Is anyone else crazy about "Crazy About You?"

This new restaurant-lounge located off of Brickell Bay Drive not only gets thumbs up for ambiance and stunning outdoor views but a high-five for good eats and great prices!

Upon walking in and being awed by the airy, bohemian-chic ambiance and beautiful wine cellar, we were tempted to have a seat in the Moroccan inspired lounge but quickly noticed the fully stocked bar which was flanked by a large flat screen TV and went straight for it and started ordering.

One of my favorite things on the menu were these little "Short-rib Mini Burgers with Shoestring Fries" that were absolutely to die, I literally licked my fingers.

The decor in the main dining area is also chic but more romantic. White linens drape the tables, while candles and dim lighting provide a warm glow that is perfect for a sexy night out with someone special.

During my first visit, I sat at the bar and had drinks and food while watching the Heat game and although the game was a disappointment, the food that night definitely was not. We also tried the Applewood BLT Pizza which is exactly what it sounds like; a BLT sandwich on top of a pizza and boy let me tell you, it was darn good!

The next time I went, I sat outside during the day and enjoyed the ocean breeze and sunlight while tasting dishes from the Cheese Casserole with Chorizo to the Serrano Ham Croquettes which taste like little puff clouds of heaven.

That day I had the Ricotta Spinach and Salmon Cannelloni's which weren't that great but that doesn't take away from my experiences there thus far. The food is by no means 5 star but it is good and fairly priced.

For 15.75 to 19.75 you can enjoy an entree along with an appetizer and there is only a 10 dollar charge for sharing. A glass of wine will run you $4 and the drinks are reasonably priced.

The service is still a little raw but for a place that just opened a couple of weeks ago, its okay. Let's just hope they tighten their bolts and fine tune their service staff before foot traffic begins to pick up.

I must say that the best part about experiencing good food and good ambiance is being with good company and at the end of the day that's all that truly matters.

Enjoy!

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!

Last comic standing...

Miami is one of those cities where you never really know what you are going to get. And last night was one of those nights. I've always been a sucker for a good laugh and therefore have been frequenting the Miami Improv since the late nineties. If that is any indication of how old the Commish is then don't bother doing the math cause you'll never get it! Lol

Anyway, last night was an exceptionally special night because of all the times I've gone to see comedians, during my very few years on this earth, last night was actually someone that I know! Local comedian extraordinaire Elvis Anderson took the stage and it was a real treat.

It was New Faces of Comedy night and 13 local comedians jumped on stage to strut their stuff. Some were a bit greener than others but for the most part they garnered laughs and held their own.

Aside from one guy who was too under the influence to complete a sentence, and another guy who made to many 'feces' references for anyone's liking, it was refreshing to see just regular folks get up there and face the crowds.

Its not easy being up there behind those lights and in front of such a big crowd so I definitely respect and support them.

One thing I found especially amusing was being made the butt of the joke by my friend Elvis! I know you're wondering, "Now why would anyone enjoy that?"

Well, because the experience of a comedian actually telling a joke about you on stage is quite exhilarating, you should really try it some time! It's like that feeling you got when your teacher gave you a big gold star in front of everyone in class, it just feels good!

It was like nothing the Commish has ever experienced before and let me tell you I've seen a lot!

All in all it was a good night in the Grove. And also good to see the old Greene Street cafe is still alive and well which is where we took the after party for the mandatory "Walker fix."

Till next time and remember, "What is life if you can't laugh about it!"

Cheers!

Disposable You...

Like the pair of brand new shoes you've only worn once to the various pairs of cuff links you have for each day of the week, as much as you may not want to admit it, you yourself have become disposal. But unlike the “spoils of war,” your traces do not remain long after the battle is over…

Human beings as individuals have become a transient item.

We have become another one of the many replaceable items in our homes or in our closets that get substituted for something newer and better when the use for that item is no longer required. But my question is, when did human beings become disposable?

Eliminating somebody’s traces from your life has almost become an art form. No longer are we compelled by morals or principles to look someone in the face and explain what it is that is bothering us. It is much easier to just get a new one.

You don’t hold a tie up in the air and say, “Hey friend, our relationship has run its course," do you? So why would you do that with a human being? It’s all much too complicated and takes up way too much time and much needed energy. Energy that could be spent doing something much more productive like crunches, or better yet calling the next person on the list...

We no longer look at each other as valuable, or worthy for the sake of the relationship. We see each other as items and are constantly asking ourselves, “What is this person doing to better my situation?”

We forgot how the person was there when you least expected. We forget how they made us laugh when we were down. We so easily forget all the amazing things that make that person who they are and that garner that person at the very least a final conversation. What did that person do to deserve such treatment, care for you?

Imagine how much happier we would all be if instead of when asked, "So whatever happened to Bob?" one could proudly say, "Well he was a great guy and he's in Alaska right now photographing seals," rather than recoiling in embarrassment and saying, "I have no idea, he left me without a trace..?"

