Archive for Downtown Miami

LUNCH American Style in Downtown Miami, Florida

LUNCH American Style

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When I saw that the Filling Station‘s new sister restaurant (there’s also a younger brother Reggae Tacos) in Downtown was going to be called LUNCH American Style I knew that the name had to be a riff on the early 1970′s comedy Love, American Style. L.A.S. owner Adam Feigeles confirmed it for me.  The menu at LUNCH American Style is his take on regional favorites like a NYC style Hot Dog, Kentucky Fried Chicken and a Texas Brisket Platter which is smoked in house. It’s a pretty big menu and will probably take you 4 or 5 visits just to make a dent into it. See for yourself:

LUNCH American Style Menu Page 1 (click to enlarge)

LUNCH American Style Menu Page 1 (click to enlarge)

LUNCH American Style Menu Page 2 (click to enlarge)

LUNCH American Style Menu Page 2 (click to enlarge)

I started my LUNCH with a great cup of the Colorado Pork Chili.  It wasn’t a dense Chili and was topped with fried Tortilla slivers and a Key Lime Sour Cream. There was some heat so if you’re a bit of a wimp then this Chili is not for you.

I thought the Pork Idahos would make an ideal appetizers as it’s their version of Nachos but with fresh fried Potato Chips instead. The Kettle style chips are covered in a homemade Blue Cheese Sauce, house smoked Pulled Pork and Candied Bacon. If you have any intention of eating anything  more here then do not attempt to eat this by yourself. This is the perfect dish to sit in front of the TV and watch your favorite sport (in my case MMA, and yes it’s a sport) with. It’s as delicious as it sounds and very hard to stop eating once you get going, proceed with caution.

Colorado Pork Chili

Colorado Pork Chili

Pork Idahos

Pork Idahos

I could have gone with the New Yorker (with Onions in Red Sauce) or even the New Mexico Dog (with Green Chile Relish) but I opted for the more pedestrian (the use of this word here is a bit of a stretch) Fenway Frank. It’s been years since I had Ketchup on a Hot Dog although the owner of Pincho Factory once asked me if I wanted some on my first visit there (never forget). The all beef Hot Dog comes on a fresh roll which I wish had been toasted a little more but it did its job. It’ll be a while before I have the red stuff on one again. I chose the 4 Cheese Mac n’ Cheese (known here as Wisconsin) for my side dish. It’s topped with Potato Sticks and semi crumbled up mini Pretzels. The Mac was on point but I would have been ok without the sticks or pretzels. It might just be a preference thing but I probably would have liked it better if they had pulverized some of their Potato Chips (Mmmmm….) on it instead.

The Bourbon Street (Chicken Breast sandwich on buttered Texas Toast with American Cheese, sautéed Mushrooms and Scallions) capped off my meal at LUNCH American Style. The combination of flavors worked well for me and I’d definitely suggest ordering it. I don’t actually think my Texas Toast was buttered but I didn’t investigate to confirm that. I did sneak a couple of the Garlic Chips into my sandwich for added crunch, try it you’ll like it.

The "Fenway" Frank

The “Fenway” Frank

Bourbon Street

Bourbon Street w/Garlic Potato Chips

I’ll be back to have the Passion BBQ Brisket Platter, the Kentucky Fried Half Chicken and their Mashed Potatoes. That’s only the beginning but next time I’m bringing friends for LUNCH.

P.S.: Yes, they have Burgers too.

UPDATE: They’ve add the option of Crushed Potato Chips with the Wisconsin (Mac N’ Cheese) on the Menu.

You’ll Soon Love:

LUNCH American Style
Facebook: LUNCH American Style
221 N.W. 1st Avenue Miami, Florida 33128
305-379-1991

LUNCH American Style on Urbanspoon

Top Burger in Downtown Miami, Florida

About 3 months ago I wrote about Top Burger opening up in Downtown Miami. It’s located in the old First & First Southern Baking Company spot where I had a not so pleasant experience eating Potato Pancakes. After 4 tries including one weird situation where they were tweeting on a Sunday to come by and enjoy a burger when they weren’t even open, I was finally able to eat at Top Burger.

