Photo by Amanda Julca 305-204-2372 Sisters Jennifer and Michele Kaminski channeled years of watching their mother, Chom “Sunny” Kaminski cook at her Indiana restaurant. Seeing a need for delicious Korean food in Miami, they opened 2 Korean Girls with a little help from culinary veteran Allen Susser. The virtual takeout-and-delivery-only concept revolves around bibimbap, the Korean bowl filled with rice, meats, and vegetables (and customarily topped with a fried egg or a raw one if you re hardcore). The sisters turn the staple dish on its side with renditions like the Fish Better Have My Money, made with cod and festooned with edible gold flakes ($17); and the Impos-Seoul-Ible, made with plant-based bulgogi meatballs ($16). The meals come in adorable K-pop boxes and are pleasing to the eyes (check out the heart-shaped fried eggs!). But the real enjoyment comes in mixing all the ingredients together and eating these flavorful, soulful bowls of goodness.
If Ramirez, a former hedge-fund manager who owns Palmar and the newly opened La Natural and has partnered with Miami luminaries Brad Kilgore and Antonio Bachour in those chefs endeavors, was looking for sympathy, he quickly learned he d taken the wrong tack. Many commenters condemned him for period-shaming, while others questioned his assumption that the stain was menstrual blood.
Within 24 hours, Ramirez had deleted the original posts and in their place issued an apology, writing, I have no excuses. It was wrong. There is no level of stress that warrants this kind of comment. And for that, I sincerly [
sic] apologize.
For decades, Calle Ocho has been known as the heart of Miami s Cuban culture. But until recently, the neighborhood was mostly filled with small cafés that specialized in basic Cuban comfort food.
The past few years, however, have brought an influx of more adventurous and wide-ranging establishments, from chef-driven kitchens like Michelle Bernstein s at Cafe La Trova to tacos and tequila at El Santo and a curated beer selection at Union Beer Store.
Most recently, Earl Campos Devine, Oscar Rodriguez, and Eliesteban Mena, partners at Old s Havana Cuban Bar & Cocina, set out to open a restaurant that offered a more contemporary turn on Cuban fare. The result, Sala o Cuban Restaurant & Bar, opened in the summer of 2019 with a menu of fresh seafood, daiquiris, and a Hemingwayesque theme. Sala o drew a lively crowd of tourists who flocked to Little Havana to visit Domino Park and sip daiquiris.
There s no sugarcoating it; 2020 has been one hell of a ride. This time last year, not many would have predicted that we d be in the midst of a pandemic that would see us separated from loved ones come Christmas 2021.
Though we may not be able to go home for the holidays and the office parties do not translate to Zoom, this is still a time for celebrating friends and family. And perhaps this year more than any other, giving a gift is a way to show your appreciation for the people in your life. It doesn t matter if the presents are smaller; they re also more meaningful.
Though no Puerto Rican holiday gathering is complete without a few bottles of the sweet beverage, Miami has adopted coquito as its own, with makers adding flavors like guava, Nutella, and cinnamon to the mix. Others make vegan-friendly versions, while many keep it simple.
Bear in mind while ordering that many Miamians who make coquito are small independent businesses, which is to say: Plan in advance and order early.
The Butcher Shop 165 NW 23rd St., Miami; 305-846-9120; butchershopbeergarden.com.
Chefs on the Run
At Chefs on the Run, find a traditional coquito containing cinnamon, nutmeg, clove-spiced rum, and a special liqueur ($20). Chefs also makes peanut butter, cinnamon roll, and even butterbeer flavors ($25 each). Message @chefsontherun on Instagram to claim your bottle for pickup at the restaurant. Orders must be placed in advance.