Christy's Restaurant

I was really excited to go to Christy's this week. Number one, I hadn't been there in many years. Number two, it's still Miami Spice month. Number three, it's nice to get into Coral Gables every now and again. This iconic Coral Gables steakhouse is going to celebrate it's 30th birthday next month in October.

Upon seeing Christy's from the street, I was jogged by memories of years past, and pleased to see the familiar sign with the Christy's logo had survived. As you enter the foyer, you are ensconced with dark masculine colors and brass fixtures that take you back to the elegant 70's. I felt like I had been transported to one of the great reading rooms of Europe. Christy's gave me the feeling it had not been updated in many years.

Christy's Miami Spice menu offered your choice of appetizer: Soup of the day, Caesar Salad, and Fresh Corvina Ceviche. We were only interested in the "World Famous" Caesar Salad and the ceviche. The salad was excellent, anchovies were on the side, and the dressing was great. The only thing missing was a table-side preparation. The ceviche was likewise excellent. The corvina was presented in a small martini glass diced up with red pepper and onion in a lemon juice. I wasn't sure if an old school restaurant could pull off a great ceviche, they proved me wrong. So far so good. Our service was excellent, the gentleman who served us seemed as if he had been there for all of the 30 years Christy's has been open.

The main course was a choice of: 8oz Filet Mignon, topped with gorgonzola butter, with shallot mashed potatoes and fresh asparagus with a red wine sauce, Herb Crusted Seabass, with a baked potato, fresh vegetables and horseradish cream sauce, or Chicken Porcini sautéed in a brandy sauce with porcini mushrooms, served with a baked potato and fresh vegetables. Cristy's is one of the few restaurants to offer a filet on the Miami Spice menu so that was the unanimous choice. We were allowed to substitute a baked potato for the mash, which was a nice allowance, most Spice menu's are not flexible.

The steaks came out cooked correctly, but the quality of the meat was fair at best. I was terribly disappointed in my filet and began rethinking that decision. Christy's is first and foremost known as a steakhouse and they did not deliver this fateful night. The baked potato was great and the fresh chives and sour cream made a nice presentation. The asparagus were likewise cooked al dente and perfect.

For desert, they offered a choice of homemade Key Lime Pie, or Caramel Flan. The pie was very good, a bit on the tart side for my taste. The flan was the better choice. Firm, creamy and smooth, just as you would expect from a Miami restaurant.

It was almost all there. I was ready to give Christy's a glowing review, but alas, I cannot. The service, the appetizer and the desert were magnificent. But the steak took them down. I am not sure who supplies their meat, but I am confident I could have prepared a better filet on my own grill. They could also use a face lift and update their decor. Perhaps we can revisit this in the future, but there is no excuse for such a poor quality of meat to be served in a place with the reputation of Christy's.

DINE OUT IN LAUDERDALE

Thanks to the great success of Miami Spice, Ft. Lauderdale will be offering a similar program aptly named "Dine Out" during October 1 - November 14, 2008. Although not as well known, or advertised as Miami Spice, there are some excellent restaurants on the list such as Cero's, and Jackson's Steak House. This dining program started last year, and was successful enough to bring it back for '08. They also note on the website that there is a special preview at selected restaurants beginning September 15, 2008, check the web site for particulars.

Three course dinners will be offered at $35 per person. A few interesting restrictions are notable: Most Dine Out Lauderdale menus are valid Sunday-Thursday, and not valid during the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, Oct. 30-Nov 3, 2008. American Express is an official sponsor; however, no word yet whether they will offer any cashback bonus as they did for Miami Spice. The official Dine Out website can be seen here.

DeVito South Beach

The first thing I always seem to notice when arriving in South Beach is the parking, or lack thereof. I arrived early at DeVito's, luckily grabbing a meter, a block away rather than paying the $15 + tip SoBe standard valet charge. Upon arrival there are a few seating options, inside, outside, upstairs, and downstairs. The action is usually downstairs, while upstairs is a bit more sedate and refined.

