Updated Happy Hour Deets!

Check out our Happy Hour tab for deets on Brickell Happy Hour!!

Bring in the New! Dominique Bistro Does BrickGals Right!

BrickGals, Listen. Up!

Dominique Bistro when it was originally red. Now it’s back to tan w/ tables and chairs providing a welcome resting point.

Dominique Bistro + Club aka “French Cuisine with a Music Program” magically pranced into my life this past week and now I must share my discovery.  Located a block away from my work – adjacent to Brickell Irish Pub on S. Miami Ave,  over the past few months I’ve watched an eco-friendly dry cleaner (oh, how I’ve missed thee EcoLav) turn into a red-painted boutique blessing (they’ve since changed it back to tan).

(When my boyfriend’s brother decided to once again attempt to break us up b/c he’s a big loserrrr – fail #3) I had some free time on Wednesday to check out a new place with mi amiga Natalie.  Stop #1: Dominique Bistro.

I had read on their Facebook page that they were now offering Happy Hour – 1/2 off all drinks from 4 – 8 pm.  Perfect amount of time to get our buzz on fairly inexpensively. Props #1.

Dominique Martini

It was godly hot outside BUT they had a magic fan that Bible blew cold air at me.  Props #2.

The cocktail menu was freakin’ fantastic.  I started with a Dominique Martini (helloooo Grey Goose Cherry Noir Vodka. new favorite thing ever.) and then ventured to the Paris Basil (basil, strawberries, gin… you get the picture). Props #3.

So after the devil managed to turn off the magic polar fan, it got a little hot and we moved seats inside.  Staff easily accommodated us, graciously. Props #4.

Paris Basil

The interior decor is to die for.  I felt like I was in Alice in Wonderland (not the creepy Tim Burton picture) but in Paris.  White tables coupled with white oversized couches rocked my world.  Mirrors on almost every wall made the place feel spacious while also giving my ample area to check out my new tan. Props #5.

Finally, the greatest of all Props… I just found out that they are doling out a bottle of Champagne for every table of 4 BrickGals that go in tonight! Did I forget to mention this place turns into a disco (obviously cooler than any South Beach club) in the evening. Bam. #Winning

Parisian Chic Mirrors!

Oh yea and also, this Sunday Dominique Bistro has their first brunch. Free mimosas for the ladies. Starting at 10AM.  Yup, mi amiga Natalie and I will most definitely be there! Save us a table by the magic fan!

 

A Bit of Tuscan Heaven: Toscana Divino Review

I’ve never claimed to be the nicest girl in the world, but what I’ve done to my BrickGals is unforgivable.  I’ve been a super  bitch (think Lindsay Lohan-style in Mean Girls when she gave my angelic Rachel McAdams the fat bar).  I’ve deprived you all of Brickell info (shout out to Neil at BrickellInfo.com) for wayyyy too long, especially since I’ve been holding a little secret in my pocket.  Unless you’ve strolled past the center of MBV recently, you may not have seen this little gem smack dab in the middle.

I first (yes, I’ve been back a couple times) visited Toscana Divino the Sunday after it opened its doors (early Feb).  “Is this it?” I looked at my boyfriend who had  accompanied me for the journey.  Walking up to Mary Brickell Village, we had the crowded chatter of Balans to our right and the bumpin’ jams (yes, even on a Sunday) of Blue Martini coming from the heavens.  Tucked away in the epicenter of the bustling hood, a quaint eatery with little more than a “TD” on the door announcing its presence.  (Granted, it was freezing (maybe 50 degrees…) out so its outside tables were stacked away.)

After being welcomed by very friendly door staff, we were taken to our table/transported to Tuscany.  While I’ve actually never been to Italy, the food we tasted was so fantastic that I’m pretending/telling everyone that I’ve eaten the delights of the Tuscans.  We started with some cheese and charcuterie, think Wild Boar Cacciatorini, Smoked Duck Prosciutto and Mozzarella di Bufala.  My man is on the Paleo diet (yes, I got him hooked) so for apps we had Beef Tenderloin “Sashimi di Chianti”, Arugola, Parmesan, Lemon, Tuscan Olive Oil aka Carpaccio and Ceviche di Gamberi Rossi Toscano (Lime Marinated Red Shrimp, Red Onion, Lemon, “Peperoncino”, Garlic, Ginger “Ceci Rosa di Reggello”).  For my main course, I selected (per advice of our server) Guanciale di Vitello (Chianti Braised Veal Cheeks, Herb Citrus & Hazelnut “Gremolata”, Sauteed Chard, Toasted Sesame Seeds, Tomato Ginger “Mostarda”).  To be honest, I only recall that my bf had Olive Oil Poached & Grilled Swordfish from the pictures.  My Veal Cheeks were the best thing I’ve ever tasted in my life and I did not even look up from my plate after I started consuming them. (Ok, maybe once, when I slapped his hand away to give him the stink eye after he tried to get in on my heaven.)  For dessert, we both got equally good selections – pineapple carpaccio and Tiramisu. Yum town.

