Category: Food

Miami needs more restaurants like Chimba Miami, restaurants where you can have dinner for two for $100 or lunch for $22 in an attractive place with good, friendly service; tasty food; appealing menu; and a glass of wine for $11 (5 ounce pour) or bottle for $42. Plus, they do some interesting takes on fusion Latin American cuisine.
The 10 most popular blogposts of the year --- here they are. Most were about food topics, but travel and A Day In series also scored high. You'll realize you've seen some of these over the past few years. That's because, given their popularity, I have continued to update them. At the end of each paragraph is a link to the post.  Without further adieu, here they are:
Michelin starred Hiyakawa Miami arguably offers  the most refined Japanese dining experience in Miami. Its Washoku menu at the hands of its Japanese chefs features ingredients and tastes from different regions of Japan including the agricultural prefecture of Iberaki known for its Hitatchi Wagyu and Ibaraki melon. The striking interior design with its centerpiece, a natural wooden arch, was cited by Miami Michelin Guide saying, “is there a dining room cooler than Hikyakawa’s, Probably not”. The staff of the 25 seat restaurant with dining room and sushi counter in Wynwood, is professional and warm, and they obviously really enjoy working there. Besides the Washoku menu, there’s an a la carte menu with traditional Japanese comfort foods. And then there’s the clientele, sophisticated in a low key way. They’re the kind of  people you’d find in New York’s Tribeca.
It's happening. Miami Worldcenter in downtown, and it makes for a delightful afternoon filled with world class public art you can self tour with the map I provided and description of the art works. While not everything is open yet, you can also spend the afternoon  doing some shopping at places that are new to Miami like the new Savage X Fenty, located at 851 NE 1st Avenue, Unit D-138, the brand’s first Miami location of the pop singer Rhianna’s lingerie and apparel brand.After, stop in for lunch or dinner at one of the restaurants that are also a "first" in Miami such as the Brasserie Laurel, located at 698 NE 1st Avenue. See below for a list of all the shops, restaurants, opening dates and other things to do in Miami Worldcenter. Valet parking is available for $12 for the first 3 hours.
Food, culture, art and antiques, luxury lifestyle vintage auto event, and even an international drone racing invitational, all happening in the Magic City in January and February.Check them out in Part 1 of the series of things to do, kicking off 2025.
Best desserts in Miami 2024, my picks. Whether you like chocolate, donuts,  cake,  French pastry or more, there’s something here to make you drool. You’ll also find two favorites from my travels. To find out more about the restaurants featured, click on the name to read my review. And if you missed the best dishes of 2024, click here.
If you’ve never been to an omakase before, a good place to try it is at the new Sushi by Bou Wynwood. The price is affordable compared with many omakases that often run from $125 up until the $500’s. The service is friendly, and, in the Arlo Hotel, it has the Wynwood vibe.Omakase means “I’ll leave it up to you” and originated as Japanese street food. It’s a chance to interact with the chefs, in this case in an intimate space for only 14 diners, a menu adapted to your needs and likes, and a fair price.
It's that time of year, the start of the season for Miami Farmers Markets and home grown produce. Just in time, too, for the holidays.   With a large selection of farms to choose from, you can try a different one each weekend.  Many offer on-line ordering and delivery options.  Check each website for details.
It’s that time of year when I reminisce about the best Miami dishes I’ve had all year. As usual, they range from starters and entrees to sides and even (this year), bread. I also included  some standout entries from Sicily, Crete and Spain. And note, I've reviewed most of the restaurants mentioned. If you want to know more, click on the name for the review. Start drooling!
We felt transported to one of Istanbul’s  fine dining restaurants at Pickle in South Beach with its attractive modern décor with warm lighting and glam touches with crystal chandeliers gracing the bar and leopard wallpaper; delectable menu of Turkish, Greek and Armenian dishes; and friendly and professional service that can rival that of any of Miami’s finest. We couldn’t wait to go back—and we did, a week later.