Chasing Value for Money in Miami
We have been spending plenty of time since the New Year in the Greater Miami area and are still recovering from the quality and price shock from the many meals and drinks we had. To be sure, there were many worthwhile, indulgent experiences - from a luscious dinner served by attentive servers at Il Gabbiano to a leisurely Sunday brunch (with free-flowing champagne and bloody marys) at the temple of Japanese fusion - the ever-popular Zuma. (See our review of Il Gabbiano by clicking here). And how can we forget the seductive grilled fillet of beef and deserts at the chic Cipriani Downtown!
The sleek, sexy and popular bar at Zumma
It is Miami Beach where the most red flags seem to appear for us. From the extortionate, double digit mandatory "service charge" (up to 18 per cent in many places) to the $20 valet parking fees to the mediocre food and sloppy service and over-the-top attitude of servers. It left us wondering why so many sophisticated, international travellers flock to this part of South Florida?
At the W Hotel in Miami Beach, for example, visitors to the night club are clubbed with a 'resort fee' on top of tip and taxes. At La Piaggia, on a leisurely Sunday, just as our brunch was being served, we were told to move tables to make way for none other than Ivanka Trump. That unsavvy behaviour, coupled with mediocre food and jaw-dropping prices, wont have us coming back anytime soon to what is obnoxiously labeled as the "St. Tropez" of south Florida. Even the service and food quality at the "critically acclaimed" Venetian restaurant, Cecconi's, in the Soho Beach House Hotel on Collins Ave. was so deplorable recently that our local associates had to insist to speak to the manager and demand for the service charge to be struck off - though we do admire the hideaway bar here. We had the same instinct a few days ago after dining at Quattro on the Lincoln Road promenade - over-salted, poor-quality food, lowered by indifferent service and wine that failed to impress. We figure Quattro management is pandering to the tourist crowds, whilst alienating locals.
There are other aspects of Miami Beach that raises concerns for us. Traffic congestion is a big one, aggravated by the painfully slow pace of construction on main thoroughfares such as Alton Road (and we feel for the commercial establishments affected!). While public parking garages remain a good value we are not so sure the Miami Beach Police Department's enthusiasm to issue parking tickets is particularly good for tourism - or for the city's image for that matter.
Back to quality food and service: a surprising and welcome stand-out for us was Milos Miami - the Greek seafood emporium tucked away on 1st Street. Among the freshest seafood we have had here, friendly and professional service - well worth the sticker-shock prices! We applaud the owners for featuring Greek wines, just what the cash-strapped economy of Greece needs at the moment. Speaking of seafood, locals swear by Joe's Stone Crab at the bottom of Washington Avenue - a Miami Beach institution since 1913. Here you can get away with paying $10.95 for a 10 oz. Sirloin Burger, or several times more that for the signature stone crab claws. Joe's doesn't take reservations so be prepared for a long wait!
Fresh seafood market at Milos in Miami Beach.
For those who can do without spotting celebrities and taking in eye-candy - or to be seen - we like to dress down and head for happy hour to the casual Sandbar Lounge on Collins and 67th. Come here in flip flops as the floor has real sand! Daily Happy Hour is 5-8PM and features a complimentary food buffet with specialties such as Chef Lauren's Black Eyed Peas with smoked Ham Shanks and Cornbread.
For those with a craving for authentic, hearty Italian food - coupled with friendly service - head to La Loconda on Washington Ave. between 4th and 5th. Visit before the tourists discover this hidden gem! Afterwards, stroll over to the lively bar at Prime 112 for a nightcap. It is located on Ocean Drive in the historic Browns Hotel.
Still in Miami Beach but off the tourist path is Casa Tua - a hotel, restaurant, private club situated on a quiet corner at 1700 James Ave. Northern Italian cuisine fine wines can be found in the Mediterranean villa and garden. The hotel has just fine uniquely-designed suites created by the architect and designer Michele Bonan. Nightly room rates range from $400 to $1050 and include breakfast.
We appreciate that many of our savvy followers are partial to renting serviced flats or properties off of AirBnb, hence we would be remiss not to mention two establishments. Fresh Market at 1800 West Avenue will certainly appeal to the foodies in our exclusive circle - from the reasonable prices for food and wine to the fresh produce and extensive ready-to-eat selections - such as herb-flavoured rotisserie chicken for $7! We laid our hands on many fine reds that were priced at no more than $12/bottle. Once parked, you can also head down the block for a calming glass of red from Sardegna at Sardinia on Perdy Avenue. Happy Hour runs from 4-7PM Mon-Fri, and features $7 wine and cocktails.
Foodies might also pop into one of the three Epicure Gourmet Markets in Miami. Featuring awesome cheeses, meats and prepared foods - as well as take-away items such as apple walnut chicken salad. All ave decent wine sections - we even found a hearty Californian red for a little over $10.