Around Miami : miam dining

El Rey de Las Fritas

carolynk — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 19:57:00 GMT

This Little Havana diner is famous for its “Cuban hamburger”, a small hamburger patty (slightly bigger than a slider) subtly spiced and served with a mountain of fried shoestring potatoes on top and a squirt of special sauce. The special sauce tastes vaguely like sloppy joe sauce, but it’s the crispy fried potatoes that make everyone clamor for more. Service is quick, and there are other tasty Cuban dishes on the menu -- but once you try a frita, nothing else will matter. El Rey de Las Fritas, 1821 SW 8th St., Little Havana; tel: (305) 858-4223.

Mahogany Grille

carolynk — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 19:49:00 GMT

This Neo-Soul Food restaurant in North Miami is winning lots of local raves, including a recent mention in The Miami Herald for their awesome buttermilk biscuits. Formerly Ruby's and Jean's Soul Food Cuisine, which was a cafeteria-style dining establishment, the new Mahogany Grille is a hip, elegant eatery serving up mouthwatering dishes that include Jerk Chicken Wings, Soulful St. Louis Ribs, Shrimp & Grits, Creole Barbecue Prawns, Fried Chicken and Bahamian Conch Fritters. For reservations or information, call (305) 626-8100.