Food – Page 2 – Flair Miami

By Giselle Valenzano October 13, 2014 in All, Food

DID SOMEONE SAY BUNS & BUNS?

If you know anything about me you would know…. I love food. I love going to new places and stepping out of my food comfort zone. The moment I find a unique restaurant I love I can’t stop raving about it, and I always recommend it to friends and family.

With that said, I have a restaurant recommendation for you! And it’s all in the buns. Buns & Buns to be exact. :)

If you’re a fan of distinctive flavors, fresh ingredients and savory spices while on a budget Buns & Buns should be where you’re headed to for lunch. Located in the heart of South Miami, Buns & Buns has something a little different to offer than most restaurants and that is buns from all around the world. From London and Istanbul to Hong Kong & Bangkok Buns & Buns is known for, well, their delicious buns.

So, are you sold yet? Because I know I am.

Buns & Buns is located at 5748 Sunset Dr. Miami, FL 33143

And their hours are:

MON – THU 11:30AM – 10PM
FRI 11:30AM – 11PM
SAT 10AM – 11PM
SUN 10AM – 10PM
BRUNCH SAT & SUN 10AM – 3PM

Check them out and let me know what you think! I hope your experience is as good as mine always is! :)

By Giselle Valenzano May 2, 2014 in All, Food, Fun, News

5 DE MAYO MIAMI FIESTA

So long April, hello May!

It’s time for a 5 de Mayo Miami fiesta!

I must say this is one of my favorite months, but maybe I’m a little biased since it’s my birthday month. ;) Anyway, I know I’ve been MIA lately, but I’m back and I’m ready to celebrate what this month has in store! Aside from it being my 22nd birthday, we all know that Cinco de Mayo is an excuse to drink a margarita and wear a sombrero. But the question isn’t IF you’ll be doing that, it’s WHERE.

Here are 5 Cinco de Mayo Miami fiestas happening around town. Not sure what to do? The choice is yours!

Cinco at Jungle Island

WHAT? Celebrate Cinco de Mayo a day early at the first-ever Cinco at Jungle Island! You can expect amazing food, animal encounters, Mexican wrestling and great live music featuring Miami singer Cris Cab and the Miami Heat’s DJ Irie.
WHEN? 4-11pm, Sunday, May 4
WHERE? Jungle Island, 1111 Parrot Jungle Trail

Cinco De Mayo Brickell Fiesta Weekend

WHAT? Partygoers take to the streets to enjoy authentic Mexican food, and music.
WHEN? 2-11pm Sunday and Monday, May 4 & 5
WHERE? La Mexicana Cantina, 1451 S. Miami Ave.
Miami, FL 33130

Cinco de Mayo on Bimini SuperFast

WHAT? Hosted by Power 96, enjoy your Cinco de Mayo festivities aboard the Bimini SuperFast!
WHEN? 9a-8p, Sunday, May 4
WHERE? Port of Miami, 1015 N. America Way
Miami, FL 33139

Naked Taco

WHAT? Will you be roaming the beach this weekend?? Stop by Naked Taco for free drinks and delicious food.
WHEN? Sunday, May 4
WHERE? Naked Taco, 111 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, FL 33139

OH! Mexico

WHAT? Oh! Mexico will be hosting a block party on Espanola Way where you will be able to enjoy live music, mariachis, street performers and bar specials.
WHEN? 12pm-3am, Monday, May 5
WHERE? Oh! Mexico, 1440 Washington Ave., Miami Beach, Fl, 33139

So where will you be celebrating this weekend? Maybe I will see you around town! :)

By Giselle Valenzano September 23, 2013 in All, Food, News

SAVE THE DAY SUPER FOODS

Ever wonder what super foods you should incorporate into your daily diet? It’s easier than you may think, and who knows, you probably have a few of these things hiding in your refrigerator or kitchen pantry.

So, I’ve made it even easier for you and came up with a list of five of my favorite super foods and their benefits!

1. Eggs
Whether they’re scrambled, sunny side up, hard boiled, or poached, throwing an egg into your daily diet is actually a good idea.

Eggs are a high source of protein and are a great option to keep you energized through out the day. Egg yolks contain two antioxidants, lutein and zeaxanthin, that reduce the risk for age-related macular degeneration, which is the leading cause of blindness in people over the age of 50.

2. Berries
This one may actually be a three-in-one. Who doesn’t love berries? Blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries each contain different antioxidants and vitamins that are important for your health, and all three of them contain fiber which is good for your digestion.

