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!