{"id":577,"date":"2012-10-09T10:02:01","date_gmt":"2012-10-09T17:02:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/somimag.com\/?post_type=article&p=577"},"modified":"2012-10-10T14:24:47","modified_gmt":"2012-10-10T21:24:47","slug":"your-somi-palate-passport","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/somimag.com\/your-somi-palate-passport\/","title":{"rendered":"YOUR SOMI PALATE PASSPORT"},"content":{"rendered":"<\/a>

CULINARY TOUR OF SOMI!
\nSOMI HAS IT ALL FROM CHINESE TO PERUVIAN TO GOOD OLE BURGERS<\/strong><\/p>\n

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When cultures meet, one of the best things to happen is a magical exchange and the eventual melding of cuisines. In South Miami Town Center, eating establishments feature the flavors of countries ranging from Japan to Venezuela. The variety of international flavors runs the gamut from comfort food, and fine dining, to wonderful snacks to relish from the early hours of the morning to late at night. In this issue we proffer a sampling of local favorites, signature dishes, and \u201cmust try\u201d foods available right here that don\u2019t require a flight out of town or a passport.<\/p>\n

Here, it is a simple matter to treat your palate to exotic foods from Europe, Asia (both \u201cnear\u201d and \u201cfar\u201d), the Caribbean, Mexico and South America. And not to ignore the truly inventive and honest tastes of our own \u201cmelting pot,\u201d we pay homage to food from the good old U.S.A. For as American writer Jean Shepherd once proclaimed about our natural bounty and national dishes, \u201cThere is more to life than a Hostess Twinkie.\u201d<\/p>\n

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EUROPE<\/strong><\/p>\nCoq au Vin
George’s\n

France is renowned for its haute cuisine<\/em>, down-to-earth bistro and regional fare, and impossible-to-resist pastries.<\/p>\n

George\u2019s<\/strong> is an upbeat restaurant and late night venue for the young and beautiful, but that doesn\u2019t stop it from offering Coq au Vin<\/em>, a historic staple from the region of Burgundy.\u00a0 The traditional saut\u00e9ed chicken cooked for hours in red wine with mushrooms and herbs is a favorite here–a fall-off-the-bone tenderness worthy of maman\u2019s kitchen.<\/p>\n

The origin of the word \u201cbistro\u201d is in some dispute, but the French\u00a0have claimed it as<\/p>\nMoules Marinieres, Frites
Cafe Pastis\n

their own to mean, \u201cquick.\u201d Dining for lunch or dinner at Caf\u00e9 Pastis<\/strong> is an experience that is best described as the total immersion into a Marseille bistro. Sunny yellow and deep Mediterranean blue d\u00e9cor, helpful French waiters, and a plate of exquisitely-prepared Moules Marini\u00e8res<\/em>paired with just the right cold white wine will keep you coming back to this little slice\u00a0of Provence.<\/p>\n

French bread, quiche, and salads are available at La Crepe Bistro<\/strong> who offer a tempting array of Savory Crepes\u2014something to try if you have always considered these pancake-like affairs as dessert only. A variety of delicious Viennoiseries<\/em>, baked goods make from yeast-leavened dough in the Viennese manner, are available from La Provence Artisanal French Bakery and Caf\u00e9<\/strong>, along with cakes and sandwiches.\u00a0 And don\u2019t forget a visit to Le Royal Bakery<\/strong>on Red Road, a popular spot for years serving up great homemade pastries and breads.<\/p>\nTruffle Cake and Butterfly Pastry
Chocolate Fashion\n

When it comes to the Pantheon of Desserts, the country of France surely holds one of the highest places. Chocolate Fashion<\/strong> is revered for its Chocolate Truffle Cake, a dark chocolate cake, soaked in rum syrup, layered with rich, dark chocolate mousse and covered in chocolate ganache<\/em>. The recently-opened Le Macaron\u00a0<\/strong>sells cookies that go far beyond those coconut meringue concoctions we call \u201cmacaroons.\u201d Here they are round,\u00a0lightly crisp shells created from ground almonds and soft meringue in a\u00a0variety of natural flavors.\u00a0 The centers are filled with rich creams, fruit jams or chocolate.<\/p>\nFish & Chip with hand-cut French Fries
The Irish Times\n

