Hello everyone! It has been a while, but I’m happy to be here and active.
This virus is affecting everyone in different ways. Perhaps you know someone who was or is infected, perhaps you yourself are infected, perhaps you were laid off or furloughed as a result of this virus, perhaps your mental health is not at its best right now. A few things:
First, if you’re infected or you feel you’re experiencing symptoms commonly associated with COVID-19, please call the Florida Department of Health at (866)-779-6121 to find out if you should be tested. Also, please continue to follow social distancing guidelines as outlined by the CDC.
Second, it is okay to not be okay. Seriously, but know that, as the late Sir George Harrison said, all things must pass. This virus, too, will pass.
And, of course, know that we’re all in this together. It’s not easy, but you’re not alone.
Moving on…
Restaurants are taking it as hard as anyone these days. Public space closures have killed the restaurant experience, and thus, a lot of their daily revenue. I love nothing more than to support the restaurants that make the food I love. If you love the food Miami chefs make every day, you should consider supporting, too. Maybe try to order takeout every two weeks. Avoid delivery fees by picking up your food with appropriate garments. This pandemic doesn’t mean you’re not allowed to order your favorite dishes. Takeout and delivery options are open for most restaurants in Miami, but I’ll give a few of my personal recommendations in a little bit.
As of April 16th, the Small Business Loan Program created as a part of the Coronavirus Stimulus Plan has run dry. $350 billion for small businesses all over the country. Gone. Our local restaurants? Small businesses that needed that money. Not Chili’s. Not Chuy’s. Not Chik-Fil-A. I’m talking about Royal Castle, Chinese Guy, Islas Canarias, Eating House, and Naomi’s Garden. While I don’t know how many of them were able to access that money for their businesses, it shows how dire the situation is for those that might be on the brink of closure.
Restaurant owners need to take your orders. They won’t survive without them. The currently employed wait staff need your tips if you can spare them. Provided you follow social distancing, restaurants prefer you pick up because of the many fees delivery services charge per order.
Restaurants are not the only ones taking a nasty hit. Musicians are also suffering as well. Most musicians make their earnings on the road and COVID-19 has put an indefinite halt to live music. Many report that it’ll be until 2021 to see your favorite acts perform, but the show must go on. Musicians have made makeshift stages out of their homes and perform via livestream. This past Saturday (April 18th) saw Lady Gaga organize on her One World Concert as a way to fundraise for coronavirus relief efforts. Artists such as Gaga, Billie Eilish, Christine and the Queens, Kacey Musgraves, The Rolling Stones, Taylor Swift, Sir Elton John, and Sir Paul McCartney performed from home as viewers donated what they could to help fight the virus. Many livestream for free, with smaller artists asking only for donations as a means of recovering lost revenue from the lack of touring.
The release of new music has also seen a decline. Artists such as Lady Gaga and Sam Smith have postponed the release of their latest records until they see an end in sight. Many essential retailers like Amazon have refused to ship out non-essential items, which include vinyl records. The article linked was published on March 17. So, I can only imagine it did and continues to hurt vinyl sales since this took effect, but because I don’t have any real statistics, I can’t say with certainty. What I will say is that this predicament does give more reason for artists to hold off on releasing new music. The bad news doesn’t end there, though. The United States Postal Service is running out of money and faces the threat of shutting down. Yeah, the Postal Service is inefficient, sure, but if this were to happen, it’s possible that this could be the beginning of the end for physical music. The cost of shipping will increase without the USPS as competition. The Postal Service has always been and will always be the cheapest way to ship. Shipping prices would skyrocket for the consumer and the business owner. With touring at a sudden halt and physical music sales severely wounded, there’s no incentive for artists to release new music if the only revenue coming in is from music streaming, which is reportedly down.
