As April unfolds its petals, one particular day stands out in the calendar for pineapple enthusiasts worldwide: National Pineapple Day on April 20th. This annual celebration offers a delectable opportunity to delve into the history, health benefits, and cultural significance of this tropical fruit.

The journey of the pineapple is as rich and intriguing as its flavor. Originally native to South America, particularly Brazil and Paraguay, pineapples found their way to Europe in the 15th century courtesy of Christopher Columbus. Initially regarded as a symbol of wealth and hospitality due to their rarity and exotic appeal, pineapples soon became a prized delicacy among royalty and nobility.

In many cultures, the pineapple holds symbolic significance beyond its culinary appeal. In the United States, for instance, it is often associated with hospitality and warmth, adorning welcome signs, and serving as a centerpiece at gatherings. In Asian cultures, the pineapple symbolizes prosperity and good fortune, making it a popular gift during festive occasions and celebrations.

National Pineapple Day is an opportunity to indulge in all things pineapple-related, from savoring refreshing pineapple cocktails to experimenting with new recipes featuring this versatile fruit. Whether enjoyed fresh, grilled, or blended into smoothies, there are countless ways to incorporate pineapples into your culinary creations.

Prepare to embark on a culinary odyssey infused with the tropical sweetness of pineapple as I present a mouthwatering array of recipes to elevate your breakfast, lunch, and dinner experiences. And what better way to cap off a day of culinary delights than with a refreshing pineapple-infused cocktail, guaranteed to add a touch of tropical flair to any occasion? So, grab your apron and get ready to savor the irresistible allure of pineapple in every bite and sip as we delve into a day filled with culinary delight!

Pineapple Coconut Breakfast Smoothie Bowl

Ingredients:

1 cup frozen pineapple chunks

1 ripe banana, peeled and sliced

1/2 cup coconut milk (or any milk of your choice)

1/4 cup Greek yogurt

2 tablespoons shredded coconut

1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for added sweetness)

Toppings:

Sliced fresh pineapple

Granola

Sliced banana

Shredded coconut

Chia seeds

Honey or maple syrup (for drizzling)

Instructions:

Prepare the Smoothie Base: In a blender, combine the frozen pineapple chunks, sliced banana, coconut milk, Greek yogurt, shredded coconut, and honey or maple syrup (if using).

Blend on high speed until smooth and creamy. If the mixture is too thick, you can add more coconut milk or water to reach your desired consistency. Pour the smoothie mixture into a bowl.

Add Toppings: Arrange sliced fresh pineapple, granola, sliced banana, shredded coconut, and chia seeds on top of the smoothie. For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle a little honey or maple syrup over the toppings.

Your Pineapple Coconut Breakfast Smoothie Bowl is now ready to be enjoyed! Serve immediately and savor the tropical flavors and refreshing goodness.

Pineapple Chicken Salad with Honey Lime Dressing

Ingredients for the Salad:

2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced

1 cup fresh pineapple chunks

1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced

1/2 cup cucumber, diced

1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced

2 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, or lettuce of your choice)

1/4 cup chopped cilantro (optional)

1/4 cup chopped peanuts or cashews (optional, for garnish)

Salt and pepper to taste

Ingredients for the Honey Lime Dressing:

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons lime juice

1 tablespoon honey

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1 clove garlic, minced

Salt and pepper to taste

Prepare the Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken breast, fresh pineapple chunks, diced red bell pepper, diced cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, mixed greens, and chopped cilantro (if using). Toss gently to combine.

Make the Honey Lime Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, honey, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Drizzle the honey lime dressing over the salad mixture in a large bowl. Toss gently to coat the ingredients evenly with the dressing. Transfer the dressed salad to serving plates or bowls.

Garnish with chopped peanuts or cashews (if using) for added crunch and flavor. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste, if desired.

Your Pineapple Chicken Salad with Honey Lime Dressing is now ready to be served! Enjoy this refreshing and flavorful salad for a light and satisfying lunch.

Grilled Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

Ingredients for the Chicken Marinade:

1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized cubes

1/4 cup soy sauce

2 tablespoons honey

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon grated ginger

2 tablespoons rice vinegar

1 tablespoon sesame oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Ingredients for the Pineapple Glaze:

1 cup pineapple juice

1/4 cup soy sauce

2 tablespoons honey

1 tablespoon rice vinegar

1 teaspoon grated ginger

1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

Additional Ingredients:

1 fresh pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into chunks

Bell peppers, onions, or other vegetables of your choice, cut into chunks

Wooden skewers, soaked in water for at least 30 minutes

Instructions:

Prepare the Chicken Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Add the cubed chicken to the marinade, ensuring it is evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Make the Pineapple Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine the pineapple juice, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and grated ginger. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. If desired, mix the cornstarch with a tablespoon of water to create a slurry, then gradually add it to the simmering sauce, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat and set aside.

Assemble the Skewers: Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated chicken pieces, pineapple chunks, and vegetables onto the soaked wooden skewers, alternating between them.

Grill the Skewers: Place the assembled skewers on the preheated grill and cook for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and the pineapple and vegetables are caramelized and slightly charred.

Glaze the Skewers: During the last few minutes of grilling, brush the skewers generously with the prepared pineapple glaze, turning occasionally to coat all sides. Allow the glaze to caramelize slightly. Once cooked through and beautifully glazed, remove the skewers from the grill and transfer them to a serving platter.

Garnish with chopped cilantro or sliced green onions, if desired. Serve the Grilled Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Skewers hot alongside steamed rice or quinoa for a delicious and satisfying dinner that’s bursting with tropical flavor.

