Di Papa's Italian Restaurant

Di Papa's is a small family-owned Italian Restaurant and Pizzeria in East Kendall close to Baptist Hospital and Miami Dade Community College, South Campus.

Pasta Dishes

SPAGHETTI
SPAGHETTI CLAMS SAUCE
FETTUCCINI ALFREDO with CHICKEN
FETTUCCINI ALFREDO
TORTELLI ALFREDO
EGGPLANT PARMIGIANA
PASTA SHIRMP

ZITI PRIMAVERA

BAKED ZITI

RAVIOLI

LASAGNA

GNOCHI

Sandwiches

STEAK or SAUSAGE (green peppers, onions, fresh mushrooms, tomato sauce, cheese)
MEATBALL PARMIGIANA
VEAL PARMIGIANA
CHICKEN PARMIGIANA
EGGPLANT PARMIGIANA
GRILLED CHICKEN BREAST
*The menu and photographs were copied from the Di Paps's website.
 
Di Papa's is always a good choice when you'd like to have Italian food.  You can dine in or take-out.  They also have fabulous New York style pizza.
 
I always order the eggplant parmigiana and my husband orders the chicken parmigiana.  I also order the pizza for my children.
 
I have had dinner parties for clients and/or friends and I've ordered take-out from here.  I always receive many great compliments on the meals.
 
Try it for yourself!

Greater Miami Convention and Visitor's Bureau

I recently had the opportunity to roam around the website for the Greater Miami Convention and Visitor's Bureau.  They have a lot of useful and informative information about Miami and vacation planning in the area.  

They offer planning guides, lists of attractions, travel advisors, restaurants, spas and golf course, etc.  They even have apps with local information.

This may be a good resource in addition to this blog, of course, for information about Miami and the beaches.

I hope you find everything you are looking for and hope you have a terrific vacation!

Featured Rental

Enjoy South Florida living at its best! Just minutes from the major highways and 30 minutes from the beach.

Live in Miami in an East Kendall centrally located 5 bedroom/4bath home. This spacious and beautiful home is available for rent seasonally, monthly, or yearly.

Enjoy the beautiful neighborhood park across the street and the pool with water feature in your own backyard.


Features:

- Fully furnished or not (for long-term rentals)
- Recently Updated (the house was completely renovated 3 years ago
- Luxuriously decorated
- Spacious master bedroom with wall to wall closets
-Ensuite bathroom with marble and beautifully appointed accessories
- Privacy for three bedrooms closed off by a door from the main living areas of the house
-Bedroom with access to the front yard with an en-suite bathroom
-Plenty of storage in the many closets throughout the house
-Six sets of french doors throughout leading to a spacious garden oasis
-Updated full kitchen with full-size refrigerator, double oven, built-in microwave & dishwasher with all necessary cookware, dinnerware, flatware and glassware
- Decorated in neutral colors
- Linens for all beds and towels
- Plenty of closet space
- Television sets with cable access

Call for availability and rate information for yearly, seasonal and monthly rentals. Taxes, cleaning fees and security deposits may apply in addition to rental fees.

Move in and enjoy life in paradise!


For more information, contact Suncoast Beach Realty
Realtor Associate, Ana Gonzalez
305-761-5700 or 305-271-9895
lifesthebeachfl@gmail.com
As a realtor in South Florida I have access to all the properties listed for rent or sale on the MLS in addition to my own listings.
To view some of my listings visit:
http://www.rentmiamibeach.net/

or view my blog: www.lifesthebeach.net

Additional properties can be seen at www.oceanfront.8k.com
I would love to help you find a fabulous rental or purchase in South Florida!

Real Estate Services

As a realtor in South Florida and particularly Miami Beach, I specialize in short or long term rentals. 

Some of the real estate services include:
• Matching property owners with tenants
• Finding or providing properties available for corporate housing, vacation rentals, or long term rentals
• Finding or providing quality accommodations at competitive prices
• Professional, friendly staff eager to help with your housing needs
• Easy payment methods


COMPETITIVE RATES

We can often save you more than the cost of our service alone. Why not call us today?

