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Things FISHING Has Taught Me About Life Lessons learned from decades of dropping hook and By Arnold Markowitz 5line into Biscayne Bay — and fi ve places to do just that Photos by Silvia Ros o long ago that Google never heard cargo warehouses still stood, totter- it had a welcoming manner and let me wasn’t unusual to meet people who spoke of him, a man named Charlie ing, between the bait store and Miami hang out with it whenever I had time. the Y’all dialect. SPujols had a bait store at the north Bayfront Park. That’s where I met a new I went to Charlie’s late at night, At 1:00 a.m. we could walk across end of the Port of Miami, which was friend, Biscayne Bay. The bay didn’t after work at a place a lot of local people the street from the Herald to Charlie’s, being moved from the mainland to speak aloud — though I thought I heard still called the Miama Hurled. The city where Bicentennial Park is now, and

Dodge Island. A few of the old port’s it whisper, “Shut up and fi sh” — but was changing fast in the late 1960s but it Continued on page 14

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KJULYKNIGHT CONCERT HALL C CARNIVAL STUDIO THEATERZ ZIFF BALLET OPERA HOUSE P PARKER AND VANN THOMSON PLAZA SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY Tap Dogs Tap Dogs Tap Dogs 1 7:30PM Z 2 8PM Z 3 2PM & 8PM Z Tap Dogs have taken “Exciting, athletically “Spectacular! the world by storm feisty, fun-loving, and Triumphant! An Amazing with a fast and hilarious!” fabulous theater- Achievement!” Signature Shorts The Chicago Tribune The Los Angeles Times dance spectacle!

Tap Dogs Tap Dogs Tap Dogs Tap Dogs Tap Dogs 6 7:30PM Z 7 7:30PM Z 8 7:30PM Z 9 7:30PM & 10PM Z 10 2PM & 8PM Z “A sexy, fast, and International Babalu “Tap dancing will Babalu fabulous hit!” Hispanic Theatre 7:30PM K never be the same!" 2PM & 8PM K San Francisco Chronicle Festival (IHTF) - Lucie Arnaz The London Times Straight from a Amarillo celebrates the music Babalu sold out New York 8:30PM C of her father, 8PM K engagement! Desi Arnaz! A play that explores IHTF - Amarillo IHTF - Divinas C the concept of IHTF - Amarillo 8:30PM C Palabras national identity. 8:30PM 8:30PM C IHTF - Divinas IHTF - Os Sonhos IHTF - Os Sonhos IHTF - Os Sonhos IHTF - Flores 11 Palabras 12 13 14 De Segismundo 15 De Segismundo 16 De Segismundo 17 Arrancadas 5PM C 8:30PM C 8:30PM C 8:30PM C A La Niebla Babalu Six characters set IHTF celebrates its “The quality attests to 8:30PM C 7:30PM K out on a mythical 25th anniversary the vibrancy and Two women fleeing talent of theatre the aftermath of an “Raúl Esparza infuses journey into their season by presenting unspecified war. the songs with a fiery dreams! the best in being produced in theatrical intensity the Spanish-speaking and nostril-flaring Hispanic theater world!" passion!” companies! The New York Times The New York Times 18 IHTF - Flores IHTF - Gatomaquia IHTF - Gatomaquia IHTF - Gatomaquia IHTF - Pedro De Arrancadas 21 8:30PM C 22 8:30PM C 23 8:30PM C 24 Valdivia A La Niebla “IHTF is considered “This is a festival that “It is a reminder of 8:30PM C 5PM C one of South should return every the deep traditions Three actor-musicians International Hispanic Florida's best-kept year and stay and long history of retell the story of the Theater Festival is the conquest of Chile! only festival of its cultural secrets!” longer!" Latin American kind! Miami New Times The New York Times drama." The New York Times

IHTF - Pedro De IHTF - Por Las IHTF - Por Las IHTF - Por Las IHTF - Por Las 25 Valdivia 28 Tierras De Colon 29 Tierras De Colon 30 Tierras De Colon 31 Tierras De Colon 5PM C 8:30PM C 8:30PM C 8:30PM C 8:30PM C Through a lively “Latin-American Recipient of the “IHTF continues to This award-winning combination of music theater constructs its University of Miami’s offer thought-pro- festival raises the and humor, the work “EXCITING, ATHLETICALLY FEISTY, FUN-LOVING, AND HILARIOUS!” symbolism from 1987 Golden Letters voking, aesthetically curtain on Hispanic prompts serious The Chi cago Tribune movement, physicality, Award. diverse, first-rate culture! reflection on Spain’s colonization of the and gesture.” theater from around Americas. JUNE 30-JULY10 The New York Times the world.” The Miami Herald

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July 2010 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 3 Contents COVER STORY 1 Five Things Fishing Has Taught Me About Life COMMENTARY 6 Feedback: Letters 12 Jack King: The Assault on Obama & Company OUR SPONSORS 30 10 BizBuzz NEIGHBORHOOD CORRESPONDENTS 28 Jen Karetnick: No Español and No Beach PO Box 370566, Miami, FL 33137 www.biscaynetimes.com 30 Frank Rollason: Big Guys and Little Government 36 PUBLISHER & EDITOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES 32 Gaspar González: On the Clock Jim Mullin Marc Ruehle 34 Wendy Doscher-Smith: A Sign From Below [email protected] [email protected] Nancy Newhart COMMUNITY NEWS INTERN 36 [email protected] The Life and Times of Roberta Sherwood Mandy Baca 36 A New Leaf BUSINESS Manager [email protected] Ileana Cohen 37 Take This Park, Please! CONTRIBUTORS [email protected] POLICE REPORTS Victor Barrenchea, Erik Bojnansky, Art director 42 Biscayne Crime Beat Pamela Robin Brandt, Terence Marcy Mock ART & CULTURE Cantarella, Bill Citara, Karen-Janine [email protected] 44 Anne Tschida: What We Talk About When… Cohen, Wendy Doscher-Smith, Kathy Advertising design 46 Art Listings DP Designs Glasgow, Gaspar Gonzaléz, Margaret [email protected] 49 Events Calendar Griffis, Jim W. Harper, Lisa Hartman, CIRCULATION PARK PATROL Jen Karetnick, Jack King, Cathi Marro, South Florida Distributors 50 North Miami’s Out-of-Sight Delight 52 Derek McCann, Jenni Person, PRINTING COLUMNISTS Frank Rollason, Silvia Ros, Jeff Stuart Web, Inc. 52 Kids and the City: On the Road Again Shimonski, Anne Tschida www.stuartweb.com 53 Your Garden: The Deadliest Cut 54 Vino: Our Summertime Fire Up the Grill Drill F oR AdVERTISING INFORMATION CALL 305-756-6200 56 Pawsitively Pets: Problem Pooper? Put His Nose in It! All articles, photos, and artwork in the Biscayne Times 58 Word on the Street: Which Hurricane Was Your Worst? are copyrighted by Biscayne Media, LLC. Any duplication or Member of the reprinting without authorized written consent from the publisher Florida Press Association DINING GUIDE is prohibited. 59 Restaurant Listings: 233 Biscayne Corridor Restaurants!

4 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com July 2010 July 2010 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 5 Commentary: Feedback Letters to the Editor How About It, Kids? Let’s Driving Aimlessly, Letters Make a Garden! in Hand Erik Bojnansky’s story about World Like Gaspar González, I’m very an- Gardens at Midtown Miami (“How noyed at the lack of postal boxes where I Does Your Garden Grow?” June 2010) live, in North Miami (“Return to Sender,” highlights a commendable concept June 2010). There used to be three boxes and ambitious undertaking. Citizen- behind the CVS next to the Publix at NE generated garden creations offer unique 6th Avenue and 127th Street, but now opportunities and challenges for com- there are none. munity activism and citizen involvement. I too drive around hoping to see a Unfortunately, as is so often the case letter carrier or get to a post office. This with such undertakings, the results often is ridiculous. I can’t put out my mail seem to pale when measured against the because I live on a street in North Miami initial objectives. Notwithstanding such where children walk to and from el- realities, the initiative of Harry Nelson ementary school. I’ve found my mail on and his cohorts in this egalitarian under- the lawn or ripped up. So it’s a problem taking speaks well of their intentions and everywhere. objectives in making our community a Thanks for letting me vent. greener and more beautiful place. Susan Bogusky However, a few disconcerting North Miami issues reflected in the article require clarification. Driving to the Shores: • The State of Florida’s Department of Business and Professional Regulation What Could Be Worse? I agree with Gaspar González. licenses the practice of landscape archi- I work from home and have a small tecture. The current records of DBPR business that requires mailing out do not list “landscape designer” Harry monthly invoices. Nelson as a licensed landscape architect Without a mailbox, I now have to in Florida. take my invoices to the Miami Shores • The issue of poor soil condi- post office, which means driving there tions on the site would likely have been just to mail them! revealed to an experienced South Florida Jovita Nalepa landscape architect or to a competent, Biscayne Park qualified horticulturist. • Mr. Bojnansky appears to have attributed an inaccurate term, “parched Not Just a Thank You, a water table,” to the noted local horti- Huge Thank You culturist Jeff Shimonski, who likely I enjoyed the story by Margaret Griffis observed the possibility of a perched about Morningside Elementary School water table in his assessment of plantings (“Two Communities, One School,” June at World Gardens at Midtown Miami. A 2010) but want to point out that the ar- perched water table occurs when an im- ticle neglected to mention the hard work permeable layer of material (rock, clay, Sandy Moise has done with us to make compressed soil, etc.) exists below the this school a better place. It was she who surface, but above the primary aquifer put us in contact with the University of of a geographic region. Depending on its Miami to work on a garden plan at the position within the substrate, such im- school in the first place. We owe her a permeable layers may “trap” and retain huge thank you. excessive quantities of water, generally Michael Loveland within the root zones of plants. This will Morningside result in soil saturation and the subse- quent exclusion of appropriate levels of So It Is True: Getting a oxygen within the root zone, leading to root rot and declining plant vigor, and Voter Registration Card Is ultimately plant failure. Harder Ted Baker, fellow Gaspar González’s cover story “As the American Society of Landscape Market Turns” (May 2010) was wonder- Architects ful. Not only did I enjoy it immensely, I Miami Continued on page 8

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July 2010 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 7 Commentary: Feedback

Letters who could be called, for simplicity’s sake, whiners, complainers, and naysayers. Continued from page 6 They present themselves as something of a laughed out loud at some points. fringe and are notable for identifying evil I wish I’d read something like that forces in the universe, powerful entities, before we bought our house two and and crusading against them. a half years ago. It seems to me that These entities have variously been around these parts, anybody can get a the City of North Miami, FPL; and more Realtor’s license. Some of those traps recently, the U.S. Postal Service (USPS). the Gonzálezes avoided, we fell for. Sometimes this faction has even identi- Please continue such wonderful fied the Village itself as an aggressor articles, and maybe do a follow-up on the against the residents. same subject. Don’t ask. I can’t explain it myself. Franco V. Arias All the accused are portrayed as Jacques E. Christin having muscled and misused the humble North Bay Village citizenry of Biscayne Park, and all have been considered worthy of confrontation How to Buy a House Like a and crusade. To listen to the complaints, Millionaire one can hear a distinct “rise up against Here is a little-known secret about how the tyrant” theme. to reply to a real estate agent who asks I don’t know Mr. González. I intro- for “exclusivity.” Simply reply, “Okay, duced myself to him at a meeting a few but I want you to sign an agreement that weeks ago, but I think he was otherwise you are my exclusive agent, meaning you engaged. So I don’t know how he got cannot conspire with the sellers and their where he did, but it’s clear he has joined agent, and you will do your best to get us the crusades. It is clear, at least, that he the best price and total deal.” has a special fondness and empathy for Do not sign a realtor-buyer form. the crusaders. It’s not in your interest. Or maybe he just likes telling their Also $12,000 for closing costs story. In the absence of anything more and “extras” seems suspect on the substantial, it’s a pretty colorful and $200,000 house Gaspar González engaging story to tell. and his wife bought. Always get an I don’t know, for example, if he itemization of closing costs, and then personally agrees that FPL (“Uncivil compare them competitively. For War,” May 2010) and the USPS (“Return more information about all this, go to to Sender,” June 2010) are out to mistreat homebuyerbeware.org. the residents of Biscayne Park. Maybe By the way, this is the way million- he just takes these rhetorical positions aires have bought houses for years. because they make better copy. Jim Anderson If USPS victimizes and deprives a Miami small and seemingly powerless com- munity of its one mailbox, while giving the rich and powerful of Miami Shores A Good Writer in Search of whatever they want, there’s an interest- a Story ing story to tell. I write this with some trepida- If USPS just pulled some boxes tion. By his own description, Gaspar because they weren’t much used, Mr. González, Biscayne Times’s “Neighbor- González has to look for something else. hood Correspondent,” is new to Biscayne I see he relied heavily on, and made his Park, having moved here in December case around, the impressionistic report 2009, and I welcome him. There’s no of the letter carrier, to the effect that the doubt that wherever there are gatherings box was significantly used. I don’t know — in larger municipalities or “burgs” that a lot of reporters would consider that like ours — there are different types of an adequate source, especially consider- people. Our neighborhood, the Village, ing the allegation. is a bit more heterogeneous than some Anyway, I welcome Mr. González this size, and we have our distinct and to Biscayne Park, and I do think he is a sometimes differing types, too. very good writer. May he keep up the At the moment we are more polarized great storytelling and find some good than usual. For whatever reasons, over the and meaningful stories to tell. past couple of years a vocal faction has Fred Jonas emerged. This faction consists of people Biscayne Park

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July 2010 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 9 Our Sponsors BizBuzz: July 2010 Sales, special events, and more from the people who make Biscayne Times possible A & A Village Treasures By Pamela Robin Brandt Circa 39 Hotel people haven’t the time or knowledge to BT Contributor handle themselves. Meanwhile, attorney Jake Miller fter spending the past month (12550 Biscayne Blvd., suite 800, 305- working in NYC, BizBuzz 758-2020) continues his very popular, Awants to assure Biscayne free “What’s Best for You” seminar Times readers this: It’s just as hot series, for homeowners in mortgage dis- and humid up there, and they don’t tress. 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10 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com July 2010 July 2010 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 11 Commentary: Miami’s King The Assault on Obama & Company Nouveau idiots, many of them in Florida, are leading the charge By Jack King elected. Florida’s two are Jeff Greene, BT Contributor running for the U.S. Senate, and Rick Scott, running for governor. Both have hen Barack Obama broke zillions of dollars and could conceivably onto the national political put as much as $100 million each into Wscene two years ago, I won- their campaigns. And they both come dered if his campaign would be nothing with lots of baggage. Greene made most more than an anomaly. After all, few of his money betting that the housing minority candidates for national office market would collapse. Nothing like bet- had made it past simply getting into the ting against America and then telling the race, and never had one gone to win a electorate you’re the one who can fix all national election. Whether you like it the problems. or not, a majority of the people in this Rick Scott is not much better. He country are still pretty racist. It may not ran a healthcare company in such a be like it was in the 1920s, but it’s racist wonderful way that he (and many others) just the same. bears responsibility for the mess that It wasn’t long into the campaign healthcare is in now. Oh yeah, his com- that I heard people saying Obama was pany paid $1.6 billion in penalties. different and had a real chance to be And one last thing about name- More recently Tea Party zealots The second phenomenon is that the elected. Turns out they were right. calling and the blame game. George have been marginalizing themselves at a Florida Tea Party has been registering Before long, the nonbelievers start- Bush and his cronies started the war in national level, and their name-calling is virtual unknowns to run in state legislative ed the scare campaigns: He’s a commu- Afghanistan. They started the war in just not sticking. Florida’s Marco Rubio, races. So far they have about 20, mostly nist, he’s a socialist, he’s a fascist, he’s Iraq. They gave us the policies that led an early darling of the Tea Party set, was in north and central Florida, which makes a Muslim, he’s not an American. It was to the collapse of the economy. Now Re- well ahead in the U.S. Senate race, but sense. The Florida Tea Party is based in started by conservative Republicans who publican leaders and right-wing talking now trails Gov. Charlie Crist badly, with Orlando and it seems that many of their were really mad that they had taken such heads are saying that these wars and the other candidates nipping at his heels, candidates have come from Disney World. a shellacking in two consecutive elec- economy belong to Obama. Certainly he and for good reason. Two people who we haven’t heard tions. They began calling Obama names has inherited them, but they will forever Rubio, while professing political from in Miami are Alex Sink, running and laying on labels, many of which belong to Bush, and Bush should be for- conservatism, has been living a pretty for governor, and Kendrick Meek, run- they really didn’t understand. They just ever grateful to Obama for finding ways opulent lifestyle on his Republican Party ning for the U.S. Senate. Sink has done sounded bad and that’s what they wanted. to end the wars and rebuild the economy. credit card, all while not paying his own little campaigning here and doesn’t have The Republicans would argue that Of course name-calling in politics is bills. Add to that the fact that his entire much name recognition. Meek has done the Democrats called George Bush lots nothing new, but this time it has embold- platform is cutting taxes and reducing zero campaigning in South Florida. If of names, and they’re somewhat right. ened a group of older, white Americans the size of government, but he has no he has a campaign strategy, it must be a However, the fodder for name-calling who were none too pleased to have a black plans for how to do it. To say that he is deep dark secret. came straight from Bush himself. Does president who had some solid but different shallow would be an understatement. What have we learned so far in this anyone remember “mission accom- ideas for improving the nation. This group With the Tea Party losing steam campaign season? The electorate doesn’t plished,” “I am the war president,” and eventually came to be known as the Tea nationally, two new and bizarre politi- want nouveau idiots who are all platitudes “misunderestimated,” just to name a few. Party. The movement gained momentum cal phenomena have arisen. The first is and no plans, nor long-time political Add these to his glaring policy blunders with platitudes like “lower taxes” and “less a sizable group of very wealthy people hacks who are all platitudes and no plans. like Iraq and Katrina and you don’t need government,” along with “keep your gov- who are willing to put their own money to call him names. He does it to himself. ernmental hands off my Social Security.” into major campaigns to get themselves Feedback: [email protected]

12 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com July 2010 52207252$0 5HQRYDWHG%HG%DWKVRQDGRXEOHVTIWORWFDUJDUDJHLQ+LVWRULF0RUQLQJ VLGH0DLQKRXVH%HG%DWKVJXHVWKRXVH%HG%DWK*UHDWURRPZ¿UHSODFH ZRRGEHDPHGFDWKHGUDOFHLOLQJ0RWLYDWHGVHOOHU 7HUULÀFYDOXHDW 1(WK6WUHHW0RUQLQJVLGH

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July 2010 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 13 COVER STORY

Five Things Continued from page 1 buy a package of frozen shrimp or squid or mullet, which I’m pretty sure cost less than two bucks each. We would sit on the concrete bulkhead, fi shing until the sky grew light. If you sat right on the concrete, bugs would nip your rear end and crawl up your pants legs. I kept a cheap folding lawn chair in the trunk of my cheap car. If I got hungry or thirsty, I could put down my rod and reel (also cheap) without concern for theft while I walked a few yards to Charlie’s store for a Cuban sandwich and a beer, both cheap. Half a dozen to half a hundred people might be there, depending on whether the shrimp were running. When they were, we bait dunkers were joined on the bulkhead by family teams of shrimp-netters. They brought Coleman lanterns, big coolers half full of ice, and long-handled dip nets with fi ne mesh. Fishing Hole 1 The shrimp always came with an The Oleta River is one of Biscayne entourage of predatory fi sh, most desir- Bay’s best off-track places for explo- ably the edible snook and snapper but ration and discovery. Unless you’re also the inedible tarpon, and once in a e caught a lot of squirmy and slimy. awfully intense about catching fi sh, while you could catch one. Usually hardhead catfi sh Over the years I unintentionally it’s a wonderful boat ride in case we fi shed for mangrove off that seawall caught and deliberately released hundreds W you’re skunked. The two-mile north snapper, seldom big but near Charlie’s, and handled of hardhead catfi sh before one twisted branch begins in Greynolds Park plentiful and good to eat. them carefully. They keep a loose and a pectoral fi n jabbed me be- West. Use the entrance at 17530 W. If you cut your bait into shot of poison under the skin tween the right thumb and forefi nger. The Dixie Hwy., follow the road to the fork, little pieces and stuck it that covers the spines of their hand reddened and swelled. At Jackson bear right, pass the boathouse, and on little hooks, you could fi ns. If one pokes you, it Memorial Hospital I took an agonizing go another half mile. Just before the catch moonfi sh, also known as teaches a painful lesson. injection directly into the wound. Then I picnic pavilion on the right, pull over lookdowns. Their sloping foreheads With a small towel for was sent to a specialist in Hialeah. and look for a gap in the mangroves and the placement of their eyes made traction, I learned to grip Yes, a catfi sh-wound specialist. I to launch your kayak or canoe. On them seem to be searching for a lost catfi sh tightly around the forget his name but I remember what weekends a paddle-boat conces- contact lens. gills, pressing the pectoral he told me. He developed the specialty sion operates there. Much of the On the fi rst night at Charlie’s I fi ns against the body while during his training residency in Corpus mangrove-trimmed route up to 202nd caught a cutlass, commonly called a I used pliers with the other Christi, where he treated hundreds of Street feels more like the Everglades ribbonfi sh, even though it resembles hand to remove my hook. people who limped in from the Padre than North Miami Beach or Aventura. a shiny fi ghting sword more than a It’s like the way you hold Island beaches. Catfi sh gathered there There are nine fi nger canals and three ribbon. With its great fangs, it looks so a snake so it can’t bite you. Snakes are in enormous schools, waiting in the manmade lakes along the way. The ferocious it could frighten you half to squirmy but not slimy and are easier to shallows for someone to step on them. waterway is a spawning nursery. Look death when you pull it into the light. I cut grip than toothless catfi sh, which are “Tell me again how this happened,” for small barracuda, snook and jacks the line at the hook and dropped them the catfi sh specialist said below Miami Gardens Drive. North of back in the water. Others left them for after treating and bandaging there, fi sh for butterfl y peacock and dead on the ground. I had never seen my hand. I repeated: I was largemouth bass. Snook may be in or heard of them before, and I’ve never trying to get my hook back We caught a lot of mangrove patches. caught one anywhere else. when the fi sh twisted and It didn’t matter much what I hardhead catfi sh. stabbed me. caught, or whether I caught anything “How much do you pay room?” Something like $250. to keep. If I spend half a day prepar- They keep a shot of poison for fi sh hooks?” “It’s going to cost you another ing and drive a long way, it matters under the skin that covers Back then, in boxes hundred here,” the doc said. “Now, how only a little more. Fishing is supposed the spines of their fi ns. of 50, they cost, let’s see, much did you say a fi sh hook costs?” to be a contemplative sport. When the a fraction less than three See? Fishing teaches valuable lessons: fi sh aren’t biting, don’t fuss. Con- If one pokes you, it teachescents apiece. dangerous wildlife, petty economics. template. It’s still better than almost a painful lesson. “What did they charge anything else you could be doing. you at the emergency Continued on page 15

14 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com July 2010 COVER STORY

President Nixon likely would have fallen between the pad and the boat — dunked for sure, with a realistic chance of being squished when the boat bobbed back.

As their hands touched, the boat bobbed away and Nixon was caught leaning over the water. I’ve lost the name of the guy on the boat. I remember he owned a chain of dry-cleaning shops in Wheeling, West Virginia. He had muscular forearms, bigger hands than Nixon, and a stronger grip. He grabbed Nixon’s hand fi rmly, stiffened his arm, leaned across the Fishing Hole 2 watery gap, and held tight until the boat Another section of the Oleta River bobbed back to the pad and the president runs from Snake Creek Canal to the recovered his balance. Five Things Intracoastal Waterway, with its mouth If not for that effort, Nixon likely opening on the south side of the Sunny Continued from page 14 Incoming waves and boat wakes would have fallen between the pad and rebounded off the bulkhead Isles Causeway. Motorboat access is the boat — dunked for sure, with a real- ne time on of the helicopter pad, best from the Intracoastal. Snook and istic chance of being squished when the Biscayne Bay, creating turbulence. snapper swim here. Further upland, if boat bobbed back. I watched Early in 1972, your boat is low enough to get under Later someone said to me: Suppose O the NE 163rd Street bridge, you can history almost Nixon made his you’d been that guy on the boat — what being made. The mission to China, re- enter Maule Lake at its southeast would you have done? Vietnam war might opening long-frozen corner. Tarpon may congregate in the I think I have more conservative have ended sooner diplomatic relations. It middle. Follow the north shore of the than liberal fi shing friends. I don’t know — or not. The Wa- was a signifi cant geo- lake eastward to another channel that if they’re ashamed of Nixon, but this I do tergate scandal might never political achievement, can take you into Little Maule or back know: Fishing is apolitical. have happened. President yet one that failed to thrill to the Intracoastal. Richard M. Nixon the public. Someone Maule Lake can also be reached might have fallen thought that should be by paddling south from the launch ishing into the bay and corrected. site inside Greynolds Park. You have teaches been squished be- Returning from to paddle under the bridges that span you to Biscayne Boulevard, W. Dixie High- F tween a houseboat China, the president value what you and the concrete went to Key Bis- way, and the railway. Incoming or out- have. You learn bulkhead of a cayne, where it was going, the tide often runs through that not to fret much about the helicopter pad. arranged for two decorated houseboats shallow, narrow inlet fast enough to great fi shing you can’t afford To set the scene: Nixon had a friend, full of Republicans shouting Hooray! to overpower a solo paddler going the because it’s half Charles G. Rebozo, who owned a bank clear the security zone and pull up beside opposite way. It’s a job for two. a continent or on Key Biscayne and a waterfront house the helicopter pad. half a world on Bay Lane. Nixon took over the place Nixon was let out to greet them and spoke to him. He stepped to the edge away. next door. The Coast Guard barricaded we media were let in to watch. We were of the pad to shake hands with people Biscayne that side of the island south of the Key not made to stand behind a barricade. on the boat. They had to reach across Bay is about 35 Biscayne Yacht Club channel, guard- No Secret Service agents interfered as the gap. miles long, with ing it with two speedboats propelled by I approached the stern of the nearest The water was choppy, the boat most of its south- schmillion-horsepower Magnum Marine boat. Rubber fenders hung over its rail, bobbing sideways as the captain tried to ern section in Biscayne engines. A helicopter pad, still there protecting the hull from scrapes while hold it against the helicopter pad. He was National Park. Numerous scientifi c today, was constructed over the shallows. creating a gap of several inches between not invited to tie up. I started to shout, studies have documented the decline in Fishermen weren’t happy. The it and the helicopter pad. “Be careful!” ` the abundance and size of virtually every barricaded zone was one of the bay’s Nixon, not the spontaneous type, Nixon and an athletic-looking gent best places to fi sh for spotted sea trout. looked unsure of what to do. An aide on the boat stretched toward each other. Continued on page 16

July 2010 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 15 Cover Story

Five Things Continued from page 15 fish species, despite state size and bag limits. The decline began earlier in the northern part of the bay. People who have fished it for a long time will say you should have been there 10 years ago. Others will say no, 20 years ago. Better yet 30, 40, or 50 years ago. I know such a person: Alan Sher- man of Miami Shores. He knows what the fishing was like in all five of those decades. Sherman grew up on the bay, had jobs in his youth running head boats offshore from Haulover and Castaways marinas. They’re called head boats be- cause they charge fishermen X dollars a head. Sherman makes his living by guid- ing fishing-doers on the bay. In ancient times he could stick to the north end with confidence that his clients always would succeed. Not any more. Perhaps more than anyone else, he has witnessed the decline of north bay fishing from fabulous to great to still pretty damned good if you know

Continued on page 18

16 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com July 2010 July 2010 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 17 Cover Story

Five Things Continued from page 16 the place well and search for fi sh until Veteran fi shing guide you fi nd them. Says Sherman: Alan Sherman: “These “I don’t really want giant high-rises have to be negative about the bay. On the other cut off the sun that once hand, I miss the huge shined on the entire bay, amounts of ladyfi sh that once were every- changing the way the where, especially in water once was.” the Oleta River in the late ’50s and into the ’60s. These fi sh would feed on schools of small bait fi sh that no longer are there. The thousands of tarpon that would roll on the surface in Maule Lake near Eastern Shores are gone. “Dumbfoundling Bay was loaded with fi sh and shallow mud fl ats that housed sawfi sh, large schools of snook, a few redfi sh, black drum, tarpon, sea trout, huge schools of mullet, large jack crevalle, sharks, ladyfi sh, and occasion- ally bluefi sh, mackerel, and kingfi sh.

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18 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com July 2010 July 2010 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 19 Cover Story

Five Things Continued from page 18

Today that portion of water has been dredged so that builders could put up giant high-rises that house thousands of people. “These giant high-rises have cut off the sun that once shined on the entire bay, changing the way the water once was. The dredged areas, some as deep as 30 feet, have become stagnant, and only a few schools of tarpon that can breathe air from the atmosphere can live there.” The scientific studies convert to data what Sherman and the bay have experienced daily for decades, although it took him a while to un- derstand fully what he was seeing at close hand as it was going on. Sherman again: “In the ’60s, I remember that the area known as Interama [now FIU and the Biscayne Landing develop- ment] was being used as a landfill. I didn’t know at the time that hazardous materials were being dumped there, but around then I noticed the waters from the Oleta River south starting to

Continued on page 22

20 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com July 2010 July 2010 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 21 Cover Story

Five Things Continued from page 20 become less clear and the fish popula- tions in these areas starting to diminish. “It oc- curred to me Fishing Hole 3 that there might The area between the Intracoastal and be a correlation Mount Sinai Medical Center in Miami between the Beach, on the north side of the Julia discolored water Tuttle Causeway, may be too well known and diminish- and too popular. Still, if you’re there at the ing numbers of right time (a gamble), the fishing for sea jacks, ladyfish, trout can be splendid. Stay west of the snappers, snook, boat channel that roughly parallels Alton and tarpon Road. An artificial reef running parallel because of the to the causeway is productive at times. landfill, but then The Tuttle’s easternmost bridge can be again it could good for tarpon and snook, but watch have been from out for the current swirling through there. the increase Work with wind and current to set up a in chemicals drift across the flats, then circle around that were being and take another drift. pumped into the bay from Greyn- olds Park dam or the one in the Biscayne Canal that many years later would come to light.

Continued on page 24

22 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com July 2010 July 2010 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 23 Cover Story

Five Things after channel with scarcely a light lit. I Continued from page 22 have fished for snook under such condi- tions in other places where, local people “Also in that same time span, a swear, owners perversely keep their lot of construction and dredging was lights off on purpose. They consider the taking place in the Eastern Shores area fish their private property. — an area that I always thought of as a If I ever return to night fishing, I gathering area for snook, mullet, jacks, will keep a gas lantern on my boat. I will and ladyfish. Today you see hardly slip into one of those channels, hang my any mullet, ladyfish, and snook in that light from one of those docks, and wait area, and the huge schools of tarpon are for the fish to find it. I will publish a almost gone in Maule Lake and Dumb- story about it, and then people who think foundling Bay.”

Fishing Hole 4 Along the Venetian Causeway, east of the toll plaza, snook often lurk in the shadows of bridges that connect the causeway’s six islands. Weave a boat among them slowly, casting baits as close as you can to seawalls, bulk- heads, and docks. Some of those are lit at night, with prey and predators meeting for dinner. Stay outside the circle of light, casting baits into it. Often you can hear the loud splashes of fish attacking shrimp and other forage.

they own those fish will sit out in the eople who live dark with shotguns, waiting for someone alongside the like me to come along. Pbay don’t often Little by little by little — you’re fish the obvious waters where they live. learning this here faster than I did there You seldom see anyone on the seawall of — I figured out that to catch snook you a waterfront home with a hook and line must look for them in snook habitat, such over the side. Once in a while there’s a as mangroves or places where forage floating bait bucket tied to a post or a lures them, such as lighted docks. You The Court of cleat, a clue that someone there fishes have to present the right bait, natural or somewhere, sometimes. artificial, in just the right way, which Musicthe fromSun Versailles King: Some of them have no docks, or varies with time, tide, and location. docks that sag in ruins. Why spend extra Working all that out requires the pa- Journeyy backbacck to 18th18th centurycentury FranceFrance andand enterenter a worldworld ofof lavishlavish luxury,luuxury, gloriousgloriou music and fantasticntasticc spectacle. spectacle Louis Couperin's compositions for King Louis XIV are ar known money to live on the water they use so tience that fishing is supposed to teach us. for their breathtaking beauty and typify the glorious art of this French golden age. passively? I asked a dockless Seraphic Fire sopranos Kathryn Mueller and Rebecca Durren are accompanied by friend who lives on a finger Patrick Duprè Quigley in this exhilarating and enchanting program. channel in Keystone Point, ccasion- Thursday, July 15, 2010 at 7:30pm and she said she lives there ally a snook St. Martha Catholic Church, Miami Shores because she likes it. Ois caught At night, bright dock accidentally while Friday, July 16, 2010 at 7:30pm lights close to the water fishing for something First United Methodist Church of Coral Gables will attract forage fish, else, or just dunking Saturday, July 17, 2010 at 8:00pm and the forage fish will bait for whatever All Saints Episcopal Church, Ft. Lauderdale attract game fish — es- fish may find it. I pecially my favorite, the caught my first Sunday, July 18, 2010 at 4:00pm common snook. snook that way Miami Beach Community Church, Miami Beach People who because the bay have dock lights often and I had devel- neglect to turn them oped a relationship. on at night. Maybe I believe it felt sorry Reserve Your Tickets today at their FPL bills are too for me. high already, I don’t know. www.SeraphicFire.org or 888-544-FIRE It’s frustrating to go into channel Continued on page 26

24 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com July 2010 July 2010 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 25 Cover Story Photo courtesy of Arnold Markowitz Photo courtesy of

The author and his local catch — a sizable snook.

