SPICE FOUND @ THE LOST & FOUND .. .. ..

I thought I had encountered every type of cuisine throughout the many years that I live in South Florida. It had to leave and come back in order to pull off a total southwestern experience in the middle of the Design District!! Lost & Found was the place, though I felt more found than lost!!

185 N.W. 36th Street - Miami, FL 33127

305-576-1008

http://thelostandfoundsaloon-miami.com/

Southwest here I come…..their menu is made up of an enticing mix of fresh healthy fixins with a major flavorful kick……..it includes  savory dishes to satisfy the vegetarian and meat lover in your crew. From pinon and pepita crusted tofu to Mahi Mahi to pulled pork!!! I tell you it was awesome just checking out the menu….

…..it was mind blowing to see the immense selection off hot sauces they carried (including their own). Did I mention that I lovvvve hot sauce, on everything – the hotter the better!!!

I was just stopping by for a snack and a beer and it was delightful to find such a whimsical place with ambiance and real good food….

On my speedy visit I decided to go for the chicken wings (love chicken wings any time anywhere – plus theirs are baked, save some calories for the beer!!) and crab stuffed endives doesn’t it just sound delish!!)

Well, quick and all…..the entire experience was grrrrreat……….the food was tasty and the beer was ice cold (a big plus for Miami!) I recommend their very own Sea Dog Blueberry Wheat brew, reeeefreshing!! 

CANTINA 27 - MIAMI BEACH, FL

Enjoying every moment of this wonderful trip to Miami, on a culinary level I am overjoyed because I am completely addicted to the fruit of the sea. Also, the incredible fusion of cultures that are melted into the south Floridian area is incredible. It is comprised of Caribbeans, Europeans, and Central & South Americans. As you can probably imagine by now, the restaurant scene in South Florida is filled with a vast array of amazingly assorted flavorful dishes.

One of the places that is a MUST for me when in SoFla is Cantina 27, an Italian restaurant that delivers truly authentic Italian food. Their home-made pastas, made daily will take you on a trip down memory lane to your nona’s kitchen and their grilled entrees will whirl you to a trip to the Riviera!!

They bake their own bread and it is oh so scrumptious…..be prepared not to eat just one piece. And DO make sure to try their gnocchi which is also made on premises daily. OH, please….please try the Carpaccio di Polipo…it is magnanimous!! Besides these personal faves they have an array of appetizers, salads and cheese assortments that can easily be paired with their incredible wine list, I recommend to start off with a nice chilled bottle of prosecco …..beyond a doubt, a pallets dream.

2701 Collins Ave
Miami Beach, FL 33140
(305) 673-5241

My usual order when at Cantina 27 starts out with the Polipo appetizer, a glass of prosecco, and a basket full of warm bread and those wonderful thin Italian bread sticks. Ii is usually followed with a Grilgliata Mista which I will sometimes {It's ssso good!} share with the table.

I LOVE RAW BAR

For me there is nothing better than sipping on an ice cold glass of champagne, watching the sunset with a large platter of succulent seafood that you can devour with your hands!

Oyster on the half shell is one of the most delicious experiences your mouth can have. Just add a little lemon, couple of drops of Tabasco, salt and down the hatch it goes. Trust me, so good my mouth is actually watering!!!

The best thing about the raw bar for those of us that love anything from the sea is that it is a smorgasbord of shellfish and it is quite delicious.

I just recently had the chance to experience this incredible delight while in Miami at one of my favorite places on earth. Monty's, it is a very laid back staple in the Miami Beach marina in which local gather to unwind from their daily lives. The place is famous for their island like atmosphere, their "pain killers" (in other words, a very strong concoction of alcohol that that will numb any pain), their happy hour that includes a discounted beverage bar and a raw bar with ridiculously low priced fresh seafood comprised of oysters, clams, peel & eat shrimp, and stone crab claws (best when in season) and their beautiful panoramic view of the marina (which lends itself for a pretty great sunset). Than is an experience that is completely satisfactory to all your scenes!

But, don’t fret, there is no need to have to get on a plane and experience this mouthwatering sensation…..MAKE IT AT HOME and serve this for a special occasion, or have a picnic wherever you favorite sunset spot is and make sure to include your favorite bottle of bubbly whichever your choice may be!!!

Go to your local fish market and find out what fresh sell fish they have available.

Seafood On Ice

Stone Crab claws 2-4/person

Shrimps 8-10/person

King Crab legs 2-4/person

Oysters 8-10/person

Clams 8-10/person

1tbsp sea salt

Garnish

2 lemons quartered

2 limes quartered

Tabasco hot sauce for

4 tbsp butter

Sides

Saltine Cracker (or your personal preference

Flat bread (poppy seed, onion, or multi grain)

All ingredients may vary depending on availability in your area.

Place a large pot with water - 3/4 filled, add sea salt and bring to a boil

Drop shell fish in for about 2-3mins or until shell turns pink or red (DO NOT ad oysters or clams)

Place butter in small pan and melt on low heat – serve in small dipping dish

- (butter is best for at home – great with Stone Crab and King Crab)

Ask your local seafood market attendant where is the best place to buy a shucking knife and glove and ask them for some tips on how to get the best results at home. You’d be surprised at how helpful they are willing to be.

For the Stone Crab, it is preferably to buy them ready to eat and ask them to crack it for you as it is very difficult to crack at home.

Don’t forget seafood crackers for your king crab.

Cocktail Sauce

1 cup ketchup

2 tablespoons horseradish

2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

Celery salt and freshly ground pepper

(Add a few drops of hot sauce for an extra punch of heat)

In a small bowl, stir together all the ingredients, seasoning with celery salt and pepper to taste. Cover and chill until ready to serve. Makes about 1½ cups.

Mustard Sauce For Stone Crab Claws/King Crab

1 tablespoon Colman's dry mustard, or to taste

1 cup mayonnaise

2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon A-1 Sauce

1/4 cup heavy cream or milk

Salt to taste

Seafood Sauce

3/4 cup mayonnaise

3/4 cup catsup

1 teaspoon garlic granules

Whisk together all ingredients until well combined. Serve chilled. This sauce may be prepared as much as 3 days in advance. Makes 1½ cups.

This sauce pairs perfectly with seafood or any vegetable.

NOTE: All dipping sauces work with any shellfish you may choose.

Treat yourself to an extravagant treat, cheers!!!