Sweet as the Sweetest Sugarcane...

If you have a moment, whether it is during the week or on a Friday like me, make sure to stop by the newest little spot in midtown called Sugarcane for a little R & R, good drinks and sweet ambiance. I sat at the bar with one of my new favorite bartenders named Jamal and drank more Sapporo drafts than I care to mention.

The feel is airy and sophisticated. Just on the cusp of pretentious, but since you're in midtown you let it slide. Cool music by a dj who seemed like a reincarnated Capote.

The first thing I tried was the beer, then after that I figured I might as well have some dinner. I ordered a crispy, spicy tuna roll that was quite good but a little small if you ask me. Then I moved on to something a little more plentiful and went for the bacon. My eyes zeroed in on this one item I read called Bacon wrapped Dates and I was sold. The bacon was perfectly cooked and wrapped around the date perfectly. Very delicious, a must try.

The food is very well prepared but served in fairly small portions. They mention its a 'sharing menu' but that's code for "we charge more for less."

All in all I had a splendid time at this new little hot spot and the best part of it was knowing that it is just down the street from Target! It's my new favorite place, I'll see you there...

Yummie, Yum, Yum for Mr. Yum!

Well here you have it, the best sushi restaurant I've been to in a while and for a place that has dubbed one of my favorite words as its name, I must say it delivers. The best part is that out of all the places you would find a good sushi place, its located smack in the middle of little Havana! And you wouldn't even know it from its very fashionable interior. The feel is kind of LA meets South Beach meets NY. The moment you walk in your zapped by color and flavor. A very hip atmosphere, nice crowd and need I mention, GREAT FOOD. The fish is very fresh, nice cuts of Sashimi. The appetizers were delectable and the house sake was delicious. Word is Mama Yum's recipees are what gives this place its gastronomic edge, but you didn't hear it from me.

I really enjoyed the entire experience from start to finish. I remember sitting back as I scarfed down my delicious roll filled with green apple chunks and cilantro and with a wowed look on my face thinking to myself "Oh, I get it... 'Mr. Yum!'"

So it is my duty as the Commish to tell you, if you haven't been there yet, make your way on over to SW 8th street for some good Sushi (I know, it still sounds funny to me too, 8st and sushi?) and tell Bond Ms. Commish says Hello.

Legions away from the ordinary...

The American Legion located off of Biscayne down a little obscure street that not many have dared to tread, is no longer a meeting place for our Veterans but now on any given night home to a medley of down tempo, home slice, off the path hipsters who know how to party well and drink well too.

This, dive bar meets "function room," features live music and Dj's, an outside bar, low priced spirits, a free pool table and even bay views, making this little hideout a must-be-at location for anyone who knows the value of a dollar and likes to have a drink more here than there.

Tucked away behind the hustle and bustle of Biscayne Blvd, all you have to be is 21 and be in-the-know to get in here and guess what? Now, you know!

Its dive-y, its cool, its the new place to be and when I was there the special of the night was free Pabst Blue Ribbon beer, and now if that doesn't impress you, I don't know what will..

I have a little secret but I'll tell you..

I just had the most fabulous dinner at the nicest little restaurant serving Aegean(Turkish and Greek) delights called Mandolin. It just opened two weeks ago and and its absolutely phenomenal!!! I can't tell you what an beautiful time I had. The food was superb, the outside seating was lovely and the service was great. I felt like I was in Europe. I almost want to keep it to myself its so good! But I know you will appreciate it as much as I do. Miami is finally coming into its own when it comes to local eateries, we just need to keep supporting these little gems so they stick around. Bon appetit!
Ps. Tell them I sent you...

Eat like a king, Devito's way!

As much as I love our local "feastery" Prime 112, I have to say that Devito's definitely packs a punch as well. Located where Joia used to be, this Italian chop house serves large robust dishes that make your mouth water. If you don't mind waiting over a couple glasses of pinot noir at the bar, you'll be in for a treat. From the gigantic onion rings, to the lobster mash potato, there's so much to get excited about on this menu. Not only can you get great cuts of meat but there is also a large selection of seafood dishes. The service was good and the ambiance was fun. Flat screen tv's playing The Godfather and dimmed sconces decorated the walls. I had the delicious filet mignon, which for some reason I always end up having no matter what anyone says, I just love what I love. Then there was the cake. And when I say cake I mean tower of chocolate decadence covered with tiny herseys kisses and decorated with gummie bears, this thing was humongous!! The slice was as big as a whole cake! And was so delicious I couldn't stop eatting, needless to say my New Years resolution may be incuding some situps even though I don't believe in working out! And although I never recommend a place unless I visit it twice, I have to tell you, if you like big portions, Italian food and The Godfather, this is definitely where you should go. It seemed very family friendly, not as romantic as the decor implied but maybe it depends on the night. Mangia, mangia..