Reviews for My Ceviche, Alhambra and More

This week, Lee Klein of the Miami New Times files on Sam Gorenstein's My Ceviche on South Beach. Gorenstein, the former chef de cuisine at BLT Steak and a two-time James Beard semifinalist, opened his "takeaway shack" in April with partner Roger Duarte of George Stone Crab. Klein's tastings leave him impressed with the integrity of the restaurant, noting that "My Ceviche is a fantastic and unpretentious addition to a tony South Beach neighborhood. Fresh, delicious street food at a good value invite no argument." Gorenstein's take on ceviche shines through, even if "you don't need a two-time James Beard Foundation semifinalist for Rising Star Chef to figure it out, but apparently it helps." [MNT]

Enticed by the "healthy Mediterranean cuisine", Victoria Pesce Elliott of The Miami Herald stops by the charming Alhambra in West Kendall, finding the mix of "classic Spanish dishes and Middle Eastern staples" hard to balance. "With such an ambitious menu it's tough to do everything well, but there is plenty to satisfy." VPE's ideal Alhambra visit is "to come with a crowd so you can start with the generous mezze platter, a six sided star plate beautifully laden with smooth and creamy hummus, whipped babganoush, golden falafel, tabbouleh, tahini and tender vegetarian grape leaves. It's a meal in itself." All in all, VPE grades Alhambra worth two and a half stars. [MH]

Klein doubled down on his reviews this week, taking an early taste at Bay Harbor Island's Le Pine, the Lebanese-owned Mediterranean establishment on Kane Concourse. While "the interior decor won't win any design awards", "the food is fresh, the ambiance is spacious, the staff is friendly, and the prices are fair." The traditional Med standouts - falafel, hummus, chicken shawarma, lentil soup, greek salad - all passed muster. "Le Pine is a fine addition for Bay Harbor Island residents." [Short Order]

Linda Bladholm of The Miami Herald stops by Emilio Agudelo's Bamboo Restaurant, where you might want to "bring your umbrella because attention will be pouring." Bamboo brings Columbia's "varied cuisine" to Kendall with traditional dishes like pan de bono, papa criolla, and sancocho. "There is nothing more Colombian that a mojarra frita (whole fried spot fish), similar to snapper but fatter, served with green plantains and arroz con coco." [MH]

Sushi Rock, located on Las Olas in Ft. Lauderdale, caters to locals even when Alec Baldwin is in town, according to Rochelle Koff of The Miami Herald. Koff awarded three stars to the cozy sushi joint where "the sushi menu is the draw" with "fresh, fun rolls like the Michael Jackson (eel, crab, tamago, and orange roe) and the Beastie Boys (eel, crab, avocado, and tamago omelet drizzled with eel sauce). Then there's the Milli Vanilli roll with, well, 'imitation' crab.". "After a night at Sushi Rock, you'll be ready for an encore." [MH]

THE BLOGS: The Chowfather gives a run down of the latest Cobaya meal, brunch at neMesis Urban Bistro. As does Food for Thought. Gourmandj writes about an almost perfect ten days in food.