While raspberries contain ellagic acid – which helps prevent cancer, blueberries contain many antioxidants that help with memory sharpness and weight loss. And let’s not forget about my favorite…strawberries! Strawberries not only act as an anti-inflamitory in the same way that Aspirin and Ibuprofen do, but a couple of strawberries a day actually contain a full-day’s dose of skin firming Vitamin C.

Who knew? So add some color and sweetness to your diet by aiming for a half to a full cup of berries a day. ;)

3. Nuts
Walnuts, cashews, pistachios, almonds…the list can go on and on. Not only is this a perfect snack but its health benefits are some of the best. Studies have shown that those who include nuts in their daily diet live, on average, an extra two years.

Many nuts also contain alpha-linolenic acid which is rich in omega-3 fatty acids that have been linked to heart health.

4. Avocado
Did you know avocados contain high amounts of potassium, magnesium, folate, protein, and vitamins B6, E, and K. Holy Guacamole! :)

Get all the nutrients you need by eating a quarter to a half of an avocado a day.

5. Green Tea
I have to admit, I am a tea lover, and when I did a little research on green tea I was pleased with what I found!

Not only does green tea hydrate the same way that water does, but it is also known to fight cancer, heart disease, and help prevent dementia, diabetes, and stroke. I don’t know about you, but I think this super drink may be a life saver! Enjoy a cup of green tea any time of the day for breakfast, lunch, or dinner!

So there you have it, five of my favorite super foods. Which one is your favorite? Any super foods you’d like to share? Comment below!

By Giselle Valenzano August 19, 2013 in All, Food

TRADER JOE’S TAKES MIAMI

If you haven’t already heard, Trader Joe’s will finally open a Miami location! Opening up in the heart of Pinecrest, the specialty grocery store will be the fourth location in Florida but the first Trader Joe location in Miami Dade County.

Known as “your neighborhood grocery store”, Trader Joe’s offers all kinds of environmentally friendly products and gourmet, organic, and vegetarian foods at an affordable price. However, you won’t find a lot of branded items at Trader Joe’s, and that’s what makes them different from your every day grocery store. Instead, you’ll find unconventional and interesting products in the Trader Joe’s label as well as everyday basics.

Want to know more about the Trader Joe brand? They promise that their products contain:

NO artificial flavors or preservatives
NO synthetic colors
NO MSG
NO genetically modified ingredients
NO partially hydrogenated oils (artificial trans-fats)
NO “marketing” costs
YES tasting panel approval
YES quality ingredients
YES great price

I’m sold! The South Miami store is set to open on October 18th and will be located on the 9200 block of South Dixie Highway, where the old Borders bookstore used to be. Interested in working at Trader Joe’s? They are accepting applications in person and will begin hiring September 9th!

I don’t know about you, but I’m excited for the opening of Trader Joe’s, South Miami! So long, Whole Foods, hello, Joes!

PS: I also came across some delicious recipes on the Trader Joe’s website. Check them out! ;)

By Sabrina Restrepo July 1, 2013 in All, Food

TAP TAP HAITIAN RESTAURANT

I don’t know how many times I have driven past Tap Tap Haitian Restaurant on South Beach and 5th Street and thought to myself “I should check it out someday.” After living on the beach for a month, I finally stopped thinking about going and actually went! Now, here’s my attempt to convince you to do the same… It’s delicious!

Tap Tap is a South Beach hidden gem, raved about by all the locals as one of the best Haitian cuisines in town. Here you can expect Haitian flair to come alive as the colors of the murals, decor and vibrant people immerse you in their tropical culture.

Seated in one of their variously themed rooms, I enjoyed my complimentary appetizer of fresh bread with a selection of mild to spicy sauces. The foods listed on the menu are authentic and delicious, but if there is something you don’t recognize, it’s in your best interest to keep an open mind. I had the Cabrit or goat stew, which was a first for me, but so worth it! Another tasty dish I would recommend is the Griot plate, a win for any beef lover. But, if there is one thing that you cannot leave this place without having it’s one of their killer Mojitos. Awarded “Best Mojito” by The New Times, their combination of fresh mint leaves, rum and lime juice is for lack of a better word, perfection.

So, now that the secret is out, how could you not try the best mojitos in town? Maybe next time you’re in the area, you too can stop by and explore this new flavorful experience!

