Posts Tagged ‘Coconut Grove’
Gibraltar Exterior
Even though this is Florida, waterfront dining can be hard to come by. Romance, sumptuous cuisine and elegance is what we desire, but when it comes to making that reservation, our mind wanders trying to find that perfect destination. That is — until you point yourself in the direction of Grove Isle in Coconut Grove. Tucked inside the Grove Isle Hotel & Spa lies the newly opened Gibraltar, formerly Baleen. While Baleen sported hanging monkeys and a rotating lineup of chefs, Gibraltar brought in a contemporary feel, enhanced views of the bay and the extraordinary talent of Chef Jeff O’Neill.
Chef Jeff O'Neill
This talented chef, most recently from Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, but has also worked with Eric Ripert and Daniel Boulud, has created a seafood-forward menu paired with complex sauces and layers of flavor. He prides himself on using sustainable seafood and organic poultry, so expect nothing less than the best ingredients out there. While our dining experience was first-class all around — the staff is classy, attentive and knows the menu inside and out – I had found some new favorites before our main entrees had even arrived.
First in line was the Mandarin Scented Carrot Soup. A bowl of sweet peas, crouton-like pieces of toasted pumpernickel and a dallop of mascarpone cheese were presented at the table, and were soon covered with the sweet, creamy carrot soup that the waiter poured. The luscious, creaminess of the soup paired perfectly with the crunchiness of the peas and pumpernickel. Never soggy, just delightful, this was a dish to remember.
Roasted Pumpkin Tortellini
Another standout dish was the Roasted Pumpkin Tortellini. Having been told that this was one of chef’s signature dishes, I couldn’t pass it up and it did not disappoint. This pillowy-soft pasta filled with the sweetness of the pumpkin lay perfectly amid the foam of maple and sage. The spiced pistachios added a surprising contrast in texture to an otherwise smooth pumpkin filling.
With an innovative menu, a gorgeous setting and a chef that is both genuine and extraordinarily talented, it will soon be hard to score a reservation at one of the most romantic restaurants in the area.
Gibraltar is located at the Grove Isle Hotel, 4 Grove Isle Blvd, Coconut Grove 305-857-5007
Join DINE Magazine at Jaguar Ceviche Spoon Bar and Latam Grill. This chic and sophisticated restaurant located in the heart of Coconut Grove offers classic Latin American favorites with a contemporary flair. The diverse menu brings together a wide range of spices and ingredients, familiar to the countries of Mexico, Peru, Argentina and Chile. Get ready for your taste buds to be awakened as they go on a culinary journey. While you are there, be sure to try one of their signature ceviches that are served by the spoon.
When: Tuesday, February 16
Time: 6:00 – 8:00 pm
Where: Jaguar Ceviche Spoon Bar & Latam Grill, 3067 Grand Ave in Coconut Grove
Cost: $10 in advance, $15 at the door — This event is free for members of Dine Magazine’s Wine & Dine Club, but an RSVP is required to get in for free. If you RSVP and do not show up (as a member), this membership perk will be suspended.
This includes 1 drink (TBD) and an assortment of beef, chicken and vegetable skewers with assorted salsas from Argentina, Venezuela and Peru. Ceviche will be served in individual spoons and include six different options.
By Marguerite Gil
Coconut Grove has always had its share of delicious international restaurants. The area is reminiscent of a small friendly village but has, over the decades developed a well reputed continental flare that makes the excursion there, a fun past-time to look forward to. There are tons of exotic boutiques, hotels, a luxury marina, historical site (Barnacle House), an interesting assortment of ‘Grovers’ and plenty of places to sip and snack. One of the more adventurous dining establishments is Jaguar Ceviche Spoon Bar & Latam Grill. Located in the heart of Coconut Grove, right on bustling Grand Ave. and next to hot spot Coco Walk, Jaguar easily caters to locals as well as the intense tourist population that regularly swarm throughout the region.
The Jaguar experience will introduce you to authentic fine foods from far away countries such as Chile, Peru and a variety of other South and Central American nations. Primarily described as New Latin Cuisine, the menu showcases Ceviches, Churrascos, Tortillas and Quesadillas as well as some favorite American dishes which include Baby Back Pork Ribs and Seared Tuna Sandwiches.
We chose a sidewalk table surrounded by trees and with a full view of the ongoing parade of people who were strolling back and forth on a sunny South Florida day. Our courteous waiter suggested we open with rather large, salt-rimmed Margaritas while we checked out the extensive menu. No argument there.
Ceviche has become very popular during the last few years. Each country (Peru, Chile, Ecuador, Panama, Guatemala, Columbia and Mexico), has its own touch of individuality depending on the local produce grown. Most often it consists of raw finfish or slightly cooked shellfish that is marinated in lemons or limes and garnished with a vast array of spices, veggies and condiments such as yellow garlic peppers,(aji Amarillo), ground pepper, chopped jalapenos, cilantro, sea salt, chives, diced tomatoes, chili powder and even popcorn nuts and large corn kernels. Jaguar serves the ceviche in ample porcelain ‘Chinese’ styled spoons. The Spoon Sampler has 6 different options ranging from mild to extra spicy.
Eduardo (Lalo) Durazo is one of the four owners of Jaguar. He said, “I’m originally from Mexico. Our team thought about opening a Mexican place but also knew that Americans had a definite impression of what a Mexican restaurant should be and should serve. We looked at the diversity of Miami and the demographics and noticed that ceviche is found in other Central and South American countries as well as in Mexico. At that time we decided that ceviche would cater to a bigger part of the population. Now, after operating Jaguar for over four years, we believe that the people are ready for a real authentic Mexican restaurant, which is why we will be introducing Talavera to Coral Gables early summer [now open].”
