February 2nd, 2012
The Lucky Clover Irish Pub
The latest addition to Downtown Miami, The Lucky Clover Irish Pub, diverges from the typical lounge-scene of Miami with its distinctive concept and design. Sprawling across 10,000 square feet throughout two levels of the Axis in Brickell, this Dublin-esque pub leaves nothing to be desired when it comes to the exceptional décor and delectable eats.
As I took my seat in one of the welcoming leather booths I couldn’t help being entranced by an eclectic assortment of things to look at. The collection of sights ranging from paintings of the Irish countryside engulfed in ornate gold frames, antique mirrors, vintage advertisements, and hundreds of old period photos creates a vibe that is both elegant and comfortable. The Spanish-based design firm, Retromania, certainly left no detail unnoticed while designing this trendy new pub.
Whether you are coming here for the pub-grub, the weekly happy hour, or the live entertainment, the wonderful atmosphere of this new eatery is undeniable.
On the Menu
With a menu this mouth-watering, it was hard for me to choose from all of the tasty eats. After gazing over the selections, I just couldn’t decide between two of the appetizers- so I didn’t! The “Lucky Sliders” definitely stayed true to their name; they were a perfectly fortunate combination of caramelized onions, brie cheese, and chipotle mayo piled on top of an Angus beef patty. I also couldn’t resist the “Steak Tid Bits” served with Guinness BBQ sauce for dipping and garlic cheesy bread. There was more than enough for my entire table to share!
For my meal, I chose to go with some of the more conventional Irish fair and opted for the corned beef sandwich. Lucky Clover’s standard combination of spicy mustard, sauerkraut, and provolone cheese on rye bread proves that you don’t have to mess with tradition.
Bottom line: If you’re looking for a traditional Irish experience, the Lucky Clover provides a unique and unforgettable time… without the cost of the plane ticket!
Benny Approved!
Find The Lucky Clover Irish Pub at:
1111 SW 1 Ave
Miami, FL 33130
(786) 691-2750
www.luckycloverbar.com
January 17th, 2012
Villa Mayfair Restaurant and Lounge
New to Coconut Grove, Villa Mayfair is already known as “the place to be.” The décor alone is enough of a reason to visit – a step through the door instantly brought me to the elegance of 1920’s nightlife. Owner Timpo Kipp chose Francois Frossard, the designer behind some of South Beach’s most famous clubs such as LIV and ArKadia, to create the upscale look for Villa Mayfair.
Villa Mayfair functions as both a restaurant and lounge open Tuesday through Saturday from 7pm until 3am.
On the Menu
I assumed that matching the level of décor would be an impossible task, but executive chef Frederic Joulin does so with ease. The menu offers fresh seasonal products, boasting with Mediterranean variety that everyone can enjoy.
I started off with two appetizers: Sautéed Baby Calamari and the Jamón Ibérico pata negra. Not only was the calamari cooked to perfection, but it came with a delicious lemon basil pesto sauce which I have never experienced before. The balance between lemon and basil was flawless. The Jamón Ibérico pata negra was served with red and yellow pepper confit and allowed for the perfect balance between meat and vegetable.
For my main course, I ordered the Sea Bass a la plancha. I’ve not been able to stop dreaming about it since! The fish was moist and full of flavor without being too heavy. A knife wasn’t even necessary, as the fillet was tender and soft enough to slice with a fork. The sea bass was served with artichoke barigoule and topped with crispy pancetta. The saltiness of the marinated hearts of artichoke was complimented by the flavorful bites of pancetta. My recommendation? Scoop a bite of sea bass, artichoke, and pancetta onto the fork at once…you won’t regret it. Or you might, after your dreams are dominated by this meal for the next few weeks.
Bottom line: I left Villa Mayfair with a smile ear-to-ear. The dining lived up to, scratch that, exceeded my initial expectations and the dining experience left me feeling like a celebrity. Take the short trip and experience the glitz and glam of Villa Mayfair for yourself!
Benny Approved!
Find Villa Mayfair at:
2901 Florida Avenue
Coconut Grove, FL 33133
(305) 774-1500
January 6th, 2012
Hogzilla’s Inspired Barbeque
If you’re in the mood for some southern comfort, I’ve got just the place for you! The recently opened Hogzilla’s Inspired Barbeque in South Beach is a mecca of traditional, southern-style barbecue. Whether you’re in the mood for some baby back ribs, cornbread or good old fashioned fried chicken, you really need to make your way over to this place.
Hogzilla’s has already been racking up stellar reviews. I decided to give this place a try recently and I sure am glad I did.
On the Menu
To start off, the menu is extensive. You can find all of your familiar favorites, from fried green tomatoes to a pulled pork sandwich. But Hogzilla’s doesn’t just rely on the traditional, they’ve also whipped up some of their own unique dishes, and this is where they really excel. The mac and cheese croquetas are a cheese lovers delight. It’s a creamy mixture fried to a crispy perfection and it really hit the spot. There are plenty of other options to start off your meal; options range from Cajun seasoned frog’s legs to maple syrup marinated bacon.
