Pretentious Mexican boteca (tapas) style restaurant in the Midtown Miami area (in the Target shopping complex; one street east of Target).
We were craving tacos after a day at the beach (damn you, Ver Daddys for closing), and decided to give this place a shot. We won't be repeating that mistake any time soon.
What we had:
Let me preface our meal ny saying the menu at Mercadito is ridiculous. It's overpriced, inflexible, and pretentious. I guess you have to be pretentious to charge $14 for 4 mini tacos with a straight face. There is also no mixing and matching with your 4 tacos, a fact with which we were sorely disappointed--almost to the point of walking out. $14 is ludicrous, but we would be willing to overlook that if you could sample more than one flavor. Two even, would be okay.
Salsa costs $3 extra, and it's maybe a quarter of a cup. The variety we got was nice, but worth nowhere near $3.
The chips were fresh but unsalted and really greasy; almost inedible.
We ordered carne and carnitas tacos. Each variety came out on long glass plates; a nice presentation.
The carne tacos (tender grilled steak chunks with diced potato, an airy potato puree, bits of roasted poblano and crispy wisps of something in fresh corn tortillas) were tiny, but the flavor was good.
The carnitas tacos (shredded, juicy slow-cooked pork shoulder with crispy cabbage slaw and peanut dressing on the same tortillas) were also tiny and tasted good, but the value for money just isn't there.
Décor:
We were seated outside; almost flapping in the breeze in the patio entranceway. The inside decor was bright, open and modern.
Service:
The server didn't speak English terribly well and managed to be both condescending and neraly intelligible, because he was opposed to enunciation.
The service was tapas style, with dishes coming out at all different times. Really? Is that entirely necessary? Our food did come out quick, though, I will give them that.
Overall impressions:
Everything else on the menu seemed to be similarly overpriced, and geared to ordering a bunch of plates/courses.
Rating:
2.5 out of 5 salamanders, but begrudingly. The tastes were good overall, but the experience was wholly unsatisfying.
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Smith & Wollensky
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I made reservations to celebrate our fourth wedding anniversary through Open Table and requested that we be sat overlooking the sunset and mentioned the reason.
The management and staff went out of their way to make the experience a memorable one. We were the first table to be sat upstairs overlooking the water and were promptly ushered to the optimal sunset seat. The maitre d' left us with a handwritten congratulatory card and at the end of the meal we were treated to a free dessert.
What we had:
We started with cocktails-my apple-tini tasted like medicine, but my DH enjoyed his dirty martini.
We had the calamari appetizer, which was fresh, perfectly fried an well seasoned.
The table bread was house-made and came out in a little pan.
I had the chef's cut prime rib--over 1 pound of the most succulent bone-in prime rib I have ever had (at a restaurant). Holy crap this was awesome. Unfortunately, I was wearing a nice dress, so I ended stuffing my face so much I was in pain by the end of the meal, and had to leave about 2 ounces behind. I know, I know... I'm still hanging my head in shame, but I was in real danger of explosion. We're talking past the food baby point.
My DH had a big honkin bone-in ribeye, and it was also fan-freakin-tabulous.
For sides, we had the truffle mac & cheese and the asparagus. The truffle mac was pretty good but a littly grainy. Bourbon steak's was miles better. My asparagus is much better than this was. It wasn't bad; it was asparagus afterall; but nothing was done to it but blanching. The bernaise sauce was good.
So, after eatibg ourselves into a beef-fueled stupor, a free chocolate lava cake with vanilla ice cream and a fresh raspberry coulis came out. What did we do? We finished it.
We needed coffee after this, so we stayed around for our aperitif.
Décor:
I think it was nice; the sunset, cruise ships and people on an evening stroll were.
Service:
Old school older men in S&W jackets. Good service; attentive without being obtrusive.
The silverware was impressive--sterling made special for the restaurant.
Overall impressions:
A good old-school steakhouse that seems to take care in nurturing repeat business. We would go again.
Rating:
4 out of 5 salamanders
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
The management and staff went out of their way to make the experience a memorable one. We were the first table to be sat upstairs overlooking the water and were promptly ushered to the optimal sunset seat. The maitre d' left us with a handwritten congratulatory card and at the end of the meal we were treated to a free dessert.
What we had:
We started with cocktails-my apple-tini tasted like medicine, but my DH enjoyed his dirty martini.
We had the calamari appetizer, which was fresh, perfectly fried an well seasoned.
The table bread was house-made and came out in a little pan.
