Wine Beneath the PalmsFred Tasker blogs wine and spirits
Dining Q & AAsk Victoria Pesce Elliott about dining out
Food & CookingRecipes, meal ideas and more
As the South Florida skyline grows, it's nice to know a pocket of one-story cottages from another era exists at Cauley Square, just off Dixie Highway in far south Miami-Dade. The ''village'' is a cluster of about 25 structures, many housing galleries and small shops, set on 10 acres with tropical gardens, gurgling fountains and little plazas.
Mofongo! It sounds like a battle cry. Actually, it's a word of African pedigree for a classic Puerto Rican preparation of mashed green plantains with garlic and pork crackling. Like many dishes from La Isla, as its children call it, mofongo has much in common with classics from Cuba (fufú) and the Dominican Republic (mangú).
The third time's the charm, the saying goes. But the folks behind Riley McDermott's have left little to luck at their swank Las Olas steak and seafood restaurant. Following Red Coral and then Zucca in the Bank of America Building, McDermott's has been the hottest reservation in Fort Lauderdale since opening in January.
Ask Herald reporters your questions
'Wonderful, authentic' Thai and Vietnamese cuisine brings Arturo Codina to Siam Bistro at least once a week. 'It's one of my favorite restaurants in Miami,' says Codina. The food is 'excellent with very nice appetizers and dessert. The presentation is very beautiful.' You'll also find 'attentive and friendly' service -- and don't miss the Thai or Vietnamese beer or coffee.
COOKBOOKS
Just in time for produce season, publishers are showering cookbook enthusiasts with vegetarian options. Here are three of the latest:
HEALTHFUL EATING
It seems every food manufacturer has jumped on the portion-control bandwagon with a 100-calorie version of a coveted treat. But if you want variety and maybe even more nutrition from your 100-calorie snack, consider these:
NIBBLES & BITS
It could hardly be easier on Saturday to support feed-the-hungry efforts around South Florida: For the 16th year, members of the National Association of Letter Carriers will pick up donations at your doorstep as part of Stamp Out Hunger!
Here's a scouting report on Mint Leaf from Miami.com's Amy Reyes: London restaurateur Ranjit Sood's first U.S. outpost seats about 50 -- and those seats are pretty much filled Thursday through Sunday nights. The posh yet relaxing vibe is complemented by plasma TVs playing Bollywood dance scenes.
Wine Fridays at Azul: Bottomless pour of selected wines for $20; noon-3 p.m., Azul at the Mandarin Oriental, 500 Brickell Key Dr., Brickell Key. 305-913-8254.
Specials are available Sunday. Prices do not include tax or tip, and reservations are recommended. 1 Bleu: Brunch includes Caesar salad, salmon, lamb tenderloin, dessert buffet, unlimited mimosas; burgers, chicken fingers and fries for kids. 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m., 10295 Collins Ave., Bal Harbour; $75, $25 kids 12 and under. 305-455-5400.
Specials are available Sunday. Prices do not include tax or tip, and reservations are recommended. BRIO Tuscan Grille: A la carte brunch menu includes Italian-style eggs, cinnamon-apple pancakes, Tuscan French toast, crab crepes, grilled salmon, beef tenderloin: available from 10 a.m., Shops at Pembroke Gardens, 14576 SW Fifth St., Pembroke Pines; entrees $12-$27. 954-431-1341.
Eileen Kominsky stumbled upon China City when she was antique-shopping in Cooper City, but she thinks it's too easily missed. 'I'm concerned that this little mom-and-pop restaurant is hurting for business. Nobody knows it's there.' And China City is worth discovering, says Kominsky.
Pâté, sauté, fricassée, soufflé: French is the lingua franca of gastronomy. But walk into any restaurant kitchen in South Florida -- or New York, for that matter -- and the language you'll likely hear is Spanish.
BROWARD REVIEW
It all revolves around the view. The iconic Pier Top restaurant at the Hyatt Regency Pier 66 is again open to the public -- this time for Sunday brunch, a new venture for the Fort Lauderdale landmark.
