recommended – Page 12 – Food & Pixels

Yard Bird (Delicious Miami PT IV)

Yard Bird needs no introduction. Between it’s outpost in Las Vegas and the fact that it was featured on Anthony Bourdain’s Emmy winning series “Parts Unknown” with a special appearance of QuestLove, foodies flocked here for it’s famous fried chicken and waffle. But I can assure you, this place is way more than just fried chicken.
Not far from Lincoln Street Mall, in a quiet residential area, there is Yard Bird Southern Table and Bar. A white building with huge windows and glass door, the space was once a grocery store, now famous for it’s fried chicken and waffle.

I absolutely love what they did to the space. It’s bright and light. Exposed beams and ducts, white brick columns, dark wood feature wall, and especially the mason jar chandelier. Its rustic, chic, clean and contemporary. Take a closer look at the wall. They hold wisdom… if these wall could talk… wait… they could.

The pig said “God gave the angels wings, he gave us bacon”
The chicken said “there are 2 kinds of people in the world; those who love fried chicken, and communists”
The bottle on the wall said “Bourbon is sunshine mixed with love and genius”
and my personal favorite “never trust a skinny pastry chef”

Drinks are colorful and delicious. Served in a mason jar. Both of them were unique, and extremely refreshing especially during the hot Miami summer.
Blackberry Bourbon Lemonade (left)
– Buffalo Trace bourbon, fresh lemon and cardamom 12
just the right amount of sweetness
Watermelon Sling (right)
– Troy & Sons platinum white whiskey, fresh pressed watermelon juice & fresh lemon balanced with rosemary & Aperol 12
FRESH! FRESH! FRESH!

Deviled Eggs
– fresh dill, smoked trout roe ‘redneck caviar’ 10
Creamy, dreamy!!! the devil is smiling

Chicken Liver Toast
– grilled country bread, cuke & fresno pepper relish 5
For only $5, this is a steal!!! crunchy toast with thick layer of chicken liver moose generously spread. The pepper relish and scallion on top added a sweet taste and crunch. Love it!!!

Chicken n’ Watermelon n’ Waffles
– Yardbird’s signature ‘old school fried chicken’, honey hot sauce, chilled spiced watermelon, Cheddar cheese chow chow waffle, bourbon maple syrup 36

Despite the fame, we were still hesitant to get the chicken and waffles. Because, this $36 dish feature half a chicken!!! with just the two of us, we couldn’t possibly finish it along with other things we wanted to have. But how often are we in Miami… we have to!!! and if we didn’t, we would definatelty regret. Chicken is so moist and tender, not only the dark meat was awesome, even the white meat was amazing. Although deep fried, it is not oily like all other fried chicken. Very lightly breaded, and no excessive oil, nor greasy, just flavorful, juicy chicken. Then there were waffles. I’m not a waffle person, but I am totally taken by these little corners of goodness. As Fluffy as it can be. Cut a corner, and the are cheese inside!!!! a light layer of cheddar in the middle of the waffle. Making is extra fluffy and melty. Pair with the bourbon maple syrup….. yum yum yum. Too heavy? That’s what the watermelon are for!!! chilled, spiced with pepper, lemon and herbs, watermelon just become more mouthwatering.
With all these excellent goodies, my suggestion is— rally up the whole gang and share the joy of good food. There are so many more items we wanted to try, but couldn’t. Our neighbor at the next table had the fried green tomato BLT and shrimp and grits, and they look so good!!! next time, may be dinner? There are more items on the supper menu!!!
*** 1600 Lenox Avenue, Miami Beach, FL
www.runchickenrun.com

Taquiza- Delicious Miami (part II)

I honestly do not remember the last time that I had 3 meals a day. But since we only very few days in Miami, not only 3 meals a day are jammed packed, we even squeezed in a fourth – afternoon snacks… a thing I never have… as far as I recalled. However, once I had the taco from Taquiza, I found myself back for more the next day. That’s right, two day in a row. Couldn’t have enough!

