January 2010

Serving communities along the Biscayne Corridor: Arch Creek East, Aventura, Bay Point, Bayside, Biscayne Park, Belle Meade, Buena Vista, Design District, Downtown, Eastern Shores, Edgewater, El Portal, , Keystone Point, Miami Shores, Morningside, North Bay Island, North Miami, North Miami Beach, Oakland Grove, Palm Grove, Palm Island, Sans Souci, Shorecrest, Star Island, Wynwood, and Venetian Islands www.BiscayneTimes.com Volume 7, Issue 11

He didn’t like drugs or gangs or violence — he liked pretty girls, and that may have killed him By Terence Cantarella Photo illustration by Silvia Ros and Marcy Mock

he days when Miami was awash in running gun battles are far less common well-branded cultural Mecca. tracks in Wynwood, the killing seemed cocaine, cash, and bullet-riddled than book fairs, art festivals, music con- So just over a year ago, when the reminiscent of an earlier decade, when bodies are over. Today art gallery ferences, and fashion shows. What was body of 18-year-old high school senior Alex T Continued on page 14 owners likely outnumber drug lords, and once the nation’s murder capital is now a Tillman was found beside the FEC railway

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2 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com January 2010 JANUARYK KNIGHT CONCERT HALL C CARNIVAL STUDIO THEATER Z ZIFF BALLET OPERA HOUSE P PLAZA FOR THE ARTS SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY Independence Day The 101 Dalmatians 1 Concert: A Night to 2 Musical Remember 2 & 8PM Z Featuring Farah Juste 7:30PM K Salute to Vienna 8PM K The 101 Dalmatians Inspired by Vienna’s Musical world-famous New 8PM Z Year’s Concert-A January 1-3 fantastic way to celebrate the New Year! The 101 Dalmatians FREE Family Fest 3 Musical 4 5 6 7 8 8PM 9 11:30AM P 2 & 7:30PM Z ITZHAK Miami City Ballet Miami City Ballet: School presents: Broadways newest PERLMAN Program II Cinderella family hit! Featuring 8PM 2PM P FREE music by STYX’s Dennis Divertimento No. 15 Miami City Ballet: De Young. Valse Fantaisie (1953) Program II 8PM Z “Chalk full of Broadway The Golden Section pageantry!” January 12 Celebrity Chef Series: Slaughter on Tenth Emeril Lagasse -NBC News Avenue 8PM K Miami City Ballet: Itzhak Perlman Jazz Roots: Vocalese JAZZ ROOTS Vocalese 10 Program II 11 8PM Z 13 14 15 8PM K 16 12 with special guest 8PM Z “Itzhak Perlman wows Featuring Manhattan John Hendricks! Divertimento No. 15 the crowd!” Transfer, New York January 15 Valse Fantaisie (1953) -The Toronto Star Featuring Voices, and special The Golden Section Cole Porter’s greatest hits! guest John Hendricks! Slaughter on Tenth Avenue January 21-24

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January 2010 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 3 Contents COVER STORY 1 Lady’s Man COMMENTARY 6 Feedback: Letters 10 Miami’s King: Jack King 12 Word on the Street 28 OUR SPONSORS 8 BizBuzz NEIGHBORHOOD CORRESPONDENTS PO Box 370566, Miami, FL 33137 www.biscaynetimes.com 20 Kathy Glasgow: A Community Betrayed from Within PUBLISHER & EDITOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE and Without Jim Mullin Marc Ruehle 22 Jen Karetnick: Take a Good Look in the Mirror, [email protected] [email protected] Village Beautiful 24 Frank Rollason: Two-Legged Creatures in a INTERNS BUSINESS Manager Four-Wheeled World Mandy Baca Ileana Cohen 26 Wendy Doscher-Smith: A Time to Thaw [email protected] [email protected] COMMUNITY NEWS Matthew Ruckman Art director 28 Follow That Story: Updates on Subjects of Interest [email protected] Marcy Mock 29 The Last Meal: Restaurants that Closed in 2009 [email protected] CONTRIBUTORS POLICE REPORTS Advertising design Victor Barrenchea, Erik Bojnansky, 34 Biscayne Crime Beat 36 DP Designs Pamela Robin Brandt, Terence Cantarella, ART & CULTURE [email protected] 36 Bill Citara, Wendy Doscher-Smith, Kathy Anne Tschida: Street Art Has Arrived CIRCULATION 38 Glasgow, Margaret Griffis, Jim W. Harper, Art Listings South Florida Distributors 41 Events Calendar Lisa Hartman, Jen Karetnick, Jack King, PARK PATROL Cathi Marro, Derek McCann, Jenni Person, PRINTING 44 Jim W. Harper: One Real Park, Five Phony Parks Frank Rollason, Silvia Ros, Jeff Shimonski, Stuart Web, Inc. COLUMNISTS Anne Tschida www.stuartweb.com 43 Your Garden: All the Better To Eat You With 46 Pawsitively Pets: And Now for the Star of the Show! DINING GUIDE F oR AdVERTISING INFORMATION CALL 305-756-6200 48 Restaurant Listings: 206 Biscayne All articles, photos, and artwork in the Biscayne Times Corridor restaurants! are copyrighted by Biscayne Media, LLC. Any duplication or Member of the 50 reprinting without authorized written consent from the publisher Florida Press Association Wine: Red, White, and You: Cabernet Sauvignon is prohibited. is still king 46

4 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com January 2010 January 2010 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 5 Commentary: Feedback Letters to the Editor Shorecrest, We Implore You: includes creative landscaping and won- constitution that will be on the statewide What’s clear is that the lawsuits in Don’t Get Historic on Us derfully updated homes. ballot this November, yell about St. Pete St. Pete Beach have nothing whatsoever That is not the case in my historic Beach to assert that Florida Hometown to do with Amendment 4. They are about After reading Erik Bojnansky’s story district, which suffers from exactly that Democracy’s Amendment 4 will just completely different topics. The devel- about efforts to expand the MiMo/Bis- which you desire. We are prevented from cause lawsuits. opers and their politicians will stop at cayne Boulevard Historic District (“They doing any of the creative wonders I see Fact check: The lawsuits are flying nothing to prevent the voters from taking Want to Grow MiMo,” December 2009) in Shorecrest, so unfortunately we opt because the Hometown Democracy control over the out-of-control develop- and Richard Laird’s enthusiasm about for neglect instead. process was not followed in St. Pete ment that has wrecked our economy and having his Shorecrest neighborhood des- I suggest you retain your indepen- Beach. Under Amendment 4, there will quality of life. ignated an historic district, I feel com- dence and your wonderful neighborhood. be a referendum only after a growth plan Their big lie about St. Pete Beach pelled to offer a few words of caution. Peter Otto change is reviewed and voted on by the proves it. For the straight story, visit Why would you want to surrender MiMo Historic District city commission. In St. Pete Beach, they www.FloridaHometownDemocracy.com your right to do as you please with your had the referendum before the proposed and get ready to “Give Yourself a Vote own home regarding the yard, hedges, plan change went through review and on Growth!” paint jobs, remodeling, window updates, Florida’s Growth Machine: public hearing. That violates state law. A postscript: Mr. Rollason wisely or any other privileges that come with They’ll Stop at Nothing to Amendment 4 provides specific urges citizens to Google the authors of being a homeowner? Prevent People Power safeguards against a confused situation letters or blogs opposing Amendment If Shorecrest were to be designated In his attempt to rebut Frank Rollason’s like St. Pete Beach’s by requiring that a 4: “Chances are that he or she makes a an historic district, residents would re- column about Amendment 4 (“Revo- comprehensive plan change must first go living from sprawl.” ceive nothing but rude impositions from lutionary Concept: Put Urban Sprawl through the entire state-required growth- Opponent Friszolowski turns a group of Miami bureaucrats who will to a Vote,” November 2009), former St. management process: citizen hearings, out to be the executive vice presi- act as if they own your property. Pete Beach Mayor Ward Friszolowski is review by the local professional planning dent of an architectural and planning Mr. Laird, as president of the Sho- simply repeating a version of the “Big staff, and approval by the local elected firm. Surprised? recrest Homeowners Association, this is Lie” being spread across Florida by the government. Only then, after council/ John Hedrick, statewide organizer not something you should desire. state’s powerful development industry, commission approval, does Amendment Florida Hometown Democracy Take a look at the homes within a.k.a. the Growth Machine. 4 require that the proposed land-use Tallahassee your neighborhood. My own tour Opponents of Amendment 4, a change go to the voters at the next elec- through Shorecrest was a pleasure as it proposed amendment to the state tion for final approval — or rejection. Continued on page 19

6 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com January 2010 January 2010 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 7 Our Sponsors BizBuzz: January 2010 Sales, special events, and more from the people who make Biscayne Times possible By Pamela Robin Brandt but somehow when it comes to hours BT Contributor of politics vs. hours of, say, ouzo, we opt for the latter. But state Rep. Ronald ade your New Year’s resolu- Brisé (Dem., District 108) is making it tions yet? We thought not. So easy with two town hall meetings this Mlet’s get right down to basics — month (January 27 at Griffing Commu- looking good. Stylist-to-the-stars Hannah nity Center in North Miami, and January Lasky at Hannah & Her Scissors (611 28 at Legion Park Community Center). NE 86th St.; 305-772-8426) has a special La Provence Both start at 6:00 p.m. Mandolin Aegean Bistro deal for readers: Mention the BT and Which gives you plenty of time get an extra 10% off with this month’s afterward to grab that ouzo — plus ad coupon plus a free sample of her some tasty mezes, traditional Greek and Hannapoo hair products. Turkish small plates — at Mandolin For shaping up below the hairline, Aegean Bistro (4512 NE 2nd Ave.; 305- Shuichi Take Fitness Club (3250 NE 576-6066). The charming, flower-filled 1st Ave., 305-856-4588) is offering garden restaurant is, after all, open till 10% off select personal training and 11:00 p.m. Future plans include weekday Pilates packages for new clients. The Yogen Früz breakfast and Sunday brunch service. sleek Midtown Miami facility has also After a much-celebrated grand added numerous new classes. Check their numerous Miamians prevent foreclosures opening just a month before, the website for an updated schedule. over the past year with his free “What’s John’s Records & Books up in Hol- storefront of locally based tableware/ Even the best bod is unfabulous if Best for You” seminars. For an expert lywood. January marks the start of his bathware firm Real Life Basic’s new you’re coughing and sniffling. And dis- overview, Miller’s next seminar is January newer shop’s second year in BT territory bargain-priced outlet shop (11091 Bis- ease prevention is especially vital for sea- 15 (12550 Biscayne Blvd., 8th floor; www. (484 NE 125th St.; 305-899-7172), and to cayne Blvd.; 305-891-0888) was nearly sonal travelers, reminds Kathy Sanchez of helpmemodifynow.com for reservations). celebrate you’ll get 10% off purchase — destroyed when a tow truck crashed into Medi-Station Urgent Care Center (9600 Discovering Miami’s revitalized books on a vast range of subjects, DVDs, the building on December 18. But the NE 2nd Ave.; 305-603-7650). “Airplanes, downtown is one resolution that’ll be CDs, and six-buck records, maybe even news isn’t all bad. Behind its boarded-up cruise ships — talk about exposure!” For- relatively easy to keep, thanks to new vintage Beatles vinyl. front wall, the store is intact and open for tunately Medi-Station, which has already discount parking deals offered by the If growing your business is this year’s business, says owner Simone Mayer. An vaccinated more than 125 people at $15 Miami Parking Authority. We know goal, see our new advertiser, the Neigh- entrance and parking are in back. a pop against the H1N1 (swine flu) virus, about the Quick-Park program — totally bors and Neighbors Association (180 NW After last month’s holidays, your still has plenty of dosages left. free parking in any MPA garage for 62nd St.; 305-756-0605, www.nanafl.org). main improvement needs may involve Don’t know about you, but just errand-runners in and out in 30 minutes Founded in 1995 to establish cooperative getting your home or office back in reading about all that worthwhile self- or less. Here are four brand-new offers: relationships among small grocery stores, shape. Call new advertiser A.W.O.N. improvement has us craving chocolate. a $1 Park & Shop program for patrons of NANA is now a countywide group that Janitorial Services (7551 Biscayne Like the new chocolate bread at La downtown restaurants, shops, and clubs; provides help obtaining funding (they’re Blvd.; 305-759-4055). The friendly Provence French Bakery — five Miami a Nights & Weekends program; free the folks behind the Mom and Pop Small husband-and-wife team of Ricardo and locations, the two in our territory being parking on Flagler Street in the evenings, Business Grant Program), plus technical Madelen Realin have extensive knowl- 1064 Brickell Ave. and 2200 Biscayne every night; and, for City of Miami assistance, advocacy, and way more. edge of floor-care methods, equipment, Blvd. The latter is our own neighbor- residents, a flat 20% discount when you One neighborhood trend that heart- and supplies. Even repairs, if the party hood boulangerie, where you’ll find us use Pay by Phone. Consult the MPA’s ens us is the rapidly increasing roster was that good. stocking up on the chocolate bread or website for full details. of “green” businesses, including new Finally, Angel Saad, patriarch of new cheddar chunk loaves or Levain Parking has never been a problem for advertiser Metro 1 Properties (120 NE family-owned Saad Homes (305-829- baguettes — the real thing, like you’d patrons of new advertiser the Urbanite 27th St.; 305-571-9991), a leader in the 8992), reports that work is nearing com- find in Paris. Bistro (62 NE 14th St.; 305-374-0662). green-construction movement. The bou- pletion on a major project — remodeling Have you heard about David Cohen’s Valet service has been free since the tique commercial real estate firm is also and expanding the grand Miami Shores patriotic new “Bail-Out Special” at restaurant/lounge opened this past fall. Its unique in its combination of full-service residence of attorney Wes Holston (UBS and Company (11064 Biscayne location two blocks from the Performing brokerage plus marketing agency. Financial Services) and wife Mercedes Blvd.; 305-892-2435)? From now through Arts Center makes it handy before or after You can also “put a little green in (an assistant county attorney). Great way February 28, every Wednesday or shows. This month brings two special your dog’s routine,” say the fun folks to start the new year: more than 4000 Thursday (excluding holidays) from 11:00 events: January 7’s Dine Magazine/Urban- from Smiling Pets Animal Clinic’s square feet of sparkling new home and a.m. to 3:00 p.m., eat-in diners, with a ite Wine Dinner (five courses paired with Doggie Bag Café (7310 Biscayne Blvd.; a fond farewell to the Saad craftsmen beverage purchase, get an entrée from the five global wines: $60) and on January 15 305-710-7266). Learn about organic gour- who’ve practically become members of Bail-Out menu at half price. Now, there’s the monthly beer dinner (just $40 for six met dog meals, eco-friendly shampoos, the family. a stimulus package that works! courses paired with six craft brews). and other natural pet products on Green Back to the serious stuff — like It was 20 years ago today, Sgt. Dog Day, January 30, 5:00-7:30 p.m. Something special coming up at your business? losing your home. Not a good way to start Pepper taught the band to play — and Every year we resolve to get more Send info to [email protected]. the year. Attorney Jake Miller has helped John Martin opened the original Trader involved in local government affairs, For BT advertisers only.

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January 2010 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 9 Commentary: Miami’s King The Absolute Worst Ever What a decade to forget — if only we could By Jack King Now, there was something they were future they’ll become a fully functioning BT Contributor really good at — running the nation governmental entity. These commission- into the ground and leaving us with a ers have forged fiefdoms in their districts, appy New Year! Let’s give a warm cratered economy and huge debt. where they keep things running smooth- welcome to 2010, which will bring Meanwhile, George’s brother ly by handing out taxpayer dollars like Hus to the end of the worst decade Jeb was busy showing he could ruin candy. And lobbyists continue to fill I’ve ever lived through. The attacks of an economy as well as anyone. He their campaign coffers, guaranteeing 9/11. Two wars we can’t seem to win — cut taxes and expenses in Florida, their re-election time after time. whatever “win” means. Becoming the funneling the money to business The City of Miami found a way most disliked and disrespected nation in interests, who were supposed to to finish the decade in fine fashion by the world. Warping our economy into the reinvest it in more and better busi- electing a new mayor and having two worst recession since the 1930s. The great- nesses. They didn’t. They just pocketed Democrat, is hardly known outside of commissioners removed from office after est assemblage of corrupt and incompetent it. And when the economy collapsed, it Miami and is proving to be a political they were charged with crimes. One other city, county, state, and national leaders in left Florida nearly bankrupt. The trickle- lightweight who hasn’t always made the commissioner was turned out when his bid the history of this country. down revenues that went from the state best decisions. for mayor failed by a 3-1 margin. That’s You think I’m kidding? Just keep to the counties and cities were reduced Rubio and Crist are both Republicans one way to get new blood on the dais. reading. It started in 2000 with a to nearly zero. and will square off in a primary election. Unexpectedly, all this insanity has presidential election that gave the world You would think the state would Rubio is the darling of the far right wing resulted in us having the best chance “hanging chad” and a new commander- have set aside money in the good times (the Sarah Palin wing), and would more in many years to turn the city around. in-chief picked by the U.S. Supreme so we could get through the bad ones than likely support an initiative to change That will depend on how well commis- Court. George W. Bush was soon that inevitably follow. Instead your tax the federal government to a theocracy. sion chairman Marc Sarnoff works with revealed to be incompetent, most notably dollars went to the private sector, leav- Crist, ever the airhead, just wants to Mayor Tomas Regalado and the three when he and his equally incompetent ing us with no cushion. Thanks, Jeb. scamper away from Tallahassee before (soon to be four) new commissioners. national security team fell asleep at the But it’s not all Jeb. He was followed everyone realizes he is part of the prob- They’ll have their work cut out for them. wheel as terrorists were training for their in 2006 by Charlie Crist, who diligently lem. More concerned with the quality One last observation before I deadly missions right here in Miami. maintained Bush’s programs. After all, of his tan than the quality of govern- kiss off the year and the decade. A When the is hit, we that’s why he was elected. ment, his greatest claim to fame might few months ago I poked fun at Miami must attack someone, something, anything. Speaking of gubernatorial elections, be pushing a bill through the legislature Magazine’s Elena Carpenter for asking So off we went to Afghanistan, where we we have one coming up this November. that ensures you’ll be fined if you don’t readers to contribute money to keep her were very successful turning big rocks With the state in such a mess, I wonder wear a seatbelt while driving. Wow! enterprise going. Then last month the into little rocks at incredible expense. if anyone even modestly competent will Almost as memorable as that guy Crist Miami Herald did the same thing, asking We won, sort of. Or at least we thought run for the job. Current candidates Alex appointed to fill the Senate seat he’s run- website users to donate money to keep we won. I think our hallowed leaders would Sink and Bill McCollum will probably ning for. What’s his name? the paper afloat. have benefited from reading Alexander the be joined by a few unemployed politi- Crist once had a large lead in the My apologies, Elena. I didn’t Great’s journals before heading off to a war cal hacks, but how about someone who polls, but now Rubio has pulled even. I realize you were on the cutting edge of in a chaotic place most Americans couldn’t could actually run the state? Or even a don’t think it’s because the electorate media marketing. Obviously the Herald locate on a map. Of course, we quickly hot-dog stand? Not likely. likes Rubio more than Crist. They don’t stole your idea, so I think you should learned that no one in the Bush Administra- What we do know is that three like either one of them. demand that they send you a percentage tion could actually read. Floridians are now running for the Closer to home we have the of their donations — or risk legal action. Then the Bush boys went about U.S. Senate: Crist, Marco Rubio, and Miami-Dade County Commission. On Hey, this is 21st-century media in action! fixing our own country in the best way Kendrick Meek. This is certainly not second thought, I’ll take a pass on them they knew: theft, corruption, and greed. an intellectually stellar group. Meek, a as there’s no chance in the foreseeable Feedback: [email protected]

10 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com January 2010 January 2010 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 11 C o m m e n t a r y : W o r d o n t h e S t r e e t Have you ever seen a ghost? Compiled by Cathi Marro – BT Contributor

Brooke Connor Nubia Rivero Tommy Edwards Jennifer Bienstock Drago Bonacich Miriam Dios Receptionist Travel Agent Landscaper Realtor/Store Owner Music Critic Medical Secretary North Miami Beach North Miami Carol City Miami Shores Downtown (Disabled) No, I have not seen a No, I have not. People No, I’ve only seen a No, but I wouldn’t mind Yes, I believe I have seen Bayside ghost. I probably would sometimes are home alone ghost on TV. I don’t think seeing a ghost if it was my a ghost. When I was a kid, No, but I wouldn’t mind not want to. I believe in and hear noises and jump people can come back as dad. If it was someone else, I woke up screaming. My seeing one. It’s a grace to spirits, not necessarily because they’re afraid ghosts or spirits after they I’d probably be stunned parents ran into the bed- see a ghost, the same way “ghosts.” Spirits are people and they think it’s a ghost. die. People who claim to or scared. I believe when room and I told them I saw some people are able to who just cannot move on. Some have even told me have seen a ghost prob- you die your spirit goes to a dark black form moving see saints. Ghosts are lost I don’t think they are evil they hear or feel a ghost ably dreamed it or just another place. Ghosts are from one side of the room souls who don’t neces- the way most people think in my house. I hear noises, thought they saw a ghost those spirits trying to send to the other. My sister sarily have to be scary. If “ghosts” are. Perhaps but I think that’s all it is. because it was nighttime us a message — some- seemed to see it too, though a person chooses to live others look to see ghosts Even though I have lost and their vision was bad. I thing they weren’t able she never said that she did. life being nice and not more. Maybe if I looked several loved ones, I’ve don’t believe in ghosts or to tell us when they were I was a kid, so I could have making bad choices, then to see one, I might! never felt like they’re visit- spirits — period! alive. It’s a good quality to been dreaming, but I think in the afterlife, if you ing me. You have to have it be able to see a ghost, but sometimes when we don’t want to call them a ghost, already in your mind that I don’t need that quality know for sure, we just don’t chances are they are not it’s a ghost. right now. want to believe. going to be scary or bad. Considering Selling? Call Alan today for a free Market Consultation. SELLING MIAMI SHORES, UPPER EASTSIDE AND MIAMI BEACH! :63+ :63+ :63+ :63+ :63+

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12 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com January 2010 January 2010 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 13 Cover Story

Lady’s Man Not knowing why her child was killed Continued from page 1 is torture. Knowing that the killer, or killers, freely roam the same city streets violent criminals and cartel hit men com- where she and her family live haunts her mitted scores of equally brutal slayings. like nothing else. At the time of Tillman’s death, local Seated at a picnic table at Charles news outlets made a point to mention Hadley Park in the Model City neighbor- that he had no criminal record and no hood west of Little Haiti, the soft-spoken involvement with drugs or gangs — Fairell Photo courtesy of Tawana single mother of three boys speaks elo- declarations made necessary, apparently, quently about her late son with a mixture because he was from Overtown, where of heartache and exhaustion: “Some- most murders are still drug-related. times I think God sees how much I love Indeed Tillman didn’t fit the profile my sons and is jealous and is looking for of someone whose life was likely to end ways to get my attention away. Everyone in criminal violence. His murder, friends tells me God doesn’t work like that, but I just can’t understand why my son isn’t here right now. I picture the worst. I “He was a pretty imagine him screaming and calling out for me and I wasn’t there for him. I sleep boy,” says his with every light on in the house. I’m afraid he might come to me in the night mother. “The girls with the burned side of his face. I get headaches every night on my left side loved him and he and my left eye gets blurry. I feel like I’m going crazy.” loved them. Girls The relationship she had with her son, she says, was wonderful. They’d go were his only vice. to the gym together. As a surgical as- sistant, she’d often have to work late, but He especially liked she never worried about what was going on at home. And if Alex was the one to Hispanic girls.” come home late, she’d call him on the phone and they’d talk until he reached and family suspect, was likely motivated the front door. If he made new friends by something else altogether — jealousy. and began spending time with them, “He was a pretty boy,” says Tawana she’d become envious. Fairell, his mother, who is still clearly Alex would help get his two distraught. “The girls loved him and he younger brothers dressed in the morning loved them. Girls were his only vice. He and drive them to school. His mother especially liked Hispanic girls.” She hated driving, so if she needed to go wonders whether a frustrated female somewhere, he’d drive her, too. Just a admirer, of which there were many, had week before he died, he told Tawana he someone take revenge on her son. Or wanted to be a pediatrician. perhaps an enraged boyfriend caught One of Alex Tillman’s high school graduation pictures. At Booker T. Washington, where Alex with his girlfriend. “Maybe a girl’s he spent his junior and senior years, he father caught them together and did Miami Police Sgt. Armando Aguilar, Jr. Red, retired from the Miami PD and joined the 5000 Role Models of Excel- something to him out of prejudice. I told CBS4 News last year. is now a captain with the West Miami lence project, a mentoring program for don’t know,” she sighs. “I’m thinking all Yet the viciousness of the crime Police Department.) minority boys at risk of dropping out kinds of things.” suggests otherwise. Alex’s body had Suffice to say, then, that Alex Till- of school. For a while, he worked as a “He was definitely a lady’s man,” been burned. Police say that was likely man suffered a punishing end, inflicted dishwasher at Casablanca Seafood Bar says Isaiah Bennet, Alex’s closest friend an attempt to conceal his identity, and by someone, or several people, with fury & Grill, the popular restaurant on the and fellow senior at Booker T. Washing- is not what killed him. They will not, in their hearts. Miami River not far from his home, and ton High School. “He had mood swings however, reveal the cause of death. “I believe someone hated him,” his later at the Taco Bell on Biscayne Bou- sometimes, but he didn’t argue or fight. Veteran Miami PD detective mother says. “I just don’t know why.” levard and 36th Street. If he had time, That wasn’t his style. Both me and Alex Nelson Andreu, who spent more than 20 Although more than a year has he’d tag along with his grandfather to preferred Hispanic girls. They treat you years working homicide cases, explains passed since her son’s death, Tawana weddings and funerals to assist him with better. Black girls would hate on us some- that police often withhold the cause of Fairell still can’t sleep at night. She can’t his photography business. times and ask why we like Spanish girls, death in murder cases so they can test a concentrate, can’t shed her feelings of “He was very respectful, very well- but I don’t know anything about someone suspect’s knowledge of a killing and de- guilt, and trusts no one. She’s not the groomed, would never be caught with his being jealous or upset with him.” termine the extent of their involvement. same person she used to be. She can’t jeans hanging off his butt,” Tawana insists. “By all accounts, he had no It also helps them to eliminate bogus tips. even look at Alex’s picture anymore. She enemies. This surprised many people,” (Andreu, author of the crime novel Dead had to turn it around to face the wall. Continued on page 15

14 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com January 2010 Cover Story BT photos by Terence Cantarella BT photos by Terence

Tawana Fairell, Alex’s mother, is haunted by the thought that her son’s killer is still at large.

Lady’s Man Continued from page 14 A young lady had

“I had people tell me: ‘Your kids are Oreos. called the Taco You’re trying to make them white’ — be- cause Alex sometimes corrected people’s Bell. She was speech if they used too much slang or really bad English. He didn’t want his crying and said friends to know, but he loved movies about couples breaking up and getting back that Alex had been together. There were times he would come into my room, lay his head on my lap, and killed and badly talk to me about girls. There were things he didn’t tell me, though.” burned. She called There were things, it seems, Alex didn’t tell anyone. Or at the least, things more than once. none of his friends wish to divulge now. Of six acquaintances contacted for on the couch when he called. He told me this story, only two returned calls and her name, but I was so sleepy I couldn’t e-mails seeking comment. And whether remember it the next day.” it’s a reluctance to snitch, a fear of repri- It’s unclear whether Alex actually sal, or an indication of something more met with the mystery girl, but at 9:11 that sinister, only a very vague picture of morning security cameras at his Over- Alex’s final days has emerged. town apartment building recorded him On Sunday, November 2, 2008, strutting out the front door, dressed in two days before his body was found by dark designer jeans and a black T-shirt, a a homeless man, Alex called his best red cap tilted fashionably to one side. He friend Isaiah (“Zayy”) around 1:30 a.m., was supposed to be heading to Opa-locka after finishing the late shift at Taco Bell to meet his mother and place flowers on on the Boulevard. He said he’d met a girl. the grave of his recently deceased grand- She had come to the restaurant earlier mother. But he made a detour, and when that night. He was heading home and Tawana called around 11:00 a.m. to find planned to meet up with her later. out where he was, he said he was “at a “He liked to brag,” Zayy chuckles during a phone interview. “I was asleep Continued on page 16

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

Lady’s Man had been killed and badly burned. She Miami police issued a Continued from page 15 called more than once, said her name countywide BOLO (Be on the was Crystal, and spoke to more than Lookout) via radio dispatch and friend’s house” and would be late. one person, telling the same story each distributed a missing-person flyer. Which friend Alex was visiting is time. When Taco Bell employees asked Tawana, meanwhile, went home also unclear. “It couldn’t have been a guy’s why she didn’t call the police, she said and prayed, hoping that Alex house,” Zayy asserts. “I would’ve known her parents would kill her if she did. would come strutting through the about it because we had the same friends.” door at any minute. But another Alex’s steady girlfriend of a year and 24 hours would creep by with no a half, Kayla, texted and called him sev- In the City of news. eral times later that Sunday, but he didn’t Police called the next day, answer his phone or return the messages. Miami, where around 2:30 p.m., and asked her to When he didn’t come home that come back to the station to look night, Tawana began to worry. But the number of at Alex’s phone records to see Alex was eighteen, a legal adult, and if she could identify any of the she figured he had stayed at a relative’s murders has numbers. But once she was there, or friend’s house. She tried to call him they disclosed the real reason for several times, but his phone kept going plummeted over calling her in. straight to voicemail and she assumed They had found Alex. his cell battery had died or he’d forgotten the past 25 years, “I lost it,” Tawana recalls. “I to pay his phone bill. never felt anything like that in my When he didn’t turn up at home the clearance life.” She begged to see her son’s or at school the next morning, though, A friend and co-worker at Taco Bell displays body, but the medical examiner she got scared. And then one of Alex’s rate has dropped his memorial T-shirt. wouldn’t allow it. They told her co-workers at Taco Bell called with news they don’t let family members view that would send her racing through the from 75 percent “When they told me about that call,” or identify bodies anymore. Eventually streets in a panic. Tawana says, “I left my job and went homicide detectives on the case admitted A young lady had called the Taco to 48 percent. straight to the police station. I didn’t even they instructed the medical examiner’s Bell. She was crying and said that Alex wait for my ride. I just started running.” Continued on page 17

16 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com January 2010 Cover Story

