Lots of little mini vacations makes real life a bit easier and more tolerable. At the end of September, two friends of mine were heading to Miami for a concert so I made the last minute decision to go as well. I'm glad I did because it was a blast! We walked, we ate, we shopped and then we ate some more! And after they left, I stayed back for another two days and had a wonderful, relaxing time, getting reacquainted with myself. There's so much to see and do (and eat!) in South Beach, I can't wait to return!
 |
Fantastic bagels and flavoured schmears
at Einstien Brother's Bagels. |
 |
| If you're a beer fan, check out Sharkey's at Bayside. |
 |
| Alligator Nuggets and loaded potato skins at Sharkey's. |
 |
| Laduree, South Beach |
 |
| Macarons! |
 |
| Buying some rambutan on Sunday. |
I decided to go to the
South Beach Culinary Tour, which was very fun and the food was good. It focused mainly on Cuban food which is available everywhere in South Beach. The tour guide was very nice and seem well-educated.
 |
Stop 1: Ceviche with passion fruit and canchitas and an empanada
at Bolivar |
 |
| Dulce de leche filled churros at Manolo's! |
 |
| Cafe Cubano at one of the many ventanitas in South Beach. |
 |
| Vaca fritas served with plantain chips at Habanos. |
 |
Italian pocket with spinach, feta, sundried tomatoes, kalamata
olives and pesto at Block's Deli. |
 |
| Argentine Empanada at Charlotte's Bakery |
 |
| Empanada with avocado-cilantro sauce. |
 |
| Gelato at Milani's Gelateria to end the food tour! |
 |
| We LOVE Red Lobster's biscuits. |
 |
| Maine Lobster > Rock Lobster |
Now let me start by saying, I wish so very much that there was better lighting in this restaurant or I wasn't so shy to use flash because I suppose the dim lighting was part of the setting that contributed to the incredible ambiance you can immediately feel when you walk in to The Bazaar by Jose Andres. This simple 5 "course" tapas meal was the best meal I had during this vacation (with the Mushroom Tobanyaki at Sushi Samba being a very close second). I will definitely be returning once I am in South Beach to try some more menu items, and bringing some friends with me as well. If you're in South Beach, try this restaurant!!! The prix fixe is very affordable at 5 courses for US$39.00. You can't go wrong!
 |
| "Jamón Serrano and Tomato Bread" |
 |
| "Bao Con Lechón (Chinese Bun with Pork Belly)" |
 |
| "Endive with goat cheese, oranges, marcona almonds and orange dressing." |
 |
| "Cuban Coffee Rubbed Churrasco" |
 |
| "Deconstructed Key Lime Pie" |
