Welcome to Miami

My first time to Miami and we went all out! My boyfriend, Andrew and I were celebrating 2 years together, so we splurged where we could. For those of you headed to Miami, I warn you that nothing is cheap. I would liken it to the SF of the East Coast. Most people would say that NY would be that, however in New York you can at least get killer street vendor food. However, in Miami, although I wasn't looking hard for it, I didn't find anything that was cheap and unique.

Our trip was full of food, beer and beach.

Food

Le Sirenuse

This beautiful restaurant is located inside the Four Seasons hotel. The decor, staff and food was a breath of fresh air and a perfect beginning to the day for breakfast.

Itamae

This highly acclaimed sushi is a MUST and was rather hard to find. With such high accolades we assumed this would be a restaurant, however it is a "stall" or "counter" at a small food hall in the design district shopping mall. Their Tiraditos blew me away! They are a mix between sashimi and ceviche. Plus their rolls were thoughtful and delicious.

Byblos

We had our anniversary celebration dinner here and it did not disappoint! Started with Turkish dumplings, moved to dry aged ribeye and finished with some complimentary Turkish delights. My favorite part was the the Mediterranean cold tea service.

Drinks

Little Havana

Old Havana Cuban Bar & Cocina was a restaurant we just happened along to, and it couldn't have been more perfect. Live Cuban music, mojitos lining the entire bar and Cubano's!

Ball & Chain is another famous spot in Little Havana with live music and a great backyard patio.

Amara at Paraiso

Sit on the patio at this modern and clean restaurant right on the water. Great food and awesome craft cocktails that were a wonderful first impression for our trip to Miami.

Mandarin Oriental Hotel

Views on views at this downtown Miami hotel classic. Expensive drinks but well worth it if not only for the view. However, these cocktails were the most interesting we had while in Miami.

Breweries

J. Wakefield

If you love good beer and Star Wars, this is your brewery. Right in the heart of Wynwood, this brewery is a MUST stop. My favorite was the ROK N' COCO which is a Coconut infused West Coast IPA. Delicious! While you're there make sure to try their flagship beer, El Hefe. It is a modern twist on a classic Hefeweizen.

Wynwood

As the first craft brewery in Miami, it would be a shame to not stop by. Wynwood Brewing is one of the businesses that helped restore the Wywood area in Miami. My favorite beer there was the Nutty Blonde brewed with hazelnuts. It had such a wonderful mouthfeel and creamy, nutty flavor.