Ana Gonzalez, Realtor, Suncoast Beach Realty

Phone (305)761-5700

Fax (305) 271-9895

lifesthebeachfl@gmail.com


AVAILABLE SERVICES for Property Owners
• Rental services
• Assistance with professionally furnishing units for rentals*
• Management of rentals and property for absentee owners*

*Note: Additional fees charged for these services

LET US HELP YOU MAKE MONEY
• Invest in rental properties and we’ll rent them out for you **
• Take advantage of our vast data- base of prospective tenants
• Mundane tasks associated with the rental property are a thing of the past. You have more free time for your work or pleasure.

*** With the assistance of qualified licensed Florida real estate agents we can help you find vacation or income properties to purchase

EXCEPTIONAL PROPERTIES
We pride ourselves with locating quality properties in South Florida

• Properties are located throughout Miami-Dade County in centrally located and desirable neighborhoods such as Aventura, Brickell, Coconut Grove, Coral Gables, Key Biscayne, Kendall, Miami Beach, and more
• Studios, one, two, three bedroom condominium units, single family homes and town homes available for lease
• Properties are furnished and equipped with all the comforts of home
• Properties are available with amenities, such as swimming pools, spas, beachfront, or beach access, fitness centers, and more

Tenants
GREAT OPPORTUNITY
• Top quality properties available in highly sought-after areas throughout Miami-Dade County
• View photos of the properties on our website or have photos emailed to you
• Special requests may be accommodated*
• Have reliable company do your leg work for you, then just move in when you arrive
• Assistance with locating the ideal home for your vacation or business visit
• Assistance with short or long-term rentals
• Assistance with local visitor information
• Easy payment methods

*Note: Additional fee(s) charged for these services

Monty's Raw Bar in South Beach

If you had a boat, this is the perfect place to go as arriving by boat is much cooler than arriving by car.  This is what my son said the first time we went to Monty's Raw Bar in South Beach.  With other locations in Florida (the most popular one being in Coconut Grove), Monty's is mainly for adults especially during Happy Hour.  The South Beach location even has a swimming pool where guests can cool off before, during, or after their meal.

Decorated in marine life decor, the main bar area extends the whole length of the interior with a portion in an outside deck overlooking the marina.  There is a sidewalk that separates the restaurant from the marina where pedestrian traffic leads to impromptu to meal plans.  Our favorites include Conch Fritters, Fish sandwich, and fish tacos.  You top it off with Pina Coladas (virgin for the kids) for a refreshing end to a beach day.  For the latest menu, click here.

Hidden gems...snack bars of hotels in Miami Beach!

We can start a whole blog exclusively dedicated to the unsung heroes of the culinary world in Miami Beach.  I am talking about snack bars or tiki bars of condos and hotels along Miami Beach.  The Alexander All Suite Oceanfront Resort (5225 Collins Ave) has a great snack bar located next to a second-level pool and overlooking the main pool area. 

If you are on the beach or at the pool, you can order from an extensive menu of meals and drinks to keep you hydrated and fueled for a great beach day.  Although we have never stayed at the Alexander, we have taken advantage of their snack bar in a good way as it is much easier to walk to the snack bar than to get in your car.  Open 11 a.m. to sundown, Top of the Falls as they call the snack bar is an excellent alternative.

For more information about The Alexander, click here.

Van Dyke Cafe in Miami Beach, Florida

In the middle of Lincoln Road, Miami Beach's premiere pedestrian mall full of name-brand shops, small boutiques, and restaurants, Van Dyke Cafe (sister to News Cafe on Ocean Drive) is at 846 Lincoln Road.  Sitting on a corner with plenty of outdoor and indoor tables, it's also home to a live music bar upstairs and offices for the top modeling agencies in the city. 

From your typical breakfast fare to sandwiches to fish dishes, Van Dyke's has what you are craving.  When we go, we always like to eat outside as you feel like you are in the South of France. If you close your eyes and just listen to the conversations around you, you will most likely NOT hear English.  From the Spanish to the French, this cafe sitting in the middle of a beautiful tree lined street transports you to another time and place.  This is why we love Van Dyke.

