KosherItalia

Well guys, it's been a while...

Not that it will matter to most of you, but I'll try to review the kosher scene in K.C. within the next few weeks.

Until then, check this out:

http://kosheritalia.netfirms.com/store/nfoscomm/catalog/index.php?osCsid=7dc324e62ec5ab3c779216d81cd088fb

Buon appetito!

AOBA - non-kosher

Gomen nasai!

For those of you unaware, Aoba Japanese Steak and Sushi became a non-kosher restaurant at the end of March (timed to match my departure from Miami).

Yoshi-san was torn because of the wonderful support that he'd received from the Jewish community over the past few years, but closing on Friday and Shabbos was difficult, so for practical business reasons...

We wish Yoshi and his team much success. Ganbate masu!

Dougie's - Miami Beach

At long last, Dougie's of New York has opened an outpost on Miami Beach. As many of you have requested a review...

I've received varying reports over the past two weeks, so thought that I should check it out. You may or may not be glad to know that my visit left me with the same indigestion as their Manhattan branch.

Atmosphere: Cavernous, at least the section that I sat in; it would be deafening if filled with customers, more so with families. The menu that was handed to me had grease on the cover... The interior could use some wall hangings, better if sound dampening. Otherwise, "dineresque". The bathrooms were very clean.

Service: Well...they're young and new; had trouble placing anything on the table without spillage. Certainly inexperienced. Could they have been shipped down from N.Y.? But they seemed to be trying. Our food was brought VERY quickly - too! The Fire Starters (chicken dredged, fried and served in a hot sauce) appetizer and mains were served at the same time. Water was served immediately with no request, which was a nice change, and the carafe was left on the table.

Food: The aforementioned appetizer was good, as in N.Y., and was probably the cause of the aforementioned upset stomach. I ordered the basic beef burger w/fries, which came with all necessary garnishes, and was good. My non-Jewish companion had the basic burger in turkey; he enjoyed everything very much. (I was slightly surprised.) The Cokes - my regular and his Diet - seemed a bit flat; strange.

Cost: $50 for two with tip, so comparable to Sam's.

All-in-all it was a decent experience, though I would hate to be there when crowded. We both left quite satiated; I to the extent that I'll forego dinner. Of course, there is the stomach problem...

Dougie's

468 41 St.

Miami Beach (next to Chicken Kitchen at 41st and Royal Palm)

305-604-8800

Supervision: KM

Le Marais - Update

Still my pick if you have one evening out. AND, they've repaired the A/C!

Consider having a soup - they're consistently imaginative and good.

The boeuf bourguignon takes me back to bistros in France.

If you're not certain of a wine, or nothing strikes your fancy, try a bottle of the Teal Lake Cabernet/Merlot blend, also available by the glass.

See below for more info..

A paean to Baraka

Many of you may remember the restaurant Baraka at Oakland Park Blvd. and A1A in Ft. Lauderdale.

A good friend reminded me of a meal that we shared several years ago, and I thought that it might be appropriate to reflect upon its ambiance and, most notably, its food.

While picking up a 50th Anniversary copy of M.F.K. Fisher's tome The Art of Eating today at Books and Books, the cashier and I were lamenting the state of eating/dining in the U.S.. Both of us had studied/lived in Europe and have fond memories of leisurely dinners with friends, and outstanding - though simple - food. As many of you know, eating elsewhere is dining; all too often, eating here is feeding. Although I try, most of my evenings here are interrupted by dashes to Mincha and/or Ma'ariv, or impatience or eager waiters. These of course are worthy reasons (much more important), but still... . Shabbos is relaxing, but all too often everyone, including myself, is exhausted after the week. And while I am truly blessed to know so many wonderful cooks, and as I so often rant, how is it possible to eat, and enjoy, so much food? Of course, eating/dining in the 18th and 19th centuries often involved gluttonous affairs, but these took entire evenings - not an hour! Alas...

Perhaps it was because one had to be prepared in advance - there were no minynim nearby - but evenings at Baraka were never rushed; or perhaps it was the long drive that encouraged happy trekkers to linger just a bit longer.

I have rarely experienced a restaurant - incl. non-kosher - that was as consistently good at innovation. While the ambiance was not formal, the food and presentation was always, in my experience, outstanding. Remember the obligatory cocktail? Outstanding! And although another friend still decries the unexpected $45 price tag of the Dover Sole special, it was a masterpiece to see, and from his reaction very good to eat as well.