On the Jaguar menu, guests will find Ceviches, Salads, Soups, Tacos, Sandwiches, Grill dishes and some very interesting House Specialties. Lalo is proud of his LATAM (Latin-American) assortment of preparations from different countries “Chef Oscar del Rivero creates everything on the menu from scratch every day,” he said, “he has found some unusual combinations that are well appreciated by people from different parts of Latin American but not so well known in the USA.” The Chupe de Camaron is a Peruvian shrimp chowder with rice, egg and aji Amarillo. Another favorite is the Pescado Jarocho, made with Mahi-Mahi, fresh tomato sauce with olives, capers, herbs, jalapenos, onions, garlic and lemons. Of course there are dishes with ‘a twist’ such as the Mexican Tortilla Lasagna, composed of layers of tortillas with pieces of chicken, Poblano peppers, corn, tomato sauce, cream and the whole plate is covered with melted cheese.
You’ll need some beverages to put out the fire in you mouths. Check out Thirsty Thursdays and their various Happy Hours.
“We, (Chef Oscar, Martin Moreno, Sergio Durazo and Lalo) are the owners but we also operate everything ourselves. We take pride in the quality, service and in the value that we offer in our restaurant. As far as value in today’s economy, we pride ourselves in giving our clients the best of everything. Delicious, uncommon dishes at affordable prices. We’ve been here in Coconut Grove for just over four years and our clients keep coming back, over and over again. I think that says something powerful about Jaguar.”
Jaguar Ceviche Spoon Bar & Latam Grill is located at 3067 Grand Ave in Coconut Grove. For more information call (305) 444-0216.
Be one of the first to experience The Ivy At The Grove, Coconut Grove’s newest hotspot. The Ivy at the Grove offers accessibly-priced modern American and British comfort food in a refined yet inviting setting. Indoor and outdoor dining options for breakfast, weekend brunch, lunch and dinner are available throughout three elegantly designed floors. For this event, guests will enjoy 1 complimentary glass of wine and a selection of complimentary canapes.
“A feast for the eyes and the palate…”
- Miami Herald, 12/31/2009
When: Tuesday, January 19
Where: The Ivy at The Grove
Address: 3159 Commodore Plaza, Coconut Grove
Time: 6:00 – 8:00 pm
Cost: $10 in advance, $15 at the door
Canapes to be served include:
Tuna Tartar served on Crostini
Lollypop Lamb Chops
Tomato Basil Gallette Bites
Bang Bang Chicken served on Endive
For those of you who would like to stay for dinner, they are offering an incredible 3-course dinner for only $24, exclusive to DINE guests on the night of the event.
1st Course –
Choice of the soup of the day or the House Ivy Salad
2nd Course –
Chicken Madras served with Basmati Rice, Shepherd’s Pie or Salmon Fish Cake with Sorrel and Sauteed Spinach
3rd Course –
Strawberry Eton Mess or White Chocolate Bread and Butter Pudding with Jack Daniels Custard
Come for just the wine or hors d’oeuvres or stay for both. It is entirely up to you.
Dine Magazine invites you to join us for a glass of wine and fabulous hors d’oeuvres at Bizcaya Lounge, a casual, chic spot inside The Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove, Miami that presents Italian fare in villa-style surroundings.
When: Tuesday, September 1
Where: The Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove, Miami, 3300 SW 27th Avenue in Coconut Grove
Time: 6:00 – 8:00 pm
Cost: $10 – Includes one glass of Topel wine and a selection of gourmet hors d’oeuvres including Bruschetta Caprese, Scallops Saltimbocca Lollipops, Truffle Polenta Bambolino and more.
Bizcaya restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove, Miami shines as one of Coconut Grove’s hidden gems for Italian fare that keeps you coming back for more. Chef Philippe Pinon dazzles here in this casual Italian Bistro by day and sultry lounge by night, so it’s easy to see why the restaurant has a following for lunch, dinner and one of the best Sunday Brunches in the city.
Bizcaya’s beautiful setting is a relaxing respite, complete with a lush garden and cascading waterfall creating a sultry backdrop for Dine Magazine’s Wine Happy Hour September 1 from 6 to 8pm. With only a $10 participating fee enjoy your first glass of wine complimentary and $8 per glass after that. Chef’s specialty hors d’ oeuvres will be passed throughout the night and a $35 three course menu to include your choice of Atlantic Salmon Milanese, Roasted Organic Oregano Chicken and Certified Angus Filet will be served in the private dining room in an Italian-Villa like setting.
All guests will be entered into a raffle to win brunch for two or a $150 gift certificate to The Boutique Spa, a hidden gem in Miami known to spa connoisseurs for its intimate surroundings, personalized service, full fitness center, complimentary valet parking and access to the hotel’s sublime, private elevated pool with any treatment.
*Reduced Valet parking: $5
For more information please contact 305-929-DINE.
$35 Dinner Menu
First Course
Caprese Salad
Beef Steak Tomato, Proscuitto and Micro Green Salad Buffalo Mozzarella
OR
Ricotta Potato Gnocchi
Avocado Mango Truffle
OR
Antipasto Salad
Genoa Salami,Roasted Bell Pepper ,Marinated Portabello Mushroom,Pepperochini Pepper and Sopreseta
Second Course
Atlantic Salmon Milanese
Foccacia Bread Crusted, Tomato and Fennel Confit , Olive and Lemon Preserve Vinaigrette Arugula
OR
Roasted Organic Oregano Chicken
Brocolini, Truffle Polenta Mousseline, Black Trumpet Mushroom Demi
OR
Certified Angus Filet
Potato Confit Organic Vegetable Ragout
Dessert
Pistachio Panacotta
Citrus Segment and Orange Zest