Miami Beach Eats: The Good, The Bad & The Delicious

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There’s something about Miami Beach that always resets me. Maybe it’s the sunshine. Maybe it’s the waves. Maybe it’s the way good food just hits different when you’re on vacation celebrating someone you love. Whatever it is, Miami remains one of my foodie happy places, and this month’s trip reminded me exactly why.

Between a little rest, a little reflection, and a whole lot of eating, I discovered three spots worth talking about—two longtime favorites and one brand-new love that officially has me in a chokehold. Let’s get into it.

A New Favorite: Sazon Cubano

How did I come to Miami all these years and not know about Sazon Cubano? This was my first time stepping into this colorful, authentic Cuban spot for lunch, and let me tell you—I was instantly mad at myself for not coming sooner.

The vibe is classic Miami meets abuela’s kitchen: warm, lively, and filled with the aroma of garlic, citrus, and love. I ordered the seafood paella, the churrasco (marinated skirt steak grilled to perfection), and a classic mojito. I loved every single thing. The paella was loaded, flavorful, and comforting. The churrasco was tender, juicy, and seasoned just right. And that mojito? Exactly what a mojito should be: crisp, bright, and absolutely refreshing.

Sazon Cubano is officially on my “must return for dinner + live music” list. 10/10 would recommend.

The Letdown: Front Porch Café

Whew… this one hurt a little.

Front Porch Café used to be one of my Miami staples…the kind of place with a benedict you dream about long after vacation ends. So imagine my disappointment when I walked in and realized the magic was gone.

They’ve moved several blocks down Ocean Drive into a smaller location, and unfortunately, the quality went with the square footage. I ordered the crab cake benedict I once loved, only to receive lightly seasoned poached eggs perched on tiny crab cakes that were overcooked and underseasoned… with no English muffin. Where do they do that? My partner’s chicken and waffles were better – at least the bacon was cooked perfectly – but the chicken was not crispy. The audacity.

The service was slow, the energy was off, and even the bathrooms looked run-down. It just wasn’t the Front Porch I remembered, and that’s never fun to say about a place that once brought you joy.

Ending Strong: Call Me Gaby

Thankfully, Miami never lets me leave on a sad culinary note, and Call Me Gaby came through like a champ for my partner’s birthday dinner.

I love the eccentric decor
And the soft lighting was a vibe

This restaurant remains one of the most charming, romantic spots in South Beach. Perfect for date nights, girls’ nights, or anytime you want to treat yourself to something delicious and beautifully done.

We ordered the Rita pizza, and let me just say: this might be one of the freshest, most flavorful pizzas I’ve ever had in my life. Truffle burrata, bosco mushrooms, sautéed bell peppers, prosciutto di Parma, shaved parmesan… it was luxurious, indulgent, and worth every bite.

Love how they provide the check in a Campbell’s soup can

We also tried the clam linguine (not as amazing as last time but still solid), the pappardelle bolognese (which we switched to bucatini), and a side of perfectly cooked asparagus. Chef’s kisses were in full effect.

Final Bite

Miami Beach never disappoints, even when one meal does. This trip reminded me of the joy of discovering new favorites, revisiting old ones, and savoring every moment in between. From mojitos to mushrooms to memories with my favorite people, it was exactly the reset I needed.

Until next time, Foodie Heaven.

For more golden life ventures, visit www.goldenlifeventures.com.

A Taste of Heaven on a Plate: Ossobuco Restaurant Review

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There’s something sacred about a meal that makes you pause mid-bite… not because you’re full, but because you’re floored. That’s exactly what happened during a recent dinner at Ossobuco Steakhouse in Miami, where indulgence meets intention, and every dish feels like a love letter to your senses.

A little miscommunication had them thinking it was my bday
That’s ok because I celebrate my milestone bdays all year 🙂

Before I get fully into the food, let me first mention that this delightful restaurant is nestled in my favorite neighborhood of the Miami region (outside of the beach, of course), Wynwood. It is charming, artsy, and full of dope restaurants. During a recent last-minute and fully necessary getaway to Miami Beach, I ventured away from my trusty faves in the area for a night, and needless to say…I now have a new addition to the rotation.

From the very first bite, this meal had a message…and y’all know I love when life speaks through the little things.

Let’s start at the beginning: wild mushrooms sautéed to perfection, with a perfectly poached egg atop practically winked at me and welcomed me to the palate-pleasing party. And just when I thought it couldn’t get any more luxurious, the brioche croutons sprinkled throughout offered a buttery contrast that was absolutely divine.

Before mixing
After mixing

Then came the main event: a juicy, 16 oz prime New York strip steak, grilled just right, served with a delightful chimichurri sauce that had the nerve to be both bold and balanced. Every bite was seasoned just right, tender, and full of “this is what I came for” energy. Because after all, we were at a steakhouse. 

