Metro Zoo

One of the most expansive zoos in North America, the Miami Metro Zoo owns 740 acres of which 327 are developed.    The zoo has more than 2000 animals from 500 species, over 40 endangered species, 70 species of birds and 1,200 plants.  The zoo is home to many fascinating animals as well as the more commonly known: tiger, African lion, spotted hyenna, clouded leopard, Himalayan black bear, sloth, meerkat, camel, kudu, gazelle, antelope, zebra, elephant, giraffe, hippopotamus, rhinoceros, tapir, warthog, gorilla, chimpanzee, orangutan, monkey, koala, tree kangaroo, porcupine, ostrich, condor, vulture, stork, flamingo, komodo dragon, python and tortoises.

One of the new exhibits at Metro Zoo is the Amazon and Beyond.  It is divided into three areas that surround the Village Plaza: Gateway to Tropical America.  The three areas are: the Cloud Forest, the Amazon river and Flooded Forests and the Atlantic Forest and Pantanal.   You'll find animals such as a giant anteater, crocodiles, eagles, otters, howler monkeys, hummingbirds, snakes jaguars and more representing these different regions in  Central and South America.

Another popular attraction at the zoo is the Children's Zoo.  Here kids of all ages can visit the Toadstool exhibit which is an air-conditioned area with the zoo's small reptiles, amphibian and invertebrates.  They can also visit the Meerkat Exhibit and the butterfly garden with many colorful butterflies and insects.

For your convenience, there are several ways to move through the zoo.   Riding the monorail provides an opportunity to get an aerial view of the zoo while riding in a comfortable air conditioned vehicle.  The monorail stops at four different locations throughout the zoo.  The safari cycle is a great way to see the zoo at your leisure while exercising.  You can stop and walk to exhibits along the way.  Two sizes of cycles are available.  The small cycle comfortable seats 5 people and the large cycle seats 8.
Asia and Africa Tram Tours are also available.  These provide a comfortable ride and a narrated tour.  As always, walking is another good option, however, given the size of the zoo and the Miami heat, this might not be the best choice especially in summer months.

Ttitanic Brewery

Titanic is a microbrewery, a seafood restaurant, and a showcase for live entertainment. It was initially intended to be a seafood restaurant. Due to the marine aspect of the seafood served and the brewery equipment, the restaurant's decor is similar to that of a steam engine room of a huge ocean liner decorated

with woods and dark colors.

The founders were aware that most pubs are not known for their food, they concentrated on making the restaurant a high priority. They offer a diverse menu which ranges from simple pub food to gourmet cuisine.

At least 6 Titanic brews are always on tap. Titanic Brewery is a popular place in Miami just outside of the University of Miami campus it is a relaxing hang out for university students and Miami residents and visitors.

Red Koi

Red Koi offers the perfect upbeat lively ambiance of a chic, trendsetting restaurant and lounge.  Located in the heart of Coral Gables on Miracle Mile it is centrally located and easily accessible.  You can choose to dine in the dining room or outside under the stars.  The sophisticated decor is considered Japanese minamalist.  Both the restaurant and lounge have beautiful lighting with many candles throughout.  The lounge is laidback and comfortable with great music and a full bar (full menu is available also).

They feature Thai cuisine with exotic sushi creations.  The service is amazing, and the restaurant fabulous.
We have sampled several appetizers and platters from the Party Menu while attending a party in the lounge upstairs.  In addition, we have dined there and I've ordered several different sushi rolls, that have been delicious.  I always tend to order the tuna rolls, which are fabulous there.  My husband has ordered the signature Japanese dishes and also Thai dishes.

We've always enjoyed everything we've ordered. 

Drop in and enjoy!

El Rey de las Fritas

It's no secret, I am a frita lover.  I get cravings and I just have to have them.    A frita is a Cuban hamburger.  They don't really taste like hamburger, they are better!   They are made with ground beef and chorizo and usually have tiny onions and fried string potatoes, most restaurants add their own special sauce...They are delicious and so bad for you!~  They are one of the least healthiest things you can eat, but its okay once in a while. 

El Rey de las Fritas has a decent menu with popular Cuban dishes, but I'll be honest I've never tasted anything else on the menu.  I usually order a frita and a cortadito (espresso with a shot of milk) for dessert.   My children and husband do splurge and usually order a shake for each or they share 2 shakes.  The shakes are large, so I don't like when they each have a shake.

