DeniseZubizarreta
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Miami is to me...

I love food! I began my love affair with food when I married my late husband in 2005. I've always loved to eat but I never really appreciated what goes into making an amazing meal. My late husband was a culinary school graduate and a pastry chef. We met in the Navy and as we traveled the world we found new loves and addictions. I've learned that when it comes to food you can't be afraid to try something new and if it looks weird don't ask what it is until after you eat it!

  • Restaurants:

    The Pub,Brio, Lime, The Old San Juan, DiPiazza Italian, Silver Spoon, & Michy's.

  • Attractions:

    Grove House artist & Tobacco Road.

  • Secret Hangouts:

    The Billard Club Miami Lakes, Havana 1959 Cigar Club, & Massage Envy (Miami Lakes).

  • Other:

    You can check out some of my recipes at "Big Oven". www.bigoven.com/~JerseyBlue.

Information

  • Birthday:

    October 17, 1984

  • Location:

    Hialeah

  • Gender:

    female

  • Member Since: Sun, 01/04/2009 - 20:15

Photos See all photos

  • When Crab Legs Attack 2
  • Attacking the Bucket of Crab Legs

DeniseZubizarreta

Reviews Saved

  • The Taurus

    3
    Posted on Wed, 09.09.2009 @ 16:31
    Nostalgia. That is the word for this piece. The basic claim to fame for The Taurus in beautiful Coconut Grove is only this. When it opened its doors in 1926 it wasn’t much to look at. This tiny cottage would lay ground for a watering-hole that would stand the test of time. Unfortunately, The Taurus was forced to close its doors in 2002 due to some new residential developments. Now, The Taurus is back and pumping out more adult fan fair. The famous and illusive Tom Billante is now the new big boss of this dive bar gone semi-posh. Oh, you are wondering where you have heard that name before? Let me refresh your memory with the endless list of ventures that this talented man has submersed himself in. Il Villagio, in Merrick Park, Carpaccio in Bal Harbour, Bella Luna and Trattoria Rosalia in Aventura, Luna Café, and don’t forget Calamari conveniently located behind The Taurus in Coconut Grove. Although The Taurus’s location is still the same the experience is not! What was once an open forum and immensely entertaining has fallen into the groves hustle and bustle. The tiny bar once famed for its lively boisterous bar staff has now just become another place to get a drink. Fortunately, the new manager is trying to spice up the bar again to its original flavor by recreating old time cocktails and spirits. With his extensive resume and open personality Nick Carmona proves to be what may be the saving grace to this drinkery. This makes me want to do nothing more than watch this tiny comfy spot rise back to the powerhouse it once was in the 1970s. Now, don’t plan on going to The Taurus and having a five course meal! A true traditional bar with only a small menu written on a chalkboard of Burgers, Fries, and Wings. The best place by far to run out of the Miami rain, sit, drink, and smoke ‘em if ya got ‘em! That’s right baby you can still smoke here! Cozy and friendly The Taurus proves to have much potential if only we could get the entertainment value back! Give me a good bartender with some funny stories and a heavy hand and then I think I will be sold on The Taurus’s new chique atmosphere.... Read more

  • Calamari

    3
    Posted on Wed, 09.09.2009 @ 14:04
    Yet another bland mass produced restaurant hits the streets of Miami. Although Calamari is run and built by what is considered to be one of the best restaurateurs of our time, Tom Billante I find that Calamari truly lacks inventiveness. The well combined color combination of white on white is not only unoriginal but just bland unlike their flavor combinations. I assume this was due to trying to bring and edgy adult restaurant to the overly casual Coconut Grove. While the menu is beautifully cohesive and flavorful some of the plates fall short on execution. If your going to call yourself Calamari you should have the most unparalleled Calamari in town and I find that their gummy overcooked rendition leaves something to be desired. Although, the complimentary foacacia bread service is quite delectable it definitely begins your meal on a high note. The simple and traditional flavors you search for are all join the party on its perfectly crusty counterpart allowing for complete satisfaction and almost an umami feel. Now we get to the fun part, the pizza. With undercooked dough and a heavy hand of cheese the pizza at Calamari falls quite short but you don’t go to Calamari for the pizza! So, what do you go for? You go for the seafood! A Salmone Piccata that is full of fresh and enticing ingredients that from the aroma alone will make you want to swim in the dish with the capers and roasted peppers. I don’t think I have ever wanted to bathe in a sauce before but the beautifully accomplished white lemon sauce has me wishing that they made it into body wash! What about desert you say? A decadent tiramisu makes it to the table and I can feel myself salivating as I watch the server make her way to the table. Creamy and seductively flavored. I don’t even have time to chew. I let its sweetness envelop my mouth and I am now on cloud nine. I would have been happy with just this desert as my entire meal and the memory of it after I devoured it. Since the menu at Calamari is nearly identical to its sister restaurants I suppose the bone I have to pick here is that I wished for something new. I think all new restaurants need is something traditional done well. Though Coconut Grove is know for its casual nature it also engulfs you in the different experiences at each of its restaurants, bars, and dives. I find that Calamari lacks an experience. It needs something different, new, and powerful. I assume that attaching itself to the Taurus was supposed to bring Calamari customers into a more open and relaxed environment. The rigidity of this restaurant doesn't make me feel like an Italian restaurant should. You should feel warm, satisfied, and at home. Though the staff is friendly and attentive my entire meal was like a Broadway play, endless. Maybe that is part of the experience at Calamari. A long winded dinner service and the punch line for desert. I can’t help having the feeling of wanting and expecting more! ... Read more