Just a short walk away from the beach, a tiny place tucked underneath a hostel on Collins Ave. a place that would go easily unnoticed if one weren’t paying attention. But if you do, you would have found treasure. And we did. Just a service counter, and a little patio out front. I felt like I was sitting at a friend’s backyard, just chilling. And of course, with very very good food. All menu items are written on the chalk board hanging over head. There were appetizers then tacos. For drinks, there were house made sangria, and coke from Mexican, and of course, a varieties of beers. Cozy little place for light lunch or snacks. I wanted to hit them all. But eyes always want more than my belly could.

We had the Al Pastor, which is pull pork, achiote, guajillo, sour orange, and topped with pineapple. Soft, tender pork, balanced well with sour orange. And that pineapple was like the cherry on top of the sundae. Also Taquiza use blue corn for that house made tortilla. Soft and fluffy, like little pillows.

Then there was the Lengua. Big chunks of beef tongue, marinated by Mexican beer, with toasted bay leaf. Such tenderness, and succulent.with a couple drop of lime juice, and hot sauce to brighten the notes. Oh… I can have this everyday!
And yes, we went back the next day. At around 3p, I was dreaming about that beef tongue taco. Its so hard to resist. And why not, we are on vacation. Let’s pig out. This time we were even more greedy. We also ordered the totopos with guacamole and the Elote. Both were very good, but can’t top that beef tongue taco. I found myself still thinking about it weeks after we came back from Miami. (June, 2015)

Delicious Miami (part I)

miami

South Beach Miami- sunshine, Toes in the sand, laying on the beach with a cocktail in hand…yes yes, we did all that, and then some. We were only there for 3 days.
3 days = 9 meals… not nearly enough!!!
Here are what we have:

Puerto Sagua
We started off at Puerto Sagua. It’s a typical hot, humid day in Florida, and we walk 14 blocks to Puerto Sagua. We just got off the plane, and we were starving, exhausted, and dehydrated. Half way there, we were starting to wonder… why are we doing this to ourselves. Could have easily take a cab there or ride a bike… but it’s all worth it.

Puerto Sagua is like an old-school coffee shop or dinner. I bet the place looks the same as it was in 1962. There is a wall mural that made out of metal which document the way it was then in South Beach Miami. Take a closer look, you will see that Puerto Sagua is right in that picture. Puerto Sagua offers simple but delicious comfort food. We had Cubano Sandwich ($9.25; $8.25 for half) and Oxtail stew, classic Cuban fairs. Ham, swiss cheese, marinated roast pork tucked in between lightly toasted French Baguette. Crispy, crunchy, just comforting.

Oxtail stew (FRICASE DE RABO $11.95) with rice and fried plantains. Oxtail stew came in a small iron tray. Great, great, rich flavor. Wish we had a little more meat. This oxtail stew is awesome. I’m whole again after this meal.
***700 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139

click to see slideshow

Ola at the Sanctuary

Located at the Sanctuary Hotel in South Beach, Ola is a Latin American restaurant featuring ceviche, but I can tell you, the main courses are outstanding too. Service was warm and attentive. We were a large group and did not have a reservation on Friday night, and the staff there were accommodating.
miamiola03
Lobster Ceviche come in a light tomato citrus sauce. Just the right amount of sweet and sour, great balance. Sweet and fresh lobster, all so refreshing.

I highly recommend the Foie gras empanada. Yes, it might not be the most authentic thing, but when the foie gras slowly flow out and melt on your tongue, that’s undeniably mouth-watering.

We also have lamb and fish of the day (Corvina). The portion were so generous. It was a whole rack of lamb. For the same price, we would usually get may be 3-4 “bones”. But here, I counted, there were 8!!! portion big enough for two!!! and I must say I did not expect the lamb to be so delicious. It could possibly be the best lamb we have had. Crusted with hazelnut, it had that nutty/ chocolate flavor to it. And so perfectly cooked!