Five Things Fishing Hole 5 Continued from page 24 Biscayne Bay’s spoil islands, distributed I was in a wheelchair with a cast more or less evenly along the Intracoast- on my right leg, a trophy for reckless al, are the products of long-ago dredg- base-running during a softball game. ing. Several are maintained as parks by Only Two Left! My home was an effi ciency on NE 25th Miami-Dade County. Snapper, sea trout, Street in the second apartment building ladyfi sh, and pompano can be caught from the bay. It wasn’t a good place to along the edges. July 10 & 24 fi sh, but it was the best available. None of these fi ve fi shing holes is I’d wheel the chair out there, car- a secret. All are known to supply good rying rod and reel across my lap with a fi shing, but not all the time. Successful The Midtown Miami Market is the perfect opportunity for package of bait in a bag dangling from anglers keep moving, seldom giving any spot more than half an hour to produce you to showcase your fresh grown or created products the left handgrip, and a book in another bag dangling on the right. action. When the bite dwindles here, they to thousands of people. The market is located inside the That was not sport as much as therapy move to there. former Circuit City store on N. Miami Avenue. apartment I searched the fridge for substitutes. I Produce • Orchids Occasionally a snook had learned that if you is caught accidentally. I run out of bait and you’re Baked Goods • Art • Home Decor nowhere near home, open caught my fi rst snook your cooler and raid your lunch. Chicken (skin on) that way because the bay stays on the hook fairly Enjoy this market in the and I had developed a well. Hard salami emits grease, an attractant. comfort of air conditioning. relationship. I believe it Prosciutto falls apart too felt sorry for me. easily. If you’ve caught a few fi sh, fi llet one and BUENA VISTA AVENUE use the guts. Almost any fi sh’s for cabin fever. Now and then I’d get a bite liver is good bait. Liverwurst is useless. from a puffer or lizardfi sh, very scarcely This time, scavenging around the a too-small snapper. Tides and currents fridge, the best I could do was a stale brought to my bulkhead Styrofoam cups, drumstick from Colonel Sanders’ store. NE 36TH STREET NE 34TH STREET NE 32ND STREET empty cigarette packets, an impressive se- “No fi sh would eat this,” I told myself. lection of tubular latex products. I was able “What else you got?” myself asked. N.MIAMIAVENUE to indict Salem and Newport smokers as I cut the chicken leg into strips, the worst litterers. Second place: drinkers stuck one on a hook, fl ipped it into the Spaces start at $35. Reserve today 305/573-3371 of canned Busch beer, the popular-priced bay, and got a bite. kin of Budweiser. For dinner that night, I ate snook. On the day the bay felt sorry for me, I ran out of bait early. Back in the Feedback: [email protected]

26 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com July 2010 July 2010 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 27 Neighborhood Correspondents: Miami Shores No Español and No Beach How can a person like me live in a place like this without Spanish? By Jen Karetnick of OLA and D. Rodriguez — I was BT Contributor practically interrogated. A Venezuelan blogger, who spoke English as well as h, so you speak Spanish?” her mother tongue, was particularly This is the question I invari- vehement. “Why don’t you speak it?” “Aably get when I travel abroad she demanded. “Isn’t Spanish the official and, when asked by various individu- language of Miami? Don’t you have als where I am from, confess that it is bilingual private schools? How can you Miami. Sometimes the query is in Span- represent Miami if you don’t speak Span- ish; other times in English. But no matter ish? It’s not logical that you don’t know.” what language is spoken to me first, I She continued to badger me, and always answer the same: “No.” after a while, she refused to speak to My negative response is followed me in English. Whenever our guides or by two reactions. Either I receive an colleagues would start a conversation incredulous look, usually accompanied that I could understand, she’d deliber- by a shrug, or if the conversation has ately cut in with a Spanish comment and been in English, I hear: “Where exactly direct the flow of language to her liking. in Miami do you live?” As if there must Thanks to her, I would have spent a great be a part of Miami where only uno-lin- deal of time not comprehending the pro- gual gringas reside, a section unknown blond hair is taken into account, my American who refuses to acknowledge gram, except that I speak the universal to the world at large — particularly the (preserved) figure is glanced over, and that speaking English is not enough. language: food. Spanish-speaking world. my (lingering) intelligence — along with Recently, though, on a trip to Panama In reality, I can obviously understand Of course, when I reply Miami my interest in my destination, the culture for a global food conference of Latin some Spanish words: cerveza, vino Shores, I next hear: “Oh, how nice. You of wherever I am visiting — is visibly chefs called Panama Gastronómica — live near the beach.” Then my (dyed) dismissed. I am just another arrogant including our own Douglas Rodriguez Continued on page 29

28 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com July 2010 Neighborhood Correspondents: Miami Shores

Español Anglo-Saxon instead of Norman, or that I don’t bother explaining to people have still followed my whim. And I can’t Continued from page 28 your French-Canadian parents felt you like the Venezuelan, who talked in- say my French classes were a waste of should assimilate instead of being isolated, sultingly about me in Spanish to other time. It does help me here — because blanco, pollo, cerdo. In other words, I am both geographically and socially, in the people right in front of my face (and whether the census agrees or not, we fluent in what I call “menu Spanish.” (In French part of the city. yes, I know enough of the language to have almost as many Haitians as Hispan- fact, I don’t discriminate. I can decipher Nor do I claim to represent the Magic figure that out), that I took French in ics. This is as true for the Village Beauti- menus in French, Italian, and Portuguese City. My personal ancestry, unlike many high school, and that we only needed two ful as it is for the Magic City in general. as well.) I also know how to get to a who live in Miami now, is not Hispanic. years of a foreign language to graduate. I also don’t clarify that my own ears bathroom, find a bank, arrange for a taxi, All you need to do is look at my name Regrettable? Yes. Fortunately the seem to be deaf to foreign languages. and get to the airport. Simple phrases to know that I come from Ukraine or, United States school systems do a much I was born with some gifts for which I aren’t beyond me, though I might get if you’re not that familiar with Russian better job these days, starting children remain exceedingly grateful, but having the order of words incorrect. My accent surnames, Eastern European stock. in grade school on Spanish or French. a head for languages is not one of them. is largely understood if muddled. And I Or maybe I do represent Miami. There are also options for bilingual But then, I can’t paint. I can’t even can, thanks to heredity, roll my Rs. But I After all, when you travel to other places, private schools, which in my days of conceive of the desire to paint. Should can’t tell people with honesty that “hablo you are the country you come from, secondary schooling were unheard I bemoan this inability to communicate un poquito de español solamente,” apparently. So you might as well be the of. I’m very proud to say that both my through art, too? because I don’t. Wielding that kind of city, too. In that case, I am the perfect children are in the native Spanish classes I like living in Miami precisely confidence opens a verbal floodgate that face for it: I didn’t grow up here. at school, and that they already speak because of the fluid wash of multiple I have no hope of translating. What I understand, but don’t appreci- conversationally if not fluently. But that’s languages over my ears. I don’t feel More to the point, Spanish is not the ate, is that travelers the world over believe because they had an advantage I didn’t: I it’s necessary to comprehend everyone authorized language of Miami. Though that only Hispanics live in Miami. This is hired them a Honduran nanny who spoke all the time. Sometimes it’s okay not I know it’s controversial, we still are part largely the fault of the media, who put in only Spanish to them until they were to understand and get by with a smile. of the United States — at least last time I the background not only native Miamians five or so. Angela was a wonderful first It’s acceptable not to be logical — like checked. When I encounter hostility such (I believe the appropriately sneering word teacher, and they will always have her to naming a city Miami Shores when it as the kind from the Venezuelan woman, is “Crackers”) but the largest immigrant thank for their skills. really doesn’t have a beach. It certainly is I think of Montréal. No one is surprised to community of Haitians in the nation — For me, hindsight wears glasses. more appealing than being criticized in a find out that you might be a native of that even after a devastating earthquake that Had I known I was going to wind up in language you might share. officially bilingual city but don’t speak could be used to change immigration and Miami, I might have taken the Spanish French. Folks just figure your heritage is repatriation laws. curriculum instead. Then again, I might Feedback: [email protected]

July 2010 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 29 Neighborhood Correspondents: Belle Meade Big Guys and Little Government The influence of unions may have declined nationally, but not within the City of Miami By Frank Rollason hesitate in using lethal force to take care BT Contributor of business. Today in the City of Miami, the his is the story of politicians and Goliath unions appear to be on the verge unions, an updated version of of receiving the stone of death from TDavid and Goliath. In the City of the normally timid David politicians. Miami, politicians historically play the Because it is not in the best interest of role of David, but with a twist: They politicians to make a mortal enemy of don’t always slay the Goliath unions. In the unions, make no mistake: If the stone fact they often have no desire to van- is hurled, it will be because the unions quish Goliath, particularly in periods have allowed for no other choice. of financial security, when a politician’s I love how it is the dastardly unions primary concern is re-election. (Okay, that have put the city in the fix it’s in. politicians generally obsess over re- Those darn union leaders do what union election all the time.) leaders do all over the country since Unions are powerful forces in Miami the time of Samuel Gompers: Advocate politics because they can heavily influ- for their members and negotiate for the ence the outcome of local elections. They highest wages and benefits management work hard to support their candidates by said for years and years: “Politicians they wish as long as it does not tread is willing to deliver. Never, and I repeat, running phone banks, sending out direct- and managers will come and go, but the on the rights and benefits of the union never has management gone to the rank mail pieces, cajoling their families and union is here forever!” Goliath. Well, we all know how the and file and said, “Hey, employees, the friends into voting for favored candi- In good economic times, Miami story finally played out. Goliath slew city is in pretty good financial shape this dates, campaigning outside the polls on politicians in the David role have no all his mighty enemies until he met the year, so how about we give you a raise or election day. Needless to say, politicians problem exercising their responsibilities one adversary who was pure of heart, covet such help. And as the unions have — namely, ruling the city in any manner came with no intended malice, but didn’t Continued on page 31

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Unions they fear saying no? Because they fear continue responding to life-threatening officials. Not to provide lifetime pen- Continued from page 30 the power of the unions when it comes to situations requiring split-second deci- sions to commissioners who hold office elections. That is the bottom line. sions on the use of deadly force, and our for as few as seven years. Not to pay for improve your pension or health benefits.” When we have elected officials who firefighters will continue to enter build- their cars or their car insurance, and not That just does not happen because that is are more concerned with being re- ings engulfed in flames and in danger to prolong their desire to continue to not management’s role. elected than doing the public’s business, of collapse in order to save the lives of hold office. We have in the State of Florida what and in a businesslike manner, the city strangers they have never met and will Public office is a calling based on is called the Public Employees Relations only digs itself deeper into a financial probably never see again. the premise of public service. It is not Commission (PERC), which outlines hole. Oh, they talk the talk, but they will All this drama could have been supposed to be a full-blown career. We how negotiations are to take place in not walk the walk until the fire is so hot avoided with a little bit of what I are seeing the backlash against the pro- good faith: honorably, morally, and legal- under their collective rear ends that they call “tincture of spine” in the elected fessional politician in various state and ly. These are the principles upon which have no choice but to do the right thing, officials, instead of the typical marsh- local elections. It will only grow as we collective bargaining is based. The union even if it injures them politically. mallow syndrome that seems to be approach the November elections. leadership does what it does on behalf of In the City of Miami, that time has pervasive during election season. So all Get the picture! Yes, Miami’s em- its members and the administration does come, and it will result in the implemen- you residents and business owners who ployee contracts are out of whack and what it does on behalf of the city’s tax- tation of Draconian cuts regardless of rail against tax increases, and rightly so, need to be brought back under control, payers in an effort to negotiate contracts what measure or combination of mea- keep in mind that the purpose of a local but not at the expense of union-busting that are fair, equitable, and not only sures is chosen. And when the proverbial government is to provide those services in the name of fiscal responsibility. The result in a legally binding compact for dust settles and the city limps forward to its citizens which they cannot readily collective bargaining system works well both parties but which also allow for a until the next fiscal crisis (and sadly, provide for themselves — and that takes when all participants do their part and level of service to the citizens that results there will be a next), our municipal lots of good employees. exercise their individual roles properly. in a safe, clean, efficient, and effectively employees will continue to do what they It goes back to the days of kings and The unions may ask for a trip to run government. do best — serve the citizens of our great their kingdoms — protecting the serfs Hawaii, and management may counter The crux of the problem lies with the city with pride and professionalism. with their armies so the kingdom could with a trip to Vero Beach, but elected elected officials. They are the ones who Our general employees will continue survive. The services for health, safety, officials cannot come back with a trip to control the reins on this runaway wagon, to provide professional service in myriad protection from evil, and from the rav- the French Riviera and then say, “Those and they are the ones who have consis- ways. Our solid-waste workers will ages of fire are the essence of why local dastardly unions stuck it to us again!” tently abdicated their responsibility to say: continue to clean our city streets and col- governments were formed. Not for pro- No, we just cannot afford it. And why do lect our garbage, our police officers will viding salaries and benefits for elected Feedback: [email protected]

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July 2010 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 31 Neighborhood Correspondents: Biscayne Park On the Clock If you live in Biscayne Park and you’re a fan of democratic principles, time may be running out for you By Gaspar González regulate the amount of time any com- BT Contributor missioner may speak on any matter before the commission. Once a commis- n experiment: I’m going to try sioner’s ten minutes are up, it’s the mayor to abide by the Biscayne Park who decides whether that person may AVillage Commission’s new continue. The mayor’s decision to limit proposed time-limit rule and write this comments can only be overturned by a column in the next ten minutes. Accord- majority vote of the commission, which ing to the ordinance — passed on first is to say three of the other four members reading at the June 8 commission meet- would have to overrule her. ing and scheduled for a second reading The official reason given for the new on July 13 — that’s how much time soon ordinance, according to Mayor Ross and may be allotted to commissioners wish- commissioners Anderson and Childress, is ing to speak on a particular topic before that commission meetings are taking way the mayor can essentially shut them up. too long. To help make their case, they like I’ll stay on track by inserting time to cite the fact that the monthly meeting checks (0:00) in the text. Okay, here I has gone as late as 1:00 a.m. on occasion. go…starting…now! And they’re right, that is a pretty It would appear that the new rule is, agreement was a bad deal for Biscayne attempt to forestall the inevitable “yes” long night. But where else is the work in part, the product of the recent — and Park. Mayor Roxanna Ross and commis- vote. Things got pretty testy that night. of governing Biscayne Park going to highly contentious — FPL franchise sioners Bob Anderson and Al Childress (To save time, please refer to my column happen if not at the commission meet- agreement vote; specifically, the second had long made up their minds to approve “Uncivil War,” in the BT’s May issue.) ing? Florida’s “Government in the reading of the ordinance, at which Com- the agreement and saw Commissioner (2:30) So now, the same three com- Sunshine” laws prohibit members of missioner Steve Bernard attempted, at Bernard’s continued dissection of the mission members who voted for the length, to point out the ways in which the deal as nothing more than a desperate FPL franchise agreement have voted to Continued on page 33

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Clock room for five or six hours on a Tuesday But then, the new rule change, (8:42) Indeed, given the current Continued from page 32 night, listening to opinions that run as well as a new “code of conduct” dynamic of the commission, the two contrary to theirs. I understand if they ordinance that also passed on first read- ordinances — affording the mayor broad the commission from privately discuss- don’t want to take the time to think ing — aimed at monitoring not only powers to label commissioner comments ing or debating any issue that might through every issue and every vote that the public behavior of commissioners, “belligerent, personal, impertinent, slan- come before the commission prior to the will eventually affect all of us who live but of any resident who sits on a vil- derous, threatening, abusive, or dispar- monthly meeting, so cutting down on the in the village. Maybe they’d rather spend lage board or attends a village meeting aging” and to punish the offending party amount of time that individual members that time with their families, or watch- — may not be designed primarily to — would seem to have only one practical have to present their findings or views on ing America’s Got Talent, or getting a keep meetings shorter. (That’s just an application: To keep the questions and a particular matter at that meeting can few extra winks of beauty sleep. All of added benefit.) No, the two ordinances, objections of the minority — commis- only mean decisions will be made on the which is fine, because there’s no law that taken together, point to a desire to stifle sioners Bernard and Cooper — to a basis of less information and with less says anyone opinions and minimum. Or put another way, this is the accountability — since commissioners has to run for views that are “We have three votes to your two, so be will barely have enough time to state, in a seat on the The mayor would have broad powers to different from careful what you say and keep it short a thoughtful manner, why they’re actu- commission. label comments “belligerent, personal, those held by because what you think doesn’t really ally for or against something. But having impertinent, slanderous, threatening, a majority of matter anyway” rule. Of course, that probably would suit run for — and abusive, or disparaging” and to punish the commis- It’s like a super-streamlined version certain commissioners just fine. One in won — that the offending party. sion; in this of democracy, one without, as Stephen particular — I won’t mention him by seat, it would case, Mayor Colbert might say, all the messy, time- name because that’s another of the new be nice if Ross and consuming “democracy-ness” of regular rules; residents are not allowed to direct some commis- commission- democracy. their comments at any one commis- sioners would try a little harder to give ers Anderson and Childress, who these (9:53) I could add more, but I see the sioner, but can only address the commis- the impression that, one Tuesday night days are simpatico on virtually every clock is against me, so I’ll just close by sion as a whole — gives the impression a month, they don’t have something else issue of note. (Not just the FPL fran- encouraging my fellow residents to turn that he’d like to be able to leave the car they’d rather be doing. Or if the meet- chise agreement or the very ordinances out for the July 13 meeting and weigh in engine running while he pokes his head ings are taking so long, why not schedule I’m writing about, but also, for example, on these proposed ordinances — while into the meeting to read off his votes. two during the month, and divide up the a tax hike on our electric and water there’s still time. (6:25) I understand if some folks in agenda? After all, as a former president bills, also passed on first reading at the Biscayne Park may not want to sit in a liked to say, governing is hard work. June commission meeting.) Feedback: [email protected]

July 2010 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 33 Neighborhood Correspondents: Miami at Large A Sign From Below Leaving Miami with dead frogs as The End approaches By Wendy Doscher-Smith See, these mummified frogs appear BT Contributor often in the Brickell area. If you think that’s odd, well, here’s something odder. t night a giant silver and yellow It occurred to my father’s girlfriend, Sue, Lego glows outside the bedroom who discovered the latest dehydrated Awindow of my Brickell-based frog, that I would like one of these hard- Cotel (condo/hotel). It could be a sign of ened critters for my “photo projects.” the End of Days. But it’s not. I will miss She was right. A mostly dehydrated the glowing Lego high-rise, which reli- frog is one hell of a find. My photog- ably bids me goodnight. Doscher-Smith BT photo by Wendy raphy is prop-centric, so a dehydrated I am already engaging in “sun frog counts. Ranks, even. And I’m not checks,” whereby I constantly glance speaking solely about the smell. But I over my shoulder to ensure the sun is could be. That’s because the frog, whom shining, because I am MUFT-bound I promptly named “Frogg-art!” still stank (Merciless Un-Frozen Tundra, a.k.a. up- when Sue presented him to me. state New York) for the summer. By the Sue had planned on leaving him in a time you read this, I will be there, 1300 plastic bag at the reception desk, but she miles away. There is no neon Lego there. sign. They want you to question if it’s Frogs. Specifically, dried-up, rock- didn’t have one. (Upon discovery, she Only a sign outside my dining room just a building. I can confidently assert hard frogs. just scooped him up in a large leaf.) So window that reads, “Dead End.” that the Lego is not The Sign, because I hear that within the pages of the she went to the Cotel restaurant, with the For me this move is the End of Days. I have found The Sign. And it is only Bible, a “rain of frogs” occurs. Well, frog-in-a-leaf, and asked for a bag. But I’m onto something bigger here: appropriate that the first manifestation of I’m telling you that the Bible got it Sue thought she slipped Frogg-art! Everyone’s end! The glowing Lego, The End rears its head in Miami, home wrong. The frogs don’t fall from the by the reception woman unnoticed. She while comforting in its own ominous to chaos-mongers and heathens. So what sky. Sorry, Bible. Close, but no burn- way, is too obvious to be a Doomsday does The Sign look like? ing bush. Continued on page 35

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Frogs I determined by tapping him with a Bic he wasn’t going to ride shotgun for informed me she had found yet another Continued from page 34 pen, he did stink under the strobes. 23-hours all skanky. I contacted a few frog. This one was a bit more desiccated Sue shrugged and suggested I kick friends who specialize in mummification. than Frogg-art! Was I interested? didn’t. Fast forward to the next day. him over the balcony. This notion hor- Real scientists. Real mummification. She left this one hanging on my door. RW: “Was that a dead frog your rified me for several reasons. First, it I had decisions to make. Did I want I peered in and saw a small foot. I gasped, mom brought over?” would be wrong to mishandle the dead to preserve Frogg-art! as a mummy or as then marched him outside and docked him Me: “Um, yes. Sue, my dad’s girl- like that, and seeing as how this was a skeleton? The skeleton option sounded next to Frogg-art! I called Sue and asked friend, brought him for me.” The Sign, I’d be meeting my maker appealing, but the process seemed daunt- her to come over and witness the frog-pres- RW [raised eyebrows]: “Oh….” soon enough. Second, what if Frogg- ing: boiling, carefully monitoring tem- ervation process. Unlike Frogg-art!, Frog- But let’s back up. Luckily for me, I art! killed someone on the way down? peratures, multiple thermometers, sifting gcake, as he is now known, was completely answered my phone when Sue called This real “rain of frog” presented too tiny bones through a sieve. Especially flat. No need to pen-tap this one. And yet from the reception desk. If I hadn’t, she many problems. I could just see the for my small Cotel kitchen. Besides, I he was still stinky. would’ve left the bag hanging on my mathematical word problem: “If a few already had to do battle with the “drain I gave them the treatment. The salt doorknob with a note inside. I would ounces of stiff frog travels from the worms” once a month, when the industri- and baking soda kill any remaining have opened the door and dropped dead 28th floor of a Miami-based Cotel at a al-strength Draino infusion wore off and microorganisms, thus eliminating the from fright. speed of 85 m.p.h. at the same time a the teeny wigglers found the strength smell while preserving the skin detail. Anyway, I could tell by the ex- German tourist pauses to clean up after to chomp and slurp their way up the The same process is utilized in mold- cited tone of her voice that she had his miniature poodle….” And there kitchen sink pipe in an attempt to reach abatement for books. something good — really good. This would be headlines: “German tourist their Mecca — the glorious fluorescent So I coated my new buddies, concerned me a bit. If you knew Sue, struck dead by falling frog — amphib- radiance of the overhead light panel. slipped them in between the Eggo you might understand. ian apocalypse suspected.” Adding a boiling frog to the mixture chocolate chip pancakes and the ba- After recovering from the initial We decided to keep Frogg-art! on the would surely summon a pissy Animal nanas foster ice cream, shut the freezer image of frog corpse (Frogg-art! is far balcony, on his leaf and in the open bag, Warlord. And seeing as I have not been door, and asked Sue if I should expect removed from Kermit), I did photo- so he could air out. And there he sat for to the gym in quite a while, that was any more found-object deliveries. graph him. With fake pink roses and another week while I tried to gather up begging for a proper ass-whuppin’! Her answer: “No! I do not want to be sunflowers. After all, Frogg-art! needed my courage to approach him again. Just as I was gathering my freeze- known as the Crazy Frog Lady.” to decay with dignity! Although he was Then I decided it was time to take dry frog preservation materials (baking “Well,” I thought, “I don’t either.” Ha! decomposed beyond the icky maggot action. Frogg-art! had to accompany me soda, non-iodized salt, and Tupperware, phase, and was as hard as granite, which on my drive back to the MUFT. And in case you ever need to know), Sue Feedback: [email protected] CA$H FOR GOLD

July 2010 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 35 Community News The Life and Times of Roberta Sherwood She was the most famous Miami entertainer you never heard of By Antolin García Carbonell the porch songs — ‘You’re Nobody Special to BT ’Til Somebody Loves You,’ ‘Cry Me A River,’ ‘Take Your Shoes Off Baby and n 1956 Biscayne Park resident Ro- Getty Images Start Runnin’ Through My Mind’ — and berta Sherwood, a mother of three so many other greats.” Icaring for her disabled husband, was Following the tip from Buttons, improbably trying to support her family Winchell wrote in his widely read as a nightclub singer. Her voice, which column: “Attention Networks, Recording critics compared favorably to Ethel Mer- Execs, et. al: Take the fastest plane, train, man’s, was in great shape, but Sherwood or bus and go to Murray Franklin’s place herself was not exactly glamorous. In opposite the Roney Plaza, Miami Beach, fact she was a bit dowdy. Onstage in her and find yourself a gold mine named horn-rimmed glasses, she would drape a Roberta Sherwood!” sweater over her evening gown to ward The world listened. Within two off the air-conditioned chill. She was also weeks, Earl Wilson wrote in his compet- somewhat eccentric. While singing, she ing syndicated column: “Rocking chairs was in the habit of keeping time by tap- in a night club! Murray Franklin, Jack ping on a hand-held cymbal. Benny’s double, has them in his screw- Down to $10-a-night appearances in ball spot which also features on the walls third-rate bars around Miami, she greatly September 1, 1956: Life magazine photographer Nat Farbman caught ‘college pennants’ from Atlanta, Alcatraz, appreciated the engagement she landed at Sherwood in her trademark sweater and horn-rimmed glasses at the and Lewisburg penitentiaries. Plus won- Murray Franklin’s off-beat Miami Beach Riverside nightclub. derful woman singer Roberta Sherwood.” nightclub. Her pay: $150 per week. Not long after that, the Miami Comedian Red Buttons tipped off about Sherwood’s unappreciated talent. her in a café at Miami Beach…sing- News’s Herb Rau reported: “Things have syndicated columnist Walter Winchell Winchell recalled years later: “I found ing love songs, torch songs, sittin’ on Continued on page 38 A New Leaf When the economy tanked, Alberto Lorenzo turned to what he knew best — cigars

By Gaspar González In October 2009, he opened Lorenzo BT Contributor Tobacco. Originally Lorenzo had envisioned lberto Lorenzo knew he’d the operation as a combination cigar end up in the cigar business. factory — where he’d roll his own brand A“Blood always wins out,” says — and smoke shop, but, he explains, “the the 38-year-old, sitting in his store near permits took too much time.” So except

Quayside Towers. Lorenzo grew up in the BT photo by Jacqueline Doulis for small rolling table in the corner, he tobacco-rich region around Cabaiguán dedicated the space to retail. in central Cuba. “My great-grandfather, The only cigars you’ll find in the my grandfather, my grandmother, my shop are ones Lorenzo makes himself, uncles,” he says, ticking off relatives on using tobacco from the Dominican the fingers of his left hand. “Theyall Republic, Honduras, and Ecuador. His worked in tobacco.” father, Antonio — who left Cuba in 2004 Still, the route taken by Lorenzo to and is today a cigar manufacturer and ex- the family business proved more than a porter in the Canary Islands — comes to little circuitous. In 1997 he joined almost Miami for two or three months at a time 30 other refugees aboard a rickety boat to help with production. bound for the Florida Keys. The trip took The two men are the product of a a harrowing three days. “Our motor gave Alberto Lorenzo: “Customers will come in here and ask, ‘How can you long tradition, one whose secrets Lorenzo out and we drifted, hiding out in man- make such a great cigar and only charge $8?’” is willing to share, up to a point. Explain- groves as we went along,” says Lorenzo. ing that the tobacco leaves he receives “We made it by the grace of God.” he says with a mixture of pride and steadily — among his clients was the from his suppliers are not always to his Afterward he settled in New York, bemusement. Lorenzo moved to Miami Walgreens chain — until the economy liking — increased worldwide demand where he went to work for a cleaning and in 2001 and eventually started his own tanked. “I didn’t want to know about the maintenance company. “I swept floors,” cleaning company. He built his business cleaning business anymore,” he laughs. Continued on page 40

36 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com July 2010 Community News Take This Park, Please! A lush, undeveloped piece of waterfront land could become a Miami park — or not By Erik Bojnansky the city not recently paid $2.6 million BT Contributor for a small parcel of land (less than one acre) at 1814 Brickell Ave. Van Cel was kip Van Cel crouches as he walks offended by what he considered a very quietly through the grass and bad deal for taxpayers. Making matters Sverdant foliage, pointing toward the worse, he says, the land is “on the wrong Little River. The red eyes of a yellow- side of Brickell.” crowned night heron stare back at him. Sarnoff, who advocated for the “Look!” he says. “Do you see it?” The BT photos by Jacqueline Doulis Brickell parcel’s purchase this past bird strolls casually toward the river bank January, defends the buy: “There are and disappears from view. 30,000 people living within a mile of Wildlife is not an unusual sight in [the Brickell property]. That is a stag- this untamed riverfront forest of oak gering number. If you look at it from a trees, coconut palms, and gumbo limbos, per-capita user basis, it is the cheapest Van Cel says. He should know. He owns park the city ever acquired.” the vacant property and visits twice a Van Cel counters that his offer to the day. He’s even set up a gazebo. He also city was much better: $12 per square foot gave it a name: Manatee Bend, after the for his land versus $73 for the Brickell manatees he often spots swimming up property. However, he’s not surprised the and down the Little River. city backed out of buying Manatee Bend, Yet what he really loves about this given its “poor history” of resource man- property is the location. It may seem like agement. “But don’t get me started,” he something you’d stumble across in the huffs. “I might start a newspaper.” backcountry of the Big Cypress or Ever- A lovely jungle of trees and plants and tranquility in the heart of the city. In March 2003, Van Cel did just that glades National Park, but it’s in the heart as the founder of this publication, then of urban Miami, a stone’s throw from the allowed the city to use some 13 acres of like that’s not going to happen, at least known as Biscayne Boulevard Times. busy intersection of Biscayne Boulevard public bayfront land for the construction not this year,” says Crowley, who visited After shortening the name to Biscayne and NE 79th Street, in the residential of Bayside Marketplace. Each year the Manatee Bend, very much liked what he Times, he sold it to current BT owner Jim neighborhood known as Palm Grove. marketplace’s owner would transfer to saw, and wrote a letter to Migoya urging Mullin in February 2007. Aside from “This doesn’t exist anywhere else in the fund 7.4 percent rent money collected him to at least assess the property’s newspaper publishing and his active in- the City of Miami,” says Van Cel. “It’s from retailers. That money can only be value before withdrawing the application. terest in art (as both creator and curator), just incredible, and I’d like to see it as a used by the city to buy waterfront land (Migoya did not respond to messages Van Cel invests in real estate. “There’s a park.” Then he shakes his head and utters for parks, and only with the approval of from the BT.) reason they call it real estate,” he jokes. a mantra he repeats often when speaking Florida’s governor and his cabinet. While it’s true that money for the “Because if all else fails, at least you can about his unique property: “If they can’t This past May, Gov. Charlie Crist purchase of Van Cel’s property would not drive by it.” see the value of this land, then I can’t and his cabinet gave their blessings to come from the city’s general fund, Miami Van Cel’s penchant for real-estate help them.” the city’s proposal to use $550,000 from taxpayers would need to pay for the new deals would eventually lead him to Van Cel, former publisher of Biscayne the trust fund to buy Van Cel’s property park’s maintenance. And therein lies the Robert Gray, once an official in the Times, is referring to the people who run and to create Little River Waterfront Park. problem, says Commissioner Marc Sar- administration of President Dwight the City of Miami. In December of last Additional money ($185,000) would noff, whose district includes Palm Grove. Eisenhower and former head of Hill year, he paid $280,000 in cash for the come from the Florida Inland Navigation The city is facing a financial crisis in & Knowlton, among the world’s most 1.2-acre parcel, which is located one block District (FIND), a state agency that funds the form of an anticipated $101 million influential public relations firms. After west of the Boulevard along NE 77th public waterfront projects. shortfall that will likely mean dramatic retiring as chairman of the firm in 1992, Street Road. He then offered to sell it to Neighborhood activists were cuts in services, reduced benefits for Gray moved to Miami Beach, co-founded the city on one condition — that it forever thrilled. “Oh yeah, we have a lot of unionized employees, and an untold Gray & Associates Properties Inc., and remain a public park. His asking price was people in the Upper Eastside who see number of layoffs. embarked in a new career as a developer. the property’s appraised value: $635,000. this as potential parkland,” says Eileen All this is under consideration County records show that in Decem- At first Miami officials seemed Bottari, president of the North Palm now, as city administrators struggle to ber 2004, Gray purchased 19,360 square interested. This past March the city com- Grove Community Organization. prepare a balanced budget for fiscal year feet of riverfront land at 457 NE 77th mission unanimously passed a resolution Then, without explanation, Miami’s 2010-2011, which begins October 1. St. Rd. for $985,000. A month later he supporting the purchase of Manatee new city manager, Carlos Migoya, with- According to Sarnoff, Migoya is not in a bought another 33,558 square feet of Bend and turning it into Little River drew the application just prior to FIND’s mood to acquire any additional parkland. adjacent property for $1.5 million. Waterfront Park. To finance the deal, the annual land-acquisition meeting on June “He equally thinks that for someone to Gray then demolished the two single- cash-strapped city would use funds from 19, says T. Spencer Crowley III, an attor- make a profit of $250,000 in less than family homes that occupied the lots, but Biscayne Bay/Miami River Land Acqui- ney who serves as Miami-Dade County’s four or five months is not appropriate,” he kept the luxuriant vegetation, says sition Trust Fund. representative on the board of the Inland Sarnoff adds. Bryan Halda, senior vice president of The trust fund was created in 1985, Navigation District. “I was really hoping Van Cel says he would have been part of an arrangement by which the state to see that land get acquired, but it looks more flexible with his asking price had Continued on page 39

July 2010 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 37 Community News

COPYDESIGNPRINT Roberta Sherwood where the former INS office building Continued from page 36 now stands. Lanning’s club was an instant hit. He bought a house on nearby changed at Murray Franklin’s. Now you NE 74th Street in 1938 and married have to fight your way into the room Sherwood a year later. With two sons, and practically make a reservation for a born in quick succession during World PROVIDING PRINTING SERVICES SINCE 1981 rocking chair. And it’s only the begin- War II, Sherwood worked out the seam- ning. Roberta Sherwood just signed with less routines that made her complicated Decca.” Ten days later, Irving Berlin life possible. After a full day of house- ALL DIGITAL SERVICES himself dropped in at Murray Franklin’s. work and child care, she put her sons to At the age of 43, and seemingly bed, dressed elegantly, and was on stage IN HOUSE GRAPHIC DESIGN overnight, Sherwood had become the by 8:30 p.m. At 10:00 p.m. she took a “Cinderella of Song.” break from singing, raced home, breast- Sherwood had made her Miami sing- fed her youngest, and returned for the • COLOR COPIES ing debut on New Year’s Eve 1933, when second show. Don Lanning, her future husband, intro- Her stage persona emerged during • OFFSET PRINTING duced her as part of the musical review this time. Columnist Kofoed noted that at his Silver Slipper nightclub. Lanning she “discovered that she likes the percus- • MESH BANNERS was by then well on his way to becom- sion department and annexed herself a ing, according to the Miami News’s Jack cymbal to beat time to her singing at Don • ADHESIVE VINYL Kofoed, “The Lanning’s.” unanimous Lanning • BACKLIT DISPLAYS choice for and Sher- Miami’s of- wood closed • OUTDOOR BANNERS ficial master of the Biscayne ceremonies.” Boulevard club • VEHICLE WRAPPING A talented in 1947, when actor and singer, their third son • MURALS & POSTERS Lanning first ap- was born. After 1,000 peared in Miami running the • CANVAS & MAGNETS 4/4 Business in 1923, with Fiesta Club Cards w/UV leading roles in in downtown several tour- Miami for a • ROLL-UP BANNER STANDS $ .00 ing company couple of years, 49 productions they took over • MOUNTING & LAMINATION of Broadway the Neptune hits. Follow- Room at the ing a stint at Robert Richter film star Harry Hotel on Collins Richman’s New York nightclub, he went Avenue in 1950. They also purchased a on tour again. Then, in 1929, a fire de- $25,000 home in Biscayne Park but kept stroyed Richman’s club. Lanning decided the NE 74th Street house in Miami’s to return to Miami, where he directed Upper Eastside. Sherwood made her first several musical reviews that toured the televised appearance in 1951 as a guest, South. He was perfectly positioned in along with choreographer Bob Fosse, on 1933 to mount a spectacular show for the Cavalcade of Stars. opening of the Silver Slipper, a former In August 1953, Lanning was speakeasy going legitimate with the diagnosed with cancer and had one of repeal of Prohibition. his lungs removed, the only treatment at BACKDROPS Sherwood quickly became the that time. Sherwood and Lanning then Silver Slipper’s main attraction. In decided to sell their Upper Eastside home April 1934, the Miami News hailed her: and, despite Lanning’s illness, use the “Ethel Merman does not sing ‘Smoke proceeds to open a new club at 225 NE Gets in Your Eyes’ as well as Roberta 79th St. This club failed, and the family 305.573.3634 Sherwood.” She continued to headline faced a bleak 1955. at the Silver Slipper through 1936, After her discovery at Murray ALKOPRINTING.NET but performed at other clubs as well. Franklin’s club, Sherwood’s career By 1942, the Miami News reported, took off. She released her first album nd she had appeared in 18 clubs, a South in March 1956 and moved her act 3208 NE 2 Avenue Florida record. up Collins Avenue to the Eden Roc, Miami, FL 33137 ROLL-UP BANNERS In 1937 Lanning opened his own supper club at 7800 Biscayne Blvd., Continued on page 41

38 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com July 2010 Community News

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Owner Skip Van Cel calls it Manatee Bend for the many gentle sea cows swimming up and down the river.