I settled on a barbeque burger, smoked duck breast and beef brisket for the main course. Everything we tried had us licking our fingers! All three meats were cooked perfectly. The burger was juicy and the bourbon barbeque sauce was the perfect topping. The duck breast was really chock full of flavor; the meat was smoked and then grilled and came served with corn bread pancakes. As for the beef brisket, it really was the star of the show. This tender meat is marinated for 48 hours and slow-cooked for 18 hours. All that hard work really pays off because this is one of the best things I have ever eaten!
Bottom line: All in all, Hogzilla’s was a wonderful experience. A short 25-minute drive from Trump Hollywood will take you to the heart of South Beach, where you can find this southern-style gem. Hogzilla’s Inspired Barbeque is not to be missed!
Benny Approved!
Find Hogzilla’s Inspired Barbeque at:
1555 Washington Avenue
Miami Beach, FL 33139
(305) 538-7201
November 17th, 2011
Sardinia Enoteca Ristorante
Sardinia is like no other Italian restaurant in Miami. The menu is chock-full of authentic and truly creative Italian dishes and an amazing wine offering. The staff is extremely courteous and helpful and always makes me feel welcome, and, if you’re in a hurry, you also won’t be waiting long to get your food – though I recommend you sit back and enjoy all the wonderful flavors and relaxing atmosphere. On my last visit we had a nine-course meal with wine pairing that was out of this world!
On the Menu
Like I said before, the menu at Sardinia is something you won’t find anywhere else in Miami. From their amazing ravioli, goat cheese and spinach in a light tomato sauce with butter or sage, to the Branzino Mediterranean sea bass baked in a delicious salt crust, Sardinia certainly will tickle your taste buds. Pair your meal with one of the many wonderful wine offerings (by the glass, quartino or bottle) and you’ll feel like you’re in Italy itself.
Bottom line: If you’re looking for an Italian restaurant on Miami Beach with a creative menu and superb wine list, Sardinia is the place to go.
Benny Approved!
Find Sardinia Risorante at:
www.sardinia-ristorante.com
1801 Purdy Avenue
Miami Beach, FL
(305) 531-2228
November 10th, 2011
Open Kitchen Miami
This week I enjoyed a delicious lunch at Open Kitchen in Bay Harbor. It’s an open kitchen style restaurant, but that’s what you’d expect from Chef Sandra Stefani’s newest creation. This new lunchery, opened only a few short months ago by my personal friends Sandra and Ines, gave me just what I was looking for – a flavorful meal that was as delicious and refreshing as is this new eatery.
During my visit I enjoyed the pasta special of the day, which featured an incredible arugula pesto sauce and was complimented with a smear of goat cheese – unbelievable! The flavors mixed together wonderfully and left me wanting more. For dessert I treated myself to the flourless and extremely moist chocolate cake, also known as the perfect ending to any meal.
A splash of Ines’ mint lemonade sealed the deal. I really couldn’t have asked for more.
On the Menu
Open Kitchen’s menu has something for everyone, including a PBLT (pork belly, lettuce and tomato sandwich), sweet and sour eggplant dip and balsamic-tomato braised short ribs – just some of the highlights. It also features nibblers, homemade soups, entrees, sandwiches, wraps and family-sized takeaways that will have you coming back time and time again.
Open Kitchen also offers cooking classes and wine pairing dinners if you’re in the mood to learn, or are looking for a great date night idea.
Stop by for a friendly smile and after you eat, you’ll tell everyone just like I am now!
Bottom line: Delicious food, great atmosphere and exclusive cooking classes make Open Kitchen a must-visit lunch spot.
Benny Approved!
Find Open Kitchen at:
www.openkitchenmiami.com
1071 95th St.
Bay Harbor, FL 33154
(305) 865-0090
November 3rd, 2011
La Terrazza
It’s on these cooler fall nights – the ceiling fans humming, a nice crowd all around you – that you really appreciate how great we have it here in South Florida. I’ve been in the mood for Italian this month and couldn’t help but share with you another one of my favorite local Italian spots. This week I dined at La Terrazza in Sunny Isles, located just five minutes from Trump Hollywood.
I have been going to La Terrazza for years, and each time I go I’m always very well received by their friendly and extremely knowledgeable servers. The live music every Thursday and “buy one, get one” happy hour specials during the week earn them bonus points. You can’t go wrong there.
On my last visit I enjoyed the Ravioli Terrazza (fresh ravioli stuffed with lobster, crab, scallops and shrimp served with a chardonnay aurora sauce), steamed mussels, and a refreshing tomato salad all topped off with the delicious limoncello frappé and chocolate mousse. That’s a slam dunk in my book.
Italian restaurants are plentiful in South Florida, each with its own distinct flavor and charm, but La Terrazza’s pristine location and inviting atmosphere make it one you absolutely have to visit.
Bottom line: Italian dining at its finest and just minutes from the Trump Hollywood luxury residences.
Benny Approved!
