Vatican Splendors: 2000 years of Vatican art and history




 Vatican Splendors, an exhibit of approximately 200 works of art, documents and historical objects from the Vatican, will be in South Florida for just a few short weeks.  The exhibit is at the Museum of Art in Fort Lauderdale until April 24th, 2011. 

Admire magnificent works of art by artists such as Giotto and Il Guercino and sculptures by Baroque master Gian Lorenzo Bernini and Michelangelo.   Included are paintings, mosaics, and sculptures.  Additionally, several unique objects, such as Papal jewels, intricately embroidered silk vestments, uniforms of the Papal Swiss Guard, and an elaborately decorated gold and silver reliquary containing bone fragments of Saint Peter and Saint Paul, exemplify the Catholic Church’s impact on history and culture.

This is one of the largest Vatican collections to ever tour in North America.

The collection is organized into 10 galleries that reveal the evolution of the Church and the papacy beginning with Saint Peter.  Special areas highlight important developments, moments, people and events tied to the history of the Catholic Church and the Vatican.

Visitors will feel transported to the Vatican,  they can experience the underground catacombs where the remains of Saint Peter were discovered to the magnificent papal chambers found above ground. From the sights and sounds of the grand Basilica to a touchable cast of John Paul II’s hand, visitors will be captivated.

*Images and information from Museum of Art website and print brochures

Taverna Opa

Always ready for a celebration, Taverna Opa offers dinner, great atmosphere, and dancing...especially on the tables.  They serve authentic Greek food and drinks.  If you are feeling wild, join the belly dancers and other guests on the tables for dancing.  You can also sit back and enjoy the entertainment right at your seat.

Regardless of your preference, it will be an experience you won't soon forget.

"The combination of great food and celebration created a new meaning for the concept of dining. A different approach that energizes and gives the diner a different dimension for his or her entertainment. Previous dining norms are broken, spirits are lifted, with every single broken plate and every single napkin in the air. The marriage of traditional with modern is what Taverna Opa promotes as the most rapidly expanding concept in the United States."  With 3 locations in South Florida and 6 locations in Florida, Taverna Opa is growing and easy to drive to.

$25 FAMILY STYLE MENU
COLD PIKILIA,  TZATZIKI- YOGURT, CUCUMBER, GARLIC DIP,  MELITZANOSALATA- ROASTED EGGPLANT DIP,  TARAMOSALATA- CAVIAR DIP, KAFTERI- SPICY FETA SPREAD, DOLMADES- STUFFED GRAPE LEAVES,  KALAMATA OLIVES, SALAD, - HORIATIKI (TRADITIONAL GREEK SALAD), SAGANAKI- FLAMING CHEESE WITH BRANDY
ENTREE
MEAT PLATTER- LAMB CHOPS, CHICKEN KEBOB, BEEF KEBOB & PORK LOIN
SIDES- LEMON POTATOES, SP INACH LEEK RICE


$30 FAMILY STYLE MENU - APOLLO
COLD PIKILIA, - TZATZIKI- YOGURT, CUCUMBER, GARLIC DIP- MELITZANOSALATA- ROASTED EGGPLANT DIP, - TARAMOSALATA- CAVIAR DIP, - KAFTERI- SPICY FETA SPREAD- DOLMADES- STUFFED GRAPE LEAVES, - KALAMATA OLIVES,
SALAD, - HORIATIKI (TRADITIONAL GREEK SALAD)
SAGANAKI - FLAMING CHEESE WITH BRANDY
HOT PIKILIA, - SPANAKOPITA (SPINACH PIE), - LAMB RIBS, - KEFTEDES (GREEK MEATBALLS), - CALAMARI, - CHICKEN WINGS
ENTREES, MEAT PLATTER, - LAMB CHOPS, - CHICKEN KEBOB, - BEEF KEBOB, - PORK LOIN
SIDES, - LEMON POTATOES, - SPINACH LEEK RICE,

The menus above are just a small sample of meals offered at Taverna Opa (copied from their website). 
*PRICES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AND MAY VARY AT EACH LOCATION. 
Please follow the link to http://www.tavernaoparestaurant.com/  for more information.