Although everyone would probably agree that the dairy incarnation was superior to the re-incarnation as the entire Bessie, they kept up the standard and I was never disappointed, until they closed.

Leisurely evenings, good friends, good conversation helped with good wine, a casual and cozy environment, and outstanding food... What more could one hope for? (If any of you know where the owner or chef are now, please let me know!)

If it is also your quest to find true "dining" let me know, and you may also be interested in the mission of the Slow Food organization - www.slowfood.com or www.slowfoodusa.org

Happy (slow) Eating!

Misc. Restaurants and Services

As you all may know, the reviews on this blog cover very few of the kosher restaurants and services available in the South Florida area - thank G-d. My original intent was to make people aware of new eateries, but as there's been a request for more, I'll try to cover establishments already well known while trying to get to new places, and publishing updates.

As always, eating buddies are always welcome to contact me for a night out!

Bon appetit!

Notable restaurants not yet reviewed:

New Time - Moroccan and Spanish - North Miami

Eilat Cafe - Boca Raton

Tea for Two - South Beach

Gourmet Carrot - South Beach

Cine Citta - Surfside

China Bistro - Aventura/Waterways

Prime Grill - Aventura/Waterways

Weber Cafe - Aventura/Waterways

Kosher Inspection Service - India

The Kosher Inspection Service of India is run by Rabbi Avraham Binyamin, a Rabbi in Mumbai (Bombay). There are several vegetarian products that carry his hashgacha, including food service on ElAl flights from Mumbai and Delhi, and a couple of labels that can be found in Miami and on the Internet.

I spoke with Rabbi Binyamin, who "appears" to be acceptably observant. His children are at Y.U. and Stern, if that means anything, and from our conversation sounds completely dati. He assured me that the companies with which he deals are completely vegetarian, as dictated by Indian law, and that no meat products are ever present. In fact, he was about to leave for an unannounced inspection of one of the plants, and a rice plant. He asked that if I ever had any doubts or questions that I could contact him or his son at Y.U.. And, he plans to call me when in the States to spend the chagim with his children in New York. (Unfortunately, with the horrible flooding recently in Mumbai, he lost his house and car.)

(Dr. Nathan Katz - F.I.U. Prof. of Religion - who is a specialist in the Jewish communities of India received assurances from the community in Cochin that Rabbi Binyamin may be relied upon in matters of kashrut. Dr. Katz also commented that the Cochin community is machmer.)

Currently, I have found two products available in Miami with his hashgacha, which I will review below. The first was at Epicure where they have a new, large display of ready-to-eat dishes being marketed under the name of Kohinoor; not all of the products on display have a hechsher. Many also display an OV - Vegetarian mark, which generally indicates supervision from the Vaad Hoeir of St. Louis; they have said that this is unauthorized, and that they will pursue an order to cease-and-desist. The second product is sold under the name of Tasty Bite and is available at Wild Oats or on-line at www.tastybite.com, though only the Indian products, and probably at other health food stores.

Please feel free to contact me to discuss in more detail.

Kohinoor - Mughlai Kofta Curry with Peas Pulao
Fritters made of Indian cottage cheese in a thick gravy along with peas pulao (pre-cooked basmati rice sprinkled with fresh garden peas)

The first point to be aware of is that although the product is labeled 100% Natural/No Preservatives, it contains 2120 mg. of sodium, unless that's a misprint.

Taste: Very good, not salty (surprisingly); well seasoned, not too.

Price: $7

Probably not enough if you're very hungry. I added half a container of Bombay Potatoes (see below)

N.B. This product, with others, is available at Epicure

Tasty Bite - Bombay Potatoes

Potatoes and chick peas in sauce of tomatoes, onions and spices

Taste: Excellent, especially if you like some heat

Price: $3.40

Again, not enough for a meal, but a good side.

Tasty Bite - Spinach Dal and Rice

Spinach cooked with yellow lentils

Taste: The Dal was very good; the rice had a...strange flavor. Together not bad but the rice detracted somewhat. The seasoning was good, not too hot. I added a chutney to improve the taste.

Price: $3.40

Packaging: The Tasty Bite "dinners" with rice come in a microwavable container and include a spoon.

