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Mid Autumn Festival, How to Celebrate and What to eat?

September 10, 2022 By Eleanor Hoh Leave a Comment

Mid Autumn Festival is the next most important festival after Chinese New Year! Today, September 10 is the start of Mid Autumn Festival and lasts 3 days. Apart from the traditional Moon Cakes and not so traditional, here are six dishes to eat during Mid Autumn Festival. It’s all about family reunion, fertility, good luck, wealth and abundance.

Beautiful Mooncakes by Natalyia Vaitkeich, Pexels

I remember my family also celebrated Mid Autumn Festival with Lanterns lit up. My sister’s bunny rabbit lantern was a cute, white fluffy thing on wheels so she could pull it along. It wasn’t really associated with our Chinese zodiac. Yay, I found her EXACT rabbit on this site!

There is also a Lantern Festival near the end of Chinese New Year, you can read more about it here.

Red Lanterns during 2022 Chinese New Year I hosted in Coconut Grove, FL

1. Mooncakes

Mooncakes are enjoyed with family and friends while admiring the full moon on this day. Mooncakes symbolize longevity and reunion. In my youth, I liked MoonCakes with double yolks, they are too rich and sweet for me now but it’s interesting to try them. You can find moon cakes at most Asian supermarkets or even purchase from my Amazon store here.

These Mooncakes from Amazon are made with winter melon instead of sweet Lotus or Red Bean paste. I much prefer melon ones (not water melon), I love the crunchier texture.

If you enjoy baking, try this recipe…Sweet Mooncakes with Walnut Red Bean Filling.

I prefer savory Mooncakes to the traditional sweet ones, here’s a Suzhou Savory Pork Mooncake.

More beautiful Mooncakes by Natalyia Vaitkeich, Pexels

2. Stuffed Pumpkin instead of Mooncakes

If you don’t want to eat sweet Mooncakes, you can offer a healthier version and make Pumpkin instead. Here’s my fun Stuffed Pumpkin, a la Wok Star Style.

3. Duck

Duck for Mid Autumn Festival has a historic symbolism. For me duck can be eaten ANYTIME and on all occasions. An easy, cheat way to have duck is to purchase ready cooked Roast Duck. If you live in Miami, there are a few places to pick them up like Land N’Sea in the building where Chinese supermarket, Ifresh Market is located or King Palace restaurant, both on NE 167th street in North Miami.

Here’s a novel way to have Crispy Skin Roast Duck Lettuce Wrap, a Perfect Party Appetizer.

Crispy Duck Skin Lettuce Wrap, a Perfect Party Appetizer

Make this Duck Noodle Soup in under 30 minutes.

4. Pork and Taro

What luck! I made a pork and taro stew so scored the two lucky ingredients in one dish! Taro brings luck and pork symbolize wealth and abundance, who doesn’t need that?! Posts for both dishes coming soon.

What about a Pork and Mushroom Stew? Round shaped mushrooms symbolize reunion and togetherness.

Pork Belly, Bok Choy, Mushrooms, Rice Sticks

5. Lotus Root

Again, round shape symbolizes reunion. You can shallow fried them or grill under broiler. Gives any dish a textural dimension, very lovely. Post how to prepare lotus root coming soon.

6. Water Melon

Water melon shape symbolizes fertility and reunion. This photo was taken in Mexico where they made beautiful sculptures with water melon and also presented them in miniature balls.

You can watch a cute video about how Mid Autumn Festival started.

Enjoy Mid Autumn Festival!
Eat some of these foods with family and friends to bring good luck!

Miami Spice 2022: Mega WOW FACTOR at Sexy Fish!

September 2, 2022 By Eleanor Hoh Leave a Comment

What an introduction to Miami Spice 2022…The minute you step into Sexy Fish, you’re immediately hit by the mega WOW FACTOR! The sensory overload starts with a few humungous sea creatures so you feel like you’re inside an aquarium and museum like fantasy, definitely worth a visit just for this thrilling experience. Do not miss this fabulous opportunity during Miami Spice Lunch. If you’re an Asian food lover, I’ve put together a list of 29 Asian restaurants to explore.

Brainchild of Richard Caring, London businessman and restauranteur, he opened the first Sexy Fish in London’s affluent Mayfair drawing stylish crowds and celebrities. He’s brought his unique vision to Miami, currently the only outpost in America, and we are always ready for over the top design, exotic entertainment and Asian food.

About the food & service…

Exotic Asian seafood centric and robata grilled meats are their main focus. Their description, “full of carefree character and adventurous spirit” is so accurate!

Miami Spice menu is only available for Lunch, Monday to Friday from 12-3:30pm.

Choose 3 dishes out of 16 and if you skip the dessert, you can opt for a 4th savory. I was definitely in for that. I went with top Miami food blogger, Karen Miami Curated so we shared all the small plates. This is a lovely way to try many different flavors and textures. Ha, ha, my own fault for not keeping tabs, I was missing my fourth dish, the Salmon Tataki, phooey.

