90210: Make It Work

I wasn't able to watch 90210 last week because I was in Miami at my parents' place and they don't have DVR. This week, I bring you a double dose of 9-0!

Last week:

Naomi spends most of this episode hurling herself at Austin who is not only resisting, but pushing her away. When she storms onto the patio in her lingerie and says to the girls, "How tired does one have to be to resist this?" I just about died. By the end of the hour we learn Austin is upset because his parents are getting divorced and he's afraid no relationship can last. Now it's all becoming clear.

Speaking of clarity, Silver has an ah-ha moment when she realizes that the English professor is in fact attracted to her. Perhaps she couldn't see it at first from underneath her ugly hat! I must admit, I did not see that kiss coming! This actor reminds me of the actor who played Miranda's Weight Watchers buddy on Sex and the City.

This episode Ivy and Raj have some pretty brutal moments. First Raj implies Ivy only married him because he was dying, then Raj finds out his cancer is back and finally, in a ridiculous move, Raj decides to try and push Ivy away to protect. Dude! We just saw Navid try to do this, it does not work out for anyone! You are not sparing Ivy any pain, you are only making it worse.

The return of Liam's mom was totally unnecessary. Not sure why the writers tossed that in there.

At the end of the hour Dixon comes clean to the gang about his drug use and simultaneously Annie creates a new lie about Marla's inheritance. What is it with these siblings? One always has to be in trouble?

Tonight:

At the start of tonight's episode Liam is hired to play a vampire at a tween's birthday party. Hilarious!

Later in the hour Liam serves as Holly's runway model. He looked just like Zoolander!

When Naomi took the runway she looked like a Bratz doll.

Also this hour, Naomi's new boss is Holly's mom? This is going to be interesting for sure.

This episode Annie works hard to once and for all resolve the Marla inheritance issues. Her lawyer lets her know she needs to have Marla's necklace in order to have a strong case. Naturally we find out Jeremy, Marla's grandson, bought the necklace. How hot is Jeremy? I mean, really. Did you see those arms?

This week Dixon partied with a bunch of rock stars and sampled Adriana's new music while he DJ-ed an after party. Is he going to steal her music?

This is the second episode in a row where Silver is wearing a hideous hat. What say you, stylists?

At the close of the hour, Teddy and Shane drove off into the sunset together. One Republic's "Good Life" added extra emotion to the scene.

In previews for next week Patrick asks Annie to Hawaii, Silver's professor crush confesses he has a wife and Naomi catches Austin with Holly! Oh boy, here we go!

*Images courtesy of CW.com.

Gossip Girl: The Dark Side

I am back in Boston and currently watching Gossip Girl while I wait for my suitcase to be delivered. Yes, readers, American Airlines lost my bag. What a lovely welcome home present.

This hour I was reminded of how much I miss Chuck and Blair! I love them together, even if it's sitting on opposite ends of a therapist's couch. When Blair said she pushed Chuck (and now Louis) to the dark side, my heart broke for her.

During Blair's cake tasting, I died during the Sylvia Weinstock cameo! This was even more exciting than when she was on Top Chef: Just Desserts!

This hour CeCe returned. When she said, "I'm happy, I have my daughter and my two favorite grand daughters," I was so confused. Um, where is Eric? Has everyone forgotten Lily has another child?

In preparation for CeCe's Studio 54 party, I couldn't help but notice that Rufus looks great in a disco suit! I think he should wear this going forward.

As I have been saying since her very first episode, I hate the Charlie/Ivy story line. Always have, still do. This hour, the only time I was lured in was when Max reached for the Playbill to expose Ivy and it went missing! Well done, writers!

On the Nate front, not only is his grandfather back, but apparently now Tripp is back! That is a serious blast from the past. Next thing we know Maureen will be showing her face again. Oy.

I enjoyed the story line about Dan's publicist secretly starting the @IHateHumphrey Twitter account. I still think there is chemistry between her and Dan and that a hook up is coming in future episodes.

In previews for next week's episode, it's Chuck vs. Louis, the epic battle for Blair's heart. I can't wait! As if you even have to ask, I'm Team Chuck.

*Images courtesy of CW.com.

Dining Out: Yardbird

Well, it's my last day in Miami. I am devastated to leave and not just because the weather is beautiful (which it is). This week I have been able to spend so much quality time with my family, explore new neighborhoods, enjoy live music, eat like a queen, and most importantly - relax. Before I fly back to reality this afternoon, I wanted to share one last review with you.

Sunday morning the whole family headed to South Beach for brunch at Yardbird. Not even two weeks ago my parents, my sister and her boyfriend had been there for dinner and knew immediately they wanted me to experience it. Since the dinner menu didn't have many vegetarian offerings, they asked the waiter if they offered brunch. Sure enough, they do!

Yardbird is located on the corner of 16th Street and Lenox Ave, just one block away from Lincoln Road.