Lady’s Man information. More than anything, she people know each other. Consequently, workloads. “You want to solve a case Continued from page 16 wants to know the identity of the girl less than half of all Miami homicides before the next homicide comes in,” he who called the Taco Bell, and she won- typically result in an arrest. explains. “At that point, you’ve got to put office not to let her see Alex. “I’m glad ders why police apparently have not been Nationally, in fact, more people get one down to pick up the next. So some- they did that,” she says, “because I prob- able to trace those calls. away with murder now than in decades times cases get put on the back burner ably would’ve thrown up right there in But Alex’s cell phone and wallet were past. This despite advances in DNA through no fault of the detective. The the office or pulled all of my hair out.” missing when his body was discovered, so technology and other crime-fighting tools. problem is the sheer volume of cases.” Everyone among Alex’s circle of the girl’s calls could have been placed from Last year the Associated Press reported Crime statistics and staffing short- friends immediately fell under police his stolen cell — which would account for that the national homicide “clearance ages, however, are mute in describing suspicion, and rumors about who had detectives’ inability to identify the caller. rate” (the percentage of murders for Tawana Fairell’s incurable grief over committed the murder began to circulate. As for Alex’s phone records, it’s unknown which someone is arrested and charged) her son’s death. She dwells endlessly on Some said a girl who was obsessed with whether police have been able to establish dropped from 91 percent in 1963 to 61 Alex’s final moments, tormented by her Alex had him killed because he spurned a link between the Taco Bell caller, the percent in 2007. imagination, drowning in fear, paranoia, her. Others blamed a gang. One friend told mystery text messager, and the unidenti- In the City of Miami, where the nightmares, and depression. She peers a bizarre tale about a violent drag queen, fied girl Alex planned to meet the night number of murders has plummeted over nervously over her shoulder in public, later killed in a gunfight with police, who before he disappeared. the past 25 years, the clearance rate has expecting a faceless killer to appear at would admire Alex through Taco Bell’s Miami Det. Orlando Benitez, who dropped from 75 percent to 48 percent. any moment, and she wonders, to the windows while he was working. That story, leads the Alex Tillman homicide inves- Those figures defy the logical expecta- point of delirium, who is to blame and however, could not be verified. tigation, did not respond to repeated re- tion that fewer murders should mean why her son was taken. “There was a girl calling Alex’s cell quests for comment. But during a recent higher clearance rates. But in addition After Alex’s murder, police told her phone in the weeks before his murder,” interview with the BT, former Miami to a lack of witness cooperation, experts not to go back to her Overtown apart- Tawana says. “She’d call and say, ‘I’m detective Nelson Andreu cited a lack of point to today’s larger urban populations; ment for the safety of her and her sons watching you. I know what you got on.’ witness cooperation as the number-one understaffed police departments; and — in case the killer decided to target And he’d be looking around like: ‘Who is hurdle in solving these kinds of cases: drug, robbery, and gang-related crimes them as well. She moved around from this? How do you know where I am?’” “People are afraid of retaliation. They among strangers, which are harder to friend to relative to co-worker. When Tawana thinks about that, and don’t want to get involved.” solve than “acquaintance homicides.” she finally did return to her apartment a hundred other details of Alex’s last The “no-snitching” culture is also Regarding Miami’s homicide clear- a few months later, she discovered that weeks alive, struggling to remember a major factor, especially in the small ance rate of 48 percent, Andreu says the building management had removed and things and trying to come up with useful Overtown community, where many problem often boils down to excessive Continued on page 18

January 2010 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 17 Cover Story

Lady’s Man at night because I’m scared someone is Continued from page 17 following me,” she says. “That’s how petri- fied I am until these people are caught. I disposed of all her belongings for non- told the cops, if you don’t have leads, just payment of rent. tell me. But please don’t keep me in the “I was seeing a psychiatrist,” she dark. I call and leave them information that recounts. “I wasn’t in my right mind. I wasn’t even able to remember that I had a place where I needed to pay rent. It “I can’t even take took me about three months just to start eating properly again. I had suicidal my boys to the thoughts — because I wanted to be with Alex. The only thing that kept me here movies at night were my other sons.” She has since found a new apart- because I’m ment, far from Overtown, but relocating has taken a financial toll, and she still scared someone has no furniture and shares an inflatable bed with her 11-year-old son, whom she is following refuses to let out of her sight. Every evening after work she sits me. That’s how at the city park where he has football practice and waits for him to finish. His petrified I am until The FEC railway tracks where Tillman’s body was found. friends make fun of him, calling him a mama’s boy because Tawana is always these people are I come up with about the case, but I always whoever did this. I want to sit across from at his side. And if he doesn’t have school, get voicemail. I know I’m not the only case them and ask them: ‘Why? What could he she takes him to work with her. caught.” they’re working on, but I just want them have done to you?’” Her chronic paranoia is stifling. “I to call me and tell me something — any- can’t even take my boys to the movies thing. I want to do everything I can to find Feedback: [email protected]

18 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com January 2010 COMMENTARY: FEEDBACK

Letters Tony Goldman for its inception. This is brainchild and began in December of 2007. as the artists who created the outdoor incorrect. We had 25 of the most infl uential street mural that appeared on the cover of our Continued from page 6 As one of the founding organizers artists transform Wynwood to provide the December issue. But we disagree that Primary Flight Takes Off — and curators, as well as a main sponsor world’s largest street-level installation. the “winner’s award” we bestowed, “The of Primary Flight, it is my job to make In 2008 we greatly expanded to Walls of Wynwood,” was misleading. Nor on the BT sure you are properly reporting and upward of 50 artists and even included a was it intended to make reference to a I am writing to point out blatant false- representing the artists who participate “Wall of Fame.” This year we have more separate exhibition of mural art organized hoods in the story “Winners and Losers” in Primary Flight by crediting them for than 80 artists and an accompanying and sponsored by New York gallery by Anne Tschida (December 2009). Not their amazing transformation of Wyn- indoor gallery installation called “Blue Deitch Projects and Wynwood developer only was information incorrect, but wood and their selfl ess contributions to Print for Space.” You can fi nd more Tony Goldman. Their show was called you did not even bother to mention the the art world by providing art for every- detailed information at our website: www. “Wynwood Walls.” Lynn Yohana How- names of the artists whose work adorned one on a shoe-string budget. primaryfl ight.com. ard’s concerns are explored in more detail the cover of Biscayne Times. You have not done so whatsoever. Everyone in the graff-writing and in this issue. See Anne Tschida’s story The cover depicts one of the walls Biscayne Times made sure to credit the street-art world is well aware of all of “Street Art Has Arrived” on page 36. from our 2008 mural installation called photographer and the inaccurate “Walls these pieces/walls and where they came Primary Flight. The piece was created of Wynwood” name when the same photo from, so your credibility is highly in by El Mac and Retna. These two artists angle of the same wall is plastered all over question regarding this matter. Primary Drunken Irishmen? How have been involved in our exhibition the web and has been taken by everyone Flight has been hailed the largest and About Dumb Blondes? since its inception in 2007. under the sun in 2008. But you made no most critically acclaimed street-level Thank you for publishing Jack King’s You inaccurately called it “The mention of the very people who produced it mural art installation in the world. We column “Sailing with Sarnoff” (No- Walls of Wynwood,” which, with or the correct show or the organizers associ- have worked hard on its evolution and vember, 2009), which included ethnic capitalized words, is not a generaliza- ated with it, Primary Flight. As a represen- it is greatly disturbing to have those stereotypes such as “drinking like an tion but the name of a brand-new show tative of these two and many more artists, individuals who have sacrifi ced so much unemployed Irishman.” It’s a pity that copying what we have done since 2007. I cannot allow this misinformation to be for so long to be robbed of the modicum King only mentioned one ethnic group. In addition you went on to discuss the disseminated without a clear objection. of credit they deserve. I look forward to his next install- show wholly inaccurately in the body The people you mentioned, Deitch Lynn Yohana Howard ment. Perhaps this time he’ll include of the story. And you printed another Projects and Tony Goldman, have nothing to Miami racial stereotypes as well. They’re just as picture of one of our pieces from our do with the art murals you printed, though much fun, don’t you think? 2007 show, again by El Mac and Retna. we know Goldman interests purchase ads Editor’s note: We agree that Retna Michael O’Kane You seem to credit Deitch Projects and in your publication. Primary Flight was our and El Mac should have been identifi ed Brickell

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January 2010 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 19 Neighborhood Correspondents: Liberty City A Community Betrayed from Within and Without The Michelle Spence-Jones spectacle came across as a parody of the old civil rights struggles By Kathy Glasgow civil rights struggles, back when with the deep and unique demographic BT Contributor lynching couldn’t be avoided with changes going on all over South Florida, the help of a lawyer. And equating notably within its increasingly heteroge- n the space of a few weeks in Novem- a year of racist attacks on Obama neous black community. ber, Michelle Spence-Jones was de- with criminal charges against cor- “Given our diversity, given the way Mi- Icisively re-elected to the Miami City rupt officials? ami-Dade County is growing, we shouldn’t Commission, sworn in, arrested, released The worst part, though, is the have to frame things in that [black-and-white] on bond, and removed from office by the déjà vu. Spence-Jones is one more way,” says Gepsie Metellus. governor. She promptly declared herself example of Miami-Dade’s tradition- Metellus was the first person I thought a candidate to replace herself in the Janu- al African-American power elite of when Spence-Jones got into trouble, ary 12 special election. failing their community. No way mainly because their stories converge in Along the way, Spence-Jones, as have I could impugn all local African- some interesting places. If Spence-Jones many at-risk politicians before her, played American leaders. But from my represents the old-school cronyism that has the race card, referring to her arrest as perspective during almost 18 years produced a long line of self-serving public a “public lynching.” She included in her as a Miami-Dade resident, very few officials, then Metellus is among those lynching analogy a string of black leaders individuals have provided leader- Gepsie Metellus: “Given our diversity, we trying to color outside that line. jailed or persecuted in recent years, con- ship with integrity to a community shouldn’t have to frame things in that The political seasoning of both cluding with President Barack Obama. that has most needed it. A communi- [black-and-white] way.” women started in similar style, during “But they don’t know this nappy- ty repeatedly betrayed — politically, the 1990s, under the wings of influential headed child of God has her armor on,” economically, morally — from within at profiling, subtle slights, and outright mentors. Then came 2005, an eventful Spence-Jones declared. Her supporters least as much as without. derogation have not ceased in any way to political year even by Miami standards. sang “We Shall Overcome” as she sur- I know that prominent blacks are exist in the lives of people of color. I spoke with Metellus the other day at rendered to law enforcement officials. often persecuted for transgressions for But by viewing her legal problems as Sant La, the always crowded community The whole Spence-Jones spectacle which important whites are forgiven. white-vs.-black, Spence Jones is not only came across as almost a parody of the old There are still travesties of justice. Racial insulting her forebears, she’s out of sync Continued on page 21

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20 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com January 2010 Neighborhood Correspondents: Liberty City WE’RE RAISING A TOAST

Betrayed differently if it weren’t for the not-so-hid- some of her peers. Sant La assists indi- and her former teacher and friend has Continued from page 20 den agendas within the black community. gent refugees and immigrants, but they been irrevocable. Once, both Metellus and Spence- don’t have to be Haitian. Metellus instead ran for the Miami- service center at 5000 Biscayne Boulevard Jones enjoyed close and beneficial ties to Metellus’s outlook encompasses the Dade County School Board in 2006. She she founded and runs. She is a woman who Barbara Carey-Shuler, the venerable and whole of Miami’s roiling ethnic mix. She didn’t stand much chance against legendary lives and works at the crossroads; like most now-retired Miami-Dade County Com- is multilingual, widely traveled, and the incumbent Solomon Stinson, or even the highly educated, “assimilated” Haitian missioner. Carey-Shuler was the first black recipient of awards and recognition from well-known third candidate, former state Americans in South Florida, she must woman to serve as chair of the commis- organizations ranging from the Rockefeller legislator Darryl Reaves. She worked hard, balance a perceived identity somewhere sion, and has over the course of her 20-year Foundation to the NAACP. She has been campaigning door to door, but finished third between African-American and non- political career helped along many younger involved in organized dialogues aimed at anyway. “That was all about political expe- American. Metellus has more to complain aspirants. Metellus was a top aide to the improving cooperation between African rience,” she says. “I learned a lot.” about than Spence-Jones does, because she commissioner for several years during the Americans and Haitian Americans; in con- One lesson: Haitian Americans need has to overcome bias against both her color 1990s, and it was generally assumed she flicts that arise regularly between Miami- to rethink their approach to politics if they and her ethnicity. would eventually enter the political arena Dade school officials and Haitian parents want better representation. It took a federal But it’s hard to imagine Metellus, with her mentor’s blessing. or students (inevitable cultural or language lawsuit to establish voting districts in the elegant and considered, as a complainer. Carey-Shuler abruptly retired from the misunderstandings), Metellus has often City of Miami in 1997; today District 5 Nor is she willing to criticize Spence- county commission in December 2005. been one of the principal mediators. is the commission’s “black” seat. Unfor- Jones’s behavior either pre- or post- That same month, Spence-Jones won a Thus in 2005, she was stunned to tunately, as Metellus now knows, black arrest. “There are so many layers, so special election to fill the District 5 seat on learn that her philosophy of inclusive- doesn’t always mean just black. many shades of gray,” Metellus goes on, the Miami City Commission. (Five months ness had brought her flat exclusion. She “But we are in a new reality,” she says, speaking of Miami’s racial politics. “We earlier, the man elected to that spot before was shut out of the running to succeed not discounting the possibility of another all look at things with different eyes. Spence-Jones, Art Teele, had committed Carey-Shuler. “That seat is carved out Voting Rights Act lawsuit on behalf of Hai- There’s a perception on the part of most suicide. Everyone knows that awful story.) for an African American,” Carey-Shuler tian Americans. “We are looking at very black people that this is selective [pros- Metellus was not alone in thinking asserted in an interview. As if a Haitian diverse communities, very diverse minor- ecution], because there’s such a history she was the logical choice to fill Carey- American weren’t black. ity communities, and now it’s time to look of double standards and hidden agendas Shuler’s commission seat, with her years Carey-Shuler pushed for another pro- at how to achieve appropriate representa- where blacks are concerned.” of experience at county hall and service tégé, El Portal Mayor Audrey Edmonson, tion. This is doable.” There’s no question, though, that to the Haitian community. But Metellus to fill the District 3 spot, which Edmon- Metellus’s own story would be evolving was not a “professional Haitian,” unlike son still holds. The rift between Metellus Feedback: [email protected]

January 2010 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 21 Neighborhood Correspondents: Miami Shores Take a Good Look in the Mirror, Village Beautiful If you’re honest, you’ll have to admit we’re not as rich, white, and snooty as you may think By Jen Karetnick For these and other reasons, we are BT Contributor known as a white, rich, snooty, and above all older town where the residents’ iami Shores, I have been kids have grown and fled the nest, leav- lectured recently by too many ing it overflowing with gobs of expend- Mpeople, is a wealthy commu- able income. nity. Too wealthy for this to happen, and I can tell you from experience that, for that to happen, or for Village Coun- of course, some inhabitants of Miami cil members not to take care of certain Shores have more money than others. matters of business that should be easily As far as population goes, we have the overseen — again, given the population’s gamut that runs from childless gay apparent riches. couples to single folks living together, And because Miami Shores has so while the majority these days seem to be much money, it is clear that whenever young- to middle-age parents with kids something doesn’t get fixed, it’s because to clothe, feed, and school. However, we simply don’t care enough. Or at all. In regardless of who you are, just about the way that rich people don’t care enough everyone living here has a mortgage, car or at all about anybody but themselves. coupons next to me in the Miami Shores I’ll be gracious enough not to mention payments, and very likely loans from If this is true, then why are the stores Publix while talking to their neighbors here, has gone public. And yes, we have school to pay back. I don’t know anyone of Village Place still largely vacant? about the benefits of the Florida Prepaid a private day school that is not run by living in Miami Shores who isn’t strug- Don’t you think retailers would be College Plan. any churches or synagogues — though gling right now. eager to sell their goods and services to Frankly, I never cease to be amazed it actually sits on the border of our little But I don’t have to rely on my own millionaires? And speaking of which, by the way Miami Shores is perceived. enclave and unincorporated Miami- perceptions, friends, and neighbors to back where are the millionaires? Because I’m Sure, we have a country club — which, Dade, making it mostly not Miami pretty sure they’re not the ones counting thanks to the economy and other factors Shores property. Continued on page 23

22 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com January 2010 Neighborhood Correspondents: Miami Shores TO A MUCH BETTER YEAR.

Mirror by the Shoreland Company. (They’re The 1658-square-foot corner property with if the business community knew our Continued from page 22 City Beautiful, we’re The Village Beauti- three bedrooms, two renovated bath- true demographics and our real worth, ful.) The average median household rooms, a renovated kitchen, a new roof, we’d have a place where we could pick me up. I have statistics in my corner. The income in the Gables was $66,839. and a pool. In 1999 it sold for $128,000; up last-minute birthday sweaters for our 2000 U.S. Census should tell anyone who The Village of Pinecrest is a commu- in 2004 for $260,000; in 2005 for neighbor’s beloved Chihuahua, or a place cares to look that Miami Shores’s residents nity somewhat more in line with our size $499,900; and in 2007 was back on the where our kids could paint pottery for an are not a collection of happily retired CEOs — only twice as many residents, instead market for $633,000. As of June, 2009, afternoon, instead of a failed boutique living the glory days. The median house- of four times more in the Gables. Ac- the asking price was $199,000. hawking $300 vases. hold income — and that’s before we’ve all cording to the 2000 census, Pinecrest’s When housing prices fall this dramati- Indeed, holiday shopping this past been laid off, thank you very much — was median household income was $107,507. cally, but our property taxes are still high December was more than the usual $56,306 at the time of the census. Obvious- In these terms, Miami Shores is a enough to make my mother choke on her nightmare — staring at all those empty ly we’re not living in the slums, consider- poor relation. own — well, there’s that storefronts that could’ve made my life ing the national median household income Want more myth-busters? Here are arithmetic to be done again. Simply put, easier just had me cranky as hell instead. was $41,994. several others that I predict will be con- ain’t no flush folk around these parts. Even the shops we do have were closed But let’s be real. Kendall, which firmed by the upcoming census: A third The time has come for Miami by 6:00 p.m. nobody sneers at for being elitist, had a of all the households in Miami Shores Shores’s city fathers (and mothers, natch) Then again, I suspect that some of median household income of $51,330, will be composed of families with chil- to launch a public-relations campaign our city traditionalists enjoy the way according to the 2000 census. I’d ask dren under the age of 18. We’ll discover that showcases Miami Shores as it really Miami Shores is reputed to be: white, you to do the math but I have now spent that we’re only two-thirds Caucasian, is. Not moneyed, but middle income. wealthy, and all that very sedate and too much time in the school system and with Hispanics and Haitians quickly on Not exclusive, but all-encompassing. Not proper jazz. Who knows — if I fit neatly know how — er — effective it is, so I the rise. We’ll have one of the highest crotchety, but youthful and fresh. Miami into those currency-lined pigeonholes, I will point out for you that only $5000 populations of gay couples in the U.S. — Shores: The Village Welcoming. Espe- might change the tone of my cluck. But per household separates Kendall from and that will beat out South Beach. cially if you can pay the mortgage. I don’t. Which is why you’ll hear me Miami Shores. And that distance might Something even more dramatic Why is it so important to shape our squawking until people start comment- be shortened come March 2010, when the to consider, which I cribbed from a image according to our true nature? Be- ing that Miami Shores sounds like an next U.S. Census will begin. real estate blog called MiamiAngel- cause it will determine our future, which awfully neat and maybe even a little fun So how about Coral Gables, to which Properties.com. The title of the post? is as much about attracting homebuyers — in addition to affluent — place to live. we are often compared, and understand- “Beached in Miami Shores.” The article as it is about getting retailers to lease ably given that we were both developed follows the selling life of a renovated, our downtown square footage. Perhaps Feedback: [email protected]

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January 2010 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 23 Neighborhood Correspondents: Belle Meade Two-Legged Creatures in a Four-Wheeled World Can Miami be made safe for people who walk instead of drive? By Frank Rollason basis to avoid the ‘blacked- suggests an innovative idea: Ve- BT Contributor out downtown after 5:00’ hicles in traffic lanes bordering factor, when businesses sidewalks should be required ou can add pedestrian-friendly close and there is no street to travel at a slower speed than to the list of buzzwords being presence.” This would in- those traveling the inside lanes. Ytossed around these days when crease the feeling of safety the subject is revitalizing our nation’s from crimes of opportunity. Margaret Tynan, president of cities. Others include sustainability, 3. Citywide public the Belle Meade Homeown- smart growth, and building green. Like transportation: “A pedes- ers Association and consum- most buzzwords, pedestrian-friendly is trian should not have to mate dog-walker. Margaret a subjective term that evokes different rely only on his personal puts it bluntly: “It means that ideas from different individuals. I asked vehicle to circulate in an I can cross the street or walk a few people what it means to them. urban environment. In fact, the more crosswalks should be provided at along a sidewalk without being run user-friendly the local mass-transit facil- regular intervals.” Bob also points down by a car or a bicycle!” Dean Lewis, architect and ities are, the more popular and successful out that the speed of the traffic has There is an obvious common thread Upper Eastside resident. the urban growth of the area will be.” greater impact than the amount of running through these responses: Safety 1. Protection and separation distance: Perhaps a free trolley that travels up and traffic. “It’s actually easier to cross the for pedestrians. “A zone of separation including barriers, down the Boulevard, as now exists along street during rush-hour traffic than off It makes no sense to develop a busi- both physical and perceived, between ve- Ponce de Leon in the Gables, would help hours.” Traffic congestion during rush ness corridor along Biscayne Boulevard hicular traffic and pedestrians is crucial provide this element. hour periods reduces speed. that caters exclusively to vehicular traffic, for the pedestrian’s safe co-habitation especially when the businesses back up along a public right-of-way.” Bob Powers, president of the Palm Tom Hider, MiMo Historic District against residential communities. People 2. Zoning and mixed-use develop- Grove Homeowners Association. business owner and Boulevard resident. are drawn to such business corridors ment: “This component incorporates the “The first thing is that the “It requires the fundamental ability to ‘Eyes on the Street’ principal on a 24-hour streets are safe to cross. Pedestrian safely cross Biscayne Boulevard.” Tom also Continued on page 25

24 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com January 2010 Neighborhood Correspondents: Belle Meade SO PLEASE TELL OUR SPONSORS

Two-Legged Since it seems we cannot success- (FDOT), which controls modifications when crossing the street. This was not Continued from page 24 fully control the criminal element, the to the Boulevard itself, and of our police very well received as most everyone ig- only smart thing to do is not put yourself department, which provides that critical nores such signs, and they just add to the not just for their products and services, in harm’s way. So it’s into the car, drive element of safety while people stroll the visual pollution that already exists. but also because masses of people on to the restaurant, park very close or valet, sidewalks, taking in the scenery. All in all, not a very promising set of the sidewalks attract other people. This enter the restaurant, eat the meal, get Last month I attended an FDOT public long-term solutions, but nonetheless they especially applies to the MiMo Historic back in the car, and drive directly home. meeting at Legion Park on the topic of pedes- should be implemented (except the extra District, which could become a popular Alternatively, if you felt truly safe, you trian safety. This forum, led by FDOT Bou- signage, please) because they’re better place to hang out — to people-watch and could enjoy the cool evenings and a nice levard project manager David Korros, was than nothing. to be seen by others. walk, checking out the people and the called to present proposals designed to make As for added police protection, we have Without basic safety, however, the shops. (Storefront businesses should keep the MiMo District more pedestrian-friendly. a new police chief, Miguel Exposito, who people will not come — at least not by foot. their lights on so people can window-shop The proposals included several strategically says one of his top priorities is to put more And here is where the notion of pedestrian- even when the stores are closed.) Based placed “feedback speed signs” that display police on neighborhood streets — some- friendly expands to include safety from on the experience of the past couple of the standard 35 mph speed limit but also thing I’ve been advocating for years. I’ve crime. One example: Most people who Cinco de MiMo events, sponsored by the utilize a digital readout of the actual speed of never bought into the police mantra that now patronize restaurants in the MiMo MiMo Biscayne Association, we know the car approaching the sign. This idea was “if we put a cop on every corner, we still Historic District drive their vehicle directly the Boulevard can be a fun and happening well received by those in attendance. couldn’t stop crime.” While that may be to the restaurant. They don’t park else- place — especially after dark. FDOT also proposed the installation true regarding white-collar crimes or im- where and stroll. Even local residents aren’t When there is activity and when of a so-called Pedestrian Refuge Island pulsive crimes of passion, it would certainly inclined to walk — and I should know. there is a police presence, people will at 72nd Terrace. These islands are like put a damper on the opportunistic criminals My wife and I live just a block and come out and participate. Why? Well, medians separating traffic lanes. They who plague our neighborhoods and busi- a half east of the Boulevard in Belle they’re looking for a good time at the allow pedestrians to cross one-half of a nesses all along the Biscayne Corridor. Meade, but seldom do we venture out right price. But also, importantly, be- busy roadway, find refuge on the island, Let’s hope the new chief is success- on pedestrian excursions. Why? Mainly cause they feel safe. then navigate the other half. The 72nd ful in this endeavor and that he places because of the danger in traversing a no- The key to the MiMo District’s suc- Terrace island would feature flash- some priority on the Upper Eastside man’s land between NE 6th Court and cess is conveying a feeling of complete ing beacons instead of a full-fledged — both on the Boulevard and on our the Boulevard itself. These dark streets safety on a daily basis, and to do that crosswalk stoplight. FDOT addition- residential streets. are a haven for those who prey on the we need the active participation of the ally proposed a plethora of new signage weak or unsuspecting. Florida Department of Transportation advising people to use common sense Feedback: [email protected]

January 2010 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 25 Neighborhood Correspondents: Biscayne Park A Time to Thaw It takes a special kind of person to thrive when it’s 12 degrees — a person not from Miami By Wendy Doscher-Smith Here people are less picky. They want to BT Contributor survive. And none of those fancy cars are going to help you get traction when y the time you read this, I will the road is a slick runway of death. have rung in 2010 aboard a jet So when considering daily MFT Bbound for Miami International runway o’ death or the airport’s runway Airport. Hopefully. (Had to say that, o’ death, I chose to fly south. seeing as how I prepare to die every time Not that Miami doesn’t have its I get on a plane, and I don’t assume any- runways o’ death. Pick any road — I-95, thing in this life. Plus I’m superstitious.) Doscher-Smith BT photo by Wendy the Palmetto, Biscayne Boulevard, Calle By the time you read this, I will be back Ocho. As I drive on these wintry Danger in my homeland for an undetermined Mouse roads here, I often find myself amount of time. wondering WWMD? What Would My first thought this morning when I Miamians Do? Seriously. I can’t even glanced at the thermometer: “12 is a shoe imagine the carnage and mayhem if the size for basketball players, not a tem- 305 had to deal with snow/icy roads. perature.” Alas, my sunnified, subtropi- Look, I can say it because I’m a cal friends, indeed it is a temperature native. (Sort of like it’s okay to call your and you can bet one thing: It will keep Chunks of thawed and then fried road Subaru into the Susquehanna River. The sister horrible names and beat her into dropping. In fact last winter I saw minus kill. A slice of roadway with glacial Subaru is king up here in the Merci- submission because she’s your sibling.) 12. And they say it was a mild one. garnish, topped with a sprinkle of coarse less Frozen Tundra because it works in Miami is wonderful for many reasons. The weather report called for a salt? De-icer fluid dip with a side of snow and ice. The vehicle might keep But common sense and intelligence are “Windy and Wintry Mix.” Wintry Mix. brittle twigs? you alive. I am aware that in the MIA, not among them. Sounds like a seasonal appetizer plate. And so it begins. Last winter I Porsches, Escalades, Audis, Mercedes “Waiter! Yes, I’ll have the Wintry Mix!” thought it a viable option to plunge my convertibles are the preferred wheels. Continued on page 27

26 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com January 2010 Neighborhood Correspondents: Biscayne Park YOU SAW THEIR AD HERE.