DeVito's South Beach, touts itself as an "Italian Chop House" and is decorated in a contemporary twist on traditional Italian decor. It works very well and is a nurturing, inviting environment. Danny DeVito partners with David Manero, a local restaurateur to create this high profile, exciting restaurant set in the heart on South Beach on South Ocean Drive.

Luckily for our wallets, DeVito's is participating in the Miami Spice program. They started us with a hot loaf of bread curiously served in a brown paper bag, along with a gratis tray of antipasto.

On the menu for appetizers were: Caesar Wedge with white anchovy, cherry tomato, Crostini or Jumbo House Meatball with whipped ricotta. The meatball was the winner here. Served in an individual chrome sauce pan, it was the size of a grapefruit and could have easily served two. The presentation was definitely a plus. Topped with a tasty marinara sauce and a dollop of herbed ricotta, it was delicious and filling.

The main courses presented were: Pennoni, Zyr-vodka san Marzano sauce, or Wild Salmon, truffle honey mustard glaze, pomegranate, marinated fennel, or Organic Semi-boneless 10 oz Lemon Chicken Breast, pepperoncini Chile’s, and citrus dressing It was simply great. Given the choice, I would opt for the chicken. The main dishes come alone with no accompaniments. We tried a side of Horseradish Mash Potatoes and were disappointed. The potatoes were good but served cold.

The desert was the crowning jewel, offered were: Vanilla panna cotta with mix berry compote or Cannoli siciliani, ricotta impastata with chocolate chips, blood orange sorbetto. We opted for the Cannoli which was dreamy and could not have been better. It was paired with a lemon sorbet on a bed of pistachio nuts. I did not think the pistachio nuts was a good pairing for the sorbet, but I overlooked it since the cannoli was so good.

I really like DeVito's. The ambiance, decor, SoBe atmosphere, it's all there. What is also there are the SoBe prices. Of course if you go there on a Friday or Saturday night, you may very well run into some celebrities, or maybe even Danny DeVito himself. Treat yourself to a night at DeVito's, especially at Miami Spice prices. It's worth every penny.

Bourbon Steak @ Turnberry Isle

This is tough review to begin. Do I start with the grand entrance to the hotel? The outstanding service? The beautiful chic decor? The ambiance? They are all fantastic. This restaurant is worth a visit, especially with the Miami Spice menu available. The Chef, Michael Mina puts together a nice presentation and has several restaurants based out of San Francisco.

I had been looking forward to trying Bourbon Steak for a while, and I was teeming with excitement. I had been told by several people that one of Mina's signature items were the Trio of Duck Fat Fries. Imagine my surprise as I sat down and a complimentary order of the fries were plopped down in front of me. The item is normally an $8 side dish. Contrary to what one might envision this dish to be, it is simply presented in three varieties: Smoked Paprika and Mustard, Saffron and Garlic, and Rosemary and Onion. Each variety is presented in an individual small glass served standing up. As if the flavored fries were not enough he has paired them with three different dips: Smoked Paprika and Mustard Crème Fraîche, Saffron and Garlic Aïoli, and Onion Ketchup. All I can say is délicieux.

The Miami Spice Menu appetizers offered were: Sweet Corn Soup with Jalapeño and Jack Grilled Cheese, Sausalito Springs Watercress with Mission Figs, Pistachio, Goat Cheese, and Cumin-Dusted Tempura Prawns with Cucumber-Mango Salad. I opted for the Prawns, which were served piping hot and perfectly, lightly fried. They were piled on a tasty salad and overall gets a "A".

The name of the game is steak, so lets take a look at the menu offerings. On the Miami Spice menu, I was surprised to be confronted with an up charge of $10 in order to opt for the Filet Rossini with Crispy Shallot Potato Cake, and Foie Gras. Your other options were: Wood-Grilled Organic Chicken with Chicken-Scallion Ravioli, and Ginger-Carrot Emulsion, or Swordfish with Caramelized Pearl Onions and Yukon Potatoes, Tomatoes, and Beurre noisette Sauce. We ordered the Swordfish and Filet. The Swordfish was marinated and cooked to perfection; however, it was a very small piece of fish. The Filet was good, but I pegged it at about 6 oz., again a very small portion, especially in light of the surcharge. The Potato Cake and Foie Gras were good but not great. The main course gets a "B" rating which is good.