Stop in and enjoy!

Seasons 52

Seasons 52 is one of the newest, trendiest restaurants in Miami, FL. It is located on Miracle Mile in Coral Gables. This area is historic and full of beautiful, delicious, and popular bars and restaurants.

This restaurant is a fresh grill and wine bar that offers seasonally-inspired menus.

In addition, they are “healthy-living friendly” because every item on their menu is 475 calories or less. The dining room decor is warm and inviting with dark woods and beautiful lighting and accessories. Reservations are available online and they are able to accommodate small or large groups.

To start we ordered the garlic chicken flatbread with red onions, roasted red peppers and mozzarella cheese. Then we shared an organic baby spinach salad with raspberries, toasted pine nuts and crumbled Gorgonzola cheese. For the entree, my husband ordered the caramelized sea scallops with asparagus and pearl pasta. I ordered the rainbow trout with roasted potatoes and vegetables.

My husband and friends could not resist and ordered several mini indulgences and coffee.

The meal was outstanding and the restaurant and service impeccable.

I recommend Seasons 52 wholeheartedly. Drop in and enjoy it yourself!

Don’t forget to post your comments here.

What's Happening in South Florida this week...March 27th-April 2nd, 2011

• In the Heights. Ziff Opera House at Adrienne Arsht Center (March 29th to April 3rd)

• Jazz Roots: Guitar Virtuoso. Knight Concert Hall at Adrienne Arsht Center (April 2nd)

• Prelude by Barton G, presents Vanessa Williams (April 2nd)

• Ballet Flamenco La Rosa, World Premiere of Cesar y Cleopatra. Colony Theater on Lincoln Road (April 2-3)

• First Friday, Gables Gallery Night (April 1st)

• First Saturday, Lincoln Road Art Walk (April 3rd)

• Superior Donuts. Gables Stage at the Biltmore (March 12th-April 10th)

• Laffing Matterz: Serious Dining. Hilarious Satire. Voted best Dinner Theater, 2010. Broward Center of the Performing Arts. (Now through May 14, 2011)

• August: Osage County. Actor’s Playhouse (Now through April 3rd)

• Wicked. Broward Center for the Performing Arts (March 30th-April 24th)

• Green Market. Village of Gulfstream Park (every Wednesday)

• 16th Annual Wine and Culinary Celebration. Museum of Discovery and Science (April 1st)

• Urban Market on the Riverwalk at Esplanade Park (every Saturday)

• Farmers Market. Pinecrest Gardens. (every Sunday)

• Matheson Hammock Sketching Eco Walk (April 2nd)

• Biscayne to Bacardi Walk (April 3rd)

• 8th Annual South Florida History Challenge (April 3rd)

• Food Truck Fridays



For Kids and Families



• Aviation Station. Museum of Discovery and Science. (Ongoing)

• Fabulous First Fridays. Miami Science Museum (1st Fridays)

• Free Jazz Jam Session for Students. Gold Coast jazz Society at Art Serve (1st Fridays)

• Book Nook by the Bay. Deering Estate at Cutler Bay. (1st Saturdays)

• Young at Art’s Family Fun Night. (1st Fridays)

• MCM Kids Cooking Club. Miami Children’s Museum (1st Saturdays)

• Family Fun Days at the Little Farm. (1st weekend of the month)

• Miami Dade-County Fair and Expo (Now through April 3rd)

We Did It! We completed The Great Urban Race



Finnegan's River



We had a great time participating in the Great Urban Race.  We met at  Finnegan's River, a restaurant/bar with a huge outdoor area near downtown Miami.  You can go there by boat or by car because it is on the Miami River.  We met around 11:30am to register and pick up our team number, t-shirts and get ready for the race.  At noon, teams gathered around the stage to listen to instructions and receive the clues in a sealed envelope.  We spent about 45 minutes to 1 hour figuring out the answers to the clues and planning our route. 