Perfection on a plate
The torch to melt the garlic butter at the table was a nice touch…

As I took my first bite of the wagyu fat potatoes, I promptly patted myself on the back for choosing the perfect accompaniment to that gorgeous piece of meat. Crispy on the outside, buttery-soft on the inside, these potatoes definitely deserved their own praise report.

Here’s what struck me: this meal wasn’t just good. It was a moment. A reminder that even in the whirlwind of daily responsibilities, there is joy to be found in slowing down and savoring. Not just food…but conversations, atmosphere, laughter, and the art of being fully present in the midst of greatness.

So if you ever find yourself in Miami, treat yourself. Book the table. Order the mushrooms. Don’t skip the steak. And let the wagyu potatoes minister to your soul. You deserve heaven right here on earth.

If you’ll be in the Miami region for awhile, check out my other reviews on area eats at Foodie Heaven Pt 2 and Review: KYU Miami.

For more golden life ventures visit www.goldenlifeventures.com.

Foodie Heaven Part 2

Posted on by goldenlifemusings

If you’re new here chances are you haven’t met my inner fat girl. Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Leslie and I’m a foodie.

I find this crazy to say, but eight years ago I wrote a blog post entitled “Foodie Heaven” about my experiences with the South Beach restaurant scene. Needless to say, I have been way beyond overdue for a Part 2. For one, more than half the restaurants I reviewed no longer exist. More importantly, many other dope restaurants are worthy of a Golden Life Musing.

On my most recent trip to Miami Beach, I ventured off the beaten path of my go-to restaurants in the heart of SoBe and boy am I glad I did! Here are six new restaurants to check out the next time you’re in town that are sure to delight your foodie senses too.

Before I hop into those, it’s worth noting that I did return to my all-time favorite KYU, which recently reopened after a nearly 18-month closure due to a remodel. This hidden gem nestled in the heart of the Wynwood neighborhood in Miami, is a must-visit! My Golden Life Musing review from 2019 says it all. You’re welcome.

Oceanside Hotel Tavern: This quaint, American fare restaurant across the street from my home for the week in the mid-beach area of Miami Beach quickly became my Cheers. I stumbled upon it on my way to Starbucks one morning and the rest was history. My first meal was a simple shrimp scampi with a side of roasted vegetables, but the taste was anything but simple. I devoured every single bite. The brunch menu caught my eye the following day and the salmon benedict did not disappoint. I kept going back and inviting others, which allowed me to try more delectable items on the menu including the mussels in garlic wine sauce and the healthy but appetizing power bowl. It’s also worth noting that the excellent service (despite bad reviews) and adorable patio perfect for people-watching also contributed to my adoration of this little restaurant.

Silverlake Bistro: This unassuming American fare bistro located in the Miami Beach neighborhood of Normandy Isles has a little something for any foodie. But if you’re a cheeseburger lover, you’ve found your home. My mom, who’s a bit of a cheeseburger connoisseur, got me hooked and I haven’t looked back. Everything about this traditional smash burger cooked to order is delightful, including the special sauce. Paired with the truffle fries, it’s nothing short of perfection. The Brussels sprouts simply prepared with a bit of sriracha, aioli, and chives were absolutely delicious. This restaurant is tiny, but the food packs a powerful punch!

Limoncello: This delightful authentic Italian restaurant in the heart of South Beach had me at lemon. I love just about everything lemon-inspired or flavored so this restaurant quickly became a favorite. Considering seabass is my absolute favorite fish, when I heard the catch of the day was branzino, my choice was clear. The preparation of the catch of the day was top-notch. As the branzino is cooked in a large crust of sea salt, they bring the whole fish out to the table for a big reveal presentation involving fire, alcohol, spoons, and knives. It was all very fancy and I was here for all of it! In addition to the delicious fare, the energy and vibe of this place was very lively and welcoming. Tip: Sit outside. The inside is nowhere near as charming as the outdoor eating area.

Salt Cafe: This delightful, vibrant restaurant also in the heart of South Beach does not just have good food, it is also perfect for people-watching. The charming outdoor patio has abundant seating and fans that make it comfortable to sit outside. Admittedly, I was not happy about brunch ending at noon, but the mushroom truffle pizza made up for it all. In a word, it was delectible. Considering that I had my mouth set on the crabcake benedict with spinach, a return visit is necessary!

Tanuki South Beach: Admittedly, this modern Asian restaurant was my least favorite of all the new restaurants, but there were some bright spots here! As they specialized in sushi, of course we had to try two of the sushi dishes – the dynamite crab roll (which surprisingly was served warm) and the truffled yellowtail. I enjoyed them both, but there were mixed reviews at the table. The rock shrimp and the Brussels sprouts were the best on the menu, with the butterfly chicken wings coming in second, prepared with an Asian glaze. The grilled corn with shisito butter looked and sounded promising but fell flat unfortunately, as it lacked flavor. The chocolate molten cake made up for it, as it was arguably the best tasting dish we tried.