I had the chef's cut prime rib--over 1 pound of the most succulent bone-in prime rib I have ever had (at a restaurant). Holy crap this was awesome. Unfortunately, I was wearing a nice dress, so I ended stuffing my face so much I was in pain by the end of the meal, and had to leave about 2 ounces behind. I know, I know... I'm still hanging my head in shame, but I was in real danger of explosion. We're talking past the food baby point.
My DH had a big honkin bone-in ribeye, and it was also fan-freakin-tabulous.
For sides, we had the truffle mac & cheese and the asparagus. The truffle mac was pretty good but a littly grainy. Bourbon steak's was miles better. My asparagus is much better than this was. It wasn't bad; it was asparagus afterall; but nothing was done to it but blanching. The bernaise sauce was good.
So, after eatibg ourselves into a beef-fueled stupor, a free chocolate lava cake with vanilla ice cream and a fresh raspberry coulis came out. What did we do? We finished it.
We needed coffee after this, so we stayed around for our aperitif.
Décor:
I think it was nice; the sunset, cruise ships and people on an evening stroll were.
Service:
Old school older men in S&W jackets. Good service; attentive without being obtrusive.
The silverware was impressive--sterling made special for the restaurant.
Overall impressions:
A good old-school steakhouse that seems to take care in nurturing repeat business. We would go again.
Rating:
4 out of 5 salamanders
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Cantina Laredo
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Gourmet Mexican food in Gulfstream Villiage.
What we had:
The table chips weren't fresh, but the salsas were nice and flavorful. We enjoyed a richly-smoked mild salsa and a nice, bright spicy salsa.
We ended up eating (chips) until we were over-stuffed.
My DH had the chicken and steak tacos--the chix was over-cooked but ok; the steak was well-seasoned and cooked to perfection. The tacos wete accompanied by nice fresh avocado, tomato that actually saw the sun and sides of really nice fresh black beans with cojito and bland-but-not-terrible Mexican rice. Nicely seasoned queso was served as an additional optional topping.
I had a chicken & shrimp dish--dry and bland chix with perfectly cooked shrimp, a poblano white wine sauce (good taste, but salty finish) and nice veg side with almonds that was not over-processed.
Décor:
Nice, modern, austere.
Service:
The staff was all over the place; herds of them were walking back and forth during the meal - hopefully it was shift switch time.
Overall impressions:
Nice decor, decent American-ivied menu (read: cheese heavy). On the pricey side with an average plate price in the low 20s.
Rating:
3 out of 5 salamanders
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
What we had:
The table chips weren't fresh, but the salsas were nice and flavorful. We enjoyed a richly-smoked mild salsa and a nice, bright spicy salsa.
We ended up eating (chips) until we were over-stuffed.
My DH had the chicken and steak tacos--the chix was over-cooked but ok; the steak was well-seasoned and cooked to perfection. The tacos wete accompanied by nice fresh avocado, tomato that actually saw the sun and sides of really nice fresh black beans with cojito and bland-but-not-terrible Mexican rice. Nicely seasoned queso was served as an additional optional topping.
I had a chicken & shrimp dish--dry and bland chix with perfectly cooked shrimp, a poblano white wine sauce (good taste, but salty finish) and nice veg side with almonds that was not over-processed.
Décor:
Nice, modern, austere.
Service:
The staff was all over the place; herds of them were walking back and forth during the meal - hopefully it was shift switch time.
Overall impressions:
Nice decor, decent American-ivied menu (read: cheese heavy). On the pricey side with an average plate price in the low 20s.
Rating:
3 out of 5 salamanders
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Tropical Chinese Restaurant
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Chinese restaurant with dim sum across from Tropical Park.
What we had:
We went for Dim Sum and ended up with a delictible array of soft steamed pillows and golden fried dumplingy goodness. We had:
Steamed shrimp tucked into the softest rice noodle sheets
possible with a nice light sauce
Heavenly tender smoked pork with a generous pink ring
Fried shell-on shrimp that was nicely flavored and fried well enough to eat shell-on, but not so much that the shrimp is rubbery
Tasty steamed pork shu mai
Soft steamed pork & mushroom dumplings
Steamed dumplings stuffed full of tasty bok choi
Shrimp fried sticky rice, which had a spice we weren't huge fansof
Crazy good sweet & sour chicken
Egg rolls
Décor:
Decent, if generic, with an added window into the kitchen.
Service:
Chinese ladies serving Dim Sum aren't kidding around. They shuttle you in, and the first cart promptly appears beside the table. I love the bustle of dim sum.
You're getting more than enough to feed your party and you're getting what the Chinese ladies think you should have. No argument; just sit back and let them have their way.