Drop in and taste the world famous fritas at El Rey de las Fritas.


*Photos borrowed from El Rey de las Fritas website

The Original Pancake House

This is my husband's favorite breakfast place.  He loves to eat at Original Pancake House.  My favorite item on the menu is Eggs Benedict.  I usually order that or a veggie omelette.  My husband is a little more complicated.  Breakfast is his favorite meal of the day.  He usually orders the Eggs Benedict.  He used to get them with a side of potato pancakes, but now that is not an optional side dish.  He has to order the potato pancakes as a second meal.  Then of course he must finish the meal with the blueberry pancakes.
From reading this you would think he weighs at least 300 lbs.  He doesn't even reach 200lbs and he's 5'11".  He's so lucky!!!

There are many delicious meals to choose from.  So stop by and indulge!

They have locations in many of the states so they are easy to find.  In South Florida, the closest locations are: Aventura, Ft. Lauderdale , Doral or Kendall.

Deering Estate during Miami Winter

Deering Estate during Miami Winter


The family has grown to love visiting Deering Estate. Located in Southwest Miami-Dade at 17350 Old Cutler Road, it's basically a renovated older home right on Biscayne bay. Home to Charles Deering in the early 1900s, it's a place used for concerts, private events, eco-tours, field trips, concerts under the stars, and much more.

The most incredible thing about Deering Estate is it's natural surroundings perfect for family picnics and celebration. You can even go kayaking. We've gone to Deering to take family pictures, Valentine's Day evening concerts, and for a friend's wedding.

Five Guys

We have Five Guys in Miami!!!  Five Guys opened recently and wow is it good!  Our friend from Arlington, VA had told us about the restaurant and recommended we try it. 

The hamburgers are fresh and delicious, grilled before your eyes.  In addition you can add several toppings such as lettuce, tomatoes, cheese,  grilled onion, grilled mushrooms, onions and ketchup, etc.

We also like the grilled cheese sandwiches.  The fries are the best item on the menu.  They are fresh, large and delicious.  One order of fries fills up half of a take-out bag.  They serve the fries in the to-go container and then drop in a few extra.

My husband says the only thing they're missing is milkshakes. 

Try them out!

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.

PF Chang's

One of my favorite restaurants, it seems only natural to write about PF Chang's.  They have several location in South Florida.  There's one in Mary Brickell Village, Aventura Mall and The Falls Shopping Center.

I love most of the dishes they offer with their extensive selection of meals considered high-end Chinese cuisine.  They have many deals for budget dining and offer a Warrior card for frequent diners.  Their menu offers a wide variety of meals ranging from lettuce wraps, wontons, dumplings and egg rolls, soups, salads, rice, noodles and entrees with pork, lamb, chicken/duck, beef, seafood to vegetarian dishes, gluten-free meals and fabulous desserts.

I like to try different dishes whenever I visit however, my husband loves his all-time favorite which is not even on the menu.  He always orders the Mongolian Trio which consists of Mongolian Beef, Chicken and Shrimp.  He accompanies that with the vegetable fried rice.  This is always a delightful choice.

They are able to accommodate small or large groups.  In addition they offer take-out in small quantities or  large-party takeout served in large pans for large events.  I ordered from PF Chang's for a large party that was a complete success.  Everyone raved about the food!

You can't go wrong with this dining experience.  Visit any of the locations and you'll enjoy a wonderful meal.  PF Chang's gift cards are available and make very thoughtful gifts.

Town Kitchen and Bar

Ever-popular trendy hangout in South Miami is a gathering place which is appealing to guests of all ages.  It  is an elegant, yet informal restaurant  with a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere.  In addition to being a great place to socialize, Town offers traditional foods with a signature twist.

They host a variety of Happy Hours and a weekly Ladies Night.   It's a great place to dine, drink and have a great time!

Ankarr Restaurant

*Picture borrowed from Restaurant Place

Ankarr is located in a large stand-alone building, but the actual area for patrons is very small.  Although they serve delicious breakfast dishes, their best sellers must be the tortillas,  pastries and delicious cakes.

They also offer a great variety of items for take-out and catering.  All the pastry items can also be packaged and taken away for events.  They serve mostly Spanish dishes.

This is a great place for a meal but fabulous for a party.  Order your items for your next event and be sure it will be a big hit!