Though Lincoln Road is a bustling, pedestrian, shopping mecca, somehow Yardbird's street is completely tranquil. Check out that blue sky!

Out front, Yardbird has a tropically landscaped patio.

We had a reservation for 11:00am and when we arrived, we were the only diners. The hostess sat my family in a beautiful, round, gray leather booth, right in the front of the restaurant.

Before sitting down I ran around taking pictures. The restaurant is so beautiful! In the front corner, there is the bar and a group of high top tables. Over the high top tables is an incredible light fixture made of glasses jars with filaments inside. I don't know what it is with me, but lately I have become obsessed with lighting.

The main part of the restaurant, the dining room, has a mix of high tables and low tables. There is an entire section of just two tops.

In the main dining room the kitchen is open, which makes you feel like you are part of the cooking experience. I really loved that.

When I sat down, my napkin ring barked at me, "Elbows off the table!" How funny!

The Yardbird brunch menu is quite large. They recommend ordering what they called "the Southern Table" which is ordering a few items to share. We were each excited by totally different things, so we decided to go rogue and ordered whatever we each, individually wanted.

My mom and dad each started their meal with coffee which came in the most charming presentation. I love the milk bottle!

I ordered a cocktail (hello, vacation) called the Southern Peach which was peach puree, sweet tea and bourbon. Yes, please! The cocktail was the perfect mix of sweet and refreshing. You could definitely taste the bourbon!

I loved the presentation of the mason jar, the lemon slice and the spring of herb.

It took us quite a while to decide what to order since we were all so intrigued by every single offering! After we placed our order, our waiter informed us that the food comes out as it is ready, so we might not all receive our plates at the same time. I could see the look of concern on my sister's boyfriend's hungry face!

My plate arrived first which was the farmer's salad. The salad was packed with delicious goodies: cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, avocado (my fave), carrots and grilled corn. It was topped with a hard boiled egg and a very thin slice of crusty bread. It was fantastic! Everything was super fresh and the dressing was excellent.

Since we were in a southern comfort food place, I had to order a side of the cheddar and chive grits! The grits actually tasted a bit burnt to me, but it was still worth the five or six bites.

Next to me, my father ordered the country ham and cheese sandwich. It arrived in all its glory, garnished with a side of fresh pineapple. My father, thinking ahead, ordered a side of eggs (over easy) and as soon as they arrived, he put them right on top of his ham and cheese sandwich.

He was so proud of this creation that he elbowed me, "Moll, come on! Get a shot of this!"

Next to him, my sister's boyfriend ordered the sausage biscuits which came with a side of pickled vegetables.

While he loved his choice, he kept staring at my dad's sandwich. Half way through each of their plates they decided to switch!

My sister went with the BLT benedict biscuits, hollandaise sauce on the side. Her eggs looked so perfect!

Lastly, my mother ordered the big ol' stack of waffles which came topped with blueberries, candied pecans, creme fraiche and a side of more blueberry syrup! Everyone at the table wanted a bite of that.

The waffle was sublime and the blueberry syrup really put it over the edge. If you like sweet things for brunch, this is your dish!

Not wanting to be left out of the bacon situation, my mom ordered a side of that too. When I asked why it didn't look like regular bacon she said, "Because it's pork belly." Well then!

After our plates were cleared our waiter asked if we were interested in dessert. We were all stuffed, but when he said one of the options was milk and cookies, we were sold.

The dessert plate included mint infused milk, two oatmeal raisin cookies, a chocolate chip cookie and a whoopie pie.

The oatmeal raisin cookies were the stand out. The chocolate chip cookie was a weak attempt and the whoopie pie was hard, instead of cakey, which is just not right.

I will say, that mint infused milk was delicious, inspired and perfect for dunking! I want to find out how to do this myself!

In addition to the exceptional food and atmosphere at Yardbird, I was also impressed by the staff. As I said, my family had been there two weeks ago and when their server from their last visit saw them, he came right over and said hello, shook their hands, and asked how our Thanksgiving was. He stopped by two more times during the meal to check on us and seemed genuinely invested in us having a wonderful, second experience. I wasn't even at that first dinner and I felt like he and I were friends.

Before leaving my mother said, "Come to the bathroom with me and bring your camera." As we walked back toward the ladies room she said, "Look! I knew you'd want to take a picture of this sign." See below what she was pointing to:

I love this! So true.

I was also glad to have my camera for the ladies room because it was beautiful! This actually reminded me of the bathroom at The Farm in Los Angeles.

As I was getting ready to leave and head back to our table, when I grabbed the door handle I realized it was a rolling pin! What a clever touch!

If you're visiting Miami, Yardbird is an absolute must. The food and drinks are oustanding, the restaurant itself is beautiful and the service is superb. Instead of dining at one of the crowded, over priced places on Lincoln Road, walk the one block to Yardbird. You'll be so glad you did.