Find La Terrazza at:
www.laterrazzamiami.com
18090 Collins Avenue
Sunny Isles 33160
(305) 792-2355
October 27th, 2011
Fulvio’s 1900
This week I want to tell you about Fulvio’s 1900, located just minutes from Trump Hollywood in the heart of downtown Hollywood, Fl. Fulvio’s is a family-owned restaurant and comes with all the quaint offerings associated with its kind. The mood is generally very calming and laid back, making it the perfect place for a quiet, romantic dinner away from the noise and commotion of South Beach.
Chef Fulvio meets with guests regularly to make suggestions on meal selections. During my last visit I enjoyed the decadent diver scallops (braised beef with red wine Swiss chard), followed by the mouth-watering porcini ribeye steak with rosemary potatoes and a side of pasta. The wine selection at Fulvio’s 1900 is fantastic, as they have an EnoMatic gracing bar that allows you to taste a particular type of wine without opening a whole bottle – I recommend trying the Super Tuscan.
And don’t forget to leave room for dessert, because the menu is full of traditional and delicious items like the canoli and strawberry panna cotta. It doesn’t get any better than that!
Keep an eye out for more about Fulvio’s in the future. We are currently working on bringing Trump Hollywood residents a special, off-the-menu dining experience from Chef Fulvio himself!
Bottom line: The perfect place for a delicious and quiet meal near Trump Hollywood.
Benny Approved!
Find Fulvio’s 1900 at:
www.fulvios1900.net
1900 Harrison Street
Hollywood, FL 33020
(954) 927-1900
October 21st, 2011
Manicures, pedicures, threading and makeup galore!
Everyone loves to be pampered from time to time. But why should you have to leave the comfort of your home to do so? If you live at Trump Hollywood you won’t have to – not anymore!
Introducing another batch of great services we’re bringing to our residents: the very best in manicures, pedicures, threading and professional makeup services by Gilda – all from the comfort of your luxury residence.
This is just one of the many great amenities available for Trump Hollywood residents. All you have to do is schedule an appointment by calling Gilda or myself and we’ll take it from there. Luxury living at its finest.
Gilda is available Monday through Wednesday and on call Thursday through Saturday to bring you these exclusive new services. Please schedule an appointment with Gilda by calling 786-413-5726 or contact Benny to make arrangements.
Bottom line: Convenient, professional spa services in the comfort of your Trump Hollywood residence.
Benny Approved!
October 18th, 2011
Makoto Restaurant
It’s no small secret that I love great Japanese Cuisine. That’s why I can’t wait to tell you about Makoto restaurant in Bal Harbour! Let me start by saying that, while the parking at Makoto may be easy, choosing what to eat from the jaw-dropping menu is not. That’s not to say it’s hard to read or find what you want – on the contrary.
Deciding what to have at Makoto is only difficult because everything on the menu is amazing! Whether you decide to go with an appetizer of fire & ice oysters, sauteed air spinach or spicy tuna crispy rice, or skip right to the 26 oz. premium wagyu bone-in rib eye (one of my personal favorites), you won’t be disappointed. The sushi and sashimi bar is also one of the hottest spots in all of Bal Harbour.
Finish it off with the mochi ice cream or yuzu miso (fondant chocolate, sake, fresh vanilla ice cream) and you’ll be one happy customer.
When it comes to the service at Makoto, you can expect nothing but the best. Add in some light Rock ‘n’ Roll or reggae to set the mood and you’ll want to come back soon for seconds.
Bottom line: Makoto’s excellent menu and easy parking makes it a “MustGoto”!
Benny Approved!
Find Makoto Restaurant at:
www.makoto-restaurant.com
9700 Collins Ave
Bal Harbour, FL 33154
305-864-8600
September 16th, 2011
Quality MERV Rated Filters for your Trump Hollywood Luxury Residence
Summer is almost over, but that doesn’t mean that the heat is leaving anytime soon! As the short fall days approach, it’s important that you get the most out of the sunshine. After a day at the beach, what better feeling is there than to come home to a cool apartment? Unless of course, you’ve (yet again) forgotten to swap out your air filter!
Trump Hollywood residents no longer need to worry about the last time the air filter was changed. On Time Air Filters is now offering a subscription air filter delivery service (yes, you read that correctly, delivery!) for Trump Hollywood residents.
It’s incredibly easy to get started. Visit On Time Air Filters, select the type of unit you have, and they will automatically send the right filter for your residence.
The best part about On Time is that they offer three kinds of filters to best “suite” your home. Pets? Tobacco smoker? Allergies? Don’t worry, these air filters will help eliminate odors and reduce dust, all while keeping you cool during Florida’s “not as hot” days.
Bottom Line: Keep your home cool without ever worrying about replacing your filter again.
Benny Approved!
Read more about On Time Air Filters at:
http://www.ontimeairfilters.com/trumphollywood
Trump Hollywood. 2711 S Ocean Drive, Hollywood Beach, FL 33019. Sales Center & Designer Models Open Daily 
Sales by Related Realty in collaboration with Fortune Development Sales
