Lolita's Kitchen

From the moment we dipped the complimentary, soft Focaccia filled with pecorino cheese and sun-dried tomato into the extra virgin olive oil and aged balsamic vinegar at Lolita's Kitchen, we predicted it was going to be a good night. Lolita's Kitchen, located at 2219 N. Commerce Parkway in Weston, is a cozy, family-owned hidden gem, serving international cuisine with Colombian flair. It's owner Hector Alonso and his brother Fernando do everything from greeting the guests, to entertaining the diners, to making sure everything runs smoothly in the kitchen. This family is quite familiar with the restaurant business. They have two other eateries in Cali, Colombia: Restaurante Mochika serving an infusion of Peruvian cuisine and Patio Santo (also known as El Patio), a popular place featuring live shows and entertainment.

Focaccia filled with Pecorino Cheese and Sun-dried Tomato

Initially starting with more of a fast food approach, Lolita's Kitchen has evolved in the year and a half it has been around. Now it serves an incredibly diverse menu with traditional favorites and global fare. It has a jovial ambiance, with its "Sharing and Creating Life's Little Pleasures" philosophy and bright green hues. On the walls hang flat-screen T.V.s perfect for watching sporting events (I'm already thinking ahead to next year's Heat win) and for following along during open mic time.

Michelada

Fundido Lolita's

Caipirinha

As we looked at the menu, we decided to order a Michelada: a traditional Mexican drink consisting of a "prepared beer", in this case  made with Aguila, a salted rim and a splash of lime at the bottom. We also ordered a nice, cold Caipirinha, for the cocktail lover in me. Our first appetizer was the Fundido Lolita's, a marriage of mushrooms and vegetables sautéed in cream, mozzarella and parmesan cheese. It was creamy, thick and full of flavors and textures. We also tried Lolita's "Mozzarella en Carroza"(Mozzarella in a Carriage) which consisted of fresh baked mozzarella sitting on a bed of basil pesto and topped with a mound of ripe tomatoes. I completely enjoyed how the bold flavor of the pesto complemented the more delicate taste of the baked mozzarella.

Lolita's "Mozzarella en Carroza"

Next we had one of my favorites of the evening: the Mexican Soup. It sounded so appetizing on the menu, I figured I'd give it a go even if I had to walk the block ten times after dinner. One slurp and I was hooked. Imagine a hot, creamy soup filled with crispy tortillas, shredded chicken, melted cheese, pico de gallo, slices of fresh avocado, corn, jalapenos, pork cracklings and sour cream. A meal on its own, you have to try this dish.

Mexican Soup

Hector and Alvaro

Alvaro Ruiz

By now the entertainment was starting, and Hector, the talented owner, was rocking it on the mic alongside Alvaro Ruiz, singer and comedian. Already close to 11 pm. the place was packed and it was a very family-oriented ambiance where everyone was having a good time. The later it got, the more alive Lolita's became. The party continues way into the night on the weekends.

Lolita's "Lomo Jalapeno"

Passion Fruit Salmon

We ordered our entrees: Lolita's "Lomo Jalapeno", and the Passion Fruit Salmon. The 10 oz. steak was thick and juicy,  grilled to perfection and rested on a pool of roasted tomato and honey sauce. It was topped with melted mozzarella cheese and jalapenos, and served with Pasta Alfredo and their special salad. The grilled salmon was tender and flaky, bathed in a passion fruit sauce and also served with Pasta Alfredo and a salad. We enjoyed the combined flavors in this sweet and savory dish.

Nutella Crepes

Banana Wrapped in Puff Pastry

For dessert, we sampled two of their favorites: the Nutella Crepes and the Banana Wrapped in Puff Pastry. The crepes were a chocolate lover's dream - sweet and decadent, filled with the gooey treat and served with vanilla ice-cream. The caramelized bananas were wrapped in puff pastry, drizzled with chocolate and also served with a scoop of ice-cream and fruit.

Cafecito

As you know there couldn't be an open mic night and me not take part. So, I decided to sing the karaoke version of  Olvidame y Pega La Vuelta from Pimpinela, with Hector. While I doubt I'll be getting a call from American Idol anytime soon, I don't think I did half bad. I've actually been practicing these past couple of weeks because it was so much fun, I really want to do it again soon.

