D4C: Drinking for Charity

Big news BrickGals!  While I know you all are super reds for a three day weekend,  BrickGals’ is starting the holidaze weekend a weee bit early.  No, not because one of the original BrickGals is returning to the hood after a way too long stint in Denver (mile high mountains over mile long beach? lame.).  No, not because we don’t have a J-O-B that won’t suffer the consequences of our midweek social life (tell your boss you’re stickin’ it to the MAN).  No, not because we are drowning our sorrows after that snitch Pay-4-Friends Nevin has resulted in a handful of ineligible players for The U (didn’t his mamma ever tell him that when the money’s gone, so are they!?!?).  We’re doing a little thing the BrickGals like to call D4C, aka Drinking for Charity.

D4C is one of those things that Miss America contests should probably include in their speeches a little bit more often.  I mean for a BrickGal, D4C normally comes between our daily activities of “Be Awesome” and “Solve world hunger,” so I don’t know why these beauty queens are late to jump on the train.  I mean, we all know since the turn of the century sororities and fraternities D4C probably about once a week (there one great contribution to society…).

“Well BrickGal Meg, I don’t drink on Wednesdays.” Yea? F-off then, you aren’t a BrickGal. Stop being so selfish, we help people.

Now on to the deets of this week’s D4C…

Tomorrow night, Tobacco Road is hosting the BrickGals for a Ladies Night Spectacular to benefit one of  our favorite BrickGals’ charity, “Running with Sole.”  All of the money generated from the $1 Ladies Night drinks (Coppola Wines, drafts and premium martinis) will go to the charity.  Running with Sole is a not for profit which provides shoes to children and adults.  It also promotes physical activity among children who are homeless or living in the inner city to help prevent childhood obesity.  T Rd will also be collecting new or used shoes for Running with Sole.

Even though we normally don’t need a reason to midweek drink, we ACTUALLY have a reason (beyond just “uh, yea, it’s Ladies Night”) this week so grab your peeps and head to T Rd for a little D4C.  Party starts at 6 pm!  See all you “good” people there.

BrickGals 90-Day Paleo/Crossfit Challenge Results

When I started Crossfit just under four months ago, I had no friggin’ idea what I was getting myself into.  After rambling about the workout regime, wanting to get fit and hot guys (hold up, hot guys?  I’m there.), BrickGal Cessie convinced me to try what I thought was just a new fad (love trends, but was all about the new hot guys to be honest).

Within a 24 hr turnaround period of first hearing of this Crossfit, I was now embarking on some sort of 90-Day Paleo/Crossfit Challenge.  I’m always up for a good challenge but, come on, working out on the regs and no pizza? bread? cheese? salt? The last restriction intimidated me the most.  I mean, how would I be able to do Friday and Saturday tequila shots without the regularly accompanied lime and SALT????

Well, as I mentioned in an earlier post, when two close friends of mine skeptically told me I wouldn’t be able to stick with it for 3 months, I was IN.  For close to 3.5 months, I’ve gone to 4-5 classes a week at Crossfit Vida Brickell. Working my butt off daily, knocking out burpees, pullups and wall balls, became a necessity to feel good as opposed to a hindrance in my daily schedule.

Eating healthy became a craving too (much better for me then downing those glasses of Red Diamond Merlot nightly!).  To be completely honest, I occasionally indulge in some pizza (which of course then I regret 20 minutes later) but I’ve been pretty good with the paleo eating.  I’ve always loved to cook (mostly calorie imploded chicken enchiladas and a Santa’s Surprise with cream of mushroom sauce that’s not to be believed) but now I’ve expanded my repertoire with the likes of a chicken chili soup (heaven) and an almond butter satay thai stirfry with zuchinni “pasta”.  My dinner guests certainly appreciate all the new recipes!