I already knew that I was gonna get one of each item but what would the toppings be? I made it rather simple, Cheese and Bacon on everything except the Fries (there’s no such option for those). I place my order at the counter and then sit down waiting for it to be brought to me. Everyone here is very friendly which was a nice change of pace.

In what seemed like no time at all my order shows up. The Hot Dog is served on an open foil while the two sandwiches are wrapped up. The Fries come in a cup in only one size (not upsizing here).

My Hot Dog appears to have been victimized as it’s showing some battle scars. Just kidding, I’m sure they did it for cooking reasons. The crispy Bacon & Cheese are nicely tucked into the side of the toasted Bun. I ask for Mustard and got just the right amount. I think the Cheese could be a take it or leave it kinda deal but the Bacon added some much needed crunch to it. There’s a Chicago-style Dog on the menu too if that’s more your speed. The Dog is bueno.

Bacon & Cheese Hot Dog w/Mustard

Both the Chicken Sandwich and Burger have their buns pressed and toasted. The Chicken Sandwich is available plain but I added some Cheddar Cheese and Bacon to it. It was a great Grilled Chicken Sandwich and I’m sensing I may have enjoyed it more minus the B&C. The addition of their Top Sauce (more on that later) would have made this more craveable….big time.

Bacon & Cheddar Chicken Sandwich

The Burger wasn’t much to look at when I unwrapped it. I spun it looking for a good side to take a picture and there it was…melty saucy goodness. Just looking at it right now is making my mouth water. Trust me on this one when I tell you to order the Burger with Cheese, Bacon and Top Sauce, that’s it! Don’t add any of that green stuff or that red round fella. You can thank me via a very kind email for it. If I hadn’t just downed a Hot Dog and a Chicken Sandwich I would have definitely done a Burger Round 2.

Bacon Cheeseburger w/Top Sauce

I had eaten one or two Fries during my feeding frenzy. Once I was a couple of bites from finishing the Burger I noticed a little bit of the sauce had congregated on a portion of the wrapper. I picked up one of the Fresh Cut Fries and dipped it. Someone must have been watching me as I nodded my head like, “Damn, that’s good“. Not even 5 minutes had passed when someone from the kitchen brought me a mini sauce cup full of their signature sauce. All Fries from this point on were either dipped, drowned or covered in the sauce. The sauce has some sort of Mustard/Curry base, it’s not like those Thousand Island based secret sauces. This one is different and excellent.

Fresh Cut Fries

Top Sauce

Yes, I like this place and plan to be back as soon as the next couple of days. Now that I’m a little more educated on what I’m dealing with I have formulated my next meal in my head, the question is what will yours be?

Get on Top:

Top Burger
Facebook: Top Burger
Twitter: @TopBurger1
Hours: Mon – Fri 11AM – Midnight & Sat/Sun 11AM – 10PM
109 N.E. 1st St, Downtown Miami, FL 33131
305-379-3100

100 Cent Burger Mondays at Tobacco Road in Downtown

Every Monday from today til the Monday before Tobacco Road’s 100th Anniversary Party on Saturday November 17th you will be able to buy a Road Burger for a mere 100 cents.

Eat at The Road:

Tobacco Road
Facebook: Tobacco Road
Twitter: @TobaccoRoadBar
626 South Miami Ave Downtown Miami, Fl
305-374-1198

Coming Soon: Top Burger in Downtown Miami

(picture courtesy of Top Burger’s Facebook Page)

Guess what Downtown Miami? Invading the space formerly occupied by the First & First Southern Baking Company is Top Burger with the tagline “Good Food Fast”.  I dropped in on Monday thinking they were open but they were having a Friends & Family event. I was told they were opening Friday but I’ve tried calling the number to confirm and received no answer.