Since we were not permitted to use anything but public transportation, our route was limited.  We opted for using the Metromover, and thought it was best to go as far out as we needed and then work our way back.  I think I've ridden on the Metromover a handful of times since they built it.  I don't have a need to visit downtown often and when I do I go by car.  We are used to going everywhere by car.  I must admit, I thought the Metromover was convenient, fast and safe.  As a bonus you are able to see gorgeous vistas of Miami along the way.   



View from Finnegan's River



The clues led us to some interesting destinations in the city. 

We visited Brickell Park, Creative Food Company, Schlitz Park, Gusman Theater, Miami Skin Boutique and Spa, Democratic Republic of Beer, Miami Cafe, The main Library, The Scoot, Skate and Bike Company, and Bayfront Park.  We had to do a few physical challenges (not strenuous by any means) and we had to solve additional puzzles at many of the stops.  We finished the entire race by 3:30pm.

The only suggestion I have is to hold the race earlier in the year when the temperature is not so hot in Miami. The heat was a little bothersome.

We had a great time and saw many parts of the city we wouldn't normally see.  This was a wonderful experience and I recommend it highly.  The Great Urban Race takes place throughout the country in many cities.  Participate if you can, you won't regret it!


Future Race Dates throughout the U.S.

4.9.2011 - Houston, 4.9.2011 - Atlanta, 4.16.2011 - Los Angeles,  4.23.2011 - Nashville,  4.30.2011 - San Jose, 5.7.2011 -Boston, 5.14.2011 - Washington DC, 5.21.2011 - Memphis, 6.4.2011 - Virginia Beach, 6.4.2011 - Indianapolis, 6.11.2011 - Portland, 6.11.2011 - Brooklyn, 6.18.2011 - Toronto, 6.25.2011 - Madison, 6.25.2011 - Orange County, 7.9.2011 - San Francisco, 7.9.2011 - Pittsburgh, 7.16.2011 - St. Louis, 7.16.2011 - Vancouver, 7.23.2011 - London, 7.23.2011 - Chicago, 7.30.2011 - Minneapolis, 7.30.2011 - Kansas City, 8.13.2011 - Columbus, 8.13.2011 - Salt Lake City, 8.20.2011 - Seattle,

8.20.2011 - Manhattan, 8.27.2011 - Denver, 9.10.2011 - Charlotte, 9.24.2011 - Philadelphia, 10.8.2011 - Orlando, 10.15.2011 - Dallas, 10.22.2011 - San Antonio, 10.29.2011 - San Diego, 11.12.2011 - New Orleans Championship

Don't forget to leave your comments below!

Downtown Miami and American Airlines Arena

Bayside Marketplace

Bayside Marketplace on Biscayne Blvd is a colorful, bustling, fun place to go in Miami, FL.  It is a great place for tourists and locals to get a feel for Miami and enjoy the natural beauty of the bay.  Bayside is an outdoor mall with many restaurants and tourist attractions.  The mall houses popular shops such as Gap, Bebe, Cache,  Bath and Body Works, Brookstone, Champs, Claire's, Express, Disney Store, Foot Locker, GNC, Guess, Sunglass Hut, Skechers, Perfumania, and more.  There are many local specialty shops as well.  Some of the restaurants at Bayside are: Bubba Gump Shrimp Company, Cajun Grill, Fat Tuesday, Hard Rock Cafe, Hooters, Largo Seafood & Grill, Latin American Cafe,  Los Ranchos, Starbucks, The Knife and Tradewinds Bar & Grill.  (For a complete directory of shops, services and restaurants please visit the Bayside Marketplace link above.)
We spent the day in the area because my children had a fundraiser at the American Airlines Arena.  Later we had tickets to attend the Heat basketball game.  We were able to leisurely enjoy Bayside, which we hadn't done in a long time.  Miami is a great place to visit as a tourist.  We have many beautiful sights to enjoy and a huge variety of things to do.
There are several charter boats that leave from Bayside as well as party boats and tours of the celebrity homes in the area.
I recommend any of those activities.  It's always fun to go out on a boat on Biscayne Bay and as a bonus you get a gorgeous view of Miami from the bay.
We dined at the Tradewinds Bar and Grill overlooking the marina.  Although the temperature in Miami is rising and the days are no longer cool, we had a nice breeze in the restaurant terrace.  They can accommodate small or large groups and they have several lounging areas with large, comfy shairs and TVs.  Our meal was okay.  I tasted a friend's tuna appetizer and had a few conch fritters and a bit of my husband's Shrimp Scampi.  The best tasting dish was the Shrimp Scampi.  The ambiance was delightful.  All in all, a very enjoyable experience.  I recommend several visits to Bayside while in Miami.

