The brand new BurgerQ restaurant in Downtown Dadeland, which opened to the public on March 17, is a 3500 square foot fast-casual eatery with a unique style. Set in urban chic, the soaring ceiling, open design dining room features lots of wood and metal, a visible kitchen, plenty of seating and an eating style unto itself.
BurgerQ features open-flame grilled burgers that deliver real, Southern-inspired BBQ flavors. It all starts with the specially blended hormone and antibiotic-free meat. The bread is delivered fresh daily and the premium locally-sourced toppings make it is clear they are serious about their preparation and quality.
“We feel BurgerQ is a meeting place for local food artisans and their crafts to come together,” explained Chef Manny Diaz, who also created the menu. “Using their ingredients, we amplify the sum of their parts to create a unique dining experience.”
As you enter the restaurant, the all-digital order menu allows you to pick almost any kind of burger under the sun, plus pulled pork, smoked sausage, grilled chicken, brisket, wings and salads. The variety of fries will amaze you too. Many of the items are slowly smoked on-site for hours and their enticing aroma permeates the entire restaurant. Beyond standard fountain drinks, they offer Virgil’s Micro-Brew Soda in bottles because they have real cane sugar instead of high fructose corn syrup.
But the stunner is the “one-of-its-kind anywhere” self-serve beer wall. Pouring sixteen different brews (four varietals from four local craft brewers) at any given time, you belly up this bar yourself after having paid for either 16 or 32-ounces of suds. Using the bar code on your order receipt, you can scan the code and unlock a tap, pouring as little as a 1 oz. tester or treating yourself to a tall frosty one. Even the delivery system is special, with care taken to minimize pouring with too much foam.
Maria Teresa Ortiz, one of the owners, explains, “We are going to be a big hit with the beer wall alone. Our food will put people over the top.” Ortiz went on to remark that the owners left Venezuela to pursue the American dream and when they arrived and were deciding on a restaurant, people around them suggested they sell arepas. “We wanted to pay honor to our new home, America, so burgers were a natural choice.”
Prices are more than fair, the food is delicious and all signs point to a successful and lasting Downtown Dadeland (8970 SW 72nd Place) restaurant destination. You can learn more at burgerqrestaurants.com or call 786-577-3480.
Fire-Rescue Station
People in Palmetto Bay, Pinecrest and Coral Gables will be pleased to hear about the progress of the new Miami-Dade Fire-Rescue station going in on the southeast corner of Old Cutler Road and SW 142 Terrace.
According to officials, approval for the temporary station (mobile trailers) will be completed in late April with those facilities being in place no later than June 1. At that time, Engine 62 will permanently move to the station and with it come three paramedics and one officer (also a paramedic) who will be stationed there 24/7/365.
The design of the permanent station is expected to be finalized and put out for bid in June. Construction would likely start by September 1.
The soon to open SW 142 Terrace station is designed to significantly lower emergency response time. Palmetto Bay Mayor Eugene Flinn remarked, “I am pleased that this 12+ year project is now a reality. Our attention can now turn south where we are hard at work to work with Miami-Dade Fire Rescue to find a suitable location for a second Palmetto Bay station.”
Another benefit to residents in the area is that the County is offering them a low cost way to have water run to their property. At present, homes in that area are still on well water. While water lines are being run to the new Fire-Rescue station, it is the best and cheapest time to allow area residents to upgrade to municipal water service.
Real Estate Update
You should always know the true value of your home and only a neighborhood expert who’s seen the inside of your home can give you an accurate value. Meet with me today and I’ll quickly become your real estate consultant for life. Start by going to MiamiHal.com/myValue to receive a free, no obligation home evaluation.
Hal Feldman (MiamiHal) is a Realtor with RE/MAX Advance Realty. You can contact him with your story ideas or real estate questions at www.MiamiHal.com, Hal@MiamiHal.com or www.facebook.com/MiamiHal.
