Best Smoothies in Miami @ Norman Brothers Produce

Best Smoothies in Miami @ Norman Brothers Produce 

For all you Gourmet-loving-health-foodies out there, Norman Brothers Produce (located at 7621 S.W. 87th Ave.) in Miami, Florida right off of the 874 highway has a secret:  smoothies!

A friend of ours shared with us this secret and we go at least once a month to savor the 100 or so combinations of real-fruit smoothies.  The majority of the time we opt for a Chocolate smoothie (without any fruit), but that's OK as it's worth every calorie. 

Up against a residential neighborhood and office buildings, Norman Brothers has been an alternative option to the main supermarkets in town like Winn Dixie, Publix, and Sedanos.  Always stocked with the freshest produce and promoting local farmers, you feel like a real chef as soon as you walk through the door.  It's not too small and not too big and although under air conditioning, it feels like your in an outdoor market in the middle of Europe.  Alright, you need to close your eyes to feel that, but you know what I mean.

Check out their web site for the latest daily menus and news about new products and services!  Also, don't forget about the smoothies. They are worth the trip alone!



(photos courtesy of their web site)

Straight from New York City to Aventura, Florida...Katz Deli!

You know when you first step into a New York deli like the one that you see in the movies (like in When Harry Met Sally), you first notice the hustle and bustle and the smell of pastrami coming from the kitchen. This is what you get at Katz Deli.  We had breakfast for lunch here, which is always a favorite. From your choice of omelette to Eggs Benedict to pancakes, you have your selection of options: both healthy and unhealthy. 

My brother-in-law and his wife live nearby and always make it a point to visit Katz at least twice a month.  The friendly staff and service combined with reasonable prices makes Katz a must-do when in the area.  Located in Aventura in the North Miami Beach area, it's close enough to Aventura Mall so you can visit after a day or morning of shopping.

Try it out and tell us what you think.

Back to basics...Pizza Hut!

Our family likes tradition and ever since we were kids, my family and I used to eat the Pizza Hut on SW 8th STREET and 107th Ave.  It was a treat to go and many times we went after sporting events.  It's a good old fashion sit-down Pizza Hut not just for carry out.  The best thing about these locations is the buffet deal.  For up to $10 per person (when there is a promotion), you can eat all you want of salad, pizza, and dessert.  You have to buy the drinks separately, but it's worth it.

Many times when the kids get out early from school and I have a car full of kids, we go to Pizza Hut to ensure everyone gets a full meal. The kids love to wait for the fresh pizza (from thin crust to regular pan pizza) and like to try all of the different salad dressings.  My kids can't figure out why Honey Mustard is not a dressing of choice for Pizza Hut, but they have grown to like Thousand Island. 

For a restautant near year you, please check out the locator on their web site.  Pizza Hut also posts coupons and promotions as well as lets you order pizza online.

Cold Stone

Billed as the ultimate Ice Cream Experience, I wouldn't go that far, but the kids seem to think so.  This is the place where you go if you do not want to deal with mixing your toppings yourself and have some of them spill over the sides of your cup.  This is the place that "slabs" ice cream on the counter slab, throws in all of your preferred toppings, and mashes them together over and over.  It's all made to order and think dessert, Subway-style. 

My earlier comment about not going that far is related to my need to keep things simple.  I like my Blue Bell or Carvel in a cup or waffle cone and that's it. I want to get my ice cream fast.  On a busy night, you can wait up to 20 minutes to get your Cold Stone ice cream.

Check out their web site for the latest locations and coupons. 

The Spark of All Cuban Restaurants...Chispa!

Chispa (means spark in English) is an excellent Cuban restaurant in the heart of Coral Gables in the luxurious open-air mall called Merrick Park (4100 Ponce De Leon Blvd).  Chispa also refers to anyone that has that something something setting them apart from the rest of the crowd.  This is what the owners of Chispa make you feel as soon as you walk through the large double doors.