the Great Urban Race on Saturday, March 26, 2011

       It's time for the Great Urban Race!  It's coming to Miami, FL on Saturday, March 26, 2011.
 It should make for an interesting, fun-filled day.   My husband and I will be participating with friends.  We've never done it, but we've heard great things about it.

"The Great Urban Race is a wild urban adventure.  Teams solve twelve clues and complete exciting mental and physical challenges, while discovering the city in a fresh way."

Cash prizes will be awarded to 1st, 2nd and 3rd place teams.  Between 150 and 700 teams are expected to participate in the event.  Teams receive an envelope with twelve clues with mental and/or  physical  challenges.  Teams may skip one of the clues.  However some clues are mandatory.  If you fail to complete a mandatory clue you will be disqualified.

The physical challenges may include feeding teammates, doing something daring, competing in a game or bicycle race, etc.  The mental challenges may include puzzles, brain teasers, riddles or tests.

This event promises to be both physically and mentally exciting.

There's still time to register if you'd like to participate.  Anyone over 14 is welcome, however, children under 18 must come with an adult.
Visit:  http://www.greaturbanrace.com/ for more information.  See you there! 

Packet Pick Up time:   11:00am to 11:55am at Finnegan's River  401 SW 3rd Ave.  Miami, FL 33130
Race Time:    12:00pm to 5:00pm

Miami Home and Remodeling Show

Catch up on the latest trends in residential interior design at the Miami Home Design and Remodeling Show. The show runs from Friday, March 25th through Monday, March 28th, 2011 at the Miami Beach Convention Center.


Visitors will be able to explore an international selection of products and services for residential interior design, home improvements, furnishings and accessories.

Attendees can also enjoy complimentary seminars and celebrity designer showcases.

Among the scheduled seminars are:

• Andrew Downward from HGTV’s Divine Design show will host seminars at 1:00pm and 4:00pm Saturday, March 26th and Sunday, March 27th on how to change a room for less than $100.00


• Florida Home Improvement Associates fhaproducts.com, are sponsoring this year’s seminar stage.  This stage will  feature  various seminars on home improvement and energy efficiency updates available to homeowners in South Florida.

I can’t wait to go, I’ll see you there!

Show Hours:

Friday, March 25th, 2011…Noon to 10:30pm

Saturday, March 26th, 2011…Noon to 10:30pm

Sunday, March 27th, 2011…Noon to 7:30pm

Monday, March 28th, 6:00pm to 10:30pm

For complete schedule of events and additional information, please check their website: http://homeshowspecials.com

You can also print a show discount coupon on their website, along with coupons from exhibitors for discounts on their products and services.


Come back and post your comments…

Miami-Dade County Fair and Expo

Picture copied from
 www.fairexpo.com/thefair

The Miami-Dade Youth Fair is in town!!! It's a great experience for children and adults of all ages!