Classic Piña Colada

Ingredients:

2 ounces (60ml) white rum

3/4 cup (180ml) pineapple juice

1/2 cup (120ml) coconut cream

1 cup (240ml) ice cubes

Pineapple slices and maraschino cherries, for garnish

Optional: toasted coconut flakes, for rimming the glass

Instructions:

Prepare the Glass (Optional): If desired, rim a chilled glass with toasted coconut flakes. To do this, moisten the rim of the glass with a pineapple or lime wedge, then dip it into the toasted coconut flakes until the rim is evenly coated.

In a blender, combine the white rum, pineapple juice, coconut cream, and ice cubes.

Blend on high speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy, with no large ice chunks remaining. If the consistency is too thick, you can add a splash more pineapple juice or rum to adjust.

Pour the blended piña colada into the prepared glass.

Garnish with a pineapple slice and a maraschino cherry on a cocktail pick for a classic tropical touch.

Your Classic Piña Colada is now ready to be served! Enjoy this refreshing and indulgent cocktail on a hot day or whenever you’re in need of a taste of the tropics.

As April 20th approaches, let us come together to celebrate the enchanting allure of the pineapple. From its intriguing history to its myriad health benefits and cultural significance, this tropical fruit continues to captivate and delight people around the world. Whether enjoyed fresh, grilled, or blended into tantalizing concoctions, the pineapple remains a timeless symbol of hospitality, prosperity, and summertime bliss. So, on National Pineapple Day, let’s raise a glass and toast to the sweetness of this beloved fruit!

Until we eat (and drink) again…

I send you Delicious Wishes, xo

Denise

The post National Pineapple Day: Exploring the Sweetness of April 20th appeared first on Savor Our City.

I know it’s been a while since my last blog post and I do apologize for that but we have been super busy the last few months with several group bookings in both South and Central FL. It appears that many companies that had to postpone their travel plans have now been given the green light to take their teams out and for many of them who have been working remotely for the past two years, this is their first opportunity to bring their remote staff together for some team bonding/building activities which they are booking like crazy right now. The size of the groups that are being booked now, as compared to prior to the breakout in 2020 has increased quite considerably. Up until 2020, the average size group was around 20 people. Now the average is 40+.

At any rate, I happened to see a post on my Instagram feed highlighting this place called Cerveceria La Tropical nestled in an Oasis nestled in Wynwood and it definitely caught my eye. So much so, that I reached out to them and scheduled a visit to check them out. Not only so that I can share my find with you, but so I could hopefully plan some fun events there for my groups. Gloria, the Event Manager was off on this particular Sunday when I arrived, so she arranged for me to meet with Mike, one of the restaurant managers on duty on this day. I drove down from Boca and soon after I arrived, I met Mike who was expecting me. We bumped into Gloria of all people, who came on her day off with her family, to celebrate her birthday (now that sure is a testimonial to how much she loves this place!)

Cerveceria La Tropical is a “Tank to Glass” concept where they pour their brewed-in-house beers right from the tanks in the main dining room that also happens to have a great back story.  On July 21, 1888 The Blanco-Herrera family establishes Cervecería La Tropical on (Cuban) lands once owned by Federico Kohly. Cuba’s Oldest Brewery grows and grows, and by 1958 La Tropical accounts for over 60% of all beer production in Cuba, making the brand world-renowned. La Tropical stands alongside cigars, rum and music as the pride of Cuba.

“La Tropical founded the Cuban beer industry. La Tropical comprised acre upon acre of a brewery, tropical gardens and a baseball stadium, whose in-field sand was made of crushed La Tropical bottles. There were many owners, but my family held majority ownership. As a kid, I loved going to the brewery with my father. I can still smell the sweet and thick malty scent coming from the brewery.” RAMON BLANCO-HERRERA 4th Generation La Tropical Family Member

In 1896 Florida’s First Brewery is founded in Ybor City/Tampa, Florida, by Cuban cigar industrialist family: Martinez-Ybor. In 1897 La Tropical beer is produced and distributed in Florida. The Florida La Tropical brand has an affiliation with the La Tropical brand from Cuba. In the early 1900’s La Tropical in Ybor City produced 80,000 barrels of beer at its’ peak. The Cuban embargo and new Florida competition from Anheuser Busch and Schlitz forced the shutdown of the brewery in 1961. Dale Swope, a Tampa attorney, acquires the old La Tropical brewery in Ybor City in 1999 and embarks on a historical preservation project to save the building after years of neglect.

in 1904 The La Tropical beer gardens are opened, near the banks of the Almendares River, and quickly become a must-go destination for cold cerveza, fun, music and dance. Designed by Cuban architect Ramón Magriñá, the gardens were inspired by the Spanish gardens of Gaudí. Los Jardines de La Tropical included a botanical Tropical garden with a multitude of concrete structures designed in a modernist and organic style, as well as a replica castle of the Alhambra de Granada in Spain.

SYLVIA MUÑIZ DE MURAI

“My father was the General Manager of the brewery and we lived in an exquisite castle within Los Jardines de La Tropical. They were the happiest days of my childhood.”

1960 marks the arrival of the revolution in Cuba begins and La Tropical’s assets are seized. The Cuban exodus begins and over one million Cubans flee the island, including the now impoverished Blanco-Herrera and Kohly families. Miami welcomes them with open arms.