By Giselle Valenzano June 24, 2013 in All, Food

CULINARY EXPERIENCE: CHEF ADDRIANE

It all started at the age of 12, Adrianne Calvo, decided to experiment by making chocolate chip cookies. Everyone her age already seemed to enjoy eating them, but she was determined to find a way to make her cookies taste even better.

From that day on, Adriane was inspired to experiment in the kitchen. Whether it was baking or cooking, she loved how it made her feel and how creative she could be. But her drive and love for cooking didn’t just end in her kitchen…

Throughout the years, Adriane participated in culinary competitions for scholarships, money, trips, etc. and her competitive spirit always seemed to have her on-the-hunt for something new. Hence, at the age of 20, she won a competition that led her to Napa Valley and changed her perspective on food and wine forever.

“Traveling through Napa Valley, I fell in love with the food, the wine, the atmosphere, and everything in between. A couple years later, stepping into what is now Chef Adrianne’s Vineyard Restaurant and Wine Bar, I knew immediately that what I fell in love with in that famous wine growing region could happen here. It would not be an easy task, but after an enormous amount of effort, imagination, and recipe testing, we now have Chef Adrianne’s Vineyard Restaurant and Wine Bar,” said Adriane.

With the income of her book sales (yet another competition she entered and won), she opened her first restaurant here in Miami, and the FlairMiami gals had the opportunity to taste some of her personal favorite dishes from the restaurant at the Italian Culinary Experience.

The appetizer, raw tuna with ponzu aioli, truffle, radishes and a few jalapeños. The dish was the perfect starter, it was light with a tiny hint of spice – perfect combination.
Our next dish was sweet potato bisque topped with chorizo and tortilla chips. This had to be one of my favorite dishes of the night. The taste of the bisque was not only amazing, but the tortilla chips and the chorizo topped it off perfectly.
Next, we tried a crispy goat cheese, fig marmalade, jamon Serrano and balsamic croquet. When I tell you I’ve never tasted anything like this dish, I mean it.
Our main course was a 24-hour-braised prime beef short rib, paired with whipped boniato puree, and crispy kale. The pairing was by far one of the best short rib dishes I have ever tried.
We ended our experience with a dark chocolate Nutella croissant bread pudding and vanilla bean gelato. Chocolate lovers, if you’re anything like me, you’d fall in love with this dish. It was the perfect ending to one of the best culinary experiences yet.

Salivating? Be sure to check out her restaurant located at 11510 SW 147 Avenue – Miami, Fl 33196. For reservations, contact (305) 408-8386.

Thank you Chef Adrianne for a wonderful experience, and a special thanks to Zonin Prosecco for yet another successful Italian Culinary Experience and of course delicious wine pairings.

By Sabrina Restrepo May 31, 2013 in All, Food

GET TO KNOW JOJO TEA

Michael Ortiz, a Miami local and owner of acclaimed JoJo Tea, wants you to recognize that drinking tea is not merely about drinking, but about the experience behind it. An experience he refers to as the “spirit of the tea.” JoJo Tea does exactly this by providing a natural, smooth and consistent tea experience for everyone who has a taste. A cup of their tea stands to improve health, stimulate creativity and energize the intellect through their meticulous selection of hand picked teas from around the world. Their mission to provide quality tea is also consistent with their commitment to only purchasing tea’s from reputable farms. With all these reasons and more, JoJo Tea makes it their lifework to make tea more than a soothing drink for your throat, but also a soothing mediation for your soul. We got a chance to chat with Michael Ortiz about his experience working with JoJo Tea:

1) How did you get started in the tea distributing business?

I was a full-time yoga teacher for a couple years, and got more and more into tea as time passed. Next thing I knew I was always disappointed with the teas that would be brought out at the end of my meals. So I decided to buy a few pounds of some of my favorites and present them to some of my favorite restaurants. That’s really how it all started.

2) What is unique about your tea business?

What makes us unique is our locality. Most tea companies are based on the west coast, which means that most clients out here would have to wait a week or two before their orders get in. These companies also have no local representation to train the staff of local restaurants. We deliver at least twice a week, and train the staff at all of our restaurants. We also use whole leaf tea, which offers the most complete and complex flavor profiles compared to most tea companies that use fannings of broken leaf, and even some dust. JoJo Tea uses whole leaves, even in our iced teas. That’s quite unique.

3) What tea would you recommend to someone who has never had tea before?