**Grilled** **Tiger Prawns with Chili, Lime was my favorite, oozing with flavor and so tender.**

**Crispy Tofu with avocado, another favorite.**

There were 4 extra dishes at additional costs. Figure out what you want before going, it’s bam bam bam cause they are so busy. Here’s Sexy Fish’s Spice Menu.

**Spice Lunch Menu, only Monday through Friday**

**Kimchi Fried Rice & Pork, Crispy Chicken & Creamy Nuoc Cham, Steamed Sea Bass with cilantro, chili**

**Warm Cinnamon Donuts with chocolate & exotic curd**

**Our server, Jonathan was well trained, he rattled off the names of the sculptor, architect and designer and proud to wear his Versace vest.**

About the decor…

Wrap this WOW FACTOR round your head…$20 million’s worth of Damien Hirst seaworld sculptures, 90 year old Frank Gehry’s over the top architecture and Versace colorful aqua costumes for all staff. Even their bathrooms are eye candy and a must visit, so bring your phone to capture some. They are located upstairs, there’s a lady who’ll help take photos for a tip.

**Front of House staff all decked out!**

**Bathrooms are eye candy, so bring your phone!**

**Gotta take photo with Bond Daniel Craig!**

About the bar…

Good luck getting a seat there, seemed very popular and of course, look up for extravagant sea creature sculptures. Check out their drinks menu online, I believe there are very exotic concoctions.

It’s definitely an experience you won’t want to miss and Miami Spice is the perfect opportunity to do that. Remember only weekday lunch till end of September! Here’s that list of 29 Asian restaurants for you to try.

ENJOY.

Drop a comment, I’d love to hear what you’ve tried at Sexy Fish and what dishes you enjoyed?

Miami Spice 2022: 29 Restaurants for Asian Food Lovers!

August 17, 2022 By Eleanor Hoh Leave a Comment

If you love Asian food, Miami Spice 2022 from August 1 to September 31 gives you a chance to try a three course meal at a reasonable cost from their regular menu. From Chinese, Korean, Japanese to Pan Asian, Miami Spice is a great way to get a taste of restaurants you want to try and possibly was beyond your budget.

**Hutong, Peking Duck carved at the table.**

These are not reviews or even recommendations, just my personal observations from times I’ve dined at certain restaurants. I’m shocked how many I have been to.

Below is my complete list of 29 Asian restaurants. For the list of over 200 restaurants, go to Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB). Go soon. This is a massive undertaking, so be understanding and patient.

I’ve been slacking posting about Asian restaurants in S. Florida, be patient and you’ll be rewarded with some soon, I promise.

Enjoy! Drop a comment below which one you liked, your dining experience or if I missed any out. And if you’re interested in joining one of my Wok Star Supper Club events where we visit usually a chef owned Asian restaurant, click on the CONTACT tab and specify you want to get on my list for this.

Here are a few tips to help you get the best experience for Miami Spice…

Spice Menu… check to make sure you understand menu and options PRIOR to making reservations and if in doubt, call and have them clarify so you won’t get disappointed.

Parking…check this prior to making reservations. South Beach is a challenge.

Reservations…definitely a must, do not just show up. Mention you’ll be having Spice Menu.

Clarify…some Entrees have extra costs, check so you don’t get sticker shock.

Certain Days & Times…make sure to double check the days and time range they offer Spice menu. It is posted on the GMCVB website.

Lunch or Dinner…some only offer Lunch OR Dinner, some offer both.

Two Dinner Menus…some offera $45 OR $60 menu or both.

**Cote, Korean BBQ, Design District. 4 oz. of hangar and rib eye steak with banchan**

COTE Miami, a Korean Steakhouse
Today, I had a mini Butcher’s Lunch BBQ for extra $12 (total $40) with 2 meats, Ribeye and USDA Prime Hanger Steak, 4 ounces total but enough for me. Cooked by your server at BBQ table. Accompanied by 7 dishes of banchan which included a souffle. See photo. Tricky timing when other guests ordered the Prime Rib Baguette and finished much earlier, so they had to watch me eat and wait for their dessert.

CH’I, pan Asian
Only had lunch bites from the Mercardo not restaurant when they opened. Beautiful modern Asian artwork. Restaurant is run by Chef Raffa who is very good with Asian flavors. I have not tried dinner there. It’s at Brickell City Center.

Chotto Matte, Peruvian with Asian flavors
I went when they first opened. Everything was beautifully executed. Interesting decor and the front door is in an alley in South Beach!

Da Tang Zhen Wei, Chinese
I went when they first opened many years ago. It’s inside a condo hotel when you enter Key Biscayne. I see they’ve modernize and now specialize in Hot Pot.

**Dragonfly Izakaya, Doral. Dining and lounge area.**

Dragonfly Izakaya & Fish Market, Japanese
I’ve been several times for lunch and dinner and really like it there. Beautiful Japanese decor and high ceilings. So, I’m sure the Spice Menu will be delightful.

Drunken Dragon, Korean BBQ
Interesting restaurant/bar lounge with Korean BBQ. I had a sold out Wok Star Supper Club when Chef Xavier Torres cooked up a feast including a very addictive Cracked Ribs. What we had was very well executed.

