Gio Gutierrez

Route 9 Review

// February 10th, 2011 // No Comments » // Food

Route 9 is the love child of Paola and Jeremy Goldberg, some Miami locals that have been in the food industry managing some of South Florida’s favorite restaurants including Timo, Johnny V Las Olas, and one my favorite’s, Escopazzo.

Unfortunately, we didn’t get to meet Paola (whose of Mexican descent) because she was busy in the kitchen but we met Jeremy upon entering the premises. He was so welcoming to the point of giving us quarters for parking our cars on the street as we didn’t have any change. That’s A+ service right there in my book…

We started off with the Ceviche Of The Day (Escolar) which was spectacular followed by a Focaccia With Caramelized Onions, Apples and Blue Cheese which was just as delicious. And from here on is where things went a little south… the French Lentil and Vegetable Soup was so flavorless that we returned it. Jeremy was nice enough to bring us in exchange their Cream of tomato soup with grilled sharp cheddar cheese toast which tasted just as bland (reminded me of Campbell’s canned tomato soup). The Grilled Feta Cheese, Tomatoes, Red Onions, Cucumbers w/ a Shallot Oregano Vinegar was also upsetting as neither did it look grilled (marks???) nor did it taste grilled. Maybe if the description didn’t say that, it wouldn’t have been that disappointing because it was a simple good-tasting salad. My friend ordered the Sticky Chicken Wings which he said had “Great glaze flavor but the chicken meat, not so tasty”. The Fresh Pasta with Chiles, Peas and Almonds was something just as flavorless as the previous dishes. The Fish Tacos w/ House Made Guacamole and Scallion Sour Cream however were very satisfying and more upbeat and the two sides we had were great:Truffled Cauliflower Gratin and Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts. (see pics)

And they don’t make dessert in house (as of yet at least) we skimped on that. I actually sat with Jeremy and mentioned most of this face-to-face and he was very receptive and I appreciative about the feedback. I really think they’ll grow the kinks out and wish them the best in the long run. But 3 stars for now…

NAOE Review

// February 8th, 2011 // No Comments » // Food

This place is an experience like no other. You’re hosted by Wendy – the sweetest person w/ a wonderful smile. Then there’s the chef, Kevin behind the bar. That’s it. They have 2 seatings a day, one at 6:30 and one at 9:30 (which you must reserve via OpenTable). The experience is truly 2-3 hours long and if it wasn’t for the other 3 people next to us, it would feel like you have a private chef in front of you cooking the freshest authentic cuisine from Japan.

If you are a sake lover, then you’re in for a true treat. All the sake is served cold and is from chef Kevin’s family “wineries” in Japan. We tried the reisling-like sake which was delicious, light, crisp and on the sweeter side and we ended with a slushy-like sake scooped out of the bottle, served in wooden bowls and eaten with small wooden spoons. The sakes ranging from around $20 to $125 (the most distinguished).

First meal is a unique bento box which changes all the time at a cost of $26. Ours was: Daikon and Brown rice w/ sardines; seaweed salad w/ Baby carrots and sliced cobia; conch water snail w/ hog snapper tempura (spearfished that day by Kevin’s friend–or at least that’s what he told us) with soy bean paste on mountain yams; custard like soup of grouper and mushroom.

Next up was an all fresh nigiri sushi progression, most of it from Japan that gets shipped overnight everyday. The pieces ranges from $2-$8 each. It’s important to note that even the ordering “process” throughout the sushi progression is unique. If you would like to participate in the upcoming round, you are asked to place a wooden paddle in front of the chef or farther back (closest to you) if you do not. Here’s an example of ours:
Scottish Salmon Belly (melted in my mouth)
Poached Maine Lobster
Madai Sea Bring – a white fish.
Hiramasa – real yellow tail from Japan
Squid
Uni
Shrimp Omelet
Eel w/ Japanese Melon – pickled for 2 years and brushed with a bb q sauce at least 5 times before we ate it

Last but not least is dessert which is sponge cake w/ mystery ice cream. We were sworn to secrecy so I don’t want to ruin the surprise! However, I can say that it tasted like salted caramel.

Sake Blue Asian Kitchen & Bar Review

// February 4th, 2011 // No Comments » // Food

Sake Blue is from the people that brought you Town Kitchen & Bar and Smoke’t Southern Kitchen & Tap in the old Chispa location.

Sake Blue is chic with DJ on weekend (on opening night), private sake vault adorned w/ graffitti (perfect for private birthday parties – check out the pics) and huge long bar with Asian-style takes on martinis using lychee, plums, etc.

Sake Blue has a Happy hour 4-7pm, 7 days a week – half off everything including bottles of wine (up to $200) with great variety of sake including one of my favorites, zipang which is sparkling sake.

The only complaint is that I hate the disposable chop sticks (generic red like the ones at canton) which kills the cool presentation of the table.

