Lincoln Road

I've written about Lincoln Road many times, and there's always something new to write about or pictures to share.

In this post, I simply want to share photographs I took while strolling along one evening...

Recipe for Father/Son Bonding Experience or The Walk

Looking back at June 21, 2011 and after a full day of back-to-back meetings being couped up in an office, I decided to kidnap my son.  It was about 4:30 p.m. and we were at 51st and Collins Avenue.  It was time to go for a walk, but not an ordinary walk as it was just the two of us with Mom and little sister at a Girls Scout event.  It was my time, our time to do something different.  It goes something like this.

We put on comfortable walking shoes:  We headed south on the beach toward South Beach.  At about 40th ST.  is the beginning of a wooden boardwalk.  This boardwalk extends behind the hotels and condos lining mid-Miami Beach all the way to 19th Street where I thought our walk would end (more on that later).  Along the way, we saw many colorful people also walking, but some running, jogging, fighting, and swimming in the ocean. We even got to walk along the newly renovated Fontainebleau resort.

We stopped to hydrate:  After we reached 19th street, the city built a normal paved sidewalk that extends to 17th Street where the Beach Walk starts.  We have been staying in the beach for over 15 years and I never knew the boardwalk turned into a beautifully paved sidewalk all the way to South Beach.  So, along this path we stopped a few times for some rest and water before we got to our final destination:  800 Ocean Drive.
The world-famous News Cafe was waiting for us and I don't think I've ever eaten there with my son.  Open 24 hours a day, this is the place to see and be seen.  You sit along the sidewalk, enjoy a good meal (with some refreshing drink), and people watch.  My son and I enjoyed some burgers and he had his favorite "virgin" drink.

Ate  and took a detour on the way home:  At News Cafe, I started thinking about taking a taxi home as it would be getting dark within the hour and we still wanted to hang out a little bit longer.  I got on Fandango on my iPhone and found that Super 8 was playing at Regal Cinema on Lincoln Road (South Florida's premier outdoor pedestrian mall).  It makes you feel like you're in Europe.  We decided to take a detour and go watch the film before going home.  As we entered the theater and went up the escalators, we had about 10 minutes before the film started.   We went to a rooftop deck from the theater for a view of Lincoln Road.  My son and I talked about the walk and he couldn't believe we walked so far and it didn't feel like it because we just had fun.  These are the moments after a long day at work that I want every single day x 10.

I bet you are asking how the movie was.  It was a perfect end to a great afternoon.  As posted on my Facebook status right after the movie:  Just saw Super 8 with my 12-year-old son. We both loved it. It was a perfect mix of Stand By Me, E.T., and Goonies with a hint of Lost (the T.V. Show) and Transformers. It has a big heart, made me nostalgic for 1979 and shows the audience today that a good cinema experience does not have to include a superhero or 3D in the title. Go see it."

- Alex

Lincoln Road

On Sunday June 19th, Father's Day we spent the evening on and around Lincoln Road.  It's one of the best family-friendly nights of the week.

We had dinner at our family favorite, Shake Shack, and then walked around and took in all the sights.  Shake Shack serves some of the best burgers we've had.  My family loves burgers and we've eaten a lot of them...these are really fresh and great tasting.  The fries are good also.  The best part is you can have a completely unhealthy meal by adding a shake to the mix.  I always avoid them,  but this time I gave in and had a few sips of my daughter's chocolate shake...heavenly!!!


After walking through Lincoln Road for a while, we went over to the New World Center and the Soundscape Park.  There was nothing going on this evening just a few passersby.  we walked around a bit and then had an uneventful football game for four.  My son and I against my husband and daughter.  we were all winners and had a great, relaxing night in the meantime.

I was never into sports growing up and now as a mom I am "forced" to play sports I never even wanted to  watch...soccer, football, volleyball, basketball, and countless others...  Don't get me wrong...I love to be included and to participate in these family sporting events.  I just find it funny that I didn't do it when I was young and now I do.  I love our family time and look forward to any activity we do together...

Shake it up on Lincoln Road

We discovered a new restaurant on Lincoln Road...Shake Shack. 

I think they've only been open one week and we've dined there twice.  My family loves it.  The menu is not extensive, it basically consists of burgers, hot dogs, fries, shakes, desserts and drinks. 

The burgers, hands down, are the best we've ever had.  My 6 year old daughter described them as "amazing".  The burgers are extremely fresh and light.  The fries are not great, but okay.  I have not tasted the shakes but I hear from my family that they are delicious.  It's a bit pricey.  We paid $42.00 for 4 burgers, 3 fries and 3 small shakes.   However, worth the experience.  For more information, visit their website:  http://www.shakeshack.com/

Our condo has been undergoing a small transformation.  I have posted some new photos on the website and will be blogging about the remodeling experience in future posts.  Remember to visit our condo site:

http://www.rentmiamibeach.net/

Dining Al Fresco on Lincoln Road

South Beach is such a vibrant place...  its wonderful to just hang out on Lincoln Road.  There is something for everyone, and you are sure to have a great time.  Friday evening we dined al fresco at Tiramesu, 721 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach, FL 33139. 

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We were a party of 20 which included 8 children.  The service was good, the meal was delicious, the ambiance was pleasant and the prices were extremely reasonable.

I ordered a glass of the Malbec wine by the glass and it was nice but too warm to drink with the temperature outside, the following drink was a Lemondrop and that was prepared well.  My friends were all satisfied with their choices although the drinks took awhile to arrive.  We ordered the second round soon after the first  to allow for the second drinks to arrive more promptly.

There are 3 menus to order from.  They have the regular menu, the menu with specials and the Prix Fixe menu. 

Although the Prix Fixe menu was very appealing, I opted for the Sea Bass from the regular menu (fresh imported Mediterranean seabass fillet stuffed with crab meat, potatoes and artichokes in a white truffle flavored Chardonnay wine sauce). 

I also had the Della Casa mixed greens side salad (mixed greens, cherry tomatoes and fennel tossed with Maldon sea salt and Lake Garda EVOO) and several "tastes" of my husband's Melanzane al Caprino (Fried Eggplant layered with goat cheese served with an apple vinaigrette) and Linguine Carbonara (Housemade Linguine tossed with pancetta, egg, cream and Parmesan cheese).

Although not the healthiest entree, my husband and I thought the Linguine Carbonara was exceptional.  My friends were pleased with their meals as well.

The meal was enjoyable, well -priced, and the service was good.  All in all it was a good experience and I'd recommend dining there.

Drop in and experience it for yourself or visit their website for more information at: http://www.tiramesu.com/

**Photos courtesy of Tiramesu website

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.