Little Lotus Restaurant

Chef Michael Asalie's Black cod

All the folks who made Little Lotus Restaurant's opening successful!

I absolutely loved getting to know this group of folks at Little Lotus Restaurant Miami! It's an Asian and Japanese Tapas Restaurant, we totally need this here! How they pulled it together in 3 weeks is a miracle, so enterprising and a delightful 'hidden treasure' in downtown Miami. The two chefs are both well known in their own right: Sushi Chef Michael Asalie used to be with Morimoto, New York and Indonesian Chef Nyoman Atmaja was and still is part time with Yakkosan.

The brains behind getting this all up and running is Sari Maharani, a paralegal by day and restauranteur, shop owner and as well as a foodie by night! With another restaurant, Banana and Leaf in the works as well, opening June. I'm not sure when she sleeps but I love her energy and 'nothing is impossible' attitude. Better hang with her a lot more.

Chef Michael has a baby face but don't let that fool you, he's very talented and creative. All the dishes he made for us last night were not on the menu. Each one was like a piece of sculptured art work like the chive through a raspberry! The flavor of the fish was so delicate and perfectly paired with a light sauce. Not the usual generic sushi served around town with wasabi and soy sauce! They were ALL outstanding but the one that stood out most was the Hamachi sashimi which he topped with fried shallots and then Jalapeno peppers and capers! Wow, did that pop in your mouth. I love how he fused Indonesian ingredients with Japanese.

Tuna Sashimi, beautiful presentation

Chef Nyoman Atmaja's Crispy Baby Bok Choy
with garlic soy dressing

We didn't get a chance to sample too much of Chef Nyoman's dishes except for his Green curry shrimp and Crispy Baby Bok Choy. I'm so looking forward to trying more of his other Indonesian dishes, many very familiar to me as I grew up eating them like Nasi Rendang.

Over the top dessert with unusual addition of Cruller with coconut ice cream, coconut sorbet in a coconut shell and fresh mango.

I like this simple decor, focus on the food!

Well, Miami, I highly recommend this little 'hidden treasure' and do go and try their introductory lunch menu for $4.99! How can you beat that? By the way, I always think of more stuff to add, so I hope you'll subscribe to my feed for the latest updates. Little Lotus Restaurant doesn't have a website yet but visit their Facebook to get the latest scoop. Just realized they don't have address on their page! 22 NE 1st Street, #107, Miami, FL 33132, it's in an odd location, International Jewelry Center, opposite Macy's downtown, use this entrance, the other is harder to find at night. Oh, tell them Wok Star sent you, gotta get my brownie points up, ha.

Sari and I already discussed having a HOH WOK CLUB gathering there sooon, so if you're interested to join us, email me: wokstar at eleanorhoh dot com

Miami Street Food Court

Last night's street food court in North Miami was a sight! I think it's best to order small portions so you have a chance to taste from different trucks. There are not enough trucks serving food that's not deep fried!  See below for Jack of Jefe's who organized this one on 109th and Biscayne. If you live south, there's also another on 65th and Bird Road organized by Sef of Burger Beast. Do visit his site which gives daily updates of food trucks's whereabouts and if you're a burger fan, he is the 'king' of anything 'burger'! One of my fav food bloggers, Trina Sargalski's Miami Dish did a lovely story for WLRN's Under the Sun about food trucks.

If you've not experienced this, DEFINITELY do it! It's fun to see what everyone else is eating too. I'm not shy asking. There must have been 15 trucks. One tip: they should STOP cars going through cause there are kids and folks running around, distracted by gawking at the food trucks and when you back up to take photos, it's dangerous! Sorry about dark and blurry photos but gives you an idea of what to expect.

DP Gelato had a lovely flower arrangement on her counter! Of course, a woman's touch.

Xmas decoration to get into festive mood.

My friend's Grill Master 'Latin' burger, mix of beef and chorizo, interesting & tasty combo. Tried just the meat. Again bun was WAY TOO BIG in proportion to meat.

Using an ironing board for a table, spray painting it red, white, blue was such a cute idea! I love folks who think outside the box. It's what a Wok Star is all about! We like to create our own playlist!!!

This Food Court on 109th and Biscayne is organized by Jack of Jefe's Original Fish Taco and Burger.

Had to try Jefe's fish taco, not sharing with hubby next time, I didn't get any fish, just got a nice crunchy corner! The cabbage slaw and hot sauce was delish, the combo was very refreshing. Price was incredible: $2.35, can't beat that. Jack had a 'Burger Beast Approved' sticker above his menu, very funny. We scarfed the taco before I could take a photo, oops.

