Well, this will be less of a review and more of a rundown of the food and experience Ive had at George's in the Grove on my first 2 visits. Ive been there twice and Ive yet to order an entree. This is for 2 reasons. First, for some reason the 2 times Ive been I wasnt super hungry. Second, the apps are HUGE. Here is a quick rundown of what Ive had there. Bear with me because Im long-winded :)
Tuna Tartar - this French version uses creme fraiche in the mix along with some chives. The pile o' tartar was enormous and came with a little side of greens w/ balsamic. I could only finish 1/2 of it. This was my least favorite dish to date because the creme fraiche left it tasting really bland. Needed some spice of some sort. I mentioned that to one of the managers there when he asked my opinion and he said it was valid point. You could easily split this dish between 2 people and be fully satisfied portion-wise.
Mediterranean Vegetable Salad w/ Lobster & Truffle Oil - This dish was surprisingly awesome. I was surprised because usually when you think salad you think "greens of some sort w/ veggies on top". This one was ALL VEGGIES. Julienne carrot, zucchini, squash, and cauliflower all mixed together and topped with Maine lobster - both claw and tail. Although the menu said "truffle oil" mine tasted more lemony, like the veggies had been marinated a little bit. They still were very crisp and fresh. The dish was light and really hit the spot after the tartar, plus I got more than my daily intake of veggies. This could be split between 2 people as well.
Caprese Salad - its called something else on the menu but its basically a tower of caprese. This was really good as well. The orange and red tomato and the mozzarella are stacked thin with nice pieces of basil in there as well. The dish is drizzled w/ EVOO and a little balsamic. I believe there was a little pesto action goin on there too. Looks pretty and again comes w/ a side of greens w/ balsamic. Another one that you could split between 2 as this nearly filled me up on its own.
Sauteed baby artichoke and shittake mushroom salad - I think this is the name of it anyways... This salad was a winner too but I was a little disappointed that the shittake mushrooms never made it to the dance. Instead, however, was a nice portion of thinly sliced pancetta (or some similar cured pork) and the best way to make up something to me is to provide something along the lines of bacon. Pine nuts were there, cherry tomatoes, and a light drizzle of balsamic dressing.
Also, the 1st night I was there they gave me a free slice of pizza. It had creme fraiche for the sauce and was topped w/ lox (or was it nova?) and capers. Strange but it was actually really good. The warm dough mixed with the cool, salty lox and capers and smooth creme fraiche worked well.
Another reason to check this place out - George himself. The guy is a good guy, funny, and likes to make customers feel special. I knew him from the Le Bouchon days and told him he probably didnt remember me but he would most likely remember the ladies I brought to his old haunt and that got a good laugh. They give free glasses of champagne (at least everyone Ive seen in the place has got one) and George is constantly hustling around, whistling like a songbird to get his staff's attention, and shouting things in French. Really makes you feel like youre out of Miami. I was actually their 1st customer which was pretty funny when they made a big announcement as I paid my bill. Also, I was there the night before last and had dinner with Maurice Cheeks, the coach of the Philly 76ers who just bought a place in the Grove. We chatted about a variety of stuff and he was a pretty cool guy and really likes the area. Mo really enjoyed the salmon he ordered although the goat cheese terrine that George gave him for free was out of his tasting zone. Just not a goat cheese fan. He did enjoy George's whistling and running around and said if anything he would come back just because of that haha.
Definitely give it a shot. The Grove needs the business and I cant afford to lose another quality restaurant in my 'hood!
George's in the Grove
3145 Commodore Plaza
Miami, FL
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Cleaning up this city one business at a time
As I drove to work last week, I noticed this disgrace at a local Miami business:
When I saw it, I was pissed. I called the company's corporate HQ and got the phone number for the Miami branch. I then called and asked to speak with the branch manager but he was out so I left him a voicemail. I told him that the flag outside his business is a disgrace - torn to shreds and filthy - and that he should be ashamed for letting our nation's flag be desecrated in such a way. I finished by adding that he should go to Home Depot and spend $6 on a new flag so he could display something outside his business that he could and should be proud of.
