Miami Itinerary: 24-hour foodie adventure

Last weekend I went to meet my beau in Miami for a one-night only foodie adventure. The schedule was tight but we enjoyed every moment and I thought you’d like to know where to eat and what to do if you are in Miami, whether for a day or longer.

Where to stay: We stayed downtown at Intercontinental Hotel with a beautiful view of the harbour.

Note: I think that you should always rent a car in Miami because it is not like New York with a subway and everything feels far away from each other

Saturday

12:50 pm – Land and Exit Miami International Airport

1:15 pm – Check-in at hotel

Intercontinental Hotel Downtown Miami

100 Chopin Plaza  Miami, FL 33131 (www.icmiamihotel.com)

1:40 pm – Lunch at Sugarcane Raw Bar Grill

3252 NE 1st Ave  Miami, FL 33127 (www.sugarcanerawbargrill.com)

This spot was recommended to me on Twitter by @CAMI_cooks and what a great find! She promised me I would love it and I did. The eclectic menu offers something for everyone and makes it hard for you to choose what to have.

Must Haves:

1. Pan seared foie gras corn brioche, fava bean & bacon caramel

This wasn’t on the menu that I received when I sat down but when I explained that I was looking forward to eating it the chef prepared it on the spot and I was truly grateful because there are few things that make me as happy as eating a perfectly cooked lobe of foie gras. This dish had the salty sweet combo that we all can appreciate and I had never had a corn brioche before but I look forward to indulging in such deliciousness again soon.

 

2. Half dozen oysters ( I preferred Blue point, they were bigger and creamier than the others)

 

3. Squid lemon aioli

 

The name of this dish does not do it justice but maybe it doesn’t need a frivolous description because it speaks for itself on the palate. The portion size is not skimpy and the squid is no where near rubbery but flavourfully tender.

4. Raspberry pavlova meyer lemon curd, riesling gelée

This dessert was light enough for us to devour after eating so much food; not too sweet, with tart raspberries and there was a lot of amusing textures.

5. Spice of Love fresh jalapeño, passion fruit purée, mango essence, premium vodka

There was already a lot of love at the table but the strong flavour of real passion fruit was yummy and the gentle heat from the jalepeño was interesting and complimented the sweetness perfectly.

6. Apricot-Whiskey Reverie apricot jam, apricot infused Dickel Rye Whiskey, fresh lemon juice, ginger ale

Perfect afternoon cocktail, surprisingly not too strong for someone who isn’t a whiskey lover; very moreish.

3:45 pm – Jump in a cab and head to South Beach

Walk and take in the scenery until you find a spot that is perfect for a cocktail with quality service and a nice ambience.

4:30 – Drinks at The Setai

2001 Collins Ave  Miami Beach, FL 33139 (thesetaihotel.com)

Must Haves:

1. Frozen Bellini

I’ve never had a frozen bellini but as a bellini lover this was yummy and incredibly refreshing.

2. Frozen Passion Fruit Mojito

Even though this cocktail is unusually green it is worth a second round it is so delicious.

7:00 pm – Nap for an hour

Not sure about you but travelling makes me tired and an hour nap can do wonders.

9:30 pm – Dinner at Scarpetta

Fontainebleau, 4441 Collins Ave  Miami Beach, FL 33140

Must Haves:

1. Duck & Foie Gras ravioli marsala reduction

 

So you may have guessed that I have a thing for foie gras and you would be correct, it shocks me because when I was younger I hated it but now I cannot get enough of it. This dish does not disappoint, each individual ravioli is an unforgettable small bite of perfection. If you are not a meat eater, don’t worry there is a vegetarian menu just for you.

BED TIME

Sunday

10:00 am – Brunch at The Betsy South Beach

1440 Ocean Dr  Miami Beach, FL 33139 (thebetsyhotel.com)

If you not crazy about brunch get crazy about it.

Must Haves:

1. BLT Popover, described as “a take on the classic Eggs Benedict, served with poached eggs, spinach, ham, bacon, Béchamel and Gruyère cheese.”

 

2. Passion Fruit Crèpe Soufflé – My description would not do this dessert justice but whomever invented this deserves a hug. Simply put it is delicious and you need to experience this.

 

11:00 am – Walk off some pounds along Ocean Drive. If you like you can take a picture of Versace’s house although I don’t understand why. When you spot Pinkberry there is a shop beside it selling a lot of Britto’s art, wander inside and take a look for his art is surely going to keep you in a happy mood.

12:00 pm  – Pinkberry This is the only frozen yoghurt that has been able to capture my heart.

1144 Ocean Dr  Miami Beach, FL 33139

Must Have: Pomegranate and Mango (swirled if possible) with yoghurt chips, almond roca and ask for the cheesecake bites as they are in the fridge not on display.

12:15 pm – Dadeland Mall

7535 N Kendall Dr  Miami, FL 33156

This is not a shopping vacation but you are in Miami buy a few things before filling your tummy again!

3:00 pm – Lokal

3190 Commodore Plaza  Miami, FL 33133

This burger spot is relaxed, with eye-catching décor, great staff and good food.

 

Must Have:

1. Alligator Strips

 

I had alligator once before in a sausage but it did not compare to this at all, they are spicy with the right amount of crispy batter that does not overwhelm the tasty goodness of the meat; I would go back just to have these.

4:30 pm – Go back to the hotel, pack the shopping into suitcase and catch a flight!

Live, Love, Eat!
April x