Michael’s Genuine:  I saved the best for last, but a warning. Do not visit this restaurant if you are pinching pennies. Let me just say I’m grateful for rich friends! Every single bite I had at this restaurant located in the delightful Design District of Miami was absolutely delicious. Their website says that they provide fresh seasonal ingredients and warm hospitality, which could not be more accurate. I recommend if you are going with friends do family style so you can taste as many items as possible. I didn’t think I could have a truffle mushroom pizza that was any better than Salt Cafe, but I was pleasantly proven wrong. Other dishes to try include the tuna carpaccio, spiced lamb & charred eggplant (served as a hummus consistency), and the roasted cauliflower shawarma. Even the craft cocktails and desserts were top notch…Chef’s kiss!

When in New York

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It had been several years since I made it up to New York City. A friend’s movie filming and another friend’s big promotion were as good of excuses as any to get back to the City that Never Sleeps. Any time I’ve visited, no matter what the occasion, as a foodie I couldn’t help but indulge in the city’s dynamic culinary scene, and this time was no different. 

The first stop on this trip was a delightful little Italian restaurant in the heart of Soho called Mamo. My dear friend knowing my foodie appetite and affinity for Italian food booked us a table, and it did not disappoint.

If you are a seafood lover, this restaurant is a must-try! But before I get to the food, what was most notable upon entering the restaurant was its warm and homey, yet elegant, upscale feel. The old-school movie posters, soft lighting, and cozy bar on the first floor offered a unique charm that was undeniable.

For an appetizer, we started with the Insalata di polpo e ceci (octopus salad), which included chickpeas, tomatoes, cherry peppers, and basil leaves. Delicioso! It was so fresh you would think they plucked that octopus right out of the sea.

Normally I would have gone for what my friend ordered, which was the angel hair with shrimp and pistachios. (I had a bite and it was yummy). But when I saw the fish of the day on the specials menu, they had me at branzino. This succulent seabass was served in a lemon butter sauce and fresh herbs. This fish for two (thanks mom for sharing) was accompanied by a fresh garden salad with a simple but delightful vinaigrette. Chef’s kiss!

Considering that Mamo also has a location in Miami and I tend to make it down there more often, a visit to the Sunshine State’s location is definitely afoot! You know, for research purposes and all (insert smile here). 

The next day we headed to another restaurant with a Miami location, Zuma. Mom and I first visited the Miami location, which is located inside the beautiful Kimpton Hotel Epic, years ago and fell in love. So of course, when in New York, we had to test and see if the New York location could live up to its sister restaurant down south. 

I loved even the entrance to the restaurant. It’s the attention to detail for me.

This upscale, trendy restaurant in midtown Manhattan offers both traditional and unique Japanese cuisine, in my opinion, bursting with flavor in every good way possible. We opted for lunch considering our late afternoon train back to D.C. and intentionally chose dishes that we hadn’t tried at the other location.

I started with the miso soup, which was perfect for a crisp spring day, and offered just the right amount of flavor and warmth. Next, I ventured onto the pirikara hamachi maki roll, which was a spicy yellowtail roll with serrano pepper, avocado, wasabi mayo. I normally wouldn’t choose a roll with that much kick, but I was feeling adventurous. I was assured that it was not a burn-your-mouth type of heat, and my waitress was spot on. It was absolutely delicious, especially adding the fresh sliced ginger to the mix. Mom chose two appetizers, the chicken skewers with spring onion and rock shrimp tempura with chili tofu. The sauce that they served with the latter was amazing. 

Another thing to note about Zuma is the authenticity and stunning beauty of the decor. The attention to detail is unmatched. I’ve never been to Japan, but you couldn’t tell me that I wasn’t there on that afternoon. It’s also important to share that the service at both restaurants was impeccable.

Photos just don’t do this place justice.

When in New York, do yourself a favor and make it a point to visit these two dope restaurants, but please make sure you make a reservation. Others know how great they are too. You’re welcome!

Review: The Elcielo Experience

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El Cielo also offers 13 and 10-course tasting menus for the not-as-adventurous foodies.

I had another “first” experience recently, so naturally I couldn’t wait to tell you about it. Normally I’d tease out the suspense, but since I have so much to share I’ll get right to it. I had the opportunity to indulge in a 20-course tasting experience. (All foodies collectively swoon here!) If your eyes widened and your mouth watered a little bit, you had the same reaction I did when I first heard about Elcielo Restaurant in my hometown of Washington, D.C. This quaint, Michelin-star restaurant serves Colombian cuisine and offers a unique fine dining tasting experience that you will be sure to never forget.

