Annette Recommends Youth H2O

I have to say I was skeptical at first, as I am with all products that make claims of making you look younger and weight loss, but I went in with an open mind.   You take Youth H2O for three weeks, you drink one shot a day for 5 days and then 2 days off (I put mine in the freezer for about an hour) then you take a week off and then repeat the cycle.   After three weeks, I saw a difference, my complexion was better, my skin more radiant and it seemed to help me maintain my weight, which is a biggie for me with going out so much.  I am really looking forward to trying it for another month.

Youth H2O is caffeine free, sugar free and all natural organic ‘age defying energy shot’. You can get Youth H2O at any Navarro Pharmacies in South Florida, a  a month supply is $44.99.

 

Annette Recommends Flame Caffe and Grill

We went for dinner at Flame Caffe and Grill on Española Way, and I have to say the food was absolutely amazing. We both started off with a Sauvignon Blanc – Kendall Jackson Grand Reserve and the Wild Mushroom Vol-au-Vent. I love mushrooms and this was heavenly; mushrooms sautéed in garlic, herbs and white wine in puff pastry, served in a  mushroom cream sauce with a little truffle oil.  For the main course, I had the Seafood Paella Rice and this was the best paella I have had. It had an assortment of fresh Florida seafood; calamari, shrimp, scallops, mussels and fish cooked in lobster broth, saffron and white wine, with a lobster tail on top and served with Valencia rice with Jerez.  James had the 16 ounces of Angus Prime Rib Eye streak with porcini mushroom au-jus, served with roasted rosemary Yukon gold potatoes and sautéed broccolini.  I, of course, had the Flame Blue Margarita, so yummy and not too sweet, and James had an Apple Martini. Both were made perfectly.  Finally for dessert we had the Hot Chocolate Soufflé served with vanilla bean ice cream, it was so wonderful and delicious.

Flame Caffe and Grill
447 Espanola Way
Miami Beach, FL 33139
(305) 397-8950

Annette Recommends Seasons 52

We got a tasting from the new Summer Menu at Season 52 in Coral Gables.  Started off with a BBQ Chicken Flatbread and Artichoke & Goat Cheese Flatbread.  They were both so yummy but the Artichoke & Goat Cheese one was my favorite…so good which was paired with Aveleda Vinha Verde, Portugal ’10/’11 very light and refreshing.  The first course was a Chilled Lobster & Shrimp spring roll with three different dipping sauces, cool salsa verde, aromatic lemongrass and sweet-hot red chili, this was paired with Hirsh #1 Gruner Veitliner, Kamptal ’09/’1 Sauvignon Blanc this was my favorite wine for the evening .  The second course was a wonderful Organic Arugula salad and a summer vegetarian tasting which was was paired with Honig, Napa ’11.  The third course was wild Alaskan Copper River Salmon paired with Chehalem INOX, Williamette ’10.  Then we had a 11 oz Piedmontese All-Natural Bone-in Strip steak which was paired with Markham Cellar 1879,  Napa ’10.  The fourth and final course was a mini indulgence desserts and all were amazing and was paired with a great Jam jar Moscato, Western Cape ’11.

Everything was cooked perfect and tasting so amazing, so if you are in Coral Gables and looking for a great place to eat, I would check out Seasons 52.

Seasons 52
On Miracle Mile
321 Miracle Mile
Coral Gables, FL 33134
(305) 442-8552

Annette Recommends Monty’s Raw Bar South Beach

The newly renovated Monty’s Raw Bar South Beach is really nice, I love the decor in the main room.  They put in a lot of big screen TV’s,  it is a great place to watch whatever sport you love.  The food was really good, we started off with the peel and eat shrimp, they were a good size and so tasty, cooked perfect, and the cocktail sauce had just enough horseradish in it to give a nice bite.  We ordered the fried calamari, french fries and the grilled Mahi Mahi with mashed sweet potatoes and greens and it was so amazing.   Finished the meal with a slice of key lime pie and it was so good and tart, just the way I like it.

So if you have not been to Monty’s South Beach in awhile, stop by and taste their new menu.

Monty’s Raw Bar
Miami Beach Marina
300 Alton Road
Miami Beach, Florida, 33139
(305) 672-1148

Annette Recommends Bolivar Restaurant and Lounge

This was my first time to Bolivar Restaurant & Lounge and we tried a variety of their foods and everything was amazing.  Started off the evening with one of their signature cocktails a Lulo Bolivartini very yummy!!!!  For the first course had the Arepa con Ahogado  and then they brought out a platter with grilled corn on the cob topped with spicy butter and cheese, Colombian blood sausage, Colombian sausage, grilled artichokes and I have to say it was one of the best artichokes I have had or close to it.  Next was seafood Ceviche shots and they were full of seafood, so yummy.  Then we had some delicious grilled pork and mashed potatoes.  Then I tried a different signature drink the Augua De Florero, a yummy Long Island Iced Tea.  Then my favorite part, dessert, we had the Merenguitos – Meringues with Strawberries…so, so, so Yummy.