It worked. Pretty quickly too. The next day this business had a brand spankin new flag flying on its pole. It was a rewarding feeling to be responsible for getting that new flag up there. Im proud to be an American.
When I saw it, I was pissed. I called the company's corporate HQ and got the phone number for the Miami branch. I then called and asked to speak with the branch manager but he was out so I left him a voicemail. I told him that the flag outside his business is a disgrace - torn to shreds and filthy - and that he should be ashamed for letting our nation's flag be desecrated in such a way. I finished by adding that he should go to Home Depot and spend $6 on a new flag so he could display something outside his business that he could and should be proud of.
It worked. Pretty quickly too. The next day this business had a brand spankin new flag flying on its pole. It was a rewarding feeling to be responsible for getting that new flag up there. Im proud to be an American.
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Asian Facial with Chinese Balls
Yup, you read that correctly. Its a topic for a demonstration at the International Congress of Esthetics and Spa convention that is being held at the Miami Beach Convention Center in May. I think the street term is called "bukake". LOL
Anyone in the spa industry should check out this event. Lots of manufacturers and vendors will be present and many classes taking place as well.
Anyone in the spa industry should check out this event. Lots of manufacturers and vendors will be present and many classes taking place as well.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Roadside groceries
I think some of the strangest things in Miami are the roadside grocers. You know, the people who walk thru traffic at heavy intersections and offer various fruits, veggies, seafood, and beverages to you while you sit in your car waiting for the light to turn green. This concept totally blows my mind. First off, how is this legal? It seems like any Joe with something to sell can walk thru traffic and try to hawk his wares without penalty. Are these people taxed? I doubt it. Are they operating with a permit? Negative. Yet they are allowed to meander thru traffic selling items to wary commuters.
Sometimes these people dont sell anything, they just beg for money. Like this one woman on 27th and 103rd who is there EVERY DAY with her walker moving thru traffic at a snails pace while shaking a cup and asking you to donate. This woman pisses me off because she wades thru traffic asking for money while wearing a fuckin walkman! If youre really that hard up for money, sell the fuckin walkman! Thats why I wont donate a dime to her. She even gets stuck when the light turns green sometimes and ends up in the middle of the road between two lanes while cars fly by narrowly avoiding her. Not cool.
Other roadside grocers that wont get my money:
The mango guy (you can get these anywhere in Miami for free)
The shrimp guy (do I really need to explain why buying shrimp in a 5lb bag on the side of a road during 90 degree heat is unappealing?)
The woman selling apparel (just plain silly)
The newspaper guy (I read online)
There are, however, a few guys that I do find give valuable service:
The lime/lemon guy (you can get a bag of about a dozen key limes or a half dozen lemons for $1 which is a pretty good deal)
The water guys on 103rd just as you approach 95 heading east (These guys are young and they hustle so I like to support their efforts. I also get thirsty on the drive home and the water that has been sitting in my car is usually 100 degrees by day's end)
As I handed the water kid my $1 yesterday, I thought, "How the hell do these guys profit on water?" For one, there are costs involved. I think that the last time I bought a 24pk of Zephyrhills it cost about $6-$7. That means that these guys would need 24 sales just to make $17-$18. That sucks. I wonder how long that takes and if its even worth it. $18 a day is $90 a week and if they kept that pace for the year they would make an extra $4680 tax free. That doesnt sound bad but I cant imagine they sell that much and I also imagine it take a long time to make that many sales. Heck, they'd have to sell 8736 bottles of water to make that!
I feel like this is just another case of "only in Miami" as I have not encountered these people elsewhere. I think the Food Network should have one of those shows where some guy drives around and purchases food from these roadside grocers and then makes a meal. Then you could guess how many hours it would be until he became ill or how many hours he would spend on the crapper the next day. Hollywood, here I come!