Chai or Green Jasmine Pearls. Chai is a rich and malty black tea that we blend with cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and vanilla. It is typically taken with milk and sugar to create a sweet, spicy, creamy drink that is enjoyed all over India and the world. Green Jasmine Pearls take the first two leaves and the bud of each branch of the tea bush, which is the sweetest, most delicate-tasting part of the plant. At origin, in Fujian, China, these tips are repeatedly scented with midnight-harvested jasmine to give them a nice soft flowery aroma without quite getting perfumey.

4) What is a little known fact about tea?

Where to begin?! Its documented history in China goes back about three thousand years. The drink caught on in Japan (it was brought over by Zen monks) around the 13th century. It wasn’t cultivated in India until around the 17th century. The taste of tea will be affected by many things, including the altitude at which it was picked, the humidity of the area, and what else grows in the area around it. Also, the bigger leaves closer to the bottom of the branch will bring a thicker, maltier taste and those closer to the tips, particularly the first two leaves and the bud, will give the sweetest, subtlest taste.

5) How did you come up with the name for JoJo Tea?

While I was going to school in New York, my sister had a beautiful baby boy. He was learning everybody’s name and when, just out of curiosity, they pointed to me in a photo and said “Okay, Andy, who’s this?” He looked at the photo, squinted his eyes, and then relaxed and said, “That’s Jo-jo.” To this day he calls me Jo-Jo. Which is cute enough in and of itself, but I was amazed to find that in Chinese, Jo-Jo actually means uncle! Not only does it mean uncle, but it means maternal uncle! So, JoJo it is.

To learn more about JoJo Tea or to find out what Miami locations carry their tea’s make sure to visit, jojotea.net

By Vannia Enriquez January 7, 2013 in All, Food

THE BEST PHO YOU!

Don’t worry, I haven’t totally lost my grammar skills, nor did I begin to write slang…

Pho (pronounced “fuh”) is a delicious “street-style” Vietnamese soup made up of meat and broth (chicken or beef), rice noodles, and savory spices. This soup is usually topped with fresh bean sprouts, basil, mint, and a hint of lime.

So, why exactly am I ranting about Pho?

Well, one, because it’s delicious… And two, because it’s great for chasing away those unwanted winter flu bugs going around.

I know, I know, abuela taught you to eat your “sopita de pollo cuando tienes catarro o estas resfriado,” but if you’re too sick to cook… I suggest you try out this alternative soup. Pho is hearty, healthy and scrumptious; and after today you’ll know my favorite and the best Pho restaurants in Miami.

Miss Saigon Bistro (2 Locations, Coral Gables & Pinecrest)
148 Giralda Avenue
Coral Gables, FL 33134
Phone: (305) 446-8006
Hours: Mon. – Fri. (Lunch 11:30am – 3pm) (Dinner: 5:30pm – 10pm)

Hy Vong Vietnamese Cuisine
3458 Southwest 8th Street,
Miami, FL 33135
Phone: 305 446 3674
Hours: Wed. – Sun. 6-11pm

Asian Fusion Cafe
17043 South Dixie Highway
Palmetto Bay, Fl 33157
Phone: 305-278-6888
Hours: Mon. – Thurs. 11am to 10pm
Friday – Saturday 11am to 11pm

Moonchine Asian Bistro
7100 Biscayne Blvd.
Miami, FL 33138
Phone: 305-759-3999
Hours: Mon. – Thur. Sun – 11:30 am to 11 pm
Fri.- Sat. – 11:30 am – 12 am

3 Chef’s Chinese Restaurant
275 NE 18th St.
Miami, FL 33132
Phone: 305- 373-2688
Hours: Mon. – Thur. – 11:30 am – 10 pm;
Fri. – Sat. – 11:30 am – 11 pm; Sun – 1 pm – 10 pm

Ready to place your order and say goodbye to the flu? Here are a few tips before you begin…

Be sure to spice up your broth. The restaurant should bring you a separate plate with sprouts, mint and lime. Add it all!
Taste it to perfection. Once you’re done adding the herbs and veggies, be sure to also add a little bit of Sriracha (red chili pepper sauce) and Hoisin sauce (black plum sauce.) Taste it as you go along, that’s half the fun.
Last but not least, use a fork to help you eat the delicious hearty meats and noodles, but don’t forget to sip the wonderful broth in between bites.

Mmmm, now I’m hungry. Enjoy your Pho!

Image Banner Source: thesunblog.com

By Vannia Enriquez November 19, 2012 in All, Food

A SUSHI CELEBRATION

Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, special occasion, or just a regular day, all days call for sushi.