And there she is...the next American Idol!

So, if you're looking for a night of great food, in a fun, family-style setting, look no further than Lolita's Kitchen. To add to the excitement, there is something different going on each night: Broadway Night on Mondays, Comedy Night on Wednesdays and Latin Night on Fridays and Saturdays with live entertainment to dance the night away. They also offer a pretty amazing daily happy hour as well with $5 cocktails and light bites from 5-7 pm. For more information on Lolita's Kitchen, you can call them at 954-389-8871 or visit them online at http://www.lolitaskitchen.com.

The Joint Bar & Grill (CLOSED)

Those of you who know me, know I am a die-hard Miami Heat fan! As we prepared to continue stealing The Thunder on Sunday night's Game 3 Finals (pun intended..lol), a group of us decided to go watch the game at a South Miami neighborhood gastropub, boasting a giant projection screen: The Joint Bar & Grill, located at 9555 South Dixie Highway.


The Joint Bar & Grill is a family-owned restaurant and bar that offers classic American food at great prices. You can always find both father and son working around the restaurant; making sure everyone is having a good time. Besides sporting a very casual and fun ambiance, perfect to watch a game, you can expect to find delicious gourmet dishes, and a great staff.  On Sunday, the place was packed, and there were great beer and drink specials to get the crowd started. Of course, my adventures always revolve around ways to tantalize your taste buds, so here's a preview of a few gastronomic treats you will find on The Joint's new menu when you go watch The Heat win The Playoffs.

The Croqueta Preparada Burger

Seared Tuna Tacos

First thing's first. The Joint cooks up a burger I had been dying to try since The Grind Miami: The Croqueta Preparada Burger. It is made with a Creekstone Farms Certified Premium Black Angus and Serrano ham patty, and topped with crunchy slices of Serrano ham, Manchego Cheese, a delicious homemade Serrano ham and Manchego cheese croquette, pickles and mustard; all served inside a toasty bun. I ordered it and I scored!! It was good!  I felt like Wade in the third quarter of Game 2. Hot! Another winner at the table was the Seared Tuna Tacos. These were four soft tortillas topped with seared ahi tuna, asian slaw and a wasabi avocado cream that gave it an electrifying kick. Not only was the taste fresh and delicious, but the presentation was awesome!

Spicy Chorizo Tacos

Croquettes

Still hungry from all the energy we were expending high fiving each other, we ordered the Spicy Chorizo Tacos.  They weren't kidding when they named them! These hot little suckers consisted of four soft flour tortillas served with a spicy Mexican chorizo, pico de gallo and a flavorful sour cream guacamole. While they were tasty, we could really feel The Heat when we bit into the chorizo. If fire-breathing spicy is your thing, then this is the dish for you! Just make sure to have a nice, cold pitcher of beer nearby. Deciding to try and score one more basket, we ordered the Serrano Ham and Manchego Cheese Croquettes. Interestingly enough, when they arrived at the table, they looked more like papas rellenas (stuffed potatoes) than croquettes. Round, drizzled with guava sauce and sprinkled with parmesan cheese, they were another 3-pointer for Team Heat.

Joint Donuts

Popcorn N Waffles

Into the fourth quarter, we figured we needed to attack the desserts. Two of them caught our eye. We had the Joint Donuts and the Popcorn N Waffles. The Joint Donuts were The Joint's very own version of Thai Donuts - with a Latin flair. Not only were they served with condensed milk, but also with a sweet guava sauce! Oh Yeah...Slam Dunk! But wait! There's more. The Popcorn N Waffles were my all-time favorite. Get a load of this: bacon and chocolate waffles that practically melted in your mouth, were served with homemade popcorn ice-cream and topped with a Jack Daniels maple syrup. I want you to just imagine that burst of flavors in your mouth. Exactly! It was that insanely good!

By the end of the game, we were all no longer thirsty (clearing throat), our tummies were happy and the Miami Heat had won their second victory against the Oklahoma Thunders in the Finals 91-85. I can't wait to go back to The Joint for some more incredible Heat action and their amazing food! Go Heat!

For more information, you can contact them at 305-603-9929 or visit them online at www.thejointbarandgrill.com.