Blind Mind's Profile
Best Burgers Miami 2012
My Top Ten in Miami in alphabetical order
1. Blue Collar
2. Bourbon Steak
3. Burger & Beer Joint
4. El Mago de las Fritas
5. gastroPod
6. Lokal
7. Michael's Genuine
8. Shake Shack
9. The Local
10. Whisk
** I've never had Edge, Red Light, Dutch, Tudor, or the db Bistro Moderne burgers
***Sustain would've been on the list had they not closed
Best Burgers Miami 2012
Finally tried the Blue Collar burger yesterday. It was fantastic. As I've stated before, I'm a burger simpleton. For me, it's all about the patty first and then the bun. I couldn't care less about toppings outside of cheese and maybe some bacon slices. That's not to say I don't like creative burgers that have lots of toppings. I just judge on the basics first, then the additives. That said, the Blue Collar burger earned high marks for a great grind (which I later found out was prime dry aged NY strip), well-seasoned patty, and an awesome bun. I think it's a regular bun or possibly thinner that gets sorta pressed on the grill so the outside forms a little crust. This is key to the bun not turning into a mushy mess from a juicy burger. I added a slice of cheddar to round it out. The fries were pretty awesome as well. Fresh and crispy.
I'd also add Lokal in the Grove. Their burgers are pretty awesome too. Previously tried the 50/50 a few times but I was feeling creative on Saturday night so I went with their version of a frita. It was not a traditional frita and outside of having potato sticks and being pressed I didnt really see the connection. Regardless, I really enjoyed it. I was surprised too because the guava jelly made it sweeter than I'd like but it also kinda made it hard to put down. A habit-changing burger! The best part was the grind and the patty, cooked to a perfect mid-rare. The heirloom tomato app we had was also very impressive. Owner is a really nice guy too and sticks to quality standards. I'm glad this joint is in my neighborhood!
Dim Sum in Miami
the restaurant design is the best in Miami IMO. The dim sum is good but not something I enjoy paying a premium for.
Best Burgers Miami 2012
I was very skeptical myself but it worked. It could be more of a crumpet than a english muffin as I dont recall it being to hard. It really worked for me, that's what I remember. I just never make it up that way to have it again.
Best Burgers Miami 2012
Haha, the Shack burger rare is a fantastic burger. Just not my favorite...although...it could be the new king now that Burger & Beer Joint has changed meat purveyors and altered their grind. Last 2 visits something was off considerably with the patty. I think it's tough to compare Shake Shack to other burgers here because it's really a fast food burger made with better ingredients.
I only had JR's while judging at the Burgies this year. After that I don't really have any interest in going. My notes from the competition - "processed patty, flavor all BBQ sauce, awful"
What bourbon are you drinking these days?
aw crap, I thought Redemption was 30%...on the road and no bottle in front of me. Too lazy to research online = fail. Haha
What bourbon are you drinking these days?
I too went out and got a bottle and confirmed my recollection that it's merely OK. It'll get consumed though. Like you I paid $19.99 so not too bad.
Made a couple Manhattans with Redemption High Rye Bourbon last week that were terrific. I'm not 100% but I believe this is the 2nd highest rye content in a bourbon next to Four Roses Single Barrel. Not overly tasty but provides enough bang for the buck and allows the booze to shine in a cocktail.
Chow-worthy in Delray?
Check out Linda Bean's Perfect Maine Lobster Roll on Atlantic Ave for an awesome lobster roll done as authentic as what you'd find in New England (which is where I'm from and eat lobster rolls often :))
Best Burgers Miami 2012
Whisk burger is definitely legit and would be in my top 10 easily. I also like Gilbert's burger and I'm a fan of the english muffin as the bun because it holds up to a juicy burger quite awesomely. I need to try DB, Dutch, and Red Light. Maybe Tudor House too.
Josh's Deli - Surfside
Pastrami sandwich was awesome but the best was the slaw that came with it. Their mustard spiced up the sandwich to perfection. Also loved the taste of pastrami salmon I tried. Good joint that is filling a surprising void in Miami.
Awesome ribs?? Anywhere near the Miami-ish area
What about that dude that has quite a large setup on 163rd? I forget the name but a couple of times when I drove by on my way for a Ho Down at Philip Ho it was packed with people and smoke was billowing out like mad.
What bourbon are you drinking these days?
Glad you liked the post. There are a few others I could've put up there but held it to 10. 1792 is just OK to me. I will admit it's been some time since I last sipped it and since I don't have a bottle on my bar already maybe I'll go pick one up to add to the collection.
I like the Forrester Signature for it's chocolatey notes and for variety. I'm not one to drink the same whiskey every night. I like to switch it up. The Forrester Birthday Bourbon is pretty good too.
Had Corner Creek last night while out watching the Heat vs Knicks game. I'd forgotten about that for awhile. Remembered how easy it is to sip although I must admit I found it to be pretty sweet too.