When Jack, the owner shouted, Eleanor to pick up my fish taco, I heard a voice next to me, 'I know you from Facebook! I recognize you from the little square of your photo.' She's a writer for South Beach magazine. Then Jack points at me and shouts, 'Wok Star!", I was one of irst who followed him on Twitter! So, be careful when you go out stuffing yourself. Isn't social media incredible?

Didn't have chance to try Korean taco, next time.

Miso Hungry (love name and cute logo), Asian fresh to go. I had Miso Box, $8 not cheap for food truck: Rendang Beef. Nice portion, not bad but way spicy even for me. I grew up eating spicy cause my mom was born in S'pore. When you have spicy, you need something to chill down, all about yin and yang. But the slither of pickle wasn't enough and the Indonesian fried rice was cold and inside was hard. Rice can make or break a dish, needs to be piping HOT

Glad to see this truck offered nice alternative to all the deep fried foods though!!!

We had Slow Food Truck's short rib hoagie which had way too much bread in proportion to pork. The pork was O.K., the flavor was only on the outside. Need some crunch and texture or a side kicker but good price for what it was. Lots of pork in it!

Very funny blow up globe with falling snow!

Well, I hope this post uploads properly cause when I 'saved', it lost all my photos so I can to do it all over again!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cobaya Guinea Pigs Miami (Updated)

Chef Jeremiah's shiny Gastropod roams Miami.
It took a year to build out. Often you'll see him
at Wynwood's Art Walk, 2nd Saturdays of the month.
Wonderful to pick up a yummy snack after trekking
into all the art galleries.

I'm certainly no gourmand or foodie but enjoyed seeing how this Cobaya was produced and meeting other foodies. I'm just the opposite spectrum of gourmet cooking, I focus on teaching easy, one-dish dinners using a cast iron wok. Food for Thought organizes these Cobaya Gourmet Guinea Pig dinners and did a great job! He named this one, Podzilla, mix of Gastropod and Chadzilla, and it's upscale 'streetfood'. Cobaya is an underground supper club in a secret location that's only revealed after you pay. You don't know what you're getting fed till you get there, hence "guinea pig". Subscribing is the only way to get into these Cobaya events!

Here's a bit about my own pursuit of good, reasonably priced Asian eats and cultural events in South Florida, I came up with Hoh Wok Club. I held a few gatherings but then good Asian restaurants dried up so I took a hiatus. I'm excited to work on a series of events with a few modern Asian eateries that have sprung up, so if you're interested, subscribe to my blog or visit my site for latest updates.

Chef Jeremiah Bullfrog explains Podzilla! It was fun to hop
from one station to another to pick up your next dish.

Chefs: Mike, Kurtis Jantz and Chad Galiano
(Chefs at Neomi, Trump International Beach
Resort, Sunny Isles, Florida.) Trio worked
under dim lights, sweltering heat and did a
great job! It's terrific they get a chance to
showcase their 'offbeat' side at this Podzilla
and we are eager Guinea Pigs!

Chowfather help set up!

DJ Kiko kept the energy UP! Enjoyed his music.

Lovely under the tent. It was quite humid. I slathered on Revlon's Skin So Soft to put off mosquitoes and humans (oops.) I sat with this wonderful enthusiastic foodie couple (in photo above.) Wow, they really get into it. Nice seeing blogger Paula of mangoandlime, I always enjoy reading her blog, she's written about other Cobaya dinners. Met another food blogger, tinkeringwithdinner. Take a look for his point of view!

I also sat next to a Korean/American attorney I met years ago at an APABA event. The real buzz is she's going to help prep for the next Top Chef. Can't reveal location. There was also a plastic surgeon, so you see, you just never know who you'll meet!

The problem I have with western style rectangular tables is that you only 'meet' and have conversations with your immediate neighbors. In Asia, you mostly see square tables or big rounds so you have eye contact with everyone at your table and the conversation and food can also be shared easily, all about 'community'.

It was really a lovely setting with the water and boats back
of the American Legions Park at 64th/Biscayne where
Harvey took over running the bar and restaurant. Thanks
to Harvey for hosting us. Never knew they had a view in the back.

Octo Salpicon was very tender and tasty, served with
Summer Spritzer of salted watermelon, tomato, tequilla.

Brine Fried Chicken, Big Mike's potato salad,
buttermilk-chicharrone biscuits.