Much less sodium that the Kohinoor product above: 600mg

Tasty Bite - Peas Paneer and Basmati Rice

Green peas and Paneer cheese in sauce

Taste: In this case, the rice tasted fine, but the Peas Paneer, which has 491mg of sodium was a bit bland; with added salt, very good.

Price: $3.40

N.B. The Tasty Bite products are available from Wild Oats, and probably other health food stores, as well as www.tastybite.com (only Indian products)

Finally, all of the above would have been nicely rounded out by some traditional nan. Fortunately, it can be ordered from the Tasty Bite web site, under Breads. It's produced by Kontos Foods and is certified by the OK.

Sam's Deli

At long last, after two years, Sam's Deli has opened.

Under the same management as the Tasti Cafe, the new deli occupies the former space of Kosher Ranch. Although completely redone, there are fewer tables than before, as space has been taken up by a huge counter for prepared, take-out food.

On my first visit I went all out and ordered a "triple-decker" sandwich with turkey, corned beef and beef "bacon". Thinking, foolishly, that the "triple" referred to the three meats, I was slightly surprised to receive a sandwich that was twice the size of my mouth. The turkey and corned beef were excellent - not processed, saline-injected products; the beef "bacon" was okay, but really didn't add anything to the sandwich. Although I was told that it came with nothing, therefore forcing me to order fries, it did come with a small container of cole slaw and some undersized dill pickles. As this was a take-out order, the fries were sealed in a container, thereby rendering them soggy sticks.

Half of the sandwich would have been enough, but as it wouldn't have lasted another day, it had to be finished... (I won't order another triple-decker, by myself.)

All-in-all, the food was good, and welcomed. The restaurant itself was quite busy with in-house diners and people ordering take-out. The staff seemed somewhat disorganized; that could be due to first-week trials or to the seemingly ever-present disorganization at Tasti Cafe, though that is probably due to the lack of space.

Certainly worth a try!

Sam's Deli and Grill
740 41 St.
Miami Beach
305-538-1616

Supervision: KM

Gourmet Kosher Meats

Here are two sites from which more "unusual" meats may be purchased:

http://www.aaronsgourmet.com/index.html

www.kosherbison.com

Kosher Bakeries - Mail Order

A friend just sent me a link to the following on-line bakery:

http://www.oldstyledesserts.com/index.asp

All of their products are OU; many of their products are available as OU Parve and Pas Yisroel. I would call for more information.

I have not tried any of their offerings.

However, I have tried a cake from the Greyston Bakery after seeing an expose on 60 Minutes:

http://www.greystonbakery.com/

Their "Lotus in Mud" was very good, but not sure it was worth the price. (I'd rather splurge and pick up something from Eilat Cafe in Boca Raton.)

In any case, check out the web site, but only if you're not hungry.

FYI - the Greyston Bakery produces all of the brownie pieces used in Ben & Jerry's ice creams.

Sweet dreams!

Le Marais Express II

Another evening, another visit to Le Marais Express...

Much simpler than last evening, I had the chicken paillard which was, in the inimitable words of Coffee Talk, "like butta"; it was subtly flavored, as was the accompanying avocado relish. The frites and salad were as before, though the vinaigrette seemed to have a stronger hint of tarragon, which I liked.

The wine was a 2003 BH Merlot - very nice. And, the wine list miraculously expanded over night!

I was finished, but the many other guests - those there and those expected - seemed to be having a fine time. It's astonishing that the word has gotten out so quickly without any formal advertising; certainly this review isn't responsible for the mad rush.

The evening manager - Eve - told me that she's trying to use local merchants as much as possible to provide comestibles not fabricated on site - bravo!; they're working on the baguettes...

Bon appetit!

Le Marais Express

Well, happily, the rumors were true, and a simplified version of my favorite restaurant - Le Marais (Times Square) - has opened on Miami Beach; although the format will change over time.

http://lemaraismiami.com/

Currently, the restaurant occupies a space on the first floor of an older hotel, which will remain open until Pesach 2006. At that time, the entire building will be renovated to create an exclusive, kosher boutique hotel and a full blown restaurant to be known as Le Marais Hotel and Restaurant. But that's not why you're reading this...

To put it simply, the evening, shared with two close friends, was not disappointing. The decor is, as the restaurant's web page puts it - "rustic"; it's very simple, but not unattractive. Just give me a white table cloth and good food... For those of you who are looking for more, additions will slowly be made to decor, menu and wine list.

