Born and raised in the melting pot that is known as South Florida, I have indulged in my fair share of diverse and amazing eats and treats over the years. I keep a rolling 'to eat at' restaurants and dishes list in my notes app on my phone that I always update whenever I come across a place or item that looks interesting to me. I make it a point to go to new areas or restaurants as often as possible to cross places off of my list, and because food makes my heart happy. I am the type of guy that will take a 2 hour road trip for a slice or three of my favorite key lime pie ever in Key Largo, FL.
ONE - Salty Dulce De Leche Latte From OH MY GOSH! BRIGADEIROS
The first treat I want to tell you about is probably the best latte I have ever tasted. It is from a chocolate and coffee boutique in Miami, FL called OH MY GOSH! BRIGADEIROS. This Brazilian inspired shop serves up coffee drinks and desserts, including a variety of Brigadeiros, the most popular sweet in Brazil. To make the latte, they coat the rim of your coffee mug with one of a few different flavors as an adhesive before covering the edge with more sweets (check out their video of how its made here). Pictured below is the salty dulce de leche latte, the cappuccino is also popular but I am a latte guy. Each sip is accompanied by the rush of sweet and crunchy dulce de leche bites that goes well with the coffee. Make sure you also get one of their cake jars to go, you will not be disappointed.
TWO - Cowboy 26 oz Bone-In-Ribeye at Vignetos Italian Grill In Plantation, FL
Vignetos Italian Grill in Plantation is probably the most popular restaurant within my circle of friends. I was late to the party and have only been a few times in the last couple of months, but I would have to say it is now pound for pound my favorite restaurant in Broward County. I have never ate anything here that was less than stellar and Frank, the owner, takes pride in his craft. You can tell that he cares about the service and quality of each plate that comes out of the kitchen. I was introduced to him my first time there by a mutual friend that popped my Vignetos cherry. He was made aware of my love for food in general and he then proceeded to passionately tell me all about his menu, dishes, wines, techniques, decades of experience, etc., all very interesting and a cool experience overall.
I had high expectations for the place and boy did they deliver. They are known for their seafood and homemade pasta but the most memorable item to me, was the Cowboy 26 oz. Bone-In-Ribeye that they cook 'Pittsburgh Style'. It was very well seasoned, charred on the outside and heavenly tender on the inside. Every bite made me emit a light food moan that I couldn't control. Halfway into my steak, Frank the owner brings out his own, sits with us, and devours it - the man knows what he is doing. I also highly recommend pairing it with the mushroom risotto, the shrimp and calamari vesuvio appetizer and allowing Frank to recommend some wine as hes well versed. Let him know that Jonathan from Nomadic sent you!
THREE - Grassfed Cheeseburger at Proof Miami in Wynwood, Miami
I originally read about this burger and place on one of my favorite follows - Cari's page and site, fatgirlhedonist. I was in the area with one of my buddies and we were early for a Miami Heat game so I pulled out my handy dandy 'to eat at' restaurants list and Proof Miami was near the top and nearby. They are known for their pizzas, particularly the ox tail with black garlic and thyme, but I had other plans.
Upon sitting down, the server told us a little about the place and how the chefs and owner make everything from scratch each and every morning including all of the pasta, dough, potato rolls and much more. We ordered some local brews and a few dishes to share including the grassfed cheeseburger. It is a simple yet delectable burger that has a white cheddar aioli (I ordered extra because I am savage like that) and perfectly caramelized onions in between that morning made potato bun. Oh man. We also got the Gemeli which is a pasta dish containing pork and veal bolognese, basil and whipped ricotta. They have a rotating variety of very creative homemade macaroon ice cream sandwiches - the one at the moment is a blueberry and corn flavor mix, do it!
My Top 3 South Florida Eats and Treats - February 2018
ONE - Salty Dulce De Leche Latte From OH MY GOSH! BRIGADEIROS
* 2205 SW 23rd Ave, Miami, FL 33145
* https://www.omgbrigadeiros.com/
TWO - Cowboy 26 oz Bone-In-Ribeye at Vignetos Italian Grill
* 1511 S. University Drive, Plantation, FL 33324
* http://vignetosplantation.com
THREE - Grassfed Cheeseburger at Proof Miami
* 3328 N Miami Ave Miami, FL 33127
* http://www.proofpizza.com/