Basilic - Broward

Taste: ***

Cost: $$

I can't give any Vietnamese food 5 stars bc they don't compare to my moms cooking. So 4 stars is a very very good rating. Basilic is good Vietnamese food, I would give it 3.5 stars if I could. The service was impeccable, and its a very nice upscale presentation of Vietnamese food as most Viet restaurants are dives. I have the Com Thit Nuong (pork chops) which was good, if not a tad on the sweet side. I'd appreciate a bit more char and more saltiness to it. The Crispy Seafood Egg noodles though were great once the rich saice was allowed to soften the noodles a bit. The portions are generous and the place has a very nice ambience. They give shrimp chips to hold you over while you wait for you meal. I consider the viet places on Colonial in Orlando to be 4 stars, and this place falls just a tad short, but I still highly recommend it.

218 Commercial Blvd
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308
(954) 771-5798

Area 31 - Miami

Taste: ***

Cost: $$$$

Decent food, but you're paying for the view. Appetizers are pretty average. This place is probably a plus if you're on an atkins diet, bc all the fish and steak are served with salad. The yellow tail snapper was tasty enough, if not a little over seasoned. The flat iron steak was cooked well and tender enough, and well seasoned. The rapini was a bit of a throw away. Sauteed brocolini with some olive oil.

The view and atmosphere, however, is what elevates everything. If you're trying to impress someone, they will be visually, but just sated with their appetite. The menu evokes mostly latin flavors with some italian influece. Heavy emphasis on seafood.

270 Biscayne Blvd. Way
Miami, FL 33131
(305) 424-5234

Moon Thai - Miami

Taste: ***

Cost: $$$

I was really ready to write them off with 2 stars, but their pad thai won me over in the end. The sushi here is pretty average, not bad, but not great. They have a big focus on cooked rolls with lots of tempura flakes. Their pad thai is tasty, a bit heavy for my tastes and I prefer a bit more sweet. After I squeezed a bit of lime into it, it opened up and was a very nice savory pad thai. Everything is a bit pricey but not unreasonable. A good place for someone not too into asian food as the menu seems very Pan-Asian inspired and more suited for an american palate.

Tel: (305) 668 - 9890
1118 S Dixie Hwy, Coral Gables, FL 33146

Hot Dog Heaven (Ft. Lauderdale)

Taste: ***

Cost: $$

The parking is going to be cramp and they're open till 4:30 only. Hot Dog Heaven must be one of these cult things similar to our Miami love of Arbetters hotdogs. Their hotdog is quite beefy but I don't like the whole boiled method. Unlike Arbetters though, their dogs are pricier... I just don't know if I can justify 3-4 bucks for a hotdog... I'll have to give them the benefit of the doubt though, as it was a nice beefy dog, and the chilli cheese fries was solid (chilli with beans, FTW). Maybe b/c i'm not from here I just don't have the same nostalgia other broward residents do. Solid dog, cramped parking, not too shabby though.

101 E Sunrise Blvd
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304

(954) 523-7100

Jack's Old Fashioned Hamburgers (Ft. Lauderdale)

Taste: ***
Cost: $

After my move in, I decided against cooking dinner and finding something to eat instead. I had always wanted to try Jacks's but never got around to making the trip. first off the burger is pretty decent. I'm not a big fan of all sirloin burgers but this one was pretty decent. nice char taste, cooked medium without me asking. I'm a fan of a 50-50 sirloin chuck burger, but this once wasn't dry at all. The condiment bar had homemade horseradish and other good fixins. The fries were nothing to write home about. If they were a tad skinnier, they probably would have been great. Overall a nice charming place, that reeks with history. I'm pretty sure I might visit again, but thats only if I feel too lazy from firing up my grill to cook my own burgers.

4201 N Federal Hwy, Oakland Park, FL‎
(954) 565-9960‎

Alta Cocina (Miami)

Taste: ***
Cost: $$

Went here for lunch, very nice decor inside. Definitely a nice place to take a date. The menu and name evoke Latin Flavors, but the menu suggests a more global fusion type cuisine. I had the Yellowtail Tuna Salad. Expecting some chopped ahi tuna on a bed of greens, I was pleasantly surprised to find a decent sized Tuna Steak on plate waiting for me next to their side salad. The Tuna was cooked rare as per my request, but the soy/ginger sauce it was served with was a tad too sweet and detracted a bit too much from the flavor of the Tuna. The side salad was luckily dressed with a vineagrette so that provided some much needed acid. With the obvious asian influence on this dish, I would of appreciated a wasabi rub on the fish. The french fries were very light and crispy; they had a nice starch to them. My co-workers enjoyed their various Panini's, and had no complaints. At a glance on their dinner menu, 33 bucks for a choice (non-prime) filet, is a bit steep. The food was solid food though in a nice atmosphere, its definitely worth a try.

www.altacocinarestaurant.com
5837 Sunset Dr
South Miami, FL 33143
(305) 662-7435

Scully's Tavern (Miami)

