Miami Spice 2015- Bulla Gastrobar

I didn't want the weekend to start without pointing you in another Miami Spice direction. My next adventure happened at a popular Spanish Coral Gables spot that gets packed not just for dinner but for happy hour as well. I'm talking about Bulla Gastrobar, located at 2500 Ponce de Leon Blvd.

The Sangrias at Bulla never disappoint

I looked at Bulla's Miami Spice menu online and it was a go for me right away. First of all, their appetizer choices sounded very good (especially the tuna tartare) and they featured an interesting mix of entrees as well. So, off I went and started the night with one of their famous Sangrias. I'm sure you've experienced one or two of these in your lifetime.  From there, my dining companion and I decided to share our courses so we started off with the Tartar de Atun (Tuna Tartare) and the Albondigas de Cordero (Lamb Meatballs). What can I tell you about the tartare? It was enthralling… the fresh ahi tuna was mixed with mango and avocado, then drizzled with soy sesame vinaigrette. It was served with a Sriracha Aioli that gave it an exciting kick, and a side of crispy taco shells. I found this variation added a layer of fun to the dish because you could enjoy making little tacos over conversation, as you savored the sweet and salty appetizer. The lamb meatballs were winners too. They were tender and flavorful, and served together with mushrooms, potatoes and onion marmalade. We didn't try the other two appetizer options but they sounded interesting as well. They were the Gambas Al Ajillo (Sauteed Garlic Shrimp) and Montados de Chistorra (Spicy Spanish Sausage with Bread).

Tartar de Atun

Albondigas de Cordero

Bulla offers five Main Course choices for their Miami Spice menu and I can promise it will be difficult to choose. The options include Arroz Caldoso (Paella-style dish), New York Strip Steak, Seared Swordfish, Braised Oxtail and Grilled Octopus. See what I mean? After much thought and deliberation, we went for the Arroz Caldoso and the Pulpo A La Plancha (Grilled Octopus). When the server brought out our entrees, I was floored with my rice. It was a huge portion served in a skillet-like pot, whose aroma was practically making me drool.  The Bomba rice was swimming in delicious broth along with clams, shrimp, and chicken, all seasoned in a red sofrito and saffron. Amazing. I immediately knew I would be reliving this portion of my adventure for next day's lunch as well. The octopus was perfectly grilled, tender not chewy, and served over a semi-sweet corn puree, mojo picon and a splash of paprika oil. 

Arroz Caldoso

Pulpo A La Plancha

Last but certainly not least, it was time for dessert. We picked one of each of the two choices on the menu: Torrejas (Caramelized Brioche) and Arroz Con Leche (Spanish-style Rice Pudding). The caramelized brioche had an incredible sweet texture and was bathed in local honey, alongside a scoop of turron ice-cream. The Arroz Con Leche was topped with a golden raisin coulis and sprinkles of cinnamon that brought the whole experience to a perfect ending.

Torrejas

Arroz Con Leche

You have less than a month to take advantage of this fabulous menu for the $39 price. For more information on Bulla Gastrobar and their Miami Spice Menu, visit them online or call them at 305 441-0107.

Vayanse Para El Carajo for Brunch

No I'm not mad and yes I love you guys. That's why I'm sharing a great brunch spot with you. Raise your hand if you have ever had an amazing brunch, or any other meal for that matter, at a gas station? I bet most arms are down. I'm not talking about Diet Soda, mystery meat sandwiches or Ho Hos here. I'm talking upscale, Spanish food paired with fine wines. Well, over on 2465 SW 17 Avenue, there is a BP Station and hidden inside what is supposed to be a Food Mart, is El Carajo, a tapas and wine restaurant and its sister bakery. But don't let the exterior fool you. Once you step inside, you will experience what is generally known as the "El Carajo Factor", and you won't soon forget it. I know I'm still baffled by it, and I can only equate it to stepping into a culinary Twilight Zone where you momentarily escape the hustle and bustle of Miami and enter a quaint tapas bar in Spain.

Imagine stepping into this the next you go pump gas

This is not your ordinary Food Mart

The first time I ever went to El Carajo was many years ago when they were located on 57th Avenue. It was nice, and we had a great time "tapeando" with friends over wine. But then I heard the spot had moved to a gas station on 17th Avenue. Mind you, I wasn't overly excited about going to eat at a gas station, so time continued to pass before I returned and as I drove by there, I always wondered where it was, and how it looked inside. Seriously, from the outside, you can't even imagine what you are about to see when you go in.

No…Ashton Kutcher is not jumping out and you're not being punked.

Next time someone sends me Pa' El Carajo.. I'm coming here

So, once they launched their new Brunch service, I decided to take the plunge. I drove there, filled my tank with gas once I got to the station, and then walked in very cautiously (I Periscoped my adventure, by the way, so make sure you're following me on Periscope if you missed it) Anyway, the first thing I saw ( and smelled) was their bakery. It is situated right at the front and to the right, and you automatically know that you are not in Kansas anymore, Toto. But it is what your senses behold when you walk a few steps more that makes your jaw drop. Imagine a beautifully decorated, elegant restaurant, complete with a wine room and a bar, just waiting there to be discovered. I was floored. Literally, I was wearing new heels and I almost fell. But read on my friends.

Mimosa

We started with a Mimosa and took a look at their brunch menu. The El Carajo team obviously took great care in selecting a nice variety of dishes, both tapas and main plates, to offer during brunch. We decided to select a few of our Spanish favorites and began with their Huevos Estrellados and Croquetas Sazonadas. You can choose from either cod, ham, chicken, chorizo or bacon croquettes, and they are served with their homemade cilantro aioli, which is lick-the-spoon worthy. We went for their ham and codfish croquetas and they were mmm mmm good. I find that the traditional Spanish Huevos Estrellados dish (or Huevos Rotos as it is called in other places), is prepared differently everywhere. The meat that comes with it varies, as does the way the potatoes are cooked.  El Carajo's version is very flavorful; the eggs are served over grilled chorizo, and mixed with red onions and brunch potatoes. The whole delight is then drizzled with olive oil.

Huevos Estrellados

Ham and Codfish Croquettes

Next we tried an interesting tapa I always enjoy when I embark on Spanish adventures.  It's the Bacon Wrapped Stuffed Dates. I love the combination of the sweet dates with the salty, smoked bacon. Their version includes Spanish chorizo and it is fried to perfection. I couldn't come here and not sample a Spanish rice so we ordered the Arroz Temprano, an original recipe created by their team, consisting of Valencia rice, infused with… you guessed it, chorizo, mushrooms, and eggs, then seasoned with olive oil, peppers and onions. It was simple yet tasted amazing.

Bacon Wrapped Dates

Arroz Temprano

I told you they have a bakery at El Carajo, where they sell some pretty memorable macarons, but what left me begging for more were their Torrejas. Their Spanish style French toast took my breath away, and we drenched them in maple syrup shamelessly. Oh, if you like Crepes, they serve fresh ones, filled with strawberries, bananas and your favorite and mine.. Nutella.

Torrejas

If you haven't been to El Carajo and experienced this hidden gem inside a humble gas station, then you need to hurry and change that. Now that they serve brunch, you have even more of an incentive. For more information, visit their website or call them at 305 856-2424.