I was at least able to snag a copy of the menu which I’ve scanned below. Burgers, Dogs, Fresh Cut Fries and a few other items make up the menu. They’re also doing delivery which is great for you local folks. If anyone hears anything about the opening date let me know.

(click to enlarge)

(click to enlarge)

Start at the:

Top Burger
Facebook: Top Burger
Twitter: @TopBurger1
Hours: Mon – Fri 11AM – Midnight & Sat/Sun 11AM – 10PM
109 N.E. 1st St, Downtown Miami, FL 33131
305-379-3100

Help The Filling Station in Downtown win “America’s Ultimate Cheeseburger!” w/Recipe

Anyone who’s eaten at The Filling Station in Downtown Miami knows that they make a mean burger. They’ve been chosen by Sargento Cheese to compete in the “America’s Ultimate Cheeseburger” competition against burgers from Chicago, Milwaukee, New York and San Diego.

Their entry, THE Ultimate Sargento Cheeseburger is their Burger topped with 4 Slices of Sargento Colby Pepper Jack Cheese, 3 Slices Of Peppered Bacon, Balsamic Caramelized Red Onions, a Fried Egg, Garlicky Mustardy Mayo on a Fresh Baked Kaiser Roll. Sounds really good to me.

They need your vote so we can take this victory where it belongs, South Florida.
 

Vote —-> Filling Station

 

The Ultimate Sargento Cheeseburger Recipe:

 

Ingredients:

  • 8 oz. ground chuck
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • 1 fresh Kaiser roll
  • 3 slices of peppered bacon
  • 4 slices of Sargento® Natural BlendsTM Deli Style Sliced Colby-Pepper Jack Cheese
  • 1 medium sized egg

 

Balsamic Caramelized Onions:

  • 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 Tbsp. butter
  • Pinch salt
  • Pinch pepper
  • 1 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar

 

Garlicky Mustardy Mayonnaise:

  • 1 Tbsp. mayonnaise
  • 1 tsp. fresh minced garlic
  • 1 tsp. spicy mustard

 

Directions:

  1.  Shape beef into pattie.
  2. Prepare Balsamic Caramelized Onion. Season pattie with salt, pepper, garlic powder and onion powder.
  3. Sauté onion in a nonstick pan with butter, salt and pepper. When the onion is cooked soft add vinegar and stir until absorbed. Remove onions to bowl and wipe pan clean.
  4. Place bacon on baking sheet, sprinkle lightly with cracked black pepper and bake according to package instructions. Prepare Garlicky Mustardy Mayonnaise by mixing mayonnaise with garlic and mustard.
  5. Place burger patties on grill and cook to desired doneness. Top with cheese and cover until cheese is fully melted. While the burger is cooking, cook the egg over easy in a skillet and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
  6. Place burger with cheese on bun. Top with peppered bacon, onions and egg. Spread the Garlicky Mustardy Mayonnaise on top of the bun. Double Bacon Cheeseburger.
(Thanks to The Filling Station for allowing us to reprint this recipe)

Sparky’s Roadside Barbecue in Downtown Miami, Florida

You just can’t trust the GPS on your phone. I’ve been wanting to buy one for use exclusively in my car (where else would I use it?) and it would have come in handy today. I get lost in Downtown easily but luckily Sparky’s Roadside Barbecue was easy to find after my disastrous attempt to drive down a one way road thanks to my GPS.

I walked in and could smell the BBQ goodness in the air. I felt right at home as this isn’t one of those trendy pretentious places trying to pass themselves as a barbecue joint.  While I don’t consider myself a BBQ expert I do consider myself an “experto” at spotting a fake.

Sparky's Wings

I was kinda torn as to which of the appetizers to go for but the Wings and Corn Nuggets ended up being my choices. I wanted to try the Hush Puppies also but I figured there’s always next time if I dig this place. The Wings were awesomely smokey and delicious but those Corn Nuggets. Damn those guys! The Corn Nuggets are breaded cream of corn deep fried. They’re served with a side of ranch for dipping but it’s really not necessary. Wow.

