Miami Food Blog

Earlier today, freelancer writer Riki Altman posted an emailed Q&A she did with chef Jacques Pépin. What was meant to be a tongue-in-cheek interview was blown way out of proportion. Pépin answer that he had "hooked up" with 10,000 people he had previously worked with read as an obvious misunderstanding or joke, so the copy was left intact.

However, Pépin expressed that he felt mislead by our questions because of the phrase "hooked up." It wasn't our intention to mislead him but the questions were emailed to his publicist who in turn had a chance to look over them before sending it back our way. Honest mistake perhaps.

Other commenters expressed anger as well, but where the line is drawn is threatening physical harm to our writers. Our reaction is to remove the offending post and notify the proper authorities of the threat. It's definitely something we do not tolerate at all and are sadden that this has taken such an ugly turn.

​Each and every worker drone dreams of escaping the gray, soul-crushing confines of the office for the warm, womb-like safety of his very own microbrewery. You, me, and your boss have all had the exact same 4 p.m. fantasy: "Make beer, get rich!" And yet, here we sit in our cubicles, no closer to the dream, still stuck in the research phase, a.k.a. drinking warm beer under our desk. 

via Whopper Bar now hiring ad on Craigslist

Hahahaha. Doesn't that sign look like it says "Shave it your way?" ​

​What is Whopper Bar? A high-falutin' fast food joint with an upscale interior, 22 topping choices for a Whopper-based menu, the fatter-patty casual dining upgrade burger, Whopperistas handling and building your order, a "visible toppings theater," and a Burger King Studio merchandise kiosk. So far the only Whopper Bar in the U.S. is in Orlando, but guess who's coming to South Beach? That's right, Whopper Bar.

In a move that mirrors that of its South Beach nightlife neighbors the Burger King Whopper Bar South Beach's hiring process is kicked off with casting auditions. Whopper Bar has a now- hiring ad on Craigslist saying that they're "looking for upbeat, fun and dynamic individuals to fit this new concept and location."

Your next chance to audition is November 11 at Courtyard by Marriott, 1530 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach, and you must be at least 18 years old.

​Good news Miami! Food site Eater has deemed us worthy enough of our very own section on its site. Helmed by Miami Herald gossip columnist Lesley Abravanel, the Miami section of Eater is sure to keep us in the loop of the Magic City's foodie scene. Plenty of local blogs have also gotten some link love including Food For Thought, Mango & Lime and, of course, Short Order. In fact, critic Lee Klein is even has his own tag.

But what does Eater mean for Miami? Who better to answer that question -- and more -- than Abravanel.

New Times: Why do you think Eater chose to expand to Miami? Do you think it reflects on Miami rapidly growing restaurant and food culture?

Lesley Abravanel: First off, it's about time! But really, think about it. It's a natural progression. Eater has been  a presence in the usual suspects--NY, LA, San Fran. When they decided to launch nationally they couldn't ignore Miami, a place where people are willing to go into foreclosure to eat at the latest 'it' restaurant. Just kidding--sort of. But really. It seems as if a new bar or restaurant, big name or mom and pop, is opening on a weekly basis down here despite the economy. We've got edible stimulus going on and yes, Eater's entry into Miami is absolutely a reflection on our emerging restaurant and food culture. People are tired of always hearing about what we don't have down here. Eater is here as the cheerleader of what we actually do--and will--have.

Photo via Flickr/CC 2.0

​You worked all week at your desk job, factory, kitchen, office, street corner, or couch, and now it's time to let loose and let that weekend energy plow you over like a bulldozer. So things are tough all over; jobs, school, money, healthcare, war, that kind of stuff, but we're also livin' in Miami and the season's kicking into gear. We've got more slammed restaurants, parties, shows, bottles, models, and all that they entail than anywhere else in the country with as good of weather. So put your elbows up, look to the future and say Cheers Gotdammit it's Friday. Here's what you might have missed this week.

• The Perky Nipple, Jiggle Booty, and Wet Pussy Cat aren't on there, but five other sassy drink names are.
• Puck Fublix. Get your Redlands Fresh fresh in the Redlands.
• Network for net worth and free food at Tamarind Thai on November 10.
• Guess who in South Florida's food industry is CIA certified outstanding.
• Josh Wahler new executive chef at Kung Fu Kitchen.
• Mango Gang original gangster Mark Militello leaves Bal Harbour for The Office.
• Miami Mayor Manny Diaz caught on video pretending to eat collard greens.
• A funny interview with Todd English from a reporter who likes his 10 answers.
• Top five new candies that do stuff to your mouth when you eat 'em.

Jacob Katel

Monster in the parking lot.

​Yesterday we exited the New Times building and saw a raised up Monster Energy truck pulling up. We figured it meant free drinks in our future so we stopped and asked what they had for us.

One of the broads handed me a couple of cans while the other took a picture. We got a can of Java Monster Mean Bean and Java Monster Russian. Here's what we think.

I'm still the Cookie Monster biatch!

​One of the top 10 searches on Google this hour is Cookie Monster Veggie Monster, and we are happy to report that the good old blue and cookie lovin' Cookie Monster the world knows and loves is here to stay, he will not be replaced by Veggie Monster as internet conspiracy theorists have feared for years. The Cookie Monster will however tend to promote cookie eating moderation and promote healthy eating as Sesame Street tackles the epidemic of childhood obesity head on. We repeat, Cookie Monster Veggie Monster will retain his blue fur and full cookie affiliation in name and personality.

In honor of the Cookie Monster staying true to his cookietude we present you our Top 5 unhealthy vegetable meals/dishes/preparations. Stuff that's bad for you usually tastes the best, so we're not saying we wouldn't eat these, but it's important to remember that food is not healthy purely by virtue of vegetable content. Here's the proof.

Cheeseme, maybe the best place to get a cheese sandwich in the Western world, has closed on South Beach .

The place served from a list of 9 breads, 11 types of meat, 11 veggies, 11 sauces and spreads, and 16 types of cheese. There were also soups, salads, and goodies like fondue and beignets.

No word on the next incarnation of its 1200 Washington Avenue location.