"Miami's Melting Pot of Flavors: A Journey Through Cuban Cuisine"

From the azure waters of its beaches to the colorful streets of Little Havana, Miami is a city that pulses with energy and diversity. It's a melting pot of cultures, where skyscrapers and celebrity mansions coexist with small-town houses. But what truly sets Miami apart is its cuisine - a fusion of flavors from land and sea that tantalize the taste buds. In this blog post, we'll explore the culinary delights of Miami and discover what makes this city a food lover's paradise.

I was fortunate enough to have a friend who lived in Miami, and with a well-planned three-day itinerary, we were able to explore both Miami and Key West. My friend generously offered me a place to stay, and having access to a car made our trip both convenient and cost-effective. Although driving around Miami was easy, finding parking was a bit of a challenge. However, Miami also has a well-connected metro system that offers a convenient alternative for traveling around the city. If you're curious about how I prepare for short trips like this, check out my travel preparation blog.

Pseudo Day 1

My Miami food and travel adventure was all about exploring the city's vibrant Cuban cuisine scene. From the moment I landed, I was eager to immerse myself in the festival of flavors that Miami had to offer, knowing that the majority of the city's population was comprised of Cuban and Caribbean settlements. My first stop was at a local café named 'La Colada Gourmet', also known as 'the house of Cuban coffee'.

Upon entering the café, I was struck by the aroma of fresh coffee beans being roasted and ground on machines right beside me. The café's interior was reminiscent of a vintage coffee powder factory, complete with copper roasters and brewing equipment. What made the experience even more authentic was the fact that the coffee beans were sourced directly from Cuba.

I opted for a dark roast hot brew Cuban coffee, served cold as a mocha and topped with whipped cream. The mocha had a perfect balance of sweetness from the whipped cream and cocoa, with a bold flavor from the dark roast. It was hands down one of the best mochas I have ever tasted.

Starting my Miami adventure with a delicious Cuban coffee at La Colada Gourmet set the bar high for the rest of my trip. The day ended with a delightful dinner at my friend's house, and I was excited for the busy day that awaited me tomorrow.

Day 1

Our exploration of Wynwood began with a vibrant stroll through the colorful streets, adorned with a sea of graffiti, each depicting the strong emotions of humankind. After wandering through the streets and visiting a few art museums, we must have walked for around 3-4 miles under the scorching sun. So when we stumbled upon the street food court in the center of this paradise, it was the perfect place to refuel.

The canopies provided a welcome shade, making it feel like an air-conditioned room. Families and friends, all passionate about food, had set up their stalls, each offering a unique cuisine. However, it was the Cuban sandwich stall that immediately caught my attention.

The sandwich was a feast for the eyes, with its vibrant colors of Cuban seasoned shredded grilled chicken, caramelized onion, and lettuce, all nestled in a hotdog bun, topped with Cajun mayo and cilantro. The mayo had a fiery zest, which blended seamlessly with the tangy flavor of the Cuban seasoning and the sweetness of the caramelized onions, creating a truly unique flavor experience. The portion was generous, and one sandwich was enough to satiate my hunger. It paired perfectly with the refreshing mojito we had grabbed from the open bar counter.

As I took my first bite, I relished in the soft and pillowy texture of the bread, followed by the crunch of the lettuce. The savory chicken flavor complemented the sourness of the Cuban seasoning and the zippy flavor of the caramelized onions. The blend of these contrasting flavors was a delightful surprise, and each bite left me craving for more.

With our hunger satiated and our taste buds tantalized, we were ready to explore the other side of the city - the beaches and the ocean drive.

After a relaxing stroll along the crystal white sand of the beach, we made our way to Ocean Drive. As we approached the street, we were immediately struck by the vibrant atmosphere. It was as if we had stepped into a scene straight out of the GTA Vice City game. The street was lit up with colorful lights, and the sound of loud music filled the air. People were dancing and having a great time, and there were supercars lining the streets. The party vibe was infectious, and we couldn't help but feel excited to be a part of it.

We were thrilled to have made the decision to visit this incredible street. We spent some time taking in the atmosphere and enjoying the sights and sounds before deciding to find a place to have dinner. It was a tough decision, as there were so many options to choose from. Ultimately, we settled on a restaurant that offered a perfect view of the street, allowing us to take in the lively scene while enjoying our meal. It was an unforgettable experience, and we left feeling grateful to have had the chance to immerse ourselves in the vibrant energy of Ocean Drive during a Saturday night.