Thaw I’ll tell you who is not a pussy, Vestilian. However, I am convinced this cold. And I stupidly opted to wear a bop- Continued from page 26 though: Irish Helen. My neighbor is all a mistake, a switching at birth, if ping reindeer headband, so I am hatless. Irish Helen is one MFTer I like. Irish you will. Tim does not exhibit typically I don’t know the temperature but I know Back when my father taught at the Helen possesses what one might call annoying Vestilian MFT traits such as it is ominous. (I now can tell the differ- University of Miami, everyone called it “vim and vigor.” She has a great knack shuffling his feet or dropping his conso- ence between cold and ominous, and we “Suntan U,” and not just because the sun for saying “Bah!” while dismissively nants, and he still has all his teeth. had already passed the “o” mark). was shining. No, there seemed to be a lack waving her hand. But Tim still cannot completely It had been snowing at 5:00 p.m. of…what? Work ethic? Drive? Whatever it This is a woman in her mid-60s escape his roots. Last night was a when I crunched my car wheels into a was, it still prevails. The sun. It makes you (I’m guessing here) who keeps her good example. snowy, illegal parking spot, and now it soft. And you can’t fight it any more than house at 65 degrees — when she’s in There we are, standing outside the is 9:00 p.m. We’ve been outside for four you can fight the MFT winter. it. Always. I’ll bet it’s at 65 right now, building where we’d just concluded the minutes and I can no longer feel my ears. This marshmallowing of the brain, while my thermo still (!!!) reads 12. semester of DPI, or Digital Photographic Then the wind comes. I start howling. it’s the fate of all who spend too much Her husband does not like it, she says. Imaging. (DPI is really an acronym for But Tim just stands there. time in sunny places. Face it, Miamians: But he’d just better bundle up! (To give YAGSTS, or You Are Going to Suffer Me: Oh my gawwwwd! Ahhh! What You’re a bunch of pussies. I know. I’m you an idea what this housing tem- This Semester.) So anyway, I am in a the???? Tim! How can you just stand one too. Which is why I am heading perature means to me: When Jeremy three-quarter, “mulberry pink,” down- there like that? Eeeeeeeeeeeee! back to the warm womb. and I went on vacation recently, we set filled coat, under which there are two Tim (calmly): I am clenching my ass To be fair, as I’m an equal-opportu- the temperature to 68. Well, there are layers — one shirt and one sweater — cheeks together so I don’t scream. nity call-it-like-I-see-it type of woman, furry children to consider.) jeans, high boots, two pairs of socks And there you have it. The heart the MFTers are also pussies. You Irish Helen also does not believe in (first cotton, then wool; it must be done of the MFT spirit. Ass-clenching will see, it all boils down (during Miami hats. Hats are for sissies! that way), and mittens. power. Hat disdain. Bah! I see it in Irish summers, you can take that literally) My school friend Tim is nothing like Tim is wearing what has come to be Helen. I see it in Tim. And I respect it in to the environment in which you grew Irish Helen, yet they do share one thing his class uniform: a thin pair of sweat both. But I do not want to see myself in up. While Miamians shake out the in common: Tim is another MFTer who pants, a tissue-weight white T-shirt, a it the rest of this winter. moth balls and dust off their fur or doesn’t believe in hats, even at minus 12. barely-there hoodie, possibly underwear, They can eat the Wintry Mix platter. faux fur coats when the thermometer I love Tim, too. He’s barely 20-years- and running shoes. I do not know if I’m ordering the subtropical special. dips below 70, people in the MFT start old, born in Vestal, a suburb of Bing- there were socks. sweating at exactly same temperature. hamton, NY, which rather unfortunately Tim and I are trying to get through a It’s just the way we’re made. makes him not just a MFTer but also a congratulatory cigarette, but damn! It is Feedback: [email protected]

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January 2010 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 27 Community News Follow That Story! Updates on a few subjects of interest from the year past he constraints of limited editorial than the more westerly Tri-Rail system. space often mean our crack BT Ultimately, though, the goal is to Tnews team is not able to follow build a network of interconnected com- up on stories of continuing interest. It muter trains (Metrorail, Tri-Rail, FEC) can be frustrating for readers and writ- and regional lines (Amtrak, Tampa-Or- ers alike. With that in mind, we’ve taken lando-Miami bullet train) to create a truly BT photo by Silvia Ros this opportunity to update a few stories 21st-century transportation system. from 2009. Not as many as we would have liked, of course, but just as many as this issue’s limited editorial space Citizens on Patrol would allow. Are Volunteers Among the many intriguing stories not included here, we’re still keeping an eye in Need on the Vagabond Motel, fundraising at the They extend the reach of police, but don’t Miami Art Museum, Biscayne Landing have much reach themselves and other shaky condominium projects, By Mandy Baca Village Place in Miami Shores, and land- BT Intern scaping along Biscayne Boulevard. February 2009 — Jim Mullin BT Editor These FEC railroad tracks could be carrying commuter trains between he City of Miami’s Citizens on Miami and West Palm Beach. Patrol program (COP) is more Waiting for the Train Tsubstantial than local Crime Watch Bumper-to-bumper commute driving you commuter rail project, will be sought In the meantime, Florida is seeking groups. Volunteers for COP are screened crazy? Ride the rails! shortly thereafter and construction could almost $3 billion in stimulus funds for and trained by the Miami Police Depart- By Terence Cantarella begin in 2014. a high-speed Orlando-Tampa-Miami ment to patrol residential neighborhoods BT Contributor train, a new Jacksonville-Miami and report suspicious activity. They must January 2009 FDOT’s proposed Amtrak line, and an Orlando-area com- be at least 18 years old, live or work in the commuter muter train. city, and commit to a significant number stations, which reams of speedy and convenient are subject The development of those lines, of volunteer hours. They do not make train travel have not faded from to change. plus the Florida legislature’s recently arrests and cannot patrol after 11:00 p.m., Dthe minds of Biscayne Corridor approved bill to fund Tri-Rail and create but their vigilance is beneficial and appre- residents. The Florida Department of a “rail oversight” department within ciated by the residents they serve. Transportation’s multi-year study, which FDOT, bodes well for the FEC proj- Miami’s biggest COP chapter by aims to lay the groundwork for commuter ect. It proves to the feds that Florida is far is the one based in Little Haiti, with trains on the Florida East Coast railway finally getting serious about rail transit more than 70 active members, some who (FEC) between downtown Miami and and is just as deserving of competitive have been volunteering for years. And West Palm Beach, is still rolling along federal funds as other pro-rail states like volunteer is the operative word. The City — slowly. California and Illinois. of Miami supplies COP with polo shirts Residents will have to wait another Since the FEC tracks pass through or windbreakers — and that’s it. Volun- three years to see a finalized plan detail- the downtowns of 28 cities and towns in teers provide their own transportation, ing rail technologies and station loca- the tri-county region, a commuter system tions. Federal funding, essential for any on that line would be far more accessible Continued on page 30

28 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com January 2010 Community News BEE TEE! The Last Meal Why did some of the Biscayne Corridor’s best restaurants close their doors in 2009? By Pamela Robin Brandt sense to stay. In the last year, busi- the next year — three BT Contributor ness at the restaurant was down hurricanes. Then the almost 50 percent.” bad economy in the last p and down our Biscayne One Ninety had a more prob- two years.” Corridor, the most surpris- lematic setting on a block in Little It didn’t help that, Uing restaurant story of these Haiti that is particularly charm- despite affordable recession-plagued times isn’t how many less — NE 54th Street just east of deals like a year-round places have folded. It’s how many new N. Miami Avenue. Between the Miami Spice-style restaurants have opened. Still, when the street’s broken-bottle décor, intru- menu, there seemed restaurant death list from 2009 includes sively loud music from neighbors, to be a perception that places with food so notable and chefs and frequent Friday-night Haitian the high-profile place so high-profile you would have thought political demonstrations, Hughes had prohibitively high them recession-proof — well, you have says diners didn’t feel safe. “The prices as well. “I think to wonder why. So we selected a few of area was supposed to be emerg- North One 10’s Dewey LoSasso: “It’s not a high-profile some of it was the our most mourned losses and hounded ing…. I’m not very cautious area — unless you’re a transvestite hooker, and they look,” says LoSasso. the proprietors for answers. about locations. For a while after weren’t great customers.” “Maybe we should Dewey LoSasso and Alan Hughes opening enough people did come, have gone casual summed up their situations by invoking even celebrities like Ricky Martin. instead of keeping an old real-estate adage: The three most Bobby Flay came. But eventu- There were other problems, too. “At the former restaurant important things are location, location, ally — well, I can’t tell you how many the first One Ninety, I had a partner, tenant’s marble floors. NE 110th Street is and location. LoSasso was chef/owner times a customer would say, ‘Where the Donna, my ex-wife, who did an amazing not a high-profile area — unless you’re of the renowned contemporary hell am I?’ There were job in the front of the house, and had a a transvestite hooker, and they weren’t culinary oasis North One 10, people who told me huge following herself. I did great food, great customers.” while Hughes was chef/owner of they had driven to One and she had a great personality. At the LoSasso has, however, landed on his the quirky One Ninety, the second new place, I was run- feet most spectacularly as the new execu- incarnation of his very popular ning everything myself tive chef at Miami Beach’s landmark The Design District original and the — and going crazy. I’m Forge. When word of his appointment first restaurant on our list to fold not good with numbers, leaked out last last fall, the restaurant, in 2009. either.” which was undergoing renovations, “We took a chance with the As for North One began booking reservations well into restaurant’s location at Biscayne 10, LoSasso can’t recall February. “North One 10 established me and 110th Street,” explains a year in the six he was as a brand,” says LoSasso. “I’d never be LoSasso. “There’s a sort of dead open in which there where I am without it.” area between 125th Street down weren’t serious prob- Alan Hughes, in addition to his cater- to about 80th Street. When we lems, starting with pro- ing (www.chefalanhughes.com), also has opened in 2004, we thought the longed Boulevard road a new restaurant of sorts, back in a cool area was going to get better. A lot Alan Hughes of One Ninety: “I can’t tell you how many construction that blocked Design District-area location. “At my of our clientele did come from times a customer would say, ‘Where the hell am I?’” access and ended up house!” he laughs. “I call it Guerilla Res- Jockey Club, Sans Souci, Cricket putting him in substan- taurant. There’s just one table, and you Club, and other affluent uptown tial debt. “You open to call up when you want to book a dinner. communities. But when there are short Ninety, sometimes from long distances, four-star reviews but they put yellow tape sales at Cricket Club, it doesn’t make and then had not gotten out of the car.” around the building!” he groans. “Then Continued on page 32

January 2010 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 29 Community News

Follow last year and don’t expect to this year front entrance facing commercial 79th attributed to individuals who don’t want Continued from page 28 either. Street. That proposed entry to the parking to be at the club in the first place. They Jerome is more optimistic. Miami lot is now blocked by a fence, the club must attend AA meetings by court order, flashlights, batteries, cell phones, and has a new mayor and a new police chief. building’s back patio, and a new 45-foot- commonly the result of alcohol-related everything else. The Little Haiti chapter Fresh faces could mean a fresh look at tall billboard. (CBS Outdoor owns the offenses. Still, Laird says, the situation did win a grant to purchase walkie-talk- Citizens on Patrol. Jerome says he’ll con- billboard and pays the club $12,000 yearly is becoming intolerable: “Two families ies so members can communicate with tinue lobbying Miami officials, despite for the use of its property.) have moved out because of the foot traf- each other while on patrol — often in the the city’s precarious financial situation. Besides contending with vehicles en- fic going in and out of the neighborhood.” Buena Vista East neighborhood just north tering and leaving the club’s parking lot, Little River Club attorney Gary of the Design District. Glasser says there is no Supporters of the program, including Sober but Strained proof that the speed- the Buena Vista East Historic Neighbor- Relations ers or trespassers are hood Association, want the city to do An Alcoholics Anonymous chapter takes club members. He also more. Pradel Denis, who is involved with fire from its Shorecrest neighbors insists that such trouble- the COP program as well as the Buena By Erik Bojnansky makers are thrown out Vista East homeowners group, told the BT Contributor of the club. “We are BT last January: “If this program were June 2009 trying to work with the properly structured, we could make a big neighbors,” says Glasser, dent in crime.” At the top of Denis’s wish his past June the BT chronicled a “but they are not doing list: radios linked directly to police. feud between Shorecrest home- the same.” As for the Another Buena Vista East resident Towners and an Alcoholics Anony- proposed 79th Street and COP advocate is Schiller Jerome, mous chapter — fueled by road rage, city entrance, Glasser says who lobbied local politicians and police zoning mishaps, and a looming billboard. that even without the commanders. “There’s money available Seven months later the conflict continues, obstructions, it would be to assist them,” he told the BT, “but it’s though it may come to a head in March. too narrow to accommo- not being used.” That’s when the AA chapter known as the The Little River AA club with billboard looming date vehicles. Little River Club, located at overhead. Last year city offi- 753 NE 79th St., may lose cials told the BT that the the right to use the rear of its sometimes at a high rate of speed, resi- club’s rear entrance was no longer legal property as a parking lot. dents say they also endure unwelcome as the variance that allowed its creation City spokeswoman club members wandering around the expired in 1966. Miami officials also Cristina Fernandez says the neighborhood on foot. Neighbors claim claimed the back patio was built without BT photo by Silvia Ros fate of the rear parking lot, to have seen club members toss liquor a permit and needed to be torn down. The which was originally zoned bottles and trespass on private property billboard, they determined, was legal. for residential use only, will prior to entering the club’s rear entrance. According to Glasser, the patio did be determined at a hearing Chris Masciatti, a former Surfside code have a permit. He also says he presented sometime in March. The city enforcement officer, says he pursued one evidence to city officials that the “vari- could enforce the residential trespasser with a video camera and a gun. ance” allowing the parking lot was really a Pradel Denis (rear) and Schiller Jerome (right) zoning or grant the club a “The guy was reeking with beer,” Masci- “certificate of use” with no expiration date. with members of Little Haiti’s Citizens on Patrol. variance for up to 20 years. atti asserts. “He turns around and starts Miami’s zoning director, Lourdes Shorecrest residents vow to run west to 80th Street. Right when he Slazyk, says Glasser is both right and Unfortunately, one year later, not to fight the parking lot — unless the club got to the Little River Club, he jumped wrong. Yes, the club’s “certificate of use” much has changed. “The end of 2009 agrees to one change: Close the rear en- the fence.” was once legal, but no longer. It is, she brings the same results as the end of trance to the lot, located on NE 80th Street, Richard Laird, president of the says, about to expire. 2008,” reports Denis, who notes that the which is otherwise completely residential. Shorecrest Homeowners Association, volunteers received zero financial support They want the club to utilize a narrow believes much of the trouble can be Continued on page 31

30 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com January 2010 Community News

Follow congestion created by 900 students. Some organization in the United States. Continued from page 30 concluded that the project was “just another El Portal’s planning and zoning board, way to make a buck.” advised by their traffic consultants, balked School Dazed in During the summer, attorneys for at the potential problems, and the fact the developer, MG3 Developer Group, that MG3 Developer Group had not yet El Portal pleaded with community members to purchased the property from the Catholic Church wants to Archdiocese of Miami, which sell, charter wants bought the 58-year-old church to build, neighbors for $3.6 million in 2007. Cantarella BT photos by Terence want none of it The hammer fell on By Brandon Dane September 15, when the board Special to BT unanimously denied approval July 2009 to develop the property. Ac- cording to El Portal village n April of last year, manager Jason Walker: “The Solid as an Oak Tree, a Broward-based project is over unless they Dead as a Door Nail Ideveloper and want to appeal to the Miami- They’re in the Design District, they’re one of the nation’s Dade County Circuit Court.” old and majestic, and they’re about to be biggest operators Imagine School’s South destroyed of charter schools Florida office says the By Terence Cantarella began seeking special company instead intends to BT Contributor permission to expand open a charter school this September 2009 and convert the The former Methodist church in El Portal is once again up for sale. year in Doral. former Rader United Spokeswoman for the he 41st Street Oaks, two stately, Methodist Church (NE 2nd Avenue and accept the proposed charter school, archdiocese, Mary Ross Agosta, says 100-year-old Southern Live 87th Street) into a public charter school in offering reassurances that it would that while the sale to MG3 ultimately fell T Oak trees in Miami’s Design El Portal, population 2500. Residents, how- be operated by the nonprofit Imagine through, the Rader property is still on the District, narrowly escaped the chain ever, were worried about a range of issues, Schools, which claims to be the larg- market, and she expects the archdiocese including litter, possible crime, and traffic est and fastest-growing charter-school to make its money back. Continued on page 33

January 2010 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 31 Community News

Last Meal next door for a cheaper panini.” his original South Miami hot spot, Two Continued from page 29 Vasallo also blames her financial Chefs. The business began as a small woes on unchecked ambitions, such as cooking school in 1994 and evolved into And if I don’t want to open some days, I an expansion that doubled the size of an award-winning restaurant that has don’t have to.” the restaurant after its very successful proved consistently popular for 15 years. The most recent restaurant death on first year. “My lease started at $926 per Yet North Miami’s Two Chefs our list was the creative Cuban/Spanish month,” she notes. “By the end it was Too, which got excellent reviews for tapas bar Canela, which operated from $5500. I shouldn’t have expanded. I was its high-quality but reasonably priced a strip mall in the 5100 block of Bis- working all day and all night without a fine-dining cuisine when it opened in cayne Boulevard. The Food Network’s partner I could count on, and I was work- late 2007, lasted little more than a year. Hungry Detective show judged Canela ing financially from month to month. I’ve What happened? “Not so much the “one of the five best off-the-beaten- learned you can’t do that. It’s like with economy, not being fine dining. It was path restaurants in Miami.” Opened in baking: There’s a recipe for a successful a lot of small, stupid things,” Jorgensen 2004, it closed this past November, and restaurant, and you have to follow it.” says evasively. chef/owner/in-charge-of-everything Currently Vasallo is catering (“ba- What about our own “jinx spot” person Margarita Vasallo seems a bit sically anything on Canela’s menu”), theory? The restaurant’s low-visibility shell-shocked. including a commission deal with Touch space — at the end of a strip mall “I thought I would have a little more Jan Jorgensen on the demise of Catering. And she’s enjoying the chance where 123rd Street becomes the Broad time,” she says, “but every month this Two Chefs Too: “Not so much the to spend time with her six year-old Causeway — has proved fatal to every year, when it came time to pay my rent, I economy, not being fine dining. It child. Still, when talking about Canela, eatery that has tried to repeat the early was lacking $1000, $2000. My landlord was a lot of small, stupid things.” it almost seems like she’s referring to a 1990s success of Mark Militello’s finally said it would be better for me to second child. “I miss her,” she sighs. legendary Mark’s Place. Mark’s was stop now and cut my losses.” Canela.” At lunchtime Canela served up Jan Jorgensen politely but firmly packed every night, but Militello was Vasallo believes that recession a lettuce/tomato/grilled onion/-en- refuses to talk about the demise of Two famous, and those were the days when hardships dramatically decreased her hanced pan con lechon on crusty rustic Chefs Too. “I just don’t want to associate devoted foodies thought nothing of business. “Definitely,” she says. “In the bread — arguably the finest Nuevo myself with anything negative,” he says. driving vast distances for a superior same mall, people were going more to Latino sandwich in Miami. Nonetheless, Indeed Jorgensen’s journey through dining experience. the sushi express because these days Vasallo adds, “You could see people the South Florida food world has been they’d rather spend $6 than $10 at standing on line at the Dunkin’ Donuts overwhelmingly positive, culminating in Continued on page 33

32 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com January 2010 Community News

Follow According to drain components in advance Continued from page 31 City of Miami of the resurfacing and paving preservation of- work. One concern: Those saw last September. The question ficer Ellen Uguc- trenches were dug well within now: Can they survive bulldozers, cioni, the BT the spread of the trees’ root backhoes, trenchers, article unleashed systems, which typically and steamrollers? “a virtual flood of reach as far out from the trunk The BT began covering the plight of communications as the canopy. the 80-foot-tall twin oaks after learning from city residents.” The months ahead will that two concerned citizens — George Between that reveal whether the twin oaks Perez and Miryam Rojas — had filed public outcry and will continue to thrive or expensive appeals with the city to the persuasiveness whether they were spared the prevent property owners Carlos and of the appeals filed chainsaw only to be con- Rosa de la Cruz from cutting down the by Perez and Rojas, demned to a slow death from towering trees. the de la Cruzes George Perez and Miryam Rojas led the charge to save the root damage. The de la Cruzes had planned to quickly agreed to 41st Street Oaks. Naturally, the BT will remove the historic oaks to make room design their new be watching. for a parking lot across the street from parking lot around the trees instead of Deep trenches were recently dug on their new art museum. removing them. the property to install sewer and storm Feedback: [email protected]

Last Meal Despite his candor, Jorgensen still seems That included a bathroom where The business was reassessed for tax Continued from page 32 to be avoiding something. Relentless pester- some drywall had been removed. Lo purposes at double its previous value. “It ing finally gets it out of him. One fine day and behold, that turned Two Chefs just didn’t fly for me,” he adds. “I’m the “I thought there was a little left of when renovations were nearly complete, a Too’s “renovations” into “new construc- small guy. I cook for a living.” Which he that era,” Jorgensen concedes. After all, fellow Jorgensen knew, who worked for the tion,” which meant much more strin- continues to do with great success at Two his demographic research looked promis- City of North Miami, drove up “in a car with gent requirements. “We had to change Chefs in South Miami, where the soufflés ing. “The numbers seemed solid,” he that little circle on the side. I happily invited many things,” Jorgensen says. “Put in alone are worth the drive. recalls, “but the clientele turned out to be this guy in and offered to show him what handicapped bathroom facilities, exam- very seasonal.” we’d done with the space.” ine every last little screw.” One result: Feedback: [email protected]

January 2010 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 33 Police Reports Biscayne Crime Beat Compiled by Derek McCann If It Seems Too Good disappeared, along with the video-surveil- to Be True… lance tape, and is rumored to have returned 1600 Block of N. Bayshore Drive to the cold of Nova Scotia, where the Cana- Our hero of a victim came home with two dian pimps are nicer and used designer women on his arms. (Score!) He left them clothes fetch a good price. in his living room as he went to shower. Gotta be nice and clean. As he was exiting The Ghost of Imelda Marcos the shower, he saw both women hurriedly 600 Block of NE 86th Street exiting the front door — with his wallet This crime occurred at a house where the and watch. (Score!) Nothing else was victim found that her door had been forced taken, save for his bruised ego. open by an unknown intruder. Her home was not ransacked. In fact there was no The Gift of Giving damage whatsoever, and no cash taken. Omni However, eight pairs of shoes were stolen. As the holiday season winds down, a cross-dresser, but as for replacing her bag, Breitling watch (reportedly valued at This was second burglary in six months at we’ve had an opportunity to divvy wardrobe, there are some great post- $54,000), designer clothing, and jewelry. the victim’s home, but the first time shoes up all the cool stuff we got from our holiday sales around town. Turns out that the brand maven was most were targeted. At press time, the shoes loved ones. This woman got her sur- likely victimized by an acquaintance who’d themselves had not been identified. prise early. In the spirit of the season, also been victimized — by her pimp. The her ex-boyfriend called to let her know No Good Deed Goes suspect hooker, who was temporarily Begging for Attention he’d left a little something for her at her Unpunished staying at the condo, had been working at Omni apartment. How nice! When she arrived 1000 Block of Biscayne Boulevard a local strip club. Our victim was reticent Sometimes people ask to become victims. home, she found his gift: electrical wires The woman couldn’t help but notice that to press charges because she knew the This woman was shopping and placed cut, air-conditioning unit destroyed, and several high-ticket fashion items were woman was trying to escape from her all her clothes stolen. Not sure if he is missing from her condo: Louis Vuitton loathsome pimp. The hooker has since Continued on page 35

34 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com January 2010 Police Reports

Crime Beat Peeper and His Peeps Rogue Painter Starves Some Guard Dogs Continued from page 34 Omni Kitties 100 Block of NE 79th Street In yet another example of the indecipher- 1000 NE 78th Street Rd. Man came to work and noticed all the her purse on the counter, then walked able police report, we have a man who Woman arrived home to find the family sodas were gone. Nothing else appeared away. When she returned several minutes was seen peeping into a bedroom, using cats shivering in fear under the bed. to be missing, with one exception: the later, guess what? The purse was missing. a lighter to illuminate the room. He was Someone had broken into the home and supposedly ferocious guard dogs. Dogs There were about ten such incidents in this confronted by the victim and, according had taken all their food and water. (Seri- and sodas have yet to be located. month’s police reports. Ladies, hold onto to the report, he responded, “Okay, I will ously.) The human food in the refrigerator your purses! Avoid appearing in the Febru- go, just let me get my peeps to come on had also been tampered with. It doesn’t Justified Paranoia ary installment of Crime Beat! by.” The man was actually the victim’s stop there. The entire apartment had been 2600 Block of NE 2nd Avenue drug-addict cousin. The victim then painted yellow! The victim believes she Sometimes it seems that imagining Man Loses Leg — We noticed his girlfriend crouching outside knows the culprit and was upset that he had something could happen actually causes Think the bedroom window. The cousin and his entered the home without her being there. it to happen. Such was the case with NE 17th Street and Biscayne Boulevard girlfriend then departed. Charges have She wanted to watch him as she did not the woman who was worried about her Police reports are sometimes difficult to yet to be filed — but for what? completely trust him. (No wonder!) The son’s truck. It had been stolen only a decipher owing to an officer’s uncertain painter is still at large, armed with other week earlier. Happily, it was recovered. grasp of written English. Crime Beat colors and plenty of Iams. After that, they parked the truck in the has struggled through some really bad A Passion for Cooking? backyard to avoid a repeat incident. One grammar. In this report, if we understand 100 Block NE 76th Street day a friend was visiting and the worried it correctly, the victim was standing at A man broke into a home and went Need Stuff? Just Take It mother asked him to check the back- a bus stop when a man on a bike came straight for the stove. He removed it and 4870 Biscayne Blvd. yard to see if the truck was still there. It by and stole his “prosthesis.” His left began pushing it down the street. But it Typically people steal deodorants and food wasn’t. The truck had been stolen again! pants leg was ripped from the seams and was apparently too heavy for him. He from Publix. This time, however, two men At press time the truck had not been also stolen. The victim was unable to gave up and ran away after half a block. casually started loading Publix pallets recovered, but if it is, you can bet they’ll identify the bicycle-riding fetishist, but Police did not catch him. Meanwhile the into their SUV. The pallets were clearly try parking it inside the house. his “extension” (according to the report) stove’s owner was unable to drag it back marked, but the twosome did not seem to is sadly gone. Hold onto your arms and home because of its weight. At press time care. Publix personnel caught sight of this legs, people. Apparently there is a market the stove was no longer on the street, but and immediately notified the officer on for stolen limbs. its whereabouts were unknown. duty, who promptly arrested them. Feedback: [email protected]

January 2010 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 35 A r t & C u l t u r e Street Art Has Arrived Wynwood is now famous for its outdoor murals — unlike many of the artists who created them By Anne Tschida BT Contributor

hat was happening out there on the streets of Wynwood, Won a Wednesday afternoon in BT photo by Silvia Ros the middle of December? The Art Basel

crowds had gone home, so why all these Photo by Douglas Hoekzema people milling about, taking photo- graphs in front of murals throughout the neighborhood? Wynwood, the art center of Miami, may be filled with galleries, but it is rarely filled with visitors apart from one Saturday evening each month. Over the past few years, Wynwood has become Shortly after Primary Flight’s Douglas Hoekzema Here’s what’s happening: Wynwood ground zero for inspired graffiti art. finished this vision of Celia Cruz, it was vandalized. has become one of the most vibrant street-art scenes in the nation, if not the world. Building walls here have been covered with an astonishing amount of illegal and legal graffiti, murals, and paintings, created by both local and internationally acclaimed artists. So on this afternoon, art interlopers piled out of taxis and cars to see some of these spectacular murals. People posed in front of the 12 murals painted during Art Basel on a cluster of buildings along

NW 2nd Avenue. The collection of Photos by Logan Hicks and Jeremiah Garcia murals is called “Wynwood Walls” and was sponsored by the New York gallery Retna and El Mac’s finished mural at the Margulies Deitch Projects and the developer Tony Collection, 591 NW 27th St. Goldman, whose company owns the properties. They posed in front of other So with very shows had brought in acclaimed artists, walls too, like the massive one facing little money but from Shepard Fairey to Lady Pink and I-95 on the building housing the Margu- lots of enthusiasm, Ewok, artists who had also created murals lies Collection, painted the artists known Primary Flight in Wynwood courtesy of Primary Flight. as Retna and El Mac. took to the streets So back on the street, there was Those two are part of a collective of Wynwood, and a feeling that all the effort of the past called Primary Flight, which has been Primary Flight’s Retna and El Mac at work. wall by wall began several years was being ignored by responsible for much of the outdoor art in putting up a truly newcomers with more money and public the area, and which is currently creating days. Along with several other artists amazing array of murals. Year by year relations fire power. a sprawling mural and graffiti complex and curators, the group has a passion the roster of people participating grew, An artist and architect who works on NW 6th Avenue at 23rd Street, where for bringing art outdoors, to a neighbor- and included local, national, and inter- with Primary Flight, Douglas Hoekzema, more visitors were snapping photos of the hood the art elite ignored, aside from national artists. Primary Flight’s paint- a.k.a. HOX, was feeling more than explosion of color emanating from the indoor shows. “Here was a place that ings were giving Miami worldwide slighted. He was feeling robbed by the walls of this warehouse property. was becoming an art hub,” he says, “but street cred. (Photo galleries and more “Graffiti Gone Global” show. He’d been Wynwood’s walls received intense for the most part it was one week a year can be found at the group’s website: hired to do the main sculptural installa- scrutiny this past Art Basel, but this [during Art Basel]. They appear and then www.primaryflight.com.) tion and was highlighted in the show’s street-art extravaganza didn’t happen disappear without looking at what was Fast forward to this past December, catalogue as “The Architect.” But at the overnight, and not without a lot of sweat going on. We were like, ‘Fuck you, more when “street art” was all the rage. An last minute, he says, he was taken off the and effort that some of the originators is going on here.’” element of commercialism had clearly project with no recourse to fix what the think have gone uncredited. Making art available to everyone creeped into the scene, from the beauti- curators thought was a problem. The artist who goes by the name was part of the mission, says another ful but somewhat sterilized “Wynwood “I swallowed my pride and began to BooksIIII is a founder of Primary Flight, founding member, New York-based cura- Walls” to yet another show that claimed to change elements to their liking,” he says. the group founded in 2007 to seriously tor Lynn Yohana Howard. “We wanted be exhibiting some of the world’s biggest “Halfway through the day [they] decided cover those neighborhood walls. “We to highlight high-level art for the people, names in graffiti art, a two-story exhibit to shut the project down. I pleaded for busted our asses securing those walls, to help revitalize a blighted area that was called “Graffiti Gone Global,” sponsored getting the paint,” he says of those early neglected for so long,” says Howard. by the restaurant chain SushiSamba. Both Continued on page 37

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

Mural by Brazilian duo Nunca at “Wynwood Walls.” Photos courtesy of Wynwood Walls Photo by Logan Hicks and Jeremiah Garcia

Collaborative mural by Nina, Os Gemeos, and Finok at “Wynwood Walls.”