“It was Christmas Eve, December 24, 1960, when our world changed forever and our family was forced to flee our Cuban homeland. The Castro government stole our home and investment properties. My mother was widowed, with three young children, and landed in Miami with only $5 in her pocket. It was very tough at first. Sixty years later, Miami became our new home and where my children were born and raised.” GRAZIELLA RODRIGUEZ-KOHLY 4th Generation Kohly And Mother Of Manny Portuondo

1960 – 2020

The Disappearance

Inside Cuba, La Tropical is now run by the revolution. La Tropical is eventually lost, but never forgotten.

“They came at gunpoint to take the brewery. I was one of the last senior managers at the brewery that day and was forced to hand over the keys. They knew about managing a brewery, what I knew about going to the moon.”

JULIO FERNANDEZ-SELLES Last Master Brewer Of Cervecería La Tropical (Pre-Revolution) 1917-2002

In 1998, The Comeback Begins…

Manny Portuondo, great-great grandson of Federico Kohly makes it his passion project in life to bring La Tropical back. At the age of 32, after a successful career with Anheuser-Busch and the Brahma Brewery of Brazil, he mortgages his home and raises capital from the prominent Cuban American community in Miami, including Ramon Blanco-Herrera.Three Palms Holdings is formed and for two decades Manny Portuondo fights to secure control of the La Tropical brand in key markets throughout the world.

“In my early 30s, I entered a phase where I longed to learn more about where I came from and how my family got to the United States of America. I became fascinated with my family’s past and the La Tropical story in particular. Not long after, I decided to do something about it and fight back.” MANNY PORTUONDO 5th Generation Kohly, Founder Of Three Palms Holdings & CEO Of Cervecería La Tropical

In 2016 La Tropical hosts a teaser beer launch in the heart of Miami under license with the Boston Beer Company. The launch is a great success with customers lining up for hours to taste the original recipe of La Tropical’s award-winning La Original Ambar Lager at a local Wynwood brewery. Very quickly, La Tropical becomes a best seller. La Tropical generates local and international attention that leads to interest from many of the world’s largest brewers.

After two decades of fighting to save La Tropical, Three Palms Holdings completes the majority sale of La Tropical brand to Heineken NV. With no physical brewery, Heineken makes a significant investment to build a Miami home for Cervecería La Tropical. Scouting begins for the perfect site. A ¾ acre site in the Wynwood Arts District is acquired and construction begins in 2019 to include a 32 thousand hectoliter per year brewery, tap room, restaurant and beer garden. A true destination brewery for beverage consumers everywhere.

Cervecería La Tropical has a new Miami home, a testament to perseverance, passion, hard work and the belief that all is possible if you dare to make your dreams come true. Over a century in the making, and inspired by the tropics, Cuba’s Oldest Brewery is now one of Miami’s Youngest.

Manager Mike was happy to give me a tour of the place which included the brewery and the tropical garden (which is an extension of the Fairchild Tropical Gardens I learned). Tropical trees such as guava and herbs can be found in the gardens and are labeled with each tree or bush’s description and a QR Code to hover over to learn even more. He informed me that Chef Cindy Hutson was expecting me and was preparing to have a number of their popular dishes brought out for me to try. Funny thing is I have been following Chef Cindy for years. I first heard about her work at Orantanique on Miracle Mile in Coral Gables (which sadly closed this location after 21 years in business.) I was super excited to finally meet this chef who I have the utmost respect and admiration for. First up on the tasting menu was my choice of beer. Whenever I see a “Sour” on the menu, this is my go-to. I ordered the Dulce Sour and got to choose a flavor to infuse it with; I went with my server Brittany’s suggestion, guava, and man o man, was this beer ever so refreshing, it really hit the spot. So much so, that even though I had only intended to consume one, I just had to have another.

Cervecercia just began offering brunch on Sat, Oct 1st and this was only their second day when I came that Sunday. They had a live band that was setting up to go on at 1pm. They have a weekly live music line up which can be viewed on their website. Live bands throughout the week nights and during Sunday Brunch from 1 -4pm.

First dish brought out for me to try was a sample size portion of their popular guava and cream cheese French Toast with vanilla bean cream cheese drizzle and blood orange maple syrup and guava compound butter. Went terrific with my guava sour beer! (If you like guava like I do, you will love this place as guava makes its appearance throughout the menu.) I think this might have been my favorite dish of the afternoon.

Next, came the Caribbean Avocado Toast. This was a very unique version of an avocado toast. It came with toasted pepita seeds, charred shishito peppers, tomato marmalade, cojita cheese and topped with a soft cooked egg. I really enjoyed the flavor profiles and they combined perfectly to create a balanced bite. It was a little top heavy for the bread though, so it became a little soggy and a little messy as a result.

Next came the Harnish de Maiz con Queso – Cheesy Grits…(again, the pic below is a smaller portion than what is typically served). This one pot wonder consisted of chorizo sausage, onions, peppers, and served with a side of Cuban toast for mopping up all the deliciousness.

Something on the menu caught my eye. It was “woo aioli”. I asked Brittany what was this and she brought me out some plantain chips with a side of this secret sauce. It way yummy. I could have ingested a whole container of this stuff . LOL

My final two tastings were the Ham Croqueta and the Cuban Sandwich Empanada. Both were very tasty and I can see why they are crowd pleasers.

Manager Michael Moss was most accommodating. He is pretty new to the Cerveceria La Tropical team but not new at all to the restaurant business. He had recently joined the team having been with a large restaurant group for many years prior.

Brittany, my server was so cute and super helpful.