Overall impressions:
I forgot just how great dim sum is, and didn't realize just how much I've missed it. I can't wait to go back.
Rating:
3.5 out of 5 salamanders
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
What we had:
We went for Dim Sum and ended up with a delictible array of soft steamed pillows and golden fried dumplingy goodness. We had:
Steamed shrimp tucked into the softest rice noodle sheets
possible with a nice light sauce
Heavenly tender smoked pork with a generous pink ring
Fried shell-on shrimp that was nicely flavored and fried well enough to eat shell-on, but not so much that the shrimp is rubbery
Tasty steamed pork shu mai
Soft steamed pork & mushroom dumplings
Steamed dumplings stuffed full of tasty bok choi
Shrimp fried sticky rice, which had a spice we weren't huge fansof
Crazy good sweet & sour chicken
Egg rolls
Décor:
Decent, if generic, with an added window into the kitchen.
Service:
Chinese ladies serving Dim Sum aren't kidding around. They shuttle you in, and the first cart promptly appears beside the table. I love the bustle of dim sum.
You're getting more than enough to feed your party and you're getting what the Chinese ladies think you should have. No argument; just sit back and let them have their way.
Overall impressions:
I forgot just how great dim sum is, and didn't realize just how much I've missed it. I can't wait to go back.
Rating:
3.5 out of 5 salamanders
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
El Scorpion
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Mexican Kitchen & Tequila Bar
Upscale Mexican restaurant & bar in South Beach.
What we had:
My DH and I both had the triple taco plates. He had the carne asada, pork confit & bacon tacos; I had the BBQ tilapia, chorizo & al pastor tacos.
The carne asada & pork confit tacos were simple, well-seasoned and our favorites of the bunch.
The bacon was interesting--deeply smoky well-cooked slivers of thick cut bacon with creme fraiche. We both thought the taste combination was something interesting and new.
The BBQ tilapia wasn't bad for tilapia--I'm not impressed with the fish, but the taco wasn't bad. I would have liked 3x more slaw, though.
The chorizo was smoky & good, albeit a bit greasy.
The al pastor taco was sweet with really nice chunks of pork.
Both plates came with decent Mexican-style rice & fresh pinto beans.
The table chips, salsa & guacamole were fresh and good.
Décor:
Nice decor in dark woods & shades of red. I almost wish I could tolerate tequila--this place has a huge selection (120 varieties) and a more than amply stocked bar.
Service:
Good. Friendly & very attentive.
Overall impressions:
We would go back. I'm dying to try one of the many varieties of guacamole served in a molcahete (sp?) and the bar bites.
Rating:
3.5 out of 5 salamanders
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Upscale Mexican restaurant & bar in South Beach.
What we had:
My DH and I both had the triple taco plates. He had the carne asada, pork confit & bacon tacos; I had the BBQ tilapia, chorizo & al pastor tacos.
The carne asada & pork confit tacos were simple, well-seasoned and our favorites of the bunch.
The bacon was interesting--deeply smoky well-cooked slivers of thick cut bacon with creme fraiche. We both thought the taste combination was something interesting and new.
The BBQ tilapia wasn't bad for tilapia--I'm not impressed with the fish, but the taco wasn't bad. I would have liked 3x more slaw, though.
The chorizo was smoky & good, albeit a bit greasy.
The al pastor taco was sweet with really nice chunks of pork.
Both plates came with decent Mexican-style rice & fresh pinto beans.
The table chips, salsa & guacamole were fresh and good.
Décor:
Nice decor in dark woods & shades of red. I almost wish I could tolerate tequila--this place has a huge selection (120 varieties) and a more than amply stocked bar.
Service:
Good. Friendly & very attentive.
Overall impressions:
We would go back. I'm dying to try one of the many varieties of guacamole served in a molcahete (sp?) and the bar bites.
Rating:
3.5 out of 5 salamanders
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Cadillac Ranch American Bar & Grill
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Really super-upbeat upscale sports bar with a big-ass mechanical bull & the perfect pit for watching sports on the big screen.
Located in the new Villages @ Gulfstream shopping-plex.
What we had:
Most dinner items come served over a Demi glaze-WTF is a "Demi glaze"? Basically, it's slightly under-seasoned gravy.
I had the NY Strip & my DH had the filet. The steak was entirely decent. Better than Outback, and only slightly more expensive at $24/$27. The gravy wasn't terrible--I would have rather had more steak seasoning with a nicely-herbed au jus, bit it wasn't unpleasant. The mashed potatoes were creamy, buttery, and came from real potatoes. Yum. I missed something green--slack green garnish with 2 little tomato chunks doesn't count.
