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Food

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.
chef adrianne

  • 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.

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…

  1. Be sure to spice up your broth. The restaurant should bring you a separate plate with sprouts, mint and lime. Add it all!
  2. 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.
  3. 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

Under the food category of this blog, you can expect to find healthy recipes, local restaurant reviews, and maybe even happy hour specials. I may be petite, but don’t be fooled… I loooove food! Luckily, I don’t really have a sweet tooth, so I’d rather stuff my face with food and skip dessert.

But for all you sweet lovers, here’s a healthy snack alternative… Try this simple recipe below made with all natural ingredients.

Yields:  20-25 No-bake Energy Bites

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup of oats
  • 1/2 cup of peanut butter
  • 1/3 cup of honey
  • 1/2 cup of ground flax seed
  • 1/2 cup of dark chocolate chips
  • 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
    (optional extras: 1/2 cup of ground coconut, pecans, or raisins)

Directions:

  1. Mix all ingredients in a bowl. (I accidentally purchased whole flax seeds, so I had to put them through the food processor first.)
  2. Grab a handful of the mixture and begin shaping them into balls. (Spraying cooking spray into your palms may help during the ball-making process.)
  3. Refrigerate or freeze for about an hour and you’re done!
  4. Enjoy!

 

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