Bolivar Restaurant & Lounge
661 Washington Avenue
Miami Beach, FL 33139
305-305-0801

Annette Recommends of Bernie’s LA Cafe

Bernies LA Cafe is one place I have been wanting to go for some time, but for some reason or another just never made it.  Sure wished I would have the food is so fresh and so good.  We started of with the Crudo – tomato salsa with homemade chips. I got the Foot-Long Choripan (Grilled Colombian Sausage) with chopped red onion and pineapple relish and you can pick between mixed field greens or fresh cut fries.  The sausage was so good and the relish gave it just the right touch, I did not even put any condiments on it, yes it was that good.  I also tried the Yuca fries and I have to say they one of the best Yuca fries I have had, they were so tender on the inside and just the right about of crispness on the outside.  James got the Carne Asada (slow roasted short ribs) covered in grilled onions, the meat was so tender and had such a great flavor, this came with rice, beans and Maduros.  We also got the Mango Bang Bang Shrimp and this is a must have, it was so good, ask for it well done.  And if that was not enough food I had to have one of their chocolate chip cookies and it was so moist, delicious and full of chocolate chips.  So don’t wait as long as I did to go try out Bernie’s LA Cafe and keep in mind they do deliver on South Beach.  Click here to see their menu, Bernie’s LA Cafe Menu.

Bernie’s LA Cafe – Latin America
1570 Alton Road
Miami Beach, FL 33139
(305) 535-8003

Photographs from Death and Harry Houdini Cast Questions and Answers on 4/29/12

Death and Harry Houdini Cast Questions and Answers at Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts on Sunday, April 29, 2012.  This play is performed by the  Theatre Of Chicago, and wow what an awesome show.  Death and Harry Houdini has all of the components to a great time like comedy, singing, dancing and some amazing magic.  It is performed in the Carnival Studio Theater where you are so close to the action you almost feel as you are a part of the play itself. I was fortunate to sit on the front row and I still can’t figure out how the magic is done.  No, they would not let us take any photos during the play, you just have to go see for yourself.  This is a play you should not miss, it really is so much fun!!!

 Click here to buy your tickets now.

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Annette Recommends Odysseo by Cavalia under the White Big Top at Bicentennial Park

We went to opening night of Odysseo presented by Cavalia and The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts  under the White Big Top at Bicentennial Park in downtown on Wednesday, February 29, 2012. All I have to say is the show is truly amazing, between the astounding horsemanship and acrobatics combined with the awesome scenery and visual effects, this show will leave you wanting to see more.  This is one show you will not want to miss.

The  show is very serene and breathtaking, from the beautiful horses to the spectacular acrobats.  The staging area is so big, at some points they have over 30 horses and 40 performers on stage and still room for more. They have a carousel they lower and the performance on it will blow your mind…I think they use magic :-). The ending routine will REALLY surprise you. I have never seen anything like that.

Words cannot really describe how amazing this whole show was, you just need to go see it for yourself.

(Unfortunately, we did not get any photos of our own, but below are some stock photos that Cavalia supplied. We purposely omitted photos from the end to keep the surprise.)

Annette Recommends Schnebly Redland’s Winery

Schnebly Redland’s Winery is  & Brewery an awesome place to go and spend the afternoon or just pickup a couple bottles of wine.  They make fruit wines, like: Mango, Lychee, Avocado, Passion Fruit, Guava and more.  They also make Sparking Fruit Wine and they just started their own brewery with beers infused with fruit.   You have to do the tasting while you are there, the Original tasting is only $7.95 and you get to choose 5 of theier exotic tropical fruits and you keep the etched Schnebly wine glass as souvenir.  Or you can do the Special tasting for $9.95 you get your choice of five different specialty wines, including the dessert and sparkling wines.   They have an awesome outside area with a waterfall and lots of covered tables so bring a lunch and buy a bottle of wine and spend the afternoon.  The do events most Friday and Saturday nights so check out their website. This is one place in the Redlands that is a must go to.

Schnebly Redland’s Winery
30205 S.W. 217th Avenue
Homestead, FL 33030

www.schneblywinery.com


Annette Recommends Allegro Original Marinade

Allegro Original Marinade is a great marinade for any meat, I have used it with chicken, pork, steak (all cuts) and it is so yummy.  It adds such a great flavor with out overpowering the meat.  I so recommend this on everything.  Check out their website for recipes and the history of Allegro.  You can purchase it at Publix or any supermarket, I have found it with the other marinades and sometimes by the meat section.  They make several different flavored marinades and bar-b-que-sauce.  Enjoy!!!!!!