Dining Out: Gigi

Last night I went with my parents to the Bakehouse Art Complex. The BAC was hosting an opening party for a new exhibit. We were able to wander through the expansive gallery and pop into several artists' studios. Many of the artists were holding court in their studios, greeting guests and answering questions about their work.

Of all the works we saw and the artists we met, my two favorite were JeanPaul Mallozzi and Marcelo Daldoce. JeanPaul had very unique works that celebrated body language and emotional energy. Marcelo had my absolute favorites, watercolors of famous artists and political figures where the head of each featured figure was very refined and around the chin, the painting would morph into long drip lines, sometimes three feet long. I'm really not doing the pieces justice, so please check out Marcelo's website here.

After an hour of exploring the BAC, we headed to dinner. My mother suggested a place in Midtown called Gigi. I had never been, but both she and my dad had nothing but positive things to say, so I was looking forward to trying something new.

Gigi was hopping! We arrived at 9:15pm and in a case of extreme dining karma, we got the very last table in the dining room.

Gigi sits in a long, narrow restaurant space. You can sit at the bar and watch the chefs prepare the food, you can sit at the counter in the window and look out onto the street, or you can sit in the back of the restaurant in the traditional dining room.

We got the very last table in the dining room. This part of the restaurant had very cool art work on the walls and right behind our table there was a piece painted directly onto the wall.

The menu at Gigi is very simple. There are six categories on the menu, each with three or four house specialties. The food is prepared to order, so it comes out in whatever order it's ready.

We started with some drinks. I ordered the Gigi cocktail which was champagne and passion fruit puree. I was expecting it to be pulpy, but it was completely smooth and had a refreshing tropical taste. I felt transported the Caribbean with every sip.

My dad ordered the Kirin Ichiban beer. I will never be able to hear the word ichiban without thinking of the episode of FRIENDS where Joey does a TV commercial for Japanese lip gloss for men called Ichiban. I digress.

My dad really liked the beer and our waiter brought him an ice bucket to keep the beer cold.

To start we ordered the heirloom tomato salad which came with red and yellow tomatoes, cucumbers, hearts of palm and a citrus dressing. This salad was unbelievably amazing! We gobbled it right up and used anything we could to sop up the citrus dressing. Wow.

Next we ordered the asparagus with horseradish and pea tendrils. This wasn't my favorite. I wouldn't order it again.

Next we split the mushroom buns. These were incredible! I could have eaten ten more! The buns themselves were the perfect ratio of doughy to fluffy and the mushrooms and scallions in the center were hot and delicious. My bun had some serious kick. I felt like my entire mouth was on fire, but I loved it. This is a must-order dish.

For my entree I ordered the chilled soba, which is thin noodles with spicy peanut sauce. These noodles were garnished with sesame seeds, edamame, carrots, red onion and ground peanuts. It was perfection.

My parents split two dishes. First they had the BBQ ribs. It was hysterical watching the two of them chow down. They were chomping right into each rib and getting sauce all over themselves. Between bites they kept saying, "Ohhhh, this is so good!"

Their second dish with the steak chow fun. Though I don't eat steak, I could tell this was expertly prepared. The chow fun noodles looked excellent and the dish also included broccolini, shiitake mushrooms and eggplant.

You'd think after all these delicious plates we'd be full and call it quits. Oh no! That's not how we roll. Our waiter offered us the dessert menu, which we happily perused.

We decided on two desserts. The first was the Gigi bar, which is their homemade candy bar. It's chocolate mousse, Nutella and some kind of sugary crust. It was served with whipped cream and fresh berries. My mom could not get enough of this bar. She loved it.

Gigi offers soft serve frozen yogurt and the flavor changes every night. The flavor was pumpkin and we jumped right on that. This rendition of pumpkin fro yo tasted exactly like pumpkin pie. Yum!

It's official, Gigi is my new favorite restaurant in Miami. It has a see-and-be-seen vibe, fun decor, friendly staff (our waiter looked just like a young Ming Tsai), incredibly delicious food, drink and dessert and they have $3 parking! Could you really ask for more?

My only complaint was that when I stood up to take a few pictures of the interior of the restaurant, one of the hostesses tapped me on the shoulder and said, "Miss, there are no photos in the restaurant." I was so completely stunned I just kind of stared at her. Then I said, "I'm sorry, are you serious?" She replied, "Yes, you are welcome to take pictures of your family and friends, but not the restaurant." I said, "Well, that's absurd," and walked back to my table. This was just after we'd ordered, so the entire night as I took pictures of the food, I felt like I was performing Mission Impossible. To the Gigi staff, it is a compliment when a customer loves your restaurant so much that he/she wants to share that experience via photos or video. It's 2011, everyone has a smartphone, you need to get on board.

Visit Gigi at 3470 North Miami Ave in Midtown Miami. Don't forget to order the mushroom buns!