Ambiance: As mentioned, simple. A radio station was playing over speakers, which one of my cohorts asked to be lowered. I'm going to suggest some classic and contemporary French music, and Jazz (tres francais!). Other than that...think basic bistro.

Food: Excellent! All three of us thought it superb. We started with the soupe du jour - cold cucumber; it was very nice though I would have preferred it slightly more chilled, and perhaps with a garnish of two transparent slices of the main ingredient, skillfully cut on a mandoline?

The three entrees - steak au poivre, maigre de canard and entrecote were all excellent, and cooked as requested. I would have preferred the steak to be slightly more encrusted with pepper, though most might not (next time I'll request more). The duck, which I rarely order as it's never done very well, was superb!, just really good!! The entrecote's Bearnaise sauce was so good that you'll never want to say, "Don't be saucy with me Bearnaise!". The pommes frites - very good.

Desserts were mousse au chocolate, tarte tatin and creme caramel. The mousse and creme were as they should be; the tarte tatin also as it should be, though rarely is - excellent. Hopefully, soon, there will also be a creme brulee!

Wine was a very nice Merlot/Cabernet blend from Teal Lake. Currently, approximately 20 wines are available covering a respectable range; the selection will expand in time for next season.

Service: Friendly and professional, but relaxed - no pretension here (thank G-d). We never had to ask for anything; all was taken care of quietly and unobtrusively.

Prices: comparable to N.Y., better value than Juliette - IMHO.

N.B. Gratuity is included, which I prefer.


This is a bistro with a no-fuss menu that's very good. You'll be glad to know that it's open noon to midnight, Sun. - Thurs., and noon - 3 p.m. on Fridays; there will be hours motzei Shabbos in the Winter. Now, no problem finding a restaurant for post-concert dinners or after late flights!

The management will also work with individuals to put together special menus for groups. And, July 1st, the restaurant will begin an experiment with pre-paid Shabbos meals.

Try it! I'm sure that you won't be disappointed. And if you need a dining companion...

Le Marais Express
4210 Collins Ave.
Miami Beach
305-538-9455

Supervision: OU

Mexico Bravo - CLOSED

Mexico Bravo seems to have closed, or is no longer under kosher supervision.

The old phone number has been disconnected, so any info. would be appreciated.

Although I haven't tried, La Valentina in the Aventura Mall is serving kosher Mexican cuisine (meat), and is reportedly very good.

Mangia Cafe

There's a new restaurant in the Design District - Mangia Cafe!

Under KM supervision, Dairy - Cholov Israel, the Cafe has been open approximately 3 weeks; although currently only open 7 a.m. - 6 p.m., they intend to have dinner hours within 2 weeks.

The offering is basically sandwiches and salads, though entrees are to be offered soon.

My companion ordered the hummus platter which was served with green olives, oil, and a basket of breads - white and wheat pita, and ciabatta. It was good but not sure if it was made in-house. We also split what appeared to be a cookie but was in fact more like a round biscotti - very good. The owner then brought out two pieces of his vegetable lasagne - sans pasta - for us to try; basically, layers of seasoned vegetables with cheese - very nice. My tea...was tea.

There is an offering of sushi rolls, but it's pre-packaged, at least on the day that I visited; I didn't ask where it was made.

When asked why he had opened a kosher restaurant in that location, the owner said that he had originally opened a shop to produce freshly roasted coffees; when there was a call from customers to offer food... His rabbi at the Shul of Bal Harbour insisted that it be under kosher supervision, et voila! Of course, it doesn't hurt that it's down the street from the Jewish home, and just behind Federation.

Furnishings are...patioesque - metal grill work lawn furniture for tables and chairs.

The best part is that it's out of the way and, as of yet, undiscovered, so provides a nice kosher retreat from the crowds. The owner would like to keep it this way but gave me the go-ahead to publicize to the hungry hoards.

Give it a try!

Mangia Cafe
4312 N.E. 2 Ave. (Design District)
305-576-7337

Supervision: KM

AOBA - Japanese

As always, I would like to encourage others to patronize AOBA - Japanese Steak and Sushi.

It's the only dedicated kosher Japanese restaurant in South Florida, and I would hate to see it go.

Although Tani Guchi was better at preparing some dishes - namely teriyaki - they do a good job and have a nicer environment - IMHO. And, of course, there's always the hibachi!