Location:  9710 SW 88th Street~ Miami, FL
Phone: (305)279-0810

Hours of Operation:

Monday, 7:30 AM To 6:00 PM
Tuesday, 7:30 AM To 6:00 PM
Wednesday, 7:30 AM To 6:00 PM
Thursday, 7:30 AM To 6:00 PM
Friday, 7:30 AM To 6:00 PM
Saturday, 7:30 AM To 6:00 PM
Sunday, 7:30 AM To 5:30 PM

New York, New York Deli

If you're in Miami and are in need of a taste of New York, drop by New York, New York Deli on Kendall Drive and 107th Avenue (close to Baptist Hospital).  They offer many deli favorites like soups, salads, shakes, many, many sandwich options and some meals.

I really like their Reuben sandwich but they also have a delicious eggplant parmigiana  sandwich so I always struggle deciding what to order.  

This is a very popular place and the food is always fresh and tasty.

The Big Cheese

A popular hangout for college students and families, the Big Cheese is a great Italian restaurant in the South Miami area.  This is a very, very busy restaurant and there's usually a small, manageable wait to be seated, but definitely worth waiting for.

They have delicious garlic bread. Their salads are very good and the pizza is fabulous.  They also have delicious entrees and take out is always an option.

Try them out, and you won't be disappointed!!!

Casa Larios

The ever-popular Casa Larios has two locations.  One is in South Miami and the other is near Mall of the Americas on West Flagler Street.  Rumor has it that Gloria and Emilio Estefan used to dine at the original Casa Larios off of Flagler (they've moved from their original locale).  They loved their food so much they went into business with them and opened Larios on the Beach close to 20 years ago.  I can't personally confirm that story but it was a very strong rumor, so I tend to believe it's true.

Casa Larios is an upscale Cuban restaurant.  The South Miami location has a full bar, extensive wine list and live entertainment on weekends.  They are very accommodating and don't take offense to requests for substitutions, etc.  They offer a large selection of appetizers, soups, salads, meat, steak, chicken or seafood entrees, sandwiches, and desserts.  Additionally they are open for breakfast and can accommodate large groups.

One of my favorite appetizers is the Tostones Rellenos ( fried plantain stuffed with shrimp enchilado).  Mouthwatering!!!!

Bongos for Bongos Cuban Cafe!

Bongos for Bongos Cuban Cafe!


With locations in Downtown Disney Orlando, South Miami Beach, and Downtown Miami right next to the American Airlines Arena (AAA), Bongos Cuban Cafe is a favorite family spot. Owned by Gloria and Emilio Estefan, Bongos offers affordable traditional Cuban dishes in a salsa and fun environment. We went to the Miami location and as soon as you approach it from the outside, you can see a large lighted Pineapple sitting on top and along the Miami skyline.  This is a signnature design element for all of their locations.

As soon as you walk in, you can't help but hear the music and see actual bongos line the bar calling out to all patrons to bang on them. There is no one that doesn't walk by without banging on the bongos including the kids. The restaurant is two levels with a very large dance floor. We sat down and ate our favorites: bistec empanizado, vaca frita, chicken nuggets, white rice, black beans, and plantains. For dessert, we have flan, tres leches, and Cuban espresso.  

    

On Friday and Saturday nights at around 10 p.m., they clear the tables from the dance floor, pump up the music, and it becomes a salsa nightclub. With the kids, it's hard to stick around, but on other occassions we have been able to enjoy a meal and then some dancing. There is also a large outdoor terrace overlooking the water and the Port of Miami where the cruise ships line up each weekend.

If you want to have an affordable meal in a typical Miami setting, Bongos Cuban Cafe is just for you.

1909 Cafe

Don't be misled by the unpretentious facade nor the location of this small cafe.  It is located in a little strip mall just west of Coral Gables on Bird Road (40th Street).  The cafe is unimposing in appearance but artful in its offerings.  They present an interesting combination of ingredients that make spectacular meals.    Their menu consists of sandwiches, salads, soups, breads and other baked items, desserts and breakfast foods.  Vegetarian options are also available.

Stop in and enjoy!

Deli Lane




* Borrowed from Deli Lane website

  Deli Lane in South Miami is a quaint neighborhood eatery.  Locals and visitors love it!

Al fresco dining is available steps away from the cobblestone streets of South Miami.  Patrons can enjoy a relaxed and pleasant experience.  They have a wonderful breakfast menu with healthy alternatives.  They also have a large selection of healthy meals for lunch and dinner.  We usually go there for breakfast or lunch and have never been disappointed.  