It was so great to finally meet Chef Cindy in person. She is so creative. Super talented chef!!!

There is a $10 cover to enter on the weeknights there is a live band performing, but that fee also includes one complimentary cocktail that will be served inside the “Birdcage” as guests enter on the right.

Cerveceria La Tropical is an ideal spot for casual dining for brunch, lunch and dinner and is a perfect venue for group events too!

They are closed on Mondays and are open Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday: 4PM-11PM, (Kitchen until 10PM)

Friday: 12PM-1AM, Kitchen until midnight (limited menu past 10PM)

Saturday: 11:30AM-1AM, Kitchen until midnight (limited menu past 10PM)

Sunday: 11:30AM-10PM, Kitchen until 9PM

Until we eat (and drink) again…

I send you delicious wishes, xo

Denise

The post Cuba’s Oldest Brewery Is Now One of Miami’s Youngest…Cerveceria La Tropical appeared first on Savor Our City.

I know it’s been a while since my last blog post and I do apologize for that but we have been super busy the last few months with several group bookings in both South and Central FL. It appears that many companies that had to postpone their travel plans have now been given the green light to take their teams out and for many of them who have been working remotely for the past two years, this is their first opportunity to bring their remote staff together for some team bonding/building activities which they are booking like crazy right now. The size of the groups that are being booked now, as compared to prior to the breakout in 2020 has increased quite considerably. Up until 2020, the average size group was around 20 people. Now the average is 40+.

At any rate, I happened to see a post on my Instagram feed highlighting this place called Cerveceria La Tropical nestled in an Oasis nestled in Wynwood and it definitely caught my eye. So much so, that I reached out to them and scheduled a visit to check them out. Not only so that I can share my find with you, but so I could hopefully plan some fun events there for my groups. Gloria, the Event Manager was off on this particular Sunday when I arrived, so she arranged for me to meet with Mike, one of the restaurant managers on duty on this day. I drove down from Boca and soon after I arrived, I met Mike who was expecting me. We bumped into Gloria of all people, who came on her day off with her family, to celebrate her birthday (now that sure is a testimonial to how much she loves this place!)

Cerveceria La Tropical is a “Tank to Glass” concept where they pour their brewed-in-house beers right from the tanks in the main dining room that also happens to have a great back story.  On July 21, 1888 The Blanco-Herrera family establishes Cervecería La Tropical on (Cuban) lands once owned by Federico Kohly. Cuba’s Oldest Brewery grows and grows, and by 1958 La Tropical accounts for over 60% of all beer production in Cuba, making the brand world-renowned. La Tropical stands alongside cigars, rum and music as the pride of Cuba.

“La Tropical founded the Cuban beer industry. La Tropical comprised acre upon acre of a brewery, tropical gardens and a baseball stadium, whose in-field sand was made of crushed La Tropical bottles. There were many owners, but my family held majority ownership. As a kid, I loved going to the brewery with my father. I can still smell the sweet and thick malty scent coming from the brewery.” RAMON BLANCO-HERRERA 4th Generation La Tropical Family Member

In 1896 Florida’s First Brewery is founded in Ybor City/Tampa, Florida, by Cuban cigar industrialist family: Martinez-Ybor. In 1897 La Tropical beer is produced and distributed in Florida. The Florida La Tropical brand has an affiliation with the La Tropical brand from Cuba. In the early 1900’s La Tropical in Ybor City produced 80,000 barrels of beer at its’ peak. The Cuban embargo and new Florida competition from Anheuser Busch and Schlitz forced the shutdown of the brewery in 1961. Dale Swope, a Tampa attorney, acquires the old La Tropical brewery in Ybor City in 1999 and embarks on a historical preservation project to save the building after years of neglect.

in 1904 The La Tropical beer gardens are opened, near the banks of the Almendares River, and quickly become a must-go destination for cold cerveza, fun, music and dance. Designed by Cuban architect Ramón Magriñá, the gardens were inspired by the Spanish gardens of Gaudí. Los Jardines de La Tropical included a botanical Tropical garden with a multitude of concrete structures designed in a modernist and organic style, as well as a replica castle of the Alhambra de Granada in Spain.

SYLVIA MUÑIZ DE MURAI

Daughter Of La Tropical General Manager In Cuba (1922-2016)

“My father was the General Manager of the brewery and we lived in an exquisite castle within Los Jardines de La Tropical. They were the happiest days of my childhood.”

1960 marks the arrival of the revolution in Cuba begins and La Tropical’s assets are seized. The Cuban exodus begins and over one million Cubans flee the island, including the now impoverished Blanco-Herrera and Kohly families. Miami welcomes them with open arms.

“It was Christmas Eve, December 24, 1960, when our world changed forever and our family was forced to flee our Cuban homeland. The Castro government stole our home and investment properties. My mother was widowed, with three young children, and landed in Miami with only $5 in her pocket. It was very tough at first. Sixty years later, Miami became our new home and where my children were born and raised.” GRAZIELLA RODRIGUEZ-KOHLY 4th Generation Kohly And Mother Of Manny Portuondo

1960 – 2020

The Disappearance

Inside Cuba, La Tropical is now run by the revolution. La Tropical is eventually lost, but never forgotten.

“They came at gunpoint to take the brewery. I was one of the last senior managers at the brewery that day and was forced to hand over the keys. They knew about managing a brewery, what I knew about going to the moon.”

