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!

Summer Flashback. Nice, France

As I reflect back to summer, my trip to Nice, France is the standout experience. I chose Nice since I wanted another beach vacation and I love France. I went in mid July which is peak season. This was my first solo international trip. I was excited about the possibilities of being able to explore a new city in a country I love without distraction or limitation. My seat mate on the plane was a woman who split her time between Germany and France, originally from France. She was accompanying her husband on a school excursion and began telling me about their condo in Cimiez rented through Airbnb. Cimiez is a town in the outskirts of Nice. She gave me a run through of museums and sites, as well as, her perspective other cities along the French Riviera. As the plane landed, I was immediately surprised by the tropical setting.  My initial reaction was, "there are palm trees!" Not sure what I expected but I did not expect to see scenery similar to the Caribbean islands I've experienced in or close to the U.S.  The temperatures were hot, 90 degrees fahrenheit and humid, which I was told is very warm for that time of year, Nice doesn't usually reach those temps until August. It is a causal, family friendly town along the sea with a backdrop of the French Alps. The beaches in Nice consist of smooth rocks which took some getting used to but it was nice to not have sand everywhere once you leave the beach. 

I arrived on a Sunday morning and was prepared to keep moving so that I can adjust to their time zone. It was too early for me to check in to the hotel, which worked out since it forced me to continue on with my day. I immediately went to look for my first meal. I received wonderful restaurants suggestions from a young lady at the hotel, Hotel Suisse. Hotel Suisse is a boutique hotel right on the Promenade des Anglaise which is the main strip along the Mediterranean Sea. The hotel is in a special location right on the corner where the sea bends with the closest view of the sea. It is also close to Vieux Nice (Old Nice) aka Vielle Ville (Old Town) and the sea port.  My room was on the top 5th floor with a sea view and it was amazing. I could see the sea without getting out of bed. 

As I began my journey to my first meal at Brasserie George, I began roaming through the narrow winding streets full of boutique shops, bakeries and restaurants. I quickly found myself in Vieux Nice where there was a fresh market with vendors selling cheese, pastries, olives and fruit. There was also a notable flower market with the most beautiful blooms.  As I continued to walk, I passed the Palais de Justice, courthouse, which was a very official looking building where the narrow streets open up to a big courtyard. I suddenly realized that I had no idea where to locate the restaurant, despite having a map, but I just keep roaming because the atmosphere and scenery was so satisfying and really this is the best way to learn your way around and find hidden gems in the process. I found myself in new Nice, I passed the Promenade du Paillon which is a fountain where streams of water shoot up from the ground. Kids like to play in the water which I'm sure is a refreshing break from the heat and humidity.  As I try to locate a spot nearby to take a break from walking in the heat, I located a visitor center. Thankful for the AC break but starving at his point, I was given directions to Brasserie George which was nearby, a couple blocks away. 

Brasserie George is a very elegant open space, nice but not too fancy, perfect for my first meal in Nice. I ordered the Salade de Tomate, tomato salad, which was so fresh and perfectly and simply seasoned with salt, pepper and olive oil. I finished this off with a delicious chocolate mousse, great quality chocolate and not overly sweet. I thought this might be my best meal of the trip but my meals got progressively better. I experienced Socca, which is a signature snack in Nice, a crepe made from chickpeas and seasoned with salt and pepper. It's is delicious and gluten free, which was perfect for me though there was no way I would remain gluten free in France! My final meal of the trip was a six course meal at Terre de Truffes, where every course included truffles. I was so grateful for the restaurant recommendations that I received from Marie at Hotel Suisse. She was on the mark with each suggestion and steered me away from the tourist traps. Below is a list of restaurants that I enjoyed along with the highlights of my meal. 

Nice, France

Brasserie George - Tomato salad 

Chez Pipo - Socca

Di Piu - Pizza

Di Yar - Lebanese chicken

Fennochio - Gelato

HANgoût - Foie gras creme brûlée (trust me try it, my first foie gras experience and it was delicious)

LAC - Macarons and chocolate

Terre de Truffes - Six course meal with truffles

Villefranche sur Mer

Oursin Bleu - Fleurs de courgettes (zucchini flower stuffed with goat cheese)

Monaco

Piamu u Fresco - Casual lunch time spot with super fresh salads, quality ingredients 

In addition to enjoying the food, I was looking forward to exploring other areas along the French Riviera. I spent my first few days visiting Cannes, Monaco and the cities in between such as Villefranche sur Mer and Eze.  I even ended up in Italy! I missed my stop on my way to Monaco and ended up in Ventimiglia.  I made good use of the train system which is the best and affordable way to get around.  I would also consider renting a car because there are many nooks within the towns that are worth seeing. 

Cannes is a very upscale chic town, with designer shops in the forefront and warm, sandy beaches. I rented a lounge chair, towel and umbrella at the private beach club, Plage du Festival, on Promenade de la Croisette for 30 euro. On the French Riviera, there are public and private beaches. The private beaches provide chairs and umbrella's for a fee between 15 and 40 euro. They typically have food service, though in some you are allowed to bring your own snacks. 

Monaco is extremely upscale. It's where the super wealthy play. In the area where the Casino Monte Carlo is located, there are rows of high end cars, Bentleys, Ferraris, etc. Monaco is its own principality which separates itself from France. The town felt very cramped with many high rise buildings which took away from the beauty of the sea and mountains. This was not my favorite area. I did not go inside the casino but I'm told that you need your passport to enter if you would like to visit. 

Eze is a small town between Nice and Monaco. It's breathtakingly beautiful with a expansive sea view and mountains so close you feel you can reach out and touch them.  I now understand the term "killer views" because you feel like you will keel over from the beauty.  I visited the Chateau de la Chevre, which is a hotel with winding stairs where you pass boutique shops and once you reach the top of the stairs, you are rewarded with the most amazing sea and mountain views.  

Villefranche sur Mer is one town over from Nice. Again, incredible views, boutique shops and restaurants but my main reason for visiting was to go to the open air cinema. On certain evenings, once dark, movies are shown at the Citadel, a fort that once you go through the main entrance you experience the most beautiful gardens and when combined with white lights and a sea view, you are in store for a magical evening. 

Ventimiglia, is the first city in Italy along the Coast going North. I am told there is a fabulous fresh market there and people take the train there to shop. Unfortunately, I ended up there in the evening and was lost. The train station did not seem to be in a nice location so I decided to stay put until it was time for the next train back into France. Once back on the train, at the first stop in France, the police jump on the train. I believe they are trying to protect the border. It was a very adventurous night. 

I would like to circle back to my hotel experience at Hotel Suisse.  The location was prime and the staff was extremely friendly and provided excellence service and guidance. They offer breakfast for 18 euro a day, you have an option a buffet on the main area or breakfast delivered to your room. They even offered to get gluten free bread for me to have for the remainder of my stay.  On one hand I don't believe breakfast was worth 18 euro but I found being able to have breakfast on the terrace overlooking the sea priceless.  Hotel Suisse made my stay in Nice very comfortable and special.  I've actually booked the same room already for a return trip next year. 

Overall, Nice was one of my most memorable trips and traveling alone provided me with an opportunity to explore, get lost, find my way back, meet new people and experience new things. I truly felt that I was able to spread my wings which is how you should feel when visiting an area unlike your own. To those who worry about the language barrier, don't, many of the locals where you will be speak English and they are very friendly contrary to what you hear about France. Explore and see for yourself!

Lots and lots of pics are below!

Food

Hotel Suisse

Nice

Villefranche sur Mer

Monaco

Cannes

Eze

Ventimiglia, Italy