Annette Recommends Capital Grille

We went to Capital Grille on Brickell for dinner, which was my first time at a Capital Grille.  The food was amazing, we started off with the Prosciutto wrapped mozzarella with vine ripe tomato with a balsamic glaze.  For the main course I got the lamb Chops and they were cooked to perfection and tasted amazing. James ordered the Porcini rubbed with 12 year aged balsamic which I have to say was one of the best steaks I have ever had.  To go with the main course we ordered the creamed corn and with smoked bacon and the fresh mozzarella , tomato & basil salad with 12 year aged balsamic. For dessert we had the cheesecake with fresh seasoned berries and the key lime pie both were so good.  The whole meal was amazing, everything was cooked perfectly, displayed beautifully and served from an awesome staff.

Some of their signature items are Pan Fried Calamari with Hot Cherry Peppers, Bone-In Kona Crested Sirloin with Caramelized Shallot Butter and Flourless Chocolate Espresso Cake.

Annette Recommends Exquisito Restaurant in Little Havana

We have heard so many great things about Exquisito Restaurant in Little Havana so we finally decided to go.   Wow, we should have go sooner!  The place is small but the food is awesome. I got the Ham Shank with boiled yuca and the best soup I have had in a long time.  The ham just fell off the bone and the flavor was so good, with just a hint of smoke (Yummy).  James got the Fried King Fish and French Fries, the fish was really good and cooked just right.  Their prices are so inexpensive and their specials are even a better deal.  So if you have not tried Exquisito, don’t wait as long as we did :-).

Annette Recommends King Automotive

I have been taking my car and truck to King Automotive for years, they are honest and very knowledgeable.  This is a family run business a when you take your car in you feel like part of the family.  You know you are getting the best service at a great price, and you know when you leave that you car is fixed and done right.  I will not take my car anywhere else, I so highly recommend King Automotive!!!

King Automotive
260 NW 28 St
Miami, FL 33127
(305) 576-3515

Annette Recommends La Ventana Colombian Restaurant

We went to La Ventana Colombian Restaurant on Washington Street, such a cute little place.   I had the Colombian hot dog and it was so yummy, it had bacon, pineapple sauce, cheese, pink sauce and potato strings, it had a little bit to it and was awesome.  I also order a side of yuca fritas and chicharron and both were really good.  James order the fish soup, more like fish stew, it had large chucks of fish, yuca, corn and plantains, it was awesome.  Mark order then Carne en Salsa Criolla, steak in creole sauce with rice, salad and yuca fritas.  The creole sauce was so amazing.  They serve a couple of different sauces you can put on your food, the spicy one was my favorite.  Everything on their menu sounds so good, can’t wait to go back and try something different.

La Ventana Colombian Restaurant
710 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139
(305) 673-0912 ‎
www.laventanarestaurant.com

Annette Recommends Robert is Here

Robert is Here
9200 SW 344th Street Homestead,
FL 33034
(305) 246-1592
www.robertishere.com

I just love going to visit Robert is Here. Robert is always there and willing to answer any questions you may have or help you pick out what you are looking for. Every time I go, I ask Robert to pick out a mango that will be ready to eat either that day or the next, and he has picked the perfect one every time.

One of the best thing there is the Good and Evil Pickles which is pickles, jalapenos and garlic cloves, and oh my gosh these are the best things ever. I can eat half a jar in one sitting, they are that good and a little spicy.

I have tried so many things and have pretty much love it all. They have great jams, jellies, honey, chutney, hot sauces and bar-b-que sauces. They have such a wide variety of fruits and vegetables and every time I go I have to buy a fruit I have never tried or even heard of. I could go on and on, but if you have not visited Robert is Here you really need to go, you are missing one of Miami’s greatest treasures.

Annette Recommends Alma Mexicana on Miami Beach

We went to Alma Mexicana on Washington last night for a late dinner.  I ordered the pastor (pork) sandwich, it was on flat bread, and it was the most delicious sandwich ever.  We also order the smothered green chili burrito with rice and beans, I was so amazing this is a must order.  The last thing we order was a pastor burrito and it was really good, not quite as good as the smothered burrito but really, really good.  They have a salsa bar and I tried all of them and they were all awesome.

Alma Mexicana is a wonderful affordable, delicious, authentic Mexican restaurant.  It is on Washington between 13th and 14th right next door to Juice and Java.  The staff is so friendly and the service was fast.

