Shireen's Favorite Things

Celebrating 20 years of great Italian food at Perricone’s downtown Miami.

When I first moved to Miami over a decade ago (as a young whippersnapper entertainment reporter,) Perricone’s was one of the first places I went with my co-workers from Deco Drive. Just like most new converts to the Magic City, I fell madly in love; the pasta was yummy and the ambiance was an intriguing mix of “garden oasis meets classic New York City steak house:” dark wood, twinkling lights and a bustling bar.

Mind you, it was all smack-dab in the middle of skyscraper central — downtown Miami. It was, and still is, paradise in the heart of a concrete jungle; more specifically, Brickell. Fast forward to 2016 and the eatery is celebrating 20 years of mouth-watering business. When I first heard about Perricone’s big birthday, two things came to mind: WOW, am I getting old; and I’ve gotta feature them on Spotlight. I’ve often wondered…

HOW in the world they’ve kept a great thing going for so long? Not only is Perricone’s a South Florida institution, they’ve also managed to grow and evolve without changing the original “je ne sais quoi” that’s made them so famous. Not an easy task in a town where restaurants come and go faster than the ebb and flow of tourists.

Since my very first visit all those years ago, a lot has changed. They’ve added a Market Place where you can shop for authentic, hand-crafted Italian delicacies: meats, cheeses, desserts, breads and wine. If you live downtown, I’m sure you know about it. They’ve also expanded their outdoor dining area, making the most of their lush, tropical landscape with a large open-air tent (that connects to the main dining room.) It easily transforms into an air-conditioned haven or an outdoor, cool weather hot spot.

That’s where I dined last Friday night on a beautiful Miami evening. I started Spotlight with three yummy drinks: “Sour Apple Martini,” “Classic Mojito” and “Frozen Moscow Mule.” All three drinks were yummy, but the Moscow Mule, which I’m told is a customer favorite, was smooth, well-blended and deliciously strong (made using a Kelvin Slush Machine.)

After drinking up the majority of my adult slushy, two appetizers arrived: “Baked Brie en Croute” and “Mussels Steamed in White Wine.” The brie (which is a whole baked brie wrapped in a crispy puff pastry, drizzled with warm apricot glaze and served with fresh fruit and crackers,) was spectacular and the mussels were just as delicious; light and succulent.

For dinner, I tried a little bit of everything, starting with the scrumptious “Grandma Jennie’s Classic Meatballs” with their signature Pomodoro Sauce and the “Catch of the Day,” which happened to be an amazing “Parmesan-Crusted Grilled Bronzino.” While I love meat and fish, my absolute true love is pasta. I could eat it every natural-born day of my life. With that being said…

I tried the “Penne with Grilled Chicken” (with olives, sun dried tomatoes, basil and feta). I especially loved the fact that it’s served in a garlic/extra virgin olive oil. Even though pasta can be hearty, it doesn’t have to taste or leave you feeling that way and this dish is the perfect example. My favorite pasta and dish (for that matter) of the evening was “Fiocchi Gorgonzola” (purse-shaped pasta stuffed with fresh pear and four cheeses, served with a walnut Gorgonzola sauce.) It was absolutely to-die-for. It’s on the rich side, but you won’t regret it if you try it.

For dessert, I savored Perricone’s signature “Chocolate House Cake” (made with rich, bittersweet chocolate mousse and chocolate cake, drizzled with white chocolate hazelnut crunch, with chocolate ganache frosting.) This is the perfect plate to share, but there are so many good desserts to choose from, I’d order a couple and play a game of round-robin tasting.

Besides all the usual favorites on the menu, Perricone’s isn’t afraid of stretching its food muscle, too; always coming up with the new and exciting. That’s one of the many reasons I love eating there. The incredible service, inviting environment and warm energy is top notch and that’s why it’s one of my favorite things.

Dinner Hours are Sunday – Thursday 4pm-11pm, Friday & Saturday 4pm-11:30pm.
(for Market, Lunch and Brunch hours check-out www.perricones.com).

Brickell 15 SE 10th Street, Miami, Florida 33131. Your best bet is to use their valet. It’s fast and efficient and parking downtown can be pretty difficult these days or better yet, cab or uber it.

