I just got back from Miami! What an amazing and relaxing trip! I fell in love with this city and cannot wait to go back! These are the top five highlights of the trip which I highly suggest to anyone traveling to Miami! Happy Wednesday! xoxo, Julie
#1) Ceviche!
The most amazing ceviche is at a little place in Coconut Grove called Jaguar! We ordered the Ceviche Spoon Sampler which was six assorted ceviches! My taste buds were in lime juice, cilantro and chile heaven! http://www.jaguarspot.com/
#2) Strolling along South Beach and hanging poolside
For no cost at all you get to enjoy interesting people watching, stroll past the impressive art deco buildings and hotels on Ocean Drive, peek into all of the famous outdoor pools (Delano) and enjoy white sand and the dark blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean! We did this during the day and also after dinner on Saturday night! I am in love with the al fresco dining, which is a staple of this area! It reminded me so much of Paris but with Latin cuisine. In the evening it's no different, but neon lights are on everywhere, the people are dressed in their best short dresses and button up shirts, and all of the hostesses greet you as you walk by!
#3) Dining in South Beach
At least one evening you have to get dressed up in your best summer evening dress and go to a nice restaurant on Ocean Drive in South Beach. We went to De Rodriguez Cuba set poolside and ocean front in the Hilton Hotel and enjoyed delicious marlin tacos (compliments of the chef), lobster ceviche, and I had the sea bass (head and tail still attached). This was the best fish I have ever had...white, incredibly soft and flaky and possessed such a clear, fresh taste that made me stop and savor every bite! In addition they serve salted plantain chips and salsa, Cuba's own take on corn toritilla chips and salsa! And don't forget dessert! Yum!
http://www.drodriguezcuba.com/
#4) Shopping & Tapas at South Beach's Lincoln Road Pedestrian Mall
I loved everything about my afternoon spent at this pedestrian mall. The al fresco tapas, the tent smoothie/fruit juice stands, the shops! Loved it! We ate at Nexxt, a tapas place where the bulk of the dining is outside and the tapas are amazing! Did anyone say fried lobster bites? I also discovered my new favorite clothing store Allsaints Spitalfields http://www.allsaints.com/. Oh, and I bought 5 inch cork wedges for fun!
http://www.lincolnroad.org/
#5) Afternoon Coffee Hemingway style
We did our afternoon caffeine break at the coffee house of all coffee houses, Nespresso! I felt like I was transported out of the USA and placed down in a trendy futuristic coffee house in Europe! The double cappuccino and double chocolate mousse was outstanding, and it was fun to sit and read in this shop!
http://www.nespresso.com/
#1) Ceviche!
The most amazing ceviche is at a little place in Coconut Grove called Jaguar! We ordered the Ceviche Spoon Sampler which was six assorted ceviches! My taste buds were in lime juice, cilantro and chile heaven! http://www.jaguarspot.com/
#2) Strolling along South Beach and hanging poolside
For no cost at all you get to enjoy interesting people watching, stroll past the impressive art deco buildings and hotels on Ocean Drive, peek into all of the famous outdoor pools (Delano) and enjoy white sand and the dark blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean! We did this during the day and also after dinner on Saturday night! I am in love with the al fresco dining, which is a staple of this area! It reminded me so much of Paris but with Latin cuisine. In the evening it's no different, but neon lights are on everywhere, the people are dressed in their best short dresses and button up shirts, and all of the hostesses greet you as you walk by!
#3) Dining in South Beach
At least one evening you have to get dressed up in your best summer evening dress and go to a nice restaurant on Ocean Drive in South Beach. We went to De Rodriguez Cuba set poolside and ocean front in the Hilton Hotel and enjoyed delicious marlin tacos (compliments of the chef), lobster ceviche, and I had the sea bass (head and tail still attached). This was the best fish I have ever had...white, incredibly soft and flaky and possessed such a clear, fresh taste that made me stop and savor every bite! In addition they serve salted plantain chips and salsa, Cuba's own take on corn toritilla chips and salsa! And don't forget dessert! Yum!
http://www.drodriguezcuba.com/
#4) Shopping & Tapas at South Beach's Lincoln Road Pedestrian Mall
I loved everything about my afternoon spent at this pedestrian mall. The al fresco tapas, the tent smoothie/fruit juice stands, the shops! Loved it! We ate at Nexxt, a tapas place where the bulk of the dining is outside and the tapas are amazing! Did anyone say fried lobster bites? I also discovered my new favorite clothing store Allsaints Spitalfields http://www.allsaints.com/. Oh, and I bought 5 inch cork wedges for fun!
http://www.lincolnroad.org/
#5) Afternoon Coffee Hemingway style
We did our afternoon caffeine break at the coffee house of all coffee houses, Nespresso! I felt like I was transported out of the USA and placed down in a trendy futuristic coffee house in Europe! The double cappuccino and double chocolate mousse was outstanding, and it was fun to sit and read in this shop!
http://www.nespresso.com/
Tip for next time: Rent a car! Miami is a driving city! We didn't realize! With a car, you have the ability to go to all of the amazing places that are in Miami like Litte Havana, etc. and that are within driving distance from Miami, like Hollywood, FL, Key West, etc.