Alma Mexicana
1344 Washington Ave
Miami Beach, FL 33139
(305) 695-0880
www.almamexicana-restaurant.com

Annette Recommonds the Key Lime Pie at Van Dyke Cafe

I know this is a very specific recommended but Van Dyke Cafe Key Lime pie is that good.    Van Dyke’s Key Lime pie is the best I have tasted, I know I have not tasted all of the Key Lime Pie (I believe I have a new mission in life).  The pie has just the right amount of tartness (has more bite to than most) and the graham cracker crust is just perfect, melts in your mouth.  So if you have not tried their Key Lime Pie it is worth a trip to Van Dyke’s on Lincoln Road to try it.  Hope to see you there and share a piece of Key Lime Pie.

Van Dyke Cafe
846 Lincoln Rd
Miami Beach, FL 33139
(305) 534-3600
www.thevandykecafe.com

Annette Recommonds The Spa at One Bal Harbour

I visited The Spa at One Bal Harbour Resort & Spa on Sunday, November 21, 2010.

This is an amazing spa, very beautiful, amazing staff and what a view. First thing I did was get a massage and I have to say it was one of the best massages I have had and was so relaxing. Then, I headed outside to the waterfront terrace and had a glass of champagne while watching the waves crash against the rocks, I did not want to leave.  To top off the day, it was spent with wonderful friends, all hanging out getting massages, pedicures, foot massages, facials and drinking champagne on the terrace.  Thank you so much to The Spa, I will be coming back for more.

Annette Recommends Havana Harvest by Robert Landori

Just read Havana Harvest by Robert Landori.  This novel takes place in the late 80’s and centers around the United States and Cuba relations and is loosely based on real events.  The main character is an American CIA agent and it takes us though his involvement and the realization of what is actually happening and along with him are some very top ranking characters inside the Castro regime, spies from both sides and he adds a bit of romance to make it a wonderful novel.  If you like spy thrillers this is a book for you.

From the Publisher:
Though the book is fiction, it reveals the inside politics within the government and the police agencies in Cuba. I believe the book has a strong sense of the typical Cuban’s philosophy enshrined throughout its pages, personified in the character of General Casas.
Based partly on a true story, Havana Harvest follows the maneuverings of two adversarial intelligence services as they attempt to inflict maximum damage on each other through a series of high-tension suspense. In Cuba, General Patricio Casas must decide whether to support the revolution he has fought endlessly for, or do what is good for his people by challenging the selfish authoritarianism of the Castroite regime. Meanwhile, CIA operative Robert Lonsdale is tasked with determining why a captain in Fidel’s army seeks U.S. protection from a Colombian drug cartel and the Cuban secret police. Lonsdale is quickly drawn into a disarray of intrigue and murder, with General Casas’ help as his only chance for survival.During his professional life, author Robert Landori traveled South American and the Caribbean where he encountered many international financiers and notorious con men. Landori was able to develop a highly charged and double-edged relationship with Catro’s Cuba, and was held in solitary confinement for false accusations of espionage. After he was freed, Landori used his experience to create fictional tales of international espionage.

Annette Recommends Rik Rak Salon, Boutique & Bar

I have to say that you can find the best places to eat in the most unlikely places.  Rik Rak is a upscale full service salon with a little cafe.  They serve beer, wine, Prosecco, pasta, sandwiches and a lot more.  I ordered the tomato basil soup with a grilled cheese sandwich with tomato.  This was the best tomato basil soup I have ever had, the chef  makes it fresh everyday and what a difference it makes.

I just can’t give it enough praise you just need to go order it.  The grilled cheese was a gourmet grilled cheese with tomato and it was the yummiest grilled cheese I think I have ever had.  I had a Bellini with my meal, which topped the meal off perfectly.  The service was outstanding, the chef’, his name is Andrew, was so nice and made everything to order. I will be going back again and again.  They also serve breakfast,  I am going to make a point of making my way over to Brickell some morning to try it.

Rik Rak Salon, Boutique & Bar
1428 Brickell Ave
Ste 100
Miami, FL 33131
(305) 371-7324
Hours:
Mon-Sat: 9 am – 9 pm
Sun: 9 am – 6 pm
www.rikrak.com

Annette Recommends Escopazzo on South Beach

Went to Escopazzo Restaurant on South Beach an Organic Italian Restaurant.  I had the rigatoni with sausage and broccoli, wow it was so good, it had so much sausage in it.  It was perfect.

We also ordered off of their raw menu which does not contain any dairy products, it is entirely vegan.  We tried the zucchini pasta. it was so tasty and yummy.  The place is so cute, has a nice cozy front room and then you go down a hallway to another room, very cozy.  So, if you find yourself on Washington Ave and hungry for nice organic Italian this is the place you should head to.

