Authentic Indian Cuisine in Sunny Isles – Copper Chimney

In the corner of a Sunny Isles strip mall there is a hidden gem of authentic Indian food that should truly be on everyone’s best of Miami list. Copper Chimney is amazing, hands down the best Indian food in Miami! Copper Chimney specializes in Tandoor (clay oven) dishes. The food is spicy; the kind of spicy where your tongue is burning but you still can’t stop eating because it is so delicious. Unless you like your dishes with a lot of heat, ask for mild. We went for medium, it was almost too hot to handle but with the spice came an irresistible burst of flavor.

Copper Chimney is family owned. The owners are gracious hosts who clearly have a lot of pride for the quality of both food and service. Bollywood movies play in the background while patrons feast on simmering dishes, succulent sauces and baskets of fresh naan. Here is a link to Copper Chimney’s menu, check it out before you go because there are over 50 delicious Indian dishes for you to choose from.

For those of you who feel that Sunny Isles is a little out of your way, there is still hope. I was told Copper Chimney plans to open a second location in Downtown Miami, which we are very excited about.

Enjoy!

DH

Copper Chimney

18090 Collins Ave, Sunny Isles Beach, FL 33160

(305) 974-0075

Miami Spice 2013

Miami Spice is a great time of year to try restaurants you haven’t been to before by taking advantage of the Spice menu.  To be honest it is hit or miss.  Sometimes the Spice menus have very limited selections and are not worth trying while others have a great variety of options, so be sure to do your homework and check out the menus online before you go.

This year it seems that many restaurants have stepped up, offering some of their best dishes on their Spice menu.  You can try Miami Spice for lunch or dinner.  Luxury restaurants will offer three-course lunches at $23 per person, dinner at $39.  Fine dining restaurants will feature menus at $19 for lunch, $33 for dinner.  All Miami Spice menus include an appetizer, entrée and dessert as part of the fixed price.  Check out the Official Miami Spice Website for a list of participating restaurants.

Miami Spice began early this month and goes through September 30^th giving us all plenty of time to try the best food Miami has to offer at a very reasonable price.  Always ask for the Spice menu if you plan on trying it.  Have fun exploring and enjoy Miami Spice!

-DH

Swine Southern Table and Bar – Guest post by Stephanie Wajsman

It’s the new place to see and be seen in Miami. Reservations are booked for months and already glowing reviews are being spread. So what’s this next trendy Miami hot spot? Swine, a BBQ restaurant from the creators of Yardbird and Khong River House.

Swine Southern Table and bar in Coral Gables

Now let’s get this straight—BBQ and Miami are not a great fit together. I hail from the great Atlanta, Georgia and went to school in gamecock country (South Carolina for all the college sports illiterate folk) so I’m fairly up to speed on the difference between great BBQ and imitation BBQ.

Moving down to Miami was a BBQ culture shock. When I first moved to Brickell and started walking around to get to know the area, I saw Brother Jimmy’s. I immediately was intrigued. How did this BBQ place get to Miami? Is it any good? Obviously, I tried it out that night. You know those movies that have the servers dressed up to please the tourists and their food is nothing like what they advertise? That was Brother Jimmy’s and an “Oh Brother” it was. I felt like Jennifer Anniston and her “flair” were going to come up behind me and bring the check. I was heartbroken. I figured if I ever wanted to have the BBQ I have grown accustomed to, it would have to be when I crossed the Georgia-Florida line. Luckily I was wrong.

14-Hour House Smoked Briske

The redneck-flannel-down-and-dirty-BBQ made its way down to Miami in the form of a posh and popular restaurant aptly named Swine. Despite our 10:30 reservation (all that was available on a Saturday night), the place was crowded and loud enough so that you knew people were there but quiet enough so you could carry a conversation. But really, enough about the place—let’s get to the food.

My favorite kind of BBQ has always been brisket, so we went with the Black Angus Burnt Ends as our appetizer. It. Was. Amazing. Perfectly tender and juicy with an authentic BBQ sauce. Add in the fried cornbread and dare I say they were the best burnt ends I’ve ever had.

Our main meal was the ribs. Now you may want to ask me, “Stephanie, if your favorite is brisket, why go with ribs as the main and brisket as the appetizer?” Well, let me answer that for you: the place is called Swine. How was I going to go with something other than pork the first time eating there? And people, I got it right. Next time, sure I’ll get the 14-hour smoked brisket; but this time the ribs were absolutely necessary. Again, cooked perfectly and full of flavor (And not that gross smoky flavor that tends to infiltrate the meat but a real made-in-my-backyard-next-to-the-moonshine flavor). It’s something you can’t describe but you feel. Trust me—it sounds crazy but go get you some ribs and brisket (and wash it down with some whiskey) and get for “y’all” to become a part of your vocabulary.

