The final stop of our Dixie Detours dash across the American south was Miami, where an overnight layover afforded Kemey and me the chance to check in on some friends who had recently moved there – big thanks to Tanya and Francesco for being such fantastic hosts and showing us around so much of your fine town – while soaking up some south Florida sunshine before heading back to Blighty.
Not the first time we’d been to this sultry city by the sea and probably not the last, here are a few of the highlights from our brief stay.
Stay
This time round, Kemey and I stayed at Sanctuary South Beach. To be sure, there are much finer accommodations around Miami Beach, but for the money (about half what you’d expect to pay for most non-beach South Beach hotels and a heck of a lot less than any accommodations on the water) I reckon the place was really good value. Our room was big; service was prompt and super nice; and we were within easy reach of the beach as well as Lincoln Road and Collins Avenue. Find out more at sanctuarysobe.com.
Eat and Drink
Scotty’s Landing: How much fun was our beers and bar snacks session at this al fresco bayside watering hole? Extremely! But if you want to find out for yourself, you best head over there soon. Word is plans for development don’t include this brilliant spot for casual dining where staff is not responsible for “well done orders, special requests or natural occurrences.”
Find out more at sailmiami.com/scottys.htm.
Lulu in the Grove: I appreciated the excellent customer service at this prime location for Coconut Grove people watching. I was equally pleased with my Harvest Moon cocktail (Appleton rum, amaretto and passionfruit jasmine tea syrup, $12) and my Kobe beef slider (with crispy onions and Cheddar, $6) and “small plate” of octopus carpaccio (with arugala, fennel, orange, capers and chili vinaigrette, $11).
Details at luluinthegrove.com.
Lagniappe House: At the nexus of Wynwood, Midtown, and the Design District, Lagniappe is a live music venue and wine bar with large outside eating area and grill. There was good beer selection and some fantastic live jazz performed during our visit. I thought Lagniappe was a chilled out place, perfect for catching up with our friends.
Visit Lagniappe House online at lagniappehouse.com.
Las Olas: The last bite I took out of the good ole U S of A was at this Cuban eatery in South Beach. The Cubano was epic and the coffee was high grade jet fuel (delicious too). I’d eat there all the time if I lived in the area. I reckon a more than ample lunch between Kemey and I cost about $20 or just under.
Go to the cafe’s Facebook page for learn more:
facebook.com/pages/Las-Olas-Cafe-South-Beach/172396179463231
Keep an eye out for all the highlights from my time in Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama, Louisiana and Florida along with suggestions for planning your own southern sojourn. If y’all ain’t never been to the places mentioned in my Dixie Detours miniseries, I reckon you’re missing out.