Well, maybe not all, I don’t think I’ve ever had sushi for Thanksgiving or Christmas. But if I could, I probably would. Nevertheless, in light of “Sushi Day,” a traditional Japanese sushi celebration held on Nov. 1st, (which I totally missed and just became aware of) I’ve decided to share a few of my favorite affordable happy hour sushi spots in Miami.

Some spots may surprise you, but I definitely suggest you give them a try, because it’s always a sushi-kind-a-day! :)

Splitsville
WHAT: All sushi rolls regularly priced $10 and under are sold for only $5!
WHEN: Thursdays after 5pm
WHERE: Sunset Place • 5701 Sunset Dr, 2nd Floor
FYI: Splitsville also offers great bowling specials! Mon. – Fri. • $3.50 Bowling • Regular Happy Hour • 4-7pm • $3 Cocktails, Wine, Cheeseburger Sliders & Beers

RA
WHAT: Happy Hour & Reverse Happy Hour
WHEN: Mon. – Sat. • 3 – 7pm • Mon. – Thurs. • 10pm – Midnight
WHERE: 5829 SW 73rd St – Across the Shops at Sunset
FYI: RA is well-known for their Sunday night specials! Flying Fish Lounge • 8pm – Midnight • Expect large crowds & long waits.

Doraku
WHAT: Everyday sushi specials!
WHEN: Mon. – Sun. • 5pm – 7pm
WHERE: 1104 Lincoln Road – Miami Beach
FYI: Weekends tend to get really crowded & you can’t make reservations during happy hour. Be sure to arrive early and plan ahead for parking.

Fuji Hana Kendall
WHAT: Dollar Sushi!
WHEN: Mon. – Tue. • All night! • Wed. – Sun. • 5 – 7pm
WHERE: 11768 S.W. 88 Street, Kendall
FYI: Specials are dine-in only.

Do you know of any other sushi happy hour spots to add to the list? Why not share them!

By Giselle Valenzano September 17, 2012 in All, Food

FOOD AND WINE PAIRING AT ITS FINEST

Foodies unite! On September 11^th,the Miami Culinary Institute partnered once again with Casa Vinicola Zonin and the Italy-America Chamber of Commerce for their monthly Italian Culinary Experience.

The moment we heard about this event, we couldn’t wait to attend, and thankfully, we didn’t miss out on it this time around! Flair Miami was given the opportunity to enjoy a complementary five-course meal among other members of the media, foodies, and even restaurant owners. The meals were prepared by the Executive Chef, Sergio Sigala, from Cecconi’s at Soho Beach House, Miami. Not only did Chef Sigala execute some scrumptious meals, he also paired each dish with different types of Zonin wines.

The wines were compliments of Casa Vinicola Zonin. CVZ is Italy’s largest privately owned wine company and one of the most popular imported brands in the US, and as expected each wine was superb.

The focus for this month’s event was the Lombardy region, an area with over 375 acres of vineyards in production. Each wine came from Zonin’s Tenuta il Bosco Estate where six different types of grapes are grown, (Barbera, Croatina, Uva Rara, Pinot Nero, Chardonnay and Malvasia.) Each grape specifically cultivated for a specific wine.

So what exactly did we eat and drink? Here is what was on the menu, that delicious afternoon:

Bresaola Rotolino, Grana Padano & Rucola paired with Zonin Prosecco
Trota Alla Gardensana with Grilled Olenta paired with Tenuta IL Bosco Oltrenero
Gnocchi Di Pane & Spinich, Taleggio Fonduta (summer truffle) paired with Tenuta IL Bosco Bonarda
Risoto Al Salto, Rabit & Mushrooms paired with Tenuta IL Bosco Pinot Nero
Crema Di Ricotta Di Pecora, Pere & Vin Brulle’ Sauce paired with Tenuta IL Bosco Oltrenero Cruase

Chef Sigala, was not only talented, but also friendly and full of humor. This made the experience that much more enjoyable. He confessed to his audience that cooking at home isn’t really something he does on a regular basis. However, in case you were wondering… Most of his inspirations for a meal come from everyday items found in the supermarket.

His cooking expertise was evident from beginning to end, starting with the display of his culinary masterpieces, and ending with the skillful pairing of his savory dishes and Zonin wines.

A special thanks to Miami Culinary Institute, Casa Vinicola Zonin, Sergio Sigala, and his team; Flair Miami’s culinary experience was excellent, and we look forward to the next event!