Taste: ***
Price: $

A very nice little place. The construction going on outside had discouraged me from going inside, but you definitely should. They have an interesting take on cooking wings. They're partially deep fried, and then transplanted to the grill for some char. The result is a crispy wing with a nice smokey aftertaste. I had the scampi wings, and found them to be delightful since they keep the wingtips on! Some pieces might be a tad over charred, but for the most part, the wings were great. The fish and chips were all you can eat and they were good too. Didn't feel too heavy, but I would of liked some malt vinegar on them. Great slaw though, I never really like slaw all that much but this was great. The Ribs were ok, some ribs were tender, some were a bit dry and overdone. The sauce is treated like an afterthought and tastes as such. The fried green tomatos were ok, kind of like sour onion rings. The burger patties were frozen. After inquiring about its freshness they conceded that the head chef was out and they were using frozen patties as opposed to fresh ones. Scully's tries to do alot and it succeeds on some levels yet comes short on others. I think this is one of those places where one day the food is amazing and one day its just ok. Much better than typical bar food, but I guess bc of the food network I had higher expectations.

9809 Sunset Drive
Miami, FL 33173

Shawarma Mediterranean Grill (Miami)

Taste: ***
Cost: $$

Out here in west kendall, you're hard pressed to find anything remotely Mediterranean with the except of the "gyro" platter at Miami Subs. Tucked away on kendall, Shawarma, was some decent alternative eats if you don't feel like making the trek out east. Its your typical food on a stick, carved off concept. No Tzaki sauce, but the meat is very aromatic, it doesn't really need it, lots of fennel, which is good. The rice pilaf was ok, i mean the rice is definitely hispanic rice, with oil, and they try their best by putting the mini noodles and almond slivers. I like my pilaf more fluffy rather than oily and salty (a first for me, i know). The pita is unimpressive, but for the money and the meat, I'll be coming back when I'm sick of Chipotle and Pei Wei.

11752 SW 88 St
Kendall, FL 33186
305-596-3121

5 Guys Burger and Fries (Miami)

Taste: *** (revised from** (revised from ***))
Cost: $

Last chance Review

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I want to like 5 guys. I really do. They have this whole grassroots campaign similar to in and out and shake shack. I decided to give it one last whirl at the south miami location. Of the 3 tries, this was the best. While cooked well done (over cooked in my opinion) the patty was loose packed and had a tender texture. This location also correctly placed the mushrooms and grilled onions on the bottom. It was ok. Actually, it was good, but nothing spectacular. The fries we nice, but not crisp (come on guys... twice fry already!). I bumped you guys back up to 3 stars. But for a 5 buck burger... you're much better off going to charm city. In fact the patties seemed smaller this time... Don't know if they're downsizing due to their popularity?

Updated Review
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So I had to try it again. The burger this time was just too dry for my tastes as I've observed a disturbing practice in the kitchen... they press their burgers. The fries are still good, but I'm pretty much done with the well done burgers. They probably use all ground sirloin, while although tastey, will be very dry after cooking to well done, no less pressing the meat. Dissappointing.
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The newest burger joint to open in Miami, and of course you know I had to try it. Everything here is about simplicity. Only a handful of burgers with unlimited free toppings, fries seasoned 2 ways (cajun or regular), and a hotdog. My first major complaint was the cooking of the burgers. I personally like my burger Medium, with a pink center, but all burgers here are cooked the same way, well done, but its is still juicy to their credit. Their basic burger is a double patty burger. I'd estimate it to be around just over half a pound. So their regular burger is really the little burger. Confusing I know... The burger itself is a very meaty burger. Not much seasoning to overpower the taste of the beef and it was pretty tasty. No options in cheese either, but it also was tasty. I was expecting fresh mushroons but their just canned ones, thats ok I use canned mushrooms on burgers I cook at home too. The fries were great. Hand cut, fried in peanut oil which you can really taste. They're definitely cut ther day, as you can taste the starchiness of potato and the skin is left on which is a nice home cooked feeling. Actually the regular fries is enough for 2. They're crammed into a styrofoam cup and spilling out with another serving in the bag. In fact the fries are probably what would probably keep me coming back here. I'm still a Fuddruckers fan (more burger options, cheese sauce with fries, variable doneness of burgers) but if I didn't want to trek out to North Miami, I wouldn't mind stopping by here.

10471 N Kendall Dr
Miami, FL 33176

China Sea (West Palm Beach)

Taste: ***
Cost: $

Great chinese food for the price. Its your standard fare of take out chinese food just done very well with good portion sizes. Its not quite NY style, but its good enough. I was torn between the 2 or 3 start rating, but if you factor in price, it has to be 3. The sesame , general tso's honey garlic, chickens are all great. The beef and broccoli/garlic/mongolian/etc... are all great. If you just want a snack, 10 crab rangoons are only like 5 bucks.