What a curiously titled project,” says “I just think some BooksIIII. “We made Wynwood’s walls people might get and we’re getting no credit for that.” the impression that Shepard Fairey mural at 3000 Says Lynne Yohana Howard: “No, all this happened N. Miami Ave., sponsored by we didn’t put out water bottles with the in one day.” (The Primary Flight. tag ‘Wynwood Walls,’ we just did it over “Wynwood Walls” the years.” project featured an Street Art They felt the Goldman/Deitch mural international cast Kenny Scharf at “Wynwood Walls.” Continued from page 36 park capitalized on what they’d already of artists, includ- two more hours to prove that I could done, with no mention of their efforts ing Aiko from Japan, teams Os Gemeos Our stuff is still unpoliced; It’s just out complete the work as they wished, but and achievements in covering so many and Nunca from Brazil, Stelios Faitakis there on the street.” this wasn’t enough…. I feel this is more of Wynwood’s walls. from Greece, and Shepard Fairey, Kenny Over at the huge graffiti project on than just personalities clashing.” For his part, Tony Goldman hopes Scharf, Clare Rojas, Barry McGee, and NW 6th Avenue that Primary Flight’s One of “Global’s” curators, Karla Primary Flight is rightfully credited for Jim Drain from the United States. Go to artists are creating, the lack of policing Murray, who with her partner James pro- what they’ve www.deitch. was evident recently when a mural by duced the well-regarded Miami Graffiti done, but he is com for Hoekzema — of singer Celia Cruz — book last year, says there were creative proud of what “Wynwood Walls? What a curiously information was defaced just days after being com- differences but that any official comment “Wynwood titled project. We made Wynwood’s and more pleted. “What a shitty thing to do,” sighs had to come from the SushiSamba man- Walls” has walls and we’re getting no credit images.) the artist, who is going to retouch it. aging partner, Shimon Bokovza. become. “This for that.” In the end, In spite of the discord, everyone However, Bokovza says he had noth- is something it may come seems to agree that Wynwood has ing to do with the curating or the hiring else to add down to truly become a unique neighborhood be- or firing of individuals. to the neigh- different cause of the remarkable proliferation Hard feelings were clearly surfacing. borhood and to the public’s enjoyment visions. The murals at “Wynwood Walls” of outdoor art. “Miami is a true graffiti Says Primary Flight’s BooksIIII: “That of public art,” he says. “It’s good for are not graffiti. They are paintings, and destination,” says BooksIIII. was just shit, what happened to HOX. No everybody.” Goldman has hired 24-hour security Goldman agrees: “It is becoming an in- respect there.” BooksIIII agrees, in part. “Those to make sure no one defaces them. As ternational street-art museum. It really is.” The “Wynwood Walls” project also walls are fantastic, I don’t hate on that,” BooksIIII points out: “Look, they’ve got got little respect. “Wynwood Walls? he says of the “Wynwood Walls” murals. tended grass and lighting and whatnot. Feedback: [email protected]

January 2010 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 37 Art & Culture Art Listings WYNWOOD GALLERY WALK & DESIGN DISTRICT BREVARDS GALLERY ART + DESIGN NIGHT 2320 N. Miami Ave., Miami FACHE ARTS SATURDAY, JANUARY 9 305-576-5747; www.brevards.com 750 NE 124th St., North Miami #2 Through March 30: 305-975-6933 101/EXHIBIT “NonDuality” by John Brevard www.fachearts.com 101 NE 40th St., Miami Call gallery for exhibition information. 305-573-2101; www.101exhibit.com BUTTER GALLERY Through January 9: Jordan Doner 2301-2303 NW 2nd Ave., Miami FREDRIC SNITZER GALLERY Through January 20: Claudio Ethos and David Michael Bowers 305-303-6254 2247 NW 1st Pl., Miami Reception January 9, 7 to 10 p.m. www.buttergallery.com 305-448-8976 Through January 7: www.snitzer.com ABBA FINE ART “Sacrificial Offering” by Rick Falcon January 8 through January 30: 233 NW 36th St., Miami and “Butter Gallery Artists Exhibit” “...Years Later” by Jacin Giordano 305-576-4278; www.abbafineart.com with Jahmal Williams, Yuri Tuma, Reception January 9, 7 to 9 p.m. Through January 31: “ZING” with Pip Brant, Emanuele Ahol Sniffs Glue, Tawnie Silva, and Cacciatore, Tony Caltabiano, Emmy Cho, Debra Hubert Kretzschmar FIGHT CLUB Holt, David McConnell, Sara Modiano, Kerry Phillips, 120 NE 20th St., Miami JaYoung Yoon and more CALDWELL / LINFIELD GALLERY Through March 31: “The Art of Boxing” by Silvia Ros & STUDIO ALEJANDRA VON HARTZ FINE ARTS 8351 NE 8th Ct., Miami FREEDOM TOWER 2630 NW 2nd Ave., Miami 305-754-2093 600 Biscayne Blvd., Miami 305-438-0220; www.alejandravonhartz.net www.susannacaldwell.com Through January 29: “Tetralogy” by Maria Martinez-Cañas Through February 6: “Beloved Structure: The Argentine Through June 30: “Seductive Legacy” curated by Eva Grinstein with Fabián Burgos, Assemblages and Wood Sculpture” GALERIE HELENE LAMARQUE Martín Di Paola, Marcolina Dipierro, Verónica Di Toro, Lucio by Susanna Caldwell 125 NW 23 St., Miami Dorr, Silvia Gurfein, Silvana Lacarra, Adriana Minoliti, Karina Jacin Giordano, Cut Painting 3 (detail), acrylic on 305-576-6095 Peisajovich, Pablo Siquier, and Andrés Sobrino CALIX GUSTAV GALLERY wood, 2009, at Fredric Snitzer Gallery. www.galeriehelenelamarque.com 98 NW 29 St., Miami January 9 through January 31: “Beyond the Body II” with ART FUSION 305-576-8116 Bose Krishnamachari, Anish Kapoor, Shadi Ghadirian, 1 NE 40th St., Miami calix-gustav.blogspot.com DIANA LOWENSTEIN FINE ARTS Tejal Shah, Francesca Lalanne, and Alex Burke 305-573-5730; www.artfusiongallery.com Through February 2: Yanelis Lopez, Charles Chace, 2043 N. Miami Ave., Miami Reception January 9, 6 to 9 p.m. January 2 through March 24: “INCANTATIONS IN Jonathan Stein, Carl Pascuzzi, Spunk and The Orange 305-576-1804 MULTI-COLOR” with various artists Kittens, and Klaus Guingang and “Monitoring Art” www.dlfinearts.com GALERIE SCHUSTER MIAMI Reception January 9, 7 to 10 p.m. with Pipilotti Rist, Clifton Childree, Xavier Cortada, Through February 6: 2085 NW 2nd Ave., Miami Dinorah de Jesus Rodriguez, JC Espinosa, Christina “Lapidus Infinitus” by Carlos Betancourt and “Geo- 786-266-2445 ART GALLERY AT GOVERNMENT CENTER Pettersson, Alette Simmons-Jimenez, Nikki Rollason, Graphic” with Luis Alonzo-Barkigia, John Bailly, Irene www.galleryschuster.com 111 NW 1st St., Suite 625, Miami Russell Chartier, and Paul J. Botelho Clouthier, Felice Grodin, Jill Hotchkiss, Laura Kina, Call gallery for exhibition information. 305-375-4634 Reception January 9, 7 to 10 p.m. Alberto Latorre, Michael Loveland, Michael Scoggins, Call gallery for exhibition information. Carlos de Villasante, and Annie Wharton GALLERY DIET CAROL JAZZAR CONTEMPORARY ART Reception January 9, 7 to 10 p.m. 174 NW 23rd St., Miami ART ROUGE 158 NW 91st St., Miami Shores 305-571-2288 46 NW 36th St., Miami 305-490-6906; www.cjazzart.com DIASPORA VIBE GALLERY www.gallerydiet.com 305-448-3060 By appointment: [email protected] 3938 NE 39th St., Miami January 8 through February 6: www.lurie-kavachnina.com January 15 through February 12: 305-573-4046 “Magical Powers” by Charley Friedman Through January 10: “Apothecary Luxe” by Alonso “Cinematheque” by Jorge Pantoja www.diasporavibe.net Reception January 8, 6 to 9 p.m. Mateo and a solo show by SALUSTIANO Reception January 15, 7 to 11 p.m. January 7 through February 2: Reception January 9, 7 to 9 p.m. Reception January 9, 7 to 10 p.m. “When Black is Clear, part I” by Alejandro Contreras CENTER FOR VISUAL COMMUNICATION Reception January 7, 7 to 10 p.m. GALLERY I/D ARTFORMZ 541 NW 27th St., Miami 2531 NW 2nd Ave., Miami 171 NW 23rd St., Miami 305-571-1415; www.visual.org DIMENSIONS VARIABLE 305-778-4568 305-572-0040 Call gallery for exhibition information. 171 NE 38th St., Miami Call gallery for exhibition information. www.artformz.net dimensionsvariable.net Through January 5: “Money Makes Art” with Natasha CHAREST-WEINBERG GALLERY Call gallery for exhibition information. GIOVANNI ROSSI FINE ART Duwin, Rai Escale, Donna Haynes, Alette Simmons- 250 NW 23rd St., Miami 2628 NW 2nd Ave., Miami Jimenez, Rosario Rivera-Bond, PJ Mills, Ray Paul, 305-292-0411; www.charest-weinberg.com DINA MITRANI GALLERY 561-251-1375 Sibel Kocabasi, Anja Marais, Guillermo Portieles, Through February 28: “Herd Thinner” with Slater 2620 NW 2nd Ave., Miami www.giovannirossifineart.com Gisela Savdie, and Henning Haupt Bradley, Suntek Chung, Richard Dupont, Martha 786-486-7248; www.dinamitranigallery.com Through January 5: “War ~ Beau” by Angelbert Metoyer January 9 through February 12: Friedman, Sheree Hovsepian, Rashid Johnson, Simone January 9 through February 27: Works by Rosario Rivera-Bond and Donna Haynes Leigh, Fernando Mastrangelo, Raha Raissnia, Seher “The Contract” by Marina Font HARDCORE ARTS CONTEMPORARY SPACE Reception January 9, 7 to 10 p.m. Shah, Erin Shirreff, Jeff Sonhouse, and Outtara Watts Reception January 9, 7 to 10 p.m. 3326 N. Miami Ave., Miami Reception January 9, 7 to 9 p.m. 305-576-1645 BAKEHOUSE ART COMPLEX DORSCH GALLERY www.hardcoreartcontemporary.com 561 NW 32nd St., Miami CHELSEA GALLERIA 151 NW 24th St., Miami Through February 6: “” by Julie L. Friel, Gladys 305-576-2828 2441 NW 2nd Ave., Miami 305-576-1278; www.dorschgallery.com Triana, “Closer to me than myself” by Gabriela www.bacfl.org 305-576-2950 Call gallery for exhibition information. Morawetz, and “Todos Los Cuerpos Extraños” curated January 28: “Lucky You! 2” art raffle fundraiser with www.chelseagalleria.com by Roc Laseca with various artists various artists Call gallery for exhibition information. DOT FIFTYONE ART SPACE Reception January 5, 7 to 10 p.m. Reception January 28, 7 to 11 p.m. 51 NW 36th St., Miami CITY LOFT ART 305-573-9994; www.dotfiftyone.com HAROLD GOLEN GALLERY BAS FISHER INVITATIONAL 61 NE 40th St., Miami Through January 12: “Thaw” with Andres Ferrandis and 2294 NW 2nd Ave., Miami 180 NE 39th St., #210, Miami 305-438-9006 “Purusha” with Andrea Chehebar 305-989-3359 By appointment: [email protected] www.cityloftart.com www.haroldgolengallery.com www.basfisherinvitational.com January 4 through February 6: DPM GALLERY January 9 through February 6: Call gallery for exhibition information. Group show with Elmar Hund, Ekaterina Moré, Virginia 2441 NW 2nd Ave., Miami “New World Order” with Mark Ryden, Ron English, Skot Erdie, and Monique Wegmueller 305-576-1777 Olsen, Mitch O’Connell, Scott Schiedly, Chris Dean, BASHA GALLERY Reception January 9, 7 to 10:30 p.m. www.dpmgallery.com Pooch, Christie Strong, and N! Satterfield 795 NE 125th St., North Miami Through January 30: Reception January 9, 7 to 11 p.m. 305-891-4624 CS GALLERY “Change is around the corner” by Manuela Ribadeneria www.bashagallery.net 787 NE 125th St., North Miami Reception January 9, 7 to 10 p.m. ICON ART IMAGES GALLERY / STUDIO January 2 through 30: 305-308-6561 EDGE ZONES CONTEMPORARY ART 147 NW 36th St., Miami Group show with Michael Ajerman, Beatrice Findlay, www.chirinossanchez.com 47 NE 25th St., Miami 305-576-4266 Allyson Krowitz, Arnaldo Rosello, and Kari Snyder Call gallery for exhibition information. 305-303-8852 www.cashappeal.com Reception January 9, 7 to 10 p.m. www.edgezones.org Call gallery for exhibition information. DAVID CASTILLO GALLERY January 9 through January 30: “Patterns” by Pati Laylle BERNICE STEINBAUM GALLERY 2234 NW 2nd Ave., Miami Reception January 9, 7 to 11 p.m. IDEABOX ARTSPACE 3550 N. Miami Ave., Miami 305-573-8110 2417 N. Miami Ave., Miami 305-573-2700 www.castilloart.com ETRA FINE ART 305-576-9878 www.bernicesteinbaumgallery.com January 9 through February 6: 10 NE 40th St., Miami Through February 26: Through January 30: “Hope: Yes We Can” by Maria Shelter Serra and “...yet nightly pitch my moving tent” 305-438-4383 “Archipelago” with Gean Moreno and Ernesto Oroza Magdalena Campos-Pons by Gustavo Roman www.etrafineart.com Reception January 9, 7 to 10 p.m. Reception January 9, 7 to 10 p.m. Call gallery for exhibition information. Continued on page 39

38 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com January 2010 Art & Culture

Art Listings Continued from page 38

INTERFLIGHT STUDIO 250 NW 23rd St., Miami 305-573-1673, www.interflightstudio.com January 4 through February 5: “Above the Clouds” with PilotO, Desiree Bordes, Mike Tesch, Jo-Ann Lizio, Herve Alexandre, and Bernardo Medina Reception January 9, 7 to 10 p.m.

KABE CONTEMPORARY 123 NW 23rd St., Miami 305-573-8142 www.kabecontemporary.com Through January 15: “Recent Work” by José Antonio Hernández Diez

KELLEY ROY GALLERY 50 NE 29th St., Miami 305-447-3888 www.kelleyroygallery.com Through January 15: “Elements x 10” with Sebastian Spreng, Robert Swedroe, Mike Tesch, Patricia Claro, Antonio Ugarte, Fran Bobadilla, Mimi Bates, Kevin Paulsen, Soile Yli-Mayry, John Henry, and Henry Lautz Reception January 9, 7 to 10 p.m.

KEVIN BRUK GALLERY Charley Friedman, I Like Moist 2249 NW 1st Pl., Miami Things, copper, sponges, inflatable 305-576-2000 www.kevinbrukgallery.com pool, water, 2009, at Gallery Diet. Through January 7: Richard Butler, Daniel Hesidence, Fabian Marcaccio, Enrique Martinez-Celaya, Jason Middlebrook, Scott Hug, Cristina Lei Rodrigez, Martin Oppel, Paola David Shaw, Matthew Weinstein, and Su-en Wong Pivi, Tom Sachs, Bless, Brokenfab, Emma Carroll, January 9 through February 20: Matthew Weinstein Confetti System, Femke De Vries, Lauren Manoogian, Reception January 9, 7 to 9 p.m. and Nektar De Stagni

KUNSTHAUS MIAMI OUR HOUSE WEST OF WYNWOOD 3312 N. Miami Ave., Miami 3100 NW 7th Ave., Miami 305-438-1333 305-490-2976 www.kunsthaus.org.mx www.oh-wow.com Through January 30: “Tales and Other Nightmares” by Through January 9: “Dark Night of the Soul” with David Tania Candiani Lynch and Danger Mouse Reception January 9, 7 to 10:30 p.m. LILIENTHAL ART STUDIOS PANAMERICAN ART PROJECTS 96 NW 29th St., Miami 2450 NW 2nd Ave., Miami 305-573-2002 305-573-2400 www.ilanalilienthal.com www.panamericanart.com Through January 6: Call gallery for exhibition information. “Show Of Hands” by Ilana Lilienthal PRAXIS INTERNATIONAL ART LOCUST PROJECTS 2219 NW 2nd Ave., Miami 155 NE 38th St., Miami 305-573-2900 305-576-8570 www.praxis-art.com www.locustprojects.org Call gallery for exhibition information. January 9 through February 27: “An Uneven Floor, 2010” by Leyden Rodriguez-Casanova PRESSITON ART GALLERY Reception January 9, 7 to 10 p.m. 4100 N. Miami Ave., Miami 786-925-2930 LYLE O. REITZEL GALLERY www.pressitonart.com 2441 NW 2nd Ave., Miami January 5 through February 6: 305-573-1333 www.artnet.com/reitzel.html “From Across The Pond” with Mike Bernard, Jean Through January 30: “Ritual of Passage” Robinson, and Henrick Simonsen by José Bedia Reception January 9, 7 to 9 p.m. Reception January 9, 7 to 9 p.m. SAMMER GALLERY MIAMI ART SPACE 82 NE 29th St., Miami 244 NW 35th St., Miami 305-441-2005 305-438-9002 artnet.com/sammergallery.html www.miamiartspace.com Call gallery for exhibition information. Call gallery for exhibition information. SETH JASON BEITLEE FINE ARTS MIAM-DADE COLLEGE, CENTER GALLERY 250 NW 23rd St, #202, Miami 300 NE 2nd Ave., Miami 305-438-0218 Bldg. 1, Room 1365 www.sethjason.com 305-237-3696 Through January 30: www.mdc.edu “Recent Works” with John Henry and Carl Myers Call gallery for exhibition information. Reception January 9, 7 to 10 p.m.

MIAMI INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF ART SPINELLO GALLERY AND DESIGN 155 NE 38th St., Miami 1501 Biscayne Blvd., Miami 786-271-4223; www.spinellogallery.com 305-428-5700; www.mymiu.com Call gallery for exhibition information. Call gallery for exhibition information. STASH GALLERY 162 NE 50th Terr., Miami MUSEO VAULT 305-992-7652; www.myspace.com/stashgallery 346 NW 29th St., Miami Call gallery for exhibition information. 305-571-1175 www.museovault.com STEVE MARTIN STUDIO Call gallery for exhibition information. 66 NE 40th St., Miami 305-484-1491; www.stevemartinfineart.com NEKTAR DE STAGNI SHOP Call gallery for exhibition information. 155 NE 38th St., Miami 786-556-3033, www.nektardestagni.com Through March 1: “Jewelry Salon” with Hernan Bas, Continued on page 40

January 2010 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 39 Art & Culture

Art Listings DE LA CRUZ COLLECTION Eliasson, and Anastasia Khoroshilova, and “Depression CONTEMPORARY ART SPACE Bread Line” by George Segal Continued from page 39 23 NE 41st St., Miami 305-576-6112; www. THE RUBELL FAMILY COLLECTION SWAMPSPACE GALLERY delacruzcollection.org 95 NW 29th St., Miami 3821 NE 1st Ct., Miami Call for operating hours and 305-573-6090 [email protected] exhibit information. www.rubellfamilycollection.com Call gallery for exhibition information. Through May 29: FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL “Beg Borrow and Steal” with Ai Weiwei, John UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI PROJECTS SPACE UNIVERSITY FROST ART Baldessari, Frank Benson, Amy Bessone, Matthew 2200 NW 2nd Ave., Miami MUSEUM Brannon, Maurizio Cattelan, Peter Coffin, George 305-284-2542 11200 SW 8th St., Miami Condo, Aaron Curry, John Dogg, Marcel Duchamp, Call gallery for exhibition information. 305-348-0496; http://thefrost. Gardar Eide Einarsson, Elmgreen and Dragset, Hans- fiu.edu/ Peter Feldmann, Urs Fischer, Dan Flavin, Robert WALLFLOWER GALLERY Through January 10: “The Gober, Aneta Grzeszykowska, Wade Guyton, Guyton 10 NE 3rd St., Miami Missing Peace: Artists Consider \ Walker, Karl Haendel, Peter Halley, David Hammons, 305-579-0069; www.wallflowergallery.com the Dalai Lama” with various Mark Handforth, Keith Haring, Rachel Harrison, Richard myspace.com/wallflowergallery artists and “l a c u n a i n t e s t i Hawkins, Damien Hirst, Jenny Holzer, Jonathan Call gallery for exhibition information. m o n y” by Navjot Altaf Horowitz, Thomas Houseago, Rashid Johnson, William January 20 through April 11: E. Jones, Deborah Kass, Mike Kelley, Jeff Koons, WOLFGANG ROTH & PARTNERS FINE ART “The Fantastic World of José Barbara Kruger, Jim Lambie, Elad Lassry, Louise 201 NE 39th St., Miami Gurvich” by José Gurvich Lawler, Mark Leckey, Sherrie Levine, Li Zhanyang, 305-576-6960; www.wrpfineart.com January 20 through April 25: Glenn Ligon, Robert Longo, Nate Lowman, Nathan Through February 13: “Women’s Work / Men’s Work: Mabry, Kris Martin, Paul McCarthy, Allan McCollum, “Cars and Money” by David LaChapelle Labor and Gender in America” Pati Laylle, Yellow Garden Hose, c-print, 2009, at Adam McEwen, Takashi Murakami, Cady Noland, with various artists David Noonan, Richard Prince, Charles Ray, Jason WYNWOOD CENTRAL GALLERY Edge Zones Contemporary Art. Rhoades, Stephen G. Rhodes, Bert Rodriguez, Sterling 2242 NW 1st Pl., Miami LOWE ART MUSEUM, 305-893-6211; www.mocanomi.org Ruby, Thomas Ruff, David Salle, Steven Shearer, 305-433-3441; www.wynwoodcentral.com UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI Through February 14: “The Reach of Realism” with Uta Cindy Sherman, Haim Steinbach, John Stezaker, Philip Ongoing: Kito Mbiango 1301 Stanford Dr., Coral Gables Barth, Olaf Breuning, Tom Burr, Talia Chetrit, Anetta Mona Taaffe, Hank Willis Thomas, Piotr Uklanski, Meyer 305-284-3535; www.lowemuseum.org Chisa & Lucia Tkacova, Phil Collins, Thomas Demand, Vaisman, Kelley Walker, Wang Ziwei, Andy Warhol, YEELEN ART GALLERY Through January 24: Alex Hubbard, Matt Keegan, Ragnar Kjartansson, Elad Christopher Wool, and Zhang Huan 250 NW 23rd St., Unit 306, Miami “Kitchen Dreams” by Ricky Bernstein and “Tree of Lassry, Lars Laumann, Adam McEwen, Wilhelm Sasnal, 954-235-4758; www.yeelenart.com Paradise: Jewish Mosaics from the Roman Empire” Xaviera Simmons, Martin Soto Climent, Wolfgang WORLD CLASS BOXING Through January 20: “Around Jenin’s 210” by Jerome Soimaud Tillmans, Sara VanDerBeek, Emily Wardill, Gillian Debra and Dennis Scholl Collection Reception January 9, 7 to 10 p.m. MIAMI ART MUSEUM Wearing, Judi Werthein, and Artur Zmijewski 170 NW 23rd St., Miami MUSEUM & COLLECTION EXHIBITS 101 W. Flagler St., Miami 305-438-9908; www.worldclassboxing.org/ 305-375-3000; www.miamiartmuseum.org THE MARGULIES COLLECTION Through January 29: CIFO (Cisneros Fontanals Art Foundation) Through January 17: “Guillermo Kuitca: Everything, 591 NW 27th St., Miami Sylvie Fleury and Raymond Pettibon 1018 N. Miami Ave., Miami Paintings and Works on Paper, 1980 – 2008” by 305-576-1051; www.margulieswarehouse.com Reception January 9, 7 to 10 p.m. 305-455-3380; www.cifo.org Guillermo Kuitca Through April 30: “Masters of Surrealist Sculpture” Through March 7: “Being in the World: Selections from Through February 28: “Space as Medium” with various with Joan Miró and Isamu Noguchi, “100 Years of the Ella Fontanals-Cisneros Collection “ curated by artists and “Metamorphosis” by Carlos Bunga Photography 1909-2009” with Lewis Hine, Dorothea Compiled by Victor Barrenechea Berta Sichel with Chantal Akerman, Rafael Lozano- Lange, Helen Levitt, Danny Lyon, Cindy Sherman, Send listings, jpeg images, and events information to Hemmer, Muntean/Rosenblum, Shirin Neshat, Robin MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART Justine Kurland, Alec Soth, Jeff Brouws, Olafur [email protected] Rhode, Bill Viola, Francesca Woodman, and more 770 NE 125th St., North Miami

40 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com January 2010 Art & Culture Events Calendar that explores on of jazz’s most inventive Fantasy Comes to Life Jazz at the Center River of Grass Follow the harrowing tale of a toy soldier idioms: vocalese. Here’s how it works: in search of his paper ballerina in the The Take a recorded instrumental tune, includ- Steadfast Tin Soldier. Performed at the ing soloists’ improvisations, and write Playground Theatre (9806 NE 2nd Ave.), lyrics to match every single note. Legends the 1838 children’s tale lets us spy on a of the genre include Eddie Jefferson, playroom after the lights are off. What fol- King Pleasure, and the grand master, Jon lows is a trial by fire for the forlorn soldier Hendricks. Appearing at the Arsht Center who confronts trolls, rats, and carnivorous on Friday, January 15 at 8:00 p.m. will fish.Tin Soldier will be performed Janu- be two vocal groups that have elevated the ary 6-31. Tickets are $15 for adults, $5 for form to new levels: Manhattan Transfer children. Visit www.playgroundtheatre. and the New York Voices. Hendricks com for show times. himself will take a star turn. Ticket are Fantasy Comes to Life $45-$125 at www.arshtcenter.org. Call The Master of MiMo 305-949-6722 for details. Architect Norman Giller pioneered the style we now know as Miami Modern, or See the River of Grass with MiMo. As expressions of America’s post- Fresh Eyes war optimism, Giller’s distinctive designs You’ve been to Everglades National Park were visually exuberant. Among them are Deltaholics, a rocking, stomping good many times, right? Did you really know the Ocean Palm Hotel, the North Shore time is guaranteed. The $10 admis- what you were looking at? Here’s a chance Band shell, and the Carillon Hotel. Giller sion goes directly to the artist. Show to sit back, relax, and let an expert provide and his granddaughter, architectural histo- starts at 8:00 p.m. and is 18+ unless insight into one of nature’s true wonders — rian Sarah Giller Nelson, have collaborated accompanied by an adult. Visit www. right in your own backyard. The Historical on Designing the Good Life, a book that lunastarcafe.com or call 305-799-7123. Museum of Southern Florida’s eco-histori- chronicles this important period in Miami’s an, Frank Schena, leads a bus tour Friday, history. On Thursday, January 7 at 7:00 Four Performances January 16, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Stops p.m., Sarah will discuss the book and sign include the Ernest F. Coe Visitor’s Center, copies at KOEL Design, in the heart of the in One High-Energy Pa-hay-okee Overlook, and the Florida MiMo Historic District (6400 Biscayne Evening Bay waterfront at Flamingo, among others. Blvd.). Refreshments will be served. Call Murder, twisted love stories, fire- Members $39, nonmembers $44. Price in- works, gangsters, mystery, gold, 786-382-0624 for more information. Friday and Saturday performances are cludes box lunch and park admission. Call and extraordinary dancing. The Miami at 8:00 p.m.; Sunday matinee at 2:00 305-375-1621 for more information. City Ballet returns with four hit per- Delta Blues Close to Home p.m. Tickets from $19 to $169 at www. formances in one explosive and edgy Start the new year on a soulful note with arshtcenter.org. show Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, Oh, How We Love a Parade! good friends, good food, and above all, good The annual Martin Luther King Day January 8-10 at the Arsht Center. The music. Join veteran South Florida bluesman Parade, featuring some of the area’s top brilliant George Balanchine created three Jazz at the Center: A Night Ernie Southern as he wails on his National marching bands, flashy motorcycle clubs, of the pieces — Divertimento No. 15, of Vocalese steel guitar at North Miami’s musical oasis, festooned junkanoo musicians, and local Valse Fantaisie, and Slaughter on Tenth The inaugural season of the Arsht Cen- the Luna Star Café (775 NE 125th St.) on celebrities, steps out on Monday, January Avenue — while choreographer Twyla ter’s “Jazz Roots” series was a smashing Thursday, January 7. Southern has been 18. Beginning at NW 10th Avenue in Liberty Tharp teamed with eclectic musician success. This year’s series is off to a great belting out his signature Delta blues for David Byrne for The Golden Section. start, and now comes a unique program years, and whether playing solo or with his Continued on page 42

January 2010 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 41 Art & Culture

Little River Big Effort Events Calendar gloves provided. Bring a canoe or kayak if you have one. Contact Deirdre Kirk Continued from page 41 Raeside at deirdre_kirk @yahoo.com City, the parade travels west along NW 54th for more information. Street to its destination at Martin Luther King Jr. Park (6101 NW 32nd Ct.), where Personal Best: If You food and fun will be available for all Haven’t Been Training, ages. The free event begins at 11:00 a.m. It’s Probably Too Late and formally ends at 6:00 p.m. Call 305- The Miami Marathon/Half Mara- 835-2464 for more information. thon is back! For one day only, January 31, Miami turn into a truly Equine Shrine pedestrian-friendly city as 15,000 run- Cavalia, the equestrian sensation seen ners from all 50 states and 52 nations take by 2.5 million people worldwide, comes to the streets. The 26.2-mile and 13.1-mile to Bicentennial Park January 19-31 to as- races begin at 6:00 a.m. and will take the tound Miamians with the merging of man aerobically inclined over the causeways and horse in this poetic and acrobatic story. onto South Beach, then back over for a Created by Cirque du Soleil co-founder Miami Marathon jaunt to Coconut Grove. There the runners Normand Latourelle, Cavalia is a tribute to Immerse yourself in a world of lus- promptly turn around and head for the finish the historical bond between humans and cious chocolates, soothing teas, and line at downtown’s Bayfront Park. Last animals. Tickets range from $34 to $189 energizing coffee while enjoying year’s overall winner was Slimani Bena- for matinee and evening performances. inspired events like cooking demon- Equine Shrine zzouz of Italy (2:16:49). Entry fees before Purchase tickets at www.cavalia.net. strations, sculpture competitions, and January 22 are $100 for the marathon, Fairchild’s Garden of special lectures. The garden is located Little River, Big Effort $75 for the half. Visit www.ingmiami- at 10901 Old Cutler Rd. and the festival New Year’s resolution: Do more volunteer marathon.com for more information. Earthly Delights takes place Friday, January 22 through work. Here’s your chance. The 10th Annual Who knew being bad could feel so good? Sunday, January 24 from 9:30 a.m. Little River Cleanup will take place on Compiled by BT interns Mandy Baca and We did! Be all kinds of bad at Fairchild to 4:30 p.m. Admission prices vary so Saturday, January 30 from 9:00 a.m. to noon. Matt Ruckman Tropical Botanic Garden’s 4th Annual check out www.fairchildgarden.org or call Gather at NE 82nd Street, between the river International Chocolate Festival. 305-667-1651 for more. and the railroad tracks. Trash bags and rubber Feedback: [email protected]

42 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com January 2010 Columnists: Your Garden All the Better To Eat You With Amazing carnivores of the plant world By Jeff Shimonski the island of Borneo. not be too heavy or hold too much water, BT Contributor Pitcher plants are so otherwise they would rip off the leaf named because structures supporting them. Pitchers growing on arnivorous plants have fascinated that resemble and function the ground are typically squarer in shape me since I was a kid. Imagine as pitchers are formed by the and hold more water. Ca plant that eats insects or even plants, commonly at the ends The water within the pitchers is small animals. How cool is that? It’s of modified leaves. Water will a tiny microcosm. Although many BT photo by Jeff Shimonski straight out of science fiction. Why fill these pitchers and insects insects and small animals will drown would plants want to catch and eat things that are attracted to the tiny and be digested when they fall into that crawl or fly? And how do they do it? ecosystems fall inside and the water, other insects live and thrive As a child I grew countless Venus drown. The carcasses of these inside a pitcher’s aquatic habitat. A Flytraps, fantastic little plants that have unfortunate insects are then well-known inhabitant of pitchers is modified leaves that enclose and trap in- digested by enzymes in the mosquito larvae. I have been grow- sects. After several days the leaves usu- water. Any nutrients produced ing Nepenthes at work and home as ally reopen, revealing dried-out insects by this process are then ab- hanging plants in baskets for several parts. But the plants would always die sorbed by the plant. years (never needing to fertilize them) back every fall. Years later I learned they There are a couple of other and have never seen mosquito larvae were from the cold climates of North families of pitcher plants. Sar- inside any pitchers produced by the and South Carolina, and went dormant racenia and Darlingtonia are plants. However, I’m certain that it in the fall, awaiting favorable springtime New World plants in the same Rats are sometimes found drowned within will eventually happen, so I check the conditions. Not all carnivorous plants are family that grow terrestri- the large pitchers of Nepenthes rajah in water on a regular basis. If you grow from the tropics. ally in bogs and make great Malaysia. pitcher plants, you should check the Years after that, while visiting terrarium plants. The other water inside the pitchers frequently, Professor Werner Rauh at the University pitcher plants are quite rare and not com- full sun with wet roots. They grow best otherwise you may be offering an extra of Heidelberg in Germany, my interest monly seen in cultivation. in a potting mix of sphagnum moss and breeding habitat for mosquitoes. in carnivorous plants was once again What these and most other carnivo- sand. Sarracenia and Darlingtonia come Grow your Nepenthes in a sturdy piqued. Rauh was famous for his work rous plants have in common is that they from the same conditions so grow them hanging basket in a soil medium of peat and collections of succulents and brome- are native to very nutrient-poor areas, the same way. moss and coarse sand. Let the pitch- liads. At the university there was a large hence the need to procure nutrients Nepenthes are also species from ers cascade out of the basket. Keep the collection of plants, but I was in awe from decomposing insects and animals. nutrient-stressed habitats. They typically plants out of direct sunlight and keep the when I entered one of the greenhouses Successfully growing these specialized begin life when their seeds germinate soil moist, not wet. It’s not necessary to and was confronted with an amazing plants requires creating a close ap- on the ground. As the plant grows, it fill the pitchers with water; they will fill sight: Nepenthes (pitcher plants) of every proximation to the plant’s natural habitat. usually attempts to climb onto and up a up on their own. shape and size hanging from the rafters, (This is a basic principal that should be nearby object. This creates an interest- growing on top of the tables, and cascad- followed when growing any plant.) It is ing situation. The pitchers of a specific Jeff Shimonski is an ISA-certified mu- ing onto the floor. also a Plant Health Care tenet: Plants species of Nepenthes that are growing nicipal arborist, director of horticul- Nepenthes is an Old World genus in their native habitats do not require on the ground are usually very different ture at Jungle Island, and principal of with species ranging from Madagas- fertilization or any other kind of human- in shape from the pitchers on the same Tropical Designs of Florida. Contact car, throughout tropical Asia and the produced chemical care; they do just fine plant when growing upon something him at [email protected]. Pacific region, to northern Australia. in those specific conditions. else (epiphytically). This is likely due to They grow both epiphytically and ter- Venus Flytraps naturally grow in the fact that pitchers hanging from the restrially and are most numerous on poor, acidic soils, high humidity, and in ends of leaves suspended in the air can Feedback: [email protected]

January 2010 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 43 PARK PATROL One Real Park, Five Phony Parks Is Miami committing green-space fraud or is it just incompetence? By Jim W. Harper its small size designates it as a park for BT Contributor the neighborhood only and not a desti- nation for outsiders. But the fact that it iami’s smallest green spaces exists is instructive. are disappearing. Out of the Hardly bigger than a peanut, Oak- Msix City of Miami mini parks land Grove Mini Park sits on the I visited in December, only one was a waterfront and in between two houses. functional park. The other fi ve were in Harper BT photos by Jim W. How did it avoid becoming part of a various states of closure or decay. What backyard? My guess is that someone is going on here? made a mistake or infuriated its intended Miami notoriously has a minuscule developers to the point that they gave the percentage of green space, but it may be land back to the city. Too bad we don’t even less than we think. The fi ve non- have more of these mistakes. functional mini parks are listed on the Like Biscayne Bay, waterfront land city’s website as actual parks. But when on Little River is consumed almost the park’s gates are permanently locked, entirely by private housing, meaning that or the space is nothing more than a park- the average citizen has no opportunity to ing lot, it should not be counted as a park. access and enjoy it. By preserving this Is someone counting parking lots speck of land, everyone in the neighbor- as parks? I want to make that cartoon- The deck and bench are covered in duck droppings, but it’s just nature’s way. hood has a chance to feed the ducks. character sound of shaking my head in disbelief. Town Park: NW 4 Avenue Range Park #2: Here’s the breakdown. East of I-95, & 17 Street at 95 Under I-95 between from downtown to 85th Street, at least Unlike Range Park #1, construc- 73 & 75 Streets six mini parks, with specifi c addresses, tion is very active and clearly marked A wasteland. It’s are listed under the city’s website. Here here, and the surrounding fence can be hard to imagine that is what I found at each one, going from closed. While the park cannot be used, this spacious area south to north, with addresses listed I saw a guy ride his bike right through could have been a exactly as they appear online: the open fence and into the construc- park, as I-95 keeps it tion zone. in a constant shadow Range Park #1: Under I-95, and the express- between 10 & 11 Streets Wynwood Mini Park: 29 NW 30 Street way’s numerous, A locked fence surrounds the area, It’s a parking lot. imposing columns and a sign near the former entrance divide the space reads, “Park closed due to construction Woodson Mini Park/M. Design: into bacon strips of 2/11/05.” There are some cracked basket- NW 2 Avenue at NE 36 Street rubble and weeds. ball posts and some grass, but no active No open space here. Every corner is There’s evidence of construction here. developed. homeless people and A winding path from the entrance lends the space drug deals. A sign some ambiance. should be posted: OAKLAND GROVE MINI PARK “Illegal Activity Zone.” Much uglier than Unoffi cially this park is now NE 3rd Ave Park Rating the average underpass, this “park” is one dubbed Duck Duck Park. A large and of the saddest spaces I’ve ever seen. Next inquisitive Mama Muscovy rules the door is Little River Elementary School roost, and a couple of Mallards linger NE 86th St NE 86th St NE 3rd Avenue at 84th Street and the Victory Homes Head Start child- in the background. They appear well- NE 85th St Miami, 305-416-1320 care center. trained to come begging for food when Hours: 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. a human approaches.