Results of this 90-Day Crossfit/Paleo Challenge, you ask?  In addition to new friends and hot guy crushes at the Box, I pretty much dominated  BrickGal Cessie in our internal BrickGals competition (not sure how we both did in the challenge with the rest of the gym but will keep you posted). Even though I have been monitoring my weight (which is a big “no no” for this type of workout as you’re constantly turning fat into muscle – thus gaining weight), I was anxious to receive the results from a body scan done both back and May and earlier this week.  With friends giving me compliments on the regs these days, I knew I lost some lbs and looked good.  And being able to lift some weight on a bar and jump on a 20” box (I’ll probs never be able to conquer double unders like BrickGal Cessie), I was pretty sure I gained some muscle and toned up.  I knew I was more physically fit, and just like Jesse Spano (sans crazy pills), “I’m so excited!”  I won’t tell you BrickGal Cessie results (her recap to come next week), I am ecstatic to report that I have lost 8 lbs and  close to 5% body fat.  I’ve fo sho leaned up and definitely look a hecht of a lot better in a bathing suit.

So my BrickGals, I am confident that if you want to get more fit and tone up (as opposed to looking waif) Crossfit Vida Brickell should be your next stop.  If you’re new to the area – or maybe you just don’t like your current group of friends (J/K) , the Box is an excellent way to meet new peeps.  If your looking to challenge yourself, get ready because Crossfit won’t disappoint.  If you want to find a hotass boyfriend, Crossfit is a necessary extracurricular.  If you want to feel the best you ever have in your entire life (and this is coming from a lifelong athlete), Crossfit is your jam.

**Mention BrickGals for $25 off your first month.

Peruvian Prime – Gran Inka

When I first moved down to Miami just about eight years ago to attend the U, I thought I had been transported into a South American metropolitan, nothing like what I had envisioned it would be. Instead of stepping into a more modest  bunch of peeps like I was hoping after going to such an uppity high school, I was confronted by Prada shoes, Louis  Vuitton handbags and Gucci shades (of course, all accompanying some super hot S. American chica). Oh well, as a  BrickGal, one must roll with the punches (or in this case condescending glances and foreign languages) and find her  own niche (and awesome posse). These days, as a BrickGal, I’ve learned that Miami’s diversity is an integral component of the city’s awesomeness.   There is always something new to do or see or, in this case, eat. With new foodie spots opening in Brickell  constantly, I’ve been trying to add more interesting cuisines to my repertoire (ya know, expand my horizons and  all). Although not super new, Gran Inka really wowed me recently with their authentic Peruvian dishes. The menu is quite extensive (and maybe I was in one of those “I dunno” moods) so it took me awhile to decide on the  Chorrillana Fish. Delish! I mean the Mahi Mahi was so fresh, the veggies were cooked perfectly and the sauce was  frickin’ to die for. My company chose the Pollo Al Limon con Camarones (Lemon Chicken w/ Shrimp) which he quickly devoured before I had even made it halfway through (fatass! JK). I think that meant he enjoyed it! Other dishes that caught my attention were the Octopus Tiradito & Tuna Ceviche and the Avocado Reina stuffed with chicken and  vegetables (next time!). Oh yea, and we couldn’t resist the Suspiro a la Limena for dessert. And by we, I mean me. Inka really got me with the really pretty dessert menu (I’m a sucker for good photos). Point of note, the dessert completely lived up to its photo. Now, you can’t have a great restaurant without great service. It is def the defining factor for me between good  and great. Service at Inka did not disappoint. Our water and wine glasses were always refilled promptly, food  was delivered hot and our waiter was pretty easy on the eyes. But, to be quite honest, the restaurant wasn’t a  poppin’ scene (only about 5-6 tables were occupied) so I can’t be a 100% positive of how the service would be when  it’s busy. Alas, the décor is elegant and the mood romantic so BrickGals I definitely recommend you head to Inka  for one of your next dates if you’re looking for a pleasant time, the ability to converse and super good food.   Gran Inka is located adjacent to Trini Salon on Brickell and 10th (bottom floor of Plaza). Bon Appetit!

Two Names May Have Confused This Restaurant

If you’ve read BrickGals’ since its inception, I’m sure you’re well aware of our obsession with Crazy About You Restaurant.  From the panoramic views of the Biscayne Bay to the $14 bottles of wine and ALL the food in between, Crazy About You is def one of our favorite spots to dine.  We do have to admit however (and it pains us to say) that its sister restaurant (and the original of the two), Dolores But You Can Call Me Lolita, has come up short recently.

Let’s start with what HAS been working at Dolores.

