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Miami Food Adventure: 3 Days of Culinary Delights
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During my recent trip to Miami for the Fresh Air Retreat, I was fortunate to have some extra time to explore the city (and eat more food!). Known for its vibrant and diverse culture, Miami is a melting pot of influences, with Latin American, particularly Cuban, and Jewish cultures having a significant impact on its culinary scene. While I frequently traveled to the Western side of Florida to visit my grandparents growing up, it was my first trip to Miami. My top priority during my stay was to indulge in a delectable Cuban sandwich, and I was thrilled to find one at Sanguich which exceeded my expectations. Also, you can give my Cuban sandwich recipe a try here! I made sure to take advantage of the beautiful weather and spent some time relaxing on the beach.
Miami Food Adventure: 3 Days of Culinary Delights
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I was so honored to have the opportunity to work with The Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau while in Miami to highlight the Miami Spice Months program. So, tunning from August through September participating restaurants offer a price fixe three course meal for $30/$35 for lunch and $45/$60 for dinner. Also, Miami Spice Months allow you to live like a local and experience restaurants in tons of neighborhoods and cuisines that make this such an essential food city! Not only is the food great but the stories the food tells as well.
Where to Eat
Zak the Baker
295 NW 26th St, Miami, FL 33127 | zakthebaker.com/
Sit down at this bakery in the Wynwood neighborhood and enjoy a sandwich (though there is usually a wait) or order grab and go pastries from a lengthy display case. I loved the innovative salmon bacon and cheese croissant. So, Croissants are my absolute weakness, and I loved how this buttery croissant was packed with thin strips of dried and cured salmon with cheese giving it a slightly smoky flavor. I also ordered a concha (a Mexican sweet roll with a crunchy crackle topping filled with a blueberry jam and mascarpone cream). Also, the concha flavors are seasonal with some incredible combinations. The chocolate babka came highly recommended and did not disappoint.
Must order: salmon bacon and cheese croissant
Sangwich
2057 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33135 | sanguich.com/
As soon as I hopped off the plane from New York I got right into an Uber with my sights set on trying Sanguich. This was the number one recommendation I received when looking for a delicious Cuban Sandwich, and it did not disappoint. The simple menu with six sandwiches is printed on a board on the wall. While everything looked good, I needed to try the Cuban – when in Miami. The succulent slices of ham were layered with lechon, melted Swiss cheese, tangy pickles and mustard on Cuban bread, pressed with plenty of butter to toasted perfection.
Must order: Cuban sandwich
Versailles
3555 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33135 | versaillesrestaurant.com/
I had to make a stop by the iconic and ornately decorated Cuban restaurant in Little Havana. It’s one of the filming locations in one of my favorite movies, Chef, where the main character is so inspired by the Cuban sandwich he opens a food truck with that as the lone menu item. While I wasn’t quite so moved by the food, I am glad I checked out the iconic location. I ordered the El Criollo Cuban sampler platter so I could try a bit of the most popular dishes including the ropa vieja, fried pork, ham croquetas, black beans, sweet plantains and Cuban tamale.
Finka Table and Tap
14690 SW 26th St, Miami, FL 33175 | finkarestaurant.com/
Finka, named for the Spanish word for “farm”, combines three cuisines: Cuban, Peruvian and Korean to produce a lengthy menu filled with delicious and unique offerings in the West Kendall area. It was one of those menus that made it incredibly difficult to decide on a dish! I wanted to give just about everything a try. The fillings of the brisket ravioli were encased by a wonton and bathed in a creamy mango and cheese sauce with a drizzle of eel sauce. The croqueta pizza came topped with fried rounds of Islas Canarias’ croquetas (created by the popular restaurant operated by the siblings and owner’s parents) – stuffed with ham and béchamel. Since I was in Florida I had to give the alligator bites a try. Fried until golden brown, the bites were served with a aji amarillo mayo for dipping.
The cocktail menu was created by the team behind the famous Broken Shaker. I loved the pan con tomate cocktail. Its a clarified milk punch made with gin incorporating oregano and tomatoes topped with a Cuban bread crouton.