Here’s what our very knowledgable and friendly waiter Matt suggested. Needless to say we ordered half the menu which made the Executive Chef, Robert come out of the kitchen and discuss some of the finer points in the dishes along w/ the philosophy behind Sake Blue. So here’s what filled our happy belly:

* Lump Crab & Pineapple Fried Rice
* S&A Roll – Salmon / Avocado / Ooba Sauce (simple roll but the Ooba Sauce made it special)
* Steamed shrimp Lemongrass / Ginger / Ponzu (nice fresh lobster w/ little filler)
* Tuna Poke Yellowfin / Mango / Kimchee peanuts / Togarashi Potato chips / Poke Sauce (this crudo was probably one of the top 3 )
* Wok Charred Salmon w/ Crisp Bok Choy / Ponzu (probably the best tasting, perfectly seared, impeccable salmon filet w/ a taste crisp side of bok choy)
* Oxtail Wonton Soup w/ Beef Broth / Scallion
* Sweet & Sour Lobster w/ Pineapple / Shishito Peppers
* Fish Tempura Steamed Bun w/ Asian Remoulade (amazing, ordered another dish as it was spectacular)
* Chicken & Leek Skewers w/ Apple Slices
* Banana Spring Roll w/ Salted Toffee, Nuttella, Candied Peanuts and Praline Ice Cream (heaven)
* Candied Asian Pear Confit w/ Hazelnut Cookie, Spiced Syrup and Guanabana Sorbet
* Sushi – Chocolate Rice Pudding, Caramel, Chocolate Mousse, Chocolate Crunch in Almond Paper (beautiful presentation and delicious)

The manager/partner John also introduced himself to us and was extremely pleasant and welcomed all feedback which we happily had nothing bad to say – great food, great service, great prices. Here’s to the whole team’s success. Congrats!

Soi Asian Bistro Review

// November 4th, 2010 // No Comments » // Food

Zen Sushi Lounge Review

// August 18th, 2010 // 2 Comments » // Food

Being a big fan of sushi and living in Brickell, I was excited to see yet another Sushi Restaurant in our neighborhood.

So Zen is absolutely beautiful. Definitely the nicest and well decorated spot in the area from the indoor rock wall water fountain to the friendly waitresses in fancy geisha outfits. Zen lives up to its name when it comes to this.

Menu is quite expansive with great and clever names, the food comes out and is presented very nicely however the taste was just OK. Let me be more specific – every plate that was NOT sushi was good and overall nothing I would HAVE to go back for but these were probably my favorite:

• The hamachi with Tiger milk
• Jalapeño Cheese Poppers
• A spring-like roll with sticky paper outside filled with crab and a mixed tuna topping on the side was great

The problem was the sushi rolls. They suffered – really bad. Most had little flavor and way too much rice. Look at the pics I uploaded and you’ll see what I mean. Needless to say we didn’t care to finish any of them. I think there was only one roll I enjoyed that had Fried Plantains on top (like Yum’s Ño Roll) with added chipotle sauce (pics to come).

If they didn’t have the competition of 8 others within a mile radius, it would probably do a lot better but it’s a though battle to win (sumo challenege?). If I had to walk, I would go a block further to SuViche (a block away) for better tasting sushi which is all that matters in the end.

PS: Here are my favorites in order from best to worst tasting sushi:

Mr. Yum
2B
SuViche
Abokado
Indochine
Zen Sushi Lounge
Saki Sushi
Mikan

Bistro | e Review

// August 3rd, 2010 // No Comments » // Food

EOS restaurant is now “Bistro | e” at lunch time with a new menu and great specials such as 3 preselected dishes and a pint of beer for $15. Example: blood-e mary ceviche, mussels in salsa verde and a key lime pie.

Tried the White Asparugus Salad w/ Egg and Truffles, Heirloom Tomato Salad, Spicy Tuna Tacos and the Grilled Cheese BLT (w/o bacon) which had Kale for a nice twist with a side of fries that were potato chunks baked, squashed then fried (ala tostones). Amazing! Two of my meat eating friends raved about their Short Rib Tostada and the Meatball Sliders. (check out the food pics)

Food, presentation, decor, service, all A+. Really… I was curious on their Lychee Lemonade with Ginger and got a free sample which worked as it was deliciously refreshing and I’ll be ordering it every time. Here’s the Bistro | e menu.

Goat Cheese Corn Quesadilla, Curried Spinach and Thai Cucumber Salad

// July 22nd, 2010 // 1 Comment » // Food

Here’s tonights dinner recipes as requested by @BrianBreslin.

Curried Spinach

This one took a little while compared to the other two so I would start this dish first while working on the other 2 when you get a few minute in between.

Olive oil in a saucepan, add a diced white onion, a diced tomato and 1 or 2 garlic cloves minced.

Season with a teaspoon and a half of curry (any flavor really), a teaspoon and a half of turmeric and half a teaspoon of cumin and let it cook for a few minutes.

