Katana Japanese Restaurant: novelty or gastronomical experience?

I recently visited a little restaurant named Katana, that serves up raw fish by way of small wooden vessels called "streaming boats" that wiz by on a makeshift river in the center of the room. This restaurant that serves up little plates of carefully adorned assortments of sushi and sashimi, has got it down to a science.

Each plate has different colors or markings that symbolize different price ranges from the green plate which is 1.50 to the black plate which is 3.50. But don't be fooled, if you enjoy eating as much as I do, you'll find yourself making a trip to the ATM midway through your meal, so be wary but dig in! As quickly as the plates pile up, they are swiftly removed from your counter to make room for more.

One thing you also should keep in mind is that the place is tiny. I sat at the counter and had some trouble getting in and out to use the restroom. Once you wiggle your way into your seat you may not want to get back up again.

This definitely isn't the place to go have a relaxed dinner for two or for a business gathering but it is a place to go with a buddy for lite fair,on-the-go, although the wait can sometimes be up to 30 minutes depending on the night.

They do have a couple of booths available but those fill up fast as you'd expect and the rest of the tiny restaurant consists primarily of a U shaped counter with small wooden chairs that wrap around. A server takes your order usually from behind the counter and most of the dishes are made in the back kitchen. I guess I'm a big fan of open kitchens so I kept trying to peep behind the curtain to see what was going on back there. It would have been cool to see my food being made.
There are also other items you can order ranging from classic appetizers to tempura bowls, noodles and of course edamame. The desserts are primarily tempura and they carry Japanese and domestic beer and saki.

They've apparently been at this since 1993 and the place is always busy, so they seem to be doing something right.

All in all, I had a fun experience for the novelty of it but I have to be honest, I wasn't blown away by anything on the menu but I did have a good time.

They have late hours, it's simple sushi that's cheap and served in a fun environment. Great place to add to the cities repertoire of distinctive eateries.

Kanpai!!

Gigi the new place to eat

Hello my fellow foodies, my fellow lovers of gastronomic experiences I introduce Gigi's. A new little hot spot eatery located on N. Miami Ave and 34 St that is not only a good place to eat but also as it turns out, a tremendous place to hang out and just drink tons of sake.

This place that just opened say maybe 5 weeks ago has been making locals like myself salivate. From its infused melon appetizer and their little Gigi buns to the tuna snack which is to die. It is all good at Gigi's.


I've tried just about every thing on the menu and let me just tell you you need to have the soft shell crab dish (not enough places I've been to in Miami serve this and it is so good here) just remember the whole thing is completely edible so don't worry.

Then there's a bowl with pieces of beef, cabbage, mushrooms and the thickest pasta you've ever seen and is soooo good I've had it a couple of times. And please do yourself a favor and use as much of the spicy sauce that they have on every table, you won't be sorry.

Where do I begin with this place except to tell you that it must be checked out and you must take friends and you must say the Commish told you first, because that is what I do best my dear, telling you about food..

Bon ape tit!

Miami's Little Hidden Treasure is Lost and Found..

There are very few places you can go to that are not all about the hype in Miami and this ladies and gents is one of them. This little Mexican restaurant nestled next to an all night sports bar on 36 street is so unpretentious you would miss it driving by if you weren't careful.

I personally am a strong believer in supporting our locally owned eateries because its these places that make up the thread that we tend to lack when it comes to this city's cultural. Too many restaurants open up and close up before you even get to really know the place. Thankfully Lost and Found is one of the little spots that have remained open through the ups and downs of the recent economy. This isn't the only reason why I visit though. Its really something else.

Food and ambiance are the two things that keep me coming back to a place. Any place can get me through the door, heck if you know me, you know that I'll stop off and try just about any place at least once just to find out what its all about. But if you can't make me feel good while I'm there, then there's really no reason for me to go back. Who wants to eat somewhere that the food is great but you leave frowning? Not me..

Hence, Lost and Found. Every time I go there I leave with a smile. It kinda feels like an old western saloon in Mexico in the middle of a tropical city(if that makes any sense) Its dim lit, warm and friendly. Foods good, and selection is good. And its funny cause every time I've been there they seem to be playing snow sports on tv which is kind of "cool" especially in this Miami heat.

There are tables outside and the bar stools are those really neat ones that are the shape of your butt. Perfect for sitting for hours while you sip down some cold ones and eat all the tacos you can handle. Oh and the chicken soup is fab I haven't even tried a lot of the menu cause the last 3 times I've gone I've ordered the soup!

Definitely go check it out and invite a friend. Oh and be sure to check out the napkin art, I think there's a few up there worth framing and hanging up for sure!

Hasta luego!