The Broke Baker

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  • Swine Southern Table and Bar (A Review)

    Swine Southern Table and Bar (A Review)

    Early last year, a coworker of mine mentioned a new BBQ restaurant that opened in Coral Gables that I just HAD to try.  I didn’t pay him a whole lot of mind, until said restaurant was present at Burgerliscious 2013 and wowed me with their burger.  Since then, it has been on my to-do list to pay a visit to Swine Southern Table and Bar.

    Swine is the latest addition to the 50 Eggs, Inc. family, which consists of Khong River House (which I have been to) and Yardbird Southern Table and Bar (which I have not).  With them 50 Eggs, Inc. has proven that lowbrow comfort food can be elevated to fine dining tastes.  And, since Swine was voted Best Restaurant in Coral Gables by the Miami New Times, it was time to go check it out. (more…)

  • Michael’s Genuine Food and Drink (A Review)

    Michael’s Genuine Food and Drink (A Review)

    Ever since this article came out a few years back citing the Black Angus Burger at Michael’s Genuine Food and Drink as one of the Top 25 Burgers in the country, I just HAD to check them out.  Unfortunately, such a venture is not particularly cheap, even during the more cost-effective lunch hours.  Michael’s Genuine has earned quite the reputation in South Florida since their debut in 2007.  Helmed by star chef Michael Schwartz, this restaurant is dedicated to producing quality food with local, seasonal ingredients.  As such, the menu changes daily.

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  • Adventures in Pollo a la Brasa

    Adventures in Pollo a la Brasa

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    About a year and a half ago, I was introduced to Peruvian-style pollo a la brasa (rotisserie chicken), and have been hooked ever since.  Even now, I crave it at least once a week.  It’s really not a taste that can be put into words if you are accustomed to store-bought or fast-food rotisserie chickens.  The skin is usually kind of wet and sticky, instead of dry and crispy.  You just have to try it for yourself.

    So, when I finally decided that I wanted to try making it on my own, I tasked a Peruvian friend of mine with getting me a recipe.  She nabbed the recipe from The Daring Gourmet and told me that it sounded fairly close.  So, it was time to experiment!  I made a few modifications to her recipe. (more…)

  • Caramels

    Caramels

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    First off, I must apologize to everyone that has been asking me for this recipe.  I have nothing to blame except for myself, my laziness, and the fact that I am easily distracted.

    I first started attempting homemade caramel when I was obsessed with caramel apples.  While I still haven’t quite mastered covering an apple, I managed to find a recipe that makes a caramel that is amazing on its own.  These have become a holiday tradition for me, and I easily make and wrap several hundred caramels during the holiday season.  There are people who look forward to these throughout the year.  So, for them, I pass the recipe along.

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  • MPP Brickell (A Review)

    MPP Brickell (A Review)

    The quest for awesome Peruvian food in Miami continues.  This time, I ventured out to MPP Brickell.  Their parent restaurant, Mi Propiedad Privada, has been in business in Lima, Peru for 12 years.  They have a pretty solid reputation, so we’ll see how they  measure up. (more…)

  • Focaccia Bistro (A Review)

    Focaccia Bistro (A Review)

    Focaccia Bistro is an Italian and French inspired restaurant, that appears to also occasionally dabble in Peruvian cuisine.  It is a tiny and unassuming little bistro-style restaurant located on one of the main streets in Coconut Grove.  It is difficult to spot on the busy street, unless you know what you are looking for.  Armed with an appetite, and my love for Italian and Latin foods, I dove right in. (more…)

  • Pecan Tassies

    Pecan Tassies

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    With the holiday season upon us, it’s prime time for potlucks.  So, when the Thanksgiving luncheon at work rolled around, I decided to make these little morsels.  Think pecan pie, but in bite-size form.  They were very well-received.  In fact, a few coworkers insisted that I post the recipe.  So, here it is!  You’re welcome. (more…)

  • Mini Cheesecakes

    Mini Cheesecakes

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    Cheesecake is delicious.  And, while it is made of pretty basic ingredients, it is surprisingly easy to screw up.  If you’ve ever had a bad slice of cheesecake, you know exactly what I’m talking about.  Fear not, though!  I’ve got your back. (more…)

  • Burgerliscious 2013

    Burgerliscious 2013

    Burgerliscious returned again this year for another night full of burgers in the heart of Coral Gables.  Thankfully, I was able to nab a VIP pass on LivingSocial for about half the price, which meant unlimited tastings, dessert, and booze.  Of course, this means that I was able to sample every single one of the 19 burgers that were being served by the competitors at Burgerliscious 2013. (more…)

  • Capital Grille (A Review)

    Capital Grille (A Review)

    With Miami Spice over, I thought my fine-dining days were numbered for the rest of the year.  Then, I found out about Dine Out Lauderdale, Broward’s version of Miami Spice.  About 2 dozen restaurants participated in this promotion, which featured a $35 fixed price menu, usually 3 or 4 courses.  Naturally, the thing to do is find some of the more expensive restaurants and take advantage.  So, a few of us found ourselves at Capital Grille, an upscale steakhouse which boasts a made-to-order menu. (more…)