Miami Food Blog

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​College isn't all about beer bongs, orgies and smoking like the Everglades. It's also about learning stuff. Miami-Dade College's School of Community Education is all about advancing your knowledge. Anybody can sign up, and you don't need any stupid high school diploma either.

Wolfson Campus (300 NE Second Avenue, Miami) has an entire page of its fall schedule devoted to cooking classes. Some have passed, some are mid course, and some have yet to start. Click the above image for a legible image and browse what's available.

Click here for more info about other campuses.

Jackie Sayet

Culinary's cool

How can you not fall in love with her? Besides the fact that she is smart and talented, she happens to be one of the kindest chefs in the business. Always professional and always charming, Michelle also has serious cooking clout. She has used her expansive experience to create food that is deeply personal, refined and perpetually delicious, without being fussy.

​Top Chef Co-Host Gail Simmons of Food & Wine Magazine is of course dishing on our Michelle, Chef Michelle Bernstein, who recurs as guest judge on the Emmy-nominated show, (watch her on Bravo at 10 p.m. tomorrow night, September 23, on Top Chef Las Vegas.)

If you like eating Indian food and don't know how to prepare it, I highly recommend Ayesha D'Mello's cooking class. Ayesha is really good at teaching this, the meal at the end of the class is delectable, and you will actually be able to recreate the dishes at home with relative ease.

We mention this now because the new fall schedule of classes has just been released. Here are the dates and other info you may need:

August
Saturday, August 29, 11-2pm Classic Indian Cuisine

September
Saturday, September 12, 11-2pm Traditional Vegetarian Fare Saturday, September 19, 11-2pm  Classic Indian Cuisine
Wednesday, September 23, 11-2pm Vegetarian Delights

October
Saturday, October 03, 11-2pm Flavors from the Beaches of Goa
Saturday, October 10, 11-2pm Traditional Vegetarian Fare
Saturday, October 24, 11-2pm Murg Makhani (Butter Chicken) and the Works

November
Saturday, November 07, 11-2pm Royal Lamb Rogan Josh
Saturday, November 14, 11-2pm Vegetarian Delights
Saturday, November 21, 11-2pm Holiday Entertainment

WHERE:
Ayesha's Kitchen
9105 SW 115th Terrace
Miami, FL 33176

FEE:
$75.00 per guest per class (includes cooking demonstration, copy of easy to follow recipes and a wonderful sit-down meal). Pre-registration is required. Register early as seating is limited. Your seat will be confirmed only when payment is received. You can pay via PayPal or write a check payable to Ayesha D'Mello and mailed to 9105 SW 115th Terrace, Miami, FL 33176.

Angie Chen

Wokking it out

​What do three accountants, two food bloggers, a planning director at Macy's, a college student and his mom, and a special events associate at United Way have in common?  Don't feel bad if you're stumped, because last week, the answer would be not much.  Not even comparable cooking experience. 

What a difference a couple hours on a Saturday afternoon with Eleanor Hoh makes.

Thanks to the instruction of this enthusiastic culinary entrepreneur, the members of this motley crew can now call themselves "Wok Stars," able to pull together simple Asian meals at home combining a few techniques and ingredients in a hot wok.

Contrary to what many chefs these days would have you think, Disney probably put it best in the animated feature, Ratatouille.  Chef Gusteau's motto?  Anyone can cook.  In Eleanor Hoh's case, it's anyone can wok.

image via ellievanhoutte's flickr

​Short Order recently overheard two line cooks trading stories in the kitchen of the Bancroft Supper Club.

Cook 1 told the story of learning the careful what you touch after working with hot peppers lesson the hard way after a post chile trip to the bathroom left him burning for an hour.

Cook 2 had this to say (in a New York accent)......  

Jacob Katel

Be Organic members show off samples of their finishing sauces

image via tifotter's flickr

For most people, tax season is a time of near crippling depression accompanied by a vow to tighten the belt. Short Order is here to help by showing you some incredible recipes you can use to save money without sacrificing taste.

Triple Pork Sandwich? Yes please

Is it too early to start thinking about Thanksgiving? Not after you try these caramelized apples with yams from Consumable Joy.

A Hot and Trashy Sushi Recipe courtesy of All Purpose Dark

An easy to make surefire crowd pleasing quesadilla via Mango & Lime

Tinkering with Dinner has Ice Cream for dessert

There are cooking instructors and then there are cooking instructors. Executive Chef Edgar Leal of Cacao Restaurant, 2009 James Beard Foundation Award semifinalist for Best Chef in the South falls into the latter group. This coming Saturday, March 28, from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Leal will demonstrate how to prepare a three-course meal of ceviche and pumpkin foam, risotto, and chocolate soufflé. The class takes place at La Cuisine Gourmet (50 Aragon Ave., Coral Gables). The $80 price includes tastes of the food, and you can reserve a space by calling 305-445-6620.

