Tasteful Itinerary: Schwartz's

Whenever I'm back in Montreal, I come with a list of favorite places to eat. It's a must for me because we do not carry the amount of heavenly food in the USA like Canada. You'll understand when you visit Montreal, trust me. Or better yet… watch an episode of The Layover: Montreal with Anthony Bourdain.

The first on my list is Schwartz's. A lot of people will probably know this joint already being that it's the most popular places to go and eat when you're in town. Their known for the best smoked meat. "Smoked Meat" in the US is closest to pastrami or corned beef BUT none of those even relates to what it actually tastes like.

This place is always jam-packed. I was surprised that Pat and I found seats in less than 5 minutes at the counter top where they cut the meat and make the orders. My mouth was salivating while I watched the servers carry the succulent dish to customers. The order doesn't take long at all. When the smoked meat dish arrives there was no, "Oh my gosh look how good it looks…" Pat and I was so mesmerized that we didn't speak, just ate, looked at each other and smiled.

Two things to remember… 1. Don't be shy when eating a smoked meat (no forks or knives, just fingers and hands). 2. Definite happiness to the stomach (you do not want to make your stomach unhappy now do you?).
More food to come...

Tasteful Itinerary: Skyline Chili

Skyline Chili… from Cincinnati to Fort Lauderdale, yummy goodness. Pat & I were craving for the 3-Way Chili which included... spaghetti, loaded chili over it, cheddar cheese dumped on top and oyster crackers on the side. Oh… and let’s not forget the mouth watering Coney Dogs! So so good!

Tasteful Itinerary: Piola

This totally hit close to home. Pizzas similar to Bottega in Montreal. Authentic Italian pizza at its best! Trendy, outdoor seating, city-style atmosphere. Just one complaint… the outdoor seating in Hallandale Beach is next to a parking lot. Boo =( 
 
 BUT, every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday at Piola Hallandale Beach, there’s “Pizza Time”! 4-5pm all Pizzas $5.55, 5-6pm all Pizzas $6.66, 6-7pm all Pizzas $7.77 and 7-8pm all Pizzas $8.88. DELIZIOSO!! 


Tasteful Itinerary: Pho Vi {Vietnamese Cuisine}

Pat told me about this new restaurant, Pho Vi that has recently opened up. Located on 1933 Hollywood Blvd in Hollywood, Florida. Some of you know how much of a big fan I am of Vietnamese cuisines. Specifically, Banh Mi sandwiches. So, this grand opening was an eye pleaser because they make them there! I needed to check it out.

Pat and I ordered quite a few delicious offerings from their menu... Summer Rolls with pork, shrimps, rice vermicelli and lettuce wrapped in rice paper. Chicken Eggrolls with ground chicken, glass noodle, onion, carrot and taro in a crispy shell. Both appetizers are served with house chili garlic sauce. Banh Mi sandwiches with pork, vietnamese ham, pâté, cucumber, pickled carrot and daikon, cilantro and jalapeno pepper. Rice noodle soup served with beef, Asian basil, mint leaves, lime and bean sprouts.

There's a look of excitement when the food arrives. 
 
 You can see why this place is absolutely delicious! Feel free to go crazy when you're there.

Tasteful Itinerary: Sage {Oyster Bar & French American Cuisine}

Sunday, was a blessing from heaven. I mean seriously, can life get any better than this? Sage's executive chef and owner, Patrick Kirchner cooked up a storm for Pat and I. From the moment we walked in, we knew that it was going to be a fantastic night.

Stomach... meet butterflies. 
 Patrick started us off with a sophisticated appetizer plate. Steak Tartare, Tuna Tartare, Goat Cheese and Fois Gras is pretty satisfying all on it's own. 
 
 Apple mango chutney & seaweed.

Pat, is not a fan of oysters... actually he doesn't like eating fish. He's recently dabbed into seafood. I, on the other hand LOVE eating oysters! So, Patrick sent over a gorgeous plate of Kumamoto, Malpeque and Blue Point oysters and topped it in the middle with anchovies in tomato sauce. INCREDIBLE! 
 The second course was wonderful in taste and aroma... Black Truffle Risotto. Every bite was enticing. The scallops and shrimp with apple mango chutney compliment each other in a very unexpected, but delicious way. We paired our delicious food with a Bordeaux Blanc. 
 The entree was a Coq au Vin. Soaked in red wine for hours, this was savory and a pleasant flavor.

The Chocolate Fondant. This is definitely a dessert geared toward a chocolate lover. The kind to have you licking your lips in anticipation. ... Macaroons and an espresso was added to the finale.


 
 A big THANK YOU to Chef Patrick Kirchner for his exquisite skills. Life is better with good food!

Tasteful Itinerary: The Floridian

On Saturday, my mom and I started the evening off with a show called, Beau Jest. A beautifully written romantic comedy. My close and talented friend, Elizabeth played Sarah, a single Jewish girl inventing an acceptable Jewish doctor boyfriend for her parents approval, while hiding her non-Jewish beau. You should go and see it! It's a laugh!
The play will run until March 11, 2012 @ the Tamarac Theatre of Performing Arts. Show times are Saturday @ 2pm & 8pm and Sunday @ 2pm. Individual tickets are $25.

Our next stop was, The Floridian on Las Olas Blvd. A popular joint for the locals and tourist alike. This is a great place for late night snacks or if your stomach desires, a big scrumptious meal. My mom ordered a turkey reuben sandwich with a side order of broccoli and cole slaw. I ordered the corned beef reuben with a side order of apple sauce (I couldn't resist!) and cole slaw. 
 
 Great end to the night! Delicious yummy food in our tummies. Yup.

Tasteful Itinerary: Caviar & More {Kiosk}

The best way to describe this petite place is, amuse-bouche (which literally means, something amusing or pleasing to the mouth). Literally. 
 Look at that melting mozzarella!
The menu consists of blissful offerings. Appetizers such as a trio of salmon, foie gras or cheese. Spanish Pata Negra, Spanish Manchego, French Camembert, Italian Proscuitto, Russian Caviar and Norwegian Salmon sandwiches. Wonderful to pair with a glass of wine or champange. Then, finish it off with an espresso. Magnifique! You can also leave with glorious goodies. Anything from macaroons, chocolates, caviar, oil, vinager… Just go and check it out! 
 
 My sister, Samantha and I.
It's located in Florida's Aventura Mall, first floor level, right next to the J. Crew store.

p.s. They've got their own gourmet food store in Miami. Take a look… Marky's.

Tasteful Itinerary: Silver Pond Restaurant

Take a good look at that yummy goodness. I know you want some.

Well, I can tell you where you can have your very own tasting… Silver Pond Restaurant is located on 4285 N. State Road 7, Lauderdale Lakes, FL 33319.

Don’t be intimidated by the prices. The plates are good for two or three people. They started us off with hot green tea. Here’s Pat, modeling his new Goodfellas t-shirt while sipping tea. 
 That’s my plate, right above.
We ordered the Shrimp with Pan Fried Noodles. I was craving for this one. The best pan fried noodles I’ve ever eaten was back in Montreal. This by far topped it off with it’s savory sauce and heavenly, fit for a king jumbo shrimps.
We also ordered General Tso’s Chicken. Usually, when I order General Tso elsewhere, the chicken is stale and becomes unpleasant to the taste. This on the other hand was tender, sweet but not over the top which I liked and delightful. 
 If you’re ever around in that area or you want to try something new… go to Silver Pond. The best chinese cuisine I’ve had in South Florida so far!