Must order: croqueta pizza & brisket ravioli
Jaguar Sun
230 NE 4th St, Miami, FL 33132 | /jaguarsunmia.com/
This will absolutely be on my list to return to next time I am in Miami! Not only are the cocktail names creative, they were delicious. I ordered the drink, “a friend for celery” made with vodka, celery juice, sherry lime, and furikake. I happened to be dining during happy hour and got a half-dozen oysters on the half shell. They were topped with a combination of yuzu kosho and a pineapple/habanero mignonette. I’ve been thinking about the sweet corn and blue crab agnolotti with saffron and marcona almonds since I licked the plate clean. One of the perks of dining alone is making friends at the bar. The bartender gave me a nightcap on the house as I was paying my bill.
Must order: blue crab agnolotti
Sérêvène by Chef Pawan Pinisetti
1920 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139 | serevenemiami.com/
Located inside the Hotel Greystone, Sérêvène combines French and Japanese cuisines for an Izakaya-style sampling. I was able to sample some of Chef Pawan Pinisetti’s dishes featured on the menu for Miami Spice Months. I was enthralled by the creative and innovative dishes. Some of my favorites included the tableside beef tartare. It was made with filet mignon and baked Lays chips for a high-low combination. Spiralized beet noodles served rolled in a green mustard vinaigrette alongside Asian pears, strawberries, and carrots, balanced the earthy notes perfectly. The lobster uni-alfredo bucatini was served with butter-poached lobster and a light, creamy uni and parmesan sauce topped with caviar.
Must order: beef tartare & beet noodles
The Social Club at The SurfComber
1717 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139 | socialclubatsurfcomber.com/
The Social Club is located inside the Kimpton Beachcomber Hotel on Collins Ave in South Beach. I loved the tuna tartare, served with yuzu soy sauce and crispy shallots as well as the crab croquettes with dill dijonaise. While waiting for a later dinner reservation, I stopped by to savor a delightful cocktail and indulge in some light bites. The menu also featured larger format dishes that appeared equally enticing, but I was already full!
Must order: tuna tartare
CHICA
5556 NE 4th Ct, Miami, FL 33137 | chicarestaurant.com/
While working with The Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau I had the chance to peek into Chef Lorena Garcia’s kitchen at CHICA and hear about her featured Miami Spice Months menu! One of my favorite dishes was the Asado Negro braised short rib. It’s an elevated take inspired by Chef Garcia’s grandmother’s recipe and garnished beautifully with pickled onions and micro cilantro. I love braised meats and this was so incredibly tender. I also recommend the ceviche in leche de tigre with roasted sweet potato and plantain chips. There are also CHICA locations in Aspen and Las Vegas.
Must order: asado negro braised short rib
Where to Stay
Kimpton EPIC Hotel
270 Biscayne Blvd Way, Miami, FL 33131 | epichotel.com/
During part of my trip I stayed in West Kendall at an AirBnb on the lake for the Fresh Air Retreat. The rest of the time I stayed at the Kimpton EPIC Hotel in the Financial District with views overlooking Miami River and Biscayne Bay. It was fairly centrally located and easy to get around, and the spacious rooms were beautiful! If you have time to lounge, there’s a pool and spa!
What to Do
Wynwood Wall Museum
2516 NW 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33127 | /thewynwoodwalls.com/
If you are a fan of street art I highly recommend stopping by the Wynwood Wall Museum. Its the perfect stop after a trip to Zak the Baker. It’s only $12 to enter the outdoor gallery, so it’s worth an hour walk through. It houses graffiti walls including works from notable artists like Invader and Shepard Fairey.
South Beach
1130 Ocean Dr, Miami Beach, FL 33139 | miamibeachfl.gov/
I would be remiss to visit Miami and not make it to the beach! I loved walking up the beach and checking out the colorful lifeguard towers and art deco architecture. Enter the beach through Lummus Park (running up Ocean Drive from 5th to 15th Street).
My time in Miami was a wonderful blend of relaxation, exploration, and culinary indulgence. I left the city with a newfound appreciation for its diverse culture, stunning beaches, and delicious food. Comment below with any places to visit that I need to add to my list for next time!
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