I’m going to try something different tomorrow with our music reviews so stay tuned. However, I will leave you with a few of my personal picks for takeout and delivery given the circumstances with coronavirus:
KENDALL – I’m sure many of you in Kendall will be pleased to know that Tacos and Tattoos is still offering takeout and taking orders for delivery. A Google search says they don’t, but as of publication, they absolutely are. My go-to order are three tacos:
1. Garlic Shrimp on a corn tortilla
2. Al Pastor on a flour tortilla
3. Pork Belly on a corn tortilla
Their garlic shrimp are seared to perfection and every bite yields their flavorful juices. The charcoal grill dances and sways with the spices of the Al Pastor meat. The pork belly is fatty, crispy, and a little sweet from the glaze, but I make sure to savor every bit of it. The tortilla, whichever one you choose, does wonders to keep these flavors balanced. I stick with soft tortilla shells, but if you prefer something crispy or fried, those options are available and quite tasty as well. They offer a $0 delivery fee for orders over $30 and, unfortunately, are currently not offering their cali fries.
As stated earlier, Tacos and Tattoos is offering takeout and delivery through Uber Eats.
COCONUT GROVE – Ariete. I’m not even gonna sugarcoat it. There’s not much they do wrong, if at all. You want a burger? Their Chug Burger is one of the best in the city and a behemoth of a burger in size. I could go on about the rest of the menu, but it really speaks for itself. The joint is known for their bacon, named Beltran’s Bacon after their head chef/founder Michael Beltran. It’s a no brainer. I won’t spoil any details on the food because it’s that good. Why are you still thinking about it? I mean, unless you live in South Beach.
Ariete is offering takeout and delivery via their own in-house delivery system on their website.
SOUTH BEACH – There’s so many choices in South Beach and if you live in South Beach, most places will deliver to you if they offer delivery as an option. Lucali for pizza, Taquiza or Bodega for tacos, Joe’s Stone Crab for seafood and key lime pie, Cheeseburger Baby for a bangin’ budget burger, it’s really about what you’re in the mood for. If you’re feeling like balling out, Macchialina makes great hand rolled pasta. The Cavatelli Macchialina has tender baby meatballs, bright tomato sauce, crispy porchetta, and a few slices of pecorino cheese. It’s decadent without being over the top. No flavor on this dish is understated or overstated, unless you want more cheese. I can’t really help you with that; neither can the delivery driver.
Macchialina is offering takeout and delivery through Postmates.
CORAL GABLES – The Gables is a solid haven for food. Tasty, affordable ramen at Ichimi, creative brunch options at Doc B’s, world famous sweets and delicious breakfast sandwiches at Bachour, but if I had to pick a place for food in the Gables, I’d give it to Eating House. Hear me out, though. The prices there sway toward the higher side for a casual eatery, but they make one of the meanest burgers I’ve ever had in Miami. It’s on their lunch menu as “Angus Beef Burger”, which is underselling how good this thing is. It’s got what they call ‘frita’ sauce; a spicy creamy sauce I imagine is made with sriracha. It’s also got some killer onion/bacon jam and gives the burger a subtle smokey sweetness. Underneath the bun are potato sticks and crispy onions like a classic frita, but the stars of this burger are the bun itself and the patty. I’m unsure of the meat blend, but the flavor and juiciness of the burger tells you it’s quality. You’d think with everything going on with the burger would soak into the buns, but they hold up well and taste as good as they look. They’re butter toasted and stay within the threshold of toasty and pillowy. At $16, it’s more than I’m used to spending, but it’s pretty damn big. Can’t recommend it enough.
Eating House is accepting takeout and delivery across most major delivery services.
TAMIAMI – If you’re a Cuban purist, Islas Canarias. It’s hard to resist those croquetas. If you’re willing to dip your toes into something different but still very much Cuban, Amelia’s 1931 is fantastic.
I usually order the Korean Style Frita, a gourmet fusion take on the Cuban Frita… I think I’ve recommended enough burgers. They offer some excellent Alligator Fried Rice and Korean BBQ Churrasco Bao Buns, but if you’re looking for a sizable serving of food on a value, I recommend any of their bento box meals. My favorite is the Korean Fried Chicken, which includes a side of avocado salad, maduros, and white rice. If you’re a vegetarian, they have a Fried Sweet Chili Tofu bento box and I’ve ordered it myself before. Very tasty. One last thing, some swear that Amelia’s croquetas are better than Islas Canarias’ croquetas. Take from that information whatever you like, but I will refrain from taking a stance.
Amelia’s 1931 is accepting takeout and delivery through Uber Eats.
Taste Notes of Miami 