Recent research said science agrees that girls trips are good for your mental health. I agree, have long practiced this and can attest the mental health factor is definitely increased when traveling all over Florida with one of your best girlfriends in her gorgeous convertible. We organized a fun road trip, one of the highlights being scuba diving in the springs at Crystal River as well as a snorkel with Manatees. Said Manatees declined the invitation. However, We did find them later after a considerable amount of stalking. Look how cute they are:
There were also stops in Orlando and Winter Park where we kicked off our trip with peach martinis and a luscious Turkish lunch at Bosphorous
Ybor City
On the way to Miami, there was a short rest at Ybor City. We walked the city to stretch our legs, indulged in Cuban coffee while watching cigars being rolled at Tabanero
Once we hit Miami, we were joined by a third girlfriend a chef who pointed us to some seriously delicious food. Here are 6 places worth returning to more than once and worth sharing here.
6 Delicious Stops in Miami
#1 1-800-Lucky
Located in the Wynwood District of Miami, this 10,000 square food Asian food hall sports 2 bars, a small record shop and lots of nosh options from ramen to sushi. Ample seating spreads from indoors to out. Taiyaki keeps a stand in the garden where you can purchase your Instagrammable fish shaped cones holding soft serve in flavors like green tea and black sesame. Apparently, 1-800-Lucky is also is a serious Karaoke destination in the evenings.
My lunch pick was Ho Fun Noodles with Smoked Bacon and Egg from Lotus and Cleaver. The dish consisted of wide noodles in a delicious sauce topped with a poached egg and thick chunks of bacon. An ultra tasty and filling dish. Highly recommend.
Doughnuts
Right down the street from 1-800-Lucky is The Salted Donut Artisanal Donut Shoppe and Coffee Bar. Salty Donuts is family-owned and focuses on chef-made, small-batch, craft donuts that rotate based on seasonality.
It was hard to pick among all the delicious options. We finally settled on the Cara Cara Orange Creamsicle (Raised vegan yeast filled with a cara cara orange infused coconut cream, cara cara glaze, topped with a dehydrated cara cara orange chip) , Maple + Bacon (24 hr. brioche, pure maple glaze, topped with homemade candied bacon “cracklings” & J.Wakefield porter redux) and the Brown Butter + Salt (Vanilla bean cake donut, brown butter glaze & topped with Maldon sea salt).
The first two were total winners. Light and fluffy with great flavor. A big fan of creamsicles since childhood, I was especially wowed by that flavor. The Brown Butter + Salt was a cake donut and we both found it too salty. The salt overwhelmed the flavor. Maybe we should have paid closer attention to the name of the shop and the name of the doughnut.
Regardless, we both are looking forward to returning and sample the next round of flavors. Nes time, I might just tuck a few of those vegan creamsicles ones away in a to-go box.
Wynwood Art
It’s impossible to visit the Wynwood section of Miami without gawking and photographing the copious amount of art that seems to cover every storefront and available wall.
Over the days we spend in Miami, a few hours were dedicated to walking around Wynwood and exploring the art. Fantastic murals with all types of themes are everywhere.
#3 Macchialina
There’s so much to talk about regarding Macchialina. I actually visited this restaurant two years ago. This time around it was great to see there has been no compromise on quality or variety.
The cocktails at Macchialina are delicious and creative. I ordered a Macchialina Gibson (Absolute Eylx, pickling spice infused Mancini Secco, Mamma Rivas onions). This cocktail was the perfect start to a fun girls dinner. There were four of us by then.
After sharing a few appetizers, the Local Burrata with Heirloom Tomatoes & Arugula is a standout as well as the Creamy Polenta Proper Duck and Pork Sausage, Brussels Sprouts & Chestnuts. I am ashamed to admit I had the same dish I’d experienced two years prior. This shows you the impact this Short Rib & Taleggio Lasagne (pictured above) had on me. It’s scrumptious. All the pasta at Macchialina is handmade.
Tip: Don’t miss Macchialina’s Pasta Thursday’s – all handmade pasta is only $10 all night long. Reservations strongly suggested.
Vegan Vegetarian
#4 Soul Tavern
Yet another girlfriend living in Miami suggested we meet at Soul Tavern for lunch. What a great idea. Food Network voted this establishment the best plant-based restaurant in Florida. Founded by a doctor of Chinese medicine, the menu is not only super creative, it has been carefully crafted by masters of the 5000-year-old Five Element system to help balance mind, body, and spirit.