Escopazzo Restaurant
1311 Washington Ave
Miami Beach, Florida 33139
(305) 674-9450

Annette Recommends Happy Hour at Transit Lounge UPDATE: CLOSED

UPDATE: THIS BUSINESS IS CLOSED

Transit Lounge
729 Southwest 1st Avenue
Miami, FL 33130

We wanted to find someplace with for happy hour but it was a little after 7pm and most happy hours end at 7pm.  So, after calling several places found out that Transit Lounge happy hour goes until 8pm, so we headed there.

All drinks and food are 1/2 price (except for a couple of alcohols, like Johnny Walker Green and a couple more) and they were doing a Rock Band Competition karaoke.

We ordered our first round,  Apple Martini, a Dirty Martini, I had Tequila and OJ (my favorite) and an order of cheese fries.  The cheese fries where so good, the cheese was a little spicy and so tasty.  Their drink prices were already good, but with the 1/2 off, the prices are a steal. Just to give you an idea, the apple martini was only $3.75.

The Rock Band competition was so much fun, I had never played rock band before and I had a blast, I played the drums.  I will definitely be going back for more happy hours at Transit Lounge….need to get a big group together, to go drink, eat and play Rock Band, it would be GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Annette Recommends Kingdom

Finally made it to Kingdom and order their King burger with cheese and bacon and an order of fries and onion rings.  Their fries are amazing the seasoning that they put on it is so good the onion rings are really good too.  The burger was really good, cooked perfectly and the bacon was so good.   The place is go cute, it is small but has a wonderful ambiance.  If you have not made it up to Kingdom it is worth the trip.

Kingdom
6708 Biscayne Blvd
Miami, FL 33138
(305) 757-0074

Annette Recommends Cafetto Coffee & Cocoa on South Beach – UPDATE CLOSED

CLOSED!

Unfortunately, this wonderful place has closed down.

Cafetto on South Beach is one of my favorites, they have great hot chocolate.  I finally tried their food, I ordered the ham and cheese and I have to say I was surprised, it was one of the best ham and cheese panini that have had.  Also we tried a couple of the tapas, the Spanish omelet and bread with tomatoes and mozzarella. The omelet was really good but the bread was amazing.  They have free wifi, so if you work from home and can take your computer up to Cafetto, this is a great place to work from, I know I am going to make the trip at least one a week.

Cafetto Coffee & Cocoa
1520 Washington Ave
Miami Beach, FL 33139
(305) 531-2375

Annette Recommends Tonino Lamborghini Tonino Lamborghini Caffe Corsa in The Village at Gulfstream Park

Tonino Lamborghini Caffe Corsa in The Village at Gulfstream Park is a really wonderful Italian restaurant.    The staff was outstanding, the food was amazing and the prices were very good, expectally for the quality of food you receive.

Okay here we go, first they brought over a basket of bread and three sauces, olive oil with balsamic vineger, sun-dried tomato, and a herb cheese.  The first course was an arugula and parmesan salad with a lemon dressing, and I have to say this was one of the best salads I have had, it was very light and really, really good.

And then next we had a meat, cheese and marinated vegetable plate with baby artichokes, eggplant caponata, proscuitto di parma, salami, fresh paramesan and goat cheese with bread, seaved with Mandra Rossa Nero D’Avola red wine from Sicilla. I have to say that the fresh paramesan was so good I think I ate almost all of it by myself, the eggplant caponata was amazing, all of it was so good, tried not to eat to much still had more to come.

Then we had a sample of three differnet pastas. First was my favorite, the Fettucin Ai Funghi Misti (fettuccine with mix wild mushrooms and truffle oil), Ravioli Di Zucca (butternut squash ravioli with butter and sage) and Gnocchi Al Pesto Di Zucchini E Ragout Di Gamberi (potato gnocchi with zucchini pesto, shrimp ragout and grape tomato). We were served a Blackstone Merlot with the pasta. All three pastas where outstanding and amazing.

Then we had the Branzino Al Forno (roasted mediterranean sea bass, lemon artichokes, asparagus). The way it was prepared you could taste the sea bass and it was so good, the asparagus where cooked just right, a little Al dente and the flavor was awesome.

Okay now for dessert, we had the Italian cheese cake, made with Ricotta cheese, I loved it!  It was different then the New York Style cheesecakes I am used to,  but I have to say I think I may like this style better.  We also had a Vanilla Bean Custard (I cant remember the name) with berries. It was AMAZING, very light and so yummy. We where served a Pinot Grigio from Sicila that went with dessert beautifully.

