LargeLife's Profile
Best Burgers Miami 2012
As I wrote, I haven't been to all of the choices so that's a mission for me.....I eat at JR's about every two weeks and their 1/2-pound NAG burger is spectacular and they have a very loyal following....At least it tastes great on site....I'm a championship winning BBQ chef....and I've entered area competitions that I've won.....And then competed again two weeks later.....preparing and smoking the brisket or ribs the very same way....and didn't score well....and it's hard to figure out why.....but that's part of it...
So I would say you might do well to go to JR's.....and try it on site and perhaps you'll taste what I've tasted.....Fun subject....
EMac
Ft. Pierce, FL
Malanga Cafe
Frod....You're right....that's a big boast....and they more than backed it up....exceeding expecttions....and then some...
EMac
Ft. Pierce, FL
Malanga Cafe
There is a restaurant on US1 and SW 124th Street (Pinecrest) called Malanga Cafe and their sign out front claims that they have the world's best Pan Con Lechon sandwich (pork sandwich). After passing that restaurant and looking at that sign at least 10,000 times, I decided to stop there last night and see what's up.
The place is somewhat small and quaint with all kinds of Cuban art and memoribilia on the walls. It has 6 flat screens and thought that was a little much. I was warmly greeted and promptly seated. I told my friendly server that the sign out front says "World's Best Pan con Lechon" and I was here to see if that's true and judge for myself.
It didn't take but just a few minutes before one of the most impressive sandwiches that I've ever seen was sitting right in front of me. It was an awesome sight! But looks can be deceiving so I hoisted that monster to my lips, opened wide and bit into what was an absolutely superior sandwich by any stretch of the imagination. The cuban bread was fresh with some measure of crunch. And the meat - - soft, moist, hot with sensational flavor. I must admit my expectations were high and I can honestly tell you that they were not only met but exceeded!
This is not a 'cuban cafeteria' but a very cozy and pleasant establishment. Not elegant but not a joint either and they have inside and outside accommodations. I saw some musical instruments and that leads me to believe they have some level of live entertainment. My sandwich and soda was $12 and change (plus tip) and worth every last penny!
The service was outstanding. The owner visited my table and it was a pleasure to speak with him as he has immense pride in his product and rightfully so. I didn't even look at their menu but there was a party of 10 or 12 in the restaurant at the same time and their dishes looked outstanding as well.
This is a can't-miss place! They even have a 'food truck' that's out and about as well. This was my first visit to Malanga Cafe and certainly won't be last!
EMac
Ft. Pierce, FL
The Hog - in Pompano
FD.....I'm going to try sooner or later....but I was sure that you had been there already and had the report.....
Thanks!
EMac
Ft. Pierce, FL
The Hog - in Pompano
FD or anyone else out - - has anyone tried "The Hog" BBQ in Pompano?
Looking for reports!
EMac
Ft. Pierce, FL
Pre-Marlins game recommendations
I went directly to Papo....which is on NW 17th Ave and 28th Street....which is just north of the stadium.....it's back off the street a bit....looks more like a "sandwich stand" instead of a restaurant....but they do have a little 'dining' room of sorts behind the area where you order the food that is airconditioned and sparse....but serves the purpose....The people there are extremely nice....the owner is awesome....and I had a very good experience there before the game....And then went to the game.....
EMac
Ft. Pierce, FL
Fresh Conch in the Miami Area?
I have purchased conch at Golden Rule in Cutler Ridge and Captain's Tavern seafood market and both were very good.....
EMac
Ft. Pierce, FL
Best Burgers Miami 2012
No, ChowPapi....I haven't eaten a burger at all ten that you've listed...and it's a great list....Have you eaten at JR's Gourmet Burgers in Miami Springs?.....I do (in fact) like Shake Shack...alot...but JR's CRUSHES shake shack...easily.....
And for the record I do enjoy Ft. Pierce....I do have the luxury of working in Miami and enjoying all that South Florida has to offer!! :)
EMac
Ft. Pierce, FL
EMAc
Best Burgers Miami 2012
Any list that doesn't have JR's Gourmet Burgers in Miami Springs isn't complete or accurate...Their "NAG Burger" is nothing less than outstanding....
