Florida is home to a lot of restaurants, bars, wineries, and breweries, but there are tons of hidden gems that the majority of Miamians aren't unearthing. To help guide us to these potential discoveries, we've enlisted some of our city's many food players to share their recommendations for a feature dubbed Dining Confidential. Know a chef who wants to share some top dining spots? The tipline is open.
After years in the kitchens of spots like London's The Fat Duck, China's Domus and most recently the Tudor House, chef Jamie DeRosa opened up his very own restaurant, Tongue & Cheek. In less than a year, DeRosa's restaurant has become a go-to Miami spot, where he's known for churning out fun, creative dishes "with just the right amount of whimsy." Suffice it to say, the man knows his way around the Magic City's dine-scape including some less buzzed about, under the radar spots DeRosa claims for his favorites. Below, the chef's go-tos and an additional note on sneakers.
I love Chung Hing Oriental Mart on 163rd in North Miami. It has a wide selection of hard to find Asian grocery items including sauces, noodles, spices, and even unique kitchen utensils and dishware. Just some great stuff. My wife especially loves their dumplings!
I like hitting up Lorenzo's Market in North Miami. Great authentic imported Italian staples and a nice selection of meats and cheeses. Pretty good prepared foods, pastries and subs.
During Stone Crab season, nothing beats a visit to Miami River Lobster in downtown for some stonies. Such great guys run this place. I especially love seeing Manual Sr. there every morning doing his thing.
Most of my friends and family live outside of Miami so there are always a few gems that I stop into during my travels home. When traveling to Orlando I always make it a point to stop by Pio Pio for rotisserie chicken, their specialty. Ossorio Bakery & Cafe in Cocoa Village is a great breakfast and lunch spot with amazing bread, sandwiches and home-made ice cream. President Obama ate there on a visit to the Space Coast!
Although not food related, I can never pass up a trip to Bodega sneaker shop in Boston for a pair of All Stars 6 Panel Snapback Converse. This place has a secret entrance in the back of an unassuming a "bodega." You stand in front of a soda machine and the secret door slides open – how's that for underground.
· All Coverage of Jamie DeRosa on Eater [EMIA]
[Photo Courtesy of Andrew Mead]