Fast food has been with us long before the Golden Arches first made their appearance.\u00a0Once such is the mid-nineteenth century working man\u2019s treat, Fish and Chips.\u00a0Lightly battered cod is quickly fried in hot oil and served up with hand-cut potatoes for a comforting repast at The Irish Times<\/strong>.\u00a0Complete this traditional dish with a pint of Guinness\u2019s creamy stout and all will be right with\u00a0the world.<\/p>\n

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Italy, the country that claims its chefs taught the French how to cook, is home to regional foods unsurpassed on the planet. Fortunately for us, Italians chose the United States as an ideal place in which to settle. However because the majority of Italian immigrants came from the south (Campania and Sicily), most Americans are unaware of the broad range of flavors and the seemingly infinite glories that can be bestowed on a plate of pasta. And speaking of pasta, there are two basic types: fresh (usually homemade) and\u00a0dried (from a package or box).<\/p>\nRavioli di Zucca
Trattoria Sole\n

Fall brings out the pumpkins, and at Trattoria Sole<\/strong>, a must this season is the Zucca di ravioli<\/em>.\u00a0 Sole has been the Italian restaurant in town for the past fifteen years, and well-known for its delightful treatment of dishes developed in the Piedmont and other regions of Italy.\u00a0(see feature, New Tastes in SOMI<\/em>).<\/p>\n

At Emilio\u2019s Casa Toscano<\/strong>, the menu is a tribute to many Italian dishes that come from Tuscany. One of these is the Pappardella Verdi e Bianche ai Funghi Porcini<\/em>. Broadly cut pasta served with the rich, earthy flavors of wild mushrooms and truffles makes for a delightful change from the sometimes all-too-familiar spaghetti\u00a0in tomato sauce.<\/p>\n

Pizza, an Italian fast food that has taken the world by storm, is often mistreated with an overabundance of acidic tomato sauce and waxy mozzarella \u201ccheese\u201d on top of bread that resembles cardboard; not so at\u00a0Blu Pizzeria by Best Friends<\/strong>. Here you\u00a0can experience all the joys of a true Neapolitan Pizza Margarita<\/em>, with sweet plum tomato sauce, buffalo mozzarella, olive oil and leaves of fresh basil on bread fit for the queen for which this pizza was named.<\/p>\nBacalhau Assado na Brasa
Old Lisbon\n

The countries of Portugal and Spain are well represented in South Miami. Old Lisbon<\/strong> brings Old World charm to our city and the best Bacalhau Assado na Brasa<\/em> you ever ate. This traditional treatment results in a soothing blend of Norwegian cod, potatoes, onions, garlic and oil that will make you want to linger over dinner. Order a fine port to complete the experience.<\/p>\n

For a change of pace, go to 100 Montaditos<\/strong> for Spanish tapas. Here you can get small sandwiches made on Spanish bread with a variety of fillings. A popular spot, this caf\u00e9 offers special low prices on Wednesday evenings. For a real treat, try the Ib\u00e9rico de Bellota<\/em> sandwich; one of the world\u2019s best hams made from black Iberian pigs raised on acorns.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\nShanklish, Lebanese Sausage, Grape Leaves appetizers \u2028Khoury’s Mediterranean Restaurant\n

ASIA\u00a0<\/strong>(Near)
\nThe country of Lebanon remains the crossroads of cultures. Under the rule of the Ottoman Empires for almost 300 years and later greatly influenced by the French, Lebanese cuisine is among the finest and most complex in the world. In South Miami we have the good fortune to hosttwo Lebanese restaurants, each with its own style and both with consistently fantastic food. Khoury\u2019s <\/strong>has been part of the scene here for over fifteen years and their food never disappoints. For a real treat, order a plate of appetizers that include Shanklish<\/em> (homemade cheese) with tomatoes and olive oil, homemade Lebanese Sausage with lemon, and Grapes Leaves stuffed with rice, chick peas and specially-ground spices.<\/p>\n

Watch the world go by while dining outdoors on Sunset Drive at Marhaba <\/strong>and enjoy their elegant Samak Mishweh<\/em>, whole salmon with spices baked in paper and served with lemons and sauces. To complete the experience, enjoy tea, take a puff on a hookah and await the arrival of the belly dancer.<\/p>\nMushu with vegetables
New Chinatown\n