I've been meaning to write something for quite a while about the new Cook's Inc. at Abacoa Town Center. Abacoa, located in Jupiter in northern Palm Beach County, may be a long drive north for many of us, but Cook's Inc. is doing something unique -- it's part gourmet market, part restaurant, part cooking class (they're calling it a "culinary solutions center"), and they're doing demo/dinners  just about every night. Chef John Carlino (pictured left) runs the show -- he's a former associate dean at the Florida Culinary Institute, and he's demonstrating everything from knife skills to entire Thai meals to wine pairings. This month's lineup of demo/dinners, at prices ranging from $11 to $50 per seat, include a sushi making demo and a wine pairings dinner. Check the website or call 561-429-8020 for more info and to make reservations. Cook's Inc is located at 1209 Main Street, Suite 101 Jupiter, Florida. Here's a taste.

Saturday, March 21, 2009 Date Night in Venice
Chef Carlino kicks back to his roots with a Culinary journey through Venice. The menu will feature: * Escarole and White Beans * Gorgonzola and Pesto Polenta * Shrimp and Calamari Risotto * Tira Misu Dinner price of $35 includes a glass of wine. A short reception will begin at 7pm.   (Please note: a Chef's Table consisting of four seats is available. Chef Matt will prepare the same 4 course meal at a cost of $50 per seat. Seats can be purchased individually.)    

Sunday, March 22, 2009 Sunday Supper
Sunday Supper will feature: * Tossed Green Salad, Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Cooks Italian Dressing * Sliced Roast Beef on grilled Focaccia   Pan Gravy, Horseradish Sauce on the side   Real Mashed Potatoes   Fresh Spring Vegetables * Demonstration Dessert (soon to be determined) Price is $11.95 and $8.95 for children under 12 years old. Seatings at 4pm, 5pm, 6pm or 7pm.  

Tuesday, March 24, 2009 Whole Family Night: Pasta!! Pasta!!
The menu will feature: * Tossed Green Salad, Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Cooks Italian Dressing * Chef Carlino's Choice of at least two pastas   Chef Carlino's Choice of at least three sauces   Chef Matt's choice of vegetables   Chef Matt's choice of proteins * Family Dessert (Soon to be determined & made on premises.) Price is $8.95 and $4.95 for children under 12 years old. Seatings at 5pm, 6pm, or 7pm.  

Wednesday, March 25, 2009 French Wine Tasting
Chef Carlino will offer an excellent sampling of foods paired with four  French wines. Cost is $30 per person, dinner will begin at 7pm.   

Thursday, March 26, 2009 Evening in Provence
This evening's Culinary trek through France will feature: * Eggplant Bundles with Tomatoes Provencal * Salad Nicoise * Seafood Bouillabaisse * Creme Brule. Dinner price of $35 includes a glass of wine. A short reception will begin at 7pm. Once guests arrive the demonstration meal will begin.     (A four seat Chef's Table consisting is available for this evening. Chef Matt will prepare the same 4 course meal in the Cook's Inc. kitchen for $50 per seat. Seats can be purchased individually.)    

Friday, March 27, 2009 Sushi Night 
Chef Roy from the Mark's Restaurant Group will be displaying his sushi wrapping skills. The demonstration/meal will include the preparation of California Rolls, Dragon Rolls, Spicy Tuna Rolls and a Sushi Surprise. Dinner price of $50 includes a glass of wine. A short reception will begin at 7pm. Once guests arrive the demonstration meal will begin.   

Saturday, March 28, 2009 From the Sea 
Chef Carlino will share his secrets to preparing some wonderful seafood dishes during this evening demonstration/meal. The menu will feature: * Cold Poached Salmon with Olive Salsa * Grilled Clams, Chorizo and Garlic * Pan Seared Sea Scallops in a Vegetable Nest * Fresh Berries, Grand Marnier, Minted Cream. Dinner price of $35 includes a glass of wine. A short reception will begin at 7pm.  (Chef's Table consisting of four seats is available for $50 per seat. Seats can be purchased individually.)    

Sunday, March 29, 2009 Sunday Supper 
Sunday Supper will feature: * Tossed Green Salad, Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Cooks Italian Dressing * Sliced Roast Beef on grilled Focaccia   Pan Gravy, Horseradish Sauce on the side   Real Mashed Potatoes   Fresh Spring Vegetables * Demonstration Dessert (soon to be determined) Price is $11.95 and $8.95 for children under 12 years old. Seatings at 4pm, 5pm, 6pm or 7pm.  

Goodness gracious, another Friday the 13th rolling around  -- that makes two this year. But we have a plan to help you beat back bad luck this week: On Friday, March 13, Slow Foods Glades to Coast is teaming up with the Cheese Course in Weston to demonstrate the art of making fresh mozzarella, a food that has been known to fight off evil spirits when ingested in copious quantities. Cheese Steward Denyse Gervasoni and store owner manager Janet Ribera will talk about how our favorite food combines perfectly with locally grown Farmhouse heirloom tomatoes, Swank farm greens, and basil from Pontano Farms. Cheese and produce will be for sale after the demo, and the cost to attend is FREE. Lucky, lucky you.