EMac
Ft. Pierce, FL
Awesome ribs?? Anywhere near the Miami-ish area
Houstons? Seriously? Par-steamed, oven- baked, finished off on the grill.....Those are OK....better head to Sparky's and eat some "real bbq"......And I'm hoping that nobody suggests Bulldog BBQ....Are they still in business serving up what I call "pork jello"?
EMac
Ft. Pierce, FL
Awesome ribs?? Anywhere near the Miami-ish area
Shorty's????? Not...not so....not so much.....Those are oven baked ribs....
Sparky's in downtown is extremely solid.....But go there for lunch when their Cue is fresh and tasty....
EMac
Ft. Pierce, FL
Texas De Brazil VS Fogo De Chao Miami Beach
I haven't been to Fogo....but I have been to TDB on Miami Beach on several occasions.....I don't think you can go wrong at either place since the concept at both restaurants is very similar......The view that TDB has overlooking the marina and the bay is extremely attractive....and Fogo doesn't have that......I've entertained clients at TDB....ranging from 10-20....on several occasions.....and we've had great experiences at TDB......
EMac
Ft. Pierce, FL
South Beach Trip Report
There is plenty of good pizza in South Florida......
Emac
Ft. Pierce, FL
Entertaining European Clients and money is no object!!! - Miami's Best Food
Would definitely go with Frod's recommendations....and if tpigeon were to chime in here I would work with her choices as well.....Both of these individuals know what they're talking about.....Like to think I do too.....Sardinia...Casa Tua....Michy's and Michael's Genuine are all top choices......Joe's is a landmark establishment....and while you can eat stone crabs most anywhere.....they NEVER taste like they do at Joe's.....and the service is always nothing less than excellent.....so they do belong on the list of great, memorable places......
EMac
Ft. Pierce, FL
Broken Shaker - Miami Beach
I'll try that lot as well when I go back......street parking there is a hassle 24 / 7.......and I know that hasn't changed simply because it can't!......Would never stay at the hotel again....but I'd go there to hang....
EMac
Ft. Pierce, FL
Chuck Burger Joint
I'll respectfully disagree with freakerdude....the crinkle cut fries (although frozen) we're cooked to a golden tone and extremely good.....I'm a 6'7, 300 pounder and the "Double Chuck" with fries and a chocolate / peanut butter shake and one scoop of vanilla custard was all I could eat!....I could see where their 'single' would be smallish....but the 'Double Chuck" is a hefty burger and with the fries, shake and custard it was an awesome meal.......At 5 Guys the only thing I do like are the fries with the cajun seasoning....beyond that.......a fair at best experience.....What quality burger joint doesn't serve a milkshake???.....5 Guys doesn't and that's why I don't go there.....Also at Chuck they make ice cream floats......have interesting sodas in cans and on tap......they also serve beer and wine and have a nice selection there as well.....Chuck was easily better......
EMac
Ft. Pierce, FL
Broken Shaker - Miami Beach
I have stayed there as a guest but haven't been to new bar there......Will say this...parking in that area is absolutely atrocious.....Hope the new venture works out well and will have to try the place myself.....Stayed at that hotel while attending SoBe Wine and Food Festival a few years back....small...old and skanky....no matter how many coats of paint they put on the place.....I guess it's "shabby chic".....no about that parking!
EMac
Ft. Pierce, FL
Chuck Burger Joint
That's correct....it's NOT....Chuck's....It's just Chuck Burger Joint.....It's on PGA BLVD just east of the Florida Turnpike.....I know it's Palm Beach.....not Broward or Dade.....It is a shameless copy of Shake Shack.....all the way down to the custard.......IDENTICAL....and very good.......
EMac
Ft. Pierce, FL
Joe's Stone Crab Question
For that $128 you would have done well at Joe's.....Two orders of mediums or selects......hash browns....spinach.....chopped salads.....the bread.....And their cheapest bottle of white wine.....Plus the excellent service.....And you could have told your friends you actually ate at Joe's.....And you might have actually seen someone famous.....Happens all the time there.....Met Billy Joel there not long ago......
EMac
Ft. Pierce, FL
Joe's Stone Crab Question
Selects work for me as well.......
I once at 100 of them at Monty's and set their "house record".......
That was a long, long time ago.....
EMac
Ft. Pierce, FL
Que in Palm Beach County
Just means I'll be firing up my Big Green Egg smoker and thinking of all y'all today while I'm watching The 500.....I've got some shoulders off a small hog that my friend shot on Friday.....Should be pretty good.....Will use the Blue Hog sauce after I pull the shoulders.....
