SMASHBURGER on Biscayne and 146th

Went to a new burger chain called SMASH Burger last week on Biscayne and 146^th.

http://smashburger.com/

It was good but not as good as Shake Shack.

Bun was soft and juicy like Shake Shack on my burger but not so on a different burger ordered by someone else. The Smashfries with rosemary, olive loil and garlic wewre horrible but the sweet potato fries were good.

I would go back.

8/10

Under $10 per person

 

BLU Sushi at Gulfstream

Went to BLU Sushi at Gulfstream twice in past week. Right next to BRIO.

http://www.blusushi.com/

I DO NOT eat sushi so I can only report that both people I was with loved it and I liked the non-sushi salad and Asian prime filet of beef.

The restaurant is trendy with both outside and inside bars and tables and they had a live DJ on Saturday nite. A young crowd unlike BRIO next door.

8.5/10

 

La Gloutonnerie on Wasington just north of Joe's

Went to La Gloutonnerie earlier this month. It is just north of Joe’s on Washington where Au Pieds du Couchon was for one year.

http://www.lagloutonnerie.com/

They have a beautiful outdoor seating area and the place was full.

All of the portion sizes, including the drinks, were large and everyone had a great meal.

I will definitely go back.

9/10

Was several weeks ago that I went so I do not remember how much it cost or what everyone had but I know everyone liked it.

Cooper Avenue, South Beach

Went to Cooper Avenue in South Beach last week.

http://cooperavenue.com/

It was a large, trendy new restaurant just north of Lincoln Road just behind the new H&M store.

Seems like they also have a 'buffet style' lunch offering.

The restaurant was mostly empty which is normally a bad sign but I think people just don't know about this yet for dinner.

Everything was very good but not that memorable. I can't even remember what I had or what it cost.

7.5/10.

I'll probably try it again one day.

Casa D'Angelo, Ft. Lauderdale

Went to Casa D’Angelo last night in Ft. Lauderdale just north on Sunrise on US #1.

http://www.casa-d-angelo.com/

I had been there is 2006 but for some reason it was not memorable. BOY WAS I WRONG in 2006.

To start with, during the waiter’s reading of the specials I was advised that my first grandson was born so obviously it will be memorable this time. Every single dish was simply amazing and the service was as good.

The meatballs were as good as I’ve had as was the veal chop with cheese in a mushroom sauce. Mona-Lee’s branzino was equally as good and the apple tart dessert reminded me of the same dessert at the old Mark’s on Los Olas.

All in all it was easily a 10/10. As good Italian as I’ve ever eaten including Valentinos.

I will definitely go back.

Meal was $190 with drinks. I actually had my first glass of Champagne.

Valentino's New Location

We went to the new Valentino’s location in Ft. Lauderdale this weekend. Their new website is under construction so I cannot post a link. It is a few blocks north of their previous location on US-1.

The new restaurant is the opposite end of their previous one (which is still open for coal-fired pizza and other food under a different name but still run by them). It is beautiful, modern, bright and trendy and all the waiters wear chef jackets.

The food was as good as ever.

Only problem is that now more tourists will learn about them and it will become tougher to get into.

10/10

 

Update: Cafe Martarano and Zuma

Friday and Saturday we went to Café Martarano at Seminole Hard rock Hotel and Zuma at Epic Hotel.

Martarano was amazing. Meatballs, calamari, salad and chicken Martarano. I'd give it a 10/10 but had to deduct 1 point for having a bathroom attendant. Who the hell ever decided it was classy to have a guy in the bathroom turning on the tap for me.

9/10

Zuma is simply the best! Best food, best service, best scene. My favorite restaurant in Miami or anywhere.

10/10