Unfortunately, Miami has bred self indulgent, narcissistic individuals who have no sense of remorse what-so-ever for what they do or who they do it to.

They do not hold themselves accountable for their actions so why should others? Then we wonder why this city is such a nightmare to date in? What we don’t realize is that we ourselves have brought forth this kind of unrealistic cut-throat environment.

Granted, I am not trying to toot my own horn or win the Medal of Honor for my services here; I’m just saying this has gotten out of hand.

Since when is it okay to accept a gift or a favor from someone without returning it ten fold? Since when did it become okay to specifically date someone until “the one” comes along and either sweeps you off your feet or makes you fall head over heels?

We’re all guilty of it.

Where is our sense of compassion for one another? No one looks each other in the eye anymore. We’re like little hamsters running in our cages all alone in our wheels, going no where fast..

We all have feelings. People have feelings. It shouldn’t be so difficult to say sorry to someone. Saying sorry doesn’t mean you are wrong and they are right. It means you acknowledge the other individuals point of view enough to meet them half way on the subject.

Whatever happened to being courteous and caring about the well being of others? I mean if I ever found myself in a tight spot, I would like to believe that a complete stranger would step up to help me, but these days I’m not so sure anymore..

A human being is not an item to be toyed with for a while and then turned in for another model. A person is not merely a “warm body” or a “decent date” or a “good listener,” that is there to fill the role for your convenience. People not only have feelings but they also have better things to do than to be catering to your needs all day.

Maybe, if we all stopped trying to over compensate for our poor judgment and lack of personality by worrying about our appearances and buying nice cars and big boats, we might find the time to work on ourselves from the inside and maybe just maybe become better human beings in the meantime.

Hopefully disposable human beings will just be another fad or something like white jeans and we'll all go back to valuing one another.

I don’t know, I’m just sayin…

So here's the "Shake" down on the Shake Shack

The Shake Shack just opened today and of course I had to go over and see what all the fuss was about.

Word is that in NYC people wait up to 1 1/2 hours in line for a bite of one of these burgers. So I had to go see what was going on because if there are two things I love in this life, they are burgers and shakes!

I ordered a classic cheese burger which came crispy on the edges with melted American cheese on top and let me just say was absolutely delicious!

One bite and I wanted to go back and stand in line to order another one but my waistline immediately denied the request!

The strawberry shake I ordered was thick and creamy and reminded me of an old school malt shake from back in the day although my friend said it reminded him of MC Donalds.

But either way was really good so if you're into a good shake like me, see for yourself and let me know what you think.

One of us ordered some cheese fries which in my opinion could have used a bit more cheese to really be considered cheese fries but the consistency of the fries was spot-on.

The ambiance was nice and airy although the line went on and on and there were no seats available to save your life. They were playing Radiohead which instantly put me at ease and made the wait that much better.

And I don't know if this is a good or a bad thing,when you're hungry, but the smell in there is absolutely intoxicating and keeps you salivating as you wait.

All in all the Shack gets a good hearty shake from me. Just make sure you go with a friend and start some good conversation for a wait of about 30 minutes minimum.

Visiting France for Breakfast

I've thought long and hard(30 minutes) over divulging this little delicious secret but after serious deliberation I have decided my readers have been so good to me you should be entitled to everything that I am lucky enough to enjoy.

In comes, Le Folie - a little obscure restaurant located on the quiet end of Espanola Way. This little spot, which had one chef, one waitress and which seats 25 people on a good day is a little diamond in the rough here known only by a distinct few.

When I go I always order the "Make your Own" crepe for breakfast with the following: Sliced potato, Rosette de Lyon(French Dry Sausage), and Roquefort Cheese(sheeps milk blue cheese from the south of France), with one sunny-side up egg on top(which you can also have them put inside if you prefer). This crepe is made with Buckwheat Flour and is served with Mesclun and Tomato salad and let me just say is a feast for the senses. So delicate and refined as it hits your mouth and then followed by a fresh squeezed orange juice, served in a wine glass, which I love.

I like to go early in the morning when they are still pulling out chairs and turning on the music, the less people the better. It really does feel like you are sitting in a little cafe in Europe.

Just take a bite and imagine you're somewhere else...

Enjoy.

Lou's, the beer garden of choice,,,

Ever feel like drinking as the Belgians do but instead of being in a crowded little backyard terrace, you're sitting by a picturesque pool in the back of a posh little hotel, feeling the ocean breeze and having some seriously good eats? Well you don't need to look any further because Lou's Beer Garden is just that, nestled in the exterior of The New Hotel located on 73 St and Harding Ave.

I had been there with a friend before but this time the party multiplied and it was about 20 people at a table and I must tell you, it was a wonderful time. With a great selection of draft beers, those imports were flowing like nobody's business. Need I mention it was a Friday night?And you know what happens to people on Friday's right?

