Miami Spice has grown into an annual two month event, running August 1 through September 30, offering deals at some of our areas finest restaurants. Make sure to check the site frequently for updated restaurants, menus, and specials.
Category: Restaurants
Great places to eat or hang out around town
The Ninth Annual Taste of Pinecrest takes place this Sunday at Pinecrest Gardens. This food and art festival is sponsored by the Pinecrest Business Association to benefit the Village’s public schools. In addition to student performances, an art show, rides and games, there are a number of local restaurants selling a “taste” of their menus. It is a great way to spend a day visiting, playing and savoring the many different flavors of Miami.
Crazy About You is in a great location and one of the few places you can get a good meal with a waterfront view.
The staff is attentive, they have a decent wine list that is reasonably priced, and their menu is affordable. I like the Serrano Croquettas, Calamari Flatbread, and Mikey’s Slow Braised Steak with Creamy Arborio Rice.
Today is the last day of Art Deco Weekend on Miami Beach. Take advantage of our glorious Miami weather (Boston had a high of 26% yesterday) and head to the beach to learn about our backyard. Events and tours start at 10:00 a.m. so if you are a football fan, you still have plenty of time to tour and get home for the Patriot/Jets game at 4:30. Or better yet, enjoy it at one of the many restaurant/bars, such as the Clevelander, Big Pink or just about any other bar on the beach!
The other day I was heading back to the office and I was starving so I pulled into a gas station that I knew had awesome sandwiches. Guess I haven’t been in there for a really long time because when I walked in, there was wine everywhere and the back of the gas station had been converted into a mini “taverna”, called El Carajo, complete with a wine bar and small wooden tables. Since I was starving, I ordered a bunch of tapas to go: Tortilla de Chorizo, Croquetas de Bacalao, and Boquerones. They were all delicious and I had enough to snack on later that evening and the next day. I only wish I hadn’t had to go back to work so I could have done some wine tasting. They had an amazing selection and very reasonable prices. I will definitely be back.
Le Tub in Hollywood is one of those funky, fun, old-Florida places that I love. Originally a Sunoco Gas Station, Le Tub was built out of flotsam, jetsam, and ocean “treasures” over a 4 year period. The atmosphere is great, on the Intracoastal, the food is very good beach fare and the portions are large enough for sharing. If you don’t finish everything on your plate and don’t want to take a doggie bag, just throw the food over the side and watch the fish have a feast. These have to be some of the best fed fish in Florida! No credit cards.
- Laurenzo’s Italian Center – Whether you are a gourmet cook and want amazing Italian ingredients or want something already prepared, you will enjoying cruising up and down the isles of this well-known local gourmet supermarket.
- Founders Park – Located on a 12-acres site, this park has something for everyone. Tennis, ball fields, exercise trails, picnic shelters and a splash park for the kids (residents get into splash park free with id, non-residents pay $10).
- Size/Value of condos. If you are renting or selling, you can usually find a larger condo in Aventura than you could in Brickell or Miami Beach, and usually for less. Search for yourself.
- Location: Close to Ft. Lauderdale, Miami,(and their respective airports and ports) and just a jump to the beach
- Boating
- Don Soffer exercise trail- this 3 mile loop is perfect for running, walking the pets, or taking an evening stroll
- The Farimont Turnberry Golf and Country Club – in addition to having a world class spa and golf course, the restaurants are also amazing.
- William’s Island – this enclave of homes, condos, and town homes, all surrounded by water, includes its own private club and is a relaxing jewel of a community, close to everything in Aventura, including a Fresh Market.
- Proximity to Gulfstream Park – What a great way to spend the day. If watching the horse races isn’t your thing, at least stop by and watch the beautiful animals parade around the courtyard prior to each race, then take off and go eat, shop or dance, at one of the many venues.
- Mo’s Bagel and Diner – My Dad is a New Yorker who hasn’t lived there since he was born, but it’s in his blood, and Mo’s makes him feel like he is back there.
If I were a shopper, I would add the Aventura Mall. I personally can’t stand shopping, but this mall is amazing. It is large, clean and has such a variety of stores. If you can’t find what you are looking for here, you probably don’t need it.
The Coral Gables/South Miami area is so lucky to have two great cupcake places to choose from. Many of you have probably already heard of or tried Misha’s Cupcakes. The red velvet cupcakes are amazing and her cakes made out of individual mini-cupcakes are works of art as well as being convenient for parties…no plates or wasted cake.
A couple of blocks away on Sunset Drive is Buttercream Cupcakes and Coffee. Although they don’t make mini-cupcake cakes and their minis have to be special ordered, they have a larger variety of flavors. Their chocolate peanut butter cupcakes are amazing. Try both of these neighborhood places and let us know which one is your favorite.
Two Methods of Eating Cupcakes
There are currently 23 one to 3 bedroom units on the market in the South of Fifth area of Miami Beach. This is a great area of Miami Beach to be near every thing without being too close to the night clubs and heavy tourist area. Your neighbors include Joe’s Stone Crab, The Big Pink, Nemos, Prime 112, Nikki Beach, Smith and Wollensky, DeVitos, Opa, and many more restaurants. The shopping along 5th street, including the new Publix, make leaving your car at home easy. Plus you have miles of beach for walking, jogging, or just soaking up the sun, and great parks nearby.
Categories
The Best Sub Shop
If you have been prepping for Thanksgiving and can’t stand the idea of having to make dinner, check out the subs at The Best Sub Shop. The tiny little store front shop on 77 Ave. is usually packed, but service is quick, prices are great and their subs really are amazing.