Many years ago, we had a Mother's Day brunch which is always a treat on Sundays at there is Farmer's market steps away from the cafe.  We were a large group celebrating this special day and we drove almost 45 minutes to be able to share this with the family. Most of them had never been to Van Dyke, but remember Lincoln Road in the late 70s and early 80s when we would spend one week a summer on Ocean Drive.  Lincoln Road has changed and Van Dyke gives it that special touch. 

Fridays and Saturday nights you can enjoy live music upstairs.  For the latest menu and events, please go to www.thevandykecafe.com.

All you can eat Argentinian food at The Knife

With locations all over South Florida, we selected the location in Coconut Grove (3444, Main Highway, Coconut Grove, Florida).  We went with a large group of friends (6 adults and 6 kids) and we had our share of meats, poultry, and all the side dishes you can think of.    This is how it works.  You sit down, order drinks, stand up, and hit the buffet line.  This is not your ordinary buffet line as there is a large parillada or BBQ grill where all of the meats are cooked to your liking and perfection.  You have a whole salad and condiment section with an extensive dessert selection.


The best part of The Knife (also think about it as a less pricey Texas de Brasil) is that you can set up the kids first, leave one of the adults to baby sit, and calmly get what you want and need.  You can help yourself to thirds or fourths and no one will even notice! 

Check out their web site for the latest locations, promotions, and menu. 

For more information, go to www.thekniferestaurant.com.

Greater Miami Convention and Visitor's Bureau

I recently had the opportunity to roam around the website for the Greater Miami Convention and Visitor's Bureau.  They have a lot of useful and informative information about Miami and vacation planning in the area.  

They offer planning guides, lists of attractions, travel advisors, restaurants, spas and golf course, etc.  They even have apps with local information.

This may be a good resource in addition to this blog, of course, for information about Miami and the beaches.

I hope you find everything you are looking for and hope you have a terrific vacation!

South Miami gem: Town Kitchen & Bar

South Miami gem: Town Kitchen & Bar 
Often touted as the best restaurant in South Miami (even on their own restaurant), Town (as the locals call it) lives up to the hype.  I strongly believe it is so popular because it has a South Beach vibe right in the middle of the 'burbs.  A bar on one side and restaurant on the other with outdoor seating, it provides various entertainment options and just steps away from Sunset Place.  It's so close and you don't have to drive very far, pay expense parking, and pay $20 for a drink.  It's a quick escape for the adults to make you feel young and hip again.  It's alright...I'll take that feeling.

Town has Happy Hour and Special Ladies Nights throughout the week and the schedule changes about twice a year.  Executive Chef Michael Altman has prepared an excellent menu of American dishes with a twist.  For example, try their Grilled Caribbean Jerk Churrasco Steak Salad or one of their famous Mussel pots.

From their web site:  "Our kitchen philosophy is centered on creative use of traditional foods, focusing on freshness, attention to detail, use of quality ingredients and uniqueness in our recipes. Our willingness to try new and unique ideas, never lacking enthusiasm with our foods and our interest in entertaining our guests sets us apart.  TOWN is the social and information center in South Miami, an informal gathering place, that one great neighborhood restaurant that's embraced by the community, appeals to all age groups and that would be considered a legitimate breakfast, lunch, dinner, or beverage option any day or night of the week."

Leave the kids at home during the week and sneak away with your significant other or group of friends.  Who says there's no place to go on a Wednesday night?  Check it out.

Real Estate Services

As a realtor in South Florida and particularly Miami Beach, I specialize in short or long term rentals.

Some of the real estate services include:

• Matching property owners with tenants

• Finding or providing properties available for corporate housing, vacation rentals, or long term rentals

• Finding or providing quality accommodations at competitive prices

• Professional, friendly staff eager to help with your housing needs

• Easy payment methods





COMPETITIVE RATES



We can often save you more than the cost of our service alone. Why not call us today?



Ana Gonzalez, Realtor, Suncoast Beach Realty



Phone (305)761-5700



Fax (305) 271-9895



lifesthebeachfl@gmail.com





AVAILABLE SERVICES for Property Owners

• Rental services

• Assistance with professionally furnishing units for rentals*

• Management of rentals and property for absentee owners*



*Note: Additional fees charged for these services



LET US HELP YOU MAKE MONEY

• Invest in rental properties and we’ll rent them out for you **

• Take advantage of our vast data- base of prospective tenants

• Mundane tasks associated with the rental property are a thing of the past. You have more free time for your work or pleasure.



