Photo by billwisserphoto.com

Chef Angelo Masarin of Salumeria 104.

Authentically EATalian Restaurants Weekend takes place this weekend -- Friday, April 26, through Sunday, April 28 -- and features 12 popular Miami restaurants.

The Italy-America Chamber of Commerce wants to introduce Americans to the true Mediterranean diet, considered by experts to be one of the most heart-healthy, by teaching them about real Italian cuisine -- "real" as in the way food is prepared and eaten in Italy.

Participating restaurants include Quattro, Pelican, Salumeria 104, Toscana Divino, Pepe Nero, Tiramesu, Piccola Cucina, and Caffè Milano. Chefs will create a three-course $39 prix fixe menu featuring fresh and natural ingredients and recipes that focus on the true Mediterranean way of eating.

More »

Ralph Pagano via Twitter

This man wants to stuff you like a foie-gras goose.

Alba Seaside Italian's chef/partner Ralph Pagano has a way with words. Just ask the personable toque a question and you'll likely get a story in return.

So we shouldn't be surprised at what he's calling his two dinner specials -- both, by the way, being offered this Thursday, February 7.


The dinners are called WTF and You Will Eat What I Make and Like It Four-Course Killer Italian Dinner While I Pour Groth Super Wines Down Your Throat.

The names are insane and we instantly envisioned a chef taking out a funnel and pouring some Pinot Noir down our gullets, much the same way ducks and geese are fed in the foie gras-making process.

Not sure what to make of it, we contacted Pagano, who explained that though the names are a little nutty, the dinners are a great value -- and a good way to celebrate Valentine's Day a week early -- because while we wouldn't object to being force-fed wine, no one should force-feed us a canned day of romance.

See also:
-- Alba's Ralph Pagano and the Vinny D Split: Do You Feel Lucky?

More »

Marguerite Gil

A quiet dining place where grilled juicy 10-oz. burgers will cost you $15.

Open less than a year in a hidden neighborhood west of Biscayne Boulevard and south of 79th Street, Iron Side Cafe is a cool, hidden oasis that offers clients a healthy assortment of organic meal choices in an area where artists, architects, designers and a ton of creative people seek healthy sustenance.

Chef Nuno Grullon and co-owner Fernando Nascimento have come up with some pretty interesting concepts. Before they opened Iron Side, they ran Metro Organic Bistro.

After they opened this new place a few blocks west, many of their clients followed them.

"We've made our patio/courtyard very casual," says Nascimento. "Our fire lamps keep the mosquitoes away and the surrounding palm trees swaying in the breeze are reminiscent of hidden eateries in remote Caribbean islands. Thousands of people walk around during the art openings but otherwise it's pretty quiet around here, except when the trains rattle by. Several big comfy sofas are a strong draw for clients who just want to hang out and sip glasses of wine."

More »

Zachary Fagenson

Afternoon tea at The Biltmore.

More and more these days, we hear Miami touted as a "World-Class City." Putting marketing copy aside, it isn't really a town to which you'd attach adjectives like old world, el;egant, or classy.

So it's not the kind of place you'd expect daily afternoon tea accompanied by live classical music from an acoustic guitar. But head to the Biltmore. There, you'll find more than two dozens varieties of tea rolling around the lobby on a hardwood cart along with dainty, crust-less finger sandwiches and sweets.

More »

Heinz via Facebook

Heinz Jalapeño available through Facebook.

Ketchup is the great equalizer. No matter where we come from or what we do, the one thing we can all agree on is that a burger needs ketchup.

Heinz, the brand that basically monopolizes the industry, is spicing up the classic condiment by introducing a new jalapeño variety -- and it's available for presale through Facebook for 11 days.

For the limited-edition flavor, Heinz blends real jalapeños into its original recipe, which has been around since 1876. The jalapeño variety is part of the company's Christmas promotion, and every order is entered into a drawing for one of 350 Heinz Christmas ornaments.

Last year, Heinz came out with a well-received, limited-edition balsamic vinegar ketchup.

More »

Neospresso

Neospresso machines are a Black Friday deal.

It's Black Friday and the crazies have already made their trip to the mall -- at 3 a.m.! You're just awakening from your tryptophan-induced coma. Problem? You've still got to shop for presents.

Solution? Online is the way to go. With most stores offering additional online discounts and free shipping, you can shop in your Santa pajamas with a Bloody Mary in hand. We've found some of the best deals for foodies.

More »

Marguerite Gil

Aficionados will toast Wine On Harvest Moon at the Deering Estate on October 27.

The anticipated 11th annual Wine On Harvest Moon event will take place Saturday, October 27, at the historic Deering Estate at Cutler. It promises to be a spectacular evening in a sublime environment. This year, Harvest Moon will be the theme for the soiree, which invites enthusiasts to eat, drink, and be merry -- all by the waters of Biscayne Bay.

Top area chefs, restaurants, and caterers will host tasting stations around the estate, showcasing French wines and cuisine. Harry Radcliff of Vintage Liquor says, "I will be bringing various vintage bottles from Bordeaux, Côtes de Rhône, Burgundy, and the Languedoc region of France, for a night of sharing."

More »

A tasty Taste of the Beach dish

The first annual Taste of the Beach and End of Summer Block Party will be presented by the Beach Channel September 29 and 30. It's an inaugural community-driven, two-day event that will feature notable chefs, local restaurants, music, and fun activities for children, including face painting and recreational liveliness. A portion of the event's proceeds will be given back to the community through the Miami Beach Arts Trust and the Miami Children's Hospital Foundation.

Forty restaurants and community organizations will be on hand, rain or shine, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days. There will be a $5 general admission charge, which includes $5 worth of food tickets. Now here's something to note: If you don't want to go into the food tent, where samples will range from $2 to $8, depending on the restaurant, you can roam around in the other sections of the festival free of charge.

More »

thirstygirl.com

Someone give me an IV!

Time to bust out the cervezas and margaritas!

In honor of El Grito this Sunday (that's Mexican Independence Day, for those of you who didn't know), we gathered three places where you can slap on a pair of huaraches, throw on a poncho, and finally wear that sombrero you got on that cruise a few years ago.

You don't have to be Mexican to celebrate Mexican Independence. In fact, it's probably more flattering if you aren't, because it means you're celebrating the independence of a people besides your own. After all, if my home country didn't gain its independence, you probably wouldn't have tacos, or guacamole, or enchiladas, or burritos, or (dun dun dun...) tequila.

The horror!

More »

We'll Iron Fork you for half price.

What yearly event brings you fighting food trucks, dueling chefs, and plenty of free food and drink? If you guessed New Times' Iron Fork, you're correct, grasshopper.

The fifth annual New Times Iron Fork is set to dazzle your taste buds on October 18 at Grand Central. From 7 - 10 p.m. be prepared to sample food from more than 40 of Miami's best restaurants and food trucks, enjoy unlimited specialty cocktails, beer, and wine, and watch some amazing chefs battle it out for your enjoyment.

More »