Nestled on the bustling Ocean Drive, Jalapeno – Mexican and Cuban Cantina offered the perfect setting for a night of lively music, colorful sights, and mouthwatering food. From our cozy outdoor patio seats, we could feel the infectious energy of the street, with people dancing to their own tunes and enjoying the vibrant night. As we perused the menu, the tantalizing aroma of spices and garlic wafted through the air, stoking our appetites.

I knew right away that I had to try the Pollo al Ajillo, a classic Cuban dish that was sure to satisfy my taste buds. When the plate arrived, I was struck by the vibrant hues of the golden sauce and the tender, juicy chicken. The chicken had been cooked to perfection, seasoned with salt and Cuban spices, and sautéed in olive oil with garlic, paprika, and white wine. The aroma of garlic and lemon was irresistible, and I couldn't wait to dig in.

As I took my first bite, I was immediately transported to a world of complex flavors and textures. The chicken was so tender that it practically melted in my mouth, and the garlic-infused sauce had just the right amount of tang and spice. Each bite was a perfect balance of garlic and chicken, with the potatoes and rice adding a savory touch that complemented the dish. The garlic flavor was strong enough to make my taste buds tingle, yet not overpowering, allowing me to savor the taste of the chicken meat.

I was impressed by the simplicity of the dish, yet the depth and complexity of the flavors were a testament to the skilled chefs at Jalapeno. The portion was generous, and I savored every bite, knowing that I would be dreaming of this dish for days to come. With its rich flavors, colorful appearance, and delightful aroma, the Pollo al Ajillo was the perfect end to a perfect day.

Day 2

Nestled on Florida's southeastern coast, Biscayne Bay in Miami is a breathtaking haven of natural beauty. With its shimmering turquoise waters, vibrant coral reefs, and picturesque barrier islands, the bay offers a stunning backdrop for aquatic adventures and serene escapes. From exploring the diverse marine life while snorkeling or diving to basking in the sun-kissed beaches of Key Biscayne and Miami Beach, the bay's allure is undeniable. With a harmonious blend of urban sophistication and untouched natural wonders, Biscayne Bay captivates visitors with its captivating beauty and promises an unforgettable experience for all who venture into its serene embrace.

Breakfast time arrived, and my friend couldn't contain their excitement about trying empanadas from the renowned Cuban OG since I had never experienced them before. So we embarked on a journey to the go-to breakfast spot for most of Miami, "Pinecrest Bakery." This bakery franchise has made its mark all over Florida. As soon as we left home, our first stop was Pinecrest Bakery, a place known for its diverse menu featuring Cuban sandwiches, pastries, milkshakes, fresh juices, pies, sandwich plates, and much more.

The interior of the place wasn't particularly unique, resembling any other breakfast joint. Some locations even offer the convenience of a drive-thru option. Finally, the moment arrived to satisfy our breakfast cravings. My friend opted for 2 chicken empanadas and an eclair—a rather amusing combination, if you ask me! 😂 😂 🤣 As for me, I chose beef empanadas and flan. Although both of my dishes leaned towards the sweeter side, they were far from being as peculiar as my friend's choices. 😂 😂 🤣

The empanadas can be compared to samosas in terms of their exterior crust, which is crispy and delightful, while the inside is filled with a soft and flavorful mixture. However, when it comes to flavors, empanadas are in a league of their own and differ greatly from samosas.

The minced beef was expertly cooked with tomato puree, Cuban herbs, and a special blend of seasonings. This delectable filling was then encased in a dough sheet, folded, and fried to perfection. The result was a tantalizing empanada with a crispy outer shell and a juicy, tangy, and slightly sweet beef filling inside.

The flan, a classic Latin American dessert, showcased its sweetness in every bite. Its velvety texture and caramelized top added an indulgent touch to my breakfast experience.

As I bid farewell to the vibrant city of Miami, it was time to embark on a new adventure towards Key West, Florida, the southernmost tip of the United States.

Thank you all for joining me on this culinary journey. While Key West will be the focus of my next blog, for now, I bid you farewell and encourage you to take care. Stay tuned for my upcoming blog, where I will share the delectable adventures I had exploring Key West's food scene. Until then, happy cooking and see you in the next chapter of our food-filled exploration!