BTW, the Cheese Course is pretty much your one-stop shop for party time: They'll personally help you pick out cheeses that are great counterpoints in terms of flavor, texture, and sharpness for your next shindig, whether it's a formal sitdown or a cocktail meetup. Stop by and let them explain what the difference is between a "bloomy rind" and a "washed rind." You'll find beautiful breads and wine, serving dishes and platters, chutneys, jams, and crackers too.

1679 Market St.
Weston
954-384-3183

Bernstein: Cooking by the book

Mark Tuesday, March 10th in indelible ink and reserve now if you fancy the chance to cook with Miami star chef Michelle Bernstein: Bernstein will be demonstrating recipes from her new book Cuisine a Latina that night for a Miami Slow Food event sponsored by Whole Foods.

In case you've had your head stuck in a vat of mole for the last decade, Bernstein is the irrepressible chef/owner of Michy's in Miami, ex-ballerina, graduate of Johnson and Wales, Food Channel personality, Iron Chef competitor, Bon Appetite, Golden Spoon, and James Beard award winner, Delta Airliines consultant, and Top Chef judge. Bernstein's got a new tapas place called Sra. Martinez on 2nd Ave., and she's been hired to put together the menu at the forthcoming Omphoy in Palm Beach. Her Slow Food menu looks like a bunch of small plates you could recreate at home for a fabulous party: Shrimp on toast, chicken mango sandwiches, lamb cigars, watercress salad, and more.

Tickets cost $150 each inclusive of wine  (courtesy of Elizabeth and Tom Smith) and must be reserved in advance: The class is limited to 40 people. Email Slow Food maven Donna Reno at exileatmed@comcast.net to reserve your place.

Slow and Steady Wins the Race

Tonight (Tuesday Feb. 17) from 5:30 to 7:30, Chef Michael Wagner and Slow Foods Glades to Coast team up for A Slow Winter's Night at Lola's on Harrison, where they'll be hosting a mini mixology workshop (and yes, you get to drink the exhibits). Wagner and his team will be mixing locavore cocktails with fresh fruit and herbs from area farms, paired with delicious canapes (I've got my eye on the rock shrimp croquettes). Cost is $25, a portion of which goes to support Slow Food projects in education and outreach. Lola's is located at 2032 Harrison Street, Hollywood. Call them and tell them you're coming: 954-927-9851.

And, upcoming: the Miami Slow Foods chapter is planning a Farm to Table event Honoring Our Local Producers hosted by Creek 28 on Thursday, February 26. Tickets are $68 per person all inclusive for a lovely menu that includes a choice of local fish or braised rabbit with taglietelle as the main course (I can vouch, braised rabbit is delicious). See the full menu and purchase tickets here.

Get lit without guilt at Lola's

To celebrate their recent Golden Spoon Award for Best Place for a Cocktail, Lola's on Harrison is teaming up with the Glades to Coast Slow Food Chapter on February 17th for a night of locavore mixology and finger foods. Cost is $25*** for cocktails and canapes. Join them for a mini mixology workshop, where youll learn how to infuse your liquors with fresh local ingredients. 

Hopeless jackass and Palm Beach county resident Rush Limbaugh has a particularly ridiculous sound byte traveling around the internet lately in which he's basically quoted as saying he doesn't want the Obama doctrine to succeed. The quote came from an interview Limbaugh did with Sean Hannity, in which Hannity asks the big guy, directly, if he wants Obama to be a successful president. Granted, when the clip was shown on the Daily Show, Limbaugh's answer was presented out of context, making it look like he straight up said, "I want Obama to fail." That's not entirely the case, as you can see above, but that doesn't change the fact that the guy is retarded. Socialized medicine will be the death of America as we know it? Apparently Rush hasn't thought this one over enough. I mean, if medicine is socialized he wouldn't have to work half as hard to cover up his pill habits. Just tossing it out there. (Yes, I resorted to an ad hominem attack. Deal with it.)

What does this have to do with food, you ask? Well, it's recently become clear that Limbaugh's brain-addled condition may have something to do with his upbringing (after all, don't neo-cons like him believe being gay is nurture, not nature? In that case, couldn't acute mental deficiencies be borne of the same thing?) Short Order recently discovered, by way of the Village Voice, by way of the Kansas City Pitch, that Rush Limbaugh was abused as a child. No really! With food!

Take a look after the jump.
 

Of course, you could just hire a waitress and a scullery maid, but in this economy, who has the extra dough? If you're starting to melt down at the thought of serving 20 people on Thanksgiving from nothing but the hot plate and a microwave in your crappy apartment kitchen, help may be at hand.

Lauderdale's much beloved chef Dean James Max, of 3030 Ocean, is doing a cooking class this weekend on Sunday November 23rd from 11 to 2. Max is going to offer foolproof tips for cooking a turkey and also share the secrets of his favorite sides. He claims the class will "boost your confidence." To that end, I personally turn to a couple of strong martinis, but whatever works. Call Nicole at 954.765.3129 to book your spot.

And further north....