IG: @perricones, Twitter: @perricones, FB: Perricone’s Marketplace & Cafe

Saturday & Sunday Brunch at “Shooters Waterfront” in Fort Lauderdale.

Holy intracoastal views, Batman! When it comes to brunch on the water, it doesn’t get much better than “Shooters Waterfront” in the 954. The place is drop dead gorgeous, with an expansive outdoor patio that seems to be the heart and soul of the restaurant. I went last Sunday to try out their brunch menu and was pleasantly surprised.

I mean, everyone knows about Shooters, it’s practically a South Florida institution. Once noted for its famed pool parties and bikini contests, now (thanks to its new owners from Grateful Palate) the eatery has been reimagined with an updated “Hamptons-esque” look and a yummy new seafood-inspired menu.

When I arrived, I was quickly ushered to a table just steps away from the water. Although the place was comfortably crowded, I still felt as if I were having an intimate experience. The weather, which was beautiful and breezy, was perfect for a long and leisurely Sunday brunch. Just as I was settling in, champagne arrived for bottomless mimosas as well as…

A meaty “Shooters Ale” (perfect for our English photographer,) a delicious “Pink Lemonade” rimmed with raw sugar (made with vodka, lemonade & sour mix) and my favorite, the refreshing “Grand Raspberry Peach Fizz” (made with grand marnier, ginger, cardamom, raspberry peach liquor, champagne, raspberry puree.)

My jaw dropped to the ground when the “Norm De Mar” arrived. It’s a total seafood extravaganza (with rock lobster tail, shrimp cocktail, alaskan king crab legs, blue navy oysters, served with cocktail sauce, mignonette and horseradish.) The two-tiered mountain of shellfish goodness was incredibly fresh, decadent and definitely big enough to share (although, I would have been perfectly happy trying to eat it all by myself.)

The “Godzilla Sushi Roll” (made with shrimp tempura, ahi tuna, cream cheese, avocado, wake salad, chili oil & tempura flakes) and “Lobster Benedict” (Maine lobster, avocado & béarnaise sauce) were just as impressive. The roll is named after Godzilla for a reason: it’s a meal in itself! The Benedict, which is a nice spin on a classic favorite, had perfectly poached eggs with a buttery, soft center.

After all the aforementioned yumminess, I was a goner (or at least I thought I was) until the “Seared Brown Butter with Scallops & Shrimp” unexpectedly showed up at the table. O-M-G. This was AMAZING. My absolute favorite (made with corn risotto, seared asparagus & citrus beurre blanc.) The scallops were so fresh and so tender. If you couldn’t tell, I’m a sucker for a good scallop.

For dessert I tried three dishes: the decadent and crazy-good “Chocolate Fudge Cake” (which is five layers of rich chocolate cake topped with chocolate fudge icing,) the beautiful and artistically crafted “Key Lime Baked Alaska” (made with torched meringue, key lime, and coconut daiquiri) and “Caribbean Bread Pudding Flan” (served with bananas foster ice cream & brown butter flan.) I loved the flan, but everyone at the table hovered over the chocolate cake. Also, I’ve never tried Baked Alaska and for the record, I’d definitely order it again. The presentation was spectacular, too.

Besides our featured dishes, Shooters has an awe-inspiring ($30) brunch buffet. On it? Almost anything your heart desires: eggs any way, bacon, pancakes, waffles, fruits, salads, baked goods — the list goes on. Also worth mentioning: they’re hosting an impressive Thanksgiving Day buffet. You can find out more about it on their website: www.ShootersWaterfront.com.

If you’re looking for the perfect place to rest, relax and enjoy the weekend, “Shooters Waterfront” isn’t just an option, I think it’s the answer. I hope they don’t mind if I become a regular, because they’re going to be seeing a lot more of me for Sunday brunch and that’s why it’s one of my favorite things.

Brunch is Saturday & Sunday from 10am-to-4pm. Reservations: 954-566-2855

The restaurant is located at 3033 NE 32 Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33308. It’s smack dab on the intracoastal with easy access coming and going because of their valet. If you prefer to park yourself, there’s also a public lot across the street housed in a high rise. If you love living life on the water, you can also take a Water Taxi (Shooters is stop #11).

https://shooterswaterfront.com
Twitter: @ShootersFL, IG: @shooterswaterfront, FB: Shooters Waterfront