Kegs & Eggs Brunch at Brother Jimmy's BBQ

Can you think of a word that rhymes with "eggs"? How about "kegs"? I bet you're thinking that's an unlikely pair but in fact, the twosome make for quite a memorable brunch. I was recently invited to a chillaxing get together hosted by Miami's favorite fashion blogger, Rosie Cordero, at Brother Jimmy's Barbeque in the Mary Brickell Village. While I've put some south in my mouth a few times before, I'd never tried their relatively new Kegs and Eggs Brunch, happening at the BBQ haven every Saturday and Sunday from 12:00-3:00 pm.

Brunching with the ladies

They weren't kidding when
they said Unlimited Mimosas

Getting the party started with
BJ's famous corn bread

Imagine unlimited mimosas and yes - beer, along with some southern, down-home brunch favorites. I had a hard time choosing from the menu because, let's face it, how do you reasonably pick between Chicken and Waffles and Carolina Benedict? That's like having to pick a favorite between two of your own children. So we decided to put the age-old quote to use and practice the "sharing is caring" philosophy; all the while sipping on our bottomless mimosas which never stopped flowing.

Chicken and Waffles

Carolina Benedict

While we waited for the feast to begin, we munched on Brother Jimmy's famous corn bread and maple butter. The pieces practically dissolve in your mouth so make sure you set a limit for yourself because once you start, it will be hard to stop. The first entree we sampled was The Chicken and Waffles. The plate featured a colorful delight of homemade belgium waffles topped with bits of hickory smoked bacon with red, plump strawberries alternating between boneless pieces of fried chicken. The ensemble was drizzled with their very own Bourbon BBQ maple syrup. Ta da! Next, we bit into the Carolina Benedict. This BJ version of the popular brunch dish was prepared starting with two pieces of their signature corn bread, and then topped with flavorful and smoky pulled pork, 2 poached eggs, and chipotle BBQ hollandaise sauce. It was served with their famous home fries and some fruit. I"ll tell you this one rocked my world.

A shot of bourbon infused with bananas? Yes please!

Home Fries

Stuffed French Toast

Because the home fries were so finger-licking good, I ordered an extra side. I mean this whole sharing thing can be a bit overrated when you want hands off your favorites. Which brings me to another awesome brunch pick at Brother Jimmy's: The Stuffed French Toast. Picture thick slices of Challah bread stuffed with peanut butter and raspberry preserves, then dipped in a sweet batter and topped with confectionary sugar. On the side? Some fruit and warm maple syrup.

Bloody Mary

Just when I thought I couldn't ingest anymore, liquid or solid, I overheard some talk about their Bloody Mary. I had hit the ball and run the bases but it was time to take it home. I have to be thorough for you guys, right? Down went the refreshing concoction. It was perfect with just the right amount of kick to keep the blood flowing and the tongue happy.  In case you're wondering how much the brunch costs, it is $29.99 for unlimited mimosas and beer plus one entree. If you haven't tried the Kegs and Eggs at Brother Jimmy's BBQ, you should definitely give it a shot, or two, or three.

For more information, you can visit them online at http://www.brotherjimmys.com/ or call them at 786-360-3650.

Thasos Greek Taverna - Brunch

One of my all-time favorite movies is my Big Fat Greek Wedding. I still laugh hysterically when Aunt Voula says "He don't eat no meat? Oh that's OK. I make lamb." I can absolutely relate to the passion Greeks feel about food; it's very similar to that of Italians and Cubans. Needless to say, when I heard about the new brunch at Thasos Greek Taverna, located at 3300 E. Oakland Park Blvd in Fort Lauderdale, I couldn't wait to go have me a Big Fat Greek Brunch.