They have an attentive staff and their menu has many, many, many options.  Rest-assured you can choose any item on the menu and be sure you will have a delicious, fresh meal.

Go by and then post your comments on this blog...

Jerry's Famous Deli

Jerry's has a total of 10 restaurants in California and Florida.  We have a Jerry's right in South Beach.  It is a busy restaurant open for dining 24 hours per day.  They offer take-out and catering services.

They have over 600 items on their menu.  Everything is made fresh.  Jerry's is famous for their matzoh ball soup, pastrami sandwiches and huge salads.

We went for breakfast and I had my favorite breakfast meal,  eggs benedict.  My husband ordered the same along with potato pancakes.  My children ordered eggs and pancakes.  I was attending a social function afterwards, so I purchased a cake  from an assortment of items in the bakery to take to our hostess.

Although the restaurant was full and busy on a Sunday morning, there was no wait and we were seated quickly.

Stop in at Jerry's and then leave your comments here...

Carrabbas

I've been a fan of Carrabbas for years.  South Miami now has a new Carrabbas.  It is a wonderful laid-back  Italian grill.  They have an endless list of appetizing selections to choose from.
They serve appetizers, soups and salads, combination meals, brick-oven pizza, stuffed pastas, signature pastas and desserts.

Check out their website for a glimpse of their many delicious meals.  This location is in the popular neighborhood of South Miami.

Another location I enjoy visiting is the Miami Beach ocean-front Carrabbas.  They have a bar outside the hotel where the Carrabas is located.  They have an agreement with the bar so patrons are able to order take-out and dine by the ocean under the stars.

I highly recommend this experience!!!

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.

La Carreta

Ever popular, La Carreta, is another must-visit restaurant in Miami.  It's almost a landmark.

Known for its Cuban cuisine, La Carreta serves a large variety of popular Cuban dishes. 

There are several locations in Miami and Broward counties.

They offer various authentic Cuban meals such as:
Sandwiches, tamales, croquetas, picadillo, vaca frita, bistec de palomilla, bistec empanizado, enchilado de camarones,  and much, much more.

They have a great breakfast menu, and breakfast meals are always served with "tostada cubana" and you can't go wrong if you add a "cafe con leche" to drink with your meal. 

Check out their website for menus and locations near you.

Try is and you'll like it!

Spris

Located in picturesque Lincoln Road in Miami Beach, Spris is a casual dining spot.    They serve northern Italian cuisine and it is prepared to perfection.  You can dine al fresco while people-watching in this open air mall.

They have authentic Italian selections such as:  grilled eggplant parmigiana, salmon, gazpacho, prosciutto and melon or mozzarella, ceviche, seafood salad, wood-baked pizza with an array of toppings to choose from, salads, Italian sandwiches, traditional pizzas, white pizzas, whole wheat pizzas, calzone and dessert.

Stop in and indulge!

Red Lobster

My children, especially my son, love to eat the popcorn shrimp at Red Lobster.  We take the children every so often to have their shrimp.

I normally order one of the seafood feasts that include shrimp and lobster.
They never disappoint.



The only problem is they do serve large portions and I always overeat and feel very full when I leave.



Check them out, you won't be disappointed.  They have many locations throughout South Florida and the United States, their prices are very reasonable and they are family-friendly.

**Images from: http://www.redlobster.com/

Bice Grand Cafe

Located in the Falls shopping center, Bice is an interesting option for dining in the South Dade area.
We dined with friends and children and although it was a Saturday night they were accommodating and pleasant.

The meal was delicious and the ambiance was casual yet elegant.

I recommend Bice highly.

Perricone's Marketplace and Cafe

If you are visiting Miami or even if you live here, Sunday brunch at Perricone's is a must-do!

Perricone's is located close to Mary Brickell Village in a beautiful setting.  The entrance leads to the market, as you walk through you are immediately captivated by the charming decor and ambiance of the indoor restaurant and outdoor terrace.

They serve Italian cuisine and their brunch is magnificent.  They offer varied selections of appetizers, classic sandwiches, appetizer salads, entree salads, pasta, grilled entrees, and desserts.

Have your next event at Perricone's or have them cater the event for you.  Regardless, you can't go wrong. Stop in and enjoy this fabulous Miami highlight!!!

New World Symphony

The New World Symphony, established in 1987,  prepares highly-gifted graduates of distinguished music programs for leadership roles in orchestras and ensembles around the world.

