Anniversary Trip to South Beach
As our 10-year wedding Anniversary approached, my hubby and I were excited to get away (kid-free) and celebrate this magical milestone. However, deciding on a destination was not so simple, as we only had five days and different ideas on how to celebrate. Brad wanted beachy vibes and I longed for pretty architecture and city lights.
It wasn’t until we started talking with friends about their latest travels, that my former boss suggested South Beach. At first, I wasn’t convinced, as Florida has never been a top of mind vacation spot (it is now). Yvonne had been many times and raved about its culinary delights, stunning beaches and art deco inspired hotels and restaurants. After gazing through Instagram #southbeach I was sold … and Brad was quickly on board.
We narrowed down the hotels to Fontainebleau and Shore Club, as we wanted an ocean facing balcony, hip, but not to hip for our almost 40-year-old selves. Ultimately, we landed on Shore Club as it’s a smaller boutique hotel and closer to the downtown core. The modern hotel was clean and bright, with all-white rooms, concrete floors and brass lamps. The front lobby and back patio designed to perfection with two pools, hot tub and with gates leading out the white sands and bustling ocean.
The weather man called for rain our entire stay, as a tropical storm was brewing, Luckily, it passed, and we had mostly sunny days. The pool scene was a party - constant house music, flowing cocktails and people from all ages and backgrounds just out for fun in the sun. When we weren’t brunching at the hotel restaurant Diez y Sies and sipping Pina coladas by the pool we ventured out to a few of these places.
Where We Ate:
Mr. Chow – W Hotel - Walking into Mr. Chows I was first struck by the fresh aroma of lily’s and orchids, rows and rows of round white tables, and greetings by every server. As Brad is an intense Asian foodie and knows every dumpling and dim sum joint in the greater Toronto area, we had to make sure this place was on the top of the list. We ordered glazed prawns with walnuts, duck pancakes, vermicelli noodles with lobster and soup dumplings. Every dish was better than the next and I highly recommend dining here.
Smith & Wollensky – More of a traditional dining setting, located in south point park. It’s double decker patio is a perfect setting for munching on steak and seafood, and watching the boats and ships sail by.
Joe’s Stone Crab was recommended by friends, and every Uber Driver we met. This century old family run business is a large facility with all the seafood is peeled and prepped on site. We dined on Stone crab, creamy spinach and shrimp ceviche – It did not disappoint as it was my favorite dining experience by far. When venturing out, confirm if they are open as they have select hours during their off season (May-Oct).
Sultan – Best Mediterranean I have ever had – hands down! The menu items are prepared with freshest ingredients with incredible flavour. The Feta cheese plate and homemade hummus were our favorites, and I have day dreamed about this place a few times since being home. Located right beside the Shore Club, it also has a vibrant front patio – great for people watching and its known to have the occasional celebrity stop by.
Nightlife:
The Cabaret – Fun hotel piano bar with talented bartenders/cabaret singers. We sipped gin and tonics and sang along to classics with the rest of the bar.
Rose Bar – located in the historic Delano hotel. Same owners of the shore club, but extremely more high end. We popped in for a cocktail, but I felt a little underdressed. Perfect place to start out with group of friends for a night of clubbing.
Mango’s – it’s impossible not to have fun at this place! The Tropical Café Live entertainment is a Miami Staple - To say we had fun here is an understatement! The incredible singers and dancers had the entire bar up and out of their seats all night long.
What we did:
Art Deco walking tour – Miami and South Beach has a rich and fascinating history. From its Cuban migration, Versace influence to the filming of the 80’s TV show Miami Vice - it’s all reflected in its architecture. I highly recommend this walking tour - and if you are lucky enough to get Joel as your tour guide you will be wildly entertained and informed.
Midtown & Miami Design District – We didn’t get to explore this area too much as we were there on the Memorial Day and much as closed. We did get to make a target run and walk by the incredible front window displays of Missoni home, Hermes, Gucci and many more.
The Villa Casa Casuarina – Also know as the Versace Mansion, located on Ocean Drive - the heart of Miami. This hotel/restaurant/bar will stop you in its tracks. The Mediterranean Revival architecture stands out amongst the neon lights and street side cafes. Here we are at the gates, wishing we had reservations to enter. You cannot view the premise without a reservation and unfortunately we couldn't acquire one while were there. The next time we visit Miami, reservations will be make months in advance so we can explore this historic and intriguing villa.