ASIA\u00a0<\/strong>(Far)
\nChances are, when the question arises of where something originally began, the answer is usually \u201cChina.\u201d China, large in land mass and numbers of people, has a diversity and complexity of cuisines worthy of its millennia-old culture. Marco Polo purportedly brought the skill of noodle-making to Italy from his trip to Asia. The method of cooking the freshest food rapidly in a wok and serving it steaming hot is a skill appreciated the world over. One restaurant that presents this healthy and delicious food is New Chinatown<\/strong> located on US1.\u00a0 Try Mushu<\/em> with vegetables or meat. This satisfying dish is a mixture of cabbage, wild mushrooms, eggs and spices served on light, sweet Mandarin pancakes. Begin with a bowl of spicy Hot and Sour soup, sip a cup of Jasmine tea and relax.<\/p>\n

Another location for great Cantonese food is Wok Masters\u00a0<\/strong>on Red Road in Coral Gables (see feature,\u00a0New Tastes in SOMI<\/em>).<\/p>\n

The food of Japan has increased in popularity in the United States over the last 20 years and has experienced a real boom with Americans\u2019 discovery of sushi. A country long devoted to making everything in their lives a work of art, the Japanese excel at the presentation of their traditional dishes; delighting the eye well in advance of the first chopstick-full of subtly-flavored food.<\/p>\nChicken Katsu and Yasai Itame – Miyako\n

The interior of the Miyako Restaurant <\/strong>exemplifies the elegant yet restrained nature of Japanese design. This follows through in all their dishes. Traditional foods such as Teriyaki<\/em> (food broiled or grilled in a sweet soy sauce), Katsu<\/em> (breaded meats) and Yasai Itame<\/em> (saut\u00e9ed vegetables) are offered in addition to an array of Sushi Rolls.<\/p>\n

Sushi Maki<\/strong> is known for their dedication to serving fresh food and to running a \u201cgreen\u201d restaurant. There are many rolls from which to chose, but try the Dragon Roll (a power pack combination of grilled eel, cucumber and avocado) with a glass of refreshing Bubble Tea (a slushy drink made with tea and fruit or milk).<\/p>\n

Another great sushi spot in SOMI is Akashi<\/strong>, a traditional Japanese restaurant known for the quality of its ingredients and the beautiful presentation of its dishes. They include a number of signature rolls as well as great traditional fare.<\/p>\n

At RA Sushi<\/strong>, try the Viva Las Vegas roll. This extravaganza consists of a crab and cream cheese roll, lightly battered and fried tempura style, and topped with spiced tuna, crab, and sliced lotus root that is then drizzled with eel sauce and spinach tempura flakes. More than your average bowling alley, Splitsville<\/strong> offers terrific appetizers and sushi rolls for you to enjoy between frames. Give the Ninja Roll a try; this delightful mix of salmon tempura, crab and avocado with spicy mayo will be sure to improve your game on the lanes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\nVaca Frita
Casa Larios\n

CARRIBEAN<\/strong>
\nWell, what can be said? Cuban cuisine is all around us in the Miami area. Our South Miami purveyors of this island nation\u2019s food is Casa Larios<\/strong> where the Vaca Frita<\/em> is generous and delicious, and Mojito Grill<\/strong>, the first Cuban restaurant in SOMI, where a Pan con Bistec<\/em> sandwich is not to be missed.\u00a0 Both establishments enjoy a large and loyal following with plenty of cafecito and conversation to keep you coming back to try\u00a0more delights on their menus.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\nCeviche Verde
The MexZican Gourmet\n

MEXICO<\/strong>
\nFor authentic Mexican food that goes far beyond the taco, try The MexZican Gourmet<\/strong> located in one of South Miami\u2019s historic buildings on Sunset and US 1.\u00a0 Their ceviche verde<\/em> is highly rated (see feature,\u00a0New Tastes in SOMI<\/em>).<\/p>\n

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SOUTH AMERICA<\/strong>
\nArgentina enjoys a great mix of cuisines thanks in part to the Europeans who settled and continue to settle there. Known for its fantastic beef and sausages, the country that brought us the Tango really knows its way around the kitchen. Patagonia Nahuen <\/strong>brings the Pampas to us via a gourmet market, fresh prime meats and delicious prepared treats that can be enjoyed indoors or out on Sunset Drive.\u00a0A variety of flaky-crusted Empandas are among the winners here. Chose your favorite filling, buy a bottle of fruit juice or wine and enjoy.<\/p>\nArepa Cahapa
European Corner\n

Venezuela\u2019s food varies a great deal depending on the region. Like Patagonia, the shop at European Corner sells gourmet foods from the home country and provides ready-made goodies to enjoy on the premises. Pastries and easily-devoured fast food such as Arepas (ground cornmeal dough stuffed with meats, etc.) and Teque\u00f1os (cheese sticks) will help get your fiesta started.<\/p>\n