Addendum from James: Tonino Lamborghini Caffe Corsa is an excellent value for the money. From the name, Lamborghini, of course I assumed that it would be pricey, but actually the prices are very reasonable, more in the range of a family restaurant. Entrees range from around $15 to $25, pizzas are about $13 to $18, and the goodly sized salads are $10 to $15. However, the food is so much better than the prices indicate. Many of the ingredients are sourced directly from Italy. Much of the menu items are handmade on site and you can really tell the difference in taste.

I would call Tonino Lamborghini Caffe Corsa homestyle Italian food. Food as if you were in Italy visiting your Italian grandmother. It does have a bit of a world-fusion twist to it, as well. Many of the items will be unfamiliar to the average diner, but the staff is extremely knowledgeable, so be sure to ask them about the food. Highly recommended.

Tonino Lamborghini Caffé Corsa
The Village of Gulfstream Park
501 South Federal Highway
Hallendale Beach, FL 33009
305.456.4500

Annette Recommends Jamie Cullum The Pursuit

Jamie Cullum just released  his new CD The Pursuit.  This is an awesome CD, great jazz music, one of my favorites is the first track “Just One of Those Things” , I love the big band sound of this one.  I really enjoyed every track, each one has a different style and sound.   This was my first introduction to Jamie Cullum and I look forward to hearing his other CD’s.
-Annette

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Buy at Amazon: The Pursuit (Special Edition with Bonus Track)
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JAMIE CULLUM LAUNCHES “ONE MAN BRITISH INVASION” OF AMERICA
GOLDEN GLOBE & GRAMMY NOMINEE ANNOUCES MARCH TOUR DATES AND RELEASE OF NEW ALBUM THE PURSUIT ON MARCH 2, 2010

English singer/songwriter/pianist/multi-instrumentalist Jamie Cullum, who has been dubbed “a one man British invasion” (Hollywood Reporter), has announced a series of US tour dates to coincide with the U.S. release of The Pursuit on March 2, 2010. The album is Cullum’s third for Verve Records and his first in four years. It follows last year’s Golden Globe nomination for Cullum and Clint Eastwood of “Gran Torino” as Best Original Song. Cullum’s prior album releases Twentysomething and Catching Tales were international crossover smashes selling more than 4 million combined copies worldwide. Already released to great critical and commercial success in Europe and the U.K., The Pursuit has garnered Top 10 digital debuts on the ITunes Top Album Chart in the U.K., Germany, France, Spain and ten other countries. The album is currently #14 on the Billboard European Top 100 Album Chart.

Like the exploding piano on its cover, the long-awaited new album The Pursuit blows away audience preconceptions with 14 smoldering tracks that seamlessly run the gamut from swinging standards and yearning singer-songwriter confessionals to 125 BPM house dance tracks and resurrected Broadway ballads. The album features nine Cullum originals and five cover songs that showcase Cullum’s unique voice and iconoclastic interpretive skills. The self-penned gems include the buoyant first single “I’m All Over It,” the cheerfully apocalyptic “Wheels,” the animated swing of “You and Me Are Gone,” Cullum’s love song to music “Mixtape” and his love song to love “Love Ain’t Gonna Let You Down.”

I’m All Over It video

Elsewhere on the album, Cullum reinvents 1930s jazz standards (Cole Porter’s “Just One Of Those Things” and “Love For Sale”), brings the dance floor into the bedroom (Rihanna’s “Don’t Stop The Music”) and cleans the pancake off the Great White Way (Leslie Bricusse’s “If I Ruled the World” and Stephen Sondheim’s “Not While I’m Around”).

Don’t Stop The Music video

Since the release of Cullum’s last album, he has seen an ever-growing courtship with Hollywood blossom: beginning with 2007’s animated Disney feature Meet The Robinsons in which Jamie was the singing voice of Frankie The Frog, continuing with his vocal on the Golden Globe-nominated “Best Original Song” from the John Cusack film Grace Is Gone, and culminating in his co-writing and performing with Clint Eastwood the Golden Globe-nominated “Best Original Song” from 2008’s Gran Torino. Cullum was also recently featured in the Clint Eastwood executive-produced documentary Johnny Mercer: The Dream’s On Me celebrating the 100th anniversary of the great American songwriter’s birth.

Annette Recommends Mambo Café

We went to Mambo Cafe on Coral Way and everything was WOW.  First they give you fried plantains with a garlic sauce on it , and I ate nearly a full bowl by myself.  I ordered the grilled fish with black beans and rice and sweet plantains and a order of yuca fitas.  Everything was so good and possible the best black beans I have had.

Mambo Café
2093 Coral
Miami, FL 33145
(305) 856-8525

Click here for their facebook page.

