Do not despair.  There are still plenty of great restaurants in Miami for you to enjoy.

1. Deering Estate Moonlight & Music Concert

2. Valentine’s Concert at Fairchild

3. Glady’s Knight at Hardrock Cafe

 4.  Willy Chirino at the Fillmore

5. Dinner at Casa Tua

6.  Dinner at Azul

7.  Dinner at Romeo’s Cafe

8.  Pick up chocolates at Romanico’s

9.  Pick up a nice bottle of wine or bubbly to accompany the chocolates

10.  Walk along Miami Beach barefoot with your feet in the water.

 Please add other ideas

Lots of wines, people, food and fun!

For years, my dad trekked up to North Miami Beach to shop at Laurenzo’s Italian Market and I go by every time I visit my sister in Aventura.  Last night hubby and I decided to make the drive to attend their annual Holiday wine tasting.  I had never been to one before and am so glad we ventured out of our neighborhood for an evening out.  So many wines were poured there was no way to try them all, even with a designated driver!  Picked up a bunch a great food on the way out, so we will be eating wonderful Italian food this week.  If you have never been to Laurenzo’s it is worth the trip.  They are holding wine tastings through the holidays on Saturdays, from 1-4 p.m. 

FRIDAY’S Wine Tasting at L’Atelier Gourment
SWEET VS DRY
July 1st 6pm to 9 pm
                                                     
 ** L’Escloupey – Cadillac 2003
 
Type: White Wine    Origin: France
 
** Château Nacaze – Gaillac 2008
Type: Red Wine      Origin : France
 
** Chamarré – Jurançon 2003 (92 pts Wine Spectator)
Type: White Wine      Origin: France
 
Fournier – Sauvignon Blanc 2008
Type: White Wine   Origin: France
 
Château Grand Lartigue – St Emilion 2005
Type: Red Wine     Origin: France
 
Baron de Hoen -Gewurztraminer 2009
Type: White Wine     Origin: France
 
 
SPECIAL DEAL only during the wine tasting : ** BUY 3 GET 1 FREE of same wine

Crazy About You Waterfront Dining

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.

Another wine tasting a little further south at 9563 South Dixie Hwy:
L’Atelier Gourmet & AB Fine Wines

Come and have taste of a Chardonnay from Mendoza,
a 90 pts Robert Parker Ribera Del Duero, a Sauvignon blanc Pouilly Fume, and a wonderful Syrah Granche
from South of France.  While you are there, pick up some of the pastries for a late night snack.  Their macaroons are amazing!

If you live and/or work in Downtown Dadeland, take a stroll across U.S. 1.  They have wine tastings most Friday evenings.

Miami Tapas Bar

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.