Sparky's Corn Nuggets

Corn Nuggets Up Close

My wife Marcela orders Tyler’s Pressed Sandwich (Brisket, Pulled Pork, Sauteed Onions, American Cheese & BBQ Sauce) while I go for the obvious choice of the half pound Angus Beef Burger w/American Cheese. The sandwiches are served with Waffle Fries (interesting) and Coleslaw (not my cup of tea). There are a bunch of sauces at the table, six to be exact. Sparky’s BBQ Sauce was my favorite of the 6 but the one labeled “Magma” is sure to guarantee a bad time for the person who doesn’t realize the serious heat they’re about to take on.

1/2 Pound Angus Burger

I liked Tyler’s Pressed Sandwich but I wish we had just decided to have the Brisket or the Pulled Pork individually. I’m not trying to dissuade you from having this I just think since it was our first time here we should have tried out the goods solo. Now, as for the burger…..well I was kinda speechless. It was so good, since the smokey taste permeated the patty. It had 2 slices of American Cheese and nothing else on it. I barely touched the waffle fries. I was mesmerized by it so much so that I ordered a second one.

Cornbread & Mac'n Cheese

Mac'n Cheese

The Mac’n Cheese and Cornbread were both fresh and solid. Good stuff and the Cornbread ended up being my guinea pig for the sauces I mentioned before. Also try the Apple Wood and Hickory Smoked Boneless Chicken Thigh, it’s killer.

Sparky's Chalkboard

Burger numero dos arrives and I don’t even remember eating it but I know I did. And I’d suggest you do the same. When you go save me a seat!

Sparky’s Roadside Barbecue
204 Northeast 1st Street
Miami, FL 33131
305-377-2877

Sakaya Kitchen Has Locations At Midtown And Downtown In Miami, Florida

Generally anything with an Asian influence (Sakaya Kitchen is Asian influenced) does not get picked up by my radar. Someone had posted a picture of the Bulgogi Burger from Sakaya Kitchen and I knew right then that it was on. When I walked in, there was no need for a physical menu because it was scribbled all over the wall (not in a serial killer kind of manner though). Now as much I’d like to discuss the Bulgogi Burger, first thing is first. The Korean style Chicken Wings and Spiced Tater Tots catch my eye, which of course means I ordered them.

Korean Style Chicken Wings

The Korean Wings were deep fried and covered in a Ginger based sauce and were great. The tots were tossed in a slightly spicy sauce and were deceptively addictive.

Spiced Tater Tots

The Bulgogi Burger arrives and my eyes are mesmerized. It’s gigantic, smells awesome and dare I say, it’s beautiful. It’s topped with Spicy Cheese, Spicy Tots, Ssamjang, Pork & Spicy Mayo. The Bulgogi Burger’s Patty has a nice crust (I’m gonna go out on a limb and say it was a Bulgogi sauce ).

The Bulgogi Burger

It was an explosion of flavor and easily one of the top 3 burgers I’ve had this year. The spicy cheese sauce is so good my plans are to ask for some to dip my tots in. Even though I left content,  there was something I needed to do. It came to me a few hours later…..a Double Bulgogi Burger.

P.S.:

There is now a “Double Beast Bulgogi Burger” named after me because of my suggestion. It is not for the faint of heart as it is big & filling.

Double Beast Bulgogi Burger

Other things I suggest you order are:

Chunk’d Tots

K-Dog w/Kimchi Slaw

Honey Orange Baby Back Ribs

Pork Bun

Wife Hales Cookie

And even though I have no picture of it, you must get the Coconut Rice.

Two Locations to Indulge:

Sakaya Kitchen
Facebook: Sakaya Kitchen
Twitter: SakayaKitchen

Midtown:
On Buena Vista Ave, Between 34th & 36th at the Shops of Midtown, Miami, FL
305-576-8096

Sakaya Kitchen on Urbanspoon

Downtown:
125 SE 3rd Avenue  Miami, FL 33131
305-371-2511

Sakaya Kitchen on Urbanspoon