Thasos just recently turned one and it is quickly becoming the trendy place to go. Owned by Gus Leontarakis and Sophia Mylona, both from Northern Greece,  the ambiance  is typical Mediterranean with a splash of contemporary design. The predominant white theme extends throughout the space, coming alive in the white walls, tables and chairs; only to be contrasted by the light ocean blue dishes on the tables. The open kitchen plays center stage, where you can watch the hustle and bustle from just about every angle. There is a larger-than-life mural of Greece that captures the eye from the moment you walk in, and a collection of lights that we were fascinated to hear change colors during the later hours. Just as charming, is the outdoor seating area, featuring yet another sprinkling of hanging lights and an interesting exterior wall with rectangular openings.

One of the things I noticed was that the dishes that tend to be normally heavy in Greek cuisine, were lighter and offered a "cleaner" taste here at Thasos. It turns out that Sophia, the owner, is a nutritionist, and it was important to her to incorporate a healthier take on traditional cuisine, scaling back on some of the olive oil and lemon. Executive Chef Brian Cantrell has taken this concept and seamlessly perfected it, creating Greek dishes the Thasos way.

White Sangria

Bloody Mary Bar

Fresh Fruit and Prosecco

We started the liquid portion of our adventure with a refreshing Prosecco and a White Sangria, while we looked over the menu of goodies in front of us. Thasos offers a Bottomless Brunch Bar for 15 dollars that includes Bloody Marys, Prosecco, Mimosas and Sangria. The make-your-own Bloody Marys portion of the bar is fun; complete with shrimp, fresh fruit, herbs and condiments.

Eggs Benedict

Piatela

Grape Leaves

You know how popular and tasty Greek spreads are. We figured we'd try all the ones on the menu so we had their Piatela, a sampler of their five spreads: Tzatziki (Greek yogurt, cucumber and garlic), Taramosalata (white fish caviar, olive oil and sweet onion), Eggplant (fire-roasted, red peppers, parsley and olive oil), Whipped Feta (hot chilies, roasted tomato, and olive oil), Organic Green Chick Peas (crushed with olive oil and lemon). Served with pitas, it was a generous portion to say the least. We enjoyed the creaminess and unique flavors in all of the spreads, and after much deliberation, decided our top favorites were the Taramosalata and the Whipped Feta. Grape Leaves are always a must-have for me in Greek restaurants and the ones at Thasos were excellent. We were definitely able to capture the homemade quality of this traditional dish, and the meticulous way the leaves were rolled around the rice and seasoned with mint, dill and lemon. Next up was one of the top contenders of the day, the Eggs Benedict. The menu offers a choice of roasted pork, smoked salmon or jumbo lump crab meat to complete this popular breakfast dish and we chose the smoked salmon. My biggest surprise was that the hollandaise sauce was not only flavorful but had a light unique texture that brought it all together nicely, without that "Oh I'm stuffed" feeling. It was served with Yukon gold potatoes and heirloom tomatoes.

Greek Salad

Fire Grilled Octopus

Keftedes and Fries

Of course you can't go to a Greek restaurant and not have at least one salad so we opted for the signature Greek Salad. This was no ordinary Greek salad. This was an aromatic blend of tomatoes, baby cucumbers, onions and olives, drizzled in organic olive oil and topped with a gigantic wedge of barrel-aged feta. I just couldn't stop eating it. Our waiter suggested we try the Fire Grilled Octopus, selling it as the best octopus he'd ever had. Well you know what? He wasn't just saying that because they pay him. That was one mean octopus! It was tender, practically dissolving in our mouths, and had a smoky taste that lingered in the palate for a while. The grape tomatoes, kalamata olives, sprinkle of lemon and Thasos olive oil bathed the sea critter in a delight of explosive flavors I still haven't forgotten. One more dish, I said to myself, I want to try one more dish - and we did. Challenging ourselves while we unbuttoned the pants, we ordered the Keftedes and Fries. This one took it out of the park. The grilled lamb meatballs were outrageous; served with a slightly spicy whipped yogurt tomato and a side of rosemary fries. As many times as I've had these meatballs in other Greek restaurants, these were by far the best. We came to learn they followed a family recipe that quite honestly, I'd like to learn.