-Stephanie Wajsman

Wine and Food Festival 2013

February is world known as the month of love. In Miami Beach a love specifically for food and wine takes form as the Wine and Food Festival (WFF). This year WFF will be held during the weekend of February 21-24. WFF 2013 promises to be bigger and better than ever before. You may have noticed the banners popping up over the McCarthur causeway (and well… everywhere else) announcing the appearances of food personalities such as Guy Fereil and Paula Abdeen. WFF has a talent for bringing in all of our favorite culinary celebrities and allowing us to observe them as they work their magic in person by attending events such as BBQ & The Blues, Carnivorous Dinner, Swine & Wine, The Grand Tasting Village, Tribute Dinner, and Wine Spectator’s Best of the Best.

WFF should be treated as a five course meal because every event (such as a film screening of my favorite food documentary “Jiro Dreams of Sushi” hosted by Anthony Bourdain, Garden to Glass held in the Miami Beach Botanical Garden, Amstel Light Burger Bash hosted by Rachel Ray and Celebrity Chef Golf Tournament hosted by José Andrés at Turnberry Isle Miami) is as impossible to pass up as the next. Purchase tickets on the official WFF website and do it ASAP because tickets are selling like hot cakes. This year’s festival ends with a closing ceremony featuring a cook off and concert between Ziggy Marley and Guy Fereil! Happy WFF 2013!

The best desserts of South Beach

This is a post for those with a sweet tooth. Dieters beware!

If you are still reading this get a piece of paper and a pen (or grab your iPhone), you are going to want to take notes.

Danny Hertzberg’s Guide to Dessert:

• First off I love Joe’s key lime pie.  I like it ice cold with whip cream on top.  Good anytime of the day. Joe’s Key lime pie is way up there in my favorite desserts.

Joe’s Key Lime Pie Miami

 

• The deconstructed espresso tiramisu at Macchialina is off the chain in a melt-in-your-mouth kind of way.  It really shouldn’t even be labeled as a tiramisu.

Tiramisu at Macchialina

 

• The cherry pie at Epicure is unbelievable.  You may even be tempted to eat just the crust.  The blueberry and apple are both good but it really is all about their cherry pie.

The cherry pie at Epicure

 

• Oh! And Epicure’s raspberry rugelach (pronounced roo-ga-lock) is amazing, amazing, amazing.  If you have never had rugelach Epicure  is the place to try it and I would recommend the raspberry.

Epicure on South Beach

• Last but most certainly not least I really have to mention the Frieze.  Ice cream is a dessert staple for many of us and nobody, I mean NOBODY does it better than the frieze.  The ice cream is so good that they have been open for 25 years and in South beach and that makes it a classic. When you stop by you really have to try the cappuccino chip and take home a pint of the peanut butter sorbet mixed with the chocolate sorbet, it will be gone by morning.

The Frieze Ice Cream On South Beach

The Frieze Ice Cream On South Beach

 

 

 

 

 

 

Feel free to leave comments with your favorite desserts; we are all in this together.

DH

1475 North View Drive

.

5 Bedroom 6 Bathroom (2 additional powder rooms) classic Miami Beach two-story waterfront home on prestigious Sunset Island I. Contemporary & elegant interior, marble & hardwood floors. Exquisite, luxurious finishes & appointments throughout. Very large master suite with office, morning kitchen. walk-ins, large bath. Loggia flanked courtyard with separate gym house, large kitchen with Miele & Sub-Zero stainless steel appliances, mini bar with built-in tap. Outdoor is great for relaxing or entertaining, covered areas, pool, yard space, dock. Most rooms with views.

Price: $7,900,000

Click here to view my listings
-DH

Danny Hertzberg

Watch the Danny Hertzberg Bio Video

.

As one of the leading Continuum Real Estate Agents in the boisterous Miami Real Estate Market, Danny Hertzberg has already attained the level of success generally reached by those twice his age. As a member of the leading luxury real estate sales team known as The Jills®, Danny has already reached a remarkable level of sales production in a very short time period. Recently, he was featured in Forbes 30 Under 30 list as an industry leader, as well as on CNBC’s financial news program, Squawk on the Street, showcasing Miami’s most expensive luxury properties. He was honored by Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate’s Miami Beach Office as the 2010 “Outstanding Breakout Performer of the Year” for reaching an incredible level of sales production after just his first full year in the industry. In 2011 he was nominated for the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce R.E.A.L. (Real Estate Achievers & Leaders) Awards for two categories, single family homes and condominiums.

Danny, a Miami Beach native, completed a joint JD/MBA degree at the University of Miami. He earned a magna cum laude Bachelor’s degree in 2005 from Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana, where he majored in political science. He also studied abroad at the Universidad del Salvador Law School in Buenos Aires, Argentina, as well as Universidad Complutense in Madrid, and is fluent in Spanish. Danny has a unique understanding of print and online advertising as well as a particular expertise in social media marketing. While studying for his Master’s in business administration at University of Miami, Danny developed innovative marketing strategies.