What bourbon are you drinking these days?
Strongly recommend OGD 114. Great value there. Here's a post I did awhile back on bourbons under $30 that you might find helpful.
http://blindtastes.blogspot.com/2011/09/10-bourbons-under-30.html
Awesome ribs?? Anywhere near the Miami-ish area
Orange ribs at Sakaya Kitchen. I actually like the ribs at Flanagan's too
One Night in Miami
Clevelander is something I associate with fist-pumping imbeciles on "Jersey Shore". Jazid can be cool but is divey. Clarkes is an Irish pub. The Room is cool but be prepared for heavy chainsmoking going on there.
I'm sticking with my Indomania recommendation (I do not like Indian food at all. This is not Indian food, I linked the menu previously.) followed by a walk up Lincoln Road to Upstais at the Van Dyke which is a classy joint that has live music nightly. If you're here in April, here's this month's lineup: http://www.soulofmiami.org/2012/04/01/van-dyke-upstairs-music-calendar-april-2012/
If Indomania is a no-go for you, Tiramesu is a decent option, nothing noteworthy, and you can dine outside. Same with Cafe Books & Books. Both are a short walk to Van Dyke.
any recs for dessert in South Beach after dinner?
people watching on Lincoln > people watching on Ocean
Seeking South Beach restaurant advice
Yup, Indomania is a great suggestion.
I agree with most of your suggestions and Altamare would be a nice walk down Lincoln from the Ritz. I agree with Frod that The Dutch is too pricey for the OPs price range. Have to disagree with Barceloneta and Tudor House though, especially the latter.
One Night in Miami
Wow, tp...I cant believe you didnt suggest Shake Shack. ;)
I recommend the rijsttafels at Indomania. The restaurant has a nice setting for an anniversary and the food is terrific and affordable. You'll have a great meal at the price point you're looking for and you will leave full. It's just off Collins on 26th so you could have a nice stroll up the boardwalk depending on where your hotel is too.
Menus here: http://indomaniarestaurant.com/menu.html
What bourbon are you drinking these days?
I'm a HUGE fan of Ancient Ancient Age. I have 2 bottles on the home bar, one being a private barrel selection. Great juice at a great price.
Bachelor Party
Yakko-San then hit up Beach House Cabaret or Dean's Gold for some T&A.
What bourbon are you drinking these days?
Thought I'd update this post with what I've been enjoying lately...
I've been hitting the Rock Hill Farms again and just love the stuff. Also have really enjoyed Hancock's President's Reserve as a nice mid-range value. Four Roses Small Batch & Single Barrel also getting lots of play on my home bar. I normally drink neat or rocky but have found that the high rye content of the single barrel makes for a great Manhattan.
I also stumbled upon what could be the best value bourbon I've tasted to date - Evan Williams 1783. This is a small batch (as ambiguous as the term can be) bourbon aged for 10 years. At 86 proof, it's an easy sipper. Some notes of chocolate, oak, nuttiness, and a mildly spicy finish. I've mostly sipped neat or with one tiny cube of ice as I've found too much ice or water drowns out the flavor considerably. I haven't tried mixing up any cocktails At $9.99 for a 750ml bottle, this is one to give a shot for sure.
any recs for dessert in South Beach after dinner?
Peanut butter oreo ice cream pie at Ice Box is a favorite of mine.
Where are the best burger joints in Miami (possibly South Beach)?
Because their burger is awful?
SushiSamba Miami on Memorial Day?
I'd have suggested that but I used to work downtown and Memorial Day weekend spills out there too...
SushiSamba Miami on Memorial Day?
another thing we agree on...
Kireland, I strongly suggest you google "Miami Beach Memorial Day Weekend" and then make an educated decision if that is something you want to be a part of. If not, I'd suggest looking into a nice night on Key Biscayne or Coconut Grove where you can relax by the pool and then still be within short driving distance of a great meal somewhere.
New NAOE?
My assumption about the "other side" being good for a "quick sushi fix" was incorrect. There is not currently any plan to offer sushi there. Just lunch/dinner.
New NAOE?
Ok, I've got more info...
Construction is nearing completion and permits are up next. Reservations can be made for April on Opentable.
There will be 8 seats per seating as there has been since December 2010 (which I never realized I guess). These 8 seats will be the same as the original NAOE concept which is a winner if you ask me. The $85 is the new price for bento + 8pc nigiri-zushi + dessert, or you can pay $115 for bento + 13pc nigiri-zushi + dessert with additional rounds of nigiri-zushi at $2-$8/pc.
Within 6 months, there will be another side of the restaurant that will be opened and that will be more of a regular lunch/dinner concept for businesses and locals who will be able to walk in. Info on that is pretty vague but sounds like something that will be great for a quick sushi fix.
I can't wait to have NAOE within 10 minutes from my place instead of 45 minutes!