Overall, the food at Toscana Divino is fantastic (i’ve had some pasta selections on my return visits that were to die for).  Service on my first visit was a little slow but it was a day after opening.  Since going back, it’s been rock star.  The restaurant also offers a very good selection of wine, vino for us Italians (remember, I went to Italy?).  My only qualm is that they try to fit a lot of tables in a small space inside so we recommend grabbing an outside table on their patio.  Oh yea, and I also HATE that they display really awesome snakeskin purses from Tuscany that just sit on the shelf and stare at me.  No, purse! I can’t afford you!  You’d think my boyfriend would have caught my many hints throughout dinner… I mean it was right before Valentine’s! Drats!

For all the {amateur} pics of my delish food at Toscana Divino, check out the Toscana Divino BrickGals’ Facebook Album.

BrickGals Love Ice Cream. Fact.

If I’ve got any BrickGals or BrickGuys heading over to the Miami Boat Show tomorrow, make sure to plan in some time to head to Serendipity3 on Lincoln Road.

Peanut Butter Frrrozen Hot Chocolate

Check out our review from our sista site, ” Single Girls Guide to South Beach.”

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Love today (and every day) to all my BrickGals and BrickGuys!

We’ve reviewed some great date spots (ie. Azul and Mare Nostrum) over the past couple weeks, so hope your man already made the reservation!  But, if you find yourself happily single and ready to mingle tonight, check out Edge, Steak & Bar.

For all my single ladies (and gentlemen), tonight Edge is hosting a special Lonely Hearts Dinner.  We heart their food clearly, so I don’t think you can go wrong by grabbing all your single friends and heading over.

On tap will be a few VERY clever menu items, including Love Shucks – an East Coast seafood tower flavored by sour orange mojo, stinking rose aioli and angry habanero hot sauce; a Burnt, Bitter, Bleu salad of bitter greens, burnt almond praline, and crumbles of Point Reyes blue cheese, drizzled with two-timing balsamic dressing; Home Alone TV Dinner – roasted Creekstone Farm prime rib with a side of truffle macaroni and cheese and vegetable succotash; and Broken Hearted Napoleon with passion(less) fruit sauce.

And to get your juices flowing, they are starting the night off with a comp glass of Champagne. Everyone gets wild with bubbly!

The Lonely Hearts Dinner ($65 per person, excluding bar, tax and gratuity) will be held in their private dining room at 7p.m.  For reservations, call  (305) 381-3015.

 

Thirsty Thursday Gets Classed Up

Tonight, Kork launches Jazz Thursdays aka live jazz music during Happy Hour!  I’ll be there. Le duh (read below).  $5 Happy Hour from 5-8 pm includes wine, cheese and meat & live music starts at 7.

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Last weekend, my boo and I tried out something new.  Instead of hitting the Brickell bar scene (gasp!), we ventured a little further north into Downtown.  While nightlife options were few and far between, we found Kork Wine & Cheese (anything with wine in the name gets at least a check in from me!) on the corner of Flagler and South Miami Ave.

BrickGals' Heaven

When we walked in to the upstairs bar, I legit felt transported to Europe (not like Lucky Clover Europe…).  Rustic wooden floors, mahogany bar, minimalistic decor, a helluva lot of wine bottles… I liked.  Then we went downstairs, where the theme continued.  Yes, it looks like Miami does have a scene going down (pun intended).  What was once a 1940s bomb shelter… the underground wine center was BrickGals’ heaven.  Stacked with wine bottles – over 3,000 to be approximate, the cellar featured a large tasting table in the middle of the room and oversized leather couches and chairs.  We grabbed a table in the back (the last one open!) and began to listen to the live jazz band playing on a stage in the corner (a different jazz band plays every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night).

