New Experiences in Miami

I was headed to Orlando, FL for a work training in June so I planned a pit stop in Miami to squeeze in a much needed beach trip. I love Miami since it is a quick, affordable flight and tropical location. These days I prefer to stay North of South Beach because I want to relax and unwind and be in a quiet atmosphere, then I will drive or cab to South Beach for shopping or dinner.  This time I stayed at the St. Regis in the Bal Harbour area. 

I wanted to create new experiences in Miami this time and I received a few suggestions of places to check out.  A co-worker recommended that I have Cuban food at Versailles in Little Havana. This was my first stop once I landed Friday. I had been anticipating this meal for weeks and wanted to make sure I went first since I was only in town for the weekend. It is about 10 minutes from the airport and easy to find. The large sign stands out compared to other venues in the area. The inside is large and open with many tables and a pastry cafe connected next door.  I believe they also sell cigars. I could tell this is a place frequented by both tourists and locals, which I love. I ordered the Chicken Versailles, a plate of chicken, beans, rice and plantains.  While the food looked delicious, I was underwhelmed. I felt it lacked flavor and as someone who puts Tabasco sauce on everything, this wasn't going to cut it. In full disclosure, I did devour the rice since I have been limiting carbs and it was quite comforting to devour a plate of rice which is my preferred carb in general. My co-worker said he returned a second time during his trip, but I would not return. 

After my large meal and a long day and night, I was ready to check in to my hotel. The St. Regis is a beautiful hotel, the lobby is decorated with ornate mirrors, I felt like I was inside of a chandelier.  Reception greets you with a glass of champagne and allow you to sit and relax as they check you in.  As I walked in my room, I noticed a plate of truffles with a greeting card, which was such a special touch. My room was amazing, modern and spacious with a large terrace and amazing ocean view.  I spent more time on the terrace than on the beach. The lights and drapes are all controlled by a remote touch pad feature. There is easy access to the beach and a lovely spa reception area. I did not get a spa treatment on this visit but I would love to next time. Everyone was friendly and helpful and any customer service issues I may have had were quickly resolved. I'm already looking forward to my next stay there. On my last day, I actually moved my flight to the evening and requested a late check-out because I was just not ready to leave. 

The next morning, I tried a local restaurant for brunch called Josh's Deli. It was a 10 minute walk from my hotel. Their menu is small but very interesting. They had dishes such as Lamb Benedict and Shoftshell Crab on a Croissant.  I opted for a lighter fare of eggs with a crispy potato latke and I asked for turkey in place of bacon. I washed it down with a glass of fresh watermelon juice. It was very tasty. Also, the entire staff greets you when you arrive and say goodbye as you leave. They really make you feel at home. Their reasonable prices are a nice break from the expensive meals at the hotel restaurants. 

After a great brunch and an afternoon at the beach I planned to visit Wynwood Walls, also recommend by my co-worker. It is a museum of graffiti art about 15 minutes from South Beach. As you approach the museum you begin to see art murals on the walls of the buildings in the area.  I didn't even feel the need to go to the museum as I was able to see such impressive art from my car. 

While in this area, I wanted to try a gluten free bakery, Bunnie Cakes. I was pleasantly surprised when I walked in and learned there was a large variety of gluten free treats to choose from including cookies, cupcakes, whoopie pies, mini pies and doughnuts. Yes, doughnuts!  They were a perfect treat to enjoy while sitting on the hotel terrace taking in the amazing ocean view. 

Prior to this stop in Wynwood, I had lunch nearby in Midtown. The Sugarcane Raw Bar Grill, is located in a great town center with plenty of shops, restaurants and a farmers market.  The atmosphere of the restaurant is very open with rattan fans attached to the high ceilings and a magical front terrace. I definitely felt like I was on a Caribbean island. This again is why I love Miami. The goat cheese fritters are what you want to order here.  

The Farmers Market

Saturday night I was in the mood to be in the scene a little but nothing too crazy. A friend recommended I check out Juvia. It is a roof top restaurant and bar located on top of a garage on Lincoln Road. I made a 11pm dinner reservation which was the only evening time available on short notice but also it was a good time to get a sense of the night life there. I requested an outdoor table so I could enjoy the city view.  There were many people enjoying the food and or the lounge atmosphere but it was not over crowded.  They had a DJ and the staff were all welcoming and social. I enjoyed a meal of Rock Shrimp Tradito, which I believe is civeche, and King Crab Risotto both were slightly spicy and very flavorful.  Juvia is a great low key hangout to enjoy dinner or pass through for a cocktail and amazing view.

On Sundays, I rest.  I ordered brunch to my room and ate on the patio enjoying my last day of this Miami paradise. I took a walk along the walking path near my hotel. I picked up pizza for dinner and had a relaxing night which happened to be a full moon. The ocean had a beautiful moon lit glow which could not be captured fairly in a picture. A perfect way to end my quick but satisfying weekend. 

As I wrap up this blog post I realize I had a lot to say about a city that is so easy to access, no passport required yet I feel like I was transported to an exotic island. I definitely saw Miami in a new light and I am eager to return again and again. 

A few more pics below. 

Mexico City

In May, I was fortunate to go to Mexico City for work for a few days. I've never been to Mexico and was excited to experience a country so rich in culture and history.  Traveling internationally always gives me great perspective. I've travelled to Europe and I'm always inspired by how full they are with life and so aware and proud of their history. Mexico City is the same. As I spoke with my Mexico City peers, my ears were completely open to their stories and culture. One of the things I'm intrigued by is pyramids were found under the existing city and there is a body of water in that. My mind starts to wonder about the mysteries and history that have taken place during these times. Also since I'm curious and analytical, I also wonder how was it possible to build a town on top of a town?  Another fact is Mexico City has the most museums in the world.

Being so hospitable, the local team suggested wonderful options to explore, eat, see, including museums, pyramids, restaurants.  The first night my co-worker and I were taken to a restaurant called Hacienda de los Morales. It is a massive property that now serves as a restaurant and event location. The Spanish influence stands out in a Mexican city that has modernized over time. It's the perfect setting for a special occasions. Many nooks and crannies to explore including party rooms, lounges and chapels all impeccably decorated and true to the history of this estate.  The food was delicious and the energy was amazing. There were musicians playing in the dining room and parties taking place in other areas of the property. I enjoyed a dish of shrimp wrap in a potato crust, stuffed with a cheese that reminded me of cream cheese, accompanied with a mango sauce.  Simple, delicious and so fresh. All of the food we experienced from fruit to seafood tasted so ripe and fresh, as if locally sourced.  

Our second and last night, we were trying to fit in some sightseeing but time was so limited we were only able to make it downtown to Centro Histórico. It was their rainy season so it rained every night and their traffic is insane. It truly makes DC traffic seem not so bad in comparison.  Our plan was to take a hop-on, hop-off bus downtown but it took so much time for an uber to get to us, then we sat in traffic for 40 minutes to only go a short distance, we requested our uber driver to take us straight downtown. Along the way, we were able to see other parts of the city that ranged from modern to historic. 

We had dinner at Azul Histórico, a patio located in the center of the 17th century palace of the counts of Miravalle which is now a boutique hotel called Downtown Mexico. As we waited for our table to be available, we discovered boutique shops, an art gallery, and a chocolatier. The chocolate shop, Que Bo!, had a variety of chocolates, my favorite was mango covered in chocolate with a spicy powder on top. The combination of spicy and sweet was amazing. 

This trip was just a taste of what this great city has to offer. I would love to return and visit the many locations this place has to offer including the pyramids, ruins, shops, museums, cathedrals and the list goes on. 

Many pics below!