Park it to a private developer. “I am hoping,” Continued from page 37 she says, “along with other people in the neighborhood, that Skip will try to be TRUMP PANAMA AT 2006 PRICING ELEGANT HOME IN MIAMI BEACH Gray & Associates Properties. “He is a patient and see what transpires at the end Distressed seller with multiple Ocean view condo 4 BD / 4.5 BA + office mid century Miami Beach tree-lover and he didn’t want to remove of this year or the beginning of next.” hotel residences. Zero taxes for 20 years, full home on a double lot features a large Florida any of the greenery on the property,” For his part, Marc Sarnoff says he furnished at 5 Star standards! 6 restaurants, Las room, media room, spacious bedrooms, high Vegas-style casino and private yacht club! ceilings, impact windows throughout, a newly Halda recalls. Gray even hired a horticul- will attempt to get the city to “revisit” the resurfaced pool. Perfect for entertaining! turist to ensure that the 60-unit condo- park in a few months. “If things work David Nguah Terry Brewer, Jr. 305 531 5522 minium he wanted to develop could be out [with the upcoming budget] we will 786 564 3443 [email protected] “built around the trees there,” says Halda. acquire this park,” he promises. [email protected] www.miamisrealestate.com Before Gray could break ground, the Van Cel, however, is skeptical. He real estate bubble burst and economic now has the property listed at $824,000 turmoil followed. He put all 1.2 acres of and has been getting plenty of offers for his Little River land, which had cost him all or part of Manatee Bend. Even after nearly $2.4 million, on the market for being down-zoned under the new Miami

$1.4 million. 21 zoning overhaul, a developer could STUNNING VIEWS-BISCAYNE 21 MURANO AT PORTOFINO #1104 By October 2009, Gray had slashed still build a 40-unit condo there. his price to $635,000. Upon learning of One of the offers Van Cel is consider- Fabulous SE views from 1,536 SQ FT corner 3 BD / 3 BD / 3 BA 2,190 SQ FT luxury bayfront building. this, Van Cel pounced. In December he ing: $299,000 for just under a half-acre 3 BA with large balcony in a great location on 21st 2 terraces one facing the Bay, Fisher Island & Ocean and N. Bayshore Drive. Amenities include: Heated & the other overlooking South Beach & the Marina. made a very low offer of $285,000, but from a New Yorker interested in build- pool, 2 parking spaces, tennis courts and security. Great 3 BD split floor plan, marble flooring & baths. he could pay cash and could close on the ing a house there. If that sale were to go purchase before year’s end — two things through, Van Cel says he might keep the Marjory Dressler Jeanne Mockridge 305 790 4243 305 606 1855 that appealed to Gray. Just ten days after rest of Manatee Bend for himself. He [email protected] [email protected] striking a deal, the land was Van Cel’s. might put up a high-tech, prefabricated Halda says he was surprised Gray house, or build an art studio. “Maybe it would sell the land so cheaply and will be the Palm Grove Yacht Club,” he so quickly. “It may have been for tax muses, “but for kayaks only.” benefits, I don’t know,” he says. (Gray Bryan Halda, who lives near Van divested himself of Gray & Associates Cel’s property, says he has his own Properties in December 2008, according ideas for the land. “If I had the money to LOWEST 3 BD CORNER IN THE BULDING TRUE CITY LIVING AT MIDTOWN MIAMI to public records.) Whatever the reason, purchase it, I would put a dog park on Remodeled 3 BD / 2 BA corner residence in full Midtown Miami’s urban design and energy reminds Van Cel is certain the city would not have part of it,” he says. The rest would be service building located on golf course. This building you of NYC’s Soho District with spacious apartments been able to purchase the property as dedicated to beloved animals who have includes fitness center, 2 pools with spa, bbq area, and uniquely designed floor plans, both multi-level, quickly as Gray wanted. “There’s just no passed on. “I would do a pet cemetery for dog park, billiard room and 24-hour security. LOFT and tower spaces.

way,” he says. some of the parcels,” Halda says. “I’ve Joseph Belgiovine Luis Gomez Eileen Bottari says she’s frustrated lived in Belle Meade for 17 years and 786 797 3080 305 763 1876 with Miami’s slow pace when it comes there is no place close by to have a nice [email protected] [email protected] to parks. Yet she remains optimistic that respectful burial for a dog.” Little River Waterfront Park will one day become a reality — unless Van Cel sells Feedback: [email protected]

July 2010 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 39 Community News

New Leaf with Lorenzo, a tall, 50-ish man in a Continued from page 36 black T-shirt walks in, grabs a handful of cigars out of a box, holds them up for has forced many growers to cut corners in Lorenzo to see, then presses a couple of the way the crop is cultivated and cured bills into the owner’s hand. “Take one — Lorenzo walks over to a small wooden more,” Lorenzo tells him. The man does, chest, opens the top, and tells me to take nodding appreciatively as he steps back a whiff. “What do you smell?” he asks. out onto the street. It’s an herb familiar to Cubans. Lorenzo Despite such loyal regulars, what will not reveal the name of it (and asked Lorenzo hasn’t been able to do — and me to keep quiet about it as well), but it’s what may eventually cost him his shop the key to his cigars’ distinctive flavor. — is generate Internet sales. “That was “When the tobacco gets here, I wet always the idea,” he explains. “I intended it with a ‘tea’ made from the herb, and the store as a showplace for the brand, I let the leaves sit for 20 to 40 days,” he but most of my business was supposed says. “The tobacco will soak that in and to come from national and international acquire a very pleasing taste.” After some sales.” The problem is not a lack of prodding, he also admits to applying a bit demand, but an inability to charge cus- of sweet wine to the leaves — a specific tomers through his website. kind of sweet wine, which he also won’t Lorenzo says his bank (and credit name. The secretive nature, like the cigar- card processing machine provider), making skills, runs in the family: “My Wells Fargo, will not allow him to ring grandfather waited until he was 80 before up either Internet or phone sales, only he told my father the herb he used.” in-store transactions. “They tell me: ‘The The credit card products of laws have Lorenzo’s “When the tobacco gets here, I wet changed,’” labors line it with a ‘tea’ made from the herb, and says Lorenzo, the shelves I let the leaves sit for 20 to 40 clearly exas- of his shop; days. The tobacco will acquire a very perated by the nine varieties pleasing taste.” situation. “So of smokes, all everybody labeled with who’s been the black-and- around more red Lorenzo band. Prices run from $1.50 than a couple of years gets to do business, to $12, though Lorenzo suggests the best but I can’t. Is that it?” He’s currently talk- bargains are found somewhere in the ing to other banks about their policies and middle. “Customers will come in here,” is even thinking about hiring a lawyer. he says, “and ask, ‘How can you make The snafu has taken some of the such a great cigar and only charge $8?’ joy out the enterprise for the normally Because I can.” upbeat Lorenzo. “I’m making enough to (Among the more intriguing options maintain the store, but no profit,” he says. is a medium-size, torpedo-shaped cigar By now he would have liked to have a wrapped in Nicaraguan and Connecticut flat-screen TV in his smoking lounge, but tobacco. The darker Nicaraguan and he can’t justify the purchase. lighter Connecticut leaves give the cigar If he can’t get the credit card mess the look of a candy cane, a two-tone swirl straightened out, he may leave Miami from top to bottom.) altogether. “My father keeps telling me to So far, walk-in traffic at the store, join him in the Canary Islands,” he says, located just around the corner from adding that a regular client pointed out the now-vacant La Paloma restaurant, one ironic advantage to relocation. “He has been good. “I get customers from said, ‘Hey, you might finally be able to Quayside, from Miami Shores — the sell your cigars in the U.S.’” country club, especially — and from a For now, they’re still available only at lot of the island [communities] around his North Miami store. here,” says Lorenzo. It’s easy to see why. Lorenzo To- bacco, which includes a cozy smoking For more information about Lorenzo To- lounge with four couches, is an inviting bacco (1411 NE 109th St.), call 305-846- space, more informal even than the fami- 9959 or visit www.lorenzohumidors.com. ly-owned shops of Little Havana. Case in point: In the middle of my conversation Feedback: [email protected]

40 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com July 2010 Community News

Roberta Sherwood North Miami High. Following her hus- Continued from page 38 band’s death in February 1960, she made guest appearances on The Donna Reed which announced, “Roberta Sherwood, Show and The Lucy Show, then tried to America’s heartbeat set to music. Decca spin off a TV sitcom, Mother’s the Most, recording star courtesy of Murray based on her life as a working mother Franklin.” Two days after her premier, and singer raising three sons in Miami. Walter Winchell wrote, “Roberta Sher- She also had a small part in the 1963 wood opened at Eden Roc and con- movie The Courtship of Eddie’s Father. firmed the raves about her song styling. She also included her sons in many of her She doubles at Murray Franklin’s…. guest appearances, paving the way for Real loyalty to the man whose showcase their subsequent show-business careers. elevated her to success.” By the early 1960s, Sherwood found Earl Wilson interviewed Sherwood it harder to spend time in Miami, but after her June opening at New York’s neighbors occasionally ran into her Copacabana: “‘I’ve been playing the tank shopping for groceries at Little Farm or towns for 30 years, but the closest I ever dining with friends at the Persian Room got to the big city before was Elizabeth, in the Shalimar Motel on the Boulevard. New Jersey.’ …She was born in St. She missed Miami’s beaches, but the Louis, daughter Biscayne Park of Bob Sher- house was a wood, theater financial burden, and circus guy. so she sold it ‘I was hanging reluctantly in by my teeth at 1965. Whenever 12…. At my she was in town, age, you can’t however, she’d belt all the time, drive by for a so I got some look. resting songs.’” Sherwood’s She opened with last known Mickey Rooney Miami appear- in Las Vegas in ance was in August, and in October 1980 October was the at the Gusman subject of an Performing Arts extensive profile Center’s “Noon- in Life magazine time Lively Arts by writer Joe McCarthy. Series.” She toured nationally with the Winchell flew in with Joe DiMaggio Russ Morgan Orchestra through 1983 for her October opening at the Club Mo- and performed in Los Angeles as late cambo in Los Angeles. Lucille Ball and as 1987. Spending her final years at her Debbie Reynolds also attended the open- Sherman Oaks apartment, surrounded by ing. Syndicated writer Hedda Hopper family and friends, Sherwood died at age described the scene: “During an hour of 86 in July 1999. song, she took your heart out, squeezed Herb Kelly’s Miami News review of it, patted it, and gave it back to you. her 1959 opening at the celebrated Latin When the orchestra struck up ‘Auld Lang Quarter nightclub in Miami Beach best Syne,’ everyone in the place rose. She captures Sherwood’s special gifts: “When left tears in sophisticated eyes. Roberta Roberta Sherwood starts singing, an air is a combination of Libby Holman, Ethel of wholesomeness prevails…. It would Merman, and Judy Garland. At 43 she not be surprising to see her break off a has come full circle in one of the greatest song and start doing the dishes. A won- success stories in show business.” derful performer, she is still a housewife Sherwood told another columnist: and mother. Her act is warm and the “No matter what happens, I’ll never let audience is hers when she enters, singing anyone try to glamorize me…. If you put ‘Love Is a Many Splendored Thing.’ She me in mink and fancy clothes, it wouldn’t strolls around the tables, shakes hands, be me. I’d lose my personality.” adjusts her sweater, and peers at guests She returned to Miami for PTA meet- through her horn-rimmed glasses.” ings and fund-raising performances for the marching band at her sons’ school, Feedback: [email protected]

July 2010 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 41 Police Reports Biscayne Crime Beat Compiled by Derek McCann Watergate Miami other offices and tried this with returned home, he found he had been 1700 Block of N. Bayshore Drive other potential employers. The first burglarized. Three televisions from three On the first day in her new furnished woman got up from her desk and different rooms were stolen, including a apartment, a happy tenant arrived home tried to follow him. Soon she saw huge, old-school tube television the unin- to find that the place had been ransacked. him leave the building and get into vited guest must have had trouble lifting. She called the owner immediately and a waiting car, which took off. An Nothing else was taken as this was ap- the owner told her that no one else has employee in the building then parently a genuine television junkie. We access to the apartment. The owner is a discovered that his wallet was implore the citizenry of Miami not only journalist in New York and had a suspect missing from his desk. There are to always lock your doors but get away in mind — a certain someone who might no leads. But finding the right from your televisions and read Crime be looking for information about a story desk at exactly the right moment Beat more thoroughly. the owner was investigating. Right now does demonstrate some type of the only “story” is that this poor tenant marketable skill. the door in and entered the kitchen area Too Much Dunkin’ had a rude awakening. The missing item and then took the stove. He innocently told Donuts Coffee? The Absence of No Must the officer that no one stopped him so he is likely her sense of security. 400 Block of Brickell Avenue thought it was okay. He was arrested and Mean Yes, No? An overly excited officer writing a the stove (unsure about the shopping cart) They Won’t Save This 100 Block of NE 25th Street police report sprinkled it with excla- was returned to its rightful owner. Guy’s Résumé Officer on patrol observed a man pushing a mation points. “At 1300 hours was the 4200 Block of NE 2nd Avenue shopping cart with a stove inside. The man One More Time: This Is last time she saw her ring!” But “the Applying for jobs can be stressful and de- looked suspicious. (Doesn’t everyone?) doors and elevators work by keycard!” meaning, so this chap decided to try a dif- He stopped the man and asked where he Not Mayberry R.F.D., So This officer must be a newbie who ferent approach. He went in person to an got the stove — assuming Home Depot Lock Your Doors! can’t fathom that there are crimi- office building and asked a woman if any in North Miami was too a long trek. The 100 Block of NE 50th Street nals out there who not only can dupe jobs were available. He was told there were suspect took the officer back to a home a A man left his back porch door unlocked none. The job seeker then moved along to block away and said that he simply kicked and went about his business. When he Continued on page 43

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42 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com July 2010 Police Reports

Crime Beat hoped could satisfy his appetite. Appar- Even This Purse Got Pickpocket Alert ently the online dating thing is becom- Continued from page 42 Snatched 54th Street and Biscayne Boulevard ing passé and Camillus House is now 3100 Block of N. Miami Avenue In many locations around Miami in keycard systems but have the audacity the happening place. They both got on A woman was shopping at Target in the the past month, victims are being to steal someone’s valued ring. Either a bus and then rented a room at one of Shops at Midtown Miami and placed her bumped or lightly fondled (and not in that or it’s simply too much caffeine. the Boulevard’s finer establishments. purse inside her shopping cart. She then a good way) by criminals. Wallets are After the act, victim took the obligatory struck up a conversation with a kindly being stolen. We suggest placing your shower and placed his wallet in conspic- Make That Ex-Girlfriend store security guard. After this discussion, wallets in your front pocket and being uous view on the nightstand. The suspect 800 Block of Biscayne Boulevard she turned and noticed her purse was gone. aware of your surroundings. checked out — with an extra $500 to Our victim arrived home and saw that The security guard was so wrapped up in take him back to Camillus house, this his bedroom and living room had been the chitchat he didn’t see anything. While time likely in a cab. Puzzling Pronouns Perk Up emptied and vandalized. The bedroom we admire his intense attention to the cus- closet was cut apart and his clothes tomer, we ask for a little caution in dealing Police Report were on the floor. All ornaments in with customers in the future. Pay attention! 100 Block of Biscayne Boulevard the condo were broken — includ- Dog Snatcher on This victim, who police report as a “he,” ing all tables and lamps. His Armani the Loose Afternoon Nap Horror met the suspect and they spent time talk- shoes were cut up (now that’s a crime). NE 31st Street and Biscayne Boulevard 1000 Block of NE 80th Street ing near the water. At this juncture, the Money was missing from his safe. Victim chained her beloved dog outside This couple was dozing in bed when suspect asked the victim if he was a boy There were no signs of forced entry, the Pronto Supermarket and went they noticed their air-conditioner was or a girl. After that, the report gets fuzzy. but victim has a suspect — his girl- inside to shop for groceries. When acting up. It shook from side to side and It states that the victim responded that friend. Hey, doesn’t your significant she returned, the dog was gone! Two appeared to be moving. The man got up “he was a girl.” The suspect then asked other flip out like that? witnesses gave conflicting statements to investigate, and as he did the entire “him” for sex. The victim refused be- about a pair of “Latin” girls carrying unit fell into the bedroom — and behind cause it was too soon and he (or she) had the dog into a car (a Dodge Neon or a More Boulevard the unit was an unidentified male! He just met him. The offended suspect then Pontiac G6). Dog is a three-year-old brazenly tried to enter the bedroom but reached over and grabbed “his” purse. Motel Drama Havanese Terrier with a light brown the victim pushed him out. The suspect Possibly a pre-op drag queen and a very 5900 Block of Biscayne Boulevard spot on her back. She goes by the name fled by motorcycle. Crime Beat aficiona- confused (or very tired) police officer. A sexually starved man visited Camil- of Sophie. Please contact the BT should dos, please secure those air-conditioners lus House and found a fine specimen he you have any information. — or stay awake at all times. Feedback: [email protected]

July 2010 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 43 A r t & C u l t u r e What We Talk About When We Talk About Art New local art arrives at MAM Courtesy of the artist

Felecia Chizuko Carlisle’s Untitled (Sketches), mixed media installation, 2010.

By Anne Tschida They came to a decision as they vis- BT Contributor ited swaths of the city to include emerg- ing, midcareer, and established artists, hen we talk about the art but in the end to limit the total amount

scene in Miami today, it’s not of work so it wouldn’t feel like a Miami Courtesy of the artist Wabout whether it has arrived, grab bag. it’s about where it is going. For more “We really wanted to highlight the than a decade now, Miami has developed variety of approaches that artists take a solid visual arts community, with its today,” says Morales. “Ten years ago institutions, museums, collections, and artists just weren’t as exposed to as much a base of artists finding firm roots. And as they are today. It’s so diverse, and not of course, Art Basel Miami Beach has just multiculturally.” helped add international depth — and an As we walk through the spaces that extra level of scrutiny. will soon house the work of about 35 Along the way, museums and artists, Morales and Boswell explain that galleries have highlighted examples it’s not just Miami that has grown in the of Miami’s growth, more often than 21st Century, but the art world itself. not focusing on the vibrant, emerging Says Morales: “Yes, Miami has been young artists. exposed to international art because of Now the Miami Art Museum Basel and the [growth] of the collections (MAM) wants to give us a little more. here, but the Internet has changed the “New Work Miami,” opening up in world as well.” mid-July, aims to present a broader, more So in tandem with our kinetic globe, mature art scene than has been shown in Boswell and Morales don’t want this the past. It’s a noble ambition, and one show to be static, or just paintings “hang- that could benefit Miami at this point. ing on walls for one night.” Throughout Kevin Arrow, Untitled (slide), LCD light box and transparency, 2010. But first, the curators of this exhibition the run of the show, there will be perfor- want to emphasize that this is not a com- mances, videos, and even artists working themselves are already recognized. will project imagery and continue to prehensive survey of Miami’s scene; it is in the museum at certain times. There And while this is a locals-only work on abstractions as the show goes a snapshot of a moment in the summer will be a room designated for works that exhibit, reflecting the multicultural back- on in her “studio” of a room. Sound of 2010. relate to the environment, a “rock and grounds of the artistic hands, Boswell artist Gustavo Matamoros will take over Peter Boswell, MAM’s assistant roll” room with pop-referenced art, and makes it clear he thinks there is no such the elevator with his acoustic art, and director for programs and senior cura- sound installations. thing as a “Miami flavor” or style: “It’s a Tatiana Vahan will create a video instal- tor, and René Morales, associate curator, It does seem a departure from the more interesting reality than that.” lation for the front foyer. are sitting at a table in the foyer of the all-Miami shows of the past — well- What will this reality entail for those Gean Moreno, an artist and writer, museum this hot, sunny morning, talking received exhibitions such as “The House visiting MAM to see the show? Because along with Ernesto Oroza, are creating a about the genesis of the show. They’ve at MoCA” and its follow-up “Travels in the curators didn’t want “New Work tabloid catalogue that can be found in the been making the rounds of studios and Hyperreality,” and MAM’s own “Miami Miami” to be a survey and crammed reading/visitors room, where they will galleries for months now, looking for in Transition” — which were intended with works, some artists will get their also have crafted furniture for the space new works and “not the usual suspects,” to introduce audiences to Miami’s talent. own rooms, others entire walls or ex- (the catalogue will also be distributed says Boswell. “We were looking for stuff “New Work” wants to introduce new tensive floor space. Beatriz Monteavaro around town). The collective Talking that jazzed us up, and hadn’t really been techniques, styles, and approaches with will make a black-light sculpture in one seen before.” the assumption that the Miami creators room, while Felecia Chizuko Carlisle Continued on page 45

44 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com July 2010 A r t & C u l t u r e

MAM highlight yet another group of artists to Continued from page 44 underscore the heft of the scene here. Head Transmitters will be conducting The cohesion of this particular show interviews in another room, and Kevin comes from the new work that he and Arrow will set up a thrift-store-like Boswell saw in the making, in its depth installation in yet another. and diversity. “Because of the global In the “rock and roll” main area, nature of art today, there is a new con- artists such as Manny Prieres, Bert versation” with the rest of the art world Rodriguez, and Don Lambert will create that makes Miami far less provincial kinetic pieces. In the alternative-ap- than it once was, Morales suggests. proaches space, highlighting works that While the art world used to follow Photo courtesy of Cincinnati Museum of Art Photo courtesy of Cincinnati Museum are traditional maybe in essence but not dictated trends formulated in art hubs, in in method, artists such as Lynne Golob the 21st Century, artists are familiar with Gelfman, Bob Thiele, Mette Tommerup, work being created all over — thanks and Frances Trombly — whose “paint- to travel and the Internet — and there- ing” is a stretched, hand-woven canvas fore such art centers are less important. — will be shown. The duo of Guerra de Combine that with a South Florida la Paz will be unveiling a new series, demographic that is uniquely multicul- based on Greco-Roman torso sculptures tural, and Miami has a lot to say. “The but still made from their trademark diversity of approaches,” says Morales, found clothing, in this case shoulder “is what they have in common.” pads and skin covering of polyester lace. And Fabian Peña will cover a wall with Don Lambert, Flatland, maple, archival paper, Dibond, motors, and “New Work Miami” at the Miami Art a piece made from bug parts. Robert controller, 2009. Museum, July 18 through October 17, Chambers, Jacin Giordano, Jim Drain, with special performances and openings and Michael Genovese, along with new, well established, or somewhere in MAM show “Miami in Transition,” the first and third Thursdays, 101 W. others, will also contribute to the mix. between — and all are part of Miami’s which featured 21 artists, none of whom Flagler St., Miami, 305-375-3000. It’s a mix that is intentional, says now substantial art community. In fact are in this show but most of whom are Morales, a grouping of artists who are Morales was a co-curator of the 2006 still active, so one clear goal was to Feedback: [email protected]

July 2010 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 45 Art & Culture Art Listings

WYNWOOD GALLERY WALK & DESIGN DISTRICT BASHA GALLERY DOT FIFTYONE ART SPACE ART + DESIGN NIGHT 795 NE 125th St., North Miami 51 NW 36th St., Miami SATURDAY, JULY 10 305-891-4624 305-573-9994 www.bashagallery.net www.dotfiftyone.com 101/EXHIBIT Through July 31: “Jewels of Art” Through July 8: 101 NE 40th St., Miami with Bob Arbogast, Claudia Castillo, “Sesera” by José Luis Landet and “Tableaux” by Amalia 305-573-2101 Allyson Krowitz, Arnaldo Rosello, Caputo www.101exhibit.com Jorge Chirinos Sanchez, Kari Through July 29: Snyder, and Pedro Wilson DPM GALLERY Isabelle du Toit, Larassa Kabel, Ernest Trova, Pat 2441 NW 2nd Ave., Miami Rocha, Ignatius Widiapradja, Roger Arvid Anderson, BERNICE STEINBAUM GALLERY 305-576-1777 Michael Lucero, Curtis Lafollette, Cindy Wynn, Lepo, 3550 N. Miami Ave., Miami www.dpmgallery.com Troop, Albert Paley, Aaron M. Brown, Michael Costello, 305-573-2700 Call gallery for exhibition information. Marcus Antonius Jansen, David Bowers, Charles Pfahl, www.bernicesteinbaumgallery.com Jason Shawn Alexander, Omar Ali, and John Montiero Through September 3: EDGE ZONES CONTEMPORARY ART Nancy Friedemann and Jill Cannady 47 NE 25th St., Miami 12345 WEST DIXIE STUDIO AND GALLERY 305-303-8852 12345 W. Dixie Hwy., North Miami BORINQUEN ART GALLERY www.edgezones.org 305-895-2956 100 NE 38th St., Miami July 10 through July 31:“A Fragmented Anomaly” with www.12345westdixie.com 305-491-1526 Zack Balber, Religious Smiles, Lambda print, 2010, Teo Freytes and Luis Padreda Call gallery for exhibition information. www.borinquenhealth.org Reception July 10, 7 to 10 p.m. Ongoing: Fredric Snitzer Gallery. ABBA FINE ART Romero Britto, Igal Fedida, François ETRA FINE ART 233 NW 36th St., Miami Gracia, Clarice Desousa, Andre 10 NE 40th St., Miami 305-576-4278 de Plessel, Allen Benowitz, Rara Kuyu, and Gabriella CS GALLERY 305-438-4383 www.abbafineart.com Liascovitz 787 NE 125th St., North Miami www.etrafineart.com Call gallery for exhibition information. Reception July 10, 7 to 10 p.m. 305-308-6561 Call gallery for exhibition information. www.chirinossanchez.com ALEJANDRA VON HARTZ FINE ARTS BREVARDS GALLERY Call gallery for exhibition information. FACHE ARTS 2630 NW 2nd Ave., Miami 2320 N. Miami Ave., Miami 750 NE 124th St., North Miami #2 305-438-0220 305-576-5747 DAVID CASTILLO GALLERY 305-975-6933 www.alejandravonhartz.net www.brevards.com 2234 NW 2nd Ave., Miami www.fachearts.com Call gallery for exhibition information. Through August 31: “NonDuality” by John Brevard 305-573-8110 Through July 17: “Streets” by Amos Miller www.castilloart.com ART FUSION BUTTER GALLERY July 10 through August 31: FREDRIC SNITZER GALLERY 1 NE 40th St., Miami 2301-2303 NW 2nd Ave., Miami Group show with Adler Guerrier, Aramis Gutierrez, 2247 NW 1st Pl., Miami 305-573-5730 305-303-6254 Quisqueya Henriquez, Susan Lee-Chun, Pepe Mar, 305-448-8976 www.artfusiongallery.com www.buttergallery.com Glexis Novoa, Leyden Rodriguez-Casanova, Frances www.snitzer.com July 2 through September 22: Call gallery for exhibition information. Trombly, and Wendy Wischer July 10 through August 25: “TRANSLUMINESCENT FANTASIES” with various Reception July 10, 7 to 10 p.m. “Boy, Oh Boy!” with various artists artists CALDWELL / LINFIELD GALLERY & STUDIO Reception July 10, 7 to 10 p.m. Reception July 10, 7 to 10 p.m. 8351 NE 8th Ct., Miami DIANA LOWENSTEIN FINE ARTS 305-754-2093 2043 N. Miami Ave., Miami GALERIE HELENE LAMARQUE ARTFORMZ www.susannacaldwell.com 305-576-1804 125 NW 23 St., Miami 171 NW 23rd St., Miami Ongoing: www.dlfinearts.com 305-576-6095 305-572-0040 “Seductive Assemblages and Wood Sculpture” by Through July 6: www.galeriehelenelamarque.com www.artformz.net Susanna Caldwell “The Inspired Dream: Contemporary Australian Call gallery for exhibition information. Through August 20: Aboriginal Art” with various artists “small wonders (art) salon” with Harumi Abe, Gustavo CALIX GUSTAV GALLERY GALERIE SCHUSTER MIAMI Acosta, Eric Anfinson, Duane Brandt, Pip Brandt, 98 NW 29 St., Miami DIASPORA VIBE GALLERY 2085 NW 2nd Ave., Miami Leah Brown, Bill Burke, Stephanie Cunningham, Angi 305-576-8116 3938 NE 39th St., Miami 786-266-2445 Curreri, Rai Escale, Shady Eshghi, Christian Feneck, www.calixgustav.com 305-573-4046 www.galleryschuster.com Luis Garcia Nerey, Paul Glass, John Gurbacs, Bryan July 10 through September 1: www.diasporavibe.net Call gallery for exhibition information. Hiveley, Judy King, Jacek Kolasinski, Greg Latch, “The Passing” with Jovan Karlo Villalba, Catalina Through July 22: Leila Leder Kremer, Silvia Lizama, Jules Lusson, Jaramillo, and Richard Herzog “Exodus” with Rosamary Barrios-Hernandez, Chantal GALLERY DIET John Martini, Lauren McAloon, Luisa Mesa, Venessa Reception July 10, 7 to 10 p.m. James, Ines Amado, Marlene Ramirez-Cancio/Fulana, 174 NW 23rd St., Miami Monokian, Hugo Moro, Carol Munder, Sam Perry, Monique Diaz, Maria Lino, Aurora Molina, Tulu Bayer, 305-571-2288 Ron Pieniak, Barbara Rivera, David Rohn, Gustavo CAROL JAZZAR CONTEMPORARY ART Aleli Egues, Jorge Rojas, and more www.gallerydiet.com Román, Sara Rytteke, Beatricia Sagar, Edgar Sanchez 158 NW 91st St., Miami Shores July 9 through July 31 Cumbas, John Sandell, Claudia Scalise, Gretchen 305-490-6906 DIMENSIONS VARIABLE “What is found there” Fabienne Lasserre Schargal, Shari Schemmel, Carolyn Schlam, Nina www.cjazzart.com 171 NE 38th St., Miami Reception July 9, 6 to 8 p.m. Surel, Peter Symons, Chu Teppa, Paloma Teppa, By appointment: [email protected] [email protected] Reception July 10, 7 to 9 p.m. Kristin Thiele, Jackie Tufford, Jovan Villalba, Daniel Call gallery for exhibition information. dimensionsvariable.net Viñoly, Tom Virgin, and Ramon Williams July 10 through August 31 GALLERY I/D CENTER FOR VISUAL COMMUNICATION “Yellow and Gold” by Felecia Chizuko Carlisle 2531 NW 2nd Ave., Miami BAKEHOUSE ART COMPLEX 541 NW 27th St., Miami Reception July 10, 7 to 11 p.m. 305-778-4568 561 NW 32nd St., Miami 305-571-1415 www.galleryid.com 305-576-2828 www.visual.org DINA MITRANI GALLERY Through July 7: www.bacfl.org Through August 20: “Darby Bannard: The Miami Years” 2620 NW 2nd Ave., Miami “Rise” with various artists Call gallery for exhibition by Darby Bannard and “Beyond the Daily Life” with 786-486-7248 July 10 through August 28: information. Guerra de la Paz and Teresa Diehl www.dinamitranigallery.com “{Sundara} Faces of India” by Karolina Wojtasik Through August 28: Reception July 10, 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. BAS FISHER INVITATIONAL CHAREST-WEINBERG GALLERY “DISPOSABLE: NOSTALGIA FOR THE STILL IMAGE” 180 NE 39th St., #210, Miami 250 NW 23rd St., Miami curated by Orlando Estrada with various artists GIOVANNI ROSSI FINE ART By appointment: 305-292-0411 2628 NW 2nd Ave., Miami [email protected] www.charest-weinberg.com DORSCH GALLERY 561-251-1375 www.basfisherinvitational.com Through August 21: 151 NW 24th St., Miami www.giovannirossifineart.com July 10 through September 12: “10 Years” by SunTek Chung 305-576-1278 Call gallery for exhibition information. “WEIRD MIAMI” with Autumn Casey, Adler Guerrier, “Within an Arrow’s Range” by Pedro Barbeito www.dorschgallery.com Jason Hedges, Nick Lobo, Justin Long, Isabel Moros, Through July 10: GODONAMERICA Peggy Nolan, and Alyse Emdur CITY LOFT ART “in direct quote” by David Marsh and “a flawed 1 NE 40th St. #5, Miami July 18, August 15, and September 19: 61 NE 40th St., Miami providence” with Rene Barge, Jenny Brillhart, 786-362-5546 “WEIRD MIAMI BUS TOURS” artist-led bus tours 305-438-9006 Richard Haden, Michelle Hailey, Corin Hewitt, Annie www.godonamerica.com with Christy Gast, Clifton Childree, Kevin Arrow, Adler www.cityloftart.com Hollingsworth, Jungil Hong, Jonathan Laustsen, Call gallery for exhibition information. Guerrier, and more Through July 31: Brandon Opalka, Ralph Provisero, Clement Valla, Neal Reception July 10, 7 to 10 p.m. “The Beauty of Women” by Minakshi De T Walsh, and Jay Zehngebot Continued on page 47