Finally, the desert menu. Your choice of either Doughnuts “Foster” with Bananas, Cinnamon Ice Cream or Beignets and Valrhona Chocolate Pot De Crème. They were both excellent and worthy of ordering.

A few notes about Bourbon Steak. The portions are small, and the prices are high. I reviewed the regular menu as well as the wine list. The regular menu prices about $10 per entree over the other super premium steak houses for their Angus Beef. They also host a plethora of Kobe Beef which is very pricey ($72 for the Kobe Filet). The wine list was a bit on the pricey side as well; however, it was extensive and well stocked. This is one place I would certainly take advantage of during Miami Spice Restaurant Month. I'm fairly sure I would not pay the regular menu prices for Bourbon Steak although I did enjoy the experience. Good job Bourbon Steak.

Get a $50 Gift Card from Miami Spice & AMEX

This is no joke. Dine at any three (3) Miami Spice restaurants, spend at least $75 per visit, charge it to your AMEX card, and get a $50 free AMEX gift card. This is icing on the cake people. Make sure you save your receipts and put it on your AMEX.

Get the rebate form here: FORM

Five (5) Stars ***** for Chef Allen

Over the years many fine dining establishments have come and gone in South Florida. There is one standout among the rest - Chef Allen's. Chef Allen a/k/a Allen Susser is usually seen greeting tables and is easily identified by his trademark beard and traditional white chefs smock. He was influenced by the culture, local cuisine, and tropical environment here in South Florida. His dishes are eclectic and infuse his favorite ingredient, mango, with other carribean spices, fruits and vegetables. He has been in business since 1986 at the same location in Aventura.

Fast forward to the Miami Spice restaurant promotion showcasing the very best of Miami cuisine. Chef Allen was an original sponsor of this program opening his doors to thousands that would otherwise likely not experience his kitchen. Luckily for you, he still is an avid sponsor of the Miami Spice program and a three course dinner can be had for a mere $36. Chef Allen also offers a three wine pairing for $25. The only other cocktail you should consider is his famous "mango-tini", outstanding and also quite pricey at $16 each. It must be tried at least once.

His service and help is nothing short of exceptional. From the Maitre 'di who greeted us, to the busboy constantly refilling our water, to our server who was also superior. Opening was a complimentary tray of vegetables with a red pepper dip. Very tasty and a pleasant surprise.

Although the regular menu was available, who can pass up the Miami Spice menu? The appetizer choices were: Conch Mixto Ceviche, Wild Florida Shrimp and Grits, or a Roast Beet Salad. The ceviche was fresh and mouth watering good. The seafood tasted as if Chef Allen had caught it himself that afternoon. The shrimp and grits were tasty and the grits were cooked in a seafood base that blended well. The beets were fresh and served with feta cheese. All were great, but the ceviche was the winner. In between the appetizer and the main course a complimentary watermelon sorbet was served to cleanse your palate.

The main course was a choice of a Wood Grilled Skirt Steak, Pan Roasted Mahi Mahi, or Smoked Paprika Grilled Bell and Evans Chicken Breast. The Skirt Steak was cooked to perfection with green beans on the side, and the Mahi was equally exceptional with a side of bok choy. The flavors in the sauces that Chef Allen uses seem to dance in your mouth once you take a bite of his creation. The fusion of the ingredients are second to none.

The deserts were choice of: mango cheesecake, mango cobbler, or mint chocolate shell with vanilla ice cream. They were all delicious.

Chef Allen's is the dining experience we all look for and very rarely get. The fact that he is on the Miami Spice list simply begs your call. This is the "Best restaurant in South Florida". Whether you take advantage of the Miami Spice menu or not, make sure you stop by Chef Allen's. Reservations are recommended, located in NE Miami-Dade at 19088 NE 29th Avenue, Aventura, FL 33180. Phone: (305) 935-2900.