JULIO FERNANDEZ-SELLES Last Master Brewer Of Cervecería La Tropical (Pre-Revolution) 1917-2002

In 1998, The Comeback Begins…

Manny Portuondo, great-great grandson of Federico Kohly makes it his passion project in life to bring La Tropical back. At the age of 32, after a successful career with Anheuser-Busch and the Brahma Brewery of Brazil, he mortgages his home and raises capital from the prominent Cuban American community in Miami, including Ramon Blanco-Herrera.Three Palms Holdings is formed and for two decades Manny Portuondo fights to secure control of the La Tropical brand in key markets throughout the world.

“In my early 30s, I entered a phase where I longed to learn more about where I came from and how my family got to the United States of America. I became fascinated with my family’s past and the La Tropical story in particular. Not long after, I decided to do something about it and fight back.” MANNY PORTUONDO 5th Generation Kohly, Founder Of Three Palms Holdings & CEO Of Cervecería La Tropical

In 2016 La Tropical hosts a teaser beer launch in the heart of Miami under license with the Boston Beer Company. The launch is a great success with customers lining up for hours to taste the original recipe of La Tropical’s award-winning La Original Ambar Lager at a local Wynwood brewery. Very quickly, La Tropical becomes a best seller. La Tropical generates local and international attention that leads to interest from many of the world’s largest brewers.

After two decades of fighting to save La Tropical, Three Palms Holdings completes the majority sale of La Tropical brand to Heineken NV. With no physical brewery, Heineken makes a significant investment to build a Miami home for Cervecería La Tropical. Scouting begins for the perfect site. A ¾ acre site in the Wynwood Arts District is acquired and construction begins in 2019 to include a 32 thousand hectoliter per year brewery, tap room, restaurant and beer garden. A true destination brewery for beverage consumers everywhere.

Cervecería La Tropical has a new Miami home, a testament to perseverance, passion, hard work and the belief that all is possible if you dare to make your dreams come true. Over a century in the making, and inspired by the tropics, Cuba’s Oldest Brewery is now one of Miami’s Youngest.

Manager Mike was happy to give me a tour of the place which included the brewery and the tropical garden (which is an extension of the Fairchild Tropical Gardens I learned). Tropical trees such as guava and herbs can be found in the gardens and are labeled with each tree or bush’s description and a QR Code to hover over to learn even more. He informed me that Chef Cindy Hutson was expecting me and was preparing to have a number of their popular dishes brought out for me to try. Funny thing is I have been following Chef Cindy for years. I first heard about her work at Orantanique on Miracle Mile in Coral Gables (which sadly closed this location after 21 years in business.) I was super excited to finally meet this chef who I have the utmost respect and admiration for. First up on the tasting menu was my choice of beer. Whenever I see a “Sour” on the menu, this is my go-to. I ordered the Dulce Sour and got to choose a flavor to infuse it with; I went with my server Brittany’s suggestion, guava, and man o man, was this beer ever so refreshing, it really hit the spot. So much so, that even though I had only intended to consume one, I just had to have another.

Cervecercia just began offering brunch on Sat, Oct 1st and this was only their second day when I came that Sunday. They had a live band that was setting up to go on at 1pm. They have a weekly live music line up which can be viewed on their website. Live bands throughout the week nights and during Sunday Brunch from 1 -4pm.

First dish brought out for me to try was a sample size portion of their popular guava and cream cheese French Toast with vanilla bean cream cheese drizzle and blood orange maple syrup and guava compound butter. Went terrific with my guava sour beer! (If you like guava like I do, you will love this place as guava makes its appearance throughout the menu.) I think this might have been my favorite dish of the afternoon.

Next, came the Caribbean Avocado Toast. This was a very unique version of an avocado toast. It came with toasted pepita seeds, charred shishito peppers, tomato marmalade, cojita cheese and topped with a soft cooked egg. I really enjoyed the flavor profiles and they combined perfectly to create a balanced bite. It was a little top heavy for the bread though, so it became a little soggy and a little messy as a result.

Next came the Harnish de Maiz con Queso – Cheesy Grits…(again, the pic below is a smaller portion than what is typically served). This one pot wonder consisted of chorizo sausage, onions, peppers, and served with a side of Cuban toast for mopping up all the deliciousness.

Something on the menu caught my eye. It was “woo aioli”. I asked Brittany what was this and she brought me out some plantain chips with a side of this secret sauce. It way yummy. I could have ingested a whole container of this stuff . LOLMy final two tastings were the Ham Croqueta and the Cuban Sandwich Empanada. Both were very tasty and I can see why they are crowd pleasers.

Manager Michael Moss was most accommodating. He is pretty new to the Cerveceria La Tropical team but not new at all to the restaurant business. He had recently joined the team having been with a large restaurant group for many years prior.

Brittany, my server was so cute and super helpful.

It was so great to finally meet Chef Cindy in person. She is so creative. Super talented chef!!!

There is a $10 cover to enter on the weeknights there is a live band performing, but that fee also includes one complimentary cocktail that will be served inside the “Birdcage” as guests enter on the right.

Cerveceria La Tropical is an ideal spot for casual dining for brunch, lunch and dinner and is a perfect venue for group events too!

They are closed on Mondays and are open Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday: 4PM-11PM, (Kitchen until 10PM)

Friday: 12PM-1AM, Kitchen until midnight (limited menu past 10PM)

Saturday: 11:30AM-1AM, Kitchen until midnight (limited menu past 10PM)

Sunday: 11:30AM-10PM, Kitchen until 9PM

Until we eat (and drink) again…

I send you delicious wishes, xo

Denise

The post Cuba’s Oldest Brewery Is Now One of Miami’s Youngest…Cerveceria La Tropical appeared first on Savor Our City.

