Rice & Dough - Fort Lauderdale, FL

It started with a bottle of Flaco and it was on from there!

They were hosting a party that night, but luckily, they were able to find a table in the back; privacy was a definite plus in that.

I was intrigue by the restaurant because of the Japanese and Italian concept and I was curious to see how that would work. I made it work by ordering a roll as an appetizer. Can't remember what it was which means it wasn't that memorable, but it was good enough.

For my main, I switched to Italian and had the Lasagna which was quite good and might I add homemade. The layers merged together in a pleasant way.

However, the star of the night were the Kobe Meatballs which were truly delicious and super moist.

In the end, I am not sure how well the Japanese and Italian concept works, but it did get me in the door and although I wouldn't recommend the Japanese and I wouldn't come here looking for an authentic Italian experience; it is a chill spot for some food, wine and friends.

Rice & Dough
501 SE 2nd St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
(954) 530-6521
www.riceanddough.com

Revisit: Sushi Sake - Doral, FL (Other Locations)

Sushi Sake doesn't try to impress by providing the highest quality of sushi, but the where they lack, they make up for by creating flavor combinations that will make you say am I eating crack and why am I addicted?

Spicy Tuna Roll

Miami Heat Roll

Yummi Roll

Angel Roll

Although lunch time can sometimes be packed (Fridays), I recommend going during the day (Monday-Wednesdays), because they offer discounts and why not save a couple of dollars?

Steak Fried Rice

Service definitely requires some improvement but the atmosphere is inviting and the sushi is good so I keep going back.

Thai Donuts

Sushi Sake

2600 NW 87th Ave #17, Doral, FL 33172 (305) 592-6166 www.sushisakemiami.com

TGI Fridays Casual Dining Restaurant & Bar - Plantation, FL (Other Locations Worldwide)

If you ever plan to go to TGI Fridays, happy hour is the only time to go! Fridays misses the mark a lot so it all about going to the right location and finding the right bartender/server, but if they are able to do that, Fridays can be a good experience.

Scorching Hot Chicken Wings

Tuscan Spinach Dip

Black Angus Sirloin Hibachi Skewers

Thai Pork Tacos

All American Stacked Burger

Warm Pretzels with Craft Beer-Cheese Dipping Sauce

Ahi Tuna Crisps

Tennessee Whiskey Cake

TGI Fridays Casual Dining Restaurant & Bar

80 SW 84th Ave, Plantation, FL 33324 (954) 472-5560 www.tgifridays.com

Yardbird Southern Table & Bar Restaurant - Miami Beach, FL

What could I say about Yardbird that has not already been said. It is a staple on South Beach and serves up some pretty damn good food.

Service is good and friendly, the atmosphere is awesome and the drinks are delish. Try the Blackberry Bourbon Lemonade!

Brunch is a great time to go and although almost all of the options are great, you can never go wrong with the Old School (Fried Chicken, Waffles & Watermelon).

And, don't forget to add some of that Pork Belly Bacon on the side.

All I have to say is Yardbird is Yummy!!!

Yardbird Southern Table & Bar Restaurant
1600 Lenox Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139
(305) 538-5220
www.runchickenrun.com

Uncle Al's Sports Cafe - Sunrise, FL

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This sports bar caters to an older crowd, but the wings are meaty and out of this world, and the fact that they have $1.50 COLD beers, I end up making my way here from time to time.

In addition to the wings, they have Burgers which are also really good and a great size and Curly Fries which could be a bit better but aren't too too bad.

And, you cannot forget the Philly Cheesesteak Sandwiches.

If you are not west or living in the Weston area, it likely is out of the way, but during Football season you should make your way there at least once to take in a game.


Uncle Al's Sports Cafe
15846 W State Road 84, Sunrise, FL 33326
(954) 389-4455
www.unclealscafe.com

Vaniglia e Cioccolato - Pembroke Pines, FL

Vaniglia e Cioccolato is a true Italian gelateria operated by a Italian lady who bares speaks any English but knows how to speak my language, gelato.

Vaniglia e Cioccolato has quite a few flavors and what I had (Sweet Milk/Coconut) was pretty freaking awesome. I have been obsessed with gelato lately and finding this place isn't going to help my sickness.

Vaniglia e Cioccolato
15977 Pines Blvd, Pembroke Pines, FL 33028
(954) 443-6325
www.vanigliaecioccolato.com

Russo’s Coal Fired Italian Kitchen - Pembroke Pines, FL (Other Locations)

Russo's Coal Fired Italian Kitchen is a chain from New York and although New York is known for their pizza, I was still a little bit iffy but willing to check it out.

Service was adequate; nothing to complain about but nothing to rave about either. That is all I need anyways, just bring me my food and I am good. The bread was different than the normal and we happened to get a fresh batch so it was quite good.

All Russo’s pastas are made fresh in their kitchen so I was excited to try one of the dishes out. I had a penne pasta that was perfectly al dente (although someone else may feel it is slightly undercooked). It was so delicious and so amazingly good. I wasn't expecting it and so it really knocked my socks off.

Pizza cannot be passed up at a place that serves coal fire pizza, so we ordered the New York Village. It was hot out of the oven, made with a nice thinner and crispier crust, fresh ingredients and a nice homemade sauce. It was quite good.

Russo’s Coal Fired Italian Kitchen

14910 Pines Blvd, Pembroke Pines, FL 33027 
(954) 431-1131
www.nypizzeria.com

Palette Miami Festival 2014

Date/Time:

Saturday, February 8: 3pm – 9pm

Location:

5700 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL

Palette Miami Festival is a day of celebrating what makes  Miami, well…..Miami. Its neighborhoods, people, culture and flavor.  This  event is a Palette of everything in one, featuring local  restaurants,  artist, vendors, live music and performers. At Palette  Miami you will  sip, sample, taste, listen and experience the best  of what Miami  has to offer.

For More Information: 

palettemiami.com