*** With the assistance of qualified licensed Florida real estate agents we can help you find vacation or income properties to purchase



EXCEPTIONAL PROPERTIES

We pride ourselves with locating quality properties in South Florida



Properties are located throughout Miami-Dade County in centrally located and desirable neighborhoods such as Aventura, Brickell, Coconut Grove, Coral Gables, Key Biscayne, Kendall, Miami Beach, and more

Studios, one, two, three bedroom condominium units, single family homes and town homes available for lease

Properties are furnished and equipped with all the comforts of home

Properties are available with amenities, such as swimming pools, spas, beachfront, or beach access, fitness centers, and more



Tenants

GREAT OPPORTUNITY

• Top quality properties available in highly sought-after areas throughout Miami-Dade County

• View photos of the properties on our website or have photos emailed to you

• Special requests may be accommodated*

• Have reliable company do your leg work for you, then just move in when you arrive

• Assistance with locating the ideal home for your vacation or business visit

• Assistance with short or long-term rentals

• Assistance with local visitor information

• Easy payment methods



*Note: Additional fee(s) charged for these services

Buenos Aires in Miami...I'll take it!

Buenos Aires in Miami...I'll take it!


Next to infamous Bird Bowl (the bowling alley of our youth) is Graziano's Restaurant on Bird Road and 92nd Avenue.  From celebratory occassions (my brother's wedding dinner) to informal gathering of friends (and kids), this is the place to enjoy an excellent slab of Argentine steak and Malbec wine.  You couldn't ask for anything else.

Start of the night with empanadas filled with ground beef, tons of bread dipped in olive oil, and then a typical Bife o Chorizo with chimichurri sauce.  There is alot to take in and the inside looks nothing like you would expect from the outside.  In a strip mall with a bowling alley, this restaurant stands out as one of the must-places to try.  They even opened a location in more affluent Coral Gables, but we still come back to this location.

As another option if you are up to grilling at home, Graziano's has a real butcher shop where you can buy everything off the rack and do it at home...poolside.  Both options are great depending on the situation and we encourage you to eat here.  The kids like it and there is enough for them to select in the Kid's menu to keep them happy.

Check out their web sites as they host wine tasting events several times a year!  Enjoy!


(pictures courtesy of their web site)

Versailles = laughs + friends + cafecito x tradition / midnight stops

As you can tell, we love going to all of the Cuban restaurant options in town.  Versailles, in the heart of Little Havana, is special for many reasons.  This is the place that is always open (24/7) and when there is anything to protest about Fidel Castro and Cuba the public gathers.  It is a symbol of the Cuban exile community in Miami and will always hold a special place in my heart.

During high school and college on the way home from the South Beach clubs, you made a pit stop here for their media noche, plantain chips, and cafecito.  We even do it often as adults with other friends that grew up with the same tradition. I also like to bring out-of-towners here to kill two birds with one stone:  great Cuban restaurant and experience a little bit of Little Havana.  If you are lucky, you will run into a celebrity as they are always around enjoying the food.  As for food, I found this great link to a fellow blogger's web site that describes the Versailles experience as well.  I recommend the 3 Guys From Miami blog post who have the sole purpose of preserving Cuban culture.



Make an effort to bring your family and enjoy the sites and sounds of all things Cuban.  Drenched in tradition and a symbol of a community yearning to feel connected to the island-nation again, Versailles never disappoints and is always there waiting for you to grab a table. 

Please visit and tell me how it is.

El Tropico in the heart of Doral

El Tropico in the heart of Doral

On the outskirts of Miami, between the Everglades and Miami International Airport (MIA), there is Cuban restaurant...one of the best in this city full of them. In a non-descript strip shopping mall, you have to give it a try.  Friendly staff, service, and the best home-cooked meal around. 

We started off with our favorite appetizer of fried plantain chips dipped in mojo  (garlic infused with oil as a dipping sauce).  We had our usual vaca frita which is shredded beef with loads of fried onions, white rice, black beans, and fried plantains.  We usually split one to make room for dessert.  The kids had the usual chicken nuggets with fries and bistec milanesa (a very thing steak). 