The Miami-Dade County Fair & Exposition, Inc. is a a private, not-for-profit organization dedicated to enriching the community by promoting education and South Florida agriculture while showcasing and rewarding youth achievement. They produce a first-class event, The Fair™, with quality entertainment.
The Fair runs March 17th through April 3rd, 2011.

 The Fair is ranked the largest fair in Florida, attracting well over half a million visitors annually. The fair includes LIVE! entertainment, state-of-the-art rides, skill games, outrageous fair foods and livestock/agricultural competitions. The Fair proudly showcases more than 50,000 local student exhibits, both artistic and academic, and generously supports youth achievement programs throughout the year.

The Miami-Dade County Fair & Exposition, Inc. is a recognized leader and trusted partner with over 59 years of dedication and service in the community. In cooperation with the Miami-Dade County School District, The Fair™ showcases the artistic and academic talents of close to 50,000 students through competition and exhibition, with winnings totaling over $250,000 yearly in cash premiums, awards, trophies and plaques. Most experience the thrill of receiving public recognition for the first time, sharing with friends and family a proudly displayed blue or red ribbon and a cash prize. In its 60 year history, The Fair™ has donated over $8 Million in scholarships, awards and premiums.

Serving the Community All Year Long…

The Fair™ generously supports youth achievement programs throughout the year including:

•Fair Scholarship Programs

•Walter B. Arnold, Jr. Youth Hall of Fame

•Miami Dade County 4-H and Amelia Earhart Farm

•Miami-Dade County School District

•Fair Athletics Program

**Excerpts from the Miami-Dade County Fair and Expo website
 
Visit the fair, and come back to this blog and let us know what you thought...

Sony Ericsson Open



Photo copied from http://www.key-biscayne.com/sonyericsson.html


For all the tennis lovers out there, the Sony Ericsson Open starts tomorrow right in our own backyard!

The tournament runs from March 21nd, 2011 through April 3rd, 2011 @ the Tennis Center at Crandon Park, Miami, Florida

There are still a few tickets available for the  Sony Ericsson Open, visit their website to purchase: http://www.sonyericssonopen.com/.
 
Following is the schedule (copied directly from http://www.sonyericssonopen.com/Schedules/Match-Schedule.aspx)
 
2011 Tournament Schedule






*Subject To Change



Session Day/Date Start Time

Women's/Men's Singles Qualifying* 01: Day Monday, March 21;  9 am

Women & Men's Singles, Qualifying / Women's Singles, 1st Round  02: Day Tuesday, March 22;  9 am

Women's & Men's Singles 1st Round / Doubles* 03: Day Wednesday, March 23; 10 am
04: Night Wednesday, March 23; 7.30 pm

Women's Singles, 2nd Round / Men's Singles 1st Round / Doubles* 05: Day Thursday, March 24; 10 am
06: Night Thursday, March 24; 7.30 pm

Women's Singles 2nd Round / Men's Singles 2nd Round / Doubles* 07: Day Friday, March 25; 10 am

08: Night Friday, March 25 7.30 pm

Women's Singles 3rd Round / Men's Singles 2nd Round / Doubles*  09: Day Saturday, March 26;  10 am
10: Night Saturday, March 26 8 pm

Women's Singles 3rd Round / Men's Singles 3rd Round / Doubles*  11: Day Sunday, March 27; 10 am

12: Night Sunday, March 27;7 pm

Women's Singles 4th Round / Men's Singles 3rd Round / Doubles* 13: Day Monday, March 28; 11 am

14: Night Monday, March 28; 7.30 pm

Men's Singles 4th Round / Women's Singles Quarterfinals / Doubles * 15: Day Tuesday, March 29; 11 am

16: Night Tuesday, March 29; 7.30 pm

Men's & Women's Singles & Doubles Quarterfinals* 17: Day Wednesday, March 30;  11 am

18: Night Wednesday, March 30; 7 pm

Women's Semifinals / Men's Singles Quarterfinals / Men's Doubles Semifinals* 19: Day Thursday, March 31; 1 pm

20: Night Thursday, March 31; 7 pm

Men's Singles Semifinals / Women's Doubles Semifinals* 21: Day Friday, April 1; 1 pm

22: Night Friday, April 1; 7 pm

Women's Singles Final / Men's Doubles Final* 23: Day Saturday, April 2; Noon

Men's Singles Final / Women's Doubles Final*  24: Day Sunday, April 3; 12:30 pm TBD

*Subject to change


Hope to see you there!!