46 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com July 2010 Art & Culture

Art Listings KELLEY ROY GALLERY MIAMI ART SPACE PANAMERICAN ART PROJECTS 50 NE 29th St., Miami 244 NW 35th St., Miami 2450 NW 2nd Ave., Miami Continued from page 46 305-447-3888 305-438-9002 305-573-2400 www.kelleyroygallery.com www.miamiartspace.com www.panamericanart.com Through July 31: Through July 7: “20(12): Twenty Twelve” Through August 14: HARDCORE ARTS CONTEMPORARY SPACE Tom Seghi curated by Kiki Valdes with Reinier Gamboa, “Summer Salon: a selection of works under $2,500” 3326 N. Miami Ave., Miami Kiki Valdes, David Tamargo, George with Francis Acea, Gustavo Acosta, José Benito, 305-576-1645 KUNSTHAUS MIAMI Sanchez-Calderon, David Marsh, Brian Ernesto Berra, Andrea Cote, Carlos Estevez, Daniel www.hardcoreartcontemporary.com 3312 N. Miami Ave., Miami Gefen, John Sevigny, Raul Perdomo, Alvaro Joglar, Ted Larsen, Armando Mariño, Santiago Porter, July 10 through September 4: 305-438-1333 Ilizabe, Eric Torriente, and Oliver Sanchez Magnus Sigurdarson, Tracey Snelling, Pablo Soria, and “IMPACT” by Troy Simmons and “Tar and Feathered” www.kunsthaus.org.mx Enrique Camejo by Julie Friel Call gallery for exhibition information. MIAM-DADE COLLEGE, CENTER Reception July 10, 7 to 10 p.m. GALLERY PRAXIS INTERNATIONAL ART LILIENTHAL ART STUDIOS 300 NE 2nd Ave., Miami 2219 NW 2nd Ave., Miami HAROLD GOLEN GALLERY 96 NW 29th St., Miami Bldg. 1, Room 1365 305-573-2900 2294 NW 2nd Ave., Miami 305-573-2002 305-237-3696 www.praxis-art.com 305-989-3359 www.ilanalilienthal.com www.mdc.edu Call gallery for exhibition information. www.haroldgolengallery.com Call gallery for exhibition information. Call gallery for exhibition information. Call gallery for exhibition information. SAMMER GALLERY LOCUST PROJECTS MIAMI INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY 82 NE 29th St., Miami INTERFLIGHT STUDIO 155 NE 38th St., Miami OF ART AND DESIGN 305-441-2005 250 NW 23rd St., Miami 305-576-8570 1501 Biscayne Blvd., Miami artnet.com/sammergallery.html 305-573-1673 www.locustprojects.org 305-428-5700 Through August 1: www.interflightstudio.com Through July 10: www.mymiu.com “Constructive art from the 50s & 60s” with Carmelo Call gallery for exhibition “The LAB” with Omar Alvarez, Leslie Call gallery for exhibition information. Arden Quin, Carlos Cruz Diez, Maria Freire, Bolivar information. Chavez, Jason Flores, Luna Goldberg, Gaudi, Antonio Llorens, Juan Mele, J. Altabe, Miguel Kevin Hobbs, Ximena Izquierdo, Raul J. Mendez, MIRIAM FERNANDES GALLERY Vidal, Eduardo Jonquiers, Rodolfo Ian Uricchio, Jesus KABE CONTEMPORARY Vanessa Lacayo, Asher Mones, and 3620 NE 2nd Ave., Miami Soto, and Costigliolo 123 NW 23rd St., Miami Christina Quinlan the unwritten rule 305-573-9531 305-573-8142 of law in the keys www.miriamfernandes.com SETH JASON BEITLEE FINE ARTS www.kabecontemporary.com LYLE O. REITZEL GALLERY July 11 through July 30: 250 NW 23rd St, #202, Miami Call gallery for exhibition 2441 NW 2nd Ave., Miami during the 19th “Brazil in Blue” with various artists 305-438-0218 information. 305-573-1333 century, ink on www.sethjason.com www.artnet.com/reitzel.html MUSEO VAULT Call gallery for exhibition information. KAVACHNINA CONTEMPORARY Call gallery for exhibition information. money, 2010, at 346 NW 29th St., Miami 46 NW 36th St., Miami Main Library. 305-571-1175 SPINELLO GALLERY 305-448-3060 MAIN LIBRARY 2ND FLOOR www.museovault.com 155 NE 38th St., Miami www.lurie-kavachnina.com EXHIBITION SPACE Call gallery for exhibition information. 786-271-4223 Through August 31: 101 W. Flagler St., Mimai www.spinellogallery.com “IDENTITY + RESISTANCE: YOUR BODY IS A 305-375-2665 OUR HOUSE WEST OF WYNWOOD Call gallery for exhibition BATTLEFIELD” with Billy Corben, Alex Nahon, www.mdpls.org 3100 NW 7th Ave., Miami information. Somy Ali, Marie Komphavong, Adrian De Brasi, www.society4preservation.org 305-490-2976 Mariano Costa Peuser, Alex Guofeng Cao, and Through September 19: www.oh-wow.com Continued on page 48 Angela Lergo “Florida Arcane” by Raul J. Mendez Call gallery for exhibition information.

July 2010 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 47 Art & Culture

Art Listings WOLFGANG ROTH & PARTNERS FINE ART MIAMI ART MUSEUM 201 NE 39th St., Miami 101 W. Flagler St., Miami Continued from page 47 305-576-6960 305-375-3000 www.wrpfineart.com www.miamiartmuseum.org STASH GALLERY Call gallery for exhibition information. July 18 through October 17: “New Work Miami 2010” with 162 NE 50th Terr., Miami Kevin Arrow, Felecia Chizuko Carlisle, Jim Drain, Lynne 305-992-7652 WYNWOOD CENTRAL GALLERY Golob Gelfman, Michael Genovese, Jacin Giordano, www.myspace.com/stashgallery 2242 NW 1st Pl., Miami Guerra de la Paz, Adler Guerrier, Don Lambert, Gustavo July 10: 305-433-3441 Matamoros, Beatriz Monteavaro, Gean Moreno and “Visual Intercourse” with ABSTRAK and www.wynwoodcentral.com Ernesto Oroza, Peggy Nolan, Fabian Peña, Christina DoTheLiteThing Ongoing: Pettersson, Vickie Pierre, Manny Prieres, Christopher Reception July 10, 7 to 11 p.m. Kito Mbiango Stetser, Talking Head Transmitters, Robert Thiele, Mette Tommerup, Frances Trombly, Tatiana Vahan, Marcos STRUCTURES GALLERY YEELEN ART GALLERY Valella, Viking Funeral, and Michelle Weinberg 80 NE 29th St., Miami 250 NW 23rd St., Unit 306, Miami 305-447-3888 954-235-4758 MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART Through July 31: www.yeelenart.com David Marsh, Untitled, graphite, acrylic, 770 NE 125th St., North Miami “Steel Redemption” by George Schroeder Call gallery for exhibition information. pastel, and artificial gold leaf on canvas, 305-893-6211 www.mocanomi.org SWAMPSPACE GALLERY MUSEUM & COLLECTION EXHIBITS 2010, at Dorsch Gallery. Through August 22: “Economies” by Claire Fontaine 3821 NE 1st Ct., Miami [email protected] CIFO (Cisneros Fontanals Art Foundation) Carrié, FanFan, Gerard Fortuné, Jean-Enguerrand THE MARGULIES COLLECTION July 10 through July 30: 1018 N. Miami Ave., Miami Gourgue, Yvens Leger, Lesly, Fritznel Obin, Gerard 591 NW 27th St., Miami “M T Your Pockets” with Maitejosune Urrechaga and 305-455-3380 Paul, Jacques Pierrette, Lionel Simonis, Jean 305-576-1051, www.margulieswarehouse.com Tony Kapel www.cifo.org Thermidor, Jacques Valmidor, and Wagler Vital Call for exhibition information. Reception July 10, 6 to midnight Call for exhibition information. Through October 3: “Spiritual Healing – Shamans of the Northwest Coast” with Cicero August, Ken McNeil & THE RUBELL FAMILY COLLECTION UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI PROJECTS SPACE DE LA CRUZ COLLECTION CONTEMPORARY ART Stan Bevan, Dempsey Bob, Kevin Cranmer, Edward S. 95 NW 29th St., Miami 2200 NW 2nd Ave., Miami SPACE Curtis, John Hagen, Aubrey LaFortune, Don Lelooska, 305-573-6090, www.rubellfamilycollection.com 305-284-2542 23 NE 41st St., Miami Darren McKenzie, Ed Archie NoiseCat, Bill Reid, Terry Call for exhibition information. Call gallery for exhibition information. 305-576-6112 Starr, Ray Watkins, and Reg Williams www.delacruzcollection.org Ongoing: “The Figure Past and Present: Highlights WORLD CLASS BOXING WALLFLOWER GALLERY Call for exhibition information. from the Permanent Collection” with Carlos Alfonzo, Debra and Dennis Scholl Collection 10 NE 3rd St., Miami José Bedia, Manuel Carbonell, Edouard Duval-Carrié, 170 NW 23rd St., Miami 305-579-0069 FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY FROST Thornton Dial, Carel Fabritius, Augustín Fernández, 305-438-9908 www.wallflowergallery.com ART MUSEUM Red Grooms, Luis Jiménez, Jacob Lawrence, Auguste www.worldclassboxing.org/ myspace.com/wallflowergallery 10975 SW 17th St., Miami Rodin, Rufino Tamayo, and Purvis Young July 10 through July 30: Call gallery for exhibition information. 305-348-2890 “Mystic Visage: Selected works from the Debra and thefrost.fiu.edu LOWE ART MUSEUM, UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI Dennis Scholl Collection” with various artists WHITE VINYL SPACE Through August 29: “Volf Roitman: From MADI to The 1301 Stanford Dr., Coral Gables Reception July 10, 7 to 10 p.m. 3322 NW 2nd Ave., Miami Ludic Revolution” by Volf Roitman 305-284-3535, www.lowemuseum.org 305-776-1515 Through August 1: “Paul Strand in Mexico” by Paul Strand Through October 31: “Jaguar’s Spots: Ancient Compiled by Victor Barrenechea www.whitevinylspace.com Through September 5: “Tap-Tap: Celebrating the Art Mesoamerican Art from the Lowe Art Museum, Send listings, jpeg images, and events information to Call gallery for exhibition information. of Haiti” with Jacques Nicolas Bellin, Edouard Duval- University of Miami” with various artists [email protected]

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48 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com July 2010 Art & Culture Events Calendar Babalu Out in the Tropics cooking demos, but it will also fea- Cocktails and Dancing at Day of the Lizard Gusman’s Flickin’ Summer ture India-centric topics and dishes, yoga, and even a Bollywood dance Movies performance. Admission is $20 The Gusman Center is featuring four for adults, $15 for seniors, and $10 films for dancing fools in its second for kids. Call 305-667-1651 or visit annual Flickin’ Summer Movie Series. www.fairchildgarden.org. Dirty Dancing kicks it off on Thursday, July 8, reminding us that Patrick Swayze Mango Festival will live forever on screen, and continues Kassav’ Yes, She Can and Does on following Thursdays with Breakin’ 2: Go Home Again Electric Boogaloo, Saturday Night Fever, The premiere of Mary Jane, a quiet, and Footloose. All screenings are at 7:00 are available at Ticketmaster Haitian-American film, takes place at p.m., with a happy hour at 6:00 and a DJ and the Colony. Go to www. the Gusman Center on Saturday, July dance party right after. Tickets are $10 fundarte.com or 305-316-6165 17. The story is narrated by a 26-year- from Ticketmaster or at the Gusman box for more details. old woman who takes the audience back office (174 E. Flagler St.). Special offer: home to face her past, and to the uncle Buy three tickets at the box office before The Triumph of the who molested her as a child. While the day of the show and get a fourth for Refugee, Miami Style making the film, the producers encoun- tered child-victim advocates who opened free. More information: 305-372-0925. The Haitian and hip-hop-fla- their eyes to the sadly multi-ethnic, vored play Refugee from Marc through July multi-cultural world of abuse. This is Luuuucy! He’s Home! Joseph is semi-autobiographical. But then, 31. For tickets call 305-949-6722. More their fight in motion. The film screening Desi Arnaz — or at least his pioneer- stories about struggle and escape from details at www.teatroavante.com. is at 8:00 p.m. and there’s a Q&A with ing Latin sounds — finds a home at the oppressive lands and adapting to new, the producers at 7:30. Tickets are $25 in Arsht Center from Thursday, July 8 to sometimes cold and indifferent shores is advance. Call 305-372-0925. Sunday, July 11 for the extravaganza of an essential part of Miami’s biography as The Caribbean Rhythm Is the conga king’s greatest hits, Babalu. well. From Friday, July 9 to Sunday, July Gonna Get You The brainchild of his daughter Lucie 11 the Little Haiti Cultural Center (212 Considered originators of the zouk Film in the Foliage Arnaz, the show features his signature NE 59th Terr.) will be the venue for the sound, Kassav’ (from the Creole for Elusive Landscape may be one of the songs plus other faves with a Cuban song-and-dance tale of a refugee whose a cassava dish) meshes mesmerizing most original ways to make us pay atten- beat (and a 15-piece band), dancers, and experience reflects the trials and triumphs rhythms from the French Caribbean. But tion to our lush surroundings, by project- a special conga-playing appearance by of so many in this town. Shows at 7:00 Kassav’ has moved far beyond those ing handmade, 16mm films directly onto Desi Arnaz, Jr. It’s the closest we’ll get p.m., tickets $20 in advance or $25 at the island confines, and the 14-piece big trees in our neighborhood parks. Artist to the old Tropicana. Performances start door. Proceeds go to the Haiti Rebuilding band needs a venue like the Fillmore Dinorah de Jesús Rodriguez focuses her at 7:30 p.m. in the Knight Concert Hall. Project. Call 305-960-2969. at the Jackie Gleason (1700 Washing- camera on our natural surroundings, and Tickets $35 to $70 available at www. ton Ave., Miami Beach) to do it justice. the resulting moving images will next arshtcenter.org, or call 305-949-6722. Hispanic Theater Festival Courtesy of the Rhythm Foundation, you be shown on the foliage of Legion Park can groove to zouk on a dance floor, or (6447 NE 7th Ave.) on Saturday, July 17, XXV: Latin Script At Its Best just listen up in seats on Saturday, July from 8:00 to 10:00 p.m. Ricardo Lastre Out in the Tropics, It’s All Cool For ten days this month, Miami again 10. Concert starts at 8:00 p.m., and tick- will provide music. Ignoring our envi- There’s a good chance you’ve never hosts one of the premier events in the ets are $40 from Ticketmaster or from ronment is costly, but this event is free. encountered a performance festival like theater world when the Hispanic Theater outlets found at KassavMiami.com. Call See elusivelandscape.blogspot.com. this one — both in caliber and content. Festival presents its 25th anniversary 305-672-5202 for more information. Out in the Tropics is queer, racy, quirky, season. The diverse fare includes treats and unquestionably groundbreak- such as Filo al Fuego (Blade to the The Day of the Lizard They come creeping and crawling and ing. For instance, in its first-ever U.S. Heat), a boxing play set in 1960s Miami The Mother of All Mango slithering — and that’s just the lizards! appearance, the Cuban troupe Teatro about (what else?) love, violence, and sex, Festivals Men, women, children, and cold-blooded El Publico takes center stage Thurs- a production of Miami’s Teatro Prome- While Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden creatures gather once a year at the Miami day, July 8 and Friday, July 9 at the teo, with English subtitles, Friday, July (10901 Old Cutler Rd.) hosts the biggest Science Museum (3280 S. Miami Ave.) Colony Theater (1040 Lincoln Rd.), 8:00 9 and Saturday, July 10 at 8:30 p.m. at annual mango festival around — this for Lizard Day on Sunday, July 18 from p.m., to reinterpret Fassbinder’s classic the Miami-Dade College Auditorium, year for the 18th time — the ancestral 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., where proud cult film The Bitter Tears of Petra Van Wolfson Campus. For tickets call 305- and spiritual home of the king of fruits is owners enter their companions in reptilian Kant (hint: three female characters are 237-3262. Then there’s Teatro Avante’s India. This year’s festival is an homage beauty contests. Afterward owners and played by men). On Sunday, July 11 Por Las Tierras de Colon (Across to the subcontinent’s jewel, which has gawker visitors alike can sample insect cui- at 7:00 p.m. at the Colony, Sara Felder Columbus’s Land), also with English been cultivated there for thousands sine prepared on-site by a professional chef. performs a one-women show starring subtitles and directed by festival founder of years. (By comparison, we’ve only The combo can’t be beat! Lizard registra- herself, her girlfriend, and a Jewish Mario Ernesto Sánchez, about a couple grown the mango for 150 years.) As tion closes July 17. Call 305-646-4256. wedding (hint: it also involves juggling caught in Colombia during rioting in in the past, the weekend of Saturday, and knife-throwing). The event runs July 1948. It’s onstage at the Carnival Studio July 10 to Sunday, July 11 will be jam 7-11; tickets range from $25 to $35 and Theater at the Arsht Center July 28 packed with tastings and workshops and Compiled by BT contributor Anne Tschida

July 2010 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 49 Park Patrol North Miami’s Out-of-Sight Delight It’s tucked away in a mangrove forest, which suits the joggers and quirky kickballers By Jim W. Harper In years past, when the field was grass, BT Contributor the stadium hosted both a men’s and a women’s semi-pro football league, and it he University of Florida Gators has been the site of some serious soccer may romp in “The Swamp,” but no matches. Earlier this year it hosted a one- Treal alligators and no significant time soccer showdown between teams wetlands exist in that part of the campus. representing City of North Miami Mayor In our neighborhood, however, there is Harper BT photos by Jim W. Andre Pierre and Miami-Dade Super- a stadium that rises out of a mangrove intendent of Schools Alberto Carvalho. forest. Almost invisible until you get Created to promote participation in the there, the North Miami Athletic Stadium 2010 census, the “Clash of the Bureau- is a real swamp baby that finally is grow- crats” ended in a tie. ing into its skin. This summer the stadium’s sports Opened in 1985, The Other Swamp scene has turned into a quirk-fest worthy sat for years in its lonely, woodsy of the screwball comedy Dodgeball. An encampment on 151st Street with no adult kickball league relaunched on June neighbors except for the North District 17 and expects to play every Thursday, Wastewater Treatment Plant, hidden even with additional “meetings” held at the deeper within the woods. Perhaps the North Miami Beach Miller’s Ale House. stadium was built by the City of North Excellent running track, expansive bleachers, and Astroturf, which isn’t Part of the World Adult Kickball As- Miami to distract people from the wizard so bad. sociation, which everyone knows as of sewage behind the mangrove curtain. The concealed stadium seems the street from the stadium in their own strangely displaced from nearby Bis- morass of obscurity and unrealized cayne Boulevard, where it could have splendor. Two much more successful been a landmark, and from Florida projects, however, ensure that the sta- International University’s Biscayne dium will have a steady stream of users. Bay Campus. It stands about a half- The David Lawrence Jr. K-8 Center, mile away from either entity, and no a public school and home of the mighty sidewalks lead directly to the stadium Dolphins, has been bringing soccer property, although there is a sidewalk moms and kids to this side of town on the other side of the four-lane road since 2006. Its cheery squash-yellow that skirts by the field. walls stand a stone’s throw away from The stadium’s fate changed in recent the stadium. In 2009 the Alonzo and years as a spate of construction projects Tracy Mourning Senior High Biscayne brought it into the light. Most notori- Bay Campus, home of the mighty ously, the twin towers of the ill-fated Sharks, popped up next to the stadium’s Biscayne Landing project loom across parking lot. The modern school in Biscayne Landing’s lonely twin towers loom over the stadium.

the mangroves, with its angled, slate NORTH MIAMI gray, windowless façade, was designed WAKA, the league is open to everyone ATHLETIC STADIUM by Miami’s famed architectural firm over the age of 21 and costs $69.95 for Park Rating Arquitectonica. the season. FIU Bay Vista Stadium St With school kids running in and out Another adult league debuting at of the stadium all day, it remains closed the stadium this summer is coed recre-

North Miami 2555 NE 151st St. to the public on school days until 3:30 ational flag football. This group plans Athletic Stadium North Miami p.m. Then all hell breaks loose. to play every Monday from July 26 to 305-947-9253 Actually the stadium can be a haven September 27, because apparently that NE 151st St Hours: Varied (call for details) for solitude or the place to meet up. For is the time of year when football goes Biscayne Blvd Picnic tables: No years it has been a popular site for pick- coed. This romp costs $75 to join and Barbecues: No up soccer games, and teams still con- is coordinated by the Miami Sport and

Bay Vista Picnic pavilions: No gregate here on weekends and evenings. Social Club. Tennis courts: No These visitors even enjoy an outdoor Having undergone renovations in Athletic fields: Yes shower in one corner of the stadium, cre- 2009, the stadium is high in quality. It Night lighting: Yes ated by someone who ingeniously tied a shines with a new Astroturf field sur- Swimming pool: No hose onto a fence. rounded by a springy orange track. The Playground: No The main reason to visit the sta- dium now is to hit the fresh Astroturf. Continued on page 51

50 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com July 2010 Park Patrol

Delight The entrance sign to Continued from page 50 the park calls it the Ronald L. Book Athletic Track, artificial green turf may not be every- named after a prominent one’s favorite to play on, but a big plus lobbyist, but it is doubtful is that it never needs trimming. As a that anyone calls it any- testament to the lack of mowing, three thing other than the North large clipping collectors sit idle on one Miami (Athletic) Stadium. of the facility’s few remaining patches Hidden in the rear of the of grass. park (near the sewage The quarter-mile track, ready for its plant) stands a large, close-up, draws a steady stream of walk- rusty plaque embedded ers, joggers, and sprinters to its well- The springy quarter-mile track attracts simple in sturdy coral rock dating marked, blood-orange surface. Some strollers and serious sprinters. the stadium to 1985. At the visitors follow their inner Rocky and hit front, next to the concession the bleachers, hopping up and down the entrance on the southeast side, near the stand area, is a new plaque dating its silver steps. For jogging, the track feels high school, and they appear to remain renovation to 2009. wide open, although it is harshly exposed open during park hours. NoMi’s stadium in the woods is to the daytime sun. Another set of restrooms on the ready to rumble. It may gain prominence The extensive bleachers can ac- park’s northwest end (near the sewage now that the City of North Miami is commodate thousands, and on top plant) appear to be on permanent not getting funding from the doomed of the western bleachers perches an The facility features a tricked-out lockdown. Near this building stands Biscayne Landing project to build a pro- announcer’s (bachelor) pad with a win- announcer’s booth, which could another green rectangle, a men’s locker posed Olympic training center. dowed office below (for privacy) and double as a bachelor pad. room underneath the Myrna A. Pavilack Anyone know a professional rugby an open-air viewing platform above scoreboard. The locker room probably team looking for a home? They will (for starlit nights). In the evenings, the visitors on any given day, the facility has should be locked but wasn’t the first probably feel welcome in the eclectic city stadium produces its own daylight with a large number of bathrooms with func- time I visited. Also near the scoreboard that built its stadium in the swamp. massive floodlights. tioning water fountains. The main pea- is the long jump pit, in case you feel the Considering the thin number of green restrooms stand at the stadium’s needbiscyne to times6-10_Layoutleap. 1 6/25/10 12:39 PM PageFeedback: 1 [email protected] PLANT CARE MADE EASY! At our store, you will find specialists in self-watering containers, interior foliage plants, tropical flowering plants, and gift plants. Our experts will help you select the right plant for your special space. They even make house-calls!

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July 2010 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 51 Columnists: Kids and the City On the Road Again This summer consider a Florida family vacation By Jenni Person probably be the last thing your kid will BT Contributor be thinking about. Summer is also a great time to pull h, the lazy, hazy, crazy days of out that rainy-day list and make sure summer! This happens to be a you’re on top of all your parenting vi- Abusy summer for our family, sions. Here are a couple of things to put with lots of transitions going on. So on that list if you haven’t already: instead of one big family vacation, our • Voluntary Pre-K program (VPK). travel this summer will be a medley of All children who turn four prior to short trips. September 1, 2010, are eligible for free

We really enjoy these mini vacations Athanason photo by John Wachee Weeki education through the VPK program. that have us eating up Florida asphalt Designed to encourage early-childhood and strengthening our already abundant development and learning, VPK makes love for the Sunshine State. We’ll take it easier for families to gain access to any excuse to find ourselves in different fee-based programs. Sometimes, in a corners the state, and highly recommend private-school setting, the VPK offsets a discovering places you may not know — portion of the tuition, while in other pro- from Gatorland (www.gatorland.com) globe-trotting, remember to take your brushing teeth, and so on, bring one grams it covers tuition in full. For more in Orlando to the Florida Black History museum and zoo membership cards with for use at hotels. Izzi, my adamantly information about the VPK program and Trail (www.visitflorida.com/articles/ you. Pretty much all of them are good independent four-year-old, very sweetly registering your four-year-old, check out the-florida-black-heritage-trail) to real for reciprocal programs across North wandered around the hotel room on that www.vpkhelp.org. mermaids and a pirate-themed water America. We missed the opportunity to Sarasota trip looking for “the stool” so • Florida Pre-Paid College Plan. At park at Weeki Wachee Springs State save more than $50 on admission to the he could wash his hands and get himself the other end of the education spectrum Park (www.weekiwachee.com) to sponge very cool Mote Aquarium in Sarasota a glass of water. is the Florida Pre-Paid College Plan, docks and great Greek restaurants in (www.mote.org) because we didn’t have At most other places where he spends which helps parents squirrel away money Tarpon Springs. our Metro Zoo cards with us. time — home, school, Mom-Mom’s, and for their kids’ college tuition. I’m always I could go on and on with ideas for If you haven’t done so already, it’s our friends’ homes — stools are available, surprised how many parents I encounter interesting family trips around Florida. worth joining, say, the Miami Science and he innocently thought there would be who don’t know about or aren’t par- I also feel very strongly that this is the Museum at $95 for the year, which is one at our hotel. He was very frustrated to ticipating in this. With various options, time to support the areas most vulner- about the same as two visits for a family learn there wasn’t. I felt awful, especially you can lock in today’s tuition rates and able to the negative economic impact of four. The membership gets you reci- given that I’d written a very pointed note have college paid for affordably at any of of the oil explosion in the Gulf. These procity at more than 270 science centers, to Disney about 18 months ago suggesting Florida’s public colleges and universities areas are likely dropping their prices to plus discounts on things like summer they stock their hotel rooms with footstools in advance of need. It functions as a stan- entice tourists. As fellow Floridians, we camps and gift-shop items (great for the since they serve this same height-chal- dard 529 college savings account (and is should get out and support them, even if birthday gifts you need to buy through- lenged preschool set. one of the better ones nationally), so that it means sticking to the pool to avoid tar out the year), as well as invitations for We parents need to take charge and if your child ends up attending a school balls and oily water at the beaches. Truth special museum events. So remember: bring our own! You can throw one in the outside the system or in a different state, is, my kids are just as happy to spend full Bring your membership cards with you car or you can buy a folding one for your you still have college savings available to days in the chlorine than in the sand and on the road. suitcase, or pick up a cheap one at Target use toward tuition. For more information saltwater. I have another summer travel tip: for $2.50 while on the road — unless go to www.myfloridaprepaid.com. Wherever you travel this summer If your kid uses a footstool to be inde- you’re visiting some very rural or rustic — whether you’re staying in-state or pendent at home for washing hands, place, in which case a footstool will Feedback: [email protected]

52 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com July 2010 Columnists: Your Garden The Deadliest Cut Palm trees are not toy poodles, so don’t prune them to look cute By Jeff Shimonski weevils up to two or companies for an explanation regarding the BT Contributor three inches long, usu- “hurricane pruning” that had been done ally all black and dis- previously to these palms. very day when I drive home I playing long “snouts.” After a freeze or severe cold damag- pass a home whose owners re- Some species have es and burns palm fronds, I have learned Ecently planted some very expensive attractive red marks or that if I cut off too many of the damaged Canary Island date palms in the front yard. patterns on their hard fronds, the new leaves that come out BT photo by Jeff Shimonski These four palms are beautiful matching exoskeletons. These may break off in windy conditions. The specimens that certainly cost thousands of large insects are attract- new leaves are soft. The lower, older and dollars each when they were installed. A ed to stressed palms, stiffer fronds not only help support the few weeks ago I was shocked to see that which include newly newest fronds until they become mature the palms had been “pineappled,” meaning planted palms and and stronger, but there has also been a all the lower fronds had been trimmed off those which have been loss of nutrients to the newest growth, so the remaining fronds resembled the top recently pruned. When making the new fronds more susceptible of a pineapple. palm weevils arrive at to wind damage. Many people believe this common an appropriate site, they If a palm has a crown shaft like a practice makes the palms look more at- can lay several hundred royal palm, with the green part under- tractive. Property management companies eggs in a month. When neath the frond that clasps and surrounds regularly trim off all the lower fronds for a these eggs hatch, the the upper part of the trunk, then the palm “hurricane cut” that supposedly keeps the larvae, which can grow is self-cleaning. The fronds should be palm from blowing over in a storm. Let as large as your thumb, allowed to drop off on their own and not me tell you what you are really doing to eat themselves into and A butchered Canary Island date palm, ready food be cut off. Palms that are not self-clean- your expensive investment when you prune throughout the heart for palm weevils. ing, like Canary Island date palms and palms in this manner. and trunk of the palm. palmetto palms, have no crown shaft, In South Florida, there are many dis- It only takes about 20 larvae to kill a large Palm fronds should not be removed if meaning dying and dead fronds will eases and insects that attack palms. Did Canary Island date palm. they still have green on the leaflets or hang on the palm for a long time. It is you know that some of the fungal dis- Another result of extreme pruning: midrib. They are still manufacturing and best to cut off the fronds once they turn eases fatal to palms have been proven to loss of important nutrients. When trees supplying food to the palm. completely yellow or brown. be transmitted by pruning tools? These and palms have leaves that are beginning A typical indication of regular One exception to the rule of not tools include chain saws, hand saws, and to die, certain nutrients are put into a removal of green fronds is “penciling.” pruning the green parts of a palm is the hand clippers. Landscapers and arborists soluble form and pulled out of the older This is the section of trunk directly removal of palm fruit. Coconuts and need to sterilize their tools every time foliage and usually sent to new growth. underneath the head of the palm (where other large palm fruit can be hazardous they finish trimming an individual palm Palms mobilize potassium, one of the all the existing fronds are connected) and should be removed, especially before before they move onto the next. Since important plant macronutrients, and that keeps getting skinnier and skinnier. an expected hurricane. chain saws are nearly impossible to ster- perhaps other nutrients from the older Eventually these “penciled” trunks snap ilize, hand saws or clippers should be the leaves. If the older leaves or fronds are off from the weight above, and the palm Jeff Shimonski is an ISA-certified munic- only tools used to cut off palm fronds. continuously cut off, the new growth will is killed. ipal arborist, director of horticulture at Do you know what else happens when eventually show nutrient deficiencies and I often see palmetto palms in large Jungle Island, and principal of Tropical you cut off a green palm frond or cause palm health will be affected. Extreme developments with this manmade damage. Designs of Florida. Contact him at jeff@ any other type of wound to the trunk? You pruning done on a regular basis has When the heads of these palms snap off tropicaldesigns.com. may attract one of several species of palm been shown to be fatal to certain species in a hurricane, I hope the property owners weevils to lay their eggs. These are large of palm owing to nutrient deficiencies. contact their landscape maintenance Feedback: [email protected]