Savor Our City was recently invited to attend a media dinner at 26 Sushi & Tapas in Surfside for the launch their new menu.

Since 2014, 26 Sushi & Tapas has been and remains one of the Miami dining scene’s best kept secrets. This unique Latin-Asian fusion eatery is 100% certified Kosher, serving the vibrant, flavorful Japanese-Peruvian cuisine known as Nikkei. But those in the know – kosher or otherwise – have embraced the restaurant for its casually chic ambiance, wallet-friendly pricing and delicious cuisine. Now, with newly-appointed Chef Miguel Gomez at the helm, the restaurant is unveiling a refreshed menu featuring creative additions to abundant offerings.

“The goal with 26 was to go beyond what many think of as ‘kosher food,’” says owner Morris Kaplan. “We wanted to provide something exciting and different to that community but also deliver a compelling and delicious menu for everyone. We’re excited about the new menu and hope it keeps our loyal fans engaged and gives folks who never gave us a try a great reason to come in.” 

The menu remains vast, offering plenty to explore and countless ways to mix & match to create a unique, immersive experience for each diner. Signature favorites – like the Nitro “Scallops” made from tempura battered scallops, rocoto aioli, sweet sauce,mixed greens and sesame seeds. Corvina Lettuce Wraps, made with Flounder tempura, Asian slaw, cashew pistachio crumble and aji amarillo aioli. Both of these items were extremely tasty, crowd pleasers for sure!

Tuna Tower and Truffle Tiradito – remain. They’ve been huge sellers for years and are going nowhere. Joining them on the playing field are their new hot and cold tapas including: Causa Krab Tower – cold, savory potato layer cake typical in traditional Peruvian cuisine, served with Krab salad and fresh avocado;

Nikkei Tuna Salad with fresh greens, enoki mushroom, carrot, and tri-colored peppers tossed in ponzu sauce and topped with sesame seeds; and Nao Ceviche Ball – traditional Corvina ceviche cured in a house-made leche de tigre, red onion, lime juice and aji limon then tempura battered with panko and deep fried. This was a really unique dish and fun to eat too!

Also debuting, several new sushi additions including the Nigiri 5-star – Chef’s choice of five nigiri selections served atop sushi rice;

Tropical Roll – tuna, salmon, kiwi, guava and dynamite sauce topped with tuna and rocoto aioli;

Crispy Kani Roll – soy paper, plantains, avocado, scallions and cream cheese topped with Krab tempura, masago and curry aioli; Sandra Roll – a rice-less roll with Krab salad, avocado, cream cheese, and tempura topped with fresh tuna; and the Acevichado Roll – Whitefish tempura, sweet potato and avocado topped with Corvina ceviche. A word to the wise – the new rolls may be amazing but you would be missing out BIG TIME if you didn’t have their popular Maduros con Coco Roll – flounder tempura, avocado and cream cheese topped with sweet fried plantains and coconut flakes – Just order it, you’ll thank me later!

Two unusual offerings worth a try: Sushi Burritos, which come in two styles – the Saltarito with sautéed salmon, fried egg, plantains, French fries and guacamole and the Three Amigos – fresh raw tuna, salmon and Hamachi with guacamole, scallions and a chimichurri ponzu – and the new Sushi Sandwich. Meant to be eaten with the hands, it consists of salmon, mango, avocado, scallion and dynamite sauce, layered between “slices” of pressed rice, served with guava dipping sauce. 

New larger plates include Branzino Livornese – fresh Branzino filet served on a pool of fragrant Livornese sauce of capers, Kalamata olives, garlic and cherry tomatoes, dressed with house-made shakshuka and served with potato wedges; Tuna Kovi, sesame-crusted, seared tuna served on a bed of quinoa risotto huancaina, topped with pico de gallo and a balsamic reduction; and a sweet & sour Red Snapper, grilled and served with grilled vegetables and rustic mashed potatoes.

The restaurant’s vibrant desserts have also received a seasonal upgrade; not to be missed offerings include a fresh Strawberry Pavlova served with whipped cream and the sinfully creamy Goat Cheese Ice Cream.

Apart from updated summer offerings, 26 Sushi & Tapas also boasts an impressive, four-hour long Happy Hour available Sunday through Thursday from 5PM-9PM. The Surfside mainstay has updated their Happy Hour food selection to include several Tapas-style items priced between $6 and $8 dollars. Guests 21 and over can enjoy 2-for-1 drink specials depending on the day:

• Sunday: “Sunday Funday” – 2-for-1 Mimosas (available all day)
• Monday: “Mojito Monday” – 2-for-1 Mojitos
• Tuesday: “Tequila Tuesday” – 2-for-1 Tequila cocktails
• Wednesday: “Watermelon Wednesday” – 2-for-1 Watermelon Elyx cocktails
• Thursday: “Whiskey Thursday” – 2-for-1 Whiskey cocktails

Looking to spice up your next soiree or corporate event? As a premiere service caterer, diners can bring the 26 Sushi & Tapas experience to any home, office, or event space. The restaurant’s versatile catering menu offers a wide variety of crowd-pleasing options and can accommodate special ordering requests allowing guests to customize menus that make the most of an event and reach budgeting goals. For more information, contact Natalia Suarez at (305) 570-2626 or email her at nsuarez@26sushitapas.com. 