Since the New Year, they've offered an all-you-can-eat menu with a wide selection. I tried it once, but found it to be too much....  If you do order it, be aware that they will charge extra for any leftovers, so it's better just to order as needed.

Itedakemasu!

Aoba Japanese Steak House and Sushi Restaurant
13185 Biscyane Blvd.
North Miami
305-893-6266

Supervision: NK

Chosen Voyage - All kosher cruises

I have not sailed with this group, but their offerings always look interesting.

Currently they're promoting trips to Alaska/Russia, and the North and South Islands of New Zealand.

http://www.chosenvoyage.com/

Happy sailing!

Kosher Hotel - Austria (Hinterglemm)

As many of you may have heard, there's a delightful hotel - 2 in fact - that 's under kosher supervision during the summer months; actually, they had a Chanukah program this winter.

The Blumenhotels are run by the Sommerbichler Family - an interesting story in itself.

The four-star Tirolerhof and the three-star Knappenhof offer kosher half-board in the summer months - usually Shavuous 'til Succos, though offered a Chanukah/Ski week in 2004. There are also apartments available.

http://www.kosher-hotel.at/

I stayed for a week in 2003 during its first season; in fact, they told me that I'd been the first to book for the new kosher program.

It was WUNDERBAR!

The hotels are situated in the small village of Hinterglemm - approx. an hour south of Salzburg - which lies in a picturesque valley (see web site). I actually thought that I might have an accident while driving as it was so mouth-dropingly beautiful.

The Sommerbichler Family could not have been more hospitable. Of course, they had a lot of learning to do, dealing with a kosher clientele and vendors. At the time, the rate was an unbelievable $80 per day - meals included; although they've gone up a bit, it's still an incredible bargain - IMHO.

The meals consisted of a huge buffet for breakfast - cheese, rolls, cereals, eggs, etc., and dinner - four courses with choice of entree; Shabbos was out of control! The food was all very good, and included local specialties (Sacher Torte!) At the time, the management was allowing guests to make sandwiches for lunch. In addition, there was a small "market" set up with kosher products for sale - mainly from Israel.

The two hotels are located directly across from each other - on either side of the main road, and a stream - and there's even an Eruv surrounding the properties! The Tirolerhoff includes a spa (sauna, steam, pool, massage) but guests of the Knappenof are also welcome to make use of the spa facilities, including a mikvah for men. And there's a beis medrash.

When I was there - post Tisha b'Av - there were three minyanim for Shacharis during the week.

Caveat - Europe goes on holiday in August; this holds true for frum families as well. When I was there in August, 2003, there were over 200 Jews in the village (can you imagine?) with their families...

If you're looking for peace and quite, go BEFORE Tisha b'Av!

Still, it was a wonderful experience. So, check it out! There are more wonderful day trips than a week will allow.

(I'll be there again the week of July 24, 2005, if you happen to be in the neighborhood.)

Restaurant Juliette - Miami, Florida (Surfside)

After much anticipation, Restaurant Juliette - the famed Parisian establishment - finally opened in January, 2005.

Juliette
9472 Harding Ave.
Surfside FL 33154
305-865-1595


Nice, modern, sparse decor - think a dark Cine Citta.

Expensive! I don't think that there were any entrees under $30; perhaps the chicken. (Dinner for two was $176 (service compris), w/only one glass of wine and one bottle of water.)

I started with the Roasted Vegetable Millefeuille which was very good, but if I recall correctly...$20!

Then the Pepper Steak - Medium. It didn't compare to Le Marais' - a bit tough and not as flavorful, and was served Medium-Rare, but as I like it any way... It was covered with an artichoke puree - not sure why. The accompanying fries were very good. No greens as at Le Marais.

The house Cabernet was very nice, as was the bottled Norwegian water.

I split the chocolate cake w/fondant center; neither bad nor memorable, certainly no where near what Baraka used to serve.

Table cloth had a rip and my original water glass was a bit smudged - this one week after opening...

There is a less expensive sushi menu that I'm told is decent.

So, all in all, not a bad experience, but I'll stick to Le Marais; too bad that it's in N.Y..

Kosher Hotel - Mid-town Manhattan

Check out this hotel if you need en-suite catering during a stay in N.Y.:

Totally Jewish Travel - Jewish Travel & Kosher Travel at one destination