Beef Jerkey at a Coral Gables Restaurant? Sign Me Up!

Friday night always looms large. No, not in a bad way. I hope to never outgrow the excitement of a Friday night. It's true, I've matured a bit. I can stay home if I have to without turning to stone. Turns out it doesn't actually kill me to miss happy hour on a Friday. But given the choice, let's go out!

Jerky in a Jar at The Local, in Coral Gables

So last Friday night we ventured out to a new spot in Coral Gables, The Local. We didn't order a lot, just a few things to accompany our drinks. But I'd seen some good comments about the Jerky in a Jar online and I knew I wanted to try that, as I'm a big fan of homemade jerky. All I can say is that we ordered a second one before we were done, and I've been craving it ever since! As you can see from the photo, it's adorable with great presentation, which makes everything always taste better! And it's great. Perfectly made, plus a little something that my, oh so fancy palate, supposes is a sweet, Asian flavor.

Warm Bread in a Bag-It's so cute!

Goodies the come with the Bread in a Bag

We also had the Warm Bread in a Bag. Craziest thing I've ever had in a restaurant. Now, I don't mean that as an insult, but  I will admit that we discussed the state the creators might have been in when they decided this was a good combo. I suppose that's the mark of a great culinary mind. Put together things us little people would never, and see if it works!

Here's what it is. Two mini Flinstone's-like bones that have been sawed open lengthwise, to expose the "bone marrow butter" (an ingredient I will admit I would have never tried without having watched countless episodes of No Reservations with Anthony Bourdain), there are shredded pieces of Vaca Frita lying on top of the bones, and a little pile of "bread and butter radishes" which our waitress confessed her affection for. I agree. If I had to guess what they were, I would have thought pickled ginger by their coloring. But they are far more interesting and sweeter. It might have been my drink talking, but I made a little sammie of the bread (so cute and good!), with the marrow, vaca, and radish and gobbled it repeatedly until we were out of everything. Which is when we ordered another jerky. And yes, it's true, I've been craving it all since our visit. Looking forward to our next visit! Let me know what you think!

Bargain Spots That Don't Look or Taste Like It In Coral Gables

Morton's Steakhouse

In the competitive Steak world, and a few blocks away, is Flemings. There you can enjoy the 5 for $6 til 7 menu. I haven't mentioned how much I love it when a great location has happy hour every day! Both Morton's and Flemings offer these specials every night. yeah! At Flemings, my favorite is the Burger. Wow, big enough to split with your date, to offset the guilt of such a big burger that, wait for it, is put over the top with a thick slice or two of bacon and cheese. Yum. And they might just bring you the homemade potato chips that I could eat forever. Danger!

I know, I know, you're rubbing your eyes, thinking you read this wrong. Nope, turns out there are bargains to be found even in the upscale Coral Gables. I'll get you started with just a few!

Here's my favorites:
Morton's Steakhouse on Ponce.
Known for great steak, my favorite on the Power Hour menu are the Petite Filet Mignon Sandwiches. You get four finger sammies on soft bread with a slice of filet on each. Yum. Combine that with a glass of the Power Hour red wine, and you've got a great date!

Flemings Coral Gables