26 Sushi & Tapas is located at 9487 Harding Avenue in Surfside, FL. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner Sunday through Thursday: 9AM-10:15PM; Friday: 9AM-2:30PM (closed for Shabbat) and Saturday: 9:15PM-11:45PM. Happy Hour is available Sunday through Thursday from 5PM to 9PM. Follow 26 Sushi & Tapas on Instagram: @26Sushi_Tapas and Facebook: @26SushiTapas; Telephone: (305) 570-2626; http://www.26sushitapas.com/

Until we eat (and drink) again…

I send you delicious wishes, xo

Denise

The post MAKE WAY FOR NIKKEI! SURFSIDE’S 26 SUSHI & TAPAS INTRODUCES NEW MENU appeared first on Savor Our City.

This summer we have been fortunate to do some traveling and have taken a couple staycations locally (Wyndham Deerfield Beach and Grandview Gardens B&B in West Palm Beach) as well as a couple out of state. We tasted our way through New York and now this blog post will cover our most recent trip to Las Vegas, It’s been 12 years since my last visit to Sin City and I was super excited to check out the food scene, the gorgeous hotels and some shows.

The Venetian/Palazzo was our base for the next 5 nights. I had been to The Venetian before but this was the first time I stayed there. This hotel is gorgeous. Even if your plans don’t call for you to stay here, I would certainly recommend a visit; trust me you will want to see the Venetian canals, take a ride on a gondola and eat dinner at St. Mark’s Square.

One of the restaurant groups we work with in Miami, V & E Restaurant Group has a couple restaurants in Las Vegas that we decided to check out. We went for brunch at Cafe Americano located inside Caesar’s Palace. They are doing a fantastic job serving up classic American fare with a Latin twist and bonus, they’re open 24/7. Woo hoo!!! We were warmly greeted and brought to a lovely table near the back which was nice and bright with a lot of natural light coming from the floor to ceiling windows. The GM Gerardo surprised us with a Blueberry Lemondrop Martini which was sooooo delicious. I would highly recommend it. After scanning the menu, we decided to share the grilled artichoke hearts which came with 8 pieces to an order with a balsamic glaze and basil pesto for dipping. I could have stopped right there and gone home happy. But wait, there’s more…We ordered the breakfast sandwich on a buttered and toasted brioche bread. Our server Raul had recommended we sub the bacon which comes with the sandwich for their house bacon instead. I’m glad he made that suggestion, because we enjoyed the sandwich and the bacon very much. We also had the steak tacos. Shaved rib eye, avocado salsa and Cotija cheese. It was excellent. I was so enamored with the balsamic glaze they used with the artichokes that I asked for an extra side of it which I also used on my tacos. Yumm!!!

After brunch, we walked through Caesar’s Palace including a stroll through the Forum Shops.

Then we ventured over to The Wynn. If you haven’t been to the grand hotels at least for a walk through, you are really missing out. The lobby was adorned with beautiful fresh flowers everywhere. It was like the Rose Bowl Parade.

We saw two shows while we were there. One was a comedy show at The Comedy Cellar at The Rio Hotel. It was an intimate space and the acts were decent. Nothing spectacular.

The true highlight for me was the Criss Angel Magic Show though. He was beyond incredible. If you haven’t seen him perform, I can’t recommend you do so enough!

After the show we headed back to The Venetian’s St. Mark Square where we had dinner reservations at Mercato Della Pescheria. (This is another of V & E Restaurant Group’s restaurants, also found in the heart of Espanola Way in Miami Beach).

Now this was a most wonderful experience dining at Mercato Della Pescheria in St. Mark’s Square inside The Venetian Hotel. We were welcomed by the Manager Mahe and the Assistant Manager Ben in addition to our lovely Italian server Giada. We started off with an Italian High Ball and a Tuscan Red Blend. For starters, we had the Caesar salad and the grilled octopus. The salad was perfectly dressed and packed with flavor. The octopus was so beautiful and thoughtfully plated and cooked to perfection as well. For our entrees, we had the Swiss Chard Ravioli with a pesto sauce and Caccio e Pepe. They do this tableside. Check out the video below. What a treat.

Have you ever heard of Hash House A Go Go? Apparently they have a few of these around the country including Orlando, Chicago and Las Vegas. The one we went to is located in the LINQ Hotel. We did have a bit of a wait, but it was worth it. Portions were big and the food was very good.

On our final night, we headed Downtown to Fremont Street. Have you been there? It’s like Times Square on steroids. It’s a pedestrian only street several blocks long with street performers every few feet. They claim to have the largest video screen over head that projects a light show set to music thoughout the night..You’ll also see people whizzing by on cables up above. Something worth venturing off the Strip for, for sure.

Another restaurant we had to try while in Vegas was Chica by Celebrity Chef Lorena Garcia. We are working with Chef Lorena and her team in Miami to soon bring groups to her Culinary Loft. A second Chica will also be opening this Fall in Miami. The Latin flare is evidenced throughout the dining experience from the bright and cheery decor to the food & drinks.

Well, we came, we ate, we were entertained and like all good things that must come to an end, so did our stint in Las Vegas. So whether you have gambling on your agenda or not, there’s so much to do in this adult playground and definitely no shortage of good eats!

Until we eat and drink again…

I send you delicious wishes, xo

Denise

The post Savor Our City Visits Las Vegas appeared first on Savor Our City.

