem "Cultivo una Rosa Blanca" by José Martí's written on a wall. There is also a small L-shaped bar and counter. Agua is served the old school way in small tin cups, very nostalgic for those of us that remember them growing up. Alberto Cabrera is a genius, this place essentially is Miami’s first Cuban-gastropub.

For starters my friend and I decided on the Media Noche Croquetas. They come with soda crackers and mustard aioli. Even though I’m not a big fan of the small round croquetas some of these "modern" restaurants are making, I liked these. TIP: Make sure to dip your croquetas in the aioli, but avoid the dreaded double dip. From there we moved on to the Frita China with napa cabbage kimchee, cilantro, onion, papitas juliana and sriracha ketchup. WOW! Love this frita! Everything came together perfectly. Finally, we indulged in their Cheeseburger! This masterpiece came with bacon, tomato, onion, Swiss cheese, and their house made b+b pickles and steak sauce. Not for the faint of heart, this cheeseburger is piled high with juicy meat, melted cheese and freshly baked bread.

For dessert you must try the flan. Their Flan Cabrera uses creamy Humboldt Fog goat cheese, which makes it a bit tangy. It also contains the customary ingredient of evaporated milk, and is uniquely baked in one of the empty milk cans and served with citrus slices on top. They're small and a little hard to find, but when you’re in the Downtown Coral Gables area, I suggest you make your way to 2330 Salzedo St. Come in for breakfast, lunch, dinner or their Sunday brunch to try traditional Cuban dishes with a modern spin. I'm sure you’ll find something that you can really enjoy.

pan con mantequilla

Pincho Factory opening in Coral Gables.

I’m proud to call myself a regular at Pincho Factory. Family owned and operated by Nedal and his wife Kristel. Pincho Factory strives to serve only the best and freshest food around. And now, after being open for just a year and a half they have found a second home in Coral Gables. The Gables is about to get introduced to an award winning menu featuring some of the best burgers, pinchos and other gourmet creations they have come up with. The new restaurant will be located just off Miracle Mile at 30 Giralda Ave., Coral Gables 33134. I for one will be at the grand opening... so stay tuned. 

Follow Pincho Factory on Twitter @PinchoFactory for all the latest updates! 

Miami's Top 5 Chicken Wing joints.

#5-Lulu My new addiction is Lulu in the Grove.  I love this place.  The food and service are always superb.  It's a good place for people watching, having a cold drink with friends, watching the game or simply relaxing.  Covered in a sweet & spicy ginger sauce which is very pleasing.  These Asian style chicken wings are a must try! Crispy with a hit of heat, sweet and garlicky.

#4 Doral Hooters As far as the food is concerned, it’s really not up to par.  Then again, it’s Hooters.  The wings are delicious but the service, honestly, could be much better.  If you’re looking for cheap drinks, wing specials and eye candy, this is the place for you.  You can order your wings breaded or “naked” and choose from 5 different sauces.  The “911” sauce is my favorite and has just the right amount of spice.  By the way, unless you want to refill your own drinks, don’t sit at the outside bar.

#3- Crave What can I say about this place that already hasn’t been said?  I love Crave!  Located in the Village at Merrick Park shops in Coral Gables, this place is a gem.  The decor is beautiful, the service great, and the food has always left me wanting more.  It wasn’t until my seventh visit for lunch when I first tried the Crave wings.  They’re a work of art.  Perfectly presented and covered with an exceptional dry rub.  Yes, only five come with an order but on the upside, there massive and delicious. It’s a great appetizer before your main dish.

#2-The Joint Bar & Grill has it all. Great happy hour, the BEST burgers in South Miami and a friendly staff.  What more can you ask for?  How about great wings!  One word comes to mind - consistency.  These are wicked hot wings, with generous amount of seasoning, flavor and spice.  Breaded and covered in their secret homemade hot sauce made fresh everyday. "Bring the Heat" wings are a perfect appetizer, afternoon snack or game day finger food! Make a note - they pack a mighty punch.

#1- Sports Grill After a fulfilling two month search across Miami, Sports Grill tops at numero uno. Whether it be for a quick lunch or watching the big game with a group of friends, Sports Grill on Sunset has everything you need. The hot wings here have no match! I recommend their Special Grilled, or if you’re a fan of HOT, try the Miami Heats. You can also choose Buffalo style, BBQ, Garlic, Teriyaki and Dale style. You can’t go wrong with any of their choices but the honey mustard is the best side sauce. Unlike those other places in Doral, the service, ambiance and food has never let me down. Sports Grill is a Kendall landmark. Swing by, have a beer, and try the wings. You’ll agree its great and won’t hurt you in the pocket.

BURGERLISCIOUS FESTIVAL

The 1st annual Burgerliscious Festival took place on Thursday night at Fred B. Harnett/Ponce Circle Park in Coral Gables. It was presented by The Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce. I heard a rumor that the event was only planned for three weeks, if the facts are true then I tip my hat off to the event coordinators.

Burgerliscios went off without a hitch! You couldn’t have asked for better weather, food or crowd. There were over 20 participating restaurants at the event including, Crave, Anacapri on Ponce, Seasons 52, Fritz & Franz, Morton’s the Steakhouse and Route 9. Live music was also on the agenda with live performances by Fusik, ArtOfficial and DJ MAYNER.

My job was fun not to mention fulfilling as I sampled every single burger there. By far my favorite was from Crave. However 1st place the “Best in Bun” went to 1862 Room at the Westin Colonnade. Coming in 2nd place was Morton’s and there was a two way tie for 3rd with Just James & Two Sisters.

South Florida Burger Overload wants to thank everyone who worked hard to put Burgerliscious together. I was very happy and grateful to be part of this event. To be honest I’m already thinking about next year. Bigger & better I say!

Click on link to view full album: Burgerliscious 2011

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