EMac
Ft. Pierce, FL
Joe's Stone Crab Question
Difficult question to answer......If I were you I would schlep down their and be there when they open....and there will be little to no wait at all......The SoBe Wine & Food Festival was this past weekend and there could be folks still in town and headed to Joe's and that could mean a line....But I'm thinking that 6:30 to 7:00 for a table for two won't be too awfully bad.....and on a Monday night.....
EMac
Ft, Pierce, FL
Scarpetta or Casa Tua?
Can't go wrong either way.....and tpigeon really knows her stuff.....I'm a Casa Tua guy.....been there at least a dozen times and have had an outstanding time on each occasion.....Two great places that you'll enjoy regardless of your choice.....I'm also big on Sardinia....have also had great results there as well.....
EMac
Ft. Pierce, FL
Where are the best burger joints in Miami (possibly South Beach)?
I would recommend JR's Gourmet Burgers in Miami Springs.....They're outstanding.....1/4, 1/2 and 1lb. Burgers are available with a wide variety of toppings.....These guys really have a quality product.....My favorite is the N.A.G. Burger....."Not A Girl's Burger"......(although my wife thoroughly enjoyed it).....It has small Onion Rings, Cheese, Bacon and BBQ sauce......Cozy, comfy family atmosphere......The only drawback is that they don't offer a milkshake there......But folks come from far and wide to enjoy JR's......
EMac
Ft. Pierce, FL
Seeking input on some options - Sustain v Yardbird and some others - With thanks!
Listen to the sage that is......"Frodnesor"
EMac
Ft. Pierce, FL
Fried shrimp anywhere from North Miami Beach to FLL?
Not that you would ever have the occasion to happen by Ft. Pierce but there's a waterfront restaurant called "Chucks' Seafood" and their specialty is fried shrimp......It's floured ever so lightly.....and it's a treat to eat......This is a landmark restaurant that has been there since the late 1950s....indoor and outdoor dining.....most always packed out.....
Like I said....not that you would ever happen by Ft. Pierce for anything.....but this place is great.....Also serves a lobster bisque that would rival Joe's or any other place for that matter......
EMac
Ft. Pierce, FL
Cut-proof glove - where to buy?
I see my butcher at Publix wearing one all the time.....I'm thinking if you stop by the meat department at your local Publix they'll be able to steer you in the right direction instead of going on a wild, gas guzzling, wild goose chase.......
emac
Buffalo wing's 4 2012!!!
I'll eat Sports Grill wings at their new location in Kendall just south of Kendall Drive on 97th Ave......Their "special grilled" are very good...very tasty.....a little too salty.....but love them.....I don't eat at the orginal anymore as the place is ABSOLUTELY FILTHY.....I've even taken the manager of a little tour of his place to show him the filth....and he really could have cared less.....
My favorite place to eat wings is the Village Tavern in the Kings Creek Plaza on the west side of the Palmetto.....two or three blocks north of Kendall Drive on 79th Ave....Their grilled wings taste like you cooked them on your back yard BBQ.......You choose the sauce.....prefer BBQ but step out and try various flavors......But they're grilled.....they use a larger-graded wing (yes folks wings are graded) and they're my personal favorite.........
EMac
Ft. Pierce, FL
Chef headed to Miami need good eats??!
If you follow fronds or tpigeons advice closely, you will do just fine. Period.
Two NY 'hounds in need of recs for three days to eat in Miami!
I'm sorry the fish at Michael's wasn't to your liking. I took a large party there last week and had an excellent experience. Obviously you know that Joe's Stone Crabs is an institution here and for whatever reason any stone crabs you eat at any other establishment just don't taste the same.
I would recommend an Argentenian steak house as those are always great. Vaca Gordo is very good as is Texas de Brazil - - - but go hungry to get your money's worth. I'm a big fan of Casa Tua as the food and ambiance is excellent. Love Sardinia as that's an amazing italian restaurant that even has water from Sardinia! That's top-notch food there. And the list goes on. Although I don't always agree with her, we have a poster here that goes by 'tpigeon' and she really knows Miami Beach and South Florida dining as does 'Frodnessor' and you can trust their opinions to a 't'.
EMac
Ft. Pierce, FL