Bongos Cuban Cafe



Bongos, a large vibrant restaurant in downtown Miami is located steps from Bayside Marketplace at the American Airlines Arena. Owned by Cuban-American singer, Gloria Estefan and her husband Emilio, they serve authentic Cuban cuisine.

There’s always a party going on in this exciting, colorful restaurant/lounge. Bongos is decorated with a tropical flair and has multiple areas to dine, lounge and even dance. It’s a restaurant by day and dance club at night.

Although I love Cuban cuisine, nice, upscale Cuban restaurants are not common. Bongos breaks that mold. The restaurant is tastefully decorated and energetic. The large terrace outside is inviting and fantastic with views of the city and Biscayne Bay.

This place is huge with over 16,000 sq. ft. to enjoy. They can accommodate large groups, and host many international and special events.

The food’s good too! But a word of warning, avoid going on a day when there is an event at the American Airlines Arena, such as a Miami Heat basketball game (unless you are attending the event). They offer a special, extremely limited, overpriced menu on these days. They seem to have these “specials” prepared ahead of time so they can rush them out quickly. They also offer a buffet with more choices for $25.00 per person. 

We opted for meals from the menu. We ordered an appetizer of tostones rellenos (plantains stuffed with ground beef or shrimp) for our entrees we shared chicharrones de pollo (fried chicken) with rice and beans and maduros. I thought the chicharrones were delicious. My daughter had a different opinion. She is a very finicky eater and was not amused by the mojito they used to season it. For non-finicky eaters, it’s a wonderful choice.

                                                                                                                  

Try this fabulous restaurant/club you will love it!!!

http://www.bongoscubancafe.com/




 
Come back and comment on your experience…

At the beach

"At the beach, life is different.

 Time doesn't move hour to hour but mood to moment.

We live by the currents, plan by the tides, and follow the sun."

- Anonymous                     

                                             

Garcia's Seafood Restaurant

Garcia’s Seafood is one of Miami’s best known seafood restaurants. They have their own fleet of fishing boats, thus ensuring the freshest seafood possible. In addition to a spacious waterfront dining experience, they have a seafood market where you can purchase some of their fresh catches and enjoy them in the privacy of your home.

The restaurant is family-owned and has been in business for over 20 years. There are plenty of dining areas available in this 2-story building, including an outdoor terrace overlooking the Miami River. Even on a warm Miami day, you can enjoy fresh breezes and a peaceful view of the river.

The décor on the terrace is rustic with a fishing theme throughout. Inside is a bit more nautical in nature. The terrace has an expansive mural of Biscayne Bay and the sea life that abounds within it, with the Miami skyline in the distance.

I ordered the pan-seared tuna with the tropical ginger sauce. The sauce was sweet with a hint of tangy and the tuna was prepared perfectly. I like my tuna almost raw, and they got it just right. My husband ordered the snapper and shrimp with tequila and pepper sauce. The sauce and the snapper was a bit more creamy and rich but very good, nonetheless.

The meal was delicious but even more enjoyable because of the setting. The staff was exceptional, everyone was friendly and helpful.

I recommend visiting this Miami landmark and enjoying a fresh seafood meal!

Their website is:

http://www.garciasseafoodgrill.com/

They are located at: 398 NW North River Drive

Miami, FL    33128

Come back and post your comments once you’ve visited the restaurant. I’d love to know what you thought.