Add 2 bags of rinsed and drained, chopped spinach. Pour in a can of light coconut milk (healthier than cream believe it or not!) Let it cook for about 5 minutes.

Add a can of drained chickpeas, season w/ salt and pepper and your done!

Thai Cucumber Salad

Peel and slice a cucumber and plate. Top it with half a red onion sliced as well and topped with red chili or jalapeño for some kick.

Make a dressing of water, vinegar, sugar and salt and pour on top of your salad chill in the fridge ’till ready.

Goat Cheese Corn Quesadilla

Cook 1 cup  of corn (I nuked it for 90 seconds) and mix in a bowl with 2 oz. goat cheese and 2 scallions chopped. Add a little salt & pepper and stuff 2 corn tortillas and grill. Done and delicious.

Whole thing took 35 minutes and feeds four hungry people.

Lulu Review

// June 29th, 2010 // No Comments » // Food

From the owners of Green Street Cafe, comes Lulu – another outdoor sidewalk restaurant right across the street. The service was impeccable – timing on the food, refills on water, etc. The quality of the food was great as well as the decor (check out some of the pics). Onto the food:

Small Plates:
* Fried Green Tomatoes w/ Jalapeño Ranch – Delicious….

Sandwiches:
* Veggie Burger made from Tofu, Quinoa, Farro, Melted Munster, Creamy Chili and Hummus Vinaigrette – Doesn’t beat Houston’s but it sure is wonderfully hearty.
* Mahi Mahi blackened with Sliced Mangoes and Red Pepper Mango – The bread on this sandwich was a whole wheat which is a bit too tough for a seafood sandwich IMHO. Besides that, it was a nice piece of fish with mango slices giving it a unique twist.

Sides:
* Fries – These were damn good. You know the kind, double flash fried for that ultimate crisp.
* Roasted Asparagus -

Overall tasty, affordable good food at a great price, what’s not to like?

Fin Review

// June 29th, 2010 // No Comments » // Food

I couldn’t be happier to attend Fin’s first night and be the first here on Yelp to review.

Fin is located in the west side of the Design District next door to Q, Eismann’s BBQ eatery. Both spots take over the old Sheba Ethiopian restaurant. The decor is straight out of a Martha’s Vineyard with white wooden chairs, baby blue pin stripe wallpaper, etc… Service was spectacular and needless to say food was fantastic, reasonably price and decent portions (aka the exact amount we need, nothing more!). Here’s what we had:

Amuse Bouche:
• Popcorn Shrimp w/ Ginger Target accompanied with a Tomato/Lobster Broth

First Course:
• Soft Shell Crab Summer Salad w/ Apples and Shaved Fennel – Very delicious and light.
• Spicy Shrimp Curry Jasmine Rice, Celery, Bananas, Coconut Water, Harissa – Amazing! Very original and unique dish. The favorite hands down for everyone in our party.

Entree:
• Pacific Halibut Fillets Browned in Organic Olive Oil And Organic Butter Preserved Lemon Risotto/Lemon Grass – My personal favorite dish of the night. Got better and better with every taste.
• Line Caught Black Cod/Oregon Coast Pan Roasted, Miso, Sweet Sake Yukon Gold Puree w/ Edamame, Mustard Oil – The cod melted in our mouths. ‘Nuff said.

Sides:
• Wood Roasted Parsnips and Beet
• Curried French Lentils – Disappointed that this was the same EXACT dish from Pacific Time
• Corn Succotash – Best side dish.

Dessert:
• Summer Peaches Sautéed With Local Lavender Phyloo Crisps – Great, light dessert that doesn’t make you unbutton your pants.
• Warm Apple Crumble – It was missing a vanilla bean ice cream so it wasn’t as good as it could have been.

Overall a 5 stars – another great dining addition to the Design District.

SuViche Review

// May 27th, 2010 // No Comments » // Food

Another restaurant in Brickell! This one, cleverly names is both sushi and ceviche almost as if Mr. Yum and Ceviche 105 had an affair one night and out came SuViche (lol). I’m here to report it’s gooooood!

First, SuViche opened up yesterday and for the rest of this week they are taking 50% off your bill so hurry up and taking advantage of this.

The food was great all around. Impressed with every single dish except the Causa which was OK (Ceviche 105 blows it out of the water). All the sushi rolls have a latin flair (mango, coconut, etc) and the ceviche is authentic/traditional peruvian w/ sweet potatoes, choclo, etc. Probably what I love best is you can order any roll or any ceviche in half portions (4 piece rolls/ceviche in a martini glass) for an average of $5 which is how I got to try all this without breaking the bank and feeling like a fat …

Tried:
• SuViche Roll
• Tropical Roll (my favorite roll)
• Jalapeño Roll
• Macadamia Roll
• Coconut Roll
• Tuna Furay Roll
• Causa (blah)
• Ceviche SuViche (their house specialty that was AMAZING)
• Ceviche al Aji Amarillo

PS. I don’t eat meat but the Lomo Salteado Spring Rolls looked off the chain.