We started the meal with Charred Shishito Peppers with Fresh Lime and Macadamia Nut “aioli”. To be honest, we found these to be underwhelming. The peppers had no detectable seasoning. However, the “aioli” was delicious. Things got way better from there.
Our second starter, Edamame Hummus with Pickled Edamame relish & House-made Malanga Chips was perfect. A bit of sour and salty perfection.
We ordered two pizzas to split between us for our main courses. The Miso & Caramelized Onion (above) consisted of miso garbanzo pesto, wild mushroom, chickpeas, and caramelized onions & mozzarella. I never thought of pairing miso on pizza before. It’s genius and this is a winner.
The second pizza choice was Spicy Pesto topped with shaved red onion, jalapeño, mozzarella, goat cheese, and watercress. Again, another total winner. Non-vegans and non-vegetarians will find plenty to eat here.
Tip: On Wednesdays, the second pizza ordered at lunch and dinner is 50% off.
Dessert
The Ice Box Cafe is a full restaurant. However, after Soul Tavern we met up with a third girlfriend there for dessert and coffee. It’s fair to say The Ice Box Cafe is pretty famous for its desserts. Their menu showcases a lovely selection of cakes and pies. Also, how beautiful is the room?
I say famous because one of their cakes, the Chocolate Delight was voted the Best Cake in America by Oprah. Yes, we had to try that one. We opted for the Icebox Sampler, a selection of three half slices of different cakes.
The Trio
From left to right: 1) The Chocolate Delight (layers of dark chocolate, cheesecake brownie, and chocolate mousse filling, dark chocolate ganache). 2) Deep Dish Key Lime Pie (graham cracker crust, Key lime custard, whipped cream) 3) Coconut Buttercream Cake
(light chiffon cake soaked in sweetened coconut milk, layered with coconut pastry cream, pink buttercream, coconut shavings).
All were delicious. Although, all three of us found the Chocolate Delight delicious but too rich. Definitely, my favorite was the Key Lime. We bought extra to bring to a dinner party that evening. and I will definitely swing by to have it again next time I am in town.
Bonus: I was delighted to discover The Icebox Cafe serves Vienna style coffee products from Julius Meinl. Their shop and restaurant, Julius Meinl am Graben has become one of my favorite stops in Vienna.
Coconut Grove
I’ve always considered an excursion to Coconut Grove a must when in Miami. The place is filled with lovely restaurants and strutting peacocks. Yes, visitors should brace themselves for random peacock sitings.
We decided on Lulu in the Grove for a bite. They call their menu “Neighborfood”. Most importantly, since we were not famished, we chose it for their extensive menu of interesting small bites.
I chose Lulu Wings (spiced maple, serious cow yogurt, peanuts, lime) which were full of flavor and hit the spot. My friend chose the Octopus a La Plancha (grilled chorizo, aji panca, arugula, smashed fingerlings). It was so good, she immediately ordered a second one as soon as she finished the first. In conclusion, I would definitely return to Lulu and order several more dishes to sample.
Before we knew it, the time had flown and it was time to drive back to Orlando. Moreover, I had to catch a flight back to NYC that evening. Regardless, we left early to take a detour to Cassadaga.
Cassadaga
Self-described as “Where Mayberry meets the Twilight Zone”, the Cassadaga community was established in 1894 of spiritually like-minded people. Many are mediums and healers. Consequently, visitors can book readings from members of the community.
We were open to getting readings but we were hungry from the drive. So first we popped into the kooky throwback Cassadaga Hotel
The hotel has a connecting restaurant, Sinatra’s L’Aldila Ristonrante. We passed on the Arthur’s Burger (topped with peanut butter, grilled bananas, apple cider bacon, and mayonnaise) even though we were assured it was popular. On the other hand, they were out of bananas anyway.
In a nod to our upcoming trip to Rome, we ordered the Fried Artichokes. These were hearts, not like the traditional whole and fried in cornmeal. Tossed in a lemon basil beurre-blanc sauce and topped with shaved parmesan cheese, the dish was tasty but extremely rich.
After that, we also shared a tasty Ricotta White Meatball Flatbread with homemade Italian meatballs, roasted red bell peppers, spinach and ricotta cheese topped with shredded mozzarella.
Tip: When you order, split everything, even the appetizers. All of their portions are extra large. Even with spharing the two of us could not finish either dish. In addition, the restaurant also contains a piano bar so it must get pretty lively there in the evenings.
After our late lunch, we tried to book readings but unfortunately, we were too late and there was no availability. So, we pointed the convertible in the direction of Orlando and reluctantly headed back. However, I am sure I’ll be back in Florida soon.