NE 2nd Ave Picnic tables: Yes Oakland Grove Mini Park: Ducks are messy by nature, and Oakland Grove Mini Park Barbecues: Yes NE 3rd Avenue at 84th Street the fenced-in wooden deck and bench Picnic pavilions: No Finally, a real park! on the water are full of droppings. But NE 84th St Tennis courts: No NE 84th St Trying to fi nd this mini park is that’s the price you pay for getting a

NE 2nd Ct Athletic fi elds: No a major challenge unless you have a little closer to nature. NE 3rd Ave Night lighting: No kayak. With paddles, head up the Little It’s diffi cult to tell if anyone uses NE 3rd Ct Swimming pool: No River Canal to El Portal and the park the park besides the ducks, although Playground: No will be on the south side, meaning in someone has spray-painted on the west- City of Miami territory instead of the ern wall the word “fantastic” (spelled Village El Portal. Never mind the park’s obscurity, as Continued on page 45

44 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com January 2010 Park Patrol

Phony Parks Continued from page 44

correctly). The park has no playground, but it has enough amenities to make it fit for daily contemplation or for a raucous birthday party. There are two picnic tables, a double grill, a water fountain, and four sitting benches. In between is a winding path made of sand and broken shells, and this rustic touch makes is feel much homier than would a standard concrete path. The main draw, of course, is the still and quiet canal. The surface reflects tow- ering palms and graceful houses, broken Truth in advertising: Unlike five other Miami “mini parks,” this one is for real. only by the occasional landing bird or leaping fish. On the days I visited, a plas- deserves a mini park. Do it! Miami owes parks may be relatively unimportant, tic bag hung underwater near the shore, River scene: Waterfront park views us five. remember that details count. In Miami, but the dark color of the brackish water like this are rare in Miami. I also want to enlist the good citizens with park space so scarce, every little bit makes it difficult to tell if the entire of Miami to canvas their neighborhoods really does count. canal is highly polluted. The shoreline empty lot, I see a mini park. Almost for the other so-called mini parks listed Mini parks are the babies of our park around the park is not. every neighborhood has one — you on the city’s website. Do those parks system. Once they have been slaugh- Okay, so the Oakland Grove Mini know, the strange, abandoned space that exist, or are they also in various stages of tered, the big guys will be next in line for Park is nice for its neighbors, but what never found a buyer? Now is the time for disintegration? My guesstimate is that a the chopping block and the construction about all the other neighborhoods, par- you to claim it in the name of your hood! good 50 percent are fake parks, just like crane. Let’s not get to that point. ticularly those that could be using the Seriously, you need to pick up the Range Park #1 and #2, Wynwood Mini Help to save our mini parks. defunct mini parks? phone right now and tell your city Park, and Woodson Mini Park. In my mind, every time I see an commissioner that your neighborhood For those who would argue that little Feedback: [email protected]

3214 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33137 P 305.438.1775

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January 2010 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 45 Columnists: Pawsitively Pets And Now for the Star of the Show! Pet tricks don’t have to be stupid, but they definitely should be fun By Lisa Hartman BT Contributor

he Association of Pet Dog Train- ers, of which I am a member, has Tdeclared January 2010 as the first national Train Your Dog Month. January is the perfect time for this as it’s a time for New Year’s resolutions and a rest from Photos courtesy of Lisa Hartman the holiday madness. Notable as well, many people adopt new dogs during the festive season. In addition, people who already have dogs may have relegated Take a Bow: Encore! their pets to the background as vacations, visiting relatives, entertaining, and other Boing!: Like a pogo stick. holiday preoccupations took precedence. But now it’s time to give our be- loved companions their due. This month I invite you to dust off your dog’s toy chest, don your worn-out treat bag, and Rising stars: Every dog can learn have fun teaching your dog some fancy to perform — and enjoy it, too. new tricks. You can also take this time to with your dog — in your hand before rewarding and prais- The High Five: Good dog! a dog-friendly way! ing him. Then ask for the “High Five” Here my two dogs with an open hand. Yes! demonstrate some Boing! Only try this if your dog easy tricks, and pose is a fully formed adult who does not for a candid shot of have back problems. The goal is to fun things we do to have your dog jump straight up in spend quality time the air — Boing! — like a pogo stick. together. Hold an object the dog is interested in High Five Have over his head. When he jumps for it your dog sit close to say, “Yes!” or “Good!” and give him you and hold a small the object or reward. Once he starts treat directly in front jumping reliably, ask him to Boing! of his nose. Move Weave Teach your dog to weave your hand slightly through your legs as you walk. Start reward. As the dog comes to understand work on behavior problems, or even just (an inch or so) to the left or right and wait. by stepping forward and luring your the command, reward only variably until go out and enjoy the cooler weather with As the dog lifts a paw say, “Yes!” and give dog through with food or a toy. Say, few rewards are needed. your four-legged pal. him the treat. After a few repetitions, wait “Through” before the dog goes through Take a Bow A bow is a fun trick you The plan is to have fun and do more for him to lift his paw higher to touch and “Yes!” when he does and give him a Continued on page 47

46 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com January 2010 Columnists: Pawsitively Pets

Tricks Weave: Stride with pride. Continued from page 46

can use at the end of your dog’s bravura performance for friends and family. The bow can essentially be taught as a modi- fied “down” because you’ll praise and reward your dog before his hindquarters hit the ground. Start by holding a treat in front of your dog’s nose while he is standing, then slowly move it straight down to the ground. As his head lowers and his elbows near the ground, mark the behavior with a “Yes!” and immediately Daily Adventures: Try a backyard campout. give him the treat. Repeat. If your dog is flopping all the way to a “down” position, Bring your dog on day and overnight eye and smile at him. only lure the dog halfway before praising trips to dog-friendly locations such as Spending quality time with your dog and releasing the treat. the Florida Keys. Look for critters to every day will build your relationship You can add depth to the bow in future chase together. Nap on a hammock. and their confidence and make them less repetitions. Ignore the responses when Visit friends. You are only limited by likely to get into trouble. your dog performs a “down” and just start your imagination. again. When he starts to catch on and the bank to a week’s vacation, your best Whether you’re teaching your dog Lisa Hartman is head dog trainer for keeps his rear up in the air, praise and friend thinks everywhere you go together to walk by your side or training the next Pawsitively Pets. You can reach her at reward big. Now say, “Take a bow” before is fascinating and fantastic. Cash in on Pet Star champion, approach everything as [email protected] or you lure him down. You can add a visual this by turning a seemingly mundane day if it’s a fun trick. Be happy. Maintain your www.pawsitivelypetsonline.com. You can signal too, such as performing a bow or into something special. Have a campout tireless enthusiasm! Really communicate also keep up with her and her dogs on curtsey yourself, or a hand gesture toward in your own backyard. Take scenic walks with your dog. Encourage him by cheering Facebook at www.profile.to/dogtrainer. the floor. Then practice, practice, practice! on different routes in the parks and neigh- him on and build each behavior gradually Daily Adventures From a car ride to borhoods for different smells and sights. so he can be successful. Look him in the Feedback: [email protected]

January 2010 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 47 Dining Guide

R e s ta u r a n t L i s t i n g s The Biscayne Corridor’s most comprehensive restaurant guide. Total this month: 206.

Restaurant listings for the BT Dining Area 31 eat nothing but rodizio (all-you-can-eat meat), and weigh, any raw seafood item, especially the unique marlin with Guide are written by Pamela Robin 270 Biscayne Boulevard Way on average, 400 pounds. This Brazilian pub broadens the pistachio, apricot, and house-cured speck. $$$-$$$$ Brandt. Every effort has been made 305-524-5234, www.area31restaurant.com picture, with a menu that offers entrées, especially at lunch, to ensure accuracy, but restaurants Not that the sleek interior of this seafood restaurant but highlights Brazilian tapas -- mega-mini plates meant for Fratelli Milano (named for fishing area 31, stretching from the Carolinas sharing. Must-not-misses include pasteles filled with shrimp 213 S. Miami Ave., 305-373-2300 frequently change menus, chefs, and to South America) isn’t a glamorous dining setting. But and creamy catupiry cheese, beautifully seasoned bolinho Downtown isn’t yet a 24/7 urban center, but it’s expe- operating hours, so please call ahead we’d eat outside. From the expansive terrace of the de bacalau (fried salt cod dumplings), and aipim frito (house- riencing a mini explosion of eateries open at night. That to confirm information. Icons ($$$) Epic condo and hotel on the Miami River, the views of special yuca fries, the best in town). $$$ includes this family-owned ristorante, where even new- represent estimates for a typical meal Brickell’s high-rises actually make Miami look like a real comers feel at home. At lunch it’s almost impossible to without wine, tax, or tip. Hyphenated city. It’s hard to decide whether the eats or drinks are the Café Sambal resist panini, served on foccacia or crunchy ciabatta; most impressive. The food is impeccably fresh regional 500 Brickell Key Dr. even the vegetarian version bursts with complex and com- icons ($-$$$) indicate a significant range fish, prepared in a clean Mediterranean-influenced style. 305-913-8358, www.mandarinoriental.com/miami plementary flavors. During weekday dinners, try generous in prices between lunch and dinner The cocktails are genuinely creative. Luckily you don’t Though the Mandarin Oriental Hotel describes this space plates of risotto with shrimp and grilled asparagus; home- menus, or among individual items on have to choose one or the other. $$$-$$$$ as its “casual hotel restaurant,” many consider it a more made pastas like seafood-packed fettuccine al scoglio; or those menus. spectacular dining setting than the upscale Azul, upstairs, delicate Vitello alla Milanese on arugula. $$-$$$ Azul owing to the option of dining outdoors on a covered terrace $= $10 and under 500 Brickell Key Dr. directly on the waterfront. The food is Asian-inspired, with a Fresco California Bistro $$= $20 305-913-8254 few Latin and Mediterranean accents. For the health-con- 1744 SW 3rd Ave. $$$= $30 Floor-to-ceiling picture windows showcase Biscayne Bay. scious, the menu includes low-cal choices. For hedonists 305-858-0608 But diners are more likely to focus on the sparkling raw there’s a big selection of artisan sakes. $$$-$$$$$ This festively decorated indoor/outdoor bistro packs a $$$$= $40 bar and open kitchen, where chef Clay Conley crafts imag- lot of party spirit into a small space, a large variety of $$$$$= $50 and over inative global creations – many of them combinations, The Democratic Republic of Beer food onto its menu. To the familiar Latin American/Italian to satisfy those who want it all. One offering, “A Study 255 NE 14th St., 305-372-4161 equation, the owners add a touch of Cal-Mex (like Tex- in ,” includes tuna sashimi, Maine crab, avocado www.drbmiami.com Mex but more health conscious). Menu offerings range tempura, and caviar, with several Asian sauces. Moroccan The food here? Beer is food! The DRB serves 400 beers from designer pizzas and pastas to custardy tamales, but MIAMI lamb is three preparations (grilled chop, -mari- from 55 countries, ranging from $2 Pabst Blue Ribbon the bistro’s especially known for imaginative meal-size nated loin, and bastilla, the famed savory-sweet Middle to $40 DeuS (an 11.5% alcohol Belgian méthode , like one featuring mandarin oranges, avocado, Brickell / Downtown Eastern pastry, stuffed with braised shank. $$$$$ Champenoise brew). But for those favoring solid snacks, apple, blue cheese, raisins, candied pecans, and chicken tasty global smallish plates include fried fresh zucchini on a mesclun bed. $$ Abokado Balans with dip (cheese recommended); chorizo with homemade 900 S. Miami Ave., 901 S. Miami Ave. cilantro mayo; or steak tacos, served Mexican-style with Garcia’s Seafood Grille and Fish Market 305-347-3700, www.abokadosushi.com (Mary Brickell Village) onions, cilantro, and spicy . Sadly for breakfast-brew 398 NW N. River Dr. Hamachi chiles rellenos? Shiso leaf “” topped 305-534-9191, www.balans.co.uk enthusiasts, the DRB isn’t open that early. But it is open 305-375-0765 with raw spicy tuna, kaiware sprouts, and other Asian Open until 4:00 a.m. on weekends, this London import late -- till 5:00 a.m. $$ Run by a fishing family for a couple of generations, this ingredients? The Viva, a sushi roll that starts with stan- (Miami’s second Balans) offers a sleeker setting than venerable Florida fish shack is the real thing. No worries dard Japanese (spicy tuna, cucumber, avocado), adds its perennially popular Lincoln Road progenitor, but the about the seafood’s freshness; on their way to the dining Latin sabor (jalapeño, cilantro), wraps it in a flour tortilla, same simple yet sophisticated global menu. The indoor Dolores, But You Can Call Me Lolita deck overlooking the Miami River, diners can view the and garnishes it with heat (spicy snow crab mix)? Miami space can get mighty loud, but lounging on the dog-friend- 1000 S. Miami Ave. retail fish market. Best preparations are the simplest. hasn’t tended to initiate too many food “firsts,” but this ly outdoor terrace, over a rich croque monsieur (which 305-403-3103, www.doloreslolita.com When stone crabs are in season, Garcia’s claws are as Japanese/Pan-Latin fusion place is surely one. Prices are comes with an alluringly sweet/sour citrus-dressed side From the stylish setting in Miami’s historic Firehouse No. good as Joe’s but considerably cheaper. The local fish higher than at neighborhood sushi spots, but in keeping ), a lobster club on onion toast, some surprisingly 4, one would expect a mighty pricy meal. But entrées, sandwich is most popular – grouper, yellowtail snapper, with Abokado’s Mary Brickell Village neighbors. $$$$ solid Asian fusion items, and a cocktail is one of Miami’s which range from Nuevo Latino-style ginger/orange-glazed or mahi mahi. $-$$ more relaxing experiences. $$-$$$ pork tenderloin to a platter of Kobe mini-burgers, all cost Acqua either $18 or $23. And the price includes an appetizer Grimpa Steakhouse 1435 Brickell Ave. Bali Café -- no low-rent crapola, either, but treats like Serrano ham 901 Brickell Plaza Four Seasons Hotel 109 NE 2nd Ave., 305-358-5751 croquetas, a spinach/leek tart with Portobello mushroom 305-455-4757 305-381-3190 While Indonesian food isn’t easy to find in Miami, downtown sauce, or shrimp-topped eggplant timbales. The best www.grimpa.com Originally an Italian/Mediterranean restaurant, this com- has secret stashes — small joints catering to cruise-ship and seats are on the glam rooftop patio. $$$ This expansive indoor/outdoor Brazilian eatery is sleekly fortably elegant, upscale spot switched chefs in 2006, construction workers. This cute, exotically decorated café contemporary, but no worries. The classic sword-wielding resulting in a complete menu renovation. Thailand’s has survived and thrived for good reason. The homey cook- Ecco Pizzateca & Lounge gauchos are here, serving a mind-reeling assortment of famed sense of culinary balance is now evident through- ing is delicious, and the friendly family feel encourages even 168 SE 1st St. skewered beef, chicken, lamb, pork, sausages, and fish. out the global (though primarily Asian or Latin American- the timid of palate to try something new. Novices will want 305-960-1900, www.eccomiami.com And included in the price (dinner $47, lunch $34) is the inspired) menu, in dishes like yuzu/white soya-dressed Indonesia’s signature rijsttafel, a mix-and-match collection Masterminded by Aramis Lorie (of PS14) and partner Brian traditional belly-busting buffet of hot and cold prepared salad of shrimp tempura, a tender pork shank glazed with of small dishes and to be heaped on rice. Note: Basti, this hip hangout was designed to entice downtown foods, salad, cold cuts, and cheeses. A pleasant, nontra- spicy Szechuan citrus sauce, or lunchtime’s rare tuna bring cash. No plastic accepted here. $-$$ workers to linger after office hours. And even without the ditional surprise: unusual sauces like sweet/tart passion burger with lively aioli and wakame salad. For des- expansive, casual-chic space as bait, internationally award- fruit or mint, tomato-based BBQ, and mango , sert few chocoholics can resist a buttery-crusted tart filled The Bar at Level 25 (Conrad Hotel) winning Italian pizza chef Massimo Fabio Bruni’s exquisitely along with the ubiquitous . $$$$-$$$$$ with sinfully rich warm chocolate custard. $$$$$ 1395 Brickell Ave., 305-503-6500 airy, burn-blistered pies, made from homemade dough, On the Conrad’s 25th floor, The Bar’s picture-windowed could do the trick. The rest of the organically oriented menu Il Gabbiano Andú space is not just a watering hole with panoramic views. At may also great, but with pizzas like the cream/mushroom- 335 S. Biscayne Blvd. 141 SW 7th St. lunch it’s an elegant sandwich bar; at night it’s a raw bar topped Bianca beckoning, we’ll never know. $-$$$ 305-373-0063 786-871-7005 (with pristine coldwater oysters) and (best) a tapas bar www.ilgabbianomiami.com www.andurestaurant.com serving pintxos. That’s just the Basque word for tapas, but Eos Its location at the mouth of the Miami River makes this This space’s futuristic fairyland décor, highlighted by here there’s nothing mere about the generously portioned 485 Brickell Ave. (Viceroy Hotel) ultra-upscale Italian spot (especially the outdoor terrace) hanging glass pendants, makes it popular as a stylish small plates. They range from traditional items like cod 305-503-0373 the perfect power lunch/business dinner alternative hangout as much as a restaurant -- and loungers are fish equixada and saffron-sautéed Spanish artichokes Unlike their Michelin-starred New Adriatic restaurant to steakhouses. And the culinary experience goes way rewarded with a bar menu ranging from the traditional to inventive inspirations like foie gras and goat cheese- Anthos, in Manhattan, this venture of chef Michael beyond the typical meat market, thanks in part to the (zataar-spiked ) to the trendy (artichoke purée stuffed empanadas. $$$ Psilakis and restaurateur Donatella Arpaia has influences flood of freebies that’s a trademark of Manhattan’s Il with ); calamari with Meyer lemon brown butter is ranging way beyond Greece to the whole Mediterranean Mulino, originally run by Il Gabbiano’s owners. The rest especially recommended. Tip: While entrées and sides on Botequim Carioca region, and even Latin America. Unchanged is Psilakis’ of the food? Pricy, but portions are mammoth. And the the changing main menu are also mostly Mediterranean, 900 Biscayne Blvd., 305-675-1876 solid creativity, and a beautiful sense of balance that champagne-cream-sauced housemade ravioli with black some of the kitchen’s best shots stretch the concept www.botequim-carioca.de makes even very unfamiliar combinations taste acces- truffles? Worth every penny. $$$$$ considerably. So don’t miss the fries with chipotle/Key If Brazil’s cuisine were defined by the USA’s Brazilian sible. So skip the safe stuff and go for the luxuriantly cus- lime aioli. $$$ restaurants, the conclusion would be that Brazilian people tardy, egg yolk-enriched lobster and sea urchin risotto, or Continued on page 49

48 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com January 2010 Dining Guide

Restaurant Listings La Provence Miami’s Chophouse tastes and fish. Here in Miami, chef Sean Bernal supple- 1064 Brickell Ave., 786-425-9003 300 S. Biscayne Blvd. ments signature starters like lump crab cakes with his Continued from page 48 www.laprovencemiami.com 305-938-9000 own lightly marinated, Peruvian-style grouper ceviche. Great baguettes in the bread basket, many believe, indi- www.mannyssteakhouse.com The daily-changing, 15-20 specimen seafood selection cate a great meal to come. But when Miamians encounter Formerly Manny’s Steakhouse, Miami’s Chophouse includes local fish seldom seen on local menus: pompa- Indochine such bread -- crackling crust outside; moist, aromatic, retains basically everything but the famed name (from no, parrot fish, amberjack. But even flown-in fish (and the 638 S. Miami Ave. aerated interior -- it’s likely not from a restaurant’s own the original Manny’s in Minneapolis), and remains raw bar’s cold-water oysters) are ultra-fresh. $$$$ 305-379-1525, www.indochinebistro.com kitchen, but from La Provence. Buttery croissants and Miami’s most intentionally masculine steakhouse. Indochine has succeeded by morphing from mere restaurant party-perfect pastries are legend too. Not so familiar is the Here, ensconced in your black leather booth, everything Pasha’s into hip hangout. Copious special events draw everyone bakery’s café component, whose sandwich/salad menu is humongous: dry-aged choice-grade steaks like the 1414 Brickell Ave., 305-416-5116 from downtown business types to the counterculture crowd. reflects local eclectic tastes. But French items like pan Bludgeon of Beef (a boldly flavorful 40-ounce bone-in The original branch on Lincoln Road was instantly Not that there’s anything “mere” about the range of food bagnats (essentially salade Niçoise on artisan bread) will ribeye, described as “part meat, part weapon”); king crab popular, and the same healthy Middle Eastern fast food served from three Asian nations. Light eaters can snack on truly transport diners to co-owner David Thau’s Provençal legs that dwarf the plate; cocktail shrimp that could swal- is served at several newer outlets. The prices are low Vietnamese summer rolls or Japanese sushi rolls. For bigger homeland. $$ low the Loch Ness monster whole; two-fisted cocktails enough that you might suspect Pasha’s was a tax write-off appetites, there are Thai curries and Vietnamese specialties that would fell a T-Rex. Not for the frail. $$$$$ rather than a Harvard Business School project, which it like pho, richly flavored beef soup with meatballs, steak slices, Le Boudoir Brickell was by founders Antonio Ellek and Nicolas Cortes. Dishes rice , and add-in Asian herbs and sprouts. $$-$$$ 188 SE 12th Terr. Miami’s Finest Caribbean Restaurant range from and gyros to more unusual items like 305-372-2333 236 NE 1st Ave., 305-381-9254 (tangy walnut spread) and silky labneh Iron Sushi www.leboudoirmiami.com Originally from Jamaica, proprietor Miss Pat has been yogurt cheese. Everything from to lemonade is made 120 SE 3rd Ave. At this French bakery/café, mornings start seriously, serving her traditional homemade island specialties to fresh, from scratch, daily. $-$$ 305-373-2000 with choices ranging from quality cheese, charcuterie/ downtown office workers and college students since the (See Miami Shores listing) pâté, or platters to chic Continental and early 1990s. Most popular item here might be the week- Peoples Bar-B-Que complete American breakfasts. At lunch, generously day lunch special of jerk chicken with festival (sweet-fried 360 NW 8th St. La Loggia Ristorante and Lounge salad-garnished, open-faced tartines are irresistible. But cornmeal bread patties), but even vegetarians are well 305-373-8080, www.peoplesbarbque.com 68 W. Flagler St. sophisticated salads and homemade soups make the served with dishes like a tofu, carrot, and chayote curry. Oak-smoked, falling-off-the-bone tender barbecued ribs 305-373-4800, www.laloggia.org choice tough. And do not skip dessert. Superb sweets All entrées come with rice and peas, fried plantains, and (enhanced with a secret sauce whose recipe goes back sever- This luxuriantly neo-classical yet warm Italian restaurant include rich almond/fresh raspberry or properly tangy salad, so no one leaves hungry. $ al generations) are the main draw at this Overtown institution. was unquestionably a pioneer in revitalizing downtown. lemon tarts, traditional Madeleines, airy layered mousses, But the chicken is also a winner, plus there’s a full menu of With alternatives like amaretto-tinged pumpkin agnolloti and addictive mini- sandwich cookies with daily- Novecento soul food entrées, including what many aficionados consider in sage butter sauce and cilantro-spiced white bean/veg- changing fillings. $-$$ 1414 Brickell Ave., 305-403-0900 our town’s tastiest souse. And it would be unthinkable to call it etable salad dressed with truffle oil, proprietors Jennifer www.bistronovecento.com quits without homemade sweet potato pie or banana pudding, Porciello and Horatio Oliveira continue to draw a lunch For those who think “Argentine cuisine” is a synonym for “beef plus a bracing flop – half iced tea, half lemonade. $-$$ crowd that returns for dinner, or perhaps just stays on MIA at Biscayne and more beef,” this popular eatery’s wide range of more through the afternoon, fueled by the Lawyer’s Liquid Lunch, 20 Biscayne Blvd., 305-642-0032 cosmopolitan contemporary Argentine fare will be a revelation. Perricone’s a vodka martini spiked with sweetened espresso. $$$ www.miaatbiscayne.com Classic parrilla-grilled steaks are here for traditionalists, but 15 SE 10th St., 305-374-9449, www.perricones.com At this expansive, ultra-glam restolounge, the eclectic, the menu is dominated by creative Nuevo Latino items like a Housed in a Revolutionary-era barn (moved from Vermont), La Moon mostly small-plate menu ranges from the expected new-style ceviche de chernia (lightly lime-marinated grouper this market/café was one of the Brickell area’s first gentri- 144 SW 8th St. (grilled skirt steak with chimichurri; new-style cevi- with jalapeños, basil, and the refreshing sweet counterpoint fied amenities. At lunch chicken salad is a favorite; dinner’s 305-860-6209 ches, and luxe sushi rolls) to a small but tantalizing of watermelon), or crab ravioli with creamy saffron sauce. strong suit is the pasta list, ranging from Grandma Jennie’s At four in the morning, nothing quells the munchies like a selection of chef Gerdy Rodriguez’s signature cre- Especially notable are the entrée salads. $$-$$$ old-fashioned lasagna to chichi fiocchi purses filled with Crazy Burger, a Colombian take on a trucker’s burger: beef ations. Lunch fare includes modernized “Minuta” fish fresh pear and gorgonzola. And Sunday’s $15.95 brunch patty, bacon, ham, mozzarella, lettuce, tomato, and a fried sandwiches (avocado/habanero vinaigrette-dressed Oceanaire Seafood Room buffet ($9.95 for kids) – featuring an omelet station, waffles, egg, with an arepa corn pancake “bun.” While this tiny place’s hamachi on nori Kaiser rolls), while dinner offers 900 S. Miami Ave. smoked salmon and bagels, salads, and more – remains late hours (till 6:00 a.m. Friday and Saturday) are surprising, edgier inventions like confit pork belly with a panko- 305-372-8862, www.theoceanaire.com one of our town’s most civilized all-you-can-eat deals. $$ the daytime menu is more so. In addition to Colombian clas- crusted egg yolk capsula, the yolk nitrogen-frozen With a dozen branches nationwide, Oceanaire may seem sics, there’s a salad Nicoise with grilled fresh tuna, seared before frying to achieve a crisp crust and delightfully more All-American seafood empire than Florida fish salmon with mango salsa, and other yuppie favorites. $-$$ improbable oozing interior. $$$ shack, but menus vary significantly according to regional Continued on page 50

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE GAME? Urbanite Bistro’s Got the Best Game in Town!