The New World Symphony is dedicated to the artistic, personal and professional development of outstanding instrumentalists. The NWS fellowship program provides top graduates of music programs the opportunity to enhance their musical education with the finest professional training. A laboratory for musical education and expression, the New World Symphony, through a wide range of performance and instructional activities, seeks to develop in participants the full complement of skills and qualifications required of twenty-first century first class musicians.
The intensive, three-year fellowship program offers a wide range of performance and educational opportunities. At its home base in Miami Beach, the New World Symphony presents a full season of concerts from October to May. Performances include full-orchestra concerts, a chamber music series, a new music series, small ensemble concerts, a family series, mini-concerts, club concerts, and special festivals and recitals. The program offers opportunities for fellows to design and present their own concerts, which often feature seldom-heard works for unusual instrumentation. NWS Fellows are also encouraged to develop their entrepreneurial and community outreach skills. One outcome of this initiative was the creation of a "Music Mentor" program that pairs NWS Fellows with high school music students for private music lessons, culminating in an annual "Side-by-Side" spring concert showcasing the combined talents of the young students and their NWS mentors

The New World Symphony has launched the careers of more than 630 young musicians now making a difference in the profession worldwide.

We attended a performance by the New World Symphony and were very impressed by the caliber of the performance.  Located in South Beach, they are easy to reach.  It is best to park in the parking garages near the auditorium rather than trying to search for an available meter.

Visit their website for a complete list of upcoming performances.

Samurai Restaurant

Samurai, a Benihana restaurant, offers Japanese cuisine in a comfortable setting.  Whether you choose to dine at the Sushi bar or at a Teppanyaki table, you are sure to have a memorable culinary experience.

The guests that choose to dine at the Teppanyaki table are in for a treat.  The guests gather around the table that surrounds the grill where the chef entertains while preparing the meal.

The meal usually begins with Japanese onion soup and is followed by a salad with ginger dressing.  Then the chef prepares the entree of your choice, along with vegetables and fried rice.  I can never leave there without feeling "stuffed"!!!  everything is so delicious and the portions are so plentiful that it's hard to stop eating until you've had too much...and then...you can't walk because you are so full.

My new favorite is the tuna entree.  Check it out!

My suggestion is to take half of your meal home to enjoy again the next day.

Don Burrito

Fabulous, fabulous Mexican food!!!

Don Burrito is a welcomed surprise!  Located in a strip mall in Kendall, you'd never know it was there.  It was recommened to me by friends and it is fantastic.  They serve authentic Mexican food and it is always great! 

I've ordered several dishes there.  My children order and enjoy the quesadillas and my husband and  I normally order the burritos or fajitas. 

The service is a little slow and the decor is simple and sparse, however the food is great.

Stop in, you won't be disappointed.

Shorty's Bar-B-Q

Shorty's  is a South Florida favorite.  They specialize in Barbecue meals. 

The restaurants have a rustic decor, with wood tables and bench seating. 

Shorty's is far from glamorous but they definitely know their stuff.

They serve ribs and chicken with homemade sauces accompanies by side items such as coleslaw, fries, baked sweet potato and their famous corn on the cob.

The menu varies by location and they have several locations in South Florida so check the website for specific items.

This is one great barbecue restaurant!!!

The Beverly Hills Cafe

Famous for their fabulous rolls, everything else on the menu is pretty tasty also.  The rolls are baked fresh and served warm and soft.  The butter just melts on the roll as you are spreading it on. 
Definitely taste the rolls when you go!

They have a vast menu with a huge variety of items to choose from.  They serve sandwiches, meal platters, enormous salads, combo plates and much more.

I normally have a salad or a salad and 1/2 sandwich combo.  These 1/2 sandwiches are served on the rolls I love so much.

Check their website for locations, hours and to view their menu.

Versailles Restaurant

Open 24 hours every day, Versailles is a Miami attraction.  Its great for a midnight snack or any other meal, any time of the day.

Famous for its Cuban food and also because the media flocks to Versailles for reactions from the residents of Miami whenever anything big happens involving Castro or Cuba in the news.

Versailles offers a typical Cuban menu, however, somehow just knowing you are at Versailles makes the meal taste extra special.  The decor is stuck back in the 70's, with mirrored walls and green nylon covered chairs and boring tables.  The decor is insignificant, what is important is getting a true taste of Miami Cuban.