Cosmopolitan and luxurious venues were my playground in my years of adolescence; acknowledging how fortunate I am to have been exposed to such culture, this article consists of my reviews of places I feel are noteworthy.
Below is a compilation of a variety of locations, predominantly restaurants that have stood out to me throughout my upbringing in Miami. From comfort food to desserts and health foods, this list has something for everyone! Disclaimer: I have not been paid by any of these establishments to promote their businesses, this article solely consists of my personal experiences at these places.
1. Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink
In the heart of what is now called the Miami Design District lies a quaint and flavor-packed eatery. Providing locally sourced cuisine and a lively ambiance, Michael's Genuine Food & Drink emulates an upscale tavern vibe perfectly fitting its refined take on comfort food. My favorite dish from this establishment is the Crispy Pig Ears; essentially it consists of thin, crispy strips of pork seasoned with chili and lime flavors. With a menu divided up in multiple categories such as Raw Bar, Savory, Sweets, Breads & Things and Snacks, this restaurant offers a variety of options. For the full menu, follow the link. https://michaelsgenuine.com/menu/
2. MC Kitchen
Aioli fries, aioli fries, aioli fries! That is the first thing that pops into my mind when thinking of MC Kitchen. This restaurant is also located in the Miami Design District but exudes a different aura. MC Kitchen is an elevated and cutting-edge establishment in which I have a lot of experience dining with. I was lucky enough to attend the high school two doors down from this fabulous restaurant.
I am pretty sure I shouldn't be telling anyone this but, when lunchtime came around, my friends and I used to sneak out and get food from there. Our group's favorite menu item was the Aioli fries. Trust me, the menu consists of a diverse array of dishes aside from aioli fries and is divided by Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, and Desserts. For the full menu, follow the link. https://www.mckitchenmiami.com/menus
3. Perez Art Museum Miami (PAMM)
Among Museum Park with an astounding view of the Bay rests the Perez Art Museum. Serving as a vault of culture, the PAMM holds a multitude of diverse artists from an array of countries; each piece telling their own story. Providing free admission every 2nd Saturday of the month, the PAMM and its staff truly believe in making art, culture, and education accessible to the masses. To learn more, follow the link. https://www.pamm.org/
4. Phuc Yea
With a funky name and eclectic décor, while exuding a unique vibe, Phuc Yeah has to be my favorite destination in Miami. My experiences with this establishment have been nothing but stellar. This eatery consists of Pho & other Vietnamese staples infused with Cajun culinary ideals served in a sultry, industrial space, with indoor/outdoor seating.
Its astonishing interior design provides many Instagrammable photo opportunities; the entrance itself is an eyecatcher, with its neon sign. Phuc Yea is a go-to, every time I am visiting home! For the full menu, follow the link. http://www.phucyea.com/
5. Mandolin Aegean Bistro
A tiny Santorini hidden within the emerging community of Buena Vista, Mandolin Aegean Bistro is a transformative force disguised as a restaurant. Just right outside of the Miami Design District, the venue is easy to spot due to its bright blue shutters. Generating impeccable Turkish and Greek cuisine, serving it in such a relaxed Mediterranean inspired environment, Mandolin is always a good time. For the full menu, follow the link. http://www.mandolinmiami.com/
6. The Salty Donut
In the heart of the Wynwood Art District is the busiest doughnut shop I have ever seen. Having grown its audience through social media with its elaborate doughnut decorating along with their funky flavors, The Salty Donut is like no other. Providing seasonal selections along with year-round choices, there is always something new! For the full menu, follow the link. https://www.saltydonut.com/menu
7. Laudurée Miami Beach
At the end of the infamous Lincoln Road on Miami Beach sits a teeny tiny Macaroon Shoppe by the name of Laudurée. Very cute décor along with tasty macaroons, there is nothing that social media loves more than an aesthetic color story and mini versions of random things. If you yourself are a francophone, Lauduree is something you must check out. P.S. the Rose Milkshakes are insanely good! https://www.laduree.us/
If you're ever in Miami, along with the establishments listed above I suggest you check out this amazing local health food market in the suburbs called Gerardo's Marketplace. I wouldn't necessarily categorize it as swanky, but it is a family owned, locally sourced, casual gourmet eatery. From amazing juices and smoothies to the great salad bar, Gerardo's is my favorite place to eat.
My family has brought business to this establishment since before I was born, and I have grown relationships with everyone who works there. If you ever have the pleasure of swinging by, I suggest the Mango, Banana & Peanut Butter smoothie! Miami is full of unique places to hit up; this list is solely a limited selection of venues that I love, as well as places I feel that my audience would enjoy most.
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