All Natural, Organic, Lunch: Mon-Fri, 11am - 3pm Hormone Free & Healthy Dinner: Mon-Sat, 5pm - Midnight •Roasted Wild Boar Chops Happy Hour: Mon-Sat, 5 - 8pm, •Red Deer NY Strip Steak •Braised Saddle of Rabbit 11 - til close •Natural Guinea Fowl •Bison & Angus Beef Burgers Tasting Menu 5-7pm •Magret Duck Breast Three Course Prixe-Fixe Fresh Seafood Selections • $37++ •Vegan & Vegetarian Dishes Homemade Desserts • Pre-theatre includes Two Full Bars Complimentary Parking One Block • Enjoy over 35 wines by the glass • Extensive selection of Craft Beers From the Adrienne Arsht Center • Eclectic Cocktails “Ambitious, but neither pretentious nor “Masters of theArt of Dining” – Herald 2009 pricey” -Biscayne Times 2009 “Two & One Half Stars” - Herald 2009 “Boggle your Mind” - Deco Drive 2009 “Miami has finally gotten the message” “Embrace your boho, artistic child” 944 Magazine 2009 The Sun Post 2009

62 NE 14th Street, Miami, FL 33132 COMPLIMENTARY VALET PARKING LUNCH / DINNER Rsvn / Delv / Take Away Two Blks. West of the Adrienne Arsht Center See full menu at www.urbanitebistro.com 305-374-0662

January 2010 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 49 Dining Guide Red, White, and You Agreeable wine for $12 or less

By Bill Citara better suited to spreading on your break- wine, with a firm tannin- Sauvignon was too tarry and BT Contributor fast toast than serving with a meal. acid backbone balancing cough syrupish for enjoyment, Well, the Great Recession took restrained fruit that leaves while an Argentine wine, the hardonnay may be more popular. care of that, as did a movement toward room for a hint of cloves 2006 Nieto, repelled with musty Merlot may be more accessible. wines of grace and finesse rather than and black pepper. mushroom aromas and thin, harsh, CPinot Noir may have more cachet. brute force. Cabernet Sauvignon is still Fans of a fruitier underripe fruit. But when it comes to the fruit of the vine, expensive, though, and at our end of the style of Cabernet may Sometimes, I guess, it’s not Cabernet Sauvignon is still king. market you won’t find the complexity, prefer the 2006 Hayman so good to be king. It’s first among almost-equals of the potency, and aging potential that charac- Hill Napa Valley. Aro- noble grapes of Bordeaux. It’s the pre- terizes the best Cabernets. matic hardly begins to Get the Chalone and eminent red wine grape of California You will, on the other hand, find describe it. Along with the Hayman Hill at the North and especially the Napa Valley. It’s an in- some enjoyable wines. The wacky-ass expected blueberry and Miami Crown Wine and tegral part of many of the Super Tuscans named 2007 Running with Scissors, for cassis is a brimming spice Spirits for $9.97 and $11.99, from Italy. And whenever anyone talks example. It will fill up your nose with the cabinet — , respectively (12555 Biscayne about benchmark reds, you can bet that aromas of intensely ripe blueberries and cloves, and a distinct hit Blvd., 305-892-9463). most of the time they’re talking about blackberries, which carry through to the of peppermint. It’s tamer BrisAndes and Running with Cabernet Sauvignon or wines in which it palate, piqued by some sweet spice. It’s in the mouth, but with a Scissors are available at the plays a dominant role. simple and soft, and for ten bucks you good fruit-acid-tannin North Miami Beach Total It really is good to be king. won’t want to stab yourself for picking balance that makes it quite Wine & More, both for $9.99 It can also be damn expensive. In up a bottle or two. food-friendly. (14750 Biscayne Blvd., 305- the 1990s and early 2000s, the price of For the same price you get a better Another spicy puppy 354-3270). The Nieto costs Cabernet grew like wild in the taste of what upscale Cabernets can de- is the 2007 BrisAndes. $8.49 and can be found (if vineyards, mainly the result of boutique liver with the 2006 Chalone Monterey This Chilean product you really want to) at the Cabs that developed rapid cult followings County. One of the most storied names has a helluva pedigree — North Miami Beach ABC Fine that gladly paid $100, $150, and more in California winemaking, this wine is a Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite) Wine & Spirits (16355 Biscayne per bottle for a limited supply of these fine value, though it might be challeng- — and is redolent of cloves and , Blvd., 305-944-6525), while the Red brutally powerful, highly extracted wines. ing to anyone accustomed to the sweet, with simple strawberry fruit flavors and Diamond is sold at the Biscayne The price inflation at the top end of the fruity, and simple style of Cabernet. The a touch of bitterness on the finish (from Commons Publix for $9.99 (14641 market drew up everything below it too, nose is a bit funky — earth, leather, and new oak?). Biscayne Blvd., 305-354-2171). which essentially meant that you could black olives as prominent as deep black- A couple of wines didn’t make the drop $50 or $60 for a mediocre Cabernet berry fruit. But it’s a very well-made cut. The 2006 Red Diamond Cabernet Feedback: [email protected]

Restaurant Listings But in true Italian style, the best stuff stays simple: an but with a stronger Latin accent. There’s more emphasis but “restolounge” sounds too glitzy. Think of it as a neigh- antipasto platter of imported cold cuts with crostini and on snacks, too, making happy hour a great time to sam- borhood “bistrolounge.” The food is mostly modernized Continued from page 49 housemade marinated veggies; crisp-fried calamari and ple $2.50 tapas like conch fritters with spicy Argentine Italian, with Latin and Asian accents: a prosciutto-and-fig shrimp; airy gnocchi with sprightly tomato sauce, pools pink sauce and palmito salad, sparkling-fresh Amarillo pizza with Brazilian catupiry cheese; gnocchi served Prelude of melted bufala mozzarella, and fresh basil. $$-$$$ chili-spiked Peruvian shrimp ceviche, or festive fish/lump either as finger food (fried, with calamata olive/truffle Adrienne Arsht Center crab sliders, along with half-off drinks. $$$-$$$$ aioli), or plated with orange-ginger sauce. But there are 1300 Biscayne Blvd. The River Oyster Bar tomato-sauced meatballs with ri’gawt for Grandpa Vinnie, 305-949-6722 650 S. Miami Ave. Soya & Pomodoro too. $$-$$$ Though the opening of Barton G.’s elegant performing arts 305-530-1915, www.therivermiami.com 120 NE 1st St. center eatery did feature a live giraffe, the food’s actually This casually cool jewel is a full-service seafood spot, as 305-381-9511 Urbanite Bistro more grown-up than at his original SoBe spot. The concept evidenced by tempting menu selections like soft-shell crabs Life is complicated. Food should be simple. That’s owner 62 NE 14th St., 305-374-0662 is prix fixe: Any three courses on the menu (meaning three with grilled vegetables, corn , and . There Armando Alfano’s philosophy, which is stated above the www.urbanitebistro.com entrées if you want) for $39. Highlights include silky, tarra- are even a few dishes to please meat-and-potatoes din- entry to his atmospheric downtown eatery. And since Ambitious but neither pretentious nor pricey, this multi- gon-inflected corn/bacon chowder, beautifully plated beef ers, like short ribs with macaroni and cheese. But oyster it’s also the formula for the truest traditional Italian food room, indoor/outdoor bistro is just the sort of friendly carpaccio with /mustard and shallot fans will find it difficult to resist stuffing themselves silly on (Alfano hails from Pompeii), it’s fitting that the menu is hangout the neighborhood needs. Chef Frank Imbarlina’s dipping sauces; and over-the-top playhouse desserts, one the unusually large selection, especially since oysters are dominated by authentically straightforward yet sophisti- menu features hip contemporary fare like natural boar with a luscious crème fraiche ice cream pop. $$$$ served both raw and cooked – fire-roasted with but- cated Italian entrées. There are salads and sandwiches, chops with a savory-sweet soy/chopped pecan crust. Fish ter, chorizo, and manchego. There’s also a thoughtful wine too. The most enjoyable place to dine is the secret, open- fans and vegetarians will find equally enjoyable large and list and numerous artisan beers on tap. $$$ air courtyard. Alfano serves dinner on Thursdays only to small plates: potato-wrapped local pompano; beautifully Provence Grill accompany local musicians and artists. $-$$ seasoned veg siu mai; shrimp corndogs with mustard and 1001 S. Miami Ave. Rosa Mexicano mango dips. Other pluses include an imaginative late- 305-373-1940 900 S. Miami Ave. Tobacco Road night menu and free valet parking. $$-$$$ The cozy dining room (and even more charming outdoor 786-425-1001, www.rosamexicano.com 626 S. Miami Ave. terrace) evoke the south of France. But the menu of This expansive indoor/outdoor space offers a dining expe- 305-374-1198, www.tobacco-road.com Waxy O’Connor’s French bistro classics covers all regions: country-style rience that’s haute in everything but price. Few entrées Prohibition-era speakeasy (reputedly a fave of Al Capone), 690 SW 1st Ct. pâté maison with onion jam, roasted peppers, and top $20. The décor is both date-worthy and family-friendly gay bar, strip club. Previously all these, this gritty spot has 786-871-7660 cornichons; steak/frites (grilled rib-eye with peppercorn – festive but not kitschy. And nonsophisticates needn’t been best known since 1982 as a venue for live music, www.waxys.com cream sauce, fries, and salad); and four preparations of fear; though nachos aren’t available, there is nothing primarily blues. But it also offers food from lunchtime While the menu of this casually craic (Gaelic for “fun”) Irish mussels. Deal alert: An early-bird prix-fixe menu (5:30- scary about zarape de pato (roast duck between freshly to late night (on weekends till 4:00 a.m.). The kitchen is pub will be familiar to fans of the South Beach Waxy’s, the 7:30 p.m.) offers soup or salad, entrée, dessert, and a made, soft corn tortillas, topped with yellow-and-habane- especially known for its chili, budget-priced steaks, and location is far superior -- on the Miami River, with waterfront carafe of wine for $44 per couple. $$$-$$$$ ro-pepper cream sauce), or Rosa’s signature burgers. There’s also surprisingly elegant fare, though, deck. And none of Miami’s Irish eateries offers as much en molcajete, made tableside. A few pomegranate mar- like a Norwegian salmon club with lemon aioli. A meat- authentic traditional fare. Especially evocative: imported Puntino Downtown garitas ensure no worries. $$$ smoker in back turns out tasty ribs. $$ oak-smoked Irish salmon with housemade brown bread; 353 SE 2nd Ave., 305-371-9661 puff-pastry-wrapped Irish sausage rolls; lunchtime’s imported www.puntinodowntown.com Solymar Tre Italian Bistro Irish bacon or banger “butty” sandwiches on crusty baguettes, The first U.S. venture of a hotelier from Naples, this 315 S. Biscayne Blvd. 270 E. Flagler St. served with hand-cut fries, the latter particularly terrific dipped stylish little place is open Monday through Saturday for 305-371-3421 305-373-3303 in Waxy’s curry sauce. $$ dinner as well as lunch. Ambiance is fashionably cool Housed in the stunning space with great water views www.tremiami.com Milanese rather than effusively warm Neapolitan. The originally occupied by Prime Blue Grille, Solymar similarly “Bistro” actually sounds too Old World for this cool hang- food too is mostly contemporary rather than traditional. pursues the power lunch crowd with steaks and seafood, out, from the owners of downtown old-timer La Loggia, Continued on page 51

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Jamaican specialties, the intensely spiced grilled jerk Restaurant Listings chicken has been the main item here. Other favorites: Continued from page 50 savory rice and pigeon peas; eye-opening onion/- flavored escovitch fish; sweet plantains; and cabbage that redefines the vegetable. $ Wok Town The Daily Creative Food Co. 119 SE 1st Ave. 2001 Biscayne Blvd. 305-371-9993 305-573-4535 www.woktown.com While the food formula of this contemporary café is Judging from the takeout window, the minimalist décor (with familiar – sandwiches, salads, soups, breakfast food, and communal seating), and predominance of American veggies on pastries, plus coffee and fruit drinks – a creative concept the menu, this Asian fast-food eatery, owned by Shai Ben-Ami differentiates the place. Signature sandwiches are named (a Miss Yip and Domo Japones veteran) may initially seem akin after national and local newspapers, including Biscayne to those airport Oriental steam tables. Wrong. Custom-cooked Times, giving diners something to chat about. Sandwiches by Chinese chefs, starters (like soy/garlic-coated edamame), and salads can also be do-it-yourself projects, with an salads, and have-it-your-way stir-fries, fried rice, or bowls unusually wide choice of main ingredients, garnishes, burst with bold, fresh flavor. The proof: a startlingly savory miso breads, and condiments for the creatively minded. $ beef salad, with /ginger/scallion dressing. Bubble tea, too! $$ Delicias Peruanas 2590 Biscayne Blvd. 305-573-4634 Midtown / Wynwood / Design District Seafood is the specialty at this pleasant Peruvian spot, as it was at the nearby original Delicias, run by members of Adelita’s Café the same family. The food is as tasty as ever, especially 2699 Biscayne Blvd. the reliably fresh traditional ceviches, and for those who 305-576-1262 like their fish tangy but cooked, a mammoth jalea platter. From the street (which is actually NE 26th, not Biscayne) As for nonseafood stuff, Peru practically invented fusion this Honduran restaurant seems unpromising, but inside cuisine (in the 1800s), such as two traditional noodle it’s bigger, better, and busier than it looks. Unlike many dishes: tallerin saltado and tallerin verde. $$ Latin American eateries, this one sticks close to the source and proves a crowd-pleaser. On weekends espe- 18th Street Café cially, the dining rooms are packed with families enjoying 210 NE 18th St. authentic fare like baleadas (thick corn tacos), tajadas 305-381-8006, www.18thstreetcafe.com (Honduras’s take on tostones), rich meal-in-a-bowl soups Most of the seating in this cool little breakfast/lunch room packed with seafood or meat and veggies, and more. $ is in a sort of giant bay window, backed with banquettes, that makes the space feel expansive. This pioneer- Bay View Grille ing place deserves to survive, even if just considering 1633 N. Bayshore Dr. (Marriott Hotel) the roast beef sandwich with creamy horseradish – an 305-536-6414 inspired classic combination that makes one wonder why This expansive restaurant has no outdoor component, but more places in this town don’t serve it. Other culinary floor-to-ceiling windows and a multi-level layout means highlights include a turkey/pear/cheddar melt sandwich, every table has a Biscayne Bay view, which we find par- and really sinful marshmallow-topped brownies. $ ticularly enjoyable in the morning, over a fresh asparagus and Boursin cheese omelet or huevos à la cubana (fried Five Guys Famous Burger and Fries eggs and cheese on black beans). Lunch and dinner 3401 N. Miami Ave. (Shops at Midtown) menus are a “greatest hits” mix (steaks, pasta, Caesar 305-571-8345, www.fiveguys.com salad), featuring appealing local accents like a hefty fried No green-leaf faux health food here. You get what the or blackened grouper sandwich on ciabatta roll, with name says, period, with three adds: kosher dogs, veg- remoulade sauce. $$-$$$ gie burgers, and free peanuts while you wait. Which you will, just a bit, since burgers are made fresh upon order. Bengal Available in double or one-patty sizes, they’re well-done 2010 Biscayne Blvd. but spurtingly juicy, and after loading with your choice of 305-403-1976 free garnishes, even a “little” burger makes a major meal. At this Indian eatery the décor is cool and contemporary: Fries (regular or Cajun-spiced) are also superior, hand-cut muted gray and earth-tone walls, tasteful burgundy ban- in-house from sourced potatoes. $ quettes. And the menu touts “Modern Indian Cuisine” to match the look. Classicists, however, needn’t worry. Fratelli Lyon America’s favorite familiar north Indian flavors are 4141 NE 2nd Ave. here, though dishes are generally more mildly spiced 305-572-2901, www.fratellilyon.com and presented with modern flair. All meats are certified This Italian café has been packed since the moment halal, Islam’s version of kosher — which doesn’t mean it opened. No surprise to any who recall owner Ken that observant orthodox Jews can eat here, but Muslims Lyon’s pioneering Lyon Frères gourmet store on Lincoln can. $$$ Road (1992-97), another joint that was exactly what its neighborhood needed. The restaurant’s artisan salumi, Bin No. 18 cheeses, flavorful boutique olive oils, and more are so 1800 Biscayne Blvd. outstanding that you can’t help wishing it also had a retail 786-235-7575 component. Entrées include properly al dente pastas, plus At this wine bar/café, the décor is a stylish mix of con- some regional specialties like Venetian-style calves liver, temporary (high loft ceilings) and Old World (tables made rarely found outside Italy. $$$ from wine barrels). Cuisine is similarly geared to the area’s smart new residents: creative sandwiches and salads at Grass lunch, tapas and larger internationally themed Spanish, 28 NE 40th St., 305-573-3355 Italian, or French charcuterie platters at night. Though the Chef Michael Jacobs’s menu travels beyond pan-Asian place is small and family-run friendly, chef Alfredo Patino and Mediterranean influences into the Americas. Entrées offers sophisticated snacks like the figciutto: arugula, range from comfort food (cunningly reinvented mini pot gorgonzola dolce, caramelized onions, pine nuts, fresh figs, pies) to high-status extravagance (stone-seared, authen- and prosciutto. Free parking behind the building. $$ tic Kobe steak). For healthy grazers, raw-bar selections include ceviches and a large seafood platter. There’s also Buena Vista Bistro a snack menu (pristine coldwater oysters, a crab salad 4582 NE 2nd Ave. timbale, parmesan-truffle shoestring fries, mini-Kobe 305-456-5909 burgers) served till the wee hours, providing a welcome If a neighborhood eatery like this one — which serves alternative to the Boulevard’s fast food chains. $$-$$$$$ supremely satisfying bistro food — were within walking distance of every Miami resident, we’d be a helluva hip The Girrrlz of Sandwich food town. Like true Parisian bistros, it’s open continu- 555 NE 15th St., 2nd floor (Venetia condo) ously, every day, with prices so low that you can drop in 305-374-4305 anytime for authentic rillettes (a rustic pâté) with a crusty Riot Grrrl DIY spirit shines in the homemade soups, baguette, steak with from-scratch frites, salmon atop rata- sweets, salads, and exceptionally tasty warm baguette touille, or many changing blackboard specials. Portions sandwiches (like prosciutto and fresh mozzarella, dressed are plentiful. So is free parking. $$ with a unique sumac vinaigrette) at this concealed café, hidden on the Venetia condo’s mezzanine. Owners Ana Clive’s Café Oliva and Fadia Sarkis scour local markets daily for the 2818 N. Miami Ave., 305-576-0277 freshest of ingredients, and their breads (plus light-crust- Some still come for the inexpensive, hearty American ed empanadas and sinful Ghirardelli chocolate cake) are breakfasts and lunches that this homey hole-in-the-wall all baked in-house. On Saturdays the grrrls’ll even deliver has served for more than 30 years. Since about 1990, you an elegant (yet inexpensive) breakfast in bed. $ though, when owner Pearline Murray (“Ms. Pearl” to regu- lars) and cook Gloria Chin began emphasizing their native Continued on page 52

January 2010 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 51 Dining Guide

Restaurant Listings a local supplier, and salsas are housemade daily. Niceties who appreciate honest cheap eats and drinks. Regulars pizzas alone – brick-oven specimens with toppings rang- include low-carb tortillas and many Mexican beers. $ know daily specials are the way to go. Depending on the ing from classic pepperoni to prosciutto/arugula – would Continued from page 51 day, fish, churrasco, or roast turkey with all the trimmings be draw enough. But pastas also please: diners’ choice Lost & Found Saloon are all prepared fresh. Big burgers and steak dinners are of starch, with mix-and-match sauces and extras. And the Joey’s Italian Café 185 NW 36th St. always good. A limited late-night menu provides pizza, price is right, with few entrées topping $20. The capper: It’s 2506 NW 2nd Ave. 305-576-1008 wings, ribs, and salad till 3:00 a.m. $-$$ open past midnight every day but Sunday. $$ 305-438-0488 www.thelostandfoundsaloon-miami.com The first new restaurant in the Wynwood Café District, There’s an artsy/alternative feel to this casual and friend- Orange Café + Art Primo Pizza Miami this stylish indoor/outdoor Italian hangout is as casually ly Wynwood eatery, which, since opening as a weekday- 2 NE 40th St. 3451 NE 1st Ave., 305-535-2555 cool as one would hope — and as affordable. There’s only breakfast and lunch joint in 2005, has grown with its 305-571-4070 www.primopizzamiami.com a five-buck half-serving of spaghetti al pomodoro and neighborhood. It’s now open for dinner six nights a week, The paintings hanging in this tiny, glass-enclosed café Just a few years ago, chain pizza joints were dominant most respectable vino for under $30. And few can resist serving Southwestern-style fare at rock-bottom prices. are for sale. And for those who don’t have thousands of everywhere. Today many places now offer authentic Italian delicately thin, crunchy-crusted pizzas like the creative Dishes like piñon and pepita-crusted salmon, chipotle- dollars to shell out for the local art on the walls, less than or delicate designer pizzas. But a satisfying Brookyn-style Dolce e Piccante or orgasmic Carbonara. Pastas are drizzled endive stuffed with lump crab, or customizable ten bucks will get you art on a plate, including a Picasso: street slice? Fuhgedit. Thankfully that’s the speciality of this fresh; produce is largely local; the mosaic-centered décor tacos average $5-$8. Also available: big breakfasts and chorizo, prosciutto, manchego cheese, baby spinach, indoor/outdoor pizzeria: big slices with chewy crusts (made is minimalist but inviting. And no need to be wary of the salads, hearty soups, housemade pastries like lemon- and basil on a crusty baguette. Other artfully named and from imported NY tap water) that aren’t ultra-thin and crisp, warehouse district at night: Valet parking is free. $$-$$$ crusted wild berry pie, and a hip beer and wine list. $ crafted edibles include salads, daily soups, several pastas but flexible enough to fold lengthwise, and medium-thick (like the Matisse, fiocchi pouches filled with pears and -- sturdy enough to support toppings applied with generous Kafa Café Maino Churrascaria cheese), and house-baked pastries. $ all-American abandon. Take-out warning: Picking up a whole 3535 NE 2nd Ave. 2201 Biscayne Blvd. pie? Better bring the SUV, not the Morris Mini. 305-438-0114, www.kafamidtown.com 305-571-9044 Out of the Blue Café Operated by a brother/sister team (both originally from This very upscale Brazilian steakhouse has all the fea- 2426 NE 2nd Ave. Sake Room Ethiopia), nothing on the breakfast and lunch menus tops tures you expect, including all-you-can-eat meats carved 305-573-3800, www.outofthebluecafe.net 275 NE 18th St. $8, and portions feed an army (or several starving art- tableside and a lavish buffet. What sets Maino apart from Forget impersonal chain coffeehouses. This artist-friendly, 305-755-0122 ists). Signature item is the formidable Kafa Potato Platter typical rodizio palaces is its family-run feel, intimate rather independent neighborhood café serves a full selection www.sakeroom.com — home fries mixed with bacon, ham, peppers, onion, than intimidating, plus its attention to every detail. While of coffee drinks made with the award-winning beans of Sake takes a back seat to sushi – and sophisticated and cheese; accompanied by eggs, fresh fruit, and bread. it’s rare at most rodizio joints to get meat done less than Intelligentsia, a roasting company that works directly with décor – at this small but sleek restolounge. Among the Lunch’s burgers, salads, and overstuffed sandwiches medium, Maino will cook to order. One other welcome artisan growers to encourage sustainable agriculture. seafood offerings, you won’t find exotica or local catches, come with homemade soup or other sides, plus fruit. difference: There are à la carte starters and pastas for Also served: breakfast and lunch sandwiches, imaginative but all the usual sushi/sashimi favorites, though in Dinner features an authentic Ethiopian menu, plus beer lighter eaters and noncarnivores, and some lunch spe- salads, soups, homemade pastries, and creamy fresh-fruit more interesting form, thanks to sauces that go beyond and wine selections. $-$$ cials. Free parking, too. $$-$$$$$ smoothies. With tables, sofas, and lounge chairs inside an standard soy – spicy sriracha, garlic/ oil, and many old Midtown house, plus free wireless Internet access, the more. Especially recommended: the yuzu hamachi roll, La Provence Maitardi space is also just a pleasant place to hang out. $ the lobster tempura maki, and panko-coated spicy shrimp 2200 Biscayne Blvd., 305-576-8002 163 NE 39th St. with hot-and-sour mayo and a salad. $$-$$$ www.laprovencemiami.com 305-572-1400 Pacific Time (See Brickell / Downtown listing.) maitardimiami.com 35 NE 40th St., 305-722-7369 S & S Diner Though we admired the ambitious approach of Oak Plaza’s www.pacifictimemiami.com 1757 NE 2nd Ave. Latin Café 2000 original tenant, Brosia, this more informal, inexpensive, and Everyone knew Jonathan Eismann’s original Pacific Time, 305-373-4291 2501 Biscayne Blvd. straightforwardly Italian concept of veteran Lincoln Road for many years Lincoln Road’s only serious restaurant. Some things never change, or so it seems at this classic 305-576-3838, www.latincafe2000.com restaurateur Graziano Sbroggio seems a more universal lure How different is its new incarnation? Very, and it’s all diner. Open since 1938, people still line up on Saturday The menu is similar to that at many of our town’s Latin for the Design District’s central “town square.” The mostly good, starting with far superior acoustics, an admirably mornings, waiting for a seat at the counter and enormous cafés, largely classic Cuban entrées and sandwiches, outdoor space remains unaltered save a wood-burning oven green ecological policy, and a neighborhood-friendly breakfasts: hash or crab cakes and eggs with a smattering of touches from elsewhere in Latin producing flavorfully char-bubbled pizza creations, plus a attitude. While the addition of Mediterranean influences with grits; fluffy pancakes; homemade biscuits with gravy America, such as a Peruvian jalea mixta (marinated mixed vintage meat slicer dispensing wild boar salamino, bresaola to the Pacific Rim menu may sound confusing, trust us: and Georgia sausage – everything from oatmeal to eggs seafood), or paella Valenciana from Spain, which many (cured beef), and other artisan salumi. Other irresistibles: A meal that includes a butter-grilled asparagus with pro- Benedict. The lunch menu is a roll call of the usual sus- Miami eateries consider a Latin country. What justifies the fried artichokes with lemony aioli; seafood lasagna with sciutto, soft-cooked egg Milanese, and preserved lemon; pects, but most regulars ignore the menu and go for the new millennium moniker is the more modern, yuppified/ heavenly dill-lobster sauce. $$-$$$ plus an Asian-accented creamy corn/leek soup with Peeky daily blackboard specials. $-$$ yucafied ambiance, encouraged by an expansive, rustic Toe crab dumplings, coriander, and makes wooden deck. $$ Mario the Baker perfect sense on the tongue. $$-$$$$ Sra. Martinez 250 NE 25th St. 4000 NE 2nd Ave. Lemoni Café 305-438-0228 Pasha’s 305-573-5474 4600 NE 2nd Ave. (See North Miami listing) 3801 N. Miami Ave. No Biscayne Corridor resident needs to be told that this 305-571-5080 305-573-0201 lively tapas bar is the second restaurant that Upper The menu here reads like your standard sandwiches/ Michael’s Genuine Food and Drink (See Brickell/Downtown listing) Eastside homegrrrl Michelle Bernstein has opened in the salads/starters primer. What it doesn’t convey is the 130 NE 40th St. area. But it’s no absentee celebrity-chef gig. Bernstein freshness of the ingredients and the care that goes 305-573-5550 Pizzavolante is hands-on at both places. Her exuberant yet firmly into their use. Entrée-size salads range from an elegant An instant smash hit, this truly neighborhood-oriented res- 3918 N. Miami Ave., 305-573-5325 controlled personal touch is obvious in nearly four dozen spinach (goat cheese, pears, walnuts, raisins) to chunky taurant from chef Michael Schwartz offers down-to-earth At this tiny pizza/mozzarella bar, Jonathan Eismann’s hot and cold tapas on the menu. Items are frequently homemade chicken salad on a bed of mixed greens. fun food in a comfortable, casually stylish indoor/outdoor inspired topping combos and astonishingly high-quality reinvented. Keepers include wild mushroom/manchego Sandwiches (cold baguette subs, hot pressed paninis, or setting. Fresh, organic ingredients are emphasized, but ingredients prove that star-chef skills are not wasted on croquetas with fig jam; white bean stew; crisp-coated wraps, all accompanied by side salads) include a respect- dishes range from cutting-edge (crispy beef cheeks with humble fare. Carnivores must try the Cacciatorini, an artichokes with lemon/coriander dip; and buttery bone able Cuban and a veggie wrap with a deceptively rich- whipped celeriac, celery salad, and chocolate reduction) to ultra-thin and crispy crust with indescribably rich guancia- marrow piqued with Middle Eastern spices and balanced tasting light salad cream. $-$$ simple comfort food: deviled eggs, homemade potato chips le (cured, unsmoked pork cheek bacon), pungent artisan by tiny pickled salads. $$$ with pan-fried onion dip, or a whole wood-roasted chicken. pepperoni, grana padano, locally made mozzarella, and Lime Fresh Mexican Grill There’s also a broad range of prices and portion sizes to Italian tomatoes. For meatless pies, we recommend the Tony Chan’s Water Club 3201 N. Miami Ave. (Shops at Midtown) encourage frequent visits. Michael’s Genuine also features Bianca, a thyme-seasoned pizza whose plentiful cheeses 1717 N. Bayshore Dr. 305-576-5463 an eclectic, affordable wine list and a full bar. $$-$$$$ are beautifully balanced by bitter arugula. Bring a crowd 305-374-8888 Like its South Beach predecessor, this Lime was an and taste half-a-dozen different mozzarellas. $$ The décor at this upscale place, located in the Grand, instant hit, as much for being a hip new Midtown hangout Mike’s at Venetia looks too glitzy to serve anything but politely Americanized as for its carefully crafted Tex-Mex food. The concept 555 NE 15th St., 9th floor Primo’s Chinese food. But the American dumbing-down is minimal. is “fast casual” rather than fast food – meaning nice 305-374-5731, www.mikesvenetia.com 1717 N. Bayshore Dr., 305-371-9055 Many dishes are far more authentic and skillfully prepared enough for a night out. It also means ingredients are This family-owned Irish pub, on the pool deck of the The imposing, cavernous lobby of the Grand doesn’t have always fresh. Seafood tacos are about as exotic as the Venetia condo, for more than 15 years has been a popular that “do drop in” locals’ hangout vibe. But this lively Italian menu gets, but the mahi mahi for fish tacos comes from lunch and dinner hang-out for local journalists and others spot is actually a great addition to the neighborhood. The Continued on page 53

52 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com January 2010 Dining Guide