Baklava

You're probably thinking, that's it - finito - the end - no mas! But you're forgetting whose adventure you're reading. I couldn't leave you guys without a look into their dessert menu. So I did what any respectable foodaholic would have done. I ordered a Baklava, that rich, sweet finale made of layer after layer of phyllo pastry, then filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with honey. Aaahhh! Now that was one Big, not Fat, Greek Brunch.

For more information, or to experience your own decadent brunch at Thasos, visit their website at http://www.thasostaverna.com/ or call them at 954-200-6006.

Toscana Divino - Brunch

For months I had been dying to try out an Italian place in the Mary Brickell Village. Toscana Divino, at 900 South Miami Avenue has been open for almost a year and a half now and I recently discovered, it is a great place to get a little of that Tuscan sun on. I was excited to find out they were offering a brunch, (not only on Sundays, but on Saturdays too, by the way) and on one slightly rainy, totally Miami kind of day, I headed over to the charming place.

Tuscan anaconda designer handbags

Impressive wine selection

Stepping into Toscana Divino is experiencing the Tuscan lifestyle with a more cosmopolitan flair. There is a large wine cellar right behind the bar that houses an impressive collection of Tuscan wines, while the walls are lined with artwork showcasing Italian artists. The homey ambiance is accentuated even more by the single sunflower sitting on every table and the contrasting candles that surround it. The restaurant is a joint business venture between the city of Florence, the region of Tuscany, and Toscana Divino, LLC, led by restaurateur Stefano Cavinato and Tommaso Morelato.   It was interesting to learn that modern Italian food is not the only thing you'll find here, but also a large selection of authentic items imported from the heart of Tuscany such as porcelain table settings, handmade glassware and luxury handbags guaranteed by the 100% Consortium Italiano to promote craftsmanship from the Tuscan region.

With Chef Julian Baker and Tommaso Morelato

Toscana Divino's brunch menu offers a varied selection of dishes that are not only exquisitely prepared but beautifully presented. Chef de Cuisine Julian Baker, a British native who found his passion for Italian cooking while living and working in various cities in Italy, uses local ingredients along with Tuscan-sourced foods (for example, their mozzarella is imported twice a week as is their olive oil) to create contemporary versions of traditional dishes. Having traveled extensively through Italy, I enjoy the modern-approach Chef Baker brings to his cooking; allowing us to experience here in Miami, what we can expect to taste in Italy right now.

Eggs Florentine

Tartara di Salmone

I sampled several items from the brunch menu and was floored with the flavors in each of the dishes. The Eggs Florentine, one of my favorite egg dishes, was creatively prepared to combine ingredients that would tantalize our taste buds. Organic Poached Eggs sat on a bed of Salame "Finocchiona" and Tuscan Kale, all on a Toasted Crostino, while a bold Bearnaise Sauce took the sensation to new heights. I couldn't believe the intensity in each bite. Just as memorable was the Tartara di Salmone, a salmon tartar created with White Sturgeon, a layer of sour cream, herbed crepe and egg, all sprinkled with organic chives.

Unbelievable breadsticks

Scrambled Eggs & Prosciutto

Zucchine e Pomodoro Omelette

Another dish I reveled in was the Scrambled Eggs & Prosciutto, consisting of organic scrambled eggs, Prosciutto di Parma, Bruschetta Tomato and Mustard Arugula. Simple yet classic, it had the perfect balance of tastes and textures. The Zucchine e Pomodoro Omelette was excellent as well. Served in an iron skillet, seasoned grilled zucchini sat atop an egg frittata,  alongside tomato confit, burrata cheese and organic greens. I loved both the colorful presentation and the medley of flavors that balanced each other. Wanting another bite of their freshly sliced salmon, I also tried the Salmone Affumicato, a generous helping of thinly sliced smoked salmon with blue point oyster, cucumber radish, pickled red onions, frisee & watercress salad, a dash of oyster mayonnaise and fried capers. You can see the variety of dishes is just spectacular for a brunch.