• Being located in the heart of Brickell, + .
• Variety of seating options? Una Mas Plus.  The elegant upstairs dining room provides a romantic respite from the heat, while the upstairs terrace offers seating for groups and couples alike with views of the hustle of downstairs Mary Brickell Village.  Downstairs dining alongside S. Miami Ave provides the spot to see and be seen.
• Another A+ for the restaurant is that they also offer the $13 bottles of red and white wine.
• Service has in the most part been very good (except for during my most recent visit which could have been better).

Now let’s get to the dining.

I dunno if it’s just me, but every time I go into Dolores, the menu has changed.  And I dunno if its just my luck (which is similar to Lindsay Lohan in Just My Luck), but it just so happens that all the food items I want to re-order (that were GREAT on my previous visit), are now absent from the list.  Let’s start with the duck dumplings.  AMAZING.  During BrickGals’ birthday dinner in June, almost everyone at the table ordered the duck dumplings.  This Brick Gal (and clearly everyone in our party) love both duck and dumplings because they were FANTASTIC.  Big – . The Duck Dumplings have met their demise as they are no longer offered on the menu.  Next, during a dinner date in early July when I noticed the Duck Dumplings has been discarded, I had Tuna Carpaccio and a delicious casserole (honestly I can‘t remember now what was in it, but alas they too are now gone).  Most recently (about 2 weeks ago), I dined with BrickGal Jen and Mamma & Pappa BrickGal Jen at Dolores, and none of the above were available.  Blast!  We all had to start anew, and result were mixed.

This time’s dining experience started with the Serrano ham croquettes,  a staple for the restaurant but for me fell flat.  (Back in April, these were the same croquettes that clued me in to the Crazy About You/Dolores colab at the Taste of Brickell.)  The rest of the table had salads to start, which, though basic, they did enjoy.  For his entrée, Pappa BrickGal Jen really enjoyed the filet, even though he said the veggies were undercooked (I can’t corroborate his opinion b/c I didn’t taste them).  Mamma BrickGal Jen had the Shrimp & Mahi Mahi Scampi which she and BrickGal Jen both thoroughly enjoyed (and couldn’t stop eating), after BrickGal Jen’s original selection of the tuna tartar was lackluster (a self-proclaimed tuna aficionado, the tartar I did try and will have to agree).  Finalement disappointment of my last visit, my chicken entrée (supposedly) stuffed with sun dried tomatoes and goat cheese (by stuffed they must have meant lightly grazed) was overcooked and left a lot to be desired.

I asked the waitress how often things were changed on the menu and why but she didn’t seem to know.  In my opinion (and everyone should take my review as just that), the only thing Dolores needs these days is to pick back up their consistency (and maybe to bring back those Duck Dumplings).  As much as I love the concept of the app included with an entrée, the atmosphere and its proximity to BrickGals’ headquarters, I’m sure I will be back to Dolores soon and will keep you all abreast of any improvements).   Until then, we’d recommend a salad and pasta, or to head to tried and true Crazy About You.

Not Your Everyday Deli

Brickell has its share of lunch spots, we all know that.  What you all may not know is there is a great lunch spot that offers everything from BBQ Chicken Pizza (my absolute fav I’ve ever had in the entire world) and delish salads and sands to sushi and pastries.  Located on the ground floor of The Club at Brickell Bay on 12^th St behind Gordon Biersch, Cittadeli was a staple in my menu when living at The Club.  In addition to their BBQ Chix Pizza, the Tempura JB Sushi Roll, Steak Philly Sand and BBQ Chix Sand (maybe it’s just their BBQ Chix that makes everything it touches delish) are also all amazeballs.  The bread is always fresh, and the food is quickly prepared.  Citadeli also offers a plethora of fresh toppings to create your own salad.  Order delivery, dine in or stop in for carryout.  While you wait, TVs display sports, often carrying the UFC and MMA fights that pack Brickell Irish Pub.  Make sure to check out the Cittadeli Facebook page for all the daily deals!

Stockin’ Up at Aficionado’s Cigars & Liquors

Woo woo my Brickell peeps, it’s the weekend!  Obs that means that its time to stock up, on liquor that it.  This BrickGals’ fav spot to hit up to prep for the pregame?  Aficionado’s Cigars & Liquors.  Located on the bottom floor of The Club at Brickell Bay on 12th Street (yes, the one with all the construction currently), Ciggies, as I like to call it, carries everything you could need to make the perfect cocktail (or mocktail if you’re a lameass).  They even stock the limes for the tequila-my-nilla shots that dominate this BrickGals’ weekend nights.  Mixers (soda, juice, room temp, chilled), got it.  Beer, check it.  Rum, Champagne, Infused Vodski, Gin???? Bam, Bam, Yes, Without a Doubt.  So next time you kindly invite peeps to your spot to get reds for the evening, make sure you send them to Ciggies before they get to your crib (remember, no one likes that guy that shows up empty handed).

Nothing’s Taboo at Tabu

Although Danielle Staub really missed the mark with her Japanese-fusion restaurant idea on Famous Food (if you don’t know this TV show, for goodness sake, GET WITH IT), another fusion restaurant has recently caught BrickGals’ eye.  The menu at Tabú (dont forget the accent as its got some flare) is a combo of South American, Spanish, Italian and French cuisines.

Braised Short Ribs

Under the direction of Executive Chef Daniel Verde (one of the nicest peeps I’ve met recently in Bricktown – and the handsome gentleman in the video above), Tabu offers something for everybody.  From an extensive tapas menu and delish salads and sands to seafood, pastas and meats like their Slow Roasted Shortribs and Crispy Pork Shoulder Risotto, the menu was varied enough to satisfy everyone’s cravings at the table without over exhausting my brain (yes, I get nervous when a menu is too big bc then I don’t know how to decide – sue me).  Una mas reason why BrickGals should love this place?  Wine was legit half off at $3.50 a glass. Bam.

Tabú is located next to La Provence on the ground floor of 1060 Brickell, so it’s literally a hop, skip and jump from BrickGals headquarters. Solid.

Check out BrickGals Facebook for the full photo album.

Lucky for You (because je t’adore), today’s Living Social Deal is $20 for $40 worth of food and drink at Tabu!

Takin’ it East: Pasha’s

Take your appetite to the East…

And by East, I mean Middle East…

And by Middle East, I mean South…

And by South, I mean the southern part of Brickell.

…

Pasha’s has long been a staple of healthy Mediterranean cuisine in South Florida.  While I’ve eaten several different menu items (some good and some unfortunately bad), I recently had the most delish offering from the restaurant I’ve ever had.  The Chicken Shish Kebab Platter, while pricey at $10.99, was a perfect combination of healthy dining.  From very well cooked and seasoned chicken to some kick ass veggies, this meal (paleo-friendly for all my crossfit peeps) left nothing to be desired and filled me up to the “T” without over indulging!

Any BrickGals had some good Pasha’s plates?

Spazio Saturdays

If you love the hood as much as this BrickGal, then you try as hard as possible not to leave.  A place that made that oh so much easier for BrickGals that love the Sobe club scene (I mean who doesn’t love Kaskade and Tiesto) is Spazio Nero.  Set in the back of Segafredo, Spazio (who even plays kick ass jams on their website) is a boutique south beach club that brings its scene and music to our hood.  Similar to Florida Room, this den-o-fun offers a DJ spinning, a bar big enough to get a drink and cool peeps all gettin jiggy with it.  Though you can barely see it with the lights dimmed, the décor is all things negro, from black leather couches to the black-tinted mirrors and fleur-de-lis (yea, ya know, like the Saints Who Dat emblem) textured black-on-black wallpaper.  Spazio Nero is fo sho THE place to go if you want to get your trance on without crossing the causeway!

I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream For Dry Clean!

As Americans, we care about the environment (Fern Gully anyone?).  As BrickGals, we care about our threads.  As peeps in the hood sick and tired of waiting a week to get ripped off on our dry cleaning (uh as if OXXO!), we care about Fortinental.  For the unaware and eco-concious, Fortinental is Brickell’s last remaining eco-friendly dry cleaner (tears when Eco Lav excited the hood for midtown). The spot may look like just a house on the side of 15th road but that is false.  This quaint answer to BrickGals’ prayers does your dry cleaning goodddd in a hot sec. Fact.  If you’re like this BrickGal, when you buy an new item to drape your super sexy bod, you want to wear it as much as possible.  Since its super sweaty hot in SFL currently (and you don’t want to wear disgusting BO clothes), make sure you hit up Fortinental – your clothes have found their fortune.