Sometimes these people dont sell anything, they just beg for money. Like this one woman on 27th and 103rd who is there EVERY DAY with her walker moving thru traffic at a snails pace while shaking a cup and asking you to donate. This woman pisses me off because she wades thru traffic asking for money while wearing a fuckin walkman! If youre really that hard up for money, sell the fuckin walkman! Thats why I wont donate a dime to her. She even gets stuck when the light turns green sometimes and ends up in the middle of the road between two lanes while cars fly by narrowly avoiding her. Not cool.
Other roadside grocers that wont get my money:
The mango guy (you can get these anywhere in Miami for free)
The shrimp guy (do I really need to explain why buying shrimp in a 5lb bag on the side of a road during 90 degree heat is unappealing?)
The woman selling apparel (just plain silly)
The newspaper guy (I read online)
There are, however, a few guys that I do find give valuable service:
The lime/lemon guy (you can get a bag of about a dozen key limes or a half dozen lemons for $1 which is a pretty good deal)
The water guys on 103rd just as you approach 95 heading east (These guys are young and they hustle so I like to support their efforts. I also get thirsty on the drive home and the water that has been sitting in my car is usually 100 degrees by day's end)
As I handed the water kid my $1 yesterday, I thought, "How the hell do these guys profit on water?" For one, there are costs involved. I think that the last time I bought a 24pk of Zephyrhills it cost about $6-$7. That means that these guys would need 24 sales just to make $17-$18. That sucks. I wonder how long that takes and if its even worth it. $18 a day is $90 a week and if they kept that pace for the year they would make an extra $4680 tax free. That doesnt sound bad but I cant imagine they sell that much and I also imagine it take a long time to make that many sales. Heck, they'd have to sell 8736 bottles of water to make that!
I feel like this is just another case of "only in Miami" as I have not encountered these people elsewhere. I think the Food Network should have one of those shows where some guy drives around and purchases food from these roadside grocers and then makes a meal. Then you could guess how many hours it would be until he became ill or how many hours he would spend on the crapper the next day. Hollywood, here I come!
Friday, April 25, 2008
More airport woes...
Q: What do you get when you add these things together?
A flight to Phoenix on a Friday afternoon when you would rather stay home
A flight delay of 30 minutes
A bar that charges $23+ for TWO fuckin Makers Mark on the rocks
Two douchebags from NY who cant stop talking about how much they drink at an airport bar like its the first time theyve ever had alcohol even though they are married with kids and have told everyone about it
A: A good reason to kill yourself and everyone within a 15ft radius
A flight to Phoenix on a Friday afternoon when you would rather stay home
A flight delay of 30 minutes
A bar that charges $23+ for TWO fuckin Makers Mark on the rocks
Two douchebags from NY who cant stop talking about how much they drink at an airport bar like its the first time theyve ever had alcohol even though they are married with kids and have told everyone about it
A: A good reason to kill yourself and everyone within a 15ft radius
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Monday, April 21, 2008
Crawfish Boil @ Tobacco Road - Good Times!
Yesterday Tobacco Road held their annual crawfish boil and I made the trip for another year of peeling tails and suckin crawfish heads. The weather was beautiful out yesterday, maybe even a little on the warm side but not dreadfully hot like some Miami days can be. This made for easy crawfish consumption. They were really good this year. Lots of nice fatty crawfish in my 2 pound box and they were spicy but the spice didnt overpower the meat. A clean meal this is not. I felt like I needed a shower after dominating my platter o' crawfish but boy were they good. They also had burgers, dogs, and other grill fare. I think the setup this year was great too. Huge "you have to be a total dumbass not to understand" signs let you know where to order and where to pick up and there was never more than a line of a few people. That could also be because the turnout wasnt as great this year. I remember years past where the entire lot would be packed with people. Maybe because it was April 20th, a stoner's holiday? Lots of people partaking in a doobie or two all around the parking lot. Gotta love Tobacco Road for that haha. Anyways, the lack of crowd mustve sucked for the band that was on stage around 5pm because they were basically playing with absolutely no one standing within 20 yards. Oh well, they did play good music anyways. Overall, it was a great excuse to be outside with a big group of friends swilling beers on a gorgeous afternoon in Miami. Im already looking forward to next year. I just wish I didnt have to get up at 4am to catch a flight this morning...ugh.
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