You might have heard it called The Upper East Side or MiMo. Regardless of the name, that stretch of Biscayne Boulevard between NE 54th Street and NE 79th Street was where I called home for about a year, and although that year was fraught with headaches, I have really fond memories of that neighborhood. Before the recession, it was scheduled to be Miami's next "it" 'hood with a lot of promising restaurants that focused on the food rather than the hype (as is common in other parts of Miami). Good restaurants opened and closed, but the best ones stood their ground and continue to this day: Michy's, Andiamo, Moonchine, East Side Diner, and a few others. There were some that started with good intentions, but failed like Verdade's Taco Shop, American Noodle Bar, and Wine 69. There are also one or two that changed owners and now have gone to crap, like Dogma (the founder's girlfriend turned him into a juice fasting hippy, convinced him to sell the business, and now there is no more mint lemonade and really crappy chili fries!)
After American Noodle Bar closed, I hadn't heard much about MiMo's food scene until I received a press release about a new venture on 63rd and Biscayne called Blue Collar...and trust me when I tell you that the menu looks a lot better than the name implies. the Chef and owner, Daniel Serfer, has taken cues from his favorite haunts in NYC and brought the idea to Miami with a few local spins (vaca frita-topped tostones, for one). Like a diner, the menu offers a little for everyone, but with a more gourmet taste profile, utilizing quality ingredients and interesting combinations. Pork n' beans with Berkshire sausage, bacon, and a fried egg looks very promising! Additionally, Serfer makes his own pasta in house, will offer daily barbecue specials, and supposedly celebrates Hanukah every day with latkes. There's also a short, but well-selected beer and wine list. The prices all seem pretty fair, too.
Blue Collar is scheduled to open this lucky Friday, January 13th. Let's hope that if the food is good, Chef Serfer's choice of grand opening date isn't a bad omen for things to come. Miami needs more casual neighborhood joints like the one he's promising.
for more information, including the full menu, check out the website: www.bluecollarmiami.com
This restaurant took over the old American Noodle Bar space, and it was PACKED when I drove past last night. Let's see how it fares. The space is tiny
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