It's like this: Picture yourself trudging through a dry, dusty dessert from Monday through Thursday and on Friday just when you've almost given up your search, you come across a plush, vegetated watering hole!

And the obvious thing to do at that moment of course is to jump in. Well my friends, that is what Friday feels like for so many of us and that is what we did that night at Lou's. I think if given the opportunity, we would have drank every last drop of beer that evening but that pesky thing called "last call," crept up on all of us unusually fast!













Regardless, I must say Lou's Beer Garden is highly recommended and not only for the beer but for the food too. Lou, a known local chef, is cooking up some yummy delights out there by the pool. The spicy shrimp is to-die and the hearty meat and cheese platter is not for the faint of heart.

Oh and one more thing, the fries. On my search for the perfect fry, I am obligated to mention that the french fries at Lou's were PHENOMENAL. Two thumbs up on those guys!

Definitely swing by and check it out day or night, you'll be glad you did. And tell them Ms. Commish sent you!

Toodles!

Oh Spring is awakened alright!!

This past weekend I was very pleased to be invited to see a new little show we have playing at the Arsht Center called Spring Awakening.. You know that little musical that won 8 Tony Awards in 2007 for everything from best musical to best book and score and has been playing on Broadway since 2006?

Not only was the music phenomenal, but the storyline was great. Its set in an early 19th century German prep school and as you can imagine what goes on in kids minds at that pubescent age, well lets just say there are more than flowers blooming.

This musical takes you on a journey of love, sex, desire and the confusion of puberty. And if you can believe it, it is actually an adaptation of a controversial German play from 1891 that was banned due to its portrayal of adult content such as, masturbation, homosexuality, rape, bondage, child abuse and suicide.

I could just imagine how ahead of its time this play was in that era. I was blown away and I thought I was pretty liberal. Some of the scenes caught me a bit off guard. I was like, "Is that boy really masturbating on stage and did he just take off his pants?"

Hey nudity, rock and roll and kids defying their parents, what more can you ask for out of a musical!

For the most part it was fun and upbeat. Some of the songs they performed jump out at you and its electrifying! But there were some songs I felt were just too serious and/or sad, but then I realized, teenagers going through puberty are supposed to be depressed and emotional so I guess they had to put some of that in there.

One of the things that stuck to me was the story about how a girl begs her mother to tell her about sex and the mother refuses. But since her mother refuses to tell her about sex how is she supposed to detect it when its happening? She now knows nothing about it so when faced with it what is she supposed to do?

This is the same conundrum girls have been faced with forever. Because to tell boys about sex is easier, dad's usually have less gripes about talking to their sons about it.

But when it comes to the daughter, both parents just freak out! Its a no-go! The last thing they want is for their daughter to be having sex, so they figure that by not telling her about it, they are protecting her from it some how. BIG MISTAKE!

Just as the girl in the play, she is still going to do it at some point no matter what so wouldn't you rather she was at least prepared for it when it does happen?

I really liked the musical for the clever way it portrays touchy issues. I recommend getting seats close up so you could see the facial expressions and the cool hair doo's. I also noticed that audience members were ushered to seats on stage before the show!

I wonder what I'd have to do to get a pair of those seats? Flirt with the teacher I assume... ;)

tah tah..

Eating in New Orleans!

This past weekend I had the wonderful pleasure of visiting one of the best cities in the US. A city where food and music are of most importance and if you're not too timid the people there show you how its really done!

One night we ventured to this little spot called Cafe Degas located near the grounds where the Jazz Festival was being held. Its a little restaurant and all the tables are outside but its covered by trees and all sorts of vegetation which makes you feel you are sitting in a garden terrace of some sort. Very cool and comfortable vibe.

The food was delicious! We started off with a champagne cocktail they have called French 45 which is basically champagne and cognac. Very good. I had a French Onion Soup to start which was so rich I needed a knife to get through the thick, melty cheese! And then for the main course I had a Soft Shell Crab Salad. Yes, I know I thought it sounded strange too and when it got to the table it looked like this:

It was AMAZING! From the dressing to the crab, which was flash fried meaning it wasn't too greasy, giving it the perfect texture of crispiness and softness. the salad was SO GOOD. And then they sprinkled it with Goat Cheese which was a sweet surprise cause anything with Goat Cheese in it and you got me!!

The dessert was what threw us all for a loop. It was a "Frozen Chocolate Souffle," which in theory sounded quite interesting, even scientific but in reality it just didn't go over well. It was more like spongy chocolate mouse or something and was shaped into a tower which made it almost impossible to eat. The tower collapsed in case you are wondering.

But all in all it was a pleasurable experience. We were surrounded by Jazz Festers and the ambiance was energetic and fun. I highly recommend a visit next time you are there. Let me know what you think!

Here's to New Orleans!!