July 2010 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 53 Columnists: Vino After the Storm — Eat, Drink, and Be Sweaty Red, white, and you: Agreeable wines for $12 or less By Bill Citara of blessedly affordable, bar- finding a simple, inexpensive, Abeilles” Côte du Rhône. A blend BT Contributor becue-friendly wines. They’re and easily available pink of 50-percent Grenache, 30-percent guaranteed to make ribs, bubbly was a no-brainer. Ko- Syrah, and 20-percent Mourvedre, it’s o the big day, July 4, our nation’s brisket, pork shoulder, chicken, rbel’s NV Brut Rosé fills the a truly delightful wine. It kicks off with birthday, has come and gone. It didn’t even tofu go down easier. bill quite nicely. It gives off a red cherry-raspberry flavors from the Sfeel all that celebratory, did it? Like one Let’s start with the token bit of funk when first opened Grenache and Syrah, leavened by the of those birthdays when your dog gets hit by whitey, the Santa Julia but settles down to reveal earthy-tobacco character of the Mourve- a car, which then jumps the curb and crashes 2009 Torrontes. This lush, pleasant cherry-strawberry dre. The fruit is tangy but not tart, with into your living room, where it knocks your aromatic grape, considered flavors with enough acidity hints of anise and soft underlying acidity. new flat-screen TV off the wall, causing it to the white-wine grape of and effervescence to balance Very nice, and hard to stop drinking. burst into flames and almost burn your house Argentina, is becoming my the fattiness of grilled meat. With all the candy-cane wines that down because the fire department responded new favorite pour; think a Now for the hard stuff, have come out of Australia over the past to the wrong address. fuller-bodied Albariño at half red wines that can stand up to many years, I tend to regard inexpensive You know, one of those birthdays. the price. This one shows off all the char- the heartiest ’cue a grillmaster can muster, Aussies with a pretty jaundiced palate, so But despite it all we persevered, acteristics of the varietal, opening with beginning with the Louis Jadot 2008 the Penfolds 2008 “Rawson’s Retreat” marching in time to perform the ritual honeysuckle and tropical fruit aromas and Beaujolais-Villages. This isn’t sweetish, was a very welcome surprise. Three- charring of the flesh — a.k.a. barbecue — segueing to flavors of peach, mango, and grapey Beaujolais Nouveau but a crisp, quarters Shiraz (Syrah) to one-quarter because if you can’t transform a few hunks orange. I think it’s terrific, and with grilled lean wine with tart cherry and strawberry Cabernet Sauvignon, it’s lusciously aro- of innocent animal protein into blackened, chicken, fish, veggies, and, yes, tofu, it flavors — very tart by Nouveau or Califor- matic, filling the schnozz with big, bold desiccated, meat-flavored cinders, what the would make an excellent partner. nia standards, and with a long citrus finish. blueberry and blackberry fruit, tossing hell kind of birthday would it be? It seems appropriate in this age of That and fairly high acidity make it another in a little leather, tobacco, and black Operating on the assumption that we’ll the Tea Party and other abominations to wine that can cut the richness of grilled olive on the side. It’s not quite so com- continue with the barbecue charring all include a token pinko, and since there’s pork and beef. plex in the mouth, but the fruitier Shiraz summer, Vino has roused himself from his something indescribably satisfying about Next comes a second French prod- and earthier Cabernet play extremely

Valium-induced torpor to present a handful drinking sparkling wine with barbecue, uct, the 2007 Jean-Luc Colombo “Les Continued on page 55

54 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com July 2010 Columnists: Vino

Vino display is that jammy, overly ripe, port- And now I’ve got to go get that car du Rhône is at Aventura’s Cellars Continued from page 54 like fruit of some California Zins, which out of my living room. Wine & Spirits Warehouse (21055 means you can drink more than a glass Biscayne Blvd., Aventura, 305-936- well together and have “barbecued bris- without your taste buds going limp. The North Miami Beach Total Wine 9433) for $11.99. Get the Penfolds ket” splashed all over them. The big dog in this tasting is — no & More (14750 Biscayne Blvd., 305- “Rawson’s Retreat” at the Biscayne One of the best-value California surprise here — Carmenere, specifically 354-3270) is the source of the Bogle Commons Publix (14641 Biscayne winemakers you’ve never heard of is the 2008 Santa Rita Reserve. Black- Zinfandel and Santa Julia Torrontes, Blvd., 305-354-2171) for $8.99, Bogle, and the Bogle 2008 Old Vine berries, cassis, allspice, black pepper, $8.97 and $8.99 respectively. The and the Santa Rita Carmenere for Zinfandel is one more bottle of proof. It dust, earth, even a squinch of diesel all Korbel Rosé ($10.99) and Jadot $11.99 at the Whole Foods Market displays everything you love about Cali- run around like crazy in your mouth. If Beaujolais ($9.99) can be found (21105 Biscayne Blvd, 305-933- fornia Zins — bracing black cherry-ber- you want a wine that really kicks butt — at ABC Fine Wine & Spirits (16355 1543) in Aventura. ry fruit, lots of spice and black pepper, a pork and otherwise — you’ve come to Biscayne Blvd., 305-944-6525), generous dollop of oak. What it doesn’t the right place. while the Jean-Luc Colombo Côtes Feedback: [email protected]

July 2010 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 55 Columnists: Pawsitively Pets Problem Pooper? Put His Nose in It! Five persistent myths regarding dog behavior and what to do about them By Lisa Hartman aroused. If your dog is constantly BT Contributor mounting and isn’t neutered, doing so will take the edge off and lessen the ome myths just won’t die. Regard- behavior. But even altered dogs hump less of the fact that they may have sometimes, including female dogs. It Sbeen proven beyond a doubt to be is a natural action for animals and still inaccurate, they are passed down from enjoyable to do whether fixed or not. one generation to the next. In health mat- Sometimes it arises because of nerves ters, we’ve all heard “feed a cold, starve or too much pent-up energy. a fever,” along with many other so-called When I worked at shelters, I would remedies we would never think of using let dogs in the play yard and they would today. The world of dog training and mount other dogs — male and female — behavior is no different. Below are some constantly. They’d been in a kennel so of the most common training myths and long they didn’t know what to do with some answers for the problems at hand. themselves during play time. Sometimes the mounted dogs cared, sometimes If your dog has an “accident,” you they didn’t. You can also teach the dog should show it to him and rub his nose to respond to “Off!” or another com- in it. mand that tells him you would like that It is amazing that this piece of advice behavior to stop. is still making the rounds. In truth you development. The dog has had a bad ex- only goes after the symptom (growling, should never punish for such “accidents” perience or not enough experience with biting, and so on), not the cause. The root If your dog growls or snaps at you or the dog may be afraid to potty in front people, other animals, or specific situa- of the problem is still there and possibly when you try to take something away of you. This can lead to sneaky behavior tions. Furthermore, some aggression has made worse by punishment and stress. from him, he is trying to be “alpha.” as the dog feels it is only safe to elimi- been reinforced intentionally and unin- In any case, the best protocol for aggres- If I ask ten people what alpha means nate when you’re not looking. Smacking tentionally by sion is desensi- to them, I’ll get ten different answers. the dog with a newspaper is just as bad. the owner. An tization and Actually we contemporary trainers Your touch and presence should be example of An example of unintentional a counter- rarely if ever talk in those terms. I don’t. comforting to your dog, not scary! A this is when reinforcement: The owner of a small dog conditioning But thanks to the transmission of old, better system would be to reward the dog the owner of pets her little precious and coos, “It’s program in bad information, terms suggesting pack for eliminating in the right spot, and su- a small dog okay…” as the dog snaps and growls at which the dog rank are kept alive for new generations pervise and avoid accidents in the wrong pets her little the doorman. learns to be of dog owners. areas. After all, we know our dog has to precious and comfortable Dogs hold onto items and try to go; it is where he eliminates that we care coos, “It’s around and keep them from you because they are about. Accidents mean we goofed up okay…” as the possibly even important to them. It’s called “resource somewhere and didn’t take him out often dog snaps and growls at the doorman. enjoy the object of his irritation. guarding.” This is a hard-wired behavior enough or supervise him well enough. In a case like this, the dog is receiving that would keep a dog alive in the wild. affection and attention and being told it’s If your male dog “humps” you or an- He certainly wouldn’t last long if he gave Aggressive dogs need a “firm hand.” okay to act uncivilized. other dog, he is trying to be dominant. up his dinner and safe living spot to any Most aggression stems from fear and a Sometimes an owner punishes the Dogs mount for many reasons. The animal who desired it. lack of socialization early on in the dog’s dog for his aggressive display. But this most obvious one is that they are Continued on page 57

56 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com July 2010 Columnists: Pawsitively Pets

Problem If your dog jumps on you, you now reach down to pet him), most dogs existence. But just like swallowing a Continued from page 56 should knee him in the chest. pick this up in no time. spoonful of turpentine to fight illness, The dog only wants to say hello we usually have a more modern explana- Getting angry and taking items to you! Hurting him would not tion and a better solution to the problem. from him may exacerbate the problem. be the answer. A kinder strategy “Resource guarding” is a hard-wired Now the dog may consider you a threat, would be to teach him a more behavior. He certainly wouldn’t last long in Lisa Hartman is head dog trainer and a thief who takes all things important, mannerly way to say hello and the wild if he gave up his dinner and safe founder of Pawsitively Pets. You can reach and he’ll hold onto his possessions more get your attention, such as a living spot to any animal who desired it. her at [email protected] tightly. A better course of action would “sit to greet.” The dog is taught or www.pawsitivelypetsonline.com. You be to teach the dog that it pays off ex- that the only way someone will can also keep up with her and her dogs on tremely well to give up things through acknowledge him is if his butt is firmly There is usually a bit of legitimacy Facebook at www.profile.to/dogtrainer. careful and systematic training and a planted on the floor. With a little practice or reason behind “old wives’ tales” and behavior-modification program. and the reward of getting to greet you (you myths. That’s how they came into Feedback: [email protected]

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July 2010 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 57 C o l u m n i s t s : W o r d o n t h e S t r e e t Which hurricane was the worst you’ve experienced? Compiled by Cathi Marro – BT Contributor

Naila Boodhoo Tom Klimetz Terry Alfonso Patrick McMillan Yuliana Rodriguez Rene Bacallao Journalist Store Owner Education Administrator Learning Center Director Pet Spa Owner Disabled Design District Miami Miami Shores North Miami Beach North Miami Miami Hurricane Andrew Hurricane Donna in the Hurricane Andrew was Definitely Andrew. That’s Wilma was the worst for My first year living here [August 24, 1992] is the 1960s. I was a little kid the worst. My mom was a the one that affected more me. We had a store room was 1992, and I had just one I remember most and I was terrified! I was hospital administrator so people. I went down south over on 125th Street and bought a house. I heard vividly — especially the so small, I didn’t know she was at work. My dad to volunteer lifting trees the storm blew the air about it on a Saturday, shock of a city that wasn’t what to expect. I remem- and my grandfather slept and such. Some houses conditioning off the top then on Monday, Andrew prepared. My friend had ber seeing my dad going through the whole thing, weren’t in living condition of the building. We were hit! I put plywood up no electricity for two out to close up all the and I sat up in bed with anymore. I lived on the boarding dogs in there and inside my windows. I weeks. Luckily our house doors. We owned a busi- my guitars, listening and northern end of Dade so my mom, our co-owner, secured the plywood in was fine, but our other ness and there was damage feeling the whole house we only lost power. We was out of town. I had to place with two-by-fours. property was destroyed. I to the store. The windows shaking — only to be were equipped with food take care of everything by I ended up with only two couldn’t sleep through it. were blown in. I’ve been followed by three weeks and everything, though. myself. I kept both doors cracked windows, an The loud, howling sound through all of the hurri- without electricity in I’ve been camping open, but it was pretty orange tree down, and of the wind during a hur- canes down here but that Miami summer heat. And before and I think those scary. It was very uncom- 50 roof tiles missing. ricane is unforgettable! was the worst because I we were very lucky. The kind of survival skills fortable, but luckily none The real shock was in was so young. whole thing: Not fun! come in handy. of the animals was hurt. the morning, when I saw that the neighbors’ roofs were missing!

58 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com July 2010 DINING GUIDE

R ESTAURANT L ISTINGS The Biscayne Corridor’s most comprehensive restaurant guide. Total this month: 228.

MIAMI Bali Café UPPER EASTSIDE Brickell / Downtown 109 NE 2nd Ave., 305-358-5751 NEW THIS MONTH While Indonesian food isn’t easy to find in Miami, downtown has secret stashes — small joints catering to cruise-ship and Balans Biscayne Abokado construction workers. This cute, exotically decorated café MIAMI 6789 Biscayne Blvd. 900 S. Miami Ave., 305-347-3700 has survived and thrived for good reason. The homey cook- 305-534-9191 Hamachi chiles rellenos? Shiso leaf “nachos” topped ing is delicious, and the friendly family feel encourages even BRICKELL / DOWNTOWN It took longer than expected, but this Brit import’s third with raw spicy tuna, kaiware sprouts, and other Asian the timid of palate to try something new. Novices will want Miami venue finally opened, and rather quietly -- which ingredients? The Viva, a sushi roll that starts with stan- Indonesia’s signature rijsttafel, a mix-and-match collection Sandwich Bar has an upside. It’s easier to get a table here (and to park, dard Japanese (spicy tuna, cucumber, avocado), adds of small dishes and condiments to be heaped on rice. Note: 40 NE 1st Ave., 305-577-0622 thanks to the free lot on 68th Street) than at Lincoln Road Latin sabor (jalapeño, cilantro), wraps it in a flour tortilla, bring cash. No plastic accepted here. $-$$ This cool hideaway has a limited menu. Which is a good or Brickell. This, along with the venue’s relatively large, open- and garnishes it with heat (spicy snow crab mix)? Miami thing when it means everything served is solidly crafted by to-the-street outdoor area, contributes to a more relaxed, hasn’t tended to initiate too many food “firsts,” but this The Bar at Level 25 (Conrad Hotel) hands-on chef/owners, two of whom amassed sous-chef neighborhood-focused vibe. The fun menu of global comfort Japanese/Pan-Latin fusion place is surely one. Prices are 1395 Brickell Ave., 305-503-6500 higher than at neighborhood sushi spots, but in keeping On the Conrad’s 25th floor, The Bar’s picture-windowed space chops at Cioppino and Sardinia. The main fare is imaginative food is the same (ranging from a creamy-centered cheese with Abokado’s Mary Brickell Village neighbors. $$$$ is not just a watering hole with panoramic views. At lunch it’s sandwiches on fresh breads; an especially delicious creation soufflé through savory Asian potstickers and, at breakfast, an elegant sandwich bar; at night it’s a raw bar (with pristine features slow-braised short ribs, caramelized onions, and fluffy pecan/maple-garnished pancakes) and prepared as Acqua coldwater oysters) and (best) a tapas bar serving pintxos. melting muenster and provolone cheeses. Finish with fine- reliably well. $$-$$$ 1435 Brickell Ave., 305-381-3190 That’s just the Basque word for tapas, but here there’s shaved Aloha Ice topped with fresh fruit and other full-flavored Four Seasons Hotel nothing mere about the generously portioned small plates. syrups, all housemade, plus rich condensed milk. A sno-cone Originally an Italian/Mediterranean restaurant, this com- They range from traditional items like cod fish equixada and for sophisticates. $ AVENTURA / HALLANDALE fortably elegant, upscale spot switched chefs in 2006, saffron-sautéed Spanish artichokes to inventive inspirations resulting in a complete menu renovation. Thailand’s like foie gras and goat cheese-stuffed empanadas. $$$ Zuma Bulldog Café famed sense of culinary balance is now evident through- 270 Biscayne Blvd. Way, 305-577-0277 190048 NE 29th Ave. out the global (though primarily Asian or Latin American- Botequim Carioca This Miami River restolounge has a London parent on San 305-931-9244 inspired) menu, in dishes like yuzu/white soya-dressed 900 Biscayne Blvd., 305-675-1876 Pellegrino’s list of the world’s best restaurants, and a similar The bulldog is the same as at Bulldog Barbecue, pugnacious salad of shrimp tempura, a tender pork shank glazed with If Brazil’s cuisine were defined by the USA’s Brazilian res- menu of world-class, Izakaya-style smallish plates (robata- Top Chef contender Howie Kleinberg, but the menu is quite spicy Szechuan citrus sauce, or lunchtime’s rare tuna taurants, the conclusion would be that Brazilian people eat grilled items, sushi, much more) meant for sharing over drinks. different at this newer venue in Loehmann’s Plaza -- basically burger with lively wasabi aioli and wakame salad. For des- nothing but rodizio (all-you-can-eat meat), and weigh, on Suffice to say that it would take maybe a dozen visits to work suburban shopper-friendly fare like salads, sandwiches, and sert few chocoholics can resist a buttery-crusted tart filled average, 400 pounds. This Brazilian pub broadens the pic- your way through the voluminous menu, which offers ample flatbreads. That said, the dawg has designed some knock-out, with sinfully rich warm chocolate custard. $$$$$ ture, with a menu that offers entrées, especially at lunch, but highlights Brazilian tapas -- mega-mini plates meant temptations for vegetarians as well as carnivores. Our favorite BBQ-enhanced items, including a smoked-brisket sandwich Area 31 for sharing. Must-not-misses include pasteles filled with is the melt-in-your-mouth pork belly with yuzu/mustard miso with caramelized onions, blue cheese, and horseradish 270 Biscayne Boulevard Way, 305-524-5234 shrimp and creamy catupiry cheese, beautifully seasoned dip, but even the exquisitely-garnished tofu rocks. $$$$ cream; and a Cuban sandwich with pulled pork barbecue, Not that the sleek interior of this seafood restaurant bolinho de bacalau (fried salt cod dumplings), and aipim plus Black Forest ham and Dijon mustard. That one is pretty (named for fishing area 31, stretching from the Carolinas frito (house-special yuca fries, the best in town). $$$ MIDTOWN / DESIGN DISTRICT much an “ultimate.” $$ to South America) isn’t a glamorous dining setting. But we’d eat outside. From the expansive terrace of the Cafeina Tonino Lamborghini’s Caffe Corsa Epic condo and hotel on the Miami River, the views of 297 NW 23rd St., 305-438-0792 Prosecco Ristorante 600 Silks Run Rd., #1210 Brickell’s high-rises actually make Miami look like a real This elegantly comfortable multi-room indoor/outdoor 3930 NE 2nd Ave., 305-438-2885 954-456-4500 city. It’s hard to decide whether the eats or drinks are the venue is described as an “art gallery/lounge,” and some Its sheltered location, in a showroom building’s central atrium, The new Village at Gulfstream Park (a massive most impressive. The food is impeccably fresh regional do come just for cocktails like the hefty café con leche makes Prosecco not the Design District’s easiest-to-find Mediterranean-via-Vegas mall adjacent to the racetrack) has fish, prepared in a clean Mediterranean-influenced style. martinis. But don’t overlook chef Guily Booth’s 12-item Italian eatery/enoteca. But the owner’s longtime experience a zillion eateries. Still, the spot-on authenticity of this modish The cocktails are genuinely creative. Luckily you don’t menu of very tasty tapas. The signature item is a truly in Tom Billante restaurants like Carpaccio tells you the place café’s food makes it stand out. The chef is from Rome, so have to choose one or the other. $$$-$$$$ jumbo-lump crab cake with no discernable binder. At is a people-pleaser, with food and wine that’s accessible, spaghetti carbonara is a great choice. It’s the real thing. No one South Beach Wine & Food Festival, Martha Stewart affordable, and worth the hunt. Beautifully garnished carpac- heavy faux-Alfredo sauce, just the savory classic combo of Azul proclaimed it the best she’d ever had. Our own prime 500 Brickell Key Dr. pick: melt-in-your-mouth ginger sea bass anticuchos, cios (like mustard-vinaigrette-dressed smoked salmon with pancetta, shallots, and creamy eggs. Additionally all cheeses 305-913-8254 so buttery-rich we nearly passed out with pleasure. $$ baby beets, purple potatoes, and a soft-cooked egg), pastas and cured meats are top-end imports, so even loungers Floor-to-ceiling picture windows showcase Biscayne Bay. like ricotta and spinach-stuffed agnolotti with sage/butter seeking to simply sip and snack can enjoy a genuinely Italian, But diners are more likely to focus on the sparkling raw Café Sambal sauce, and similar temptations ensure you’ll return. $$$ gimmick-free graze. $$$ bar and open kitchen, where chef Clay Conley crafts imag- 500 Brickell Key Dr., 305-913-8358 inative global creations – many of them combinations, Though the Mandarin Oriental Hotel describes this space to satisfy those who want it all. One offering, “A Study as its “casual hotel restaurant,” many consider it a more in Tuna,” includes tuna sashimi, Maine crab, avocado spectacular dining setting than the upscale Azul, upstairs, either $18 or $23. And the price includes an appetizer tempura, and caviar, with several Asian sauces. Moroccan owing to the option of dining outdoors on a covered terrace The Democratic Republic of Beer -- no low-rent crapola, either, but treats like Serrano ham lamb is three preparations (grilled chop, harissa-mari- directly on the waterfront. The food is Asian-inspired, with a 255 NE 14th St., 305-372-4161 croquetas, a spinach/leek tart with Portobello mushroom nated loin, and bastilla, the famed savory-sweet Middle few Latin and Mediterranean accents. For the health-con- The food here? Beer is food! The DRB serves 400 beers from sauce, or shrimp-topped eggplant timbales. The best Eastern pastry, stuffed with braised shank. $$$$$ scious, the menu includes low-cal choices. For hedonists 55 countries, ranging from $2 Pabst Blue Ribbon to $40 seats are on the glam rooftop patio. $$$ there’s a big selection of artisan sakes. $$$-$$$$$ DeuS (an 11.5% alcohol Belgian méthode Champenoise Balans brew). But for those favoring solid snacks, tasty global small- Ecco Pizzateca & Lounge 901 S. Miami Ave., (Mary Brickell Village) Cvi.che 105 ish plates include fried fresh zucchini with dip (cheese recom- 168 SE 1st St., 305-960-1900 305-534-9191 105 NE 3rd Ave., 305-577-3454 mended); chorizo with homemade cilantro Julyo; or steak Masterminded by Aramis Lorie (of PS14) and partner Brian Open until 4:00 a.m. on weekends, this London import Fusion food -- a modern invention? Not in Peru, where tacos, served Mexican-style with onions, cilantro, and spicy Basti, this hip hangout was designed to entice downtown (Miami’s second Balans) offers a sleeker setting than its native and Euro-Asian influences have mixed for more salsa. Sadly for breakfast-brew enthusiasts, the DRB isn’t workers to linger after office hours. And even without the perennially popular Lincoln Road progenitor, but the same than a century. But chef Juan Chipoco gives the ceviches open that early. But it is open late -- till 5:00 a.m. $$ expansive, casual-chic space as bait, internationally award- simple yet sophisticated global menu. The indoor space and tiraditos served at this hot spot his own unique spin. winning Italian pizza chef Massimo Fabio Bruni’s exquisitely can get mighty loud, but lounging on the dog-friendly out- Specialties include flash-marinated raw seafood cre- Dolores, But You Can Call Me Lolita airy, burn-blistered pies, made from homemade dough, door terrace, over a rich croque monsieur (which comes ations, such as tiradito a la crema de rocoto (sliced fish 1000 S. Miami Ave., 305-403-3103 could do the trick. The rest of the organically oriented with an alluringly sweet/sour citrus-dressed side salad), a in citrus-spiked chili/cream sauce). But traditional fusion From the stylish setting in Miami’s historic Firehouse No. menu July also great, but with pizzas like the cream/mush- lobster club on onion toast, some surprisingly solid Asian dishes like Chinese-Peruvian Chaufa fried rice (packed 4, one would expect a mighty pricy meal. But entrées, room-topped Bianca beckoning, we’ll never know. $-$$$ fusion items, and a cocktail is one of Miami’s more relax- with jumbo shrimp, mussels, and calamari) are also fun, which range from Nuevo Latino-style ginger/orange-glazed ing experiences. $$-$$$ as well as surprisingly affordable. $$ pork tenderloin to a platter of Kobe mini-burgers, all cost Continued on page 60

July 2010 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 59 Dining Guide

Restaurant Listings gauchos are here, serving a mind-reeling assortment of party-perfect pastries are legend too. Not so familiar is Morgans Restaurant skewered beef, chicken, lamb, pork, sausages, and fish. the bakery’s café component, whose sandwich/salad 28 NE 29th St., 305-573-9678 Continued from page 59 And included in the price (dinner $47, lunch $34) is the menu reflects local eclectic tastes. But French items Housed in a beautifully refurbished 1930s private home, traditional belly-busting buffet of hot and cold prepared like pan bagnats (essentially salade Niçoise on artisan Morgans serves eclectic, sometimes internationally influenced foods, salad, cold cuts, and cheeses. A pleasant, nontra- bread) will truly transport diners to co-owner David Thau’s contemporary American cuisine compelling enough to attract Eos ditional surprise: unusual sauces like sweet/tart passion Provençal homeland. $$ hordes. Dishes are basically comfort food, but ultimate comfort 485 Brickell Ave. (Viceroy Hotel), 305-503-0373 fruit or mint, tomato-based BBQ, and mango chutney, food: the most custardy, fluffy French toast imaginable; shoe- Unlike their Michelin-starred New Adriatic restaurant along with the ubiquitous chimichurri. $$$$-$$$$$ Le Boudoir Brickell string frites that rival Belgium’s best; mouthwatering maple-bast- Anthos, in Manhattan, this venture of chef Michael 188 SE 12th Terr., 305-372-233 ed bacon; miraculously terrific tofu (crisply panko-crusted and Psilakis and restaurateur Donatella Arpaia has influences Il Gabbiano At this French bakery/café, mornings start seriously, with apricot/soy-glazed); even a “voluptuous grilled cheese sandwich” ranging way beyond Greece to the whole Mediterranean 335 S. Biscayne Blvd., 305-373-0063 choices ranging from quality cheese, charcuterie/pâté, or -- definitely a “don’t ask, don’t tell your cardiologist” item. $$-$$$ region, and even Latin America. Unchanged is Psilakis’ Its location at the mouth of the Miami River makes this smoked salmon platters to chic Continental and complete solid creativity, and a beautiful sense of balance that ultra-upscale Italian spot (especially the outdoor terrace) American breakfasts. At lunch, generously salad-garnished, Novecento makes even very unfamiliar combinations taste acces- the perfect power lunch/business dinner alternative to open-faced tartines are irresistible. But sophisticated 1414 Brickell Ave., 305-403-0900 sible. So skip the safe stuff and go for the luxuriantly steakhouses. And the culinary experience goes way beyond salads and homemade soups make the choice tough. And For those who think “Argentine cuisine” is a synonym for custardy, egg yolk-enriched lobster and sea urchin risotto, the typical meat market, thanks in part to the flood of free- do not skip dessert. Superb sweets include rich almond/ “beef and more beef,” this popular eatery’s wide range of or any raw seafood item, especially the unique marlin with bies that’s a trademark of Manhattan’s Il Mulino, originally fresh raspberry or properly tangy lemon tarts, traditional more cosmopolitan contemporary Argentine fare will be a pistachio, apricot, and house-cured speck. $$$-$$$$ run by Il Gabbiano’s owners. The rest of the food? Pricy, Madeleines, airy layered mousses, and addictive mini-mac- revelation. Classic parrilla-grilled steaks are here for tradi- but portions are mammoth. And the champagne-cream- aroon sandwich cookies with daily-changing fillings. $-$$ tionalists, but the menu is dominated by creative Nuevo Fratelli Milano sauced housemade ravioli with black truffles? Worth every Latino items like a new-style ceviche de chernia (lightly 213 S. Miami Ave., 305-373-2300 penny. $$$$$ Martini 28 lime-marinated grouper with jalapeños, basil, and the Downtown isn’t yet a 24/7 urban center, but it’s experi- 146 SE 1st Ave., 305-577-4414 refreshing sweet counterpoint of watermelon), or crab ravi- encing a mini explosion of eateries open at night. That Indochine This stylish little lunch-only spot, a labor of love from oli with creamy saffron sauce. Especially notable are the includes this family-owned ristorante, where even new- 638 S. Miami Ave., 305-379-1525 a husband-wife chef team, serves what might well be entrée salads. $$-$$$ comers feel at home. At lunch it’s almost impossible to Indochine has succeeded by morphing from mere restau- the most impressive meal deal in town. From an ambi- resist panini, served on foccacia or crunchy ciabatta; even rant into hip hangout. Copious special events draw every- tious, daily-changing menu of fare that’s geographically Oceanaire Seafood Room the vegetarian version bursts with complex and comple- one from downtown business types to the counterculture eclectic but prepared with solid classic technique, diners 900 S. Miami Ave., 305-372-8862 mentary flavors. During weekday dinners, try generous crowd. Not that there’s anything “mere” about the range get a choice of about ten entrées (substantial stuff like With a dozen branches nationwide, Oceanaire July seem plates of risotto with shrimp and grilled asparagus; home- of food served from three Asian nations. Light eaters can steak au poivre with Madeira cream sauce and roasted more All-American seafood empire than Florida fish made pastas like seafood-packed fettuccine al scoglio; or snack on Vietnamese summer rolls or Japanese sushi potatoes, or pignolia-crusted salmon with Dijon mustard shack, but menus vary significantly according to regional delicate Vitello alla Milanese on arugula. $$-$$$ rolls. For bigger appetites, there are Thai curries and sauce, potatoes, and veggies), plus soup or salad and tastes and fish. Here in Miami, chef Sean Bernal supple- Vietnamese specialties like pho, richly flavored beef soup housemade dessert. For just $9.99. Told ya. $ ments signature starters like lump crab cakes with his Fresco California Bistro with meatballs, steak slices, rice noodles, and add-in own lightly marinated, Peruvian-style grouper ceviche. 1744 SW 3rd Ave., 305-858-0608 Asian herbs and sprouts. $$-$$$ MIA at Biscayne The daily-changing, 15-20 specimen seafood selection This festively decorated indoor/outdoor bistro packs a lot 20 Biscayne Blvd., 305-642-0032 includes local fish seldom seen on local menus: pom- of party spirit into a small space, a large variety of food Iron Sushi At this expansive, ultra-glam restolounge, the eclectic, pano, parrot fish, amberjack. But even flown-in fish (and onto its menu. To the familiar Latin American/Italian equa- 120 SE 3rd Ave., 305-373-2000 mostly small-plate menu ranges from the expected the raw bar’s cold-water oysters) are ultra-fresh. $$$$ tion, the owners add a touch of Cal-Mex (like Tex-Mex but (See Miami Shores listing) (grilled skirt steak with chimichurri; new-style ceviches, more health conscious). Menu offerings range from design- and luxe sushi rolls) to a small but tantalizing selection Pasha’s er pizzas and pastas to custardy tamales, but the bistro’s La Loggia Ristorante and Lounge of chef Gerdy Rodriguez’s signature creations. Lunch fare 1414 Brickell Ave., 305-416-5116 especially known for imaginative meal-size salads, like one 68 W. Flagler St., 305-373-4800 includes modernized “Minuta” fish sandwiches (avocado/ The original branch on Lincoln Road was instantly featuring mandarin oranges, avocado, apple, blue cheese, This luxuriantly neo-classical yet warm Italian restaurant habanero vinaigrette-dressed hamachi on nori Kaiser popular, and the same healthy Middle Eastern fast food raisins, candied pecans, and chicken on a mesclun bed. $$ was unquestionably a pioneer in revitalizing downtown. rolls), while dinner offers edgier inventions like confit is served at several newer outlets. The prices are low With alternatives like amaretto-tinged pumpkin agnolloti pork belly with a panko-crusted egg yolk capsula, the yolk enough that you might suspect Pasha’s was a tax write-off Garcia’s Seafood Grille and Fish Market in sage butter sauce and cilantro-spiced white bean/ nitrogen-frozen before frying to achieve a crisp crust and rather than a Harvard Business School project, which it 398 NW N. River Dr., 305-375-0765 vegetable salad dressed with truffle oil, proprietors delightfully improbable oozing interior. $$$ was by founders Antonio Ellek and Nicolas Cortes. Dishes Run by a fishing family for a couple of generations, this Jennifer Porciello and Horatio Oliveira continue to draw range from falafel and gyros to more unusual items like venerable Florida fish shack is the real thing. No worries a lunch crowd that returns for dinner, or perhaps just Miami’s Chophouse muhammara (tangy walnut spread) and silky labneh about the seafood’s freshness; on their way to the dining stays on through the afternoon, fueled by the Lawyer’s 300 S. Biscayne Blvd.,305-938-9000 yogurt cheese. Everything from pitas to lemonade is made deck overlooking the Miami River, diners can view the retail Liquid Lunch, a vodka martini spiked with sweetened Formerly Manny’s Steakhouse, Miami’s Chophouse fresh, from scratch, daily. $-$$ fish market. Best preparations are the simplest. When stone espresso. $$$ retains basically everything but the famed name (from crabs are in season, Garcia’s claws are as good as Joe’s but the original Manny’s in Minneapolis), and remains Peoples Bar-B-Que considerably cheaper. The local fish sandwich is most popu- La Moon Miami’s most intentionally masculine steakhouse. 360 NW 8th St., 305-373-8080 lar – grouper, yellowtail snapper, or mahi mahi. $-$$ 144 SW 8th St., 305-860-6209 Here, ensconced in your black leather booth, everything Oak-smoked, falling-off-the-bone tender barbecued ribs At four in the morning, nothing quells the munchies like is humongous: dry-aged choice-grade steaks like the (enhanced with a secret sauce whose recipe goes back sever- Giovana Caffe a Crazy Burger, a Colombian take on a trucker’s burger: Bludgeon of Beef (a boldly flavorful 40-ounce bone-in al generations) are the main draw at this Overtown institution. 154 SE 1st Ave., 305-374-1024 beef patty, bacon, ham, mozzarella, lettuce, tomato, and ribeye, described as “part meat, part weapon”); king crab But the chicken is also a winner, plus there’s a full menu of If the menu at this charming downtown hideaway contained a fried egg, with an arepa corn pancake “bun.” While this legs that dwarf the plate; cocktail shrimp that could swal- soul food entrées, including what many aficionados consider only one item -- pear and gorgonzola ravioli dressed, not tiny place’s late hours (till 6:00 a.m. Friday and Saturday) low the Loch Ness monster whole; two-fisted cocktails our town’s tastiest souse. And it would be unthinkable to call it drowned, in sage-spiced cream sauce -- we’d be happy. are surprising, the daytime menu is more so. In addition that would fell a T-Rex. Not for the frail. $$$$$ quits without homemade sweet potato pie or banana pudding, But the café, formerly lunch-only but now serving weekday to Colombian classics, there’s a salad Nicoise with grilled plus a bracing flop – half iced tea, half lemonade. $-$$ dinners, is also justly famed for meal-size salads like grilled fresh tuna, seared salmon with mango salsa, and other Miami’s Finest Caribbean Restaurant skirt steak atop sweetly balsamic-dressed spinach (with yuppie favorites. $-$$ 236 NE 1st Ave., 305-381-9254 Perricone’s spinach, tomatoes, bacon, hard-boiled eggs, blue cheese, Originally from Jamaica, proprietor Miss Pat has been serving 15 SE 10th St., 305-374-9449 and almonds), or an especially lavish chicken salad with pine La Provence her traditional homemade island specialties to downtown Housed in a Revolutionary-era barn (moved from nuts, golden raisins, apples, and basil, an Italian twist. $$ 1064 Brickell Ave., 786-425-9003 office workers and college students since the early 1990s. Vermont), this market/café was one of the Brickell area’s Great baguettes in the bread basket, many believe, indi- Most popular item here might be the weekday lunch special of first gentrified amenities. At lunch chicken salad is a Grimpa Steakhouse cate a great meal to come. But when Miamians encounter jerk chicken with festival (sweet-fried cornmeal bread patties), favorite; dinner’s strong suit is the pasta list, ranging 901 Brickell Plaza, 305-455-4757 such bread -- crackling crust outside; moist, aromatic, but even vegetarians are well served with dishes like a tofu, from Grandma Jennie’s old-fashioned lasagna to chichi This expansive indoor/outdoor Brazilian eatery is sleekly aerated interior -- it’s likely not from a restaurant’s own carrot, and chayote curry. All entrées come with rice and peas, contemporary, but no worries. The classic sword-wielding kitchen, but from La Provence. Buttery croissants and fried plantains, and salad, so no one leaves hungry. $ Continued on page 61