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 <\/p>\nShrimp and Grits with a side of Fried Green Tomatoes
Whisk\n

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
\n<\/strong>In American cuisine, we have a lot to be thankful for: a bounteous land and a dynamic culinary culture that expands with every new wave of immigrant who decide to make this place home. So without further ado, we jump right into one of our glorious accomplishments, fantastic beef. Shula\u2019s 347 is not your father\u2019s steakhouse. It\u2019s a whole lot better! With center cut Premium Black Angus beef in the kitchen, the dish to consider is the Filet Mignon. Enjoy your steak with a nice bottle of red wine in a sophisticated atmosphere and secretly thank generations of breeders who husbanded the Black Angus.<\/p>\n

Food of the American South is glorious in its own right. Go to Whisk for Shrimp and Grits with a side of Fried Green Tomatoes and I reckon ya\u2019ll will find out what the fuss is about.<\/p>\n

Fox\u2019s on US 1 has been part of the South Miami scene for over 60 years. Known for its great food and the darkest bar in creation, Fox\u2019s has been the scene of many a story; some true, some not. \u00a0 To get the real flavor of down home America, try the juicy Prime Rib and one of their icy martinis, shaken, not stirred.<\/p>\nPrime Rib with baked potato & vegetables
FOX\u2019s\n

Town Kitchen and Bar offers gourmet American food simply prepared. A convivial and modern ambiance, Town\u2019s menu has a lot of \u201cmusts.\u201d Try the Calamari with its hot and sweet dipping sauce and a cocktail of your choice. Deli Lane on Dorn Avenue occupies one of South Miami\u2019s old post offices. Situated on a street that could come straight from Europe, the outdoor dining and people-watching here are enhanced by their signature Reuben Sandwich and a cold brew.<\/p>\n

One glory of our cuisine is the hamburger. And we are not talking about some pallid, flat affair on a gluey bun; we are talking real meat on real bread.\u00a0 ROK:BRGR Burger Bar and Gastropub relies on that king of beef, prime Black Angus for its handmade burgers to order\u2014no frozen patties in sight. Order any of their Burgers with a side of Mac and Cheese with Lobster and drink a premium beer with your premium burger. And now, South Miami has its own star of the Obama administration, OMG! Burgers! While looking for a place to grab a quick bite while campaigning, our Commander-in-Chief stopped here, to have a burger, fries and a Coke. What was once named the tasty American Burger has been forever changed to the Presidential Burger. Try it. It is delicious and famous and right here at home.<\/p>\n


\nTHE BEST AND OTHER FAVORITES IN TOWN<\/strong><\/p>\n


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Top Row:\u00a0<\/strong>Reuben Sandwich, Deli Lane<\/strong> | Pan con Bistec, Mojito Grill<\/strong> | Calamari, Town Kitchen+Bar<\/strong>
\nVolcano Roll, Splitsville’s Sushi Bar<\/strong> | Viva Las Vegas Roll, RA Sushi<\/strong> | Middle\u00a0Row:\u00a0<\/strong>Dragon Roll, Bubble Tea, Sushi
\nTacos, Sushi Maki<\/strong> | Crab Wontons, WOK Masters<\/strong> | Samak Mishweh, Marhaba Mediterranean Restaurant<\/strong>
\nIberico de Bellota Platter with Manchego Cheese,\u00a0Six Assorted Montaditos,\u00a0100 Montaditos<\/strong> |
\nPizza Margherita,\u00a0Blu Pizzeria<\/strong> |\u00a0Bottom Row:\u00a0<\/strong>Pappardella Verdie Bianche a Funghi Porcini,\u00a0Emilio\u2019s Casa Toscana<\/strong> |
\nPresidental Burger, OMG! Burger<\/strong> |\u00a0Filet Mignon with potatoes & seasonal vegetables, Shula’s 347 Grill<\/strong> |
\nYummy, Yummy: Homemade Chantilly, Strawberries, Banana Nutella,\u00a0La Crepe Bistro<\/strong> |\u00a0Assorted Pastries,\u00a0Le Royal French Bakery<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

CULINARY TOUR OF SOMI! SOMI HAS IT ALL FROM CHINESE TO PERUVIAN TO GOOD OLE BURGERS   When cultures meet, one of the best things to happen is a magical exchange and the eventual melding of cuisines. In South Miami Town Center, eating establishments feature the flavors of countries ranging from Japan to Venezuela. The<\/p>\n

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