**Est.33 Thai Craft Brewery, Brickell City Centre. Asian flavors, American BBQ and Singha Beer**

EST.33 Thai Craft Brewery & Kitchen, Asian
Thai food with craft brew right there! We had very good grilled meats, their pork belly was tender with a really crispy skin. Knockout venue, wide space filled with light and seating out on the balcony. It’s at Brickell City Center.

**Est.33 Thai Craft Brewery, Brickell City Centre serving Singha Beer**

Hakkasan Miami Beach, Chinese
Fabulous chefs who know about Chinese techniques. Looks like a nice menu with lots of choices and Dim Sum, that’s what they specialize in. The traditional wood panels and decor is outstanding. Set inside Fountaineblue Hotel.

**Hakkasan Dining Room, Fontainebleau Hotel, Miami Beach. Exquisite Chinese carved wood panels**. Photo courtesy Hakkasan.

I had another sold out Wok Star Supper Club! They treated us like royalty and surprised us with a complimentary glass of champagne!

**Hakkasan, Fontainebleau Hotel. This is just an example of their dim sum, not ones offered during Miami Spice.** Photo courtesy Hakkasan.

**Hutong, Brickell City Centre, vibrant dining room and bar area**

Hutong, Chinese
Hands down, is one of our favs, food is EXCELLENT. Modern, cheerful and tasteful decor and food was top notch. There’s option to have Peking Duck on the Spice Menu for extra cost! It’s just how I remember it made in Hong Kong. So, if you’ve not experienced it, it’s highly recommended. In Brickell but not City Center. Has lovely outdoor dining area as well.

Jaya, at The Setai, Pan Asian
Only been a guest during South Beach Wine & Food Festival Indian dinner. Outdoor dining by the pool is lovely.

Juvia Miami, International
Beautiful views from rooftop oasis, gorgeous plant wall with interesting International menu by Chef Sunny Oh. Went many years ago.

Koari, Mediterranean with Asian flavors
Says Mediterranean but I know has Asian flavors cause Chef Raymond Li is there doing his magic. In Brickell but not the City Center.

Kao Sushi & Grill, Japanese
Sounds like they have Argentinean influences with empanadas and flan.

Katsuya South Beach, Japanese
Only been to an interesting art event with delicious sushi in their upstairs area, so not experienced their dining area.

Kosushi Miami, Japanese
Looks like a nice selection of dinner menu. I’ve never been.

Kyu, Pan Asian
Went for lunch when they first opened, good grilled meats. Lovely dining room with few tables outdoors and an amazing plant wall.

**Minty Z, Coconut Grove. Fun murals with vegan cuisine and loads of dumpling options.**

Minty Z Vegan, Pan Asian
If you’re vegan, you’ll be in heaven! Cute dining area and fun artwork. There are a few outdoor tables. There’s dumplings galore. Of course in my “adopted city” of Coconut Grove.

Mr. Chow Miami, Chinese
I’ve only been to the one in London but I did pop in to take a look at spacious dining room and large outdoor dining, very nice. They are pricey, so might be a great way to get a taste! It’s inside W Hotel in South Beach.

Pao by Paul Qui at Faena Miami Beach Pan Asian
Went when they first opened. The food was divine so was the service. Magical and beautiful settings. Go for walk round the gorgeous gardens after your meal and of course take photo with Damien Hurst’s famous gilded sculpture. It’s at Faena Hotel, notice exquisite artwork on the walls in lobby when you walk through.

Paperfish Sushi, Japanese
My talented friend is executive Chef Mike Asalie. His unique sushi/sashimi combinations really are exotic with gorgeous presentations. I’ve not been here yet but I’ve tasted Mike’s amazing creations.

**Planta Queen, Coconut Grove. Spectacular Singapore Noodles offered on Miami Spice!**

Planta Queen, Vegan
Dined there, beautiful classical Chinese decor and also a modern area. The co-owner chef is Malaysian (my mom was born in Singapore), so there are many dishes I was familiar with. Flavors were spot on. Yay, they have Singapore Noodles on Spice Menu, try it. Another in my “adopted city”, Coconut Grove.

**Planta Queen, Coconut Grove. Beautiful classical Chinese decor.**

Pubbelly Sushi Miami Beach, Aventura,Brickell City Center,Dadeland, Japanese
Four locations! Everything there is so good. Chef Jose Medin is fabulous at making sure there’s consistency at all his restaurants.

Sushiato, Japanese
Have some rolls and then the Oreo Tempura, ha, ha.

Sushi Garage Miami Beach
Only been to their Happy Hour bites, in my “adopted city” of Coconut Grove, nice hanging out in courtyard at Coco Walk. Nice menu selection.

Tanuki Miami , Japanese
I must say the chefs there have the Asian flavors down. I’ve been a guest to their Chinese New Year dinner and also SOBEWFF Asian Night. Both times, excellent.

Zuma Miami, Japanese
Only been for lunch with foodie friends. Beautiful river views, it’s inside Epic Hotel in downtown Miami. Tricky parking.