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60 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com July 2010 Dining Guide

Restaurant Listings served both raw and cooked – fire-roasted with sofrito but- Munchkinland, this downtown “insider’s secret” serves seri- Wok Town ter, chorizo, and manchego. There’s also a thoughtful wine ous Thai food till 9:00 p.m. daily. Tasty classics like the four 119 SE 1st Ave. Continued from page 60 list and numerous artisan beers on tap. $$$ curries (red, green, panang, and massaman) come custom- 305-371-9993 spiced -- mild to authentically brain-searing -- and are so Judging from the takeout window, the minimalist Rosa Mexicano affordable there’s no guilt in splurging on superb house décor (with communal seating), and predominance of fiocchi purses filled with fresh pear and gorgonzola. And 900 S. Miami Ave., 786-425-1001 specials like crisp-coated duck or fresh snapper (whole or American veggies on the menu, this Asian fast-food Sunday’s $15.95 brunch buffet ($9.95 for kids) – fea- This expansive indoor/outdoor space offers a dining expe- filleted) in tamarind sauce. The young chef has a heavenly eatery, owned by Shai Ben-Ami (a Miss Yip and Domo turing an omelet station, waffles, smoked salmon and rience that’s haute in everything but price. Few entrées hand at tofu, too, so vegetarians are very well-served. $$ Japones veteran) July initially seem akin to those air- bagels, salads, and more – remains one of our town’s top $20. The décor is both date-worthy and family-friendly port Oriental steam tables. Wrong. Custom-cooked by most civilized all-you-can-eat deals. $$ – festive but not kitschy. And nonsophisticates needn’t Tobacco Road Chinese chefs, starters (like soy/garlic-coated edama- fear; though nachos aren’t available, there is nothing 626 S. Miami Ave., 305-374-1198 me), salads, and have-it-your-way stir-fries, fried rice, or Prelude scary about zarape de pato (roast duck between freshly Prohibition-era speakeasy (reputedly a fave of Al Capone), noodle bowls burst with bold, fresh flavor. The proof: a Adrienne Arsht Center made, soft corn tortillas, topped with yellow-and-habane- gay bar, strip club. Previously all these, this gritty spot has startlingly savory miso beef salad, with sesame/ginger/ 1300 Biscayne Blvd., 305-949-6722 ro-pepper cream sauce), or Rosa’s signature guacamole been best known since 1982 as a venue for live music, scallion dressing. Bubble tea, too! $$ Though the opening of Barton G.’s elegant performing arts en molcajete, made tableside. A few pomegranate mar- primarily blues. But it also offers food from lunchtime center eatery did feature a live giraffe, the food’s actually garitas ensure no worries. $$$ to late night (on weekends till 4:00 a.m.). The kitchen is more grown-up than at his original SoBe spot. The concept especially known for its chili, budget-priced steaks, and Midtown / Wynwood / Design District is prix fixe: Any three courses on the menu (meaning three Soya & Pomodoro burgers. There’s also surprisingly elegant fare, though, entrées if you want) for $39. Highlights include silky, tarra- 120 NE 1st St., 305-381-9511 like a Norwegian salmon club with lemon aioli. A meat- Adelita’s Café gon-inflected corn/bacon chowder, beautifully plated beef Life is complicated. Food should be simple. That’s owner smoker in back turns out tasty ribs. $$ 2699 Biscayne Blvd. carpaccio with horseradish/mustard and shallot olive oil Armando Alfano’s philosophy, which is stated above the 305-576-1262 dipping sauces; and over-the-top playhouse desserts, one entry to his atmospheric downtown eatery. And since Tre Italian Bistro From the street (which is actually NE 26th, not Biscayne) with a luscious crème fraiche ice cream pop. $$$$ it’s also the formula for the truest traditional Italian food 270 E. Flagler St., 305-373-3303 this Honduran restaurant seems unpromising, but inside (Alfano hails from Pompeii), it’s fitting that the menu is “Bistro” actually sounds too Old World for this cool hang- it’s bigger, better, and busier than it looks. Unlike many Puntino Downtown dominated by authentically straightforward yet sophisti- out, from the owners of downtown old-timer La Loggia, but Latin American eateries, this one sticks close to the 353 SE 2nd Ave., 305-371-9661 cated Italian entrées. There are salads and sandwiches, “restolounge” sounds too glitzy. Think of it as a neighbor- source and proves a crowd-pleaser. On weekends espe- The first U.S. venture of a hotelier from Naples, this stylish too. The most enjoyable place to dine is the secret, open- hood “bistrolounge.” The food is mostly modernized Italian, cially, the dining rooms are packed with families enjoying little place is open Monday through Saturday for dinner air courtyard. Alfano serves dinner on Thursdays only to with Latin and Asian accents: a prosciutto-and-fig pizza with authentic fare like baleadas (thick corn tacos), tajadas as well as lunch. Ambiance is fashionably cool Milanese accompany local musicians and artists. $-$$ Brazilian catupiry cheese; gnocchi served either as finger (Honduras’s take on tostones), rich meal-in-a-bowl soups rather than effusively warm Neapolitan. The food too is food (fried, with calamata olive/truffle aioli), or plated with packed with seafood or meat and veggies, and more. $ mostly contemporary rather than traditional. But in true Sushi Maki orange-ginger sauce. But there are tomato-sauced meat- Italian style, the best stuff stays simple: an antipasto plat- 1000 S. Miami Ave., 305-415-9779 balls with ri’gawt for Grandpa Vinnie, too. $$-$$$ Bay View Grille ter of imported cold cuts with crostini and housemade Fans of the popular parent Sushi Maki in the Gables 1633 N. Bayshore Dr. (Marriott Hotel) marinated veggies; crisp-fried calamari and shrimp; airy will find many familiar favorites on this Brickell branch’s Waxy O’Connor’s 305-536-6414 gnocchi with sprightly tomato sauce, pools of melted menu. But the must-haves are some inventive new dishes 690 SW 1st Ct. This expansive restaurant has no outdoor component, but bufala mozzarella, and fresh basil. $$-$$$ introduced to honor the eatery’s tenth anniversary — and 786-871-7660 floor-to-ceiling windows and a multi-level layout means Miami multiculturalism: “sushi tacos” (fried gyoza skins While the menu of this casually craic (Gaelic for “fun”) every table has a Biscayne Bay view, which we find par- The River Oyster Bar with fusion fillings like raw salmon, miso, chili-garlic Irish pub will be familiar to fans of the South Beach Waxy’s, ticularly enjoyable in the morning, over a fresh asparagus 650 S. Miami Ave., 305-530-1915 sauce, and sour cream), three tasty flash-marinated the location is far superior -- on the Miami River, with and Boursin cheese omelet or huevos à la cubana (fried This casually cool jewel is a full-service seafood spot, as Asian/Latin tiraditos; addictive rock shrimp tempura with waterfront deck. And none of Miami’s Irish eateries offers eggs and cheese on black beans). Lunch and dinner evidenced by tempting menu selections like soft-shell crabs creamy/spicy dip. Also irresistible: four festive new sake as much authentic traditional fare. Especially evocative: menus are a “greatest hits” mix (steaks, pasta, Caesar with grilled vegetables, corn relish, and remoulade. There cocktails. $$-$$$ imported oak-smoked Irish salmon with housemade brown salad), featuring appealing local accents like a hefty fried are even a few dishes to please meat-and-potatoes din- bread; puff-pastry-wrapped Irish sausage rolls; lunchtime’s or blackened grouper sandwich on ciabatta roll, with ers, like short ribs with macaroni and cheese. But oyster Thai Angel imported Irish bacon or banger “butty” sandwiches on remoulade sauce. $$-$$$ fans will find it difficult to resist stuffing themselves silly on 152 SE 1st Ave., 305-371-9748 crusty baguettes, served with hand-cut fries, the latter par- the unusually large selection, especially since oysters are Inside a colorful courtyard that rather resembles ticularly terrific dipped in Waxy’s curry sauce. $$ Continued on page 62

July 2010 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 61 Dining Guide

Restaurant Listings Clive’s Café properly al dente pastas, plus some regional specialties like Sandwiches (cold baguette subs, hot pressed paninis, or 2818 N. Miami Ave., 305-576-0277 Venetian-style calves liver, rarely found outside Italy. $$$ wraps, all accompanied by side salads) include a respect- Continued from page 61 Some still come for the inexpensive, hearty American able Cuban and a veggie wrap with a deceptively rich- breakfasts and lunches that this homey hole-in-the-wall Grass tasting light salad cream. $-$$ has served for more than 30 years. Since about 1990, 28 NE 40th St., 305-573-3355 Bengal though, when owner Pearline Murray (“Ms. Pearl” to Chef Michael Jacobs’s menu travels beyond pan-Asian Lime Fresh Mexican Grill 2010 Biscayne Blvd., 305-403-1976 regulars) and cook Gloria Chin began emphasizing their and Mediterranean influences into the Americas. Shops at Midtown Miami At this Indian eatery the décor is cool and contemporary: native Jamaican specialties, the intensely spiced grilled Entrées range from comfort food (cunningly reinvented Buena Vista Avenue, 305-576-5463 muted gray and earth-tone walls, tasteful burgundy ban- jerk chicken has been the main item here. Other favorites: mini pot pies) to high-status extravagance (stone- Like its South Beach predecessor, this Lime was an quettes. And the menu touts “Modern Indian Cuisine” savory rice and pigeon peas; eye-opening onion/vinegar- seared, authentic Kobe steak). For healthy grazers, instant hit, as much for being a hip new Midtown hangout to match the look. Classicists, however, needn’t worry. flavored escovitch fish; sweet plantains; and cabbage that raw-bar selections include ceviches and a large as for its carefully crafted Tex-Mex food. The concept America’s favorite familiar north Indian flavors are here, redefines the vegetable. $ seafood platter. There’s also a snack menu (pristine is “fast casual” rather than fast food – meaning nice though dishes are generally more mildly spiced and pre- coldwater oysters, a crab salad timbale, parmesan- enough for a night out. It also means ingredients are sented with modern flair. All meats are certified halal, The Daily Creative Food Co. truffle shoestring fries, mini-Kobe burgers) served till always fresh. Seafood tacos are about as exotic as the Islam’s version of kosher — which doesn’t mean that obser- 2001 Biscayne Blvd., 305-573-4535 the wee hours, providing a welcome alternative to the menu gets, but the mahi mahi for fish tacos comes from vant orthodox Jews can eat here, but Muslims can. $$$ While the food formula of this contemporary café is Boulevard’s fast food chains. $$-$$$$$ a local supplier, and salsas are housemade daily. Niceties familiar – sandwiches, salads, soups, breakfast food, and include low-carb tortillas and many Mexican beers. $ Bin No. 18 pastries, plus coffee and fruit drinks – a creative concept The Girrrlz of Sandwich 1800 Biscayne Blvd., 786-235-7575 differentiates the place. Signature sandwiches are named 555 NE 15th St., 2nd floor (Venetia condo) Limón y Sabor At this wine bar/café, the décor is a stylish mix of contempo- after national and local newspapers, including Biscayne 305-374-4305 3045 Biscayne Blvd., 786-431-5739 rary (high loft ceilings) and Old World (tables made from wine Times, giving diners something to chat about. Sandwiches Riot Grrrl DIY spirit shines in the homemade soups, In this dramatically renovated space, the room is now barrels). Cuisine is similarly geared to the area’s smart new and salads can also be do-it-yourself projects, with an sweets, salads, and exceptionally tasty warm baguette light and open, and the food is authentic Peruvian, with residents: creative sandwiches and salads at lunch, tapas unusually wide choice of main ingredients, garnishes, sandwiches (like prosciutto and fresh mozzarella, dressed seafood a specialty. Portions are huge, prices low, quality and larger internationally themed Spanish, Italian, or French breads, and condiments for the creatively minded. $ with a unique sumac vinaigrette) at this concealed café, high. Especially good are their versions of pescado a lo charcuterie platters at night. Though the place is small and hidden on the Venetia condo’s mezzanine. Owners Ana macho (fish fillet topped with mixed seafood in a creamy, family-run friendly, chef Alfredo Patino offers sophisticated Delicias Peruanas Oliva and Fadia Sarkis scour local markets daily for the zesty sauce); jalea (breaded and deep-fried fish, mixed snacks like the figciutto: arugula, gorgonzola dolce, caramel- 2590 Biscayne Blvd., 305-573-4634 freshest of ingredients, and their breads (plus light-crust- seafood, and yuca, topped with onion/pepper/lime salsa), ized onions, pine nuts, fresh figs, and prosciutto. Free park- Seafood is the specialty at this pleasant Peruvian spot, as ed empanadas and sinful Ghirardelli chocolate cake) are and yuca in hot yet fruity rocoto chili cream sauce. $$ ing behind the building. $$ it was at the nearby original Delicias, run by members of all baked in-house. On Saturdays the grrrls’ll even deliver the same family. The food is as tasty as ever, especially you an elegant (yet inexpensive) breakfast in bed. $ Lost & Found Saloon Buena Vista Bistro the reliably fresh traditional ceviches, and for those who 185 NW 36th St., 305-576-1008 4582 NE 2nd Ave., 305-456-5909 like their fish tangy but cooked, a mammoth jalea platter. Joey’s Italian Café There’s an artsy/alternative feel to this casual and friend- If a neighborhood eatery like this one — which serves As for nonseafood stuff, Peru practically invented fusion 2506 NW 2nd Ave. ly Wynwood eatery, which, since opening as a weekday- supremely satisfying bistro food — were within walking cuisine (in the 1800s), such as two traditional noodle 305-438-0488 only breakfast and lunch joint in 2005, has grown with its distance of every Miami resident, we’d be a helluva hip dishes: tallerin saltado and tallerin verde. $$ The first new restaurant in the Wynwood Café District, this neighborhood. It’s now open for dinner six nights a week, food town. Like true Parisian bistros, it’s open continu- stylish indoor/outdoor Italian hangout is as casually cool as serving Southwestern-style fare at rock-bottom prices. ously, every day, with prices so low that you can drop in 18th Street Café one would hope — and as affordable. There’s a five-buck Dishes like piñon and pepita-crusted salmon, chipotle- anytime for authentic rillettes (a rustic pâté) with a crusty 210 NE 18th St., 305-381-8006 half-serving of spaghetti al pomodoro and respectable vino drizzled endive stuffed with lump crab, or customizable baguette, steak with from-scratch frites, salmon atop rata- Most of the seating in this cool little breakfast/lunch room for under $30. And few can resist delicately thin, crunchy- tacos average $5-$8. Also available: big breakfasts and touille, or many changing blackboard specials. Portions is in a sort of giant bay window, backed with banquettes, crusted pizzas like the creative Dolce e Piccante or orgasmic salads, hearty soups, housemade pastries like lemon- are plentiful. So is free parking. $$ that makes the space feel expansive. This pioneer- Carbonara. Pastas are fresh; produce is largely local; the crusted wild berry pie, and a hip beer and wine list. $ ing place deserves to survive, even if just considering mosaic-centered décor is minimalist but inviting. And no Buena Vista Deli the roast beef sandwich with creamy horseradish – an need to be wary of the warehouse district at night: Valet Maino Churrascaria 4590 NE 2nd Ave. inspired classic combination that makes one wonder why parking is free. $$-$$$ 2201 Biscayne Blvd. 305-576-3945 more places in this town don’t serve it. Other culinary 305-571-9044 At this casual café/bakery, co-owned by Buena Vista highlights include a turkey/pear/cheddar melt sandwich, La Provence This very upscale Brazilian steakhouse has all the features Bistro’s Claude Postel, the day starts in authentic French and really sinful marshmallow-topped brownies. $ 2200 Biscayne Blvd. you expect, including all-you-can-eat meats carved table- fashion, with fresh breakfast breads, chocolate almond 305-576-8002 side and a lavish buffet. What sets Maino apart from typical croissants, and other delights. At lunch cornichon- Five Guys Famous Burger and Fries (See Brickell / Downtown listing.) rodizio palaces is its family-run feel, intimate rather than garnished baguette sandwiches (containing housemade Shops at Midtown Miami intimidating, plus its attention to every detail. While it’s rare pâtés, sinfully rich pork rillettes, superb salami, and other Buena Vista Avenue Latin Café 2000 at most rodizio joints to get meat done less than medium, charcuterie classics) are irresistible, and a buttery-crust- 305-571-8341 2501 Biscayne Blvd. Maino will cook to order. One other welcome difference: ed, custardy quiche plus perfectly dressed salad costs No green-leaf faux health food here. You get what the 305-576-3838 There are à la carte starters and pastas for lighter eaters little more than a fast-food combo meal. As for Postel’s name says, period, with three adds: kosher dogs, veg- The menu is similar to that at many of our town’s Latin and noncarnivores, and some lunch specials. Free parking, homemade French sweets, if you grab the last Paris-Brest, gie burgers, and free peanuts while you wait. Which you cafés, largely classic Cuban entrées and sandwiches, too. $$-$$$$$ a praline butter-cream-filled puff pastry, we July have to will, just a bit, since burgers are made fresh upon order. with a smattering of touches from elsewhere in Latin kill you. $-$$ Available in double or one-patty sizes, they’re well-done America, such as a Peruvian jalea mixta (marinated mixed Maitardi but spurtingly juicy, and after loading with your choice of seafood), or paella Valenciana from Spain, which many 163 NE 39th St., 305-572-1400 The Cheese Course free garnishes, even a “little” burger makes a major meal. Miami eateries consider a Latin country. What justifies the Though we admired the ambitious approach of Oak Plaza’s 3451 NE 1st Ave. Fries (regular or Cajun-spiced) are also superior, hand-cut new millennium moniker is the more modern, yuppified/ original tenant, Brosia, this more informal, inexpensive, and 786-220-6681 in-house from sourced potatoes. $ yucafied ambiance, encouraged by an expansive, rustic straightforwardly Italian concept of veteran Lincoln Road Not so much a restaurant as an artisanal cheese shop with wooden deck. $$ restaurateur Graziano Sbroggio seems a more universal complimentary prepared foods, this place’s self-service café Fratelli Lyon lure for the Design District’s central “town square.” The component nevertheless became an instant hit. Impeccable 4141 NE 2nd Ave., 305-572-2901 Lemoni Café mostly outdoor space remains unaltered save a wood-burn- ingredients and inspired combinations make even the This Italian café has been packed since the moment it 4600 NE 2nd Ave., 305-571-5080 ing oven producing flavorfully char-bubbled pizza creations, simplest salads and sandwiches unique -- like bacon and opened. No surprise to any who recall owner Ken Lyon’s The menu here reads like your standard sandwiches/ plus a vintage meat slicer dispensing wild boar salamino, egg, elevated by hand-crafted cream cheese, roasted red pioneering Lyon Frères gourmet store on Lincoln Road (1992- salads/starters primer. What it doesn’t convey is the bresaola (cured beef), and other artisan salumi. Other peppers, avocado, and chipotle Julyo. Cheese platters are 97), another joint that was exactly what its neighborhood freshness of the ingredients and the care that goes irresistibles: fried artichokes with lemony aioli; seafood exceptional, and customized for flavor preference from mild needed. The restaurant’s artisan salumi, cheeses, flavorful into their use. Entrée-size salads range from an elegant lasagna with heavenly dill-lobster sauce. $$-$$$ to bold, and accompanied by appropriate fruits, veggies, boutique olive oils, and more are so outstanding that you can’t spinach (goat cheese, pears, walnuts, raisins) to chunky nuts, olives, prepared spreads, and breads. $$ help wishing it also had a retail component. Entrées include homemade chicken salad on a bed of mixed greens. Continued on page 63 “Best wings *]TTLWO+INM Now ! 6-!\P)^MV]M Serving P[O in Miami” )^MV\]ZI.4  ZHSHKZ -9,,KLZZLY[^ 5L^;PTLZ 4WKI\MLJMPQVL4WMPUIVV¼[8TIbI W\YJOHZLVMHU`LU[YLL  ,_W  ___\PMJ]TTLWỎKINMKWU “Top 10 new barbecue !̉! 7XMVM^MZaLIa6WWV̉!XU ZHUK^PJOLZ JJYXTI\\MZ restaurants in Miami” )VU(WWL[P[

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62 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com July 2010 Dining Guide

Restaurant Listings homemade potato chips with pan-fried onion dip, or a Pacific Time Primo Pizza Miami whole wood-roasted chicken. There’s also a broad range 35 NE 40th St. 3451 NE 1st Ave., 305-535-2555 Continued from page 62 of prices and portion sizes to encourage frequent visits. 305-722-7369 Just a few years ago, chain pizza joints were dominant Michael’s Genuine also features an eclectic, affordable Everyone knew Jonathan Eismann’s original Pacific Time, most everywhere. Today many places now offer authentic Mandolin Aegean Bistro wine list and a full bar. $$-$$$$ for many years Lincoln Road’s only serious restaurant. Italian or delicate designer pizzas. But a satisfying Brookyn- 4312 NE 2nd Ave. How different is its new incarnation? Very, and it’s all style street slice? Fuhgedit. Thankfully that’s the speciality 305-576-6066 Mike’s at Venetia good, starting with far superior acoustics, an admirably of this indoor/outdoor pizzeria: big slices with chewy crusts Inside this converted 1940s home’s blue-and-white dining 555 NE 15th St., 9th floor green ecological policy, and a neighborhood-friendly (made from imported NY tap water) that aren’t ultra-thin room -- or even more atmospherically, its tree-sheltered gar- 305-374-5731 attitude. While the addition of Mediterranean influences and crisp, but flexible enough to fold lengthwise, and medi- den -- diners feast on authentic rustic fare from both Greece This family-owned Irish pub, on the pool deck of the to the Pacific Rim menu July sound confusing, trust us: um-thick -- sturdy enough to support toppings applied with and Turkey. Make a meal of multinational mezes: a Greek Venetia condo, for more than 15 years has been a A meal that includes a butter-grilled asparagus with pro- generous all-American abandon. Take-out warning: Picking sampler of creamy tzatziki yogurt dip, smoky eggplant purée, popular lunch and dinner hang-out for local journal- sciutto, soft-cooked egg Milanese, and preserved lemon; up a whole pie? Better bring the SUV, not the Morris Mini. and airy tarama caviar spread; and a Turkish sampler of ists and others who appreciate honest cheap eats and plus an Asian-accented creamy corn/leek soup with Peeky hummus, fava purée, and rich tomato-walnut dip. The meze drinks. Regulars know daily specials are the way to go. Toe crab dumplings, coriander, and mustard oil makes Q of mussels in lemony wine broth is, with Mandolin’s fresh- Depending on the day, fish, churrasco, or roast turkey perfect sense on the tongue. $$-$$$$ 4029 N. Miami Ave., 305-227-2378 baked flatbread, almost a full meal in itself. $$-$$$ with all the trimmings are all prepared fresh. Big burgers Unlike most urban barbecue joints, this neo-rustic road- and steak dinners are always good. A limited late-night Pasha’s house uses a genuine wood/charcoal-fired Bewley pit from Mario the Baker menu provides pizza, wings, ribs, and salad till 3:00 3801 N. Miami Ave., 305-573-0201 Texas to flavor its subtly smoky slow-cooked barbecue. And 250 NE 25th St., 305-438-0228 a.m. $-$$ (See Brickell/Downtown listing) anyone with working taste buds will discern the difference (See North Miami listing) in chef/owner Jonathan Eismann’s vinegar-basted North Orange Café + Art Pizzavolante Carolina-style pulled pork, his tender-firm (rather than inau- Mercadito Midtown 2 NE 40th St. 3918 N. Miami Ave., 305-573-5325 thentically falling-off-the-bone) dry-rubbed spareribs, succu- 3252 NE 1st Ave. 305-571-4070 At this tiny pizza/mozzarella bar, Jonathan Eismann’s lently fatty briskets, and juicy chickens. Tabletop housemade 786-369-0423 The paintings hanging in this tiny, glass-enclosed café inspired topping combos and astonishingly high-quality sauces (particularly a piquant mustard-cider St. Louis potion) Some people frequent this fashionable restolounge, are for sale. And for those who don’t have thousands of ingredients prove that star-chef skills are not wasted on are enhancers, not essentials. $$-$$$ festooned with graffiti-style murals designed to evoke a dollars to shell out for the local art on the walls, less than humble fare. Carnivores must try the Cacciatorini, an bustling Mexican street market, just for the dangerously ten bucks will get you art on a plate, including a Picasso: ultra-thin and crispy crust with indescribably rich guancia- Sakaya Kitchen smooth margaritas. But the main must-haves here are chorizo, prosciutto, manchego cheese, baby spinach, le (cured, unsmoked pork cheek bacon), pungent artisan Shops at Midtown Miami tacos, encased in a rarity: genuinely made-from-scratch and basil on a crusty baguette. Other artfully named and pepperoni, grana padano, locally made mozzarella, and Buena Vista Avenue, 305-576-8096 corn tortillas, small but fatly-stuffed. Of 11 varieties, our crafted edibles include salads, daily soups, several pastas Italian tomatoes. For meatless pies, we recommend the This chef-driven, fast-casual Asian eatery is more an iza- favorite is the carnitas (juicy braised pork, spicy chili de (like the Matisse, fiocchi pouches filled with pears and Bianca, a thyme-seasoned pizza whose plentiful cheeses kaya (in Japan, a pub with food) than a sakaya (sake shop). arbol slaw, toasted peanuts). A close second: the hongos, cheese), and house-baked pastries. $ are beautifully balanced by bitter arugula. Bring a crowd But why quibble about words with so many more intriguing intensely flavorful huitlacoche and wild mushrooms, with and taste half-a-dozen different mozzarellas. $$ things to wrap your mouth around? The concept takes on manchego and salsa verde -- a reminder that vegetarian Out of the Blue Café street-food favorites from all over Asia, housemade daily food need not be bland. $$-$$$ 2426 NE 2nd Ave. Primo’s from quality fresh ingredients. French Culinary Institute- 305-573-3800 1717 N. Bayshore Dr., 305-371-9055 trained Richard Hales does change his menu, so we’d Michael’s Genuine Food and Drink Forget impersonal chain coffeehouses. This artist-friendly, The imposing, cavernous lobby of the Grand doesn’t have advise immediately grabbing some crispy Korean chicken 130 NE 40th St. independent neighborhood café serves a full selection that “do drop in” locals’ hangout vibe. But this lively Italian wings and Chinese-inspired, open-faced roast pork buns 305-573-5550 of coffee drinks made with the award-winning beans of spot is actually a great addition to the neighborhood. The with sweet chili sauce and homemade pickles. $$ An instant smash hit, this truly neighborhood-oriented Intelligentsia, a roasting company that works directly with pizzas alone – brick-oven specimens with toppings rang- restaurant from chef Michael Schwartz offers down-to- artisan growers to encourage sustainable agriculture. ing from classic pepperoni to prosciutto/arugula – would Sake Room earth fun food in a comfortable, casually stylish indoor/ Also served: breakfast and lunch sandwiches, imaginative be draw enough. But pastas also please: diners’ choice 275 NE 18th St., 305-755-0122 outdoor setting. Fresh, organic ingredients are empha- salads, soups, homemade pastries, and creamy fresh-fruit of starch, with mix-and-match sauces and extras. And the Sake takes a back seat to sushi – and sophisticated sized, but dishes range from cutting-edge (crispy beef smoothies. With tables, sofas, and lounge chairs inside an price is right, with few entrées topping $20. The capper: It’s décor – at this small but sleek restolounge. Among the cheeks with whipped celeriac, celery salad, and choco- old Midtown house, plus free wireless Internet access, the open past midnight every day but Sunday. $$ late reduction) to simple comfort food: deviled eggs, space is also just a pleasant place to hang out. $ Continued on page 64

July 2010 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 63 Dining Guide

Restaurant Listings Street Station – which means ditching the car (in the complex’s free lot across the road on NE 4th Court) is no Continued from page 63 problem even if you’re not getting your vehicle cleaned while consuming the brick-oven pies (from a flaming open seafood offerings, you won’t find exotica or local catches, oven) that are this popular pizzeria’s specialty, along with but all the usual sushi/sashimi favorites, though in executive chef Frank Cr upi’s famed Philly cheese steak more interesting form, thanks to sauces that go beyond sandwiches. Also available are salads and panini plus rea- standard soy – spicy sriracha, garlic/ponzu oil, and many sonably priced wines and beers, including a few unusually more. Especially recommended: the yuzu hamachi roll, sophisticated selections like Belgium’s Hoegaarden. $$ the lobster tempura maki, and panko-coated spicy shrimp with hot-and-sour Julyo and a salad. $$-$$$ Anise Taverna 620 NE 78th St. Salsa Fiesta 305-758-2929 2929 Biscayne Blvd., 305-400-8245 The new owners of this river shack are banking on Greek The first stateside offshoot of a popular Venezuelan mini food and festivity for success — a good bet, judging from chain, this “urban Mexican grill” serves health-conscious, their wildly popular previous eatery, Ouzo. The mainly mezze made-fresh-daily fare similar in concept to some fast- menu ranges from traditional Greek small plates to creative casual competitors. But there are indeed differences Mediterranean-inspired dishes like anise-scented fish cro- here, notably pan-Latin options: black beans as well as quettes with spicy aioli. But don’t neglect large plates like red; thin, delightfully crunchy tostones (available as a whole grilled Mediterranean fish (dorade or branzino), filleted side or as the base for a uniquely tasty take on normal tableside. The interior is charming, and the outdoor deck on nachos). Other pluses include weekday happy hours with the Little River is positively romantic. $$-$$$ two-for-one beers -- and free parking. $-$$ Boteco S & S Diner 916 NE 79th St., 305-757-7735 1757 NE 2nd Ave., 305-373-4291 This strip of 79th Street is rapidly becoming a cool alt- Some things never change, or so it seems at this classic culture enclave thanks to inviting hangouts like this rustic diner. Open since 1938, people still line up on Saturday indoor/outdoor Brazilian restaurant and bar. Especially mornings, waiting for a seat at the counter and enormous bustling on nights featuring live music, it’s even more fun breakfasts: corned beef hash or crab cakes and eggs on Sundays, when the fenced backyard hosts an informal with grits; fluffy pancakes; homemade biscuits with gravy fair and the menu includes Brazil’s national dish, feijoada, and Georgia sausage – everything from oatmeal to eggs a savory stew of beans plus fresh and cured meats. Benedict. The lunch menu is a roll call of the usual sus- But the everyday menu, ranging from unique, tapas-like pects, but most regulars ignore the menu and go for the pasteis to hefty Brazilian entrées, is also appealing – and daily blackboard specials. $-$$ budget-priced. $$ Sra. Martinez Le Café 4000 NE 2nd Ave., 305-573-5474 7295 Biscayne Blvd., 305-754-6551 No Biscayne Corridor resident needs to be told that this For anyone who can’t get over thinking of French food as lively tapas bar is the second restaurant that Upper Eastside intimidating or pretentious, this cute café with a warm homegrrrl Michelle Bernstein has opened in the area. But it’s welcome, and family-friendly French home cooking, is the no absentee celebrity-chef gig. Bernstein is hands-on at both antidote. No fancy food (or fancy prices) here, just classic places. Her exuberant yet firmly controlled personal touch comfort food like onion soup, escargot, daily fresh oysters, is obvious in nearly four dozen hot and cold tapas on the boeuf bourguignon (think Ultimate Pot Roast), Nicoise menu. Items are frequently reinvented. Keepers include wild salad, quiche, and homemade crème brûlée. A respectable mushroom/manchego croquetas with fig jam; white bean beer and wine list is a welcome addition, as is the house- stew; crisp-coated artichokes with lemon/coriander dip; and made sangria. Top price for entrées is about $14. $-$$ buttery bone marrow piqued with Middle Eastern spices and balanced by tiny pickled salads. $$$ Casa Toscana 7001 Biscayne Blvd. Sugarcane Raw Bar Grill 305-758-3353 3250 NE 1st Ave.,786-369-0353 Tuscan-born chef/owner Sandra Stefani cooked at This chic indoor/outdoor space is an offspring of Lincoln Norman’s before opening this Upper Eastside jewel, Road’s SushiSamba Dromo and a sibling of Sugarcane whose 30 original seats have been supplemented by a lounges in NYC and Las Vegas, but more informal than wine room/garden for tasting events and private dining. the former and more food-oriented than the latter, as Stefani travels regularly to Italy to find exciting, limited- three kitchens -- normal, raw bar, and robata charcoal grill production wines and inspiration for truly Tuscan specials -- make clear. Chef Timon Balloo’s LatAsian small plates with honest, authentic flavors, such as grilled wild boar range from subtle orange/fennel-marinated salmon crudo sausages with lentil croquettes. Menu favorites include to intensely smoky-rich short ribs. At the daily happy hour, pear and ricotta raviolini, grilled eggplant slices rolled select dishes (like steamed pork buns with apple kimchi) around herbed goat cheese and sun-dried tomatoes, and are discounted. $$-$$$ a light ricotta tart with lemon and rosemary. $$$ Tony Chan’s Water Club Chef Creole 1717 N. Bayshore Dr., 305-374-8888 200 NW 54th St., 305-754-2223 The décor at this upscale place, located in the Grand, Sparkling fresh Creole-style food is the star at chef/owner looks too glitzy to serve anything but politely Americanized Wilkinson Sejour’s two tiny but popular establishments. Chinese food. But the American dumbing-down is minimal. While some meatier Haitian classics like griot (fried pork Many dishes are far more authentic and skillfully prepared chunks) and oxtail stew are also available – and a $3.99 than those found elsewhere in Miami, like delicate but roast chicken special – seafood is the specialty here: flavorful yu pan quail. Moist sea bass fillet has a beautifully crevette en sauce (steamed shrimp with Creole butter balanced topping of scallion, ginger, cilantro, and subtly sauce), lambi fri (perfectly tenderized fried conch), pois- sweet/salty sauce. And Peking duck is served as three tra- son gros sel (local snapper in a spicy butter sauce), garlic ditional courses: crêpe-wrapped crispy skin, meat sautéed or Creole crabs. The Miami branch has outdoor tiki-hut with crisp veggies, savory soup to finish. $$-$$$ dining. $-$$ W Wine Bistro DeVita’s 3622 NE 2nd Ave. 7251 Biscayne Blvd., 305-754-8282 305-576-7775 This Italian/Argentine pizzeria, housed in a charming bun- Both bistro and retail wine shop, this Design District spot galow and featuring a breezy patio, covers multicultural is run by Florent Blanchet, an energetic young Frenchman bases. If the Old World Rucola pizza (a classic Margherita who was previously a wine distributor. His former gig led topped with arugula, prosciutto, and shredded parmesan) to connections that mean if wine lovers don’t find the doesn’t do the trick, the New World Especial (a Latin pie with bottle they want, Blanchet can probably get it within 24 hearts of palm and boiled eggs) just might. Also available are hours. Food is sophisticated light bites like a shrimp club pastas, salads, sandwiches, dinner entrées (eggplant parmi- sandwich with pancetta and sun-dried tomato aioli, and giana with spaghetti, lomito steak with Argentinean potato smoked duck salad with goat cheese croutons and a salad), and desserts (tiramisu or flan). $ poached egg. At night there are tapas. $-$$ Dogma Grill 7030 Biscayne Blvd., 305-759-3433 Upper Eastside What could induce downtown businessmen to drive to the Upper Eastside to eat at a few outdoor-only tables Andiamo just feet from the busy Boulevard? From the day it 5600 Biscayne Blvd., 305-762-5751 opened, people have been lining up for this stand’s Sharing a building with a long-established Morningside car wash, Andiamo is also part of Mark Soyka’s 55th Continued on page 65

