Linda’s Tips and Travel Notes

RESTAURANT HAPPENINGS 1.9.08

 SOUTH FLORIDA TASTE OF THE GROVE — THIS WEEKEND!

January 12^th and 13^th, 11am to 7pm, 2820 Grand Avenue,305-444-7270

Coconut Grove once again opens its restaurants to the community with the Great Taste of The Grove in Peacock Park, this year for two days: Saturday and Sunday, January 12 & 13. Free admission. Over 30 restaurants/hotels are participating with dishes ranging from $1 to $8. Live music and children’s activities. This year will be the best Taste yet, and a good opportunity to get to know the Grove and what it has to offer.

 TWO CHEFS’ JAN JORGENSEN OPENS TWO CHEFS TOO IN NORTH MIAMI

Two Chefs Too, 2286 NE 123rd St., North Miami. 305-895-5155.

Two Chefs of Pinecrest has opened a new restaurant, Two Chefs Too, where Mark’s Place used to be. The menu is very similar to that of Two Chefs in Pinecrest with like Galantine de foie gras, entrees offerings from Coq au vin and Atlantic salmon steak 20 or more different types of cheeses accompanied with different condiments. The wine list is extensive and varied and includes a good selection of wines by the glass.

 CHEF JASON MCLAIN OPENS JASON’S AT THE HARRISON, SOUTH BEACH

Jason’s at the Harrison, 411 Washington Ave., (305)-672-4600

Chef Jason McLain who made waves at Pearl Champagne Lounge at Nikki Beach before opening his own 8 1/2 Café in South Beach, is now opening the 200-seat Jason’s at the Harrison. Casual but with a sophisticated atmosphere the restaurant offers an extensive wine list, cool cocktails and chef Jason’s Creative Global Cuisine.

 LIME FRESH MEXICAN GRILL OPENS IN PEMBROKE PINES

Lime, 601 SW 145th Terrace Pembroke Pines, www.limefreshmexicangrill.com

Lime Fresh Mexican Grill has expanded their two South and North Beach sensations and opened his first franchise location in Pembroke Pines. As owner Kunkel says, “I think everyone deserves a great meal at reasonable prices. I am excited to expand my concept into Broward and create a new place where everyone is welcome and can enjoy a great meal at a reasonable price in a comfortable place.” Franchisees, Salsa Management Incorporated has plans to continue to expand the proven concept in Broward County with their second franchised location opening in Coconut Creek/Coral Springs, mid 2008. 

 JOLEY OPENS ON SOUTH BEACH

Joley, Hotel Astor, 956 Washington Avenue, 305-534-3343

The team behind upscale brasserie Café Joley of Boca Raton is ready to make its mark on South Beach, opening their second location, Joley, at Hotel Astor. Joley will feature American cuisine with a European influence designed and prepared by partner and chef John Suley who has trained under Daniel Boulud, Gordon Ramsey, and Pierre Gagnaire. Joley, under the direction of partner Michael Kurgan and designed by Nicky Bernstein, designer of Michy’s on Biscayne Boulevard, will provide guests with fine dining in an elegant, edgy, and comfortable space.

  KOBE CLUB, SOUTH BEACH OPENS

Kobe Club Miami, 404 Washington Avenue, 305-673-5370.

Located in the hot “south of fifth” area, China Grill Management’s Jeffrey Chodorow and partner, entertainment executive Charlie Walk, have opened Kobe Club Miami. The menu created by New York Kobe Club’s Executive Chef Russell Titland, China Grill Management Corporate Chef Luke Rinaman, and NY Regional Chef Scott Ubert features the finest cuts of meat as well as steakhouse classics. A seasonal Raw Bar offers a trio of Shellfish trays with selections of Kumamoto Oysters, Taylor Bay Scallops, Florida Stone Crab, King Crab and Maine Lobster. Mix and Match Entrées can be ordered in “flights” or as “surf and turf” combinations with Kobe Club’s signature shellfish options.

 
CHECK, PLEASE! HOSTED BY CHEF MICHELLE BERNSTEIN PREMIERES JAN 28 – 31

visit uvu.channel2.org, keyword: Check Please for sneak previews

Check, Please! the hit series on public television stations in Chicago and San Francisco is now reaching South Florida. Hosted by celebrity chef and Miami restaurateur Michelle Bernstein, the series premieres Monday, January 28 at 7:30 p.m., airing over four consecutive nights. The show features restaurants from BBQ joints to high-end bistros. On each episode Chef Bernstein invites a diverse group of three local diners, from CEOs to cab drivers, and asks them to test one another’s top South Florida restaurant choice.