Eden Roc Hotel ♥♥♥
Made popular by housing the Kardashian sisters not too long ago this hotel does not disappoint. It's situated just above all the craziness that is south beach and right next to the Fountain Bleu (which you would think would be pretty loud, but surprisingly we couldn't hear a thing). Eden Roc was definitely a family friendly hotel, but adult friendly as well with their "Adult Only" pool and cocktail servers by the pools and beach front (very convenient, IF you can get their attention which was always quite the challenge). But I will say the exceptionally nice staff, pools, private beach front and restaurants were definitely the highlights staying at this hotel.
HOWEVER, I will say the negatives were the room, house keeping and charges that were not explained prior to check-in. The room was less than par. If you ever consider staying here, I would recommend you ask for a room in the newer tower as we were stuck in their older "renovated" side. Which was small, faced a wall, and had an awkward bathroom set up that just needed a little more love. But we were in Miami and not too much time was spent in the room, so I won't mark too many points off for that. The second issue was house keeping out of the 5 nights we were there, they only came by once, which was my biggest issue. After speaking with the front desk they were kind enough to remove some of our resort fees from our bill (point for the exceptionally nice staff). BUT, do keep in mind that when they tell you there's a $25 resort fee per day ... there is also a tax to it so in actuality it is $28.50/per day.
Miami Zoo ♥♥♥♥♥
As an animal lover, the zoo or aquarium is always a must see place when visiting somewhere new. And since I heard the aquarium was not worth the effort, we made our way to the zoo! It was about an hour drive from Miami beach and very little actual highway time so you got to see more of, I guess, rural miami. We ran into a little traffic, but nothing like what we see here in DC so it was a breeze! The zoo is laid out in such a way that it's more a park that an actual zoo. With meandering paths and mist machines along the way it makes you forget that you're out in the Miami heat. Definitely loved that the animals were in a more casual no bars setting that made felt more like a safari part than the usual caged zoo. They even make it posible for the giraffes to reach over and beg for food. Super cute, and loved the ability to interact. A definite must go place.
On to the food. (The most important part of course)
Latin Cafe ♥♥♥♥
A definitely must try place. If you are looking for fancy, you won't find that here. But if you're looking for good food, in a nice home town feel, this is the place to be. It's more of the wall type place, meaning if you weren't intentionally looking for it, you'd more than likely walk right past it. But, you'd be sorry you did. This place was fantastic. It was a good 10-15 minute walk from our hotel, which was perfect. It took us on a nice walk along the docks and under gorgeous palm tress. The food was amazing and came at a great price! Skirt steak with chimichurri sauce is always a fave when I'm in Miami and this placed served it up perfectly. The hubbs got the cuban and we shared a whole lot of yummy plantains with some inca cola to wash it all down. It was definitely a place we wanted to eat at more than once during our stay.
5 Napkin Burger ♥♥♥♥♥
OMG! Amazing! We were walking through Lincoln Road (another must go place) and came across this restaurant. My hubbs has a thing about having to try a burger in every place we visit and we figured why not stop in for some lunch, I mean it has the word burger in the name. SO glad we did, I ended up getting the grilled mahi tacos. *DROOL* They were the best mahi tacos I've ever had. That I was actually sad when it was all gone. :( The hubbs actually opted out of getting a traditional burger and got the blackened mahi sandwich instead. Which was equally as amazing as the tacos. Just thinking about it makes my mouth water. Love it!
Sushi Siam ♥♥
As far as sushi goes, I've had better. But I will say that the fish was very fresh. I think I was just more disappointed with their selection and price the most. I'm used to more variety of rolls and sashimi, especially if I'm so close to the ocean! So, it was ok. The hubbs had the pad thai though and it was pretty tasty. Whoomp whoomp! Guess you can't be completely in love with every restaurant you visit while on vacation. But I will say the service was wonderful and everything tasted great, just wish there was more sushi to choose from. It makes the list, just because of the staff and freshness of the fish as well as the tasty pad thai.
1500 Degrees ♥♥♥♥♥
If you're looking for a fancier restaurant, this is one to check out. It's also located right inside Eden Roc, so we decided what a perfect way to end our anni-moon than with a nice dinner a short elevator ride away. The food was so so yummy! It's a farm-to-table restaurant, meaning everything on their menu is locally grown. Which I love! The hubbs chose the half rotisserie chicken with carolina grits and I chose to go with the 3-course pre-fix meal because everything sounded so tasty! They had a nice variety on the menu and the surprising favorite was the octopus salad. It was grilled just right and was super tender. The dressing and greens blended perfectly and I definitely could've eaten it as a main course if I could. BUT, my main course was equally amazing so I'm glad I chose it. The grilled pork chop was to die for! So good, and so much of it! I was stuffed half way through, but because it was so good ended up finishing my plate. The only think I wasn't a fan of was the nutella bread pudding, only because I wasn't a fan of the cayenne. Call me old fashioned, but I like my desserts to be sweet and not spicy. :)
The decor was gorgeous, very modern glam. Service was amazing and the drink menu was tasty. Another definite must go and taste! :)
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