64 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com July 2010 Dining Guide

Restaurant Listings traditional diner entrées (meat loaf, roast turkey, liver and onions), plus burgers, salad platters, and homemade Continued from page 64 chicken soup. $-$$ sauce-garnished, all-beef, soy veggie, turkey, and chicken Kingdom hot dogs. The 22 varieties range from simple to the elabo- 6708 Biscayne Blvd., 305-757-0074 rate (the Athens, topped with a Greek salad, including This indoor/outdoor sports bar serves low-priced but high- extra-virgin olive oil dressing) to near-unbelievable combi- quality steaks, plus more typical bar food that’s actually far nations like the VIP, which includes parmesan cheese and from the usual processed stuff. Philly cheese steak sand- crushed pineapple. New addition: thick, juicy burgers. $ wiches, big enough for two, are made from hand-sliced rib eye; sides include fries and beer-battered onion rings, but also East Side Pizza lightly lemony sautéed spinach. And the burgers rule, particu- 731 NE 79th St., 305-758-5351 larly the Doomsday, a cheese/bacon/mushroom-topped two- Minestrone, sure. But a pizzeria menu with carrot ginger pound monster that turns dinner into a competitive sport. No soup? Similarly many Italian-American pizzerias offer hard liquor, but the beer list makes up for it. $$ entrées like spaghetti and meatballs, but East Side also has pumpkin ravioli in brown butter/sage sauce, wild Luna Café mushroom ravioli, and other surprisingly upscale choices, 4770 Biscayne Blvd., 305-573-5862 including imported Peroni beer. As for the pizza, they are The ground floor of the Wachovia Bank building July not classic pies, available whole or by the slice, made with seem a particularly evocative locale for an Italian eatery, fresh plum tomato sauce and Grande mozzarella (con- but once inside, the charming décor and the staff’s ebul- sidered the top American pizza cheese). Best seating for lient welcome indeed are reminiscent of a café in Italy. eating is at the sheltered outdoor picnic tables. $ The kitchen’s outstanding feature is a brick oven, which turns out designer pizzas and crisp-skinned roast chick- La Q-Bana ens. Otherwise the menu holds few surprises – except 8650 Biscayne Blvd., 305-758-2550 the prices, unusually low for such a stylish place. No dish In case you were wondering if it’s too good to be true -- it isn’t. exceeds $22. $$-$$$ El Q-Bano’s owners are indeed related to the family that oper- ates the original three Palacios de los Jugos -- which means Luna Corner Pizza no more schlepping way out west. Recommended are moist 6815 Biscayne Blvd., 305-507-9209 tamales, tasty sandwiches (especially the drippingly wonderful At this cheerful takeout/delivery place (masterminded by pan con lechon), rich flan, and the fresh tropical juices that the Amatruda family, pizza-makers in Italy since 1968), the justify the aforementioned excesses. For even heartier eaters, concept is fast but high-quality whole pies or single slices. there’s a changing buffet of daily specials and sides. $-$$ Sauce is from flavorful San Marzano tomatoes, and toppings include imported salami picante, pleasantly spicier than Europa Car Wash and Café American pepperoni. Proprietary electric ovens, designed 6075 Biscayne Blvd., 305-754-2357 to transform Luna’s secret 24-flour formula into perfectly Giving new meaning to the food term “fusion,” Europa pliable/foldable crusts in under five minutes, ensure consis- serves up sandwiches, salads, car washes, coffee with crois- tently street-neat eats despite the slices’ massive size (big sants, and Chevron with Techron. Snacks match the casual pies are 20-inchers). $ chicness: sandwiches like the Renato (prosciutto, hot cappic- ola, pepper jack cheese, red peppers, and Romano cheese Magnum Lounge dressing); an elaborate almond-garnished Chinese chicken 709 NE 79th St., 305-757-3368 salad; H&H bagels, the world’s best, flown in from NYC. It’s a restaurant. It’s a lounge. But it’s decidedly not a And the car cleanings are equally gentrified, especially on typical Miami restolounge, or like anything else in Miami. Wednesdays, when ladies are pampered with $10 washes Forbidding from the outside, on the inside it’s like a time- and glasses of sparkling wine while they wait. $ trip to a cabaret in pre-WWII Berlin: bordello-red décor, romantically dim lighting, show-tune live piano bar enter- Garden of Eatin’ tainment, and to match the ambiance, elegantly updated 136 NW 62nd St., 305-754-8050 retro food served with style and a smile. For those feeling Housed in a yellow building that’s nearly invisible from the flush, home-style fried chicken is just like mom used to street, the Garden has the comfortable feel of a beach make — in her wildest dreams. $$$ bar, and generous servings of inexpensive Afro-Caribbean vegan food. Large or small plates, with salad and fried Metro Organic Bistro sweet plantains (plus free soup for eat-in lunchers), are 7010 Biscayne Blvd. served for five or seven bucks. Also available are snacks 305-751-8756 like vegetarian blue corn tacos, desserts like sweet potato Big changes have come to Karma the car wash, the first pie, and a breakfast menu featuring organic blueberry being a separate new name for the revamped restaurant: waffles with soy sausage patties. $ Metro Organic Bistro, an all-organic fine-dining restaurant where simple preparations reveal and enhance natural Gourmet Station flavors. An entirely new menu places emphasis on grilled 7601 Biscayne Blvd., 305-762-7229 organic meat and fish dishes. Try the steak frites — Home-meal replacement, geared to workaholics with organic, grass-fed skirt steak with organic chimichurri and no time to cook, has been popular for years. But the fresh-cut fries. Vegetarians will love the organic portabella Gourmet Station has outlasted most of the competition. foccacia. Dine either inside the architect-designed restau- Main reason: deceptive healthiness. These are meals rant or outdoors on the patio. Beer and wine. $-$$$ that are good for you, yet taste good enough to be bad for you. Favorite items include precision-grilled salmon with Michy’s lemon-dill yogurt sauce, and lean turkey meatloaf with 6927 Biscayne Blvd. homemade BBQ sauce – sin-free comfort food. Food is 305-759-2001 available à la carte or grouped in multimeal plans custom- Don’t even ask why Michele Bernstein, with a top-chef ized for individual diner’s nutritional needs. $$ résumé, not to mention regular Food Network appear- ances, opened a homey restaurant in an emerging but Go To Sushi far from fully gentrified neighborhood. Just be glad she 5140 Biscayne Blvd. did, as you dine on white almond gazpacho or impossibly 305-759-0914 creamy ham and blue cheese croquetas. Though most This friendly, family-run Japanese fast-food eatery offers full entrées also come in half-size portions (at almost original surprises like the Caribbean roll (a festively green halved prices), the tab can add up fast. The star herself parsley-coated maki stuffed with crispy fried shrimp, avo- is usually in the kitchen. Parking in the rear off 69th cado, sweet plantain, and spicy Julyo), or a wonderfully Street. $$$-$$$$ healthful sesame-seasoned chicken soup with spinach, rice noodles, and sizable slices of poultry. Health ensured, Moonchine you can the enjoy a guiltless pig-out on Fireballs: fried 7100 Biscayne Blvd. dumplings of chicken, cabbage, and egg, crusted with 305-759-3999 quills -- really a delectable crunchy noodle mix. $ Like its Brickell-area sibling Indochine, this friendly Asian bistro serves fare from three nations: Japan, Thailand, Jimmy’s East Side Diner and Vietnam. Menus are also similar, split between 7201 Biscayne Blvd., traditional dishes like pad Thai and East/West fusion 305-754-3692 creations like the Vampire sushi roll (shrimp tempura, Open for more than 30 years, Jimmy’s respects the most tomato, cilantro, roasted garlic). But it also carves out its important American diner tradition: Breakfast at any own identity with original creations, including yellow cur- hour. Admittedly the place closes at 4:00 p.m., but still. ry-spiced fried rice. Nearly everything is low in sodium, There are blueberry hot cakes and pecan waffles; eggs fat, and calories. A large rear patio is inviting for dining any style, including omelets and open-face frittatas; and and entertainment. $$-$$$ a full range of sides: biscuits and sausage gravy, grits, hash, hash browns, even hot oatmeal. Also available are Continued on page 66

July 2010 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 65 Dining Guide

Restaurant Listings sausages (mild veal bratwurst, hearty mixed beef/pork egg, avocado, plantains, rice, and beans. Don’t miss margin- photos of their clientele, including national and local bauernwurst, spicy garlicwurst) with homemade mustard ally daintier dishes like sopa de costilla, if this rich shortrib celebs. Particularly popular are homemade pastas, Continued from page 65 and catsup; savory yet near-greaseless potato pancakes; bowl is among the daily homemade soups. Arepas include sauced with Argentine-Italian indulgence rather than and, naturally, schnitzels, a choice of delicate pounded our favorite corn cake: the hefty Aura, stuffed with chorizo, Italian simplicity: crabmeat ravioletti in lobster cream Moshi Moshi pork, chicken, or veal patties served with a half-dozen dif- chicharron, carne desmechada (shredded flank steak), plan- sauce, black squid ink linguini heaped with seafood. 7232 Biscayne Blvd. ferent sauces. $$-$$$ tains, rice, beans, and cheese. $-$$ Though romantic enough for dates, the place is quite kid- 786-220-9404 friendly — and on the terrace, they’ll even feed Fido. $$$ This offspring of South Beach old-timer Moshi Moshi is Soyka The Crab House a cross between a sushi bar and an izakaya (Japanese 5556 NE 4th Court 1551 79th St. Causeway, 305-868-7085 Lemon Twist tapas bar). Even more striking than the hip décor is the 305-759-3117 Established in 1975, this Miami fish house was acquired 908 71st St. food’s unusually upscale quality. Sushi ranges from This expansive, contemporary hangout was often credited by Landry’s in 1996 and is now part of a chain. But 305-865-6465 pristine individual nigiri to over-the-top maki rolls. Tapas with almost single-handedly sparking the revitalization of the classic décor (knotty pine walls, tile floors, booths, In warm weather, we like to hit this French bistro for are intriguing, like arabiki sausage, a sweet-savory pork the Biscayne Corridor’s Upper Eastside. Soyka remains outdoor waterfront deck) still evokes the good old days. either a cornichon-garnished charcuterie platter (includ- fingerling frank; rarely found in restaurants even in Japan, a solid neighborhood restaurant that is a perfect fit for Though the all-you-can-eat seafood/salad buffet ($20 ing mouthwatering Rosette de Lyons salami, hard to they’re popular Japanese home-cooking items. And rice- its area. Comfortably priced yuppie comfort food like lunch, $30 dinner) is a signature, freshness fanatics find in Miami) or the frisée salad with lardons and based plates like Japanese curry (richer/sweeter than meatloaf with mashed potatoes, crab cakes with spicy- will be happiest sticking to à la carte favorites like the poached egg. Add iles flottantes (merengue islands on Indian types) satisfy even the biggest appetites. $-$$$ sweet slaw, a wild mushroom/smoked mozzarella pizza, All-American fisherman’s platters, or global specials like a crème anglaise pond) and a glass of wine, et voila! A or a Cobb salad July not be revolutionary fare, but Soyka Szechuan shrimp, that change seasonally. $$$-$$$$ perfect Parisian light supper. But there’s honest heftier News Lounge continues to thrive while more ambitious, nationally pub- fare, too, like the steak/frites (entrecote with choice 5582 NE 4th Ct. licized restaurants have come and gone. Take-out orders Japanese Market and Sushi Deli of sauce, housemade fries, and a salad), and rich fig 305-758-9932 and breakfast are now available. $$-$$$ 1412 79th St. Causeway, 305-861-0143 tarts. $$$ Mark Soyka’s new News is, as its name suggests, more a Inside a small market that is widely considered Miami’s premier friendly neighborhood hangout and watering hole than a Sushi Siam source of Japanese foodstuffs, the “Sushi Deli” restaurant com- Tamarind Thai full-fledged eatery. Nevertheless the menu of light bites 5582 NE 4th Ct., 305-751-7818 ponent is nothing more than a lunch counter. But chef Michio 946 Normandy Dr. is — along with other lures like an inviting outdoor patio On the menu of sushi-bar specialties plus a small selec- Kushi serves up some sushi found nowhere else in town. 305-861-6222 and rest rooms that resemble eclectic art galleries — part tion of Thai and Japanese cooked dishes, there are a few Example: traditional Osaka-style sushi – layers of rice, seasoned When an eatery’s executive chef is best-selling Thai of the reason visitors stay for hours. Especially recom- surprises, such as a unique lobster maki that’s admittedly seaweed, and marinated fresh mackerel, pressed into a square cookbook author Vatcharin Bhumichitr, you’d expect mended are fat mini-burgers with chipotle ketchup; a brie, huge in price ($25.95), but also in size: six ounces of crisp- box, then cut into lovely one-bite sandwich squares. While raw major media hype, fancy South Beach prices, and a turkey, and mango chutney sandwich on crusty baguette; fried lobster chunks, plus asparagus, avocado, lettuce, fish is always impeccable here, some unusual vegetarian sushi fancy SoBe address. Instead Bhumichitr joined forces and what many feel is the original café’s Greatest Hit: tobiko (flying fish), masago (smelt) roes, and special sauc- creations also tempt, as do daily entrées. $ with Day Longsomboon (an old Thai school pal who’d creamy hummus with warm pita. $ es. Thai dishes come with a choice of more than a dozen moved to Miami) at this unpretentious, authentic (no sauces, ranging from traditional red or green curries to the Mario the Baker sushi) neighborhood place. Some standout dishes Red Light inventive, such as an unconventional honey sauce. $$$ 1700 79th St. Causeway, 305-867-7882 here are featured in the chef’s latest tome, but with 7700 Biscayne Blvd. (See North Miami listing) Tamarind’s very affordable prices, you might as well let 305-757-7773 UVA 69 the man’s impeccably trained kitchen staff do the work From the rustic al fresco deck of chef Kris Wessel’s 6900 Biscayne Blvd., 305-754-9022 Oggi Caffe for you. $$-$$$ intentionally downwardly mobile retro-cool riverfront Owned and operated by brothers Michael and Sinuhé 1666 79th St. Causeway, 305-866-1238 restaurant, you can enjoy regional wildlife like manatees Vega, this casual outdoor/indoor Euro-café and lounge This cozy, romantic spot started back in 1989 as a pasta while enjoying eclectic regional dishes that range from has helped to transform the Boulevard into a hip place factory (supplying numerous high-profile restaurants) as MIAMI SHORES cutting-edge (sour-orange-marinated, sous-vide-cooked to hang out. Lunch includes a variety of salads and well as a neighborhood eatery. And the wide range of bud- Florida lobster with sweet corn sauce) to comfort (crispy- elegant sandwiches like La Minuta (beer-battered mahi- get-friendly, homemade pastas, made daily, remains the Iron Sushi breaded Old South fried green tomatoes). Not surpris- mahi with cilantro aioli and caramelized onions on main draw for its large and loyal clientele. Choices range 9432 NE 2nd Ave. ingly, the chef-driven menu is limited, but several signa- housemade foccacia). Dinner features a range of small from homey, meaty lasagna to luxuriant crab ravioli with 305-754-0311 ture specialties, if available, are not to be missed: BBQ plates (poached figs with Gorgonzola cheese and honey creamy lobster sauce, with occasional forays into creative With three Biscayne Corridor outlets (plus several branch- shrimp in a tangy Worcestershire and cayenne-spiked balsamic drizzle) and full entrées like sake-marinated exotica such as seaweed spaghettini, with sea scallops, es elsewhere in town), this mostly take-out mini chain is butter/wine sauce, irresistible mini conch fritters, and salmon with boniato mash and Ponzu butter sauce, and shitakes, and fresh tomatoes. $$-$$$ fast becoming the Sushi Joint That Ate Miami. And why do homemade ice cream. $$-$$$ crispy spinach. $$-$$$ Miamians eat here? Not ambiance. There isn’t any. But Shuckers Bar & Grill when friends from the Pacific Northwest, where foodies Revales Italian Ristorante Yiya’s Gourmet Cuban Bakery 1819 79th St. Causeway, 305-866-1570 know their fish, tout the seafood’s freshness, we listen. 8601 Biscayne Blvd. 646 NE 79th St., 305-754-3337 “Cheap eats and a million-dollar view” is the sound bite There are some surprisingly imaginative makis, like the 305-758-1010 A true community jewel, this bakery is also a most wel- manager Philip Conklin uses to describe this outdoor Maharaja, featuring fried shrimp and drizzles of curry Owned by two couples (including former Village Café coming café, serving lunch specials from chef Delsa beach bar, hidden in back of a bayfront motel. The joint Julyo. And where else will you find a stacked sushi (five chef Marlon Reyes), this eclectic eatery occupies the Bernardo (who co-owns the place with attorney Abbie dates from South Beach’s late 1980s revival, but the assorted makis) birthday cake? $-$$ former space of Frankie’s Big City Grill, and fulfills Cuellar) that are homemade right down to the herbs kick-off-your-shoes vibe couldn’t be farther from SoBe much the same purpose in the neighborhood as an grown on the bakery’s window sills. Bernardo’s pan con glitz. The food ranges from classic bar favorites (char- Côte Gourmet all-day, family-friendly place with affordable prices. lechon sandwiches and flaky-crusted Cuban pastries are grilled wings, conch fritters, raw or steamed shellfish) to 9999 NE 2nd Ave., #112 The menu includes wraps and elaborate salads of all legend. But she also crafts treats not found at average full dinners featuring steak, homemade pasta, or fresh, 305-754-9012 nations. But simple yet sophisticated Italian specialties Cuban bakeries, like pizzas using housemade Indian naan not frozen, fish. $-$$ If only every Miami neighborhood could have a neighbor- like spaghetti ai fiume (with pancetta, tomato, garlic, bread. Additionally Bernardo carries unique treats pro- hood restaurant like this low-priced little French jewel. basil, and a touch of cream) or yellowtail française duced by a few friends: candies, cupcakes, and exotically Sushi Siam The menu is mostly simple stuff: breakfast croissants, (egg-battered, with lemon-caper-wine sauce) are the flavored flans. $ 1524 NE 79th St. Causeway, 305-864-7638 crêpe, soups, sandwiches, salads, sweets, and a few must-haves here. $$-$$$ (See Miami / Upper Eastside listing) more substantial specials like a Tunisian-style brik (but- tery phyllo pastry stuffed with tuna, onions, potatoes, Royal Bavarian Schnitzel Haus NORTH BAY VILLAGE and tomatoes) with a mesclun side salad. But everything 1085 NE 79th St. NORTH BEACH is homemade, including all breads, and prepared with 305-754-8002 Bocados Ricos impeccable ingredients, classic French technique, and With Christmas lights perpetually twinkling and party nois- 1880 79th St. Causeway, 305-864-4889 Café Prima Pasta meticulous attention to detail, down to the stylish plaid es emanating from a new outdoor biergarten, this German Tucked into a mall best known for its Happy Stork Lounge, 414 71st St., 305-867-0106 ribbons that hold together the café’s baguette sand- restaurant is owner Alex Richter’s one-man gentrification this little luncheonette services big appetites. Along with the Opened in 1993 with 28 seats, this family-run landmark wiches. $-$$ project, transforming a formerly uninviting stretch of 79th usual grilled churrascos, there’s bandeja paisa, Colombia’s has now taken over the block, with an outdoor terrace Street one pils at a time. The fare includes housemade sampler platter of grilled steak, sausage, chicharron, fried and multi-roomed indoor space whose walls are full of Continued on page 67

66 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com July 2010 Dining Guide

Burritos Grill Café Restaurant Listings 11717 Biscayne Blvd., 305-891-1041 Continued from page 66 Originally a friendly little 125th Street hole-in-the-wall that garnered raves for its limited menu of terrifically tasty treats, Mario and Karina Manzanero’s café is now in Miami Shores Country Club more sizable and atmospheric quarters. But the friendly, 10000 Biscayne Blvd., 305-795-2363 family-run (and kid-friendly) ambiance remains, as do the Formerly members-only, the restaurant/lounge facilities authentic Yucatan-style specialties. Standouts include poc- of this classy 1939 club are now open to the public — chuc, a marinated pork loin; tacos al pastor, stuffed with always, lunch and dinner. Not surprisingly, ambiance subtly smoky steak, onion, cilantro, and pineapple; sinful is retro and relaxed, with golf course views from both deep-fried tacos dorados; and signature burritos, including bar and indoor/outdoor dining room. The surprise is the the Julya, filled with juicy cochinita pibil, refried beans, and food — some classic (steaks, club sandwiches) but other pickled onions. $$ dishes quite contemporary: an Asian ahi tuna tower; a lavish candied-walnut, poached-pear, grilled chicken Canton Café salad; and fresh pasta specials. Prices are phenomenal, 12749 Biscayne Blvd. with dinner entrées $9 to $17; drinks average $3 to $4. 305-892-2882 There’s live jazz on Thursday and Friday nights, too. $$ Easily overlooked, this strip-mall spot serves mostly Cantonese-based dishes. However, there are also about Village Café two dozen spicier, Szechuan-style standards like kung po 9540 NE 2nd Ave., 305-759-2211 shrimp, ma po tofu, and General Tso’s chicken. And there After closing for several months in early 2009, this are a few imaginative new items, like the intriguingly café, spruced up to look like a bistro rather than a lun- christened “Shrimp Lost in the Forest,” Singapore curried cheonette (but with the same bargain prices), has been rice noodles, crispy shrimp with honey-glazed walnuts, reopened. The kitchen has also been rejuvenated, with and Mongolian beef (with raw chilis and fresh Oriental head honcho Adam Holm (Whitticar’s original sous chef) basil). Delivery is available for both lunch and dinner. $$ serving up new, globally influenced dishes like mint/ pistachio-crusted lamb or tuna tartare with sriracha aioli, Captain Jim’s Seafood plus reviving old favorites like pork tenderloin with ginger- 12950 W. Dixie Hwy. caramel sauce. $$-$$$ 305-892-2812 This market/restaurant was garnering critical acclaim even NORTH MIAMI when eat-in dining was confined to a few Formica tables in front of the fish counter, owing to the freshness of its sea- Los Antojos food, much of it from Capt. Jim Hanson’s own fishing boats, 11099 Biscayne Blvd., 305-892-1411 which supply many top restaurants. Now there’s a casual If it’s Sunday, it must be sancocho de gallina, Colombia’s but pleasantly nautical side dining room with booths. national dish. If it’s Saturday, it must be ajiaco. Both are Whether it’s garlicky scampi, smoked-fish dip, grilled yellow- thick chicken soups, full meals in a bowl. For Colombian- tail or hog or mutton snapper, perfectly tenderized cracked cuisine novices, a bandeja paisa (sampler including rice, conch or conch fritters, everything is deftly prepared and beans, carne asada, chicharron, eggs, sautéed sweet plan- bargain-priced. $$ tains, and an arepa corn cake) is available every day, as are antojitos – “little whims,” smaller snacks like chorizo con Casa Mia Trattoria arepa (a corn cake with Colombian sausage). And for non- 1950 NE 123rd St. carnivores there are several hefty seafood platters, made 305-899-2770 to order. $$ Tucked away, off to the side on the approach to the Broad Causeway and the beaches, this charming indoor/ Bagels & Co. outdoor trattoria seems to attract mostly neighborhood 11064 Biscayne Blvd., 305-892-2435 regulars. But even newcomers feel like regulars after While this place is often referred to as Guns & Bagels, a few minutes, thanks to the staff’s Italian ebullience. one can’t actually buy a gun here. The nickname refers Menu offerings are mostly classic comfort foods with to its location next to a firearms shop. But there’s a lot of some contemporary items as well. Housemade pastas are other stuff aside from bagels here, including a full range good enough that low-carb dieters should take a break, of sandwiches and wraps. Breakfast time is busy time, especially for the tender gnocchi with pesto or better yet, with banana-walnut pancakes especially popular. But delicate fagottini — “beggar’s purses” stuffed with pears what’s most important is that this is one of the area’s few and cheese. $$ sources of the real, New York-style water bagel: crunchy outside, challengingly chewy inside. $ Chéen-huyae 15400 Biscayne Blvd. Bulldog Barbecue 305-956-2808 15400 Biscayne Blvd., 305-940-9655 Diners can get some Tex-Mex dishes here, if they must. The BBQ master at this small, rustic room is pugnacious But the specialty is Julyan-rooted Yucatan cuisine. So why Top Chef contender Howie Kleinberg, whose indoor electric blow bucks on burritos when one can sample Caribbean smoker turns out mild-tasting ’cue that ranges from the Mexico’s most typical dish: cochinita pibil? Chéen’s authen- expected pulled pork, ribs, brisket, and chicken to hot- tically succulent version of the pickle-onion-topped marinat- smoked salmon and veggie plates. There are also creative ed pork dish is earthily aromatic from achiote, tangy from comfort food starters like BBQ chicken flatbread, salads, bitter oranges, and meltingly tender from slow cooking in and sweets. Sides include refreshing slaw; beans studded a banana leaf wrap. To accompany, try a lime/soy/chili- with “burnt ends” (the most intensely flavored outer barbe- spiced michelada, also authentically Mexican, and possibly cue chunks); and sweet potato or chipotle-spiced fries. The the best thing that ever happened to dark beer. $$-$$$ cost is comparatively high, but such is the price of fame. $$-$$$ Continued on page 68

July 2010 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 67 Dining Guide

Restaurant Listings Little Havana bistro fare: frisée salad with lardons, poached egg, and cheese is Grande (from Wisconsin, considered America’s 12727 Biscayne Blvd., 305-899-9069 bacon vinaigrette; truite Grenobloise (trout with lemon/ finest pizza topper). Also on the menu are Italian- Continued from page 67 In addition to white-tablecoth ambiance, this place fea- caper sauce); consommé with black truffles and foie gras, American pastas, a large selection of hot an cold subs, tures live Latin entertainment and dancing, making it covered by a buttery puff pastry dome; perfect pommes simple salads, and a few new protein adds – grilled Chef Creole a good choice when diners want a night out, not just a frites, and equally perfect apple or lemon tarts for dessert. chicken breast, fried fish, or a steak. $-$$ 13105 W. Dixie Hwy. meal. It’s also a good choice for diners who don’t speak $$$ 305-893-4246 Spanish, but don’t worry about authenticity. Classic Cuban Wong’s Chinese Restaurant (See Miami listing) home-style dishes like mojo-marinated lechon asado, Sara’s 12420 Biscayne Blvd., 305-891-4313 topped with onions, and juicy ropa vieja are translated 2214 NE 123rd St., 305-891-3312 The menu reads like a textbook on how to please everyone, D.J.’s Diner on the menu, not the plate, and fancier creations like While this mainly vegetarian kosher place is best known for its with food ranging from traditional Chinese to Chinese- 12210 Biscayne Blvd., 305-893-5250 pork filet in tangy tamarind sauce seem universal crowd- pizza (New York-style medium crust or thick-crusted Sicilian, American to just plain American. Appetizers include honey Located in a Best Western motel, this place, run by a pleasers. $$$ topped with veggies and/or “meat buster” imitation meats), garlic chicken wings or Buffalo wings. A crab-claw starter Chinese-American family, serves mostly basic American it’s also offers a full range of breakfast/lunch/dinner vegetar- comes with choice of pork fried rice or French fries. diner fare – burgers, sandwiches, about a dozen din- Mama Jennie’s ian cuisine of all nations, with many dairy and seafood items Seafood lovers can get shrimp chop suey, or salty pep- ner entrées, fresh-baked apple pie, and, oddly, a whole 11720 NE 2nd Ave., 305-757-3627 too. Admittedly the cutesie names of many items – baygels, per shrimp (authentically shell-on). And New Yorkers will section of Caesar salad variations. But it’s also a secret For more than 35 years this beloved red-sauce joint has bergerrbite, Cezarrrr salad, hammm, meat-a-ball, schmopperrr find a number of dishes that are mainstays of Manhattan source for Chinese food, mostly chow mien/chop suey- been drawing students and other starvation-budget din- – July cause queasiness. But the schmopperrr itself is one Szechuan menus but not common in Miami: cold sesame type dishes, but also a few dishes such as eggplant with ers with prodigious portions of lasagna, spaghetti and helluva high-octane veggie burger. $-$$ noodles, Hunan chicken, twice-cooked pork. $$ garlic sauce and ma po tofu that are a step up in authen- meatballs (the latter savory yet light-textured), veal marsala ticity. $-$$ topped with a mountain of mushrooms, and other Italian- Steve’s Pizza Woody’s Famous Steak Sandwich American belly-busters. All pasta or meat entrées come 12101 Biscayne Blvd., 305-891-0202 13105 Biscayne Blvd., 305-891-1451 Here Comes the Sun with oil-drenched garlic rolls and either soup (hearty min- At the end of a debauched night of excess, some paper-thin The griddle has been fired up since 1954 at this indie 2188 NE 123rd St., 305-893-5711 estrone) or a salad (mixed greens, tomatoes, cukes, brined designer pizza with wisps of smoked salmon (or similar fluff) fast-food joint, and new owners have done little to change At this friendly natural foods establishment, one of olives, and pickled peppers) that’s a dinner in itself. Rustic doesn’t do the trick. Open till 3:00 or 4:00 a.m., Steve’s has, the time-tested formula except to stretch operating hours Miami’s first, there’s a full stock of vitamins and nutritional roadhouse ambiance, notably the red leatherette booths, since 1974, been serving the kind of comforting, retro pizzas into the night and expand its classic menu to include a few supplements. But the place’s hearty soups, large variety add to Mama’s charm. $-$$ people crave at that hour. As in Brooklyn, tomato sauce is health-conscious touches like Caesar salad, plus a note of entrées (including fresh fish and chicken as well as sweet, with strong oregano flavor. Mozzarella is applied with proclaiming their oils are free of trans fats. Otherwise the vegetarian selections), lighter bites like miso burgers with Mario the Baker abandon. Toppings are stuff that give strength: pepperoni, famous steak sandwich is still a traditional Philly. Drippin’ secret “sun sauce” (which would probably make old sneak- 13695 W. Dixie Highway, 305-891-7641 sausage, meatballs, onions, and peppers. $ good burgers, too. And unlike MacChain addicts, patrons ers taste good), and daily specials are a tastier way to get At this North Miami institution (opened in 1969) food is here can order a cold beer with the good grease. $-$$ healthy. An under-ten-buck early-bird dinner is popular with Italian-American, not Italian-Italian: spaghetti and meat- Tokyo Bowl the former long-hair, now blue-hair, crowd. Frozen yogurt, balls, lasagna, eggplant parmigiana, and hot or cold subs. 12295 Biscayne Blvd., 305-892-9400 Yes Pasta! fresh juices, and smoothies complete the menu. $-$$ No imported buffala, arugula, or other chichi stuff on the This fast-food drive-thru (unexpectedly serene inside) is 14871 Biscayne Blvd., 305-944-1006 New York-style medium-thin-crusted pizzas; the top top- named for its feature item, big budget-priced bowls of rice or The space, formerly a Pasha’s, isn’t posh. But minimal- Le Griot de Madame John ping here is the savory housemade sausage. And no one noodles topped with cooked Japanese-style items like teriyaki ism fits a partially self-service Italian eatery centering 975 NE 125th St. leaves without garlic rolls, awash in warm parsley oil and fish (fresh fish sautéed with vegetables), curried chicken and on a DIY concept: mix-and-match pastas. Diners choose 305-892-9333 smashed garlic. New branches are now open in Miami’s veggies, spicy shrimp, or gyoza dumplings in tangy sauce. one of seven pasta types, then one of 15 sauces, rang- When Madame moved her base of operations from her Little Midtown neighborhood and in North Bay Village. $ There’s also an all-you-can-eat deal – sushi (individual nigiri or ing from simple tomato/basil to funghi e tartufi (wild Haiti home to a real restaurant (though a very informal one, maki rolls) plus tempura, teriyaki, and other cooked items for mushrooms in truffle sauce), decadent Alfredo, creamy and still mostly take-out), she began offering numerous tra- Petit Rouge $14; three bucks more for sashimi instead of sushi. $-$$ yet clean-tasting Flaminia (puréed yellow peppers with ditional Haitian dishes, including jerked beef or goat tassot 12409 Biscayne Blvd., 305-892-7676 black pepper), and more. Also available are panini (on and an impressive poisson gros sel (a whole fish rubbed with From the mid-1990s (with Neal’s Restaurant and later with Venezia Pizza and Café excellent bread), salads, soups, imported salumi or salt before poaching with various veggies and spices). But Il Migliore), local chef Neal Cooper’s neighborhood-oriented 13452 Biscayne Blvd., 305-940-1808 cheese platters, desserts, and several wines. $$ the dish that still packs the place is the griot: marinated pork Italian eateries have been crowd-pleasers. While this cute No frozen pizza crusts or watery mozzarella here. No chunks simmered and then fried till they’re moistly tender 32-seat charmer is French, it’s no exception, avoiding imported designer ingredients either. The pies are New inside, crisp and intensely flavored outside. $ pretense and winning fans with both classic and nouvelle York-style, but the dough is made fresh daily, and the Continued on page 69