If you’ve experienced, or have at least heard of a tasting with courses in the double digits, consider yourself fancy. But for the majority of you reading this blog, prepare to be just as impressed as I was by all Elcielo has to offer.

Don’t worry, I won’t ruin all the surprises for you by documenting each part of the 20-course menu. I will, however, document some of the highlights here, just in case you decide to indulge.

It’s the details for me…

Let’s start with how much attention to detail was evident with every course. They say you eat with your eyes first, so Elcielo certainly knows how to make a great first impression. The presentation with each course was superb. Each plate was so beautifully decorated and well thought out that it had you savoring each bite, while also eagerly anticipating the next dish. They don’t call it the Elcielo “experience” for nothing.

I loved how with each course, our server thoroughly and carefully explained the dish and shared the history or thought behind its conception. It’s as if they are fully invested in you getting as much as you can from your time there so that you can leave full, both literally and figuratively.

This fish dish was my least favorite of the 20 courses but it was beautifully plated.
This small bite of tapioca & foie served a powerful punch
I can’t say that I’ve ever seen or heard of tuna tartare served thtis way.
One of the most beautiful dessert dishes I’ve ever seen…and everything was edible!
This fun, tasty dessert made me feel like I was back on the beach in Cartagena.

I should also point out that this is not an experience for gluttons. Rather, this is an experience for the adventurous. They call it a tasting menu, because it’s just that. You get to taste, or small bite, of a variety dishes as they take you on a journey of different scents, sights, and tastes you’ve never had before.

And the winners are…

There was not really anything I didn’t like on the menu, but a few of the dishes shined above the rest. My absolute favorite dishes were the Truffle buñuelos, Guajira’s dry shrimp rice, Tree of Life, the corn soup (believe it or not), and the quail, wild onion & rice.

Corn Soup: This dish sounds plain, but the flavors were far from it. I’m not much of a corn chowder person, which is what I thought it would be when I saw it on the menu and looked at it. But, I think this was one of my favorites because of how pleasantly surprised I was. I ate every drop.
Guajira’s dry shrimp rice: This fritter, for lack of a better word, made of fried dough had the most delicious shrimp and rice filling. It was so good, my bestie and I considered asking if we could get another order. But the menu called out to us, “But wait, there’s more!” And indeed, there was.
Tree of Life: This flatbread with four cheeses and a perfect combination of herbs and spices was absolutely delicious. It was served with a creamy garlic cilantro spread that was to die for!
Quail, wild onion & rice: I was not prepared to be wowed by this little game bird as much as I was. The meat was so tender and flavorful and it was perfectly complimented with a delicious wild rice and yummy sauce.
Truffle buñuelos: I haven’t yet met a truffle I didn’t like, but this one was different. It looks like a plate of rocks, but if you look carefully, you’ll see a delightful finger-sized morsel that had a gooey center that literally melted in our mouths with one bite.

I would also be remiss if I did not mention the Coffee field. It was an elaborate display of the Colombian coffee-making experience that included sights, smells, tastes, and a few other sensations that are hard to describe. A photo would not have done it justice.

Roundabout course 7 or so, my bestie and I looked at each other with faces of overwhelm. We asked each other, how in the world is there more? Some of the dishes were more than just a couple of bites, so we made it a point to pace ourselves and try not to eat all of those dishes. We won and lost some battles lol. 

What I was not impressed by…

My $15 mocktail lol

I only had one source of complaint for this restaurant. From time to time, I’ll lay off the adult beverages and opt for mocktails. Imagine my surprise when I looked at the bill and saw the mocktail had an upcharge on it – an extra $5 itemized as “Don’t Take.” Of course, I had to ask the server what that meant. Do you know they charged me an extra $5 to NOT put alcohol in my drink? (Insert shock and awe here.) The audacity.

Fortunately, I had experienced some of the best food of my life, so I decided to remain in a space of gratitude. Needless to say though, it’s not something that I’ll easily forget and most certainly had to share! 

You get what you pay for…

As you can imagine, an experience like this is going to cost you. In fact, your meal is paid for at the time of the reservation, and they do not allow you to cancel and get a refund. You either have to reschedule (but make sure you do it more than 2 days in advance) or transfer it into someone else’s name. So make sure you’re committed before you go.

That being said, I would only recommend this restaurant for true foodies, and those with a fair amount of discretionary income. For two people with tax and gratuity charged before you step foot in the restaurant, it will cost you about the price of a two-night stay in a four-star hotel these days. Perhaps it’s something you reserve for a very special occasion. I don’t know what the value of an experience like this is worth to you, but what I can say is that if you do choose to indulge, you will not be disappointed!

Beautifully plated bison dish with potatoes and veggies.
A thoughtful Colombian nod to the DC Cherry Blossoms.
This lobster ceviche roll was one of the runner ups as my faves.
Clearly my bestie and I left happy lol.