While the lamb is the star of the night, the corvina holds its own too. The fish came in a orange/ yellow sauce. At first I thought it was a mango sauce, and fear I had order the wrong thing. But it was definitely not mango. It has a hint of spice, almost curry like, later determined that it is a light yellow pepper sauce. It is actually an aji amarillo sauce. It bring a shape note to brighten the fish and the array of seafood on the dish. Kind of remind me Malaysian cuisine. Again, portion is huge. I really feel like all the entrees are designed for two.
We all had a wonderful night at Ola. It was an outstanding latin restaurant fill with surprise. Thank you to the extremely nice gentleman at the concierge desk of Delano – Mr. Haas. It was him whom suggested Ola. Mr. Haas is so helpful and patient with us.
***Sanctuary South Beach, 1745 James Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139

–stay tune for part II

Santina- a ray of coastal sunshine under the steel beam of Highline Park

Shortly after Torrisi Italian Speciality closed its door at the beginning of this year, Santina, the latest project from the Major Food Group, open underneath the HighLine Park.
Right next to the new Whitney museum, it is tucked under the entrance of High-line park, Santina is hard to miss. Bright orange and blue sun umbrella, it is like a source of warm sunshine under the cold metal bridge.

Light, bright, Colorful, vibrant, I opened the door, and thought I walked into somewhere tropical.
colorful chandeliers hanging off wood ceiling, each different color, equally lavish and beautiful. Greyish-blue booth with little wood chair and white marble tables, made me feel I’m on vacation at a resort somewhere. Hawaii? Miami? Puerto Rico? Amalfi coast!!! Even every piece dining ware we had has a different pattern. And the ambience continue to the bathroom as well (See Pic). Yes, I take picture in the bathroom too, I’m weird that way. But look, it is also decorated as if it’s in a beach house. I really appreciate the attention that was pay to every detail.

AMALFI GOLD - bourbon, orange, ginger, crème de peche & FIORI - gin, chamomile, campari — AMALFI GOLD (R)- bourbon, orange, ginger, crème de peche & FIORI (L)- gin, chamomile, campari

MANGANELLI PUNCH- tequila, banana, pineapple, cinnamon

Cocktails are as colorful and beautiful as the chandeliers. Every slip just scream “SUMMER”. And who doesn’t like a drink that comes in a pineapple jar?

We started with Cecina (chickpea pancake) with Lamb Tartare. Cecina is crispy on one side and fluffy on the other. The warmth of pancake pair up with fresh, chill lamb tartare, I can’t have enough of this. AND, the house special spicy sauce that came in a cute little jar, it is awesomeness that packs a kick. It reminds me of the Chinese XO sauce, but only better.

FRITTO MISTO means “mixed fry”. Basically calamari. Squid, fish, olives, all deep fried. Crisp and fresh, and not oily at all. Like the way they did in Venice, it is served with a squeeze of lemon juice. I especially like the brazil leaves. Crunch! crunch!

SHRIMP ZINGARA is like a risotto and Chinese shrimp fried rice got together and had a baby. It got rid of risotto’s heavy creaminess, and fried rice’s oiliness. With tomatoes and peppers, it is a new, fresh creation. I think i’m going to try make this at home.
SPAGHETTI BLUE CRAB has plenty of crab meat. The craw on top was only decorative. The spaghetti, however, was a little overcook, a little mushed.
We saw the folks next to us ordered the whole grilled porgy, and it looks delicious. If only I had more room…
We were very surprise when the bill arrived. It’s half the price than what we’d have spent at ZZ’s, Carbone or Dirty French.
An affordable restaurant from the Major Food Group that is not named Parm!!! WHAT>!>!?! Next time, I think I’ll skip the rice and pasta section. (April, 2015)

Category: <span>recommended</span>

Yard Bird (Delicious Miami PT IV)

Taquiza- Delicious Miami (part II)

Delicious Miami (part I)

Santina- a ray of coastal sunshine under the steel beam of Highline Park