Give it a try!

Some links to specific pages:

Menus:  http://www.eltropico-restaurant.com/#!menus

Gallery of Pictures:  http://www.eltropico-restaurant.com/#!gallery

Greater Miami Convention and Visitor's Bureau

I recently had the opportunity to roam around the website for the Greater Miami Convention and Visitor's Bureau.  They have a lot of useful and informative information about Miami and vacation planning in the area.  

They offer planning guides, lists of attractions, travel advisors, restaurants, spas and golf course, etc.  They even have apps with local information.

This may be a good resource in addition to this blog, of course, for information about Miami and the beaches.

I hope you find everything you are looking for and hope you have a terrific vacation!

Come back and post your comments.  Let us know what you like to do while 

in South Florida on vacation.

Beverly Hills Cafe

We love Beverly Hills Cafe.  We love their rolls.  They bring them out warm and fluffy and your mouth waters as you sink your teeth into them...

They have an extensive menu with many different choices.  They have a large variety of salads with homemade dressings, sandwiches, hot entrees, desserts, etc.

They have several locations in South Florida, and even if you don't have a location super close, its worth the drive to go and try the rolls at least once!

Contact us for all your Real Estate Needs

This blog was born to answer questions and provide a service to many of the visitors to South Florida that I meet or work with.  The recommendations in this blog are personal opinions.  I have not been paid, nor does any company pay me for my posts. 

Eventually my goal is to earn an income from companies advertising on this blog, but that hasn't happened yet.  While I wait for the big bucks to start rolling in, I simply do this as an added service to help my clients have the best experience possible while visiting South Florida.  Also hoping that the number of visitors that follow my blog will be large enough to warrant advertising on my site by local or national companies.

Here's to you!!!


We offer a variety of Real Estate services:

• Purchases or Sales
• Rentals
• Specializing in short or long-term rentals:
• We match property owners with tenants
• Properties available for corporate housing, vacation rentals, or long term rentals
• Quality accommodations at competitive prices
• Professional, friendly staff is eager to help with your housing needs

Exceptional properties

• We pride ourselves with locating quality properties in South Florida
• Properties are located throughout Miami-Dade County in centrally located and desirable neighborhoods such as Aventura, Brickell, Coconut Grove, Coral Gables, Key Biscayne, Kendall, Miami Beach, and more
• Studios, one, two, three bedroom condominium units, single family homes and town homes available for purchase or lease
• Properties are furnished and equipped with all the comforts of home
• Properties are available with amenities, such as swimming pools, spas, beachfront, or beach access, fitness centers, and more

Available Services for Owners and Landlords

• Real Estate services for locating and purchasing properties
• Rental Services
• Assistance with professionally furnishing units for rentals*
• Management of rentals and property for absentee owners

**Note: Additional fees charged for these services

Let us help you make money

• Invest in rental properties and we’ll rent them out for you **
• Take advantage of our vast data-base of prospective tenants
• Mundane tasks associated with the rental property are a thing of the past. You have more free time for your work or pleasure.

*** With the assistance of qualified licensed Florida real estate agents we can help you find vacation or income properties to purchase

Great Opportunity for Tenants or Guests looking for Rental Properties

• Top quality properties available in highly sought-after areas throughout Miami-Dade County
• View photos of the properties on our website or have photos emailed to you
• Special requests may be accommodated*
• Have reliable company do your leg work for you, then just move in when you arrive
• Assistance with locating the ideal home for your vacation or business visit
• Assistance with short or long-term rentals
• Assistance with local visitor information (visit our blog: www.lifesthebeach.net for recommended restaurants and places to visit in South Florida
• Easy payment methods

*Note: Additional fee(s) charged for these services

Exceptional properties

• We pride ourselves with locating quality properties in South Florida
• Properties are located throughout Miami-Dade County in centrally located and desirable neighborhoods such as Aventura, Brickell, Coconut Grove, Coral Gables, Key Biscayne, Kendall, Miami Beach, and more
• Studios, one, two, three bedroom condominium units, single family homes and town homes available for purchase or lease
• Properties are furnished and equipped with all the comforts of home
• Properties are available with amenities, such as swimming pools, spas, beachfront, or beach access, fitness centers, and more