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Florida is a large state and usually you hear about Miami, Key West, Orlando and Tampa. A recent trip to Florida didn’t give us the chance to dine in those cities but we still had to eat. We were about 30 minutes north of Miami and were able to find tasty, fun and friendly dining in Pembroke Pines.

Havana 57

Havana 57

We dined at Havana 57 www.Havana1957.com where we enjoyed Cuban Cuisine. Kiwi Mojitos made with Bacardi Rum, muddled fresh lime, sugar , soda and fresh mint got us started out just right as they were quite refreshing. The Mariquitas which were crispy green Plantains with mojito garlic sauce was a worthy appetizer. The entrée that we enjoyed was the Churrasco a la Cubana which was a tasty certified Natural Angus, juicy tender charbroiled flank steak topped with grilled onions served with white rice and black beans. Desserts were delicious as well. Try the Cuban Flan or Tres Leches. Pictures of Cuba in 1957, Cuban music and a 57 Chevy out front added to the atmosphere.

Brio Tuscan Grille

Brio Tuscan Grille

Brio Tuscan Grille Italian Cuisine www.BrioItalian.com is another good choice especially since you can dine outdoors on their patio. We were there on an evening when they had a Salsa band which made it even more fun as many people got up and danced. Once again the drink of choice was a Classic Mojito. They are so refreshing on warm nights. The appetizers that we really enjoyed were the Spicy Shrimp & Eggplant which were pan seared shrimp and Romano crusted eggplant in a black pepper cream sauce and the thinly sliced Beef Carpaccio with field greens, capers and mustard aioli. Our favorite entrée was the Gorgonzola Crusted New Zealand Lamb Chops with grilled asparagus, mashed potatoes and a mushroom Marsala sauce. The dessert tray presented us with excellent choices. The vibe at Brio was active and a lot of fun.

Brio  Lamb Chops

Brio Lamb Chops

We had a Sushi jones and decided to give RA Sushi www.RAsushi.com a try. They serve fresh Modern Japanese Cuisine in a fun, hip atmosphere. The drink of choice was the Sake Bomb which is a beer and Sake. Pour some beer, put your chop sticks across the top of your beer, place a shot of Sake on the chopsticks then tap the table until your Sake shot falls into the beer. Then of course you drink it down and start over!! This was very entertaining and quite potent.

RA Sushi

RA Sushi

We enjoyed the Lobster Spring Rolls appetizer which was made with lobster, mango, mild peppers, cream cheese then wrapped in wonton paper and lightly fried and served with mango sauce. The Shishito Peppers are also very good.They offer quite a few unique rolls. We enjoyed the Viva Las Vegas Roll made with crab and cream cheese rolled in rice and seaweed then lightly tempura battered and topped with spicy tuna, crab mix and sliced lotus root then finished with a sweet eel sauce and spinach tempura bits. We also enjoyed fresh and flavorful Sushi and Sashimi which were sliced raw fish served with wasabi and soy sauce.

RA Sushi Sushi

RA Sushi Sushi

We enjoyed our dinners in Pembroke Pines and look forward to dining in Florida again soon.

 

By Joe & Carol Davis

DD's

Dining Detectives