Charcuterie Platter

Now, their bites… While sandwiches, soups and salads are available for lunch and dinner daily (except Sunday), I was totes loving the cheese and charcuterie (obs I don’t need to say the wine b/c that’s a given).  We had parmesan, goat cheese, proscuitto, parma ham… pretty much everything awesome.  From now own instead of churning my own butter to make my own cheese, I will just hop on over to Kork.  I mean, it’s just easier.

** Even though I’m a huge fan of the Metromover, my man is not, so we ended up using the valet ($7 flat rate after 6 pm) in front of Macys, directly across from the bar.  If you’re more of the adventurous type like myself, take the Brickell loop to Riverfront and then walk two blocks.  Kork is right under the Miami Ave Station if you’re on the Inner Loop.

I See, You See, We all Scream for “Our Sea”

While last week we raved about one of Brickell’s oldest restaurants, this week we’re going to give acclaim to one of the hood’s newest, Mare Nostrum.

Gorg.

Spanish slang for “our sea,” Mare Nostrum made us want to hit the beach all Courtney-like.  While we’re gung-ho for this place, and don’t mind saying so behind closed doors, we’re hesitant to shout praises in front of others.  Why, you ask?  The ambiance was perfection at Mare Nostrum on the Thursday evening I visited.  The minimal number of tables allotted for significant spacing between each, and my guest and I, on a romantic date, were free to discuss anything without neighboring tables lending an easy ear.  And, the decor…  Sleek white and turquoise blue, it transported me to Greece (not that I’ve ever been, but Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants gave me a good idea).  Mare Nostrum has been toting its Mediterranean influence on building signage all during construction so I wasn’t shocked to see the interiors look so fantastic.

Now on to the food.  “Mediterranean with an Italian twist,” I was told by the hostess upon entrance.  Confusion ran rampant across my face… isn’t Italy the staple of the Mediterranean?  I don’t immediately think of Spain when one says Mediterranean (not sure why, as it is on the Sea…) which was why I was surprised to see the menu.  Spanish cuisine dominated, while fresh pasta said Italy.  A large ice box adorning the entrance to the dining room displayed the day’s fresh catches.

Tarta de Queso Manchego

I may have mentioned before that I don’t like expansive menus.  I eat almost anything so it makes me frustrated when it’s difficult for me to choose just an app, entree and dessert.  The Mare Nostrum menu was stocked with everything I enjoy.  Damnit Mare, why you trying to make me fat??  Alas, I decided on the tuna tartar, Linguinni de fruit al mare and Tarta de queso manchego.   I also decided my date would get the Pimentos de piquillo rellenos de mariscos and Cochinillio Asado (s0rryyyy I’m not sorry… if you go out with me I get to pick what you eat).  While the Manchego Cheesecake was the only dish to BLOW me away with a new flavor, everything was cooked very well and tasted great.  The sommelier also helped select wines that complimented both our meals.

Now, back to why I don’t want to tell you about this place… Quite frankly, the dining experience at Mare Nostrum was fantastic and I’m going to have to go back and try everything on the menu.  If I start seeing the number of tables grow to pack in the crowd that is sure to soon show up, I will personally go in and remove them… all of them… except one… and it will be my private dining room. Bam.

…

FYI… Mare Nostrum is offering a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner menu. The four-course prix-fixe menu will be available during regular dinner hours. Priced at $150 per couple, including a bottle of Moet Chandon Champagne per couple; tax and gratuity not included.

In addition, the restaurant is offering a specially priced three course executive lunch menu.  Offered Monday through Friday, the prix fixe menu showcases the restaurant’s fresh, delicious house made specialties.  The menu is priced at $19.95, exclusive of tax and gratuity.

A Veteran Stakes His Claim – Azul Restaurant Review

Something old, something new
Something borrowed, something blue
And a silver sixpence in your shoe

OYSTERS, On The Half Shell, Fresh Oregon Wasabi, Watermelon Radish, Grated Asian Pear, Shaved Hibiscus Granita

There’s a reason so many brides still follow one of the oldest wedding omens heard round the world.  Cause it works.  The other 50%, eh, maybe they should head back to traditions.

Another ‘oldie but goodie’ that works?

Azul at Mandarin Oriental Miami has been a staple on the Brickell restaurant scene for the last 11+ years.  To my count, less than a handful of restaurants and bars have passed the same test of time.  So there is our something “old.”