Annette Recommends – Los Potosinos Taqueria at the Redland Market

We traveled down to the Redlands and stopped by the Redlands Market to grab a bite to eat.  We decided to stop at Los Potosinos Taqueria, I had the tostadas with pork and it was amazing.  The pork was cooked outside on spit with pineapple,  WOW it was good.  James had the enchilada’s and I have to say it was about the best enchiladas I have had. So if you want really good Mexican food and don’t mind driving about 30 minutes down to the Redland’s, you won’t be disappointed.

Annette Recommends Casa Toscana

PLEASE NOTE – THIS BUSINESS HAS CLOSED.

I won a gift certificate in a raffle for Casa Toscana, so we invited some good friends for a nice dinner out.  I am so glad we did, the food was absolutely amazing.  We asked the waiter for a bottle of prosecco and he brought us a very nice (extra dry) prosecco, that to our surprise was priced very reasonable and really delicious.  I ordered the pasta special, which was spinach pasta with peas and shrimp, wow, it was that good.  It was in really light red sauce and it was so good, I ate all of it.  So if you are up on Biscayne and are in the mood for some really good Italian I would suggest Casa Toscana, it is such a small cute place, you will love it.

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Casa Toscana
7001 Biscayne Blvd.
Miami, FL 33138
(305) 758-3353

www.casatoscanamiami.com

Annette Recommends Urbanite Bistro – UPDATE CLOSED

UPDATE – THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED.

Went to Urbanite Bistro during Art Basel, we ordered off of the late night menu, the prices where very reasonable.   The staff was very nice the service was a little slow, but we where in no hurry.  The food was really, really good.  They first served us some complimentary bread with some awesome pesto dipping sauce, it was so good had to ask for more.  I had ordered the shrimp club, and I have to say this was an amazing club, it was a little spicy, which is the way that I like it.   James ordered the shrimp corndogs, he only got three but they where delicious, it came with spicy mustard and mango ketchup. Mark ordered the cubano sandwich; it weighted a lot, and was so yummy.  I want to go back to see what there regular menu looks like.

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The Urbanite Bistro
62 NE 14th Street
Between NE 1st Avenue and N Miami Avenue.
Miami, FL
(305) 374-0662
http://www.urbanitebistro.com/home.htm

Annette Recommends Lecca-Lecca Gelato Caffe’

I have to say that Lecca-Lecca Gelato Caffe’‎ has the best gelato I have tried, their fruit gelato is the best.  My favorite is the melon and banana, but all of their flavors are great and yes I have tried just about every one of them.  So if you are on South Beach and are craving gelato this is the place to go.

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1051 Collins Street
Miami Beach, FL 33130

Annette Recommends Chu’s Taiwan Kitchen and Bar

Chu’s in Coral Gables it awesome Taiwanese Restaurant.  When you go there be sure you are not in a hurry, they are a little slow but the food is worth it.    They brought us fried fish chips, that is only way for me to describe it, they were very like and really good.  I had the beef noodles and they were amazing, so yummy, in fact they were so good the next time we went back I order them again.   So far everything we have ordered has been really good, and very fresh.

Order the crispy seaweed, it’s ridiculously addictive.

Chu’s Taiwan Kitchen and Bar
2728 Ponce de Leon Blvd
Miami, FL 33134
(786) 953-7351

www.chusgables.com

Annette Recommends Deco Sandwiches

Deco Sandwiches’ name is sort of a misleading, they serve a lot more than just sandwiches, and they also serve traditional Turkish food. My favorite, so far is their gyros, it is amazing. But I do have to say they have one of the best hamburgers on the beach, they make it as you order. You have to try their french fries; the seasoning that they put on them is soooooooooooo good. They have some of the best Baklava I have had in a long time.

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1361 Washington Ave
Miami Beach, FL 33139
(305) 532-1812

Annette Recommends Bar-B-Que Beach Bar & Restaurant

I love this place; the food is always good and yummy. I have tried the ribs, brisket and the chicken, all are really good but my favorite was the baby back ribs. They have quite a few sides to choose from, mac-n-cheese, mashed potatoes, collard greens, etc. The collard greens are really, really good and so are the mashed potatoes but make sure and get the gravy to go with it, it adds a yummy touch. They have six sauces to choose from all are good and very different. I like to combine the sauce to make my own flavor.  It is great to have a good bar-b-que place on the beach.