68 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com July 2010 Dining Guide

Restaurant Listings China Restaurant waiters. What spectacularly differentiates Flamma: its set- Hiro Japanese Restaurant 178 NE 167th St., 305-947-6549 ting on the Intracoastal Waterway. But also spectacular is 3007 NE 163rd St Continued from page 68 When you have a yen for the Americanized Chinese fusion a Monday-Thursday two-for-one dinner deal with a coupon 305-948-3687 dishes you grew up with, all the purist regional Chinese available at Flamma. Unbelievable but true. $$$$ One of Miami’s first sushi restaurants, Hiro retains an NORTH MIAMI BEACH cuisine in the world won’t scratch the itch. So the menu amusing retro-glam feel, an extensive menu of both here, containing every authentically inauthentic Chinese- El Gran Inka sushi and cooked Japanese food, and late hours that Bamboo Garden American classic you could name, is just the ticket when 3155 NE 163rd St., 305-940-4910 make it a perennially popular after-hours snack stop. 1232 NE 163rd St. nostalgia strikes – from simple egg rolls to pressed Though diners at this upscale Peruvian eatery will find The sushi menu has few surprises, but quality is reli- 305-945-1722 almond duck (majorly breaded boneless chunks, with ceviches, a hefty fried-seafood jalea, and Peru’s other able. Most exceptional are the nicely priced yakitori, Big enough for a banquet (up to 300 guests), this vet- comfortingly thick gravy). $-$$ expected traditional specialties, all presented far more skewers of succulently soy-glazed and grilled meat, eran is many diners’ favorite on the 163rd/167th Street elegantly than most in town, the contemporary Peruvian fish, and vegetables; the unusually large variety avail- “Chinatown” strip because of its superior décor. But the Chipotle Mexican Grill fusion creations are unique. Especially recommended are able of the last makes this place a good choice for menu also offers well-prepared, authentic dishes like 14776 Biscayne Blvd., 305-947-2779 two dishes adapted from recipes by Peru’s influential nik- vegetarians. $$ peppery black bean clams, sautéed mustard greens, Proving that national fast-food chains don’t have to be kei (Japanese/Creole) chef Rosita Yimura: an exquisite, and steamed whole fish with ginger and scallions, plus bad for either diners or the environment, Chipotle serves delicately sauced tiradito de corvina, and for those with Hiro’s Sushi Express Chinese-American egg foo young. Default spicing is mild what the company calls “food with integrity.” The fare no fear of cholesterol, pulpo de oliva (octopus topped with 17048 W. Dixie Hwy. even in Szechuan dishes marked with red-chili icons, but is simple, basically tacos and big burritos: soft flour rich olive sauce). $$$-$$$$ 305-949-0776 don’t worry; realizing some like it hot, the chefs will cus- or crisp corn to rtillas stuffed with chipotle-marinated Tiny, true, but there’s more than just sushi at this mostly tomize spiciness to heroic heat levels upon request. $$ steak or chicken chunks, bolder shredded beef bar- G-Coffee take-out spin-off of the pioneering Hiro. Makis are the bacoa, or herb-scented pork carnitas. But these bites 3507 NE 163rd St. mainstay (standard stuff like California rolls, more Blue Marlin Fish House contain no evil ingredients (transfats, artificial color/ 305-956-5556 complex creations like multi-veg futomaki, and a few 2500 NE 163rd St. flavor, antibiotics, growth hormones). And the food, while When a cup of regular American joe is as complex and unexpected treats like a spicy Crunch & Caliente maki), 305-957-8822 not the authentic Mex street stuff dreams are made of, boldly flavored as a gourmet coffeehouse’s priciest brews available à la carte or in value-priced individual and party Located inside Oleta River State Park, this casual outdoor is darned tasty, too. $ -- but cheaper -- the creator deserves support, especially combo platters. But there are also bento boxes featuring eatery is a rare surprise for nature lovers. The featured when the coffee is organic and the company supports tempura, yakitori skewers, teriyaki, stir-fried veggies, and item is still the house-smoked fish this historic venue Christine’s Roti Shop fair trade and sustainable production. To accompany udon noodles. Another branch is now open in Miami’s began producing in 1938, available in three varieties: 16721 NE 6th Ave., 305-770-0434 the admirable coffees and teas, G serves paninis plus Upper Eastside. $ salmon, mahi mahi, and the signature blue marlin. But the Wraps are for wimps. At this small shop run by Christine sweets ranging from guava-stuffed croissants to gelato. smokehouse now also turns out ribs and delectable bris- Gouvela, originally from British Guyana, the wrapper is Service is speedy, but a relaxed ambiance, comfortable Hiro’s Yakko-San ket. Other new additions include weekend fish fries. Entry a far more substantial and tasty roti, a Caribbean mega- contemporary décor, and free WiFi all encourage luxuriant 17040 W. Dixie Hwy. is directly from 163rd Street, not through the main park crepe made from chickpea flour. Most popular filling for lingering. $ 305-947-0064 entrance. No admission fee. $ the flatbread is probably jerk chicken, bone-in pieces in After sushi chefs close up their own restaurants for the a spiced stew of potatoes, cabbage, carrots, onions, and Hanna’s Gourmet Diner night, many come here for a rare taste of Japanese Café Boogalu more chickpeas. But there are about a dozen other cur- 13951 Biscayne Blvd. home cooking, served in grazing portions. Try glistening- 14480 Biscayne Blvd. ries from which to choose. Take-out packages of plain roti 305-947-2255 fresh strips of raw tuna can be had in maguro nuta 305-949-1900 are also available; they transform myriad leftovers into When Sia and Nicole Hemmati bought the Gourmet Diner – mixed with scallions and dressed with habit-forming This fast-casual Brazilian eatery is the first U.S. branch of a tasty, portable lunches. $ from retiring original owner Jean-Pierre Lejeune in the late honey-miso mustard sauce. Other favorites include chain from Recife, where, legend has it, the food is unusu- 1990s, they added “Hanna’s” to the name, but changed goma ae (wilted spinach, chilled and dressed in sesame ally tasty owing to the magical influence of a sacred African Flamma Brazilian Steakhouse little else about this retro-looking French/American diner, sauce), garlic stem and beef (mild young shoots flash- rhinoceros named Boogalu, who escaped from a private 3913 NE 163rd St., (Intracoastal Mall) a north Miami-Dade institution since 1983. Customers fried with tender steak bits), or perhaps just-caught grou- zoo into the region’s jungles some 150 years ago. Judge for 305-957-9900 can get a cheeseburger or garlicky escargots, meatloaf per with hot/sweet/tangy chili sauce. Open till around yourself by sampling our more modern pick, the Boogalu The rodizio formula is familiar: Pay one price ($39.90 for in tomato sauce or boeuf bourguignon in red wine sauce, 3:00 a.m. $$ salad (sesame-topped shrimp, mixed greens, sun-dried dinner, $29.90 at Sunday brunch), then eat till you drop iceberg lettuce and tomatoes, or a mushroom and squid tomato, and mozzarella, with an unusual sweet peach dress- from a groaning salad/appetizer bar and a massive selec- salad with garlic dressing. For oysters Rockefeller/tuna- ing). For heavier eaters there are rhino-size steak, chicken, tion of beef, pork, lamb, poultry, sausage, and fish (16 vari- melt couples from Venus and Mars, it remains the ideal Continued on page 70 seafood, and pasta entrées for mouse-size prices. $$ eties at dinner; 5 at brunch) carved tableside by costumed dinner date destination. $$-$$$

A Cozy Neighborhood Trattoria where friends and family dine!

ROLLBACK PRICES! CHOICECHOICE OFOF STARTER: Pasta Faglioli Tomato Bread Soup $21.95 Baby Mixed Greens Caesar Salad per person* CHOICECHOICE OF ENTREE:ENTREE: Free Glass of House Wine Chicken Marsala with Three-Course Meal Chicken Parmesan Tilapia Picatta 2576 NE Miami Gardens Dr. Grilled Salmon Aventura FL 33180 10 oz. Chopped Sirloin Steak For Reservations Call: Sauteed Calves Liver (305)792-2902 Rigatoni Alla Norma Penne Amatriciana Lunch Mon-Fri 11:30 am-3pm Lasagna Bolognese Dinner Mon-Sat 5pm-10pm Ravioli Di Ricotta E Spinaci www.trattoriailmigliore.com Now Available for Private CHOICECHOICE OF DESSERT:DESSERT: Parties (40-75 people) Key Lime Pie Chocolate Mousse Mini Canolis Rice Pudding *Dinner served 5-6 p.m. Ricotta Cheese Cake Biscotti NO SHARING New York Cheesecake Zagat Rated Sun-Sentinel Best Dining Coffee or Tea

July 2010 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 69 Dining Guide

Restaurant Listings Lime Fresh Mexican Grill and/or rare dishes not found elsewhere. Plus he doesn’t a mere 15 bucks. All the other Jewish deli classics are 14831 Biscayne Blvd., 305-949-8800 automatically curtail the heat or sweetness levels to here too, including perfectly sour pickles, silky hand-sliced Continued from page 69 (See Midtown / Wynwood / Design District listing) please Americans. Among the most intriguing: moo khem nova or lox, truly red-rare roast beef, and the cutest two- phad wan (chewy deep-fried seasoned pork strips with bite mini-potato pancakes ever — eight per order, served Heelsha Laurenzo’s Market Café fiery tamarind dip, accompanied by crisp green papaya with sour cream and applesauce. $$ 1550 NE 164th St., 305-919-8393 16385 W. Dixie Hwy., 305-945-6381 salad); broad rice noodles stir-fried with eye-opening If unusual Bangladeshi dishes like fiery pumpkin patey It’s just a small area between the wines and the fridge chili/garlic sauce and fresh Thai basil; and chili-topped Salsa Fiesta (cooked with onion, green pepper, and pickled mango) counters – no potted palms, and next-to-no service in this Diamond Duck in tangy tamarind sauce. $$-$$$ 2929 Biscayne Blvd., 305-400-8245 or Heelsha curry (succulently spiced hilsa, Bangladesh’s cafeteria-style space. But when negotiating this international The first stateside offshoot of a popular Venezuelan mini sweet-fleshed national fish) seem familiar, it’s because gourmet market’s packed shelves and crowds has depleted Paquito’s chain, this “urban Mexican grill” serves health-conscious, chef/owner Bithi Begum and her husband Tipu Raman your energies, it’s a handy place to refuel with eggplant 16265 Biscayne Blvd., 305-947-5027 made-fresh-daily fare similar in concept to some fast- once served such fare at the critically acclaimed Renaisa. parmesan and similar Italian-American classics, housemade From the outside, this strip-mall Mexican eatery couldn’t casual competitors. But there are indeed differences Their menu’s mix-and-match option allows diners to pair from old family recipes. Just a few spoonfuls of Wednesday’s be easier to overlook. Inside, however, its festivity is here, notably pan-Latin options: black beans as well as their choice of meat, poultry, fish, or vegetable with more hearty pasta fagiole, one of the daily soup specials, could impossible to resist. Every inch of wall space seems to be red; thin, delightfully crunchy tostones (available as a than a dozen regional sauces, from familiar Indian styles keep a person shopping for hours. And now that pizza mas- covered with South of the Border knickknacks. And if the side or as the base for a uniquely tasty take on normal to exotica like satkara, flavored with a Bangladeshi citrus ter Carlo is manning the wood-fired oven, you can sample kitschy décor alone doesn’t cheer you, the quickly arriving nachos). Other pluses include weekday happy hours with reminiscent of sour orange. $$-$$$ the thinnest, crispiest pies outside Napoli. $-$$ basket of fresh (not packaged) taco chips, or the mariachi two-for-one beers -- and free parking. $-$$ band, or the knockout margaritas will. Food ranges from Iron Sushi Little Saigon Tex-Mex burritos and a party-size fajita platter to authentic Sang’s Chinese Restaurant 16350 W. Dixie Hwy., 305-945-2244 16752 N. Miami Ave., 305-653-3377 Mexican moles and harder-to-find traditional preparations 1925 NE 163rd St., 305-947-7076 (See Miami Shores listing)? This is Miami’s oldest traditional Vietnamese restaurant, like albóndigas – spicy, ultra-savory meatballs. $$-$$$ Sang’s has three menus. The pink menu is Americanized but it’s still packed most weekend nights. So even the Chinese food, from chop suey to honey garlic chicken. The Jerusalem Market and Deli place’s biggest negative – its hole-in-the-wall atmosphere, Pizza Fusion white menu permits the chef to show off his authentic 16275 Biscayne Blvd., 305-948-9080 not encouraging of lingering visits – becomes a plus since 14815 Biscayne Blvd., 305-405-6700 Chinese fare: salt and pepper prawns, rich beef/turnip cas- Specialties like shawarma, spinach pies, kebabs, hum- it ensures fast turnover. Chef/owner Lily Tao is typically in “Saving the earth one pizza at a time” is the motto at this serole, tender salt-baked chicken, even esoterica like aba- mus, and kibbeh (a savory mix of ground lamb and bul- the kitchen, crafting green papaya salad, flavorful beef noo- franchise of the only pizza chain to require third-party lone with sea cucumber. The extensive third menu offers gur) are native to many Middle East countries, but when a dle pho (served with greens, herbs, and condiments that organic restaurant certification at all locations. Their dim sum, served until 4:00 p.m. A live tank allows seasonal Lebanese chef/owner, like this eatery’s Sam Elzoor, is at make it not just a soup but a whole ceremony), and many gluten-free crusts make it mighty friendly to pizza fanatics seafood dishes like lobster with ginger and scallion. the helm, you can expect extraordinary refinement. There other Vietnamese classics. The menu is humongous. $-$$ with food allergies. Starters, salads, desserts, and organic Recently installed: a Chinese barbecue case, displaying are elaborate daily specials here, like lemon chicken or wines/beers are also served. And delivery is available — in savory items like crispy pork with crackling attached. $$$ stuffed cabbage with a variety of sides, but even a com- Mary Ann Bakery hybrid cars, of course. Specials unique to this NMB fran- mon falafel sandwich is special when the pita is also 1284 NE 163rd St., 305-945-0333 chise include Sunday-Thursday happy hours, a free Kids Shing Wang Vegetarian, Icee & Tea House stuffed with housemade cabbage and onion salads, plus Don’t be unduly alarmed by the American birthday cakes in Organic Club class on Saturdays, 10:00-11:00 a.m., and 237 NE 167th St., 305-654-4008 unusually rich and tart tahina. $-$$ the window. At this small Chinese bakery the real finds are the varied Monday-Wednesday freebies. $-$$ At this unique Taiwanese eatery, run by a trio of Taipei- Chinatown-style baked buns and other savory pastries, filled trained female chefs, all seafood, poultry, and meats in the Kabobji with roast pork, bean sauce, and curried ground beef. Prices PK Oriental Mart budget-priced entrées ($6.95) are mock – imitations made 3055 NE 163rd St. are under a buck, making them an exotic alternative to fast- 255 NE 167th St., 305-654-9646 from wheat gluten, tofu, and vegetables. But don’t mock it 305-354-8484 food dollar meals. There’s one table for eat-in snackers. $ Unlike other Asian markets on this strip between I-95 and till you try the quite beefy pepper steak, or smokin’ duck, This place makes a very good tahini sauce. In fact that Biscayne Boulevard, PK has a prepared-food counter, with slices that mimic the charcuterie item down to convinc- alone is reason enough to visit. We prefer ours with this The Melting Pot serving authentic Chinatown barbecue, with appropriate ing faux fat. Other main dishes feature recognizable veggies bright, cheery eatery’s delightfully oniony falafel or a veg- 15700 Biscayne Blvd., 305-947-2228 dipping sauces included. Weekends bring the biggest or noodles. As for the rest of the name: icee is shaved ice, garnished wrap of thin-sliced marinated beef schwarma. For 1950s and 1960s college students, fondue pots selection, including barbecued ribs and pa pei duck an over-the-top dessert that’s a sort of a slurpee sundae, They also do a beautifully spiced, and reassuringly fresh- were standard dorm accessories. These days, however, (roasted, then deep-fried till extra crisp and nearly free with toppings that vary from the familiar (fresh fruits) to tasting, raw kibbi naye (Middle Eastern steak tartare). It’s branches of this chain are generally the only places to go of subcutaneous fat). Available every day are juicy, soy- the weird (grass jelly, sweet corn, kidney beans, rice balls, hard to resist putting together a grazing meal of starters for this eating experience. Start with a wine-enriched four- marinated roast chickens, roast pork strips, crispy pork, chocolate pudding). And the bubble tea is a must-not-miss. and wraps, but there’s also a roster of full entrées (with cheese fondue; proceed to an entrée with meat or seafood, and whole roast ducks – hanging, beaks and all. But no Using housemade syrup, the cold, refreshing boba comes in soup or salad plus starch), including tempting vegetarian plus choice of cooking potion (herbed wine, bouillon, or oil); worries; a counterperson will chop your purchase into numerous flavors (mango, taro, even actual tea), all supple- and seafood meals for noncarnivores. $$ finish with fruits and cakes dipped in melted chocolate. bite-size, beakless pieces. $ mented with signature black tapioca balls that, slurped Fondue etiquette dictates that diners who drop a skewer through large-diameter straws, are a guaranteed giggle. $ Kebab Indian Restaurant in the pot must kiss all other table companions, so go with Racks Italian Kitchen 514 NE 167th St., 305-940-6309 those you love. $$$ 3933 NE 163rd St. (Intracoastal Mall) Siam Square Since the 1980s this restaurant, located in an unatmo- 305-917-7225 54 NE 167th St. spheric mini strip mall but surprisingly romantic inside Oishi Thai The complexity of the Racks concept makes a sound- 305-944-9697 (especially if you grab one of the exotically draped booths) 14841 Biscayne Blvd. bite description impossible. It’s part Italian market, with Open until 1:00 a.m. every day except Sunday (when is closes has been a popular destination for reasonably priced 305-947-4338 salumi, cheeses, and other artisan products plus take-out at midnight), this relatively new addition to North Miami Beach’s north Indian fare. Kormas are properly soothing and At this stylish Thai/sushi spot, try the menu of specials, prepared foods; part enoteca (wine bar, featuring snacks “Chinatown” strip has become a popular late-night gathering vindaloos are satisfactorily searing, but the kitchen will many of which clearly reflect the young chef’s fanatical like addictive Portobello fritti with truffle aioli, especially spot for chefs from other Asian restaurants. And why not? The adjust seasonings upon request. They aim to please. Food devotion to fresh fish, as well as the time he spent in enjoyable on the waterfront deck); part ristorante (pastas food is fresh, nicely presented, and reasonably priced. The arrives unusually fast for an Indian eatery, too. $$ the kitchen of Knob: broiled miso-marinated black cod; and other Big Food); part pizzeria. What’s important: All kitchen staff is willing to customize dishes upon request, and rock shrimp tempura with creamy sauce; even Nobu components feel and taste authentically Italian. Just don’t the serving staff is reliably fast. Perhaps most important, kara- King Palace Matsuhisa’s “new style sashimi” (slightly surface-seared miss the coal-oven pizza. Superior toppings (including oke equipment is in place when the mood strikes. $-$$ 330 NE 167th St., 305-949-2339 by drizzles of hot olive and sesame oil). The specials unusually zesty tomato sauce) plus an astonishingly light The specialties here are authentic Chinatown-style barbe- menu includes some Thai-inspired creations, too, such as yet chewy crust make Racks’ pies a revelation. $$ Scorch Grillhouse and Wine Bar cue (whole ducks, roast pork strips, and more, displayed veal massaman curry, Chilean sea bass curry, and sizzling 13750 Biscayne Blvd. in a glass case by the door), and fresh seafood dishes, filet mignon with basil sauce. $$$-$$$$ Roasters & Toasters 305-949-5588 the best made with the live fish swimming in two tanks 18515 NE 18th Ave., 305-830-3354 Though some food folks were initially exasperated when by the dining room entrance. There’s also a better-than- Panya Thai Attention ex-New Yorkers: Is your idea of food porn one of yet another Latin-influenced grill replaced one of our area’s average selection of seasonal Chinese veggies. The menu 520 NE 167th St., 305-945-8566 the Carnegie Deli’s mile-high pastrami sandwiches? Well, few Vietnamese restaurants, it’s hard to bear a grudge at is extensive, but the best ordering strategy, since the Unlike authentic Chinese cuisine, there’s no shortage Roasters will dwarf them. Consider the “Carnegie-style” a friendly, casual neighborhood place that offers monster place is usually packed with Asians, is to see what looks of genuine Thai food in and around Miami. But Panya’s monster containing, according to the menu, a full pound good on nearby tables, and point. $$ chef/owner, a Bangkok native, offers numerous regional of succulent meat (really 1.4 pounds; we weighed it), for Continued on page 71

70 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com July 2010 Dining Guide

Restaurant Listings other delectable deli specialty known to humankind. $$ know you were dining in a shopping mall -- or in the new mil- Pilar lennium. This upscale mini chain salutes America’s great grill 20475 Biscayne Blvd., 305-937-2777 Continued from page 70 Bella Luna restaurants of yesteryear, with prodigious portions of char- Chef/owner Scott Fredel previously worked for Norman 19575 Biscayne Blvd., Aventura Mall, 305-792-9330 broiled meats and seafood, plus classics like creamy chicken Van Aken and Mark Militello. He has been executive chef ten-ounce char-grilled burgers, with potatoes or salad, for If the menu here looks familiar, it should. It’s nearly identical pot pie. New retro dishes are added quarterly, but our favorite at Rumi, and cooked at NYC’s James Beard House. Armed $8.50; steaks, plus a side and a sauce or veg topper, for to that at the Upper Eastside’s Luna Café and, with minor remains Sunday night’s prime rib special: a $32 hunk of juicy with those impressive credentials, Fredel and his wife nine bucks at lunch, $15 to $18.75 (the menu’s top price) variations, at all the rest of Tom Billante’s eateries (Rosalia, beef that’ll take care of Monday’s meals too. $$$$$ launched Pilar (named for Hemingway’s boat) aiming to at night; and three-dollar glasses of decent house wine. $-$$ Villaggio, Carpaccio), right down to the typeface. But no argu- prove that top restaurants can be affordable. Consider ment from here. In a mall – a setting more accustomed to Mahogany Grille it proven. Floribbean-style seafood is the specialty: fresh Sushi House food court – dishes like carpaccio al salmone (crudo, with por- 2190 NW 183rd St., 305-626-8100 hearts of palm slaw and Caribbean curry sauce, rock 15911 Biscayne Blvd., 305-947-6002 tobellos, capers, parmesan slices, and lemon/tomato dress- Mahogany Grille has drawn critical raves and an interna- shrimp spring rolls with sweet soy glaze, yellowtail snap- In terms of décor drama, this sushi spot seems to have ing) and linguine carbonara (in creamy sauce with pancetta tional clientele since retired major league outfielder Andre per with tomato-herb vinaigrette. Forget its strip-mall loca- taken its cue from Philippe Starck: sheer floor-to-ceiling and shallots) are a breath of fresh, albeit familiar, air. $$-$$$ Dawson and his brother transformed this place in 2007. tion. The restaurant itself is elegant. $$-$$$ drapes, for starters. The sushi list, too, is over the top, fea- Today it’s white tablecloths and, naturally, mahogany. turing monster makis like the Cubbie Comfort: spicy tuna, Bourbon Steak The menu is a sort of trendy yet traditional soul fusion of Pizza Roma soft-shell crab, shrimp and eel tempura, plus avocado, jala- 19999 W. Country Club Dr. food from several African diaspora regions: Carolina Low 19090 NE 29th Ave. peños, and cilantro, topped with not one but three sauces: (Fairmont Hotel, Turnberry Resort), 786-279-0658 Country (buttery cheese grits with shrimp, sausage, and 305-937-4884 wasabi, teriyaki, and spicy Julyo. Hawaiian King Crab con- At Bourbon Steak, a venture in the exploding restaurant cream gravy), the Caribbean (conch-packed fritters or Despite its name, this homey hidden eatery serves not tains unprecedented ingredients like tomatoes, green pep- empire of chef Michael Mina, a multiple James Beard award salad), and the Old South (lightly buttermilk-battered fried Rome’s wood-cooked, crunchy-crusted pizzas but New York- pers, and pineapple. Boutique wines, artisan sakes, and winner, steakhouse fare is just where the fare starts. There chicken). The chicken is perhaps Miami’s best. $$-$$$ style pies with medium-thick crusts pliable enough to fold in cocktails are as exotic as the cuisine. $$$-$$$$ are also Mina’s ingenious signature dishes, like an elegant half for neat street eating. Unlike chains, though, this indie is deconstructed lobster/baby vegetable pot pie, a raw bar, and Mo’s Bagels & Deli accommodating, so if you want your crust thin and crisp, just Sushi Sake enough delectable vegetable/seafood starters and sides for 2780 NE 187th St., 305-936-8555 ask. Also featured are Italian-American entrées like baked 13551 Biscayne Blvd., 305-947-4242 noncarnivores to assemble a happy meal. But don’t neglect While the term “old school” is used a lot to describe this manicotti (that’s “mani-goat”, for those not from NJ) big Chic Asian-accented décor, video screens, 99-cent drink the steak — flavorful dry-aged Angus, 100-percent Wagyu spacious (160-seat) establishment, it actually opened in enough to share, and sub sandwiches, here called “bullets,” deals, and late-night hours make this hip hangout not American “Kobe,” swoonworthy grade A5 Japanese Kobe, and 1995. It just so evokes the classic NY delis we left behind to put you in a Sopranos frame of mind. $$ just a sushi bar but sort of a neighborhood bar, too. That butter-poached prime rib, all cooked to perfection. $$$$$ that it seems to have been here forever. Example: Lox and said, the sushi is impressive, mainly because seafood nova aren’t pallid, prepackaged fish, but custom-sliced The Soup Man is delivered daily and all except the shrimp is fresh, not Chef Allen’s from whole slabs. And bagels are hand-rolled, chewy cham- 20475 Biscayne Blvd. #G-8 frozen (as is customary at most Miami sushi places). Also 19088 NE 29th Ave., 305-935-2900 pions, not those machine-made puffy poseurs. As compli- 305-466-9033 notable: All sauces are housemade. Cooked makis like a After 20 years of success in the same location, many chefs mentary pastry bites suggest, and the massive size of the The real soup man behind this franchise is Al Yeganeh, an crunch-topped Miami Heat are most popular, but it’s as would coast on their backlog of tried-and-true dishes. And it’s succulent, sufficiently fatty pastrami sandwiches confirm, antisocial Manhattan restaurant proprietor made notori- sashimi that the fish’s freshness truly shines. $$-$$$ doubtful that kindly Allen Susser would freak out his many generous Jewish Mo(m) spirit shines here. $$ ous, on a Seinfeld episode, as “the soup Nazi.” On the regulars by eliminating from the menu the Bahamian lobster menu: ten different premium soups each day. The selec- Tuna’s Raw Bar and Grille and crab cakes. But lobster-lovers will find that the 20th Peppermill on the Waterway tion is carefully balanced among meat/poultry-based and 17850 W. Dixie Hwy., 305-932-0630 anniversary menus also offer new excitements like tandoori- 3595 NE 207th St., 305-466-2016 vegetarian; clear and creamy (like the eatery’s signature The reincarnated Tuna’s has gained new owners, a new spiced rock lobster, along with what might be the ultimate Charming Alpine décor and elegant yet accessible traditional shellfish-packed lobster bisque); chilled and hot; familiar name, a dazzling outdoor bar and dining area, and a newly mac’n’cheese: lobster crab macaroni in a Fris vodka sauce Continental comfort foods make this indoor/outdoor res- (chicken noodle) and exotic (mulligatawny). All soups impressive selection of raw-bar specialties: cold-water oys- with mushrooms, scallions, and parmesan. The famous des- taurant a perennially popular special-occasion place to take come with gourmet bread, fruit, and imported chocolate. ters from the Northeast, plus Blue Points, Malpecs, Island sert soufflé’s flavor changes daily, but it always did. $$$$$ the parents. Definitely don’t tell the folks’ cardiologist about Also available are salads, sandwiches, and wraps. $-$$ Creeks, and more. Traditional house favorites remain, and indulging in fine-dining fare from the precholesterol-obses- the emphasis is still on fresh fish from local waters. Open Il Migliore sion era: trout almondine with beurre blanc, salmon with hol- Sushi Siam daily till 2:00 a.m., the place can get rather festive after 2576 NE Miami Gardens Dr., 305-792-2902 landaise and creamed spinach, or for super-splurgers, lob- 19575 Biscayne Blvd. midnight, but since the kitchen is open till closing, Tuna’s This attractive trattoria gets the food right, as well as the ster thermidor. While seafood is a specialty, butter-sautéed 305-932-8955 draws a serious late-night dining crowd, too. $$-$$$ ambiance. As in Italy, dishes rely on impeccable ingredients breaded schnitzels like the chicken Holsteiner (topped with (See Miami / Upper Eastside listing) and straightforward recipes that don’t overcomplicate, capers, anchovies, and an egg) are a treat. $$$-$$$$ cover up, or otherwise muck about with that perfection. AVENTURA / HALLANDALE Fresh fettuccine with white truffle oil and mixed wild mush- rooms needs nothing else. Neither does the signature Anthony’s Coal-Fired Pizza Pollo Al Mattone, marinated in herbs and cooked under a 17901 Biscayne Blvd., 305-830-2625 brick. And even low-carb dieters happily go to hell in a hand Coal is what it’s all about here — a coal-fired oven (like that basket when faced with a mound of potatoes alla Toscana, at Lombardi’s, Patsy’s, John’s, or Grimaldi’s in New York) herb-sprinkled French fries. $$-$$$ producing the intense 800-degree heat to turn out, in mere minutes, a pie with the classic thin, crisp-bottomed, beauti- Fuji Hana fully char-bubbled crust that fans of the above legendary 2775 NE 187th St., Suite #1, 305-932-8080 pizzerias crave. Expect neither bargain-chain prices, a A people-pleasing menu of typical Thai and Japanese huge selection of toppings, nor much else on the menu. dishes, plus some appealing contemporary creations (like Anthony’s does just a few things, and does them right. $$ the Spicy Crunchy Tuna Roll, an inside-out tuna/avocado/ tempura maki, topped with more tuna and served with a Bagel Cove Restaurant & Deli luscious creamy cilantro sauce) has made this eatery a 19003 Biscayne Blvd., 305-935-4029 longtime favorite. But vegetarians -- for whom seafood- One word: flagels. And no, that’s not a typo. Rather these based condiments can make Asian foods a minefield crusty, flattened specimens (poppy seed or sesame seed) -- might want to add the place to their “worth a special are the ultimate bagel/soft pretzel hybrid -- and a special- drive” list, thanks to chefs’ winning ways with tofu and all- ty at this bustling Jewish bakery/deli, which, since 1988, around accommodation to veg-only diets. $$-$$$ opens at 6:30 a.m. -- typically selling out of flagels in a couple of hours. Since you’re up early anyway, sample The Grill on the Alley elaborately garnished breakfast specials, including unusu- 19501 Biscayne Blvd. (Aventura Mall), 05-466-7195 ally flavorful homemade corned beef hash and eggs. For Ensconced in a leather booth, with dark hardwood everywhere the rest of the day, multitudes of mavens devour every and a massive bar dispensing two-fisted drinks, you’d never

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TEL: 305-754-8002 www.schnitzelhausmiami.net 1085 N.E. 79th Street / Causeway, Miami, FL 33138

July 2010 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 71 Dining Guide

72 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com July 2010