Salmone Affumicato

Of course, you know I always like to end with something sweet so I completed my adventure with their specially made Tiramisu. Served as a cappuccino, the rich treat was crowned with a creamy mound that sent me blissfully into a food coma. I was ready for a nap and some sweet Italian dreams.

Tiramisu

Bottomless Mimosas and a Rose
here and there

Awesome service with
a smile

You'll be very happy to know that you can order Bottomless Mimosas with your brunch and when they say "bottomless" they mean "bottomless". There was never a moment when our glasses weren't full. Which brings me to their service: top notch. The attention to detail did not go unnoticed and I enjoyed the welcome feeling and constant smiles of all the staff.

Brickell's weekend mornings just got even more exciting with Toscana Divino's brunch and I can't wait to return for a taste of their dinner. Remember ladies, the strategy is simple. Choose one of their unforgettable bottles of Tuscan wines, sip it while savoring the mind-blowing cuisine, and once the soothing and relaxing effects take over, walk your man over to the amazing handbags and choose one, maybe two. The perfect ending to a remarkable meal!

Capuccino

In the meantime, you might want to check out their cooking classes and wine seminars. For more information, visit their website at http://www.toscanadivino.com/ or call them at 305-371-2767.

Sunday Brunch at the Ritz Carlton Key Biscayne

Sipping Mimosas near the water, while gentle tropical breezes caress your face takes any dining experience to a whole new level. The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, nestled between swaying palm trees and lush tropical foliage, has recently jazzed up their Sunday Brunch, by adding Southern-inspired dishes and live entertainment every second Sunday of the month. It's no secret that I love Sunday Brunches and the unparalleled food and service of the Ritz, so this was my cue to get on the Rickenbacker Causeway and head south to 455 Grand Bay Drive.

 

With a touch of signature Miami flair, Southern belles dressed in their Sunday finest greeted us at the entrance to Cioppino, the resort’s main restaurant, while a captivating saxophonist played soulful jazz favorites. For us, the anticipation kicked in almost immediately, as we perused the lavish selection of brunch stations. After taking a sip of our refreshing Mimosas, with an unspoken promise to return for a Bloody Mary, we started by sampling the caviar; an array of American, Keta and Trout Roe, displayed with the classical garnitures. Once we awakened our palates with these delicacies from the sea, we continued on the seafood route, enjoying a variety of tangy ceviches, crab claws, succulent shrimp and oysters. A sizable sushi boat also called out to us, accompanied by a variety of Asian dishes including Curry Beef wonton, soy marinated udon noodles and a selection of dim sums. This was just the beginning...

 

The beautifully displayed stations also included a feast of salads and a charcuterie offering fine meats, imported cheeses, and crispy breads and crostini, along with a Carving Station featuring tender cuts of Salt Crusted Sirloin with Beef Jus and Roasted Herb Crusted Salmon with Lemon Beurre Blanc. The Italian roots of the Chef were ever present with an array of tantalizing dishes such as Lobster Risotto and Penne a la Bolognese luring us to the Pasta Station. No brunch would be complete without the traditional breakfast items, and at the Ritz, they include an omelet station, unforgettable crepes, chicken sausages and crispy bacon. While the Southern staples may vary from one brunch to another, our taste buds were taken on a journey through the Big Easy with classics like Chicken and Waffles, Crawfish and mouthwatering Jambalaya.
 

There's no question you will bounce from station to station like a kid at Toys R Us, but you must save room for dessert. There is an impressive separate area dedicated exclusively to the decadent sensations. The fine line between art and sweet indulgence blurs at this point of the meal, and the selection of pastries reach unimaginable heights. From chocolate-laden creations to international treats, the choices are endless.

 

Who says you can’t have champagne wishes and caviar dreams? At The Ritz-Carlton, you can have both with a side of jazz.  For more information, visit their website at The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne.