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!