Morsels from Miami

Sorry for the silence peeps, but I had to pop down to Miami for a few days to hang out with my brother. Tough life. The youngest of our clan is a supervisor at the RUMBAR, Ritz Carlton on Key Biscayne. Swank. Since we hadn't ventured down south to see how he lives his life it seemed like the perfect time to get in some sun since we have been dumped on with snow for the past month or so. It turns out that even Miami can be cold and wet, who knew? Anyway, we had a blast and I really had no expectations so it made the trip even better. Here's a taster of the sights we took in while we were there.

Mr Yum, Calle Ocho Little Havana, serves up Thai/Japanese food with with a contemporary edge.

This food was inventive, delicious and insanely beautiful. Romi Roll (left) consisted of Tuna, Salmon and White Fish topped with Wahoo, Tempura Flakes, Spicy mayo and Eel Sauce and Dominic Roll (right) of Spicy Tuna, Green Apple topped with Fresh Tuna and Cilantro.

Next we tried out the Mojitos at the RUMBAR. With 52 rums on offer it is a crime not to try a sampling of some of the rarer ones, but the Black and Blue Mojito (classic Mojito with the addition of blueberries and raspberries muddled in) was a particular treat.

 

They manage to conjure up the look and feel of Old Havana with rich colors, low lighting, aged leather furniture and mahogany ceiling fans. The details are just right, and the staff are wonderfully attentive and knowledgeable, naturally.

Hands down the best dining experience we had was at Joe's Stone Crab on South Beach. This is an institution in Miami, serving up stone crabs with old school flair for the past 98 years. The place is a machine, serving around 1200+ (at a guess) guests an evening with an array of fish, steaks and the obligatory crab claws. The food is simple and delicious. Wear a bib....that's all I am saying.

Interesting info on how they harvest the crab claws here. "In order to assure the continued survival of the species, only one claw can be removed so the crab can defend itself. Egg bearing females are not allowed to be declawed. the crabs are captured in baited traps. No spears or hooks are allowed. Four inches from the first joint to the tip is the minimum legal size, that's about two ounces. A colossal can weigh 25 ounces or more" via Joe's. We love sustainable fishing.

And last but not least, we went to the Everglades to hunt down alligators. Well, not hunt exactly but hop on an airboat and zoom around the marshes in the hope of seeing at least one of these pesky beasts. Bingo! We saw a total of 3 even though it was decidedly cold and rainy. 

Our guide, Captain Debbie was knowledgeable and entertaining but definitely a no nonsense gal. We chose the Sawgrass Recreation Park for our little slice of Floridean wildlife.

So, it was a blast and I was left feeling like I couldn't wait to go back. Next time I am hitting the shops on South Beach!