Dear Foodie Friends,

For those of you who have been around Boca Raton for the past 10 years, you might say that there has been quite the revolving door when it comes to the dining scene. Take the south west corner of Federal Highway & SE Mizner Blvd. in Downtown Boca for instance. How many of you remember Oceans 11, Saba Sushi, Ovenella and the short-lived The Little Chalet? Who remembers anything before? Let me know by commenting at the bottom of the post. I took you back as far as I could recall, since first coming to the area and immersing myself into the food scene here in Boca.

The Little Chalet was a beautiful special-occasion venue that is wildly popular in Brazil, but for whatever reason, just didn’t catch on here in the company’s first US location. It’s a shame; they spent a small fortune I’m sure creating a lovely romantic ambiance. But, beautiful decor alone doesn’t pay the bills so the owners decided early on to cut their loss and close and re-open with an entirely new hip & trendy concept.

Created by Ricky Marcellini, owner of The Little Chalet who explained that after noting a change in the area’s demographics, they saw an opportunity to introduce South Floridians to a breezy, Brazilian nightlife-inspired restaurant and lounge for everyday dining. To facilitate a more communal and casual quality guest experience, he opened the space to an airier interior, expanding seating and adding a second bar to the outdoor patio.

“We have watched East Boca grow and change over the years, and we wanted to evolve our restaurant to match the tastes and lifestyles in the area, which is why we closed our doors as The Little Chalet and have reopened as The Locale,” explains Ricky. “Our culinary team is as skilled as ever, and we are excited to offer a more robust and unique beverage program to complement the quality dishes that come out of our kitchen.”

The hip and trendy The Locale Cocina & Bar presents guests with a Latin-inspired menu (South American influences including Brazil & Equador) and I would say Italian as well and is fast becoming the gathering spot in Downtown Boca for local friends and business associates.  I’m sure it also helps to offer Happy Hour every day from 4 – 7pm and again from 9pm til closing. What’s more, is that guests can enjoy happy hour anywhere in the restaurant, not just the bar Sun – Thur (and at the bar only on Fri & Sat nights). There’s a reduced price food menu and all drinks are 1/2 off.

I was invited by The Locale’s PR firm to attend a media dine. They hosted a lovely event which several of my blogger friends attended, however, I was unable to attend at the time due to a lingering cold. I was thrilled to be invited back to experience the restaurant once I was well. On this dine, we started out a couple of their popular cocktails; I chose the Lychee Martini and my husband chose the Caipirinha, Brazil’s National cocktail. Lychees are my newest exotic fruit obsession, by the way.

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The Locale’s Chef Joshua Miranda and team take pride in creatively melding exotic flavors with familiar applications in order to deploy flavorful creations to be shared. Locale’s Manager Carlos took the liberty of sending out a variety of dishes for us to try: a trio of appetizers consisting of pork & beef meatballs, mushroom crostini (called tostada on the menu) and tuna tartare were presented first. They were all delicious, but the star for me was the tuna tartare. The su vide preparation of the egg yolk was something that a true die hard foodie like myself would appreciate.

Carlos next sent out the Locale pizza which had fresh mozzarella, prosciutto, arugula and shaved Parmesan. Tip: took home leftovers and heated the pizza up and cracked a fresh egg on top to make a delicious breakfast pizza!

The Picarina steak had a beautiful sear on it and was seasoned and cooked perfectly and served with yuca fries.

There was a generous portion of shrimp in the Fettucini Alfredo dish. Also made a nice shrimp scampi crostini the next day with these leftovers!

The Locale boasts Boca’s only Mixology Bar. (I see a Savor Our City Mixology Class taking place there in the future)– The Locale provides libation seekers with two bars and ample seating. Inside, chocolate bitters, candied ginger and acai liqueur are at the ready behind the bar, shaken up into one-of-a-kind drinks that are as eye-catching as they are delicious. Moscow Mule drinkers can choose from four iterations of the copper-mugged classic, including a daily rotating option, in addition to cocktails like the Brazilian Rum Runner  Fig Old Fashioned, Lychee Martini and Jalapeño Aquafaba. At the newly-expanded patio, The Locale’s outdoor bar is happy to shake up something on the more traditional side in addition to pouring South Florida’s coldest brew at an impressive 28°F from their special imported below-freezing brewery tap. With over 35 beers from 6 countries, the perfect sip is always within reach.

Other signature dishes on the menu that look really interesting which I will have to go back for are: Beef Empanada with shredded short ribs and tomato jam; Croqueta fried dough filled with ham and cheese; and Shrimp Ajillo garlic shrimp served with white rice and broccoli bring a taste of South America to the table. Vegetarians and carnivores alike will swoon over The Locale’s meat-free Portobello Burger with tamarind glaze, manchego, crispy kale, aioli on a brioche bun; and flavorful signature entrées abound, with highlights including Short Rib over manchego polenta; Faroe Island Salmon with wild rice, asparagus, yogurt crema; and Bucatini with yellow chili sauce, onions and tomatoes and choice of sautéed filet or chicken.

The Locale’s Happy Hour is served every day from 4-7p.m. and 9p.m.-close, where guests can enjoy even more brews, beats and bespoke cocktails from anywhere in the restaurant.

The Locale is located at 499 S Federal Hwy, Boca Raton, FL 33432, They are open for dinner Sun. – Thurs. 4 – 11p.m.; Fri. & Sat. 4p.m. – 1 a.m. and brunch on Sundays fro 10:30am – 2pm. For more information or to make a reservation, call (561) 325-8000 or visit www.localeboca.com.

Until we eat (and drink) again…

I send you delicious wishes, xo

Denise

The post The Locale Is The New Locals Hot Spot in Boca Raton appeared first on Savor Our City.