Love flan and I finally made it to this cafe -:) All the times before was either they closed, or too late or forgotten.
It’s a full cafe, with a spacious room to the right.
Flans are in aluminum ramekins – I was hoping for a small cake, round or square or rectangle. The girl was nice, offered a box … without a bag. Oh well.
I tried four flavors:
original
coffee
coconut
salted carmel
They’re all solid, thick, deadly serious. All the flans I had and loved were light, airy and lively. The coconut flavor among the four is my fave.
This Mediterranean / Middle Eastern restaurant in Ybor City is authentic, clean and simple decor with fake greens and candles. Two sections in doors and one outdoor area.
Good service and food.
We’ve
Fried kibbeh
Baba ghanoush
Grilled halloumi
Spinach pizza
They’re all good, I liked the meat balls (kibbeh) and halloumi very much.
Four Arabic speaking aunts came, owner received them warmly. One of the aunt has a cute dog, who asked me if I was ok with it – it’s very ok -:)
The parking lot is across the street. Their bathroom has a spigot. I’ve never been to the Mideast but this is very common in Asia. When I redid my bathroom, I asked the contractor to install a drain and spigot. He didn’t, saying the drain would smell.
This French Vietnamese restaurant has high ceiling, fresh flowers and greens, lush retro decor, brass bars, Parisian red, Asian portraits, Vietnamese water scenery painting anchors the main dinning hall, lovely bar, chopstick rests, wonderful music – Ella Fitzgerald lovely, the panels of leaves line the narrow hall to the bathroom … nicely done.
Good service. The first thing the server did as she greeting us, was gently checked the table’s balance.
We’ve
Beet salad
Ribs
Beef rolls / raviolis
They’re all delicious but I prefer the first two. The beef rolls are delicious but too much meat – this is picking bones among the eggs.
I like their chopsticks: if you can reuse it, do take it with you. They’re of good quality and beautiful. Thank you.
An odd place for a Chinese restaurant: Hooters, Dollar Tree, Pizza Hut … Google maps directed us into Webb Dixie parking lot.
When we finally find it, I was taken back at its appearance: it’s big, vacant and looks like take out place, or canteen. We went in because we didn’t have time to look.
What a surprise! We liked both dishes:
spicy beef 水煮牛
mapo tofu 麻婆豆腐
Although they’ve beers in the fridge but they couldn’t serve because their liquor license lapsed. Oh well. Food deserves 4 star Service 4 Decor 2 -:)
It was empty when we arrived and was empty when we leave. Hanging there, we’ll come back again.
The final played out in two days at the Gusman Concert Hall. Six kids made it. The organizer divided them into two groups, three tonight and the rest of three tomorrow afternoon. The link up on Saturday is:
William Ge
Angeline Ma
Anthony Ratinov
Parking again, is problematic. There are at least three signs.
The organizer sent us an email, directing us to park at a garage but the attendant, an elderly gentleman looking puzzled, then said, “we’re across the lake from the Hall.” Then gives us the direction to the purple parking lot near the Gusman Concert Hall.
As soon as I get off, I see a valet parking sign and a few men huddling around a sign with their phones in hand. Inside, there is another sign, asking the patrons “Did you remember to pay for parking?”
I think that’s it for me. Hopefully the next one, in five years, will be hosted elsewhere or they got to improve their act.
Among the three kids, I like the last one, Ratinov who’s far more polished.
We didn’t get the Sunday ticket because someone has an event to go. The winning order is:
Apparently, it’s the Gabriel Miami South Beach, (Curio Collection), one of many Hilton properties in South Beach. Our server said the hotel doesn’t have a kitchen – I’m wondering if this kind of marriage is common on Ocean Dr., or I misunderstood him.
We chose to sit by the front row on the sidewalk, for a change: getting close to the pedestrians …
We always come here for a stroll, drink or meal. This is the main drag of South Beach, and the heart and soul of Miami Beach. The west side of north to south one directional traffic is jammed with nightlife spots, entertainment, restaurants, shops, and cafes. Touristy yes but crowds fuel the businesses and make the strip alive.
The scenic path on the eastern side / Atlantic Ocean of Miami Beach, stretches from South Pointe Park northward for 7 miles to the Surfside border. It’s good for pedestrians, pets, bikers alike.
We walk on this path often but it’s the first time I biked: rode 8+ miles, from the Kempton hotel to 4925 Collins Avenue and back to our hotel. It’s great!
Next to South Pointe Park, this steak house has great location, service and food.
Spoon on the bread is a first. Maybe they know I drink butter -:) … if I’ve to pick a bone from eggs, it’s their wiped butter – pls serve real butter.
We’ve
tomato salad
chowder
burger
All are delicious. The chowder is the best so far. It’s the first time trying something other than steaks and I’m happy to report, that their huge burger is as delicious.