  • BRIO Tuscan Grille-Pembroke Pines

    3
    Posted on Sat, 01.31.2009 @ 18:37
    I'm always very skeptical when it comes to corporate Italian Restaurants but I love Brio! I went for lunch with my husband and the portions are amazing just like the prices. With fresh Carpaccio and Pasta what more could you ask for? The menu includes daily specials and even weekly events that you don't want to miss. With appetizer discounts at the bar to Wednesday Salsa night inside or outside you are sure to have a fantastic culinary experience! I'm hungry just typing about it!... Read more

  • 1
    Posted on Fri, 01.23.2009 @ 14:54
    CLOSED

  • Seven Pounds (PG-13) **

    1
    Posted on Mon, 01.12.2009 @ 22:48
    This movie had to have been by far the most depressing thing I've watched since the documentary on the Kennedy Legacy. Every heavy picture needs something light and airy to dissipate some of its melancholy undertones but this movie did the opposite. As time passed it only got more and more depressing. I left the theater wanting to chug a gallon of Jack Daniels and cry about every sad moment in my life. Not for the faint of heart! ... Read more

  • An empanada tour of Miami

    3
    Posted on Mon, 01.12.2009 @ 19:55
    I love to find new local places and places full of the unexpected. I found that in my area (Miami Lakes) many of the Bakery's fall short on filling. An Empanada is supposed to be the puffed savory combination of a flaky outside and a savory ground beef center. Strangely enough The Billiard Club in Miami Lakes has some amazing Empanadas, alone or with a dollop of sour cream they are still deep fried heaven.... Read more

  • Miami Beer Bars

    3
    Posted on Mon, 01.12.2009 @ 17:13
    Even though it's new to the scene The Shops At Pembroke Gardens offers some great restaurants and shopping. Located in this lovely new shopping center off I-75 and Pines is the home for an amazing bar/restaurant known as The Pub (237 SW 145th Terrace Pembroke Pines, FL 33027 (954) 430-4230). With it's modern take on English dishes and the best fish and chips in the area The Pub offers and amazing selection of beers both bottled and on tap. With a beer tasting sampler on the menu you can try 4 at a time from the list of over 50 beers. By far the best sampler on a menu since Friday's. ... Read more

  • Steak holders: a guide to Argentine parrillas

    3
    Posted on Mon, 01.12.2009 @ 16:55
    Their is also a Carniceria Argentina 2 located at 5999 W 16th Ave Hialeah, FL 33012 (305)821-8052‎. Offering beautiful cuts of beef and amazing sausages it's a quaint location connected to it's own underrated restaurant. ... Read more

  • Hotel Victor

    3
    Posted on Mon, 01.12.2009 @ 16:34
    I needed a getaway that was not to far away and Hotel Victor fit the bill. I locked myself in my poolside villa and fell in love with Miami Beach all over again. With an amazing view of the beach, a private poolside resting spot, exceptional room service, and a to die for menu I never wanted to leave. So for three days I locked myself in ordered room service and jumped into my jacuzzi tub bubble bath and disappeared. It was the best vacation I've ever had.... Read more

  • Buca di Beppo

    2
    Posted on Sun, 01.04.2009 @ 23:43
    This overly decorated family style restaurant did not fall as short as I assumed it would. Even though it does fall under the ideally mass produced Italian style restaurant, they break the mold with their family style dining and wonderful service. With a full bar and family style portions large groups are welcome and accommodated extremely well. Although I feel their marinara is a little sweet for my taste the meal in it's entirety was satisfying and the service was exceptional. ... Read more

  • On top of spaghetti: meatball guide

    2
    Posted on Sun, 01.04.2009 @ 20:45
    After dating the owner of an Italian restaurant for what seamed to be an eternity, we broke up and I was left without a favorite place to get my grub on! After scouring most of Miami-Dade and Broward counties I found that most of these hyped, expensive restaurants really didn't fit the bill or the fill for me. I still stand by the tiny local restaurant in Hialeah known as DiPiazza Italian. With a large menu that isn't just filling its satisfying and not to mention the closest thing to NY style pizza you can find down south. Owned by Italian immigrants and their family DiPiazza's has been around for decades (my father brought my mother here on their first date) serving what I feel to be the most amazing Italian food in the area. This mom and pop shop will not only subdue your taste buds with it's simplicity it will make you want to come back for more. Forget about the overdone modern twist on Italian, the best is when it's made traditionally and with love.... Read more