The Best Thing I Ate This Week: Carrot Cake, Kosher Steak Frites & Tin-Foil'd Grouper?
Just so we're clear, eating them together would not be kosher
Steak Frites at Maison Ostrow
For most of my life, “kosher” has been a synonym for “bland, flavorless, food, like we ate in the old country!” So you could imagine my surprise when I tried the kosher steak frites at the new Maison Ostrow in North Bay Village, and it actually tasted like steak that wasn’t cooked while hiding from cossacks. In fact, the juicy ribeye had all the corn-fed deliciousness of midwest prime beef, that just happened to be blessed by a rabbi. The fries are the kind of earthy, not-overly-crispy kind that were very clearly cut that day. And they were so good paired with the meat I was able to look past the fact they served them with mayonnaise. -MM
@maisonostrow // 1666 79th Street Causeway Suite 102, North Bay Village
Carrot Bar Cake from Publix Bakery
Floridians know Publix doesn’t just crush the sub game — they also make one of the best carrot cakes around. The legendary carrot bar cake hits all the right notes: moist, dense, studded with crunchy English walnuts, and blessedly free of raisins. (Seriously, why ruin a good thing?) You get real carrot shavings in every bite, a thick layer of tangy cream cheese frosting, and just enough sweetness to feel indulgent without going overboard. After revisiting it at my mom’s house this weekend, I can confirm it’s still 100 percent worth the calories. -OF
@publix // Locations state/region-wide
The Grouper Special at Il Gabbiano
I’m obsessed with Il Gabbiano. Aside from their insanely flawless service and unparalleled views, everything on their menu is damn delicious! This past week, I celebrated my birthday at Gabbiano with a dear friend and I ordered the special. But don’t fret - their specials are basically the same every day. Poached in tinfoil, the grouper cooks itself in a tomato base, with capers and is topped off with the most mouth-watering shellfish like scallops, clams and mussels. And - as you can see, loads of calamari. Truth is, you don’t even need side orders because it’s as delicious as it is filling. - EMN
@ilgabbianorestaurant // 335 S. Biscayne Blvd/