1196 Royal Palm Beach Blvd
Royal Palm Beach, FL 33411

Taco Rico (Miami)

Taste: ***
Cost: $

Update:

I realized why the food isn't great, I haven't been adding the spinach sauce. The food is good now.

Its all a bit too greasy and just not fresh tasting enough. I had the Chimichanga, Fajita and Taco all to unimpressive results. I'm a forgiving person, especially if the food is cheap... but the food shouldn't have to taste cheap. The Chimichanga was soaked through the paper with oil and just left a bad taste in my mouth after eating. I then moved onto the Fajita, thinking that the peppers would lighten things up... wrong. Just bland and mushy veggies inside. The Taco's shell disintegrated in my hands while eating... Not very good at all... go across the street to Chipotle or something...

473 S Dixie Hwy
Coral Gables, FL 33146

1909 Cafe (Miami)

Taste: ***
Cost: $

Good sandwiches here, particularly the eggplant sandwich. Most of their offerings are tasty if not run of the mill. I could do without the mini bean sprouts in my sandwich though. It should be noted that I have a vehement hatred of eggplant and yet I like their eggplant sandwich. I'd give it more stars but its not one of those, I have to eat there places. Solid sandwiches though.

5710 SW 40th St
Miami, FL 33155

Mojitos (Miami)

Taste: ***
Cost: $

No this isn't the one in Dolphin mall, its the small pan con bistec shop on red road by Sunset Place. On a whim after getting some new tennis strings, I decided to stop in. I've had my fair share of pan con bistec in my life, from the roach coaches to other hole in the wall joints. After my first bite, I was ready to dismiss it, but on the second bite I changed my tune. Lets be honest, its cheap meat, seasoned and thrown between bread with papa fritas. I was never a fan of them bc of the tough meat, but also bc the meat jsut wasn't seasoned enough. It always left a slightly sour after taste in my mouth. Whether it was from a lemon marinade to tenderize the meat, or just bad meat... i was never a fan. Mojito's thank fully omits the overly acidic overtone and accentuates what cuban cuisine is known for: onions. The sauteed onions light up the sandwich and makes me forget about the tough meat. In fact on a 2nd bite the meat is well seasoned and compliments well with the freshly baked cuban bread. They get 3 stars for making me like the pan con bistec.

7318 Red Road
Miami, FL

Joffrey's (Miami)

Taste: ***
Cost: $

This is actually a really great little place. The food is good, maybe not spectacular, but its solid, consistent and the portions are large. I've had most of the salads which are massive, and the burgers here are not too shabby. The main draw is the free unencrypted wi-fi. I come in and order the mango bean salsa and chips (cheap and tasty) and leach off their free internet all day.

11531 North Kendall
Miami, FL 33176-1002

Duffy's Sports Grill (Palm Beach)

Taste: ***
Cost: $

This is my defacto sports bar! Every location I've been to has been nice and clean, and from any seat I'm able to watch every game thats going on. The wings are great, my favorite would have to be the garlic wings (be sure to skip the asian bbq ones). The burgers actually decent and isn't from frozen. The nachos are ok, not your traditional ones, they use fried flatbread, i just wish there was more of them. Be sure to grab a Duffy's MVP card, during a happy hour, we once got PAID to ear there due to double points. This is not gourmet, but they do what they intend to do very well and beer makes everything taste better anyways... Cheers!

Cheeburger Cheeburger (Palm Beach)

Taste: ***
Cost: $

Ahh this place has finally been dethroned as my favorite burger joint but not without a fight. They started the whole 1 pound burger concept and upped the ante with their 2 pounder. The burgers come however you want it with a huge topping list. I'd say the patties here are bit over seasoned and the true beefy taste doesn't quite come through as well as Fuddruckers. The Frings combo is deadly and the milkshake is spot on. A great diner atmosphere and a great burger, I'll have to come back here again if I can manage to tear myself away from the cheese fountain at Fuddruckers.

460 S Rosemary Ave
West Palm Beach, FL

Fujiya (Miami)

Taste: ***
Cost: $

A decent spot for lunch here in Miami. The variety of rolls is a bit lacking, but the fish is always fresh. If you're not a die hard raw fish person look else where. There is a lack of cooked rolls on the menu. The Hosomaki combo for lunch is a great value and you actually get quite a bit of food for you money. Rolls are nice and tight, I just wished they would showcase some more flair on their menu.

11768 SW 88th St
Miami, FL 33186

Arbetters (Miami)

Taste: ***
Cost: $

This place has become a Miami institution. Thought it's changed hands a few times, the menu is so simple you can't really mess it up. Boiled hot dogs, served plain, with kraut, with cheese, with chilli cheese, or as a corn dog. I think I like this place for the nostalgia aspect. The chili doesn't exactly standout too much, but where else are you going to get a hot dog? Checkers, A & W, they all are microwaved and horrible. The chili cheese fries are worth an honorable mention here as well. Can't beat the price, and the dogs are solid.

8747 SW 40th St
Miami, FL 33165