French Quarter Chicken Livers with hot pepper fluid gel,
evoo-sea salt crackers.

"Baha" Fish Taco Salad: Swordfish, cabbage, chipotle,
tortillas, pico de gallo.

Bahn Mi Tacos: pulled pork in trotter jus, nuoc cham,
pickled radishes & cilantro salad
Mississippi Delta Tamales:
cornmeal tamale, tomatillo, tomato ketchup

Eddie Bragin did some incredibly intricate designs on these
stainless steel bottles used to dispense cream/foam?
Do visit Eddie's website to see his beautiful art and design.

Chefs assembling tamales.

Nice arrangement with floating candles and flower.

Steve, Blind Tastes chatting to Carla (Jeremiah's wife)
and baby Sydney. It was nice getting to know J & his
family and hear about their Pod trips.
If you live in Asheville, Weaverville, the
GastroPod is visiting July 3 & 4. Check his site
for latest schedule and his creative events.

I missed out on the Crispy White Corn Cake
(everyone raved about this dish and kept
rubbing it in just cause I missed it.) and Double
Decker Slider Burgers because everyone was
eating way too fast! Well, I couldn't fit in the
burger, I was stuffed. It got too dark to shoot
the two desserts: Root Beer & Bourbon Floats

and White Chocolate Cupcakes.

I would love to hear your personal take on an "underground" dinner in your town but keep it light.

Here are 2 reviews of 'underground' dinners. One from a reporter:
Steve Dolinsky, Adventures in Urban Eating. 12-time national James Beard Award-winner, occasional judge on Iron Chef America, currently Food/Lifestyle reporter for ABC7

And one from a food blogger and empty-nester:
She's Cookin

Here's a great listing of 'underground supper clubs" in other cities. Cobaya is listed.
http://www.saltshaker.net/underground-dining-scene

Mother's Day, Asian Pacific Heritage Month, Miami River Wall

Miami River Wall, newest venue to

host Wok Star cooking classes

I'm very excited to announce Miami River Wall is my newest venue to host my Wok Star cooking classes and just in time to celebrate Mother's Day and Asian Pacific Heritage month which is in May. I want to dedicate this month to my mom who is responsible for teaching me wok cooking and introducing me to using a lightweight, cast iron wok!

So, what is Miami River Wall? Peter Kastan and Bob Pelligrini started their first vertical plant wall based on Frenchman, Patrick Blanc's concept. Here's a small segment of Peter last weekend at Fairchild Tropical Food and Garden Festival during his Pecha Kucha talk.

Lovely to see Peter Kastan with wife Mei and son.

But they took it one step further and recently added a new wall with herbs, chilies and edible flowers - all grown hydroponically i.e. no soil, just water and nutrients. How perfect for my cooking classes because I like to use fresh ingredients.

Peter switch on the lights for the herb wall

I like this living wall better than having a piece of art because it's constantly changing instead of being 2D static. It's also a very refreshing and cool idea and at the same time eco-friendly and green!

Mei is responsible for planting the walls!

Even though I put my cilantro in a jug of water and put a bag over it to keep it longer, I still can't use it fast enough. How I would love to have a fresh herb, chili wall. Well, at least on days I'm giving my class, I'll get to spend time with it.

Come join me for a Wok Star cooking class where I show you my simple, NO-RECIPE technique using my Wok Star Kit. And with only a few fresh ingredients and seasonings, dinners are easy and quick with very little cleanup! There'll be 4 stir fry combinations savored with Gancia Prosecco and Fiji Water.

If you love to express yourself, show off to your date, or learn a new approach to making weeknight dinners, this class is for you! Cooking is more than just about food, it's about creating experiences and memories with family and friends...

Anyone can be a Wok Star!

Click to book your class, buy a Mother's Day gift certificate, view menu and more class details

Celebrate Mother's Day on Miami River

Wok Star Class

$55 per person

Saturday, May 8: 12pm-3pm

Miami River Wall

129 NW South River Drive, Miami

Celebrate Asian Heritage Month at the following venues:

Saturday, May 15: 12pm-3pm

Whole Foods Market, Pinecrest

FREE DEMO

Wok Star class

$55 per person

Saturday, May 22: 12pm-3pm

Mia Cucina, Aventura

Wok Star class

Miami River Wall

Sunday, May 30: 12pm-3pm

Look forward to meeting you at a class soon...

Happy Mother's Day and Asian Pacific Heritage Month...

Eleanor