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.