And on to our “new”… While acclaimed Chef Joel Huff has done stints at Tydes Restaurant and Coral Café in Santa Barbara, Saam at The Bazaar by José Andrés in Beverly Hills and Silks at the Mandarin Oriental San Francisco, he was named Chef de Cuisine at Azul just last year.  His menu captures the best elements of modern European cuisine with American and Asian influences.

Something borrowed… Sommelier Cynthia Betancourt.  This Master Sommelier has held the resident post long before Chef Huff arrived (since 2007 to be exact) so we’re considering her borrowed.  Azul’s brilliant wine program features more than 700 world-class wines. The award-winning wine list encompasses a mix of current releases, to classic vintages from the finest producers, with the latest boutique wineries worldwide. Betancourt’s approach with guests is one of opening their minds and palates to sample the many fruits and tastes of the globe in a friendly and genuine manner.

“CARNAROLI” RICE RISOTTO, Soft Poached Egg, Chanterelle Wild Mushroom, Forest Floor

Something blue… Liquid. Waterfront restaurant with stunning views of Biscayne Bay and downtown Miami’s skyline.  Dramatic water wall upon entrance to the 120-seat restaurant. A selection a fine caviars from oceans across the world.  Deliciously fresh oysters on the half shell with fresh Oregon wasabi, watermelon radish, grated Asian pear and shaved hibiscus granita.  An elegant Champagne bar with a plethora of different champagnes and cocktails. Hot tea poured on the “forest floor” surrounding my carnaroli rice risotto.

And a silver sixpence in your shoe…  Or maybe a lot of sixpence.  Deservedly so, Azul isn’t cheap.  Beginnings (Apps) start at $14 with Main Events (entrees) reaching up to $85.

Our BrickGals dinner at Azul was fantastic.  From the view and the company, to our delish food and fantastic cocktails, we definitely recommend Azul as a romantic date spot… oh hey! It’s Valentine’s Day next month. Start planting the seed now ladies!

For a full photo gallery of our dinner at Azul, head to Facebook.

Veuve it Up Early!

Whoever came up with the idea that booze should be cheaper the earlier you started drinking was a brilliant, brilliant woman.  (Seriously, you can’t possibly think a man came up with that!)

Area 31, due to its high altitude – the 16th floor at the Epic to be exact, has spoken to the gods and reenacted “Veuve on the Clock.”  If you’ve seen the Tebow special (for all my sporty BrickGals) on ESPN, then you know he sings to God during football games.  (This was the sole reason he was able to win so many games… not that he’s an amaze specimen or anything.)  This is similar to myself when I show up to Area 31 during “Veuve on the Clock.”  I legit sing to the heavens American Idol-style what an amazing God I have for bringing me this blessing.  Weekdays (Monday – Friday) from 5 to 7 pm Veuve Clicquot will be priced according to time during happy hour. From 5 –5:59 pm each glass is $5; 6 – 6:59 pm each glass is $6, and so on until 7:59 pm.

Hallelujah.

 

 

New Age White- Argentina’s Hottest Summer Sipper

Hey Brickgals!  It has been one crazy busy week, brain overload for sure, and I like to decompress with a no brainer, my favorite little Argentinean wine, New Age White.  The wine comes from the famed Valentin Bianchi winery in San Rafael, Argentina (a city within the Mendoza region, but south of the city center).  Valentin Bianchi makes some of Argentina’s best Malbec & Cabernet, but New Age has become their little secret, that I will share with you.

New Age white is a fruity blend of Torrontes & Sauvignon Blanc.  Yep, sounds like a pretty nice little white wine blend, but wait, there’s more…  New Age white has a slight effervescence to it, sometimes so subtle it is barely detectable.  The little sparkle gives this fruity, refreshing, slightly sweet wine just the zip it needs to wake up those taste buds.  Think Moscato d’Asti, but a little more refreshing, not as sweet.  Flavors of fresh peach, pear and apricot.

Now, if this doesn’t sound delish enough, it gets even better.  New Age white is most commonly served ON ICE WITH A SLICE OF LIME!  Yep, I said it, ON ICE WITH A SLICE OF LIME, a wine, no joke!  Think of this wine cocktail, famously named “The Tincho” in Argentina, as a toned down vodka tonic.  The lime cuts some of the wine’s sweetness and gives you the most refreshing “Patio Pounder”.  New Age is also great filled in a pitcher with any and all fresh fruits to make sangria.

Come out to the Dwntwn Wine & Food Fest in Brickell next Sunday, Jan 22nd, and try and Tincho for yourself.  Also look for an upcoming New Age/Tincho feature at Balans.