He is constantly seeking the latest technological advantages to market properties on an international level. Danny played a primary role in creating the concept called Social Media Hotspot, a technique which utilizes collaborative efforts in order to harness his team’s social media networks (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Small World etc.). This technique has allowed Danny to expose properties to over 10,000 people in under an hour.

In addition to real estate, Danny is active in the following organizations: Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce, AIPAC, and the Miami Beach Tax Payer’s Association. Danny is a leading member of the Miami AIPAC Club and has been invited this year to be a featured speaker at AIPAC’s Saban Leadership Seminar in Washington D.C. He also supports and contributes to the following organizations: Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Best Buddies, Susan G Komen Foundation, Florida Bar Foundation, Lawyer’s Project, and Children’s Legal Services.”

Art Basel Miami Beach 2012

It was June of 1970 in the charming town of Basel, Switzerland when the annual Art Basel fair (also known as the Olympics of the Art World) was first held.  Fast forward to 2012 and Art Basel Miami Beach is celebrating its first decade as America’s biggest art fair/nonstop art party.  Each year Basel Miami grows larger than the last, making the event rather difficult to navigate.  I am a South Beach native (yes we exist) and people often ask me about the event and where to go.  Allow me to give you the basics beyond the Pink Snails.

Art Basel Miami Beach Snail

This year Art Basel will be held December 6^th-9^th, as always the event will take place at the Miami Beach Convention Center.  Be sure to download the Miami Art Basel App which features a 3D layout of the exhibits as well as info and display locations of the featured artists.  Bus shuttle services will be provided throughout the duration of the event, click here for more info on Art Basel Transportation.  One day tickets run at $45 dollars, permanent passes go for $90 and evening tickets will be $29.  You can purchase combined Design Miami and Art Basel tickets for $55.  Art Basel tickets can be bought here.

Art Basel Miami Beach isn’t the only art fair worth checking out, displays of all ranges will be spread throughout Miami.  Be sure to head over the bridge to midtown for Art Miami and while you are over there make sure to see the Art Asia Miami showcase (Click here for a more detailed list about mentionable exhibits).  If you are thirsty, Jugo Fresh will be operating a pop up in the area and Gigi is always my go to for lunch or dinner.

On December 8th, Wynwood Art Walk aka “Second Saturday” should be wild this year falling during Art Basel.  All the galleries will be open at night on NW 2^nd ave (tell a cab to drop you off at Wynwood Walls as parking will be tough).  This street party will more or less flow into the streets with food trucks, street side poets and plenty of interesting people watching.

As far as choosing from where to get your hangovers I recommend using this New Times article as your musical guide to Art Basel Miami Beach 2012.  They cover everything from tonight’s Rick Ross performance at the Fillmore to the Saturday Tiesto performance at LIV.

Enjoy your Basel weekend everyone!

–Danny Hertzberg

___Dr. Diane Walder___ Miami’s Top Dermatologist

Miami Beach has a reputation for inhabiting beautiful people. For years many have been trying to figure out what makes our people so beautiful. Some have guessed that our excellent weather and beaches get the credit, others believe it is the local’s diet; but the real secret is starting to get out and her name is Dr. Diane Walder.

Simply put, Diane Walder is the Rolls-Royce of skin care. Dr. Walder is a nationally recognized expert in her field. She is the dermatologist that locals use and celebrities fly in to visit. Her practice is comprised of herself and two outstanding skin care professionals; Dr. Cynthia Golomb and Dr. Stacey Chimento.

Vist http://www.dianewaldermd.com/ for more info and to make an appointment.

The office number is (305)866-2177

The office address is 1111 Kane Concourse Suit 100, Bay Harbor Island, FL 33154

DH

Foodie Finds: Jugo Fresh

My first job at 15 years old was at the Smoothie King on Alton road.  As a result, I have always been a smoothie connosieur of sorts, constantly on the look out for the best smoothies.  After a recent discovery, I can happily announce that the search has ended – Jugo Fresh officially earns the crown for the best smoothie on the beach.

Located on 20th St. (between West Ave. & Alton Rd.), Jugo Fresh is an organic juice bar/smoothie bar in the hot new area off purdy Lounge.   This spot is unlike any other juice or smoothie bar in that it uses a cold-press system that can take up to 45 minutes for just one serving of juice!  The result is an unpasteurized and “alive” juice that contains five times as many nutrients as regular juice.

Despite having a menu with more than 20 beverages, I think it could use one or two more “mainstream” fruit options…but the bottom line is that these “foodie”-style smoothie blends are delicious and nutritious.  They’re on the pricier side but definitely worth the price tag.

Other mentionables include a cool vibe and very knowledgeable staff that is more than happy to answer any of your questions about the blends and their ingredients.  And if you’re looking for a way to detox, Jugo Fresh also features a 3-day juice cleanse with free delivery on Miami Beach.

Conveniently located right next to Foot Works (an amazing running store) and just around the corner from Green Monkey (my favorite yoga studio..post coming soon), Jugo Fresh is the perfect post-yoga smoothie/juice spot.

Happy juicing,

DH