Bar-B-Que Beach
1555 Washington Ave.
Miami Beach, FL 33139
Phone: 305-538-7201

Annette Recommends El Toro Taco Restaurant

This place is so cute and has really good food, prices are very reasonable and the portions are good, and it’s BYOB. I ordered the pinata plate; it came with two quesadilla’s (your choice, I had the spinach and mushrooms), nachos and a cheese sauce. The cheese sauce was amazing, it made the plate, now don’t get me wrong the quesadilla’s and nacho’s where great too. The service is a little slow, so when you go don’t be in a hurry, just go and have a great time and great food. On the weekends I hear they have a mariachis, so I will have to go back, oh darn.

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1 S Krome Ave
Homestead, FL 33030-7071
(305) 245-8182

Annette Recommends La Sandwicherie

What can I say about La Sandwicherie, it is one of the best sandwich places I have ever been to. The ingredients are very fresh and delicious. As I have stated, their sandwiches are amazing. I usually get the salami, ham and turkey with everything and it is enough for two. They have really, really good salads. My favorite salad is the smoked salmon salad; all I have to say is WOW. They also have smoothies, which sound really good and refreshing, I have not had the pleasure have having one yet, but it is on my list. The staff is very friendly and helpful. So if you are looking for a really good sandwich this is the place to go.

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229 14th Street
Miami Beach, FL
(305) 532-8934www.lasandwicherie.com

Annette Recommends Taqueria El Mexicano

This is the most authentic Mexican restaurant I have been to so far in Miami. The food is really, really good and you can enjoy it in a great atmosphere. Their prices are very good you can eat a very full meal under $10. The service was a little slow but when you take that first bite it was worth the wait.

They also have a little sales area that you can purchase spices, salsa and a varity of other stuff . This place is so cute, I will be going back for sure.

521 SW 8th St
Miami, FL 33130-3413
(305) 858-1160

Annette Recommends Lucky Strike

I have to say this is one of my favorite places, the staff is always wonderful and the food is great. I have been to Lucky Strike a lot and I have never had a bad experience. One of my favorites is the baked potato chips, they come loaded with sour cream, bacon and chives and they are SO good. The pizza is also awesome and they have some really good specialty drinks, they have these martinis with pop rocks on the rim, yummy. The music is always good and if you want to watch a game or any sports they have quite a few big screen TV’s in the bar/restaurant area. If you are in the mood you can also bowl.

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1691 Michigan Avenue
Miami, FL 33139

Phone: 305.532.0307

http://www.bowlluckystrike.com

Annette Recommends Con Tutto Pizza a la Pala & Grill – UPDATE CLOSED

This place is awesome; we went there during the art walk which is the last Friday of every month, so much fun. The atmosphere and the staff were great and they had several people drumming in front of the restaurant just giving it that every touch. We ordered the paradilla for two…ribs, steak, sweetbread, sausage and blood sausage, everything was excellent!! We also ordered the potato salad to go with it and it was some of the best potato salad I have ever tasted. I highly recommend this place for the food, the service and the atmosphere. I will definitely be back!!

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1380 SW 8th St
Miami, FL 33135
(305) 858-0255

Annette Recommends Havana Grove Latin Cafe – UPDATE CLOSED

CLOSED!

Unfortunately, this night little Grove spot has closed down.

We where walking down the street during a street festival in the grove and was looking for a place to eat. We came across the Havana Grove Latin Cafe; it looked very inviting so we decided to go in. Everything on the menu looked great, I chose the Ropa Vieja (shredded beef in Creole sauce) with rice and mixed vegetables. WOW was it amazing, the beef was so tender and the sauce was SO good. The waitress gave us a plate of sweet plantains for us to share. The staff was very nice and very helpful. I so recommend the Havana Grove Latin Cafe.

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3190 Commodore Plaza
Coconut Grove, FL 33133
Tel. (305) 448-6172

Annette Recommends Chef Creole Seafood & Catering

This place is awesome, the food is SO good.  I had the steamed shrimp in a garlic butter sauce, it was served with red beans and rice and your choice of sweet or green plantains, I got the sweet plantains.  They brought out this sauce that is amazing, it is very spicy and has such a great flavor, I just poured it all over my red beans and rice and eat almost all of it, this is saying alot as they give you a large portion of beans and rice.  The sweet plantains were also so good.  Everything was amazing, I ate until so much that my stomache hurt, in a good way.  I so recommend this place and I will be going back.  When I got home I checked their website and they have three locations, I went to the one on 54th Street, this was their first location.  Below are the address and the website.

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200 NW 54 Street
Phone: 305.743.2223
Hours of Operation
Mon – Sat 10:30 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.

13105 W. Dixie Highway
Phone: 305.893.4246
Hours of Operation
Mon – Sat 10:30 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.

20356 NW 2nd Ave (441)
Phone: 305.651.4761
Hours of Operation
Mon – Sat 10:30 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.

www.chefcreole.com