I also had an overpriced pear-tini with fresh pears and cheap vodka. For $12, I'd like something better than Smirnoff.
Décor:
Pretty cool with lots of red & blue lighting and guitars & such on the walls. Did I mention the huge mechanical bull? The multiple outside seating areas have fire pits, comfy lounge seating and the place has at least 4 bars. In the main dining room is a sunken pit with a jumbotron that would make an awesome spot to catch a game.
Service:
Okay. The bar was a bit slow.
Overall impressions:
Kind of frantically upbeat, but not a bad time for a sports bar. I'd love to hit up one of the fire pits or possibly the sports grotto.
Rating:
3.5 out of 5 salamanders
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Located in the new Villages @ Gulfstream shopping-plex.
What we had:
Most dinner items come served over a Demi glaze-WTF is a "Demi glaze"? Basically, it's slightly under-seasoned gravy.
I had the NY Strip & my DH had the filet. The steak was entirely decent. Better than Outback, and only slightly more expensive at $24/$27. The gravy wasn't terrible--I would have rather had more steak seasoning with a nicely-herbed au jus, bit it wasn't unpleasant. The mashed potatoes were creamy, buttery, and came from real potatoes. Yum. I missed something green--slack green garnish with 2 little tomato chunks doesn't count.
I also had an overpriced pear-tini with fresh pears and cheap vodka. For $12, I'd like something better than Smirnoff.
Décor:
Pretty cool with lots of red & blue lighting and guitars & such on the walls. Did I mention the huge mechanical bull? The multiple outside seating areas have fire pits, comfy lounge seating and the place has at least 4 bars. In the main dining room is a sunken pit with a jumbotron that would make an awesome spot to catch a game.
Service:
Okay. The bar was a bit slow.
Overall impressions:
Kind of frantically upbeat, but not a bad time for a sports bar. I'd love to hit up one of the fire pits or possibly the sports grotto.
Rating:
3.5 out of 5 salamanders
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Red Light, Little River
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Cute little neighborhood eats spot tucked in the side of a waterfront hotel, whose chef recently got a James Beard nom.
We've been here for drinks a few times, but not for dinner (damn the taco shop) and stopped in for lunch.
What we had:
I had the Fontina & applewood smoked bacon grilled cheese sandwich with lentils--the sandwich, though a touch greasy, was cheesy goodness all around. The bread was kickass, and the delicate little lightly orangey, thymed lentils with small bits of at least 2 types of non-offensive onion made me a bit jealous, I must admit.
My DH had a deeply beefy burger with "special onions" and aged cheddar with house potatoes. Totally yum and the side tomato was actually grown under the sun, so i was all kinds of happy to unburden him of it.
Décor:
Cute & cozy inside with a nice waterfront deck in the back.
Service:
Not bad.
Overall impressions:
The food was pretty good. Since we've only eaten here for lunch, I'm holding out on a full rating until we come for dinner.
On a side note, the bartender here is an artist. I can't stand the taste of alcohol, and she has managed each time we've gone to concoct me a drink that has not only been not offensive, but has been strong and tasty. She made us an Absinthe & grapefruit concotion that rocked, and the last time our drinks had cucumber and some green tea liquer that was pretty tasty. And she has great taste in music.
Rating:
A tentative 3.5 out of 5 salamanders
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
We've been here for drinks a few times, but not for dinner (damn the taco shop) and stopped in for lunch.
What we had:
I had the Fontina & applewood smoked bacon grilled cheese sandwich with lentils--the sandwich, though a touch greasy, was cheesy goodness all around. The bread was kickass, and the delicate little lightly orangey, thymed lentils with small bits of at least 2 types of non-offensive onion made me a bit jealous, I must admit.
My DH had a deeply beefy burger with "special onions" and aged cheddar with house potatoes. Totally yum and the side tomato was actually grown under the sun, so i was all kinds of happy to unburden him of it.
Décor:
Cute & cozy inside with a nice waterfront deck in the back.
Service:
Not bad.
Overall impressions:
The food was pretty good. Since we've only eaten here for lunch, I'm holding out on a full rating until we come for dinner.
On a side note, the bartender here is an artist. I can't stand the taste of alcohol, and she has managed each time we've gone to concoct me a drink that has not only been not offensive, but has been strong and tasty. She made us an Absinthe & grapefruit concotion that rocked, and the last time our drinks had cucumber and some green tea liquer that was pretty tasty. And she has great taste in music.
Rating:
A tentative 3.5 out of 5 salamanders
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
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