Gotham Steak, Miami

I just got back from a whirlwind filled weekend getaway in South Beach Miami. We went down for a Bachlorette  celebration, for my best friend Karen. We stayed at the lovely  Eden Roc, right on the beach and had an amazing time!! Our hotel happened to be next to the famed Fountainbleau Hotel, and lucky for us they have fabulous restaurants in the Fountainbleau one of which was Gotham Steak, owned by Alfred Portale of the famed Gotham Bar and Grill in New York City. 

Gotham Steak, Fountainbleau 

Let me tell you this place did not disappoint!! You walk into the restaurant and are greeted by a great lounge and extremely friendly staff and then you look over to a gorgeous two story glass enclosed wine tower. We were seated on the lower level with a great big table right in front of the open kitchen. How lucky are we that Miami was offering a pre fix menu for most restaurants during what they were calling Miami Spice, or restaurant month  from Aug 1st until Sept 1st**. So for $35 we were able to order one of each of a choice of three appetizers, entrees and desserts. 

For the first course I had the Summer Corn and Jumbo Lump Crab Risotto, which was so fresh and delicious that I could have had two servings. 

For the entree I ordered the Grilled Prime Hanger Steak, with caramelized onions and Bearnaise Sauce. I enjoyed this very much but Liz ordered the Miso Marinated Black Cod which was to die for I should have ordered that.

For dessert there was a choice of Tiramisu Brownie with Espresso Gelato or Milk Chocolate Candy Bar, with Salted Caramel Sorbet, both were delicious and so worth the extra calories!!! 

Everything was so great from the atmosphere to the waitstaff, we really enjoyed this meal, even more so that we were able eat at very expensive place for a great deal. **As I finish writing this I just found that out that is has been so popular that they extended Miami Spice until September 30th. Lucky them!!!!!

Bacon and Smoked Gouda Stuffed Burgers

Looks innocent doesn't it... Once you cut into it and the cheese slowly starts to ooze out its all over, at least for me it is. I am not what you would call a burger lover, but since we got a nice weather reprieve this weekend my hubby took advantage and we grilled. He decided to go for burgers, and when he told me they would be stuffed with cheese, bacon and caramelized onions how could I say no. I've said it before and I will say it again we are bacon lovers here.....It's always better with bacon right!!  I am also a BIG cheese fan, so much so that for Christmakuh a few years ago my hubby got me a subscription to the Cheese of the Month club, and a cheese charm for my charm bracelet. So cute! For these burgers he went with an Applewood Smoked Gouda which we had tried with the Cheese Club. He did not disappoint, they were delicious!! 

Stuffed Burgers

Makes enough for 2 burgers

• 1 lb ground beef 
• 2 slices Smoked Gouda cheese 
• 2 slices bacon, cooked
• Caramelized Onions 
• bbq sauce, optional
• condiments of choice, ketchup, mustard, mayo 

•  Season meat with some salt and pepper, we also add some BBQ sauce which is optional
• Separate meat into four squares, you need two for each burger, form each square into a patty (on the thin side because you will use two patties for each burger)
  
• Cut each piece of bacon so that it can be put in the center of the patty, then add a layer of cheese. Do this for two of the patties, leaving two patties for the tops
  
• Spoon on some of the caramelized onions and place the second patty on top, taking care to seal the edges of the two burgers together
  
•  Cook burger to your desired doneness, we grilled ours for about 6 1/2 - 7 minutes on each side.

****** I listed condiments such as ketchup and mustard we did not use any so give it a shot without and add if you must... But I think they are great without them!!!

Eat and Enjoy!!