Inside you will find an elegantly decorated restaurant in dark wood tones and sleek cushioned booths and long benches.  There is even a table in a glass enclosed room with panoramic views of the kitchen.  The open bar in the front leads up to two private party areas.  The tall open ceilings give it a "cathedral" feel where the conversations carry and the music is heard in the background.  This is not a great place for kids unless you do lunch where there is less of a crowd.

They plan on opening a location in Doral right off of the Florida Turnpike.  Enjoy!

Shorty's picnic table and burgers...favorites!

Shorty's picnic table and burgers...favorites!

With five location throughout South Florida in Miami-Dade and Broward counties, Shorty's is a family favorite for burgers, ribs, buttery/juicy corn on the cob, and french fries.  We usually go to the location on Bird Road (11575 SW 40th St.) as they have burgers on the menu!
The floors are concrete and the TV's blaring, but the wait staff is always friendly.  This is a perfect place to go with a large group of friends and family.  For all of the greasy hands, there are large paper towel rolls on the table.  They have an extensive BBQ menu with loads of options.  Check out the menu.

If you can't go to them, they have a great catering menu and their web site always has loads of coupons.  Enjoy great BBQ with the family without the backyard mess.

Outback...the family's favorite family favorite!

It doesn't matter that it looks like any other American chain restaurant.  It doesn't matter that we've eaten here a million times.  What matters is we know exactly what we will get and how satisfied with the results.
From the warm brown bread baby loaf with scoop of creamy butter to the Bloomin' Onion® to the salad to the Sirloin steack topped off with grilled shrimp, my family craves these things and more.   Check out the menu.



About once a month, we just have to stop a Outback and just writing this makes me want to go right now.  Even when we travel (San Francisco and Key West for example) we find ourselves drawn to the Aussie-themed restaurant.  With a creative mix of Aussie souvenirs and pictures and thick wood tables (like a friend used to say), it feels good to eat here.  You are always satisfied with the product and the experience with the family.

Do you have a favorite family favorite?  If so, which one and why?

Let It Rain in the Rainforest Cafe

Located in THE Outlet Mall of South Florida called Sawgrass Mills (12801 Sunrise Blvd) in Sunrise Boulevard, the Rainforest Cafe does not disappoint.  One of many themed restaurants in the area, this one centers around animals and nature.  You sit amongst the forest, large fish tanks, and mechanical animals enjoying a typical American meal.  From sandwiches to burgers to pasta dishes, you have options for adults and especially the kids. 

On this day, we took the grandparents and great grandmother after some shopping at the mall.  The kids always like to take them to different places as they don't like to venture to far off the normal path.  This has enough for everyone to keep things entertaining and the kids have fun trying to find all of the animals. 

For the latest locations and promotions, check out their web site.

Houston's from Atlanta to Miami

Houston's from Atlanta to Miami

The first time we ate at a Houston's Restaurant was in Buckhead (the affluent suburb of Atlanta) and the second time was in Coral Gables (the affluent suburb of Miami).  It may be a little pricey for a chained American restaurant, but the atmosphere, service, and food is always top-notch. 

On this day we had the spinach appetizer along with their juicy burgers.  Simple meal, great conversation and family time, and we washed it down with tea.  Now, let me tell you that we overheard someone at the table next to us order tea, BUT with orange slices and fresh brown sugar.  We got encouraged to do the same and it was probably the best tea we have ever had.  Swapping out the traditional lemon and white sugar makes a huge difference. We have tried doing this in other restaurants, but no luck.  They never have orange slices and only brown sugar packets!

Villa Pizza in Miami!

Villa Pizza in Miami!

With various locations all over South Florida, Villa Pizza is a favorite for the kids.  Their pizzas are just right: not too thick and not too thin.  Having a pizza with a salad and soft drink is the best way to do it.    Not just pizza, but an array of favorite Italian dishes, you can choose from the traditional lasagna to Stromboli and meatballs.



Look at the link above to search for locations nearest you.  Franchise opportunities are also available!

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