Restaurant Listings their wildly popular previous eatery, Ouzo. The mainly Captain Crab’s Take-Away doesn’t do the trick, the New World Especial (a Latin mezze menu ranges from traditional Greek small plates to 1100 NE 79th St., 305-754-2722 pie with hearts of palm and boiled eggs) just might. Also Continued from page 52 creative Mediterranean-inspired dishes like anise-scented The drive-through window says “fast food,” and so do available are pastas, salads, sandwiches, dinner entrées fish croquettes with spicy aioli. But don’t neglect large this long-lived seafood shack’s low prices. But there (eggplant parmigiana with spaghetti, lomito steak with than those found elsewhere in Miami, like delicate but plates like whole grilled Mediterranean fish (dorade or the resemblance ends. For about the price of a bucket Argentinean potato salad), and desserts (tiramisu or flavorful yu pan quail. Moist sea bass fillet has a beautifully branzino), filleted tableside. The interior is charming, and of the Colonel’s chicken you can get a bucket of the flan). $ balanced topping of scallion, ginger, cilantro, and subtly the outdoor deck on the Little River is positively romantic. Captain’s savory garlic crabs. The King’s burger meal or sweet/salty sauce. And Peking duck is served as three tra- $$-$$$ the Captain’s similarly priced fried (or garlic boiled or New Dogma Grill ditional courses: crêpe-wrapped crispy skin, meat sautéed Orleans-spiced) shrimp meal? No contest. Also popular: 7030 Biscayne Blvd. with crisp veggies, savory soup to finish. $$-$$$ Bistro 82 crab cakes and conch. For fish haters, spicy or garlic 305-759-3433, www.dogmagrill.com 8201 Biscayne Blvd. chicken wings are an option. $-$$ What could induce downtown businessmen to drive to the W Wine Bistro 305-403-2995 Upper Eastside to eat at a few outdoor-only tables just 3622 NE 2nd Ave. As with Latin American food, much Middle Eastern restau- Casa Toscana feet from the busy Boulevard? From the day it opened, 305-576-7775 rant fare blurs borders, making it hard to pinpoint individu- 7001 Biscayne Blvd., people have been lining up for this stand’s sauce-gar- Both bistro and retail wine shop, this Design District spot al countries’ culinary characteristics. Here, though, national 305-758-3353 nished, all-beef, soy veggie, turkey, and chicken hot dogs. is run by Florent Blanchet, an energetic young Frenchman identity is strong. Virtually all dishes, from savory falafel www.casatoscanamiami.com The 22 varieties range from simple to the elaborate (the who was previously a wine distributor. His former gig led to sweet k’nafeh (a traditional cheese breakfast pastry Tuscan-born chef/owner Sandra Stefani cooked at Athens, topped with a Greek salad, including extra-virgin to connections that mean if wine lovers don’t find the that doubles as dessert), are crafted from the authentic Norman’s before opening this Upper Eastside jewel, olive oil dressing) to near-unbelievable combinations like bottle they want, Blanchet can probably get it within 24 Lebanese recipes of owner Mona Issa’s mom. Casually whose 30 original seats have been supplemented by a the VIP, which includes parmesan cheese and crushed hours. Food is sophisticated light bites like a shrimp club exotic décor makes the spot dateworthy too, especially on wine room/garden for tasting events and private dining. pineapple. New addition: thick, juicy burgers. $ sandwich with pancetta and sun-dried tomato aioli, and Saturday nights when belly dancing is featured. $$ Stefani travels regularly to Italy to find exciting, limited- smoked duck salad with goat cheese croutons and a production wines and inspiration for truly Tuscan specials East Side Pizza poached egg. At night there are tapas. $-$$ Boteco with honest, authentic flavors, such as grilled wild boar 731 NE 79th St., 305-758-5351 916 NE 79th St., 305-757-7735 sausages with lentil croquettes. Menu favorites include Minestrone, sure. But a pizzeria menu with carrot ginger Upper Eastside This strip of 79th Street is rapidly becoming a cool alt-culture pear and ricotta raviolini, grilled eggplant slices rolled soup? Similarly many Italian-American pizzerias offer entrées enclave thanks to inviting hangouts like this rustic indoor/ around herbed goat cheese and sun-dried tomatoes, and like spaghetti and meatballs, but East Side also has pump- Andiamo outdoor Brazilian restaurant and bar. Especially bustling on a light ricotta tart with lemon and rosemary. $$$ kin ravioli in brown butter/sage sauce, wild mushroom 5600 Biscayne Blvd. nights featuring live music, it’s even more fun on Sundays, ravioli, and other surprisingly upscale choices, including 305-762-5751 when the fenced backyard hosts an informal fair and the Chef Creole imported Peroni beer. As for the pizza, they are classic pies, www.andiamopizza.com menu includes Brazil’s national dish, feijoada, a savory 200 NW 54th St., 305-754-2223 available whole or by the slice, made with fresh plum tomato Sharing a building with a long-established Morningside stew of beans plus fresh and cured meats. But the every- Sparkling fresh Creole-style food is the star at chef/owner sauce and Grande mozzarella (considered the top American car wash, Andiamo is also part of Mark Soyka’s 55th day menu, ranging from unique, tapas-like pasteis to hefty Wilkinson Sejour’s two tiny but popular establishments. pizza cheese). Best seating for eating is at the sheltered Street Station – which means ditching the car (in the Brazilian entrées, is also appealing – and budget-priced. $$ While some meatier Haitian classics like griot (fried pork outdoor picnic tables. $ complex’s free lot across the road on NE 4th Court) is no chunks) and oxtail stew are also available – and a $3.99 problem even if you’re not getting your vehicle cleaned Le Café roast chicken special – seafood is the specialty here: El Q-Bano Palacio de los Jugos while consuming the brick-oven pies (from a flaming open 7295 Biscayne Blvd. crevette en sauce (steamed shrimp with Creole butter 8650 Biscayne Blvd. oven) that are this popular pizzeria’s specialty, along with 305-754-6551 sauce), lambi fri (perfectly tenderized fried conch), pois- 305-758-2550 executive chef Frank Crupi’s famed Philly cheese steak For anyone who can’t get over thinking of French food as son gros sel (local snapper in a spicy butter sauce), garlic In case you were wondering if it’s too good to be true -- it isn’t. sandwiches. Also available are salads and panini plus rea- intimidating or pretentious, this cute café with a warm or Creole crabs. The Miami branch has outdoor tiki-hut El Q-Bano’s owners are indeed related to the family that oper- sonably priced wines and beers, including a few unusually welcome, and family-friendly French home cooking, is dining. $-$$ ates the original three Palacios de los Jugos -- which means sophisticated selections like Belgium’s Hoegaarden. $$ the antidote. No fancy food (or fancy prices) here, just no more schlepping way out west. Recommended are moist classic comfort food like onion soup, escargot, daily fresh DeVita’s tamales, tasty sandwiches (especially the drippingly wonderful Anise Taverna oysters, boeuf bourguignon (think Ultimate Pot Roast), 7251 Biscayne Blvd., 305-754-8282 pan con lechon), rich flan, and the fresh tropical juices that 620 NE 78th St. Nicoise salad, quiche, and homemade crème brûlée. A This Italian/Argentine pizzeria, housed in a charming bun- justify the aforementioned excesses. For even heartier eaters, 305-758-2929, www.anisetaverna.com respectable beer and wine list is a welcome addition, as galow and featuring a breezy patio, covers multicultural there’s a changing buffet of daily specials and sides. $-$$ The new owners of this river shack are banking on Greek is the housemade sangria. Top price for entrées is about bases. If the Old World Rucola pizza (a classic Margherita food and festivity for success — a good bet, judging from $14. $-$$ topped with arugula, prosciutto, and shredded parmesan) Continued on page 54

January 2010 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 53 Dining Guide

Restaurant Listings fast-food eatery offers original surprises like the Caribbean Magnum Lounge tomato, cilantro, roasted garlic). But it also carves out its roll (a festively green parsley-coated maki stuffed with crispy 709 NE 79th St., 305-757-3368 own identity with original creations, including yellow curry- Continued from page 53 fried shrimp, avocado, sweet plantain, and spicy mayo), or a It’s a restaurant. It’s a lounge. But it’s decidedly not a spiced fried rice. Nearly everything is low in sodium, fat, wonderfully healthful sesame-seasoned chicken soup with typical Miami restolounge, or like anything else in Miami. and calories. A large rear patio is inviting for dining and Europa Car Wash and Café spinach, rice noodles, and sizable slices of poultry. Health Forbidding from the outside, on the inside it’s like a time- entertainment. $$-$$$ 6075 Biscayne Blvd., 305-754-2357 ensured, you can the enjoy a guiltless pig-out on Fireballs: trip to a cabaret in pre-WWII Berlin: bordello-red décor, Giving new meaning to the food term “fusion,” Europa fried dumplings of chicken, cabbage, and egg, crusted with romantically dim lighting, show-tune live piano bar enter- Moshi Moshi serves up sandwiches, salads, car washes, coffee with crois- quills -- really a delectable crunchy noodle mix. $ tainment, and to match the ambiance, elegantly updated 7232 Biscayne Blvd. sants, and Chevron with Techron. Snacks match the casual retro food served with style and a smile. For those feeling 786-220-9404 chicness: sandwiches like the Renato (prosciutto, hot cappic- Jimmy’s East Side Diner flush, home-style fried chicken is just like mom used to This offspring of South Beach old-timer Moshi Moshi is ola, pepper jack cheese, red peppers, and Romano cheese 7201 Biscayne Blvd., 305-754-3692 make — in her wildest dreams. $$$ a cross between a sushi bar and an izakaya (Japanese dressing); an elaborate almond-garnished Chinese chicken Open for more than 30 years, Jimmy’s respects the most tapas bar). Even more striking than the hip décor is the salad; H&H bagels, the world’s best, flown in from NYC. important American diner tradition: Breakfast at any hour. Metro Organic Bistro food’s unusually upscale quality. Sushi ranges from And the car cleanings are equally gentrified, especially on Admittedly the place closes at 4:00 p.m., but still. There 7010 Biscayne Blvd. pristine individual nigiri to over-the-top maki rolls. Tapas Wednesdays, when ladies are pampered with $10 washes are blueberry hot cakes and pecan waffles; eggs any style, 305-751-8756 are intriguing, like arabiki sausage, a sweet-savory pork and glasses of sparkling wine while they wait. $ including omelets and open-face frittatas; and a full range of Big changes have come to Karma the car wash, the first fingerling frank; rarely found in restaurants even in Japan, sides: biscuits and sausage gravy, grits, hash, hash browns, being a separate new name for the revamped restaurant: they’re popular Japanese home-cooking items. And rice- Garden of Eatin’ even hot oatmeal. Also available are traditional diner entrées Metro Organic Bistro, an all-organic fine-dining restaurant based plates like Japanese curry (richer/sweeter than 136 NW 62nd St., 305-754-8050 (meat loaf, roast turkey, liver and onions), plus burgers, where simple preparations reveal and enhance natural Indian types) satisfy even the biggest appetites. $-$$$ Housed in a yellow building that’s nearly invisible from the salad platters, and homemade chicken soup. $-$$ flavors. An entirely new menu places emphasis on grilled street, the Garden has the comfortable feel of a beach organic meat and fish dishes. Try the steak frites — News Lounge bar, and generous servings of inexpensive Afro-Caribbean Kingdom organic, grass-fed skirt steak with organic chimichurri and 5582 NE 4th Ct. vegan food. Large or small plates, with salad and fried 6708 Biscayne Blvd. fresh-cut fries. Vegetarians will love the organic portabella 305-758-9932 sweet plantains (plus free soup for eat-in lunchers), are 305-757-0074 foccacia. Dine either inside the architect-designed restau- www.the55thststation.com served for five or seven bucks. Also available are snacks This indoor/outdoor sports bar serves low-priced but high- rant or outdoors on the patio. Beer and wine. $-$$$ Mark Soyka’s new News is, as its name suggests, more a like vegetarian blue corn tacos, desserts like sweet potato quality steaks, plus more typical bar food that’s actually friendly neighborhood hangout and watering hole than a pie, and a breakfast menu featuring organic blueberry far from the usual processed stuff. Philly cheese steak Michy’s full-fledged eatery. Nevertheless the menu of light bites waffles with soy sausage patties. $ sandwiches, big enough for two, are made from hand- 6927 Biscayne Blvd. is — along with other lures like an inviting outdoor patio sliced rib eye; sides include fries and beer-battered onion 305-759-2001 and rest rooms that resemble eclectic art galleries — part Gourmet Station rings, but also lightly lemony sautéed spinach. And the Don’t even ask why Michele Bernstein, with a top-chef of the reason visitors stay for hours. Especially recom- 7601 Biscayne Blvd., 305-762-7229 burgers rule, particularly the Doomsday, a cheese/bacon/ résumé, not to mention regular Food Network appearanc- mended are fat mini-burgers with chipotle ; a brie, Home-meal replacement, geared to workaholics with mushroom-topped two-pound monster that turns dinner es, opened a homey restaurant in an emerging but far from turkey, and mango chutney sandwich on crusty baguette; no time to cook, has been popular for years. But the into a competitive sport. No hard liquor, but the beer list fully gentrified neighborhood. Just be glad she did, as you and what many feel is the original café’s Greatest Hit: Gourmet Station has outlasted most of the competition. makes up for it. $$ dine on white almond gazpacho or impossibly creamy ham creamy hummus with warm . $ Main reason: deceptive healthiness. These are meals and blue cheese croquetas. Though most full entrées also that are good for you, yet taste good enough to be bad for Luna Café come in half-size portions (at almost halved prices), the tab One Sumo you. Favorite items include precision-grilled salmon with 4770 Biscayne Blvd., 305-573-5862 can add up fast. The star herself is usually in the kitchen. 7281 Biscayne Blvd. lemon-dill yogurt sauce, and lean turkey meatloaf with www.lunacafemidtown.com Parking in the rear off 69th Street. $$$-$$$$ 305-758-7866 homemade BBQ sauce – sin-free comfort food. Food is The ground floor of the Wachovia Bank building may not The concept here is fast-food Fitness -- capital “F” intended. available à la carte or grouped in multimeal plans custom- seem a particularly evocative locale for an Italian eatery, Moonchine In fact, though some call this minimalist space a smoothie ized for individual diner’s nutritional needs. $$ but once inside, the charming décor and the staff’s ebul- 7100 Biscayne Blvd. joint, its numerous drink blends (categorized by function lient welcome indeed are reminiscent of a café in Italy. 305-759-3999 -- preworkout, low-glycemic, kid-pleasers, and more, all fruit- Go To Sushi The kitchen’s outstanding feature is a brick oven, which Like its Brickell-area sibling Indochine, this friendly Asian sweetened without added sugars) are deliberately termed 5140 Biscayne Blvd., 305-759-0914 turns out designer pizzas and crisp-skinned roast chick- bistro serves fare from three nations: Japan, Thailand, shakes to differentiate them from not-necessarily healthy www.gotosushimiami.com ens. Otherwise the menu holds few surprises – except and Vietnam. Menus are also similar, split between Though similar in menu and budget prices to the Hiro’s the prices, unusually low for such a stylish place. No dish traditional dishes like pad Thai and East/West fusion Sushi Express it replaced, this friendly, family-run Japanese exceeds $22. $$-$$$ creations like the Vampire sushi roll (shrimp tempura, Continued on page 55 Buena Vista Bistro

Open Lunch & Dinner: 11AM – Midnight Sunday Brunch: 11AM - 3PM

Patio Open Weekends

4582 NE 2nd Ave ● 305.456.5909

54 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com January 2010 Dining Guide

Restaurant Listings a choice of delicate pounded pork, chicken, or veal patties not “buñuelos”). But taco fillings range from ground beef and la carte favorites like the All-American fisherman’s platters, or served with a half-dozen different sauces. $$-$$$ shredded chicken to more unusual pork in chili verde or Baja global specials like Szechuan shrimp, that change seasonally. Continued from page 54 battered fish (authentically garnished with Mexican $$$-$$$$ Soyka and cilantro-spiked cabbage). And all offerings can be loaded smoothies. Additionally there’s solid sustenance that goes 5556 NE 4th Court with other garnishes from the kitchen (refried beans, cheese, Japanese Market and Sushi Deli beyond standard gym snacks: Asian-inspired rice or low- 305-759-3117, www.soykarestaurant.com crema) or less perishable offerings from a salsa bar. For the 1412 79th St. Causeway, 305-861-0143 carb salad plates, topped with freshly flash-griddled beef, This expansive, contemporary hangout was often credited heath-minded, oils are nonhydrogenated, and sauces/season- Inside a small market that is widely considered Miami’s chicken, seafood, or veggie teriyakis. $-$$ with almost single-handedly sparking the revitalization of the ings are all housemade and free of preservatives. $ premier source of Japanese foodstuffs, the “Sushi Deli” Biscayne Corridor’s Upper Eastside. Soyka remains a solid restaurant component is nothing more than a lunch counter. Red Light neighborhood restaurant that is a perfect fit for its area. Yiya’s Gourmet Cuban Bakery But chef Michio Kushi serves up some sushi found nowhere 7700 Biscayne Blvd. Comfortably priced yuppie comfort food like meatloaf with 646 NE 79th St., 305-754-3337 else in town. Example: traditional Osaka-style sushi – layers 305-757-7773 mashed potatoes, crab cakes with spicy-sweet slaw, a wild A true community jewel, this bakery is also a most welcom- of rice, seasoned seaweed, and marinated fresh mackerel, From the rustic al fresco deck of chef Kris Wessel’s inten- mushroom/smoked mozzarella pizza, or a Cobb salad may not ing café, serving lunch specials from chef Delsa Bernardo pressed into a square box, then cut into lovely one-bite tionally downwardly mobile retro-cool riverfront restaurant, be revolutionary fare, but Soyka continues to thrive while more (who co-owns the place with attorney Abbie Cuellar) that sandwich squares. While raw fish is always impeccable here, you can enjoy regional wildlife like manatees while enjoying ambitious, nationally publicized restaurants have come and are homemade right down to the herbs grown on the bak- some unusual vegetarian sushi creations also tempt, as do eclectic regional dishes that range from cutting-edge (sour- gone. Take-out orders and breakfast are now available. $$-$$$ ery’s window sills. Bernardo’s pan con lechon sandwiches daily entrées. $ orange-marinated, sous-vide-cooked Florida lobster with and flaky-crusted Cuban pastries are legend. But she also sweet corn sauce) to comfort (crispy-breaded Old South fried Sushi Siam crafts treats not found at average Cuban bakeries, like Mario the Baker green tomatoes). Not surprisingly, the chef-driven menu is 5582 NE 4th Ct., 305-751-7818 pizzas using housemade Indian naan bread. Additionally 1700 79th St. Causeway, 305-867-7882 limited, but several signature specialties, if available, are On the menu of sushi-bar specialties plus a small selection of Bernardo carries unique treats produced by a few friends: (See North Miami listing) not to be missed: BBQ shrimp in a tangy Worcestershire and Thai and Japanese cooked dishes, there are a few surprises, candies, cupcakes, and exotically flavored flans. $ cayenne-spiked butter/wine sauce, irresistible mini conch such as a unique lobster maki that’s admittedly huge in price Oggi Caffe fritters, and homemade ice cream. $$-$$$ ($25.95), but also in size: six ounces of crisp-fried lobster 1666 79th St. Causeway chunks, plus asparagus, avocado, lettuce, tobiko (flying fish), NORTH BAY VILLAGE 305-866-1238, www.oggicaffe.com Revales Italian Ristorante masago (smelt) roes, and special sauces. Thai dishes come This cozy, romantic spot started back in 1989 as a pasta 8601 Biscayne Blvd., 305-758-1010 with a choice of more than a dozen sauces, ranging from tradi- Bocados Ricos factory (supplying numerous high-profile restaurants) as Owned by two couples (including former Village Café chef tional red or green curries to the inventive, such as an uncon- 1880 79th St. Causeway; 305-864-4889 well as a neighborhood eatery. And the wide range of bud- Marlon Reyes), this eclectic eatery occupies the former ventional honey sauce. $$$ Tucked into a mall best known for its Happy Stork Lounge, get-friendly, homemade pastas, made daily, remains the space of Frankie’s Big City Grill, and fulfills much the same this little luncheonette services big appetites. Along with the main draw for its large and loyal clientele. Choices range purpose in the neighborhood as an all-day, family-friendly UVA 69 usual grilled churrascos, there’s bandeja paisa, Colombia’s from homey, meaty lasagna to luxuriant crab ravioli with place with affordable prices. The menu includes wraps and 6900 Biscayne Blvd. sampler platter of grilled steak, sausage, chicharron, fried creamy lobster sauce, with occasional forays into creative elaborate salads of all nations. But simple yet sophisticat- 305-754-9022; www.uva-69.com egg, avocado, plantains, rice, and beans. Don’t miss margin- exotica such as seaweed spaghettini, with sea scallops, ed Italian specialties like spaghetti ai fiume (with pancetta, Owned and operated by brothers Michael and Sinuhé ally daintier dishes like sopa de costilla, if this rich shortrib shitakes, and fresh tomatoes. $$-$$$ tomato, garlic, basil, and a touch of cream) or yellowtail Vega, this casual outdoor/indoor Euro-café and lounge has bowl is among the daily homemade soups. Arepas include française (egg-battered, with lemon-caper-wine sauce) are helped to transform the Boulevard into a hip place to hang our favorite corn cake: the hefty Aura, stuffed with chorizo, Shuckers Bar & Grill the must-haves here. $$-$$$ out. Lunch includes a variety of salads and elegant sand- chicharron, carne desmechada (shredded flank steak), plan- 1819 79th St. Causeway, 305-866-1570 wiches like La Minuta (beer-battered mahi-mahi with cilan- tains, rice, beans, and cheese. $-$$ “Cheap eats and a million-dollar view” is the sound bite Royal Bavarian Schnitzel Haus tro aioli and caramelized onions on housemade foccacia). manager Philip Conklin uses to describe this outdoor beach 1085 NE 79th St., 305-754-8002 Dinner features a range of small plates (poached figs with The Crab House bar, hidden in back of a bayfront motel. The joint dates from With Christmas lights perpetually twinkling and party noises Gorgonzola cheese and honey balsamic drizzle) and full 1551 79th St. Causeway South Beach’s late 1980s revival, but the kick-off-your-shoes emanating from a new outdoor biergarten, this German res- entrées like sake-marinated salmon with boniato mash and 305-868-7085, www.crabhouseseafood.com vibe couldn’t be farther from SoBe glitz. The food ranges taurant is owner Alex Richter’s one-man gentrification project, Ponzu butter sauce, and crispy spinach. $$-$$$ Established in 1975, this Miami fish house was acquired from classic bar favorites (char-grilled wings, conch fritters, transforming a formerly uninviting stretch of 79th Street one by Landry’s in 1996 and is now part of a chain. But the raw or steamed shellfish) to full dinners featuring steak, pils at a time. The fare includes housemade sausages (mild Ver-Daddys Taco Shop classic décor (knotty pine walls, tile floors, booths, outdoor homemade pasta, or fresh, not frozen, fish. $-$$ veal bratwurst, hearty mixed beef/pork bauernwurst, spicy 7501 Biscayne Blvd, 305-303-9755 waterfront deck) still evokes the good old days. Though the garlicwurst) with homemade mustard and catsup; savory yet At this soulful taco shop, the menu descriptions are in com- all-you-can-eat seafood/salad buffet ($20 lunch, $30 dinner) near-greaseless potato pancakes; and, naturally, schnitzels, mon English (“cinnamon puffs” drizzled with honey and lime, is a signature, freshness fanatics will be happiest sticking to à Continued on page 56

January 2010 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 55 Dining Guide

Miamians eat here? Not ambiance. There isn’t any. But Bagels & Co. tender gnocchi with or better yet, delicate fagottini — Restaurant Listings when friends from the Pacific Northwest, where foodies 11064 Biscayne Blvd., 305-892-2435 “beggar’s purses” stuffed with pears and cheese. $$ Continued from page 55 know their fish, tout the seafood’s freshness, we listen. While this place is often referred to as Guns & Bagels, one can’t There are some surprisingly imaginative makis, like the actually buy a gun here. The nickname refers to its location next Chéen-huyae Maharaja, featuring fried shrimp and drizzles of curry mayo. to a firearms shop. But there’s a lot of other stuff aside from 15400 Biscayne Blvd. Sushi Siam And where else will you find a stacked sushi (five assorted bagels here, including a full range of sandwiches and wraps. 305-956-2808 1524 NE 79th St. Causeway makis) birthday cake? $-$$ Breakfast time is busy time, with banana-walnut pancakes Diners can get some Tex-Mex dishes here, if they must. 305-864-7638 especially popular. But what’s most important is that this is But the specialty is Mayan-rooted Yucatan cuisine. So why (See Miami / Upper Eastside listing) Côte Gourmet one of the area’s few sources of the real, New York-style water blow bucks on burritos when one can sample Caribbean 9999 NE 2nd Ave., #112, 305-754-9012 : crunchy outside, challengingly chewy inside. $ Mexico’s most typical dish: cochinita pibil? Chéen’s authen- If only every Miami neighborhood could have a neighborhood tically succulent version of the pickle-onion-topped marinat- NORTH BEACH restaurant like this low-priced little French jewel. The menu Bulldog Barbecue ed pork dish is earthily aromatic from achiote, tangy from is mostly simple stuff: breakfast croissants, crêpe, soups, 15400 Biscayne Blvd., 305-940-9655 bitter oranges, and meltingly tender from slow cooking in Café Prima Pasta sandwiches, salads, sweets, and a few more substantial spe- www.bulldog-bbq.com a banana leaf wrap. To accompany, try a lime/soy/chili- 414 71st St., cials like a Tunisian-style (buttery phyllo pastry stuffed The BBQ master at this small, rustic room is pugnacious spiced michelada, also authentically Mexican, and possibly 305-867-0106, www.primapasta.com with tuna, onions, potatoes, and tomatoes) with a mesclun Top Chef contender Howie Kleinberg, whose indoor electric the best thing that ever happened to dark beer. $$-$$$ Opened in 1993 with 28 seats, this family-run landmark side salad. But everything is homemade, including all smoker turns out mild-tasting ’cue that ranges from the has now taken over the block, with an outdoor terrace and breads, and prepared with impeccable ingredients, classic expected pulled pork, ribs, , and chicken to hot- Chef Creole multi-roomed indoor space whose walls are full of photos of French technique, and meticulous attention to detail, down smoked salmon and veggie plates. There are also creative 13105 W. Dixie Hwy. their clientele, including national and local celebs. Particularly to the stylish plaid ribbons that hold together the café’s comfort food starters like BBQ chicken flatbread, salads, and 305-893-4246 popular are homemade pastas, sauced with Argentine-Italian baguette sandwiches. $-$$ sweets. Sides include refreshing slaw; beans studded with (See Miami listing) indulgence rather than Italian simplicity: crabmeat ravioletti “burnt ends” (the most intensely flavored outer barbecue in lobster cream sauce, black squid ink linguini heaped with Village Café chunks); and sweet potato or chipotle-spiced fries. The cost D.J.’s Diner seafood. Though romantic enough for dates, the place is quite 9540 NE 2nd Ave., 305-759-2211 is comparatively high, but such is the price of fame. $$-$$$ 12210 Biscayne Blvd., 305-893-5250 kid-friendly — and on the terrace, they’ll even feed Fido. $$$ After closing for several months in early 2009, this café, Located in a Best Western motel, this place, run by a spruced up to look like a bistro rather than a luncheonette Burritos Grill Café Chinese-American family, serves mostly basic American Tamarind Thai (but with the same bargain prices), has been reopened. The 11717 Biscayne Blvd., 305-891-1041 diner fare – burgers, sandwiches, about a dozen dinner 946 Normandy Dr. kitchen has also been rejuvenated, with head honcho Adam www.burritosgrillcafe entrées, fresh-baked apple pie, and, oddly, a whole section 305-861-6222, www.tamarindthai.us Holm (Whitticar’s original sous chef) serving up new, globally Originally a friendly little 125th Street hole-in-the-wall that of Caesar salad variations. But it’s also a secret source for When an eatery’s executive chef is best-selling Thai cookbook influenced dishes like mint/pistachio-crusted lamb or tuna garnered raves for its limited menu of terrifically tasty treats, Chinese food, mostly chow mien/chop suey-type dishes, author Vatcharin Bhumichitr, you’d expect major media hype, tartare with sriracha aioli, plus reviving old favorites like pork Mario and Karina Manzanero’s café is now in more sizable but also a few dishes such as eggplant with garlic sauce fancy South Beach prices, and a fancy SoBe address. Instead tenderloin with ginger-caramel sauce. $$-$$$ and atmospheric quarters. But the friendly, family-run (and and ma po tofu that are a step up in authenticity. $-$$ Bhumichitr joined forces with Day Longsomboon (an old Thai kid-friendly) ambiance remains, as do the authentic Yucatan- school pal who’d moved to Miami) at this unpretentious, style specialties. Standouts include poc-chuc, a marinated Here Comes the Sun authentic (no sushi) neighborhood place. Some standout dishes NORTH MIAMI pork loin; tacos al pastor, stuffed with subtly smoky steak, 2188 NE 123rd St, 305-893-5711 here are featured in the chef’s latest tome, but with Tamarind’s onion, cilantro, and pineapple; sinful deep-fried tacos dora- At this friendly natural foods establishment, one of very affordable prices, you might as well let the man’s impecca- Los Antojos dos; and signature burritos, including the Maya, filled with Miami’s first, there’s a full stock of vitamins and nutritional bly trained kitchen staff do the work for you. $$-$$$ 11099 Biscayne Blvd., 305-892-1411 juicy cochinita pibil, refried beans, and pickled onions. $$ supplements. But the place’s hearty soups, large variety If it’s Sunday, it must be sancocho de gallina, Colombia’s of entrées (including fresh fish and chicken as well as MIAMI SHORES national dish. If it’s Saturday, it must be ajiaco. Both are thick Canton Café vegetarian selections), lighter bites like miso burgers with chicken soups, full meals in a bowl. For Colombian-cuisine 12749 Biscayne Blvd., 305-892-2882 secret “sun sauce” (which would probably make old sneak- Iron Sushi novices, a bandeja paisa (sampler including rice, beans, Easily overlooked, this strip-mall spot serves mostly ers taste good), and daily specials are a tastier way to get 9432 NE 2nd Ave., 305-754-0311 carne asada, chicharron, eggs, sautéed sweet plantains, and Cantonese-based dishes. However, there are also about two healthy. An under-ten-buck early-bird dinner is popular with www.ironsushi.com an arepa corn cake) is available every day, as are antojitos – dozen spicier, Szechuan-style standards like kung po shrimp, the former long-hair, now blue-hair, crowd. Frozen yogurt, With three Biscayne Corridor outlets (plus several branches “little whims,” smaller snacks like chorizo con arepa (a corn ma po tofu, and General Tso’s chicken. And there are a fresh juices, and smoothies complete the menu. $-$$ elsewhere in town), this mostly take-out mini chain is fast cake with Colombian sausage). And for noncarnivores there few imaginative new items, like the intriguingly christened becoming the Sushi Joint That Ate Miami. And why do are several hefty seafood platters, made to order. $$ “Shrimp Lost in the Forest,” Singapore curried rice noodles, Le Griot de Madame John crispy shrimp with honey-glazed walnuts, and Mongolian 975 NE 125th St., 305-892-9333 beef (with raw chilis and fresh Oriental basil). Delivery is When Madame moved her base of operations from her available for both lunch and dinner. $$ Little Haiti home to a real restaurant (though a very informal one, and still mostly take-out), she began offer- Captain Jim’s Seafood ing numerous traditional Haitian dishes, including jerked 12950 W. Dixie Hwy. beef or goat tassot and an impressive poisson gros sel (a 305-892-2812 whole fish rubbed with salt before poaching with various This market/restaurant was garnering critical acclaim even veggies and spices). But the dish that still packs the place when eat-in dining was confined to a few Formica tables in is the griot: marinated pork chunks simmered and then front of the fish counter, owing to the freshness of its sea- fried till they’re moistly tender inside, crisp and intensely food, much of it from Capt. Jim Hanson’s own fishing boats, flavored outside. $ which supply many top restaurants. Now there’s a casual but pleasantly nautical side dining room with booths. Whether it’s Little Havana garlicky scampi, smoked-fish dip, grilled yellowtail or hog or 12727 Biscayne Blvd., 305-899-9069 mutton snapper, perfectly tenderized cracked conch or conch www.littlehavanarestaurant.com fritters, everything is deftly prepared and bargain-priced. $$ In addition to white-tablecoth ambiance, this place features live Latin entertainment and dancing, making it a good Casa Mia Trattoria choice when diners want a night out, not just a meal. It’s 1950 NE 123rd St., 305-899-2770 also a good choice for diners who don’t speak Spanish, but Tucked away, off to the side on the approach to the Broad don’t worry about authenticity. Classic Cuban home-style Causeway and the beaches, this charming indoor/outdoor dishes like mojo-marinated lechon asado, topped with trattoria seems to attract mostly neighborhood regulars. onions, and juicy ropa vieja are translated on the menu, But even newcomers feel like regulars after a few minutes, not the plate, and fancier creations like pork filet in tangy thanks to the staff’s Italian ebullience. Menu offerings tamarind sauce seem universal crowd-pleasers. $$$ are mostly classic comfort foods with some contemporary items as well. Housemade pastas are good enough that low-carb dieters should take a break, especially for the Continued on page 57

56 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com January 2010 Dining Guide