El Mago de las Fritas

Anyone who visits Miami must eat a Cuban Hamburger, or Frita.  It is a culinary experience not to be missed!

It usually consists of a mix of ground beef and ground chorizo, a secret sauce (similar to ketchup) and tiny, tiny fried string potatoes on a cuban roll. 

You can eat one at most Cuban restaurants but they are better at genuine frita joints.  I was a lover of El Rey de las Fritas until very recently.  However, hands down, my favorite is now "El Mago de la Frita."

The first thing that impressed me me was the cleanliness of the establishment.  It is as clean as a  home. You would not imagine that so many people visit this place daily. 

While we waited for our fritas, my husband Alex interrogated the owner, "El Mago".  Alex loves to ask questions and he just couldn't resist asking EL Mago all about President Obama's visit to the restaurant in October, 2010.  He was proud of the visit and it shows with the many photos of the event all over the restaurant. 

Then came the best part... we were presented with our fritas...they looked so delectable, I forgot to take the picture and started eating it. 

With the first bite, I was hooked.  It was the best frita I've ever had.  I can't believe its taken me so long to find it!  Not only did it taste fresh and light but also not greasy.  An amazing feat!

I recommend this frita wholeheartedly...you must try it!

Go try one or two and then post your comments on this blog. 

Miami International Film Festival, March 4-13, 2011

The Miami International Film Festival is always an enjoyable experience. 

I usually enjoy the films presented in the Film Festival and I attend every year.  Last year we saw several movies, but my favorite was City Island with Andy Garcia and Juliana Margolis.  This year we've seen The Names of Love and we will see Magic City Memoirs directed by Aaron Salgado with Andy Garcia as executive producer.  In addition to enjoying the international films, you can also take part in many other MFF events, like parties, seminars, movie premieres and more.

My husband and I are also members of the Miami Film Society.  As a member, we are able to obtain tickets at reduced rates, we have access to year-round events, we attend sneak screenings, networking events and panel discussions.  Join the Miami Film Society, by calling 305-237-7979.

To purchase tickets for the Miami Film Festival visit, http://www.miamifilmfestival.com/ or call 305-405-6433

Post your comments about your MFF experiences on this blog.  See you there!

Crazy About You

Another fabulous dining experience by the owners of Dolores, but you can call me Lolita.  Again, you'll find a trendy, elegant "true" Miami atmosphere.  The restaurant is on the first floor of The Mark condominium.  It is beautiful and dramatic.  There is a small "foyer" when you enter and then you walk into the bar/lounge area.  The dining room has a nice mix of upholstered white chairs, dark woods, glass accents and  fabric panels draped dramatically throughout the restaurant.                       

The terrace is alluring with the classic sea breeze and the Miami skyline.  We originally had reservations to dine on the terrace, however, a very windy night ruined that for us, and for others.   Although we had reservations, since they had to close the terrace due to strong winds, we all had to be seated inside, we waited over 1 hour to be seated.



Eggplant hearts appetizer



We waited in the lounge and had cocktails and appetizers.  We ordered the serrano ham croquettes (they were exquisite, they melt in your mouth).  We also ordered the goat cheese and caramelized onion pizza, also delicious!

There were many tempting meals to choose from...I ordered the eggplant hearts parmigiana appetizer and the pan seared salmon with vegetables and shrimp.  I wasn't thrilled with my choices, not because they were bad, but I tasted others that were more delicious.  The appetizers my friends chose that were really fabulous were:  the cheese casserole with chorizo and the calamari.  For his entree, my husband had the grilled steak with shoestring potatoes, which was very tasty. 




Pan-seared salmon with vegetables with shrimp







We ordered a delicious dessert you create yourself.  They bring out the ingredients and you do the rest.
What a clever and yummy dessert!



 We enjoyed this restaurant, even more than Dolores....We hope to return often.  In the meantime, stop in yourself and come back to this page and comment on your experience.  Dinner was priced very well, you won't be disappointed!



View from the terrace