Restaurant Listings There’s also an all-you-can-eat deal – sushi (individual nigiri or Chipotle Mexican Grill tomatoes, or a mushroom and squid salad with garlic dress- maki rolls) plus tempura, , and other cooked items for 14776 Biscayne Blvd. ing. For oysters Rockefeller/tuna-melt couples from Venus and Continued from page 56 $14; three bucks more for sashimi instead of sushi. $-$$ 305-947-2779, www.chipotle.com Mars, it remains the ideal dinner date destination. $$-$$$ Proving that national fast-food chains don’t have to be bad for Mama Jennie’s Venezia Pizza and Café either diners or the environment, Chipotle serves what the com- Hiro Japanese Restaurant 11720 NE 2nd Ave., 305-757-3627 13452 Biscayne Blvd., 305-940-1808 pany calls “food with integrity.” The fare is simple, basically tacos 3007 NE 163rd St., 305-948-3687 For more than 35 years this beloved red-sauce joint has been No frozen pizza crusts or watery mozzarella here. No import- and big burritos: soft flour or crisp corn tortillas stuffed with chipo- One of Miami’s first sushi restaurants, Hiro retains an amus- drawing students and other starvation-budget diners with ed designer ingredients either. The pies are New York-style, tle-marinated steak or chicken chunks, bolder shredded beef bar- ing retro-glam feel, an extensive menu of both sushi and prodigious portions of lasagna, spaghetti and meatballs (the but the dough is made fresh daily, and the cheese is Grande bacoa, or herb-scented pork carnitas. But these bites contain no cooked Japanese food, and late hours that make it a peren- latter savory yet light-textured), veal marsala topped with a (from Wisconsin, considered America’s finest pizza topper). evil ingredients (transfats, artificial color/flavor, antibiotics, growth nially popular after-hours snack stop. The sushi menu has mountain of mushrooms, and other Italian-American belly- Also on the menu are Italian-American pastas, a large selec- hormones). And the food, while not the authentic Mex street stuff few surprises, but quality is reliable. Most exceptional are busters. All pasta or meat entrées come with oil-drenched gar- tion of hot an cold subs, simple salads, and a few new pro- dreams are made of, is darned tasty, too. $ the nicely priced yakitori, skewers of succulently soy-glazed lic rolls and either soup (hearty minestrone) or a salad (mixed tein adds – grilled chicken breast, fried fish, or a steak. $-$$ and grilled meat, fish, and vegetables; the unusually large greens, tomatoes, cukes, brined olives, and pickled peppers) Christine’s Roti Shop variety available of the last makes this place a good choice that’s a dinner in itself. Rustic roadhouse ambiance, notably Wong’s Chinese Restaurant 16721 NE 6th Ave., 305-770-0434 for vegetarians. $$ the red leatherette booths, add to Mama’s charm. $-$$ 12420 Biscayne Blvd., 305-891-4313 Wraps are for wimps. At this small shop run by Christine The menu reads like a textbook on how to please everyone, Gouvela, originally from British Guyana, the wrapper is a far Hiro’s Sushi Express Mario the Baker with food ranging from traditional Chinese to Chinese- more substantial and tasty roti, a Caribbean mega-crepe 17048 W. Dixie Hwy., 305-949-0776 13695 W. Dixie Highway American to just plain American. Appetizers include honey made from chickpea flour. Most popular filling for the flat- Tiny, true, but there’s more than just sushi at this mostly 305-891-7641, www.mariothebakerpizza.com garlic chicken wings or Buffalo wings. A crab-claw starter bread is probably jerk chicken, bone-in pieces in a spiced stew take-out spin-off of the pioneering Hiro. Makis are the At this North Miami institution (opened in 1969) food is comes with choice of pork fried rice or French fries. of potatoes, cabbage, carrots, onions, and more chickpeas. mainstay (standard stuff like California rolls, more complex Italian-American, not Italian-Italian: spaghetti and meat- Seafood lovers can get shrimp chop suey, or salty pep- But there are about a dozen other curries from which to creations like multi-veg futomaki, and a few unexpected balls, lasagna, eggplant parmigiana, and hot or cold subs. per shrimp (authentically shell-on). And New Yorkers will choose. Take-out packages of plain roti are also available; treats like a spicy Crunch & Caliente maki), available à la No imported buffala, arugula, or other chichi stuff on the find a number of dishes that are mainstays of Manhattan they transform myriad leftovers into tasty, portable lunches. $ carte or in value-priced individual and party combo platters. New York-style medium-thin-crusted pizzas; the top top- Szechuan menus but not common in Miami: cold sesame But there are also bento boxes featuring tempura, yakitori ping here is the savory housemade sausage. And no one noodles, Hunan chicken, twice-cooked pork. $$ El Gran Inka skewers, teriyaki, stir-fried veggies, and udon noodles. leaves without garlic rolls, awash in warm parsley oil and 3155 NE 163rd St. Another branch is now open in Miami’s Upper Eastside. $ smashed garlic. New branches are now open in Miami’s Woody’s Famous Steak Sandwich 305-940-4910, www.graninka.com Midtown neighborhood and in North Bay Village. $ 13105 Biscayne Blvd., 305-891-1451 Though diners at this upscale Peruvian eatery will find cevi- Hiro’s Yakko-San The griddle has been fired up since 1954 at this indie ches, a hefty fried-seafood jalea, and Peru’s other expected 17040 W. Dixie Hwy., 305-947-0064 Petit Rouge fast-food joint, and new owners have done little to change traditional specialties, all presented far more elegantly than After sushi chefs close up their own restaurants for the night, 12409 Biscayne Blvd., 305-892-7676 the time-tested formula except to stretch operating hours most in town, the contemporary Peruvian fusion creations many come here for a rare taste of Japanese home cooking, From the mid-1990s (with Neal’s Restaurant and later with into the night and expand its classic menu to include a few are unique. Especially recommended are two dishes adapted served in grazing portions. Try glistening-fresh strips of raw tuna Il Migliore), local chef Neal Cooper’s neighborhood-oriented health-conscious touches like Caesar salad, plus a note from recipes by Peru’s influential nikkei (Japanese/Creole) can be had in maguro nuta – mixed with scallions and dressed Italian eateries have been crowd-pleasers. While this cute proclaiming their oils are free of trans fats. Otherwise the chef Rosita Yimura: an exquisite, delicately sauced tiradito de with habit-forming honey-miso mustard sauce. Other favorites 32-seat charmer is French, it’s no exception, avoiding pre- famous steak sandwich is still a traditional Philly. Drippin’ corvina, and for those with no fear of cholesterol, pulpo de include goma ae (wilted spinach, chilled and dressed in sesame tense and winning fans with both classic and nouvelle bis- good burgers, too. And unlike MacChain addicts, patrons oliva (octopus topped with rich olive sauce). $$$-$$$$ sauce), garlic stem and beef (mild young shoots flash-fried with tro fare: frisée salad with lardons, poached egg, and bacon here can order a cold beer with the good grease. $-$$ tender steak bits), or perhaps just-caught grouper with hot/ vinaigrette; truite Grenobloise (trout with lemon/caper Hanna’s Gourmet Diner sweet/tangy chili sauce. Open till around 3:00 a.m. $$ sauce); consommé with black truffles and foie gras, cov- 13951 Biscayne Blvd., 305-947-2255 ered by a buttery dome; perfect pommes frites, NORTH MIAMI BEACH When Sia and Nicole Hemmati bought the Gourmet Diner Heelsha and equally perfect apple or lemon tarts for dessert. $$$ from retiring original owner Jean-Pierre Lejeune in the late 1550 NE 164th St., 305-919-8393 Bamboo Garden 1990s, they added “Hanna’s” to the name, but changed little www.heelsha.com Sara’s 1232 NE 163rd St., 305-945-1722 else about this retro-looking French/American diner, a north If unusual Bangladeshi dishes like fiery pumpkin patey 2214 NE 123rd St., 305-891-3312 Big enough for a banquet (up to 300 guests), this veteran is Miami-Dade institution since 1983. Customers can get a (cooked with onion, green pepper, and pickled mango) www.saraskosherpizza.com many diners’ favorite on the 163rd/167th Street “Chinatown” cheeseburger or garlicky escargots, meatloaf in tomato sauce While this mainly vegetarian kosher place is best known strip because of its superior décor. But the menu also offers or boeuf bourguignon in red wine sauce, iceberg lettuce and Continued on page 58 for its pizza (New York-style medium crust or thick-crusted well-prepared, authentic dishes like peppery black bean clams, Sicilian, topped with veggies and/or “meat buster” imitation sautéed mustard greens, and steamed whole fish with ginger meats), it’s also offers a full range of breakfast/lunch/dinner and scallions, plus Chinese-American egg foo young. Default vegetarian cuisine of all nations, with many dairy and sea- spicing is mild even in Szechuan dishes marked with red-chili food items too. Admittedly the cutesie names of many items icons, but don’t worry; realizing some like it hot, the chefs will – baygels, bergerrbite, Cezarrrr salad, hammm, meat-a-ball, customize spiciness to heroic heat levels upon request. $$ schmopperrr – may cause queasiness. But the schmopperrr itself is one helluva high-octane veggie burger. $-$$ Blue Marlin Fish House 2500 NE 163rd St., 305-957-8822 Steve’s Pizza Located inside Oleta River State Park, this casual outdoor 12101 Biscayne Blvd., 305-891-0202 eatery is a rare surprise for nature lovers. The featured item is At the end of a debauched night of excess, some paper-thin still the house-smoked fish this historic venue began produc- designer pizza with wisps of smoked salmon (or similar fluff) ing in 1938, available in three varieties: salmon, mahi mahi, doesn’t do the trick. Open till 3:00 or 4:00 a.m., Steve’s has, and the signature blue marlin. But the smokehouse now also since 1974, been serving the kind of comforting, retro pizzas turns out ribs and delectable brisket. Other new additions people crave at that hour. As in Brooklyn, tomato sauce is include weekend fish fries. Entry is directly from 163rd Street, sweet, with strong oregano flavor. Mozzarella is applied with not through the main park entrance. No admission fee. $ abandon. Toppings are stuff that give strength: pepperoni, sausage, meatballs, onions, and peppers. $ China Restaurant 178 NE 167th St., 305-947-6549 Tokyo Bowl When you have a yen for the Americanized Chinese fusion 12295 Biscayne Blvd., 305-892-9400 dishes you grew up with, all the purist regional Chinese cuisine This fast-food drive-thru (unexpectedly serene inside) is in the world won’t scratch the itch. So the menu here, contain- named for its feature item, big budget-priced bowls of rice or ing every authentically inauthentic Chinese-American classic noodles topped with cooked Japanese-style items like teriyaki you could name, is just the ticket when nostalgia strikes – fish (fresh fish sautéed with vegetables), curried chicken and from simple egg rolls to pressed almond duck (majorly bread- veggies, spicy shrimp, or gyoza dumplings in tangy sauce. ed boneless chunks, with comfortingly thick gravy). $-$$ ORIGINAL BAVARIAN BIERGARTEN OPEN DAILY FROM 5:00PM TO 11:00PM FRIDAY &SATURDAY TO MIDNIGHT

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

January 2010 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 57 Dining Guide

Restaurant Listings mini strip mall but surprisingly romantic inside (especially if you make it not just a soup but a whole ceremony), and many Paul Bakery Café grab one of the exotically draped booths) has been a popular other Vietnamese classics. The menu is humongous. $-$$ 14861 Biscayne Blvd. Continued from page 57 destination for reasonably priced north Indian fare. Kormas are 305-940-4443, www.paulusa.com properly soothing and vindaloos are satisfactorily searing, but Mary Ann Bakery From one rural shop in 1889, the French bakery known simply as or Heelsha curry (succulently spiced hilsa, Bangladesh’s the kitchen will adjust seasonings upon request. They aim to 1284 NE 163rd St. Paul has grown to a worldwide chain, which fortunately chose to sweet-fleshed national fish) seem familiar, it’s because please. Food arrives unusually fast for an Indian eatery, too. $$ 305-945-0333 open its first U.S. outlet in our town. One bite of the crusty peasant chef/owner Bithi Begum and her husband Tipu Raman Don’t be unduly alarmed by the American birthday cakes loaf, the olive-studded fougasse, or another of the signature artisan once served such fare at the critically acclaimed Renaisa. King Palace in the window. At this small Chinese bakery the real finds breads transports you right back to France. As authentic as the Their menu’s mix-and-match option allows diners to pair 330 NE 167th St., 305-949-2339 are the Chinatown-style baked buns and other savory boulangerie breads are, the patisserie items like flan normande are their choice of meat, poultry, fish, or vegetable with more The specialties here are authentic Chinatown-style barbecue pastries, filled with roast pork, bean sauce, and curried just as evocative. For eat-in diners, quite continental soups, salads, than a dozen regional sauces, from familiar Indian styles (whole ducks, roast pork strips, and more, displayed in a glass ground beef. Prices are under a buck, making them an and sandwiches are equally and dependably French. $$ to exotica like satkara, flavored with a Bangladeshi citrus case by the door), and fresh seafood dishes, the best made exotic alternative to fast-food dollar meals. There’s one reminiscent of sour orange. $$-$$$ with the live fish swimming in two tanks by the dining room table for eat-in snackers. $ Pizza Fusion entrance. There’s also a better-than-average selection of sea- 14815 Biscayne Blvd. Iron Sushi sonal Chinese veggies. The menu is extensive, but the best The Melting Pot 305-405-6700, www.pizzafusion.com 16350 W. Dixie Hwy., 305-945-2244 ordering strategy, since the place is usually packed with Asians, 15700 Biscayne Blvd. “Saving the earth one pizza at a time” is the motto at this fran- (See Miami Shores listing)? is to see what looks good on nearby tables, and point. $$ 305-947-2228 chise of the only pizza chain to require third-party organic restau- www.meltingpot.com rant certification at all locations. Their gluten-free crusts make Jerusalem Market and Deli Lime Fresh Mexican Grill For 1950s and 1960s college students, fondue pots were it mighty friendly to pizza fanatics with food allergies. Starters, 16275 Biscayne Blvd., 305-948-9080 14831 Biscayne Blvd., 305-949-8800 standard dorm accessories. These days, however, branch- salads, desserts, and organic wines/beers are also served. And Specialties like , spinach pies, , hummus, (See Midtown / Wynwood / Design District listing) es of this chain are generally the only places to go for this delivery is available — in hybrid cars, of course. Specials unique to and (a savory mix of ground lamb and ) are eating experience. Start with a wine-enriched four-cheese this NMB franchise include Sunday-Thursday happy hours, a free native to many Middle East countries, but when a Lebanese Laurenzo’s Market Café fondue; proceed to an entrée with meat or seafood, plus Kids Organic Club class on Saturdays, 10:00-11:00 a.m., and chef/owner, like this eatery’s Sam Elzoor, is at the helm, you 16385 W. Dixie Hwy. choice of cooking potion (herbed wine, bouillon, or oil); varied Monday-Wednesday freebies. $-$$ can expect extraordinary refinement. There are elaborate 305-945-6381, www.laurenzosmarket.com finish with fruits and cakes dipped in melted chocolate. daily specials here, like lemon chicken or stuffed cabbage It’s just a small area between the wines and the fridge Fondue etiquette dictates that diners who drop a skewer PK Oriental Mart with a variety of sides, but even a common falafel sandwich is counters – no potted palms, and next-to-no service in this in the pot must kiss all other table companions, so go 255 NE 167th St., 305-654-9646 special when the pita is also stuffed with housemade cabbage cafeteria-style space. But when negotiating this international with those you love. $$$ Unlike other Asian markets on this strip between I-95 and and onion salads, plus unusually rich and tart tahina. $-$$ gourmet market’s packed shelves and crowds has depleted Biscayne Boulevard, PK has a prepared-food counter, serv- your energies, it’s a handy place to refuel with eggplant Oishi Thai ing authentic Chinatown barbecue, with appropriate dipping Kabobji parmesan and similar Italian-American classics, housemade 14841 Biscayne Blvd. sauces included. Weekends bring the biggest selection, 3055 NE 163rd St., 305-354-8484 from old family recipes. Just a few spoonfuls of Wednesday’s 305-947-4338, www.oishithai.com including barbecued ribs and pa pei duck (roasted, then www.EatKabobji.com hearty pasta fagiole, one of the daily soup specials, could At this stylish Thai/sushi spot, try the menu of specials, deep-fried till extra crisp and nearly free of subcutaneous This place makes a very good sauce. In fact that keep a person shopping for hours. And now that pizza mas- many of which clearly reflect the young chef’s fanatical fat). Available every day are juicy, soy-marinated roast chick- alone is reason enough to visit. We prefer ours with this ter Carlo is manning the wood-fired oven, you can sample devotion to fresh fish, as well as the time he spent in ens, roast pork strips, crispy pork, and whole roast ducks – bright, cheery eatery’s delightfully oniony falafel or a veg- the thinnest, crispiest pies outside Napoli. $-$$ the kitchen of Knob: broiled miso-marinated black cod; hanging, beaks and all. But no worries; a counterperson will garnished wrap of thin-sliced marinated beef schwarma. rock shrimp tempura with creamy sauce; even Nobu chop your purchase into bite-size, beakless pieces. $ They also do a beautifully spiced, and reassuringly fresh- Little Saigon Matsuhisa’s “new style sashimi” (slightly surface-seared tasting, raw kibbi naye (Middle Eastern steak tartare). It’s 16752 N. Miami Ave. by drizzles of hot olive and ). The specials Racks Italian Bistro and Market hard to resist putting together a grazing meal of starters 305-653-3377 menu includes some Thai-inspired creations, too, such as 3933 NE 163rd St. (Intracoastal Mall), and wraps, but there’s also a roster of full entrées (with This is Miami’s oldest traditional Vietnamese restaurant, veal massaman curry, Chilean sea bass curry, and sizzling 305-917-7225 soup or salad plus starch), including tempting vegetarian but it’s still packed most weekend nights. So even the filet mignon with basil sauce. $$$-$$$$ The complexity of the Racks concept makes a sound-bite descrip- and seafood meals for noncarnivores. $$ place’s biggest negative – its hole-in-the-wall atmosphere, tion impossible. It’s part Italian market, with salumi, cheeses, not encouraging of lingering visits – becomes a plus since Panya Thai and other artisan products plus take-out prepared foods; part Indian Restaurant it ensures fast turnover. Chef/owner Lily Tao is typically in 520 NE 167th St., 305-945-8566 enoteca (wine bar, featuring snacks like addictive Portobello fritti 514 NE 167th St., 305-940-6309 the kitchen, crafting green papaya salad, flavorful beef noo- Unlike authentic Chinese cuisine, there’s no shortage with truffle aioli, especially enjoyable on the waterfront deck); Since the 1980s this restaurant, located in an unatmospheric dle pho (served with greens, herbs, and condiments that of genuine Thai food in and around Miami. But Panya’s part ristorante (pastas and other Big Food); part pizzeria. What’s chef/owner, a Bangkok native, offers numerous regional important: All components feel and taste authentically Italian. and/or rare dishes not found elsewhere. Plus he doesn’t Just don’t miss the coal-oven pizza. Superior toppings (including automatically curtail the heat or sweetness levels to unusually zesty tomato sauce) plus an astonishingly light yet please Americans. Among the most intriguing: moo khem chewy crust make Racks’ pies a revelation. $$ phad wan (chewy deep-fried seasoned pork strips with fiery tamarind dip, accompanied by crisp green papaya Roasters & Toasters salad); broad rice noodles stir-fried with eye-opening 18515 NE 18th Ave., 305-830-3354 chili/garlic sauce and fresh Thai basil; and chili-topped Attention ex-New Yorkers: Is your idea of food porn one of the Diamond Duck in tangy tamarind sauce. $$-$$$ Carnegie Deli’s mile-high sandwiches? Well, Roasters will dwarf them. Consider the “Carnegie-style” monster contain- Paquito’s ing, according to the menu, a full pound of succulent meat 16265 Biscayne Blvd., 305-947-5027 (really 1.4 pounds; we weighed it), for a mere 15 bucks. All the From the outside, this strip-mall Mexican eatery couldn’t be other classics are here too, including perfectly sour easier to overlook. Inside, however, its festivity is impossible pickles, silky hand-sliced nova or , truly red-rare roast beef, to resist. Every inch of wall space seems to be covered with and the cutest two-bite mini-potato pancakes ever — eight per South of the Border knickknacks. And if the kitschy décor order, served with sour cream and applesauce. $$ alone doesn’t cheer you, the quickly arriving basket of fresh (not packaged) taco chips, or the mariachi band, or the Sang’s Chinese Restaurant knockout margaritas will. Food ranges from Tex-Mex burritos 1925 NE 163rd St., 305-947-7076 and a party-size fajita platter to authentic Mexican moles Sang’s has three menus. The pink menu is Americanized and harder-to-find traditional preparations like albóndigas – Chinese food, from chop suey to honey garlic chicken. The spicy, ultra-savory meatballs. $$-$$$ white menu permits the chef to show off his authentic Chinese fare: prawns, rich beef/turnip cas- Pasha’s serole, tender salt-baked chicken, even esoterica like aba- 14871 Biscayne Blvd., 786-923-2323 lone with sea cucumber. The extensive third menu offers www.pashas.com (See Miami: Brickell / Downtown listing) Continued on page 59

58 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com January 2010 Dining Guide

Restaurant Listings the emphasis is still on fresh fish from local waters. Open Chef Allen’s whole slabs. And bagels are hand-rolled, chewy champions, daily till 2:00 a.m., the place can get rather festive after 19088 NE 29th Ave not those machine-made puffy poseurs. As complimentary Continued from page 58 midnight, but since the kitchen is open till closing, Tuna’s 305-935-2900, www.chefallens.com pastry bites suggest, and the massive size of the succulent, draws a serious late-night dining crowd, too. $$-$$$ After 20 years of success in the same location, many chefs sufficiently fatty pastrami sandwiches confirm, generous dim sum, served until 4:00 p.m. A live tank allows seasonal would coast on their backlog of tried-and-true dishes. And it’s Jewish Mo(m) spirit shines here. $$ seafood dishes like lobster with ginger and scallion. doubtful that kindly Allen Susser would freak out his many Recently installed: a Chinese barbecue case, displaying AVENTURA / MIAMI GARDENS regulars by eliminating from the menu the Bahamian lobster Pilar savory items like crispy pork with crackling attached. $$$ and crab cakes. But lobster-lovers will find that the 20th 20475 Biscayne Blvd. Anthony’s Coal-Fired Pizza anniversary menus also offer new excitements like tandoori- 305-937-2777, www.pilarrestaurant.com Shing Wang Vegetarian, Icee & Tea House 17901 Biscayne Blvd. spiced rock lobster, along with what might be the ultimate Chef/owner Scott Fredel previously worked for Norman Van 237 NE 167th St., 305-654-4008 305-830-2625, www.anthonyscoalfiredpizza.com mac’n’cheese: lobster crab macaroni in a Fris vodka sauce Aken and Mark Militello. He has been executive chef at www.shingwangrestaurant.com Coal is what it’s all about here — a coal-fired oven (like that with mushrooms, scallions, and parmesan. The famous des- Rumi, and cooked at NYC’s James Beard House. Armed with At this unique Taiwanese eatery, run by a trio of Taipei- at Lombardi’s, Patsy’s, John’s, or Grimaldi’s in New York) sert soufflé’s flavor changes daily, but it always did. $$$$$ those impressive credentials, Fredel and his wife launched trained female chefs, all seafood, poultry, and meats in the producing the intense 800-degree heat to turn out, in mere Pilar (named for Hemingway’s boat) aiming to prove that top budget-priced entrées ($6.95) are mock – imitations made minutes, a pie with the classic thin, crisp-bottomed, beauti- Il Migliore restaurants can be affordable. Consider it proven. Floribbean- from wheat gluten, tofu, and vegetables. But don’t mock it fully char-bubbled crust that fans of the above legendary 2576 NE Miami Gardens Dr., 305-792-2902 style seafood is the specialty: fresh hearts of palm slaw and till you try the quite beefy pepper steak, or smokin’ duck, pizzerias crave. Expect neither bargain-chain prices, a Chef Neal Cooper’s attractive trattoria gets the food right, Caribbean curry sauce, rock shrimp spring rolls with sweet soy with slices that mimic the charcuterie item down to convinc- huge selection of toppings, nor much else on the menu. as well as the ambiance. As in Italy, dishes rely on impec- glaze, yellowtail snapper with tomato-herb vinaigrette. Forget ing faux fat. Other main dishes feature recognizable veggies Anthony’s does just a few things, and does them right. $$ cable ingredients and straightforward recipes that don’t its strip-mall location. The restaurant itself is elegant. $$-$$$ or noodles. As for the rest of the name: icee is shaved ice, overcomplicate, cover up, or otherwise muck about with an over-the-top dessert that’s a sort of a slurpee sundae, Bagel Cove Restaurant & Deli that perfection. Fresh fettuccine with white truffle oil and Pizza Roma with toppings that vary from the familiar (fresh fruits) to 19003 Biscayne Blvd., 305-935-4029 mixed wild mushrooms needs nothing else. Neither does 19090 NE 29th Ave., 305-937-4884 the weird (grass jelly, sweet corn, kidney beans, rice balls, One word: flagels. And no, that’s not a typo. Rather these the signature Pollo Al Mattone, marinated in herbs and Despite its name, this homey hidden eatery serves not Rome’s chocolate pudding). And the bubble tea is a must-not-miss. crusty, flattened specimens ( or sesame seed) cooked under a brick. And even low-carb dieters happily go wood-cooked, crunchy-crusted pizzas but New York-style pies with Using housemade , the cold, refreshing boba comes in are the ultimate bagel/soft hybrid -- and a specialty to hell in a hand basket when faced with a mound of pota- medium-thick crusts pliable enough to fold in half for neat street numerous flavors (mango, taro, even actual tea), all supple- at this bustling Jewish bakery/deli, which, since 1988, toes alla Toscana, herb-sprinkled French fries. $$-$$$ eating. Unlike chains, though, this indie is accommodating, so mented with signature black tapioca balls that, slurped opens at 6:30 a.m. -- typically selling out of flagels in a if you want your crust thin and crisp, just ask. Also featured are through large-diameter straws, are a guaranteed giggle. $ couple of hours. Since you’re up early anyway, sample elabo- Mahogany Grille Italian-American entrées like baked manicotti (that’s “mani-goat”, rately garnished breakfast specials, including unusually fla- 2190 NW 183rd St., 305-626-8100 for those not from NJ) big enough to share, and sub sandwiches, Siam Square vorful homemade corned beef hash and eggs. For the rest of Mahogany Grille has drawn critical raves and an interna- here called “bullets,” to put you in a Sopranos frame of mind. $$ 54 NE 167th St., 305-944-9697 the day, multitudes of mavens devour every other delectable tional clientele since retired major league outfielder Andre Open until 1:00 a.m. every day except Sunday (when is deli specialty known to humankind. $$ Dawson and his brother transformed this place in 2007. The Soup Man closes at midnight), this relatively new addition to North Today it’s white tablecloths and, naturally, mahogany. 20475 Biscayne Blvd. #G-8, 305-466-9033 Miami Beach’s “Chinatown” strip has become a popu- Bar Rosso The menu is a sort of trendy yet traditional soul fusion of The real soup man behind this franchise is Al Yeganeh, an lar late-night gathering spot for chefs from other Asian 19004 NE 29th Ave., 305-933-3418 food from several African diaspora regions: Carolina Low antisocial Manhattan restaurant proprietor made notorious, restaurants. And why not? The food is fresh, nicely pre- www.barrosso.com Country (buttery cheese grits with shrimp, sausage, and on a Seinfeld episode, as “the soup Nazi.” On the menu: ten sented, and reasonably priced. The kitchen staff is willing Bar Rosso calls itself a “vinoteca,” and we’d agree the snappy, cream gravy), the Caribbean (conch-packed fritters or different premium soups each day. The selection is carefully to customize dishes upon request, and the serving staff is made-up word suits this casually stylish wine bar and restau- salad), and the Old South (lightly buttermilk-battered fried balanced among meat/poultry-based and vegetarian; clear reliably fast. Perhaps most important, karaoke equipment rant, where the fare is Italian, American, and Italian-American. chicken). The chicken is perhaps Miami’s best. $$-$$$ and creamy (like the eatery’s signature shellfish-packed lob- is in place when the mood strikes. $-$$ There are plenty of pastas and wood-grilled meat and fish ster bisque); chilled and hot; familiar (chicken noodle) and entrées, but artfully garnished cured meat or cheese selec- Mo’s Bagels & Deli exotic (mulligatawny). All soups come with gourmet bread, Scorch Grillhouse and Wine Bar tions and small plates are the best way to sample chef Josh 2780 NE 187th St., 305-936-8555 fruit, and imported chocolate. Also available are salads, 13750 Biscayne Blvd., 305-949-5588 Medina’s creativity, from espresso-braised short ribs to salad While the term “old school” is used a lot to describe this sandwiches, and wraps. $-$$ www.scorchgrillhouse.com specials like fresh golden beets with grilled radicchio, goat spacious (160-seat) establishment, it actually opened in Though some food folks were initially exasperated when cheese, arugula, and a unique cumin-raisin vinaigrette. $$-$$$ 1995. It just so evokes the classic NY delis we left behind Sushi Siam yet another Latin-influenced grill replaced one of our area’s that it seems to have been here forever. Example: Lox and 19575 Biscayne Blvd., 305-932-8955 few Vietnamese restaurants, it’s hard to bear a grudge at a Bella Luna nova aren’t pallid, prepackaged fish, but custom-sliced from (See Miami / Upper Eastside listing) friendly, casual neighborhood place that offers monster ten- 19575 Biscayne Blvd. Aventura Mall , ounce char-grilled burgers, with potatoes or salad, for $8.50; 305-792-9330, www.bellalunaaventura.com steaks, plus a side and a sauce or veg topper, for nine bucks If the menu here looks familiar, it should. It’s nearly identical at lunch, $15 to $18.75 (the menu’s top price) at night; and to that at the Upper Eastside’s Luna Café and, with minor three-dollar glasses of decent house wine. $-$$ variations, at all the rest of Tom Billante’s eateries (Rosalia, Villaggio, Carpaccio), right down to the typeface. But no argu- Sushi House ment from here. In a mall – a setting more accustomed to 15911 Biscayne Blvd., 305-947-6002 food court – dishes like carpaccio al salmone (crudo, with por- In terms of décor drama, this sushi spot seems to have tobellos, capers, parmesan slices, and lemon/tomato dress- taken its cue from Philippe Starck: sheer floor-to-ceiling ing) and linguine carbonara (in creamy sauce with pancetta drapes, for starters. The sushi list, too, is over the top, fea- and shallots) are a breath of fresh, albeit familiar, air. $$-$$$ turing monster makis like the Cubbie Comfort: spicy tuna, soft-shell crab, shrimp and eel tempura, plus avocado, jala- Bourbon Steak peños, and cilantro, topped with not one but three sauces: 19999 W. Country Club Dr. wasabi, teriyaki, and spicy mayo. Hawaiian King Crab con- (Fairmont Hotel, Turnberry Resort) tains unprecedented ingredients like tomatoes, green pep- 786-279-0658, www.michaelmina.net pers, and pineapple. Boutique wines, artisan sakes, and At Bourbon Steak, a venture in the exploding restaurant cocktails are as exotic as the cuisine. $$$-$$$$ empire of chef Michael Mina, a multiple James Beard award winner, steakhouse fare is just where the fare Tuna’s Raw Bar and Grille starts. There are also Mina’s ingenious signature dishes, 17850 W. Dixie Hwy. like an elegant deconstructed lobster/baby vegetable pot 305-932-0630, www.tunasrawbarandgrille.com pie, a raw bar, and enough delectable vegetable/seafood The reincarnated Tuna’s has gained new owners, a new starters and sides for noncarnivores to assemble a happy name, a dazzling outdoor bar and dining area, and a newly meal. But don’t neglect the steak — flavorful dry-aged impressive selection of raw-bar specialties: cold-water oys- Angus, 100-percent Wagyu American “Kobe,” swoonwor- ters from the Northeast, plus Blue Points, Malpecs, Island thy grade A5 Japanese Kobe, and butter-poached prime Creeks, and more. Traditional house favorites remain, and rib, all cooked to perfection. $$$$$

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

60 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com January 2010