Experiencing MIA Food through the SoBe Food Tour

This past weekend I went to the SoBe Local Food Tour. This tour, I must say, was pretty awesome. One of my favorite features of the tour was of course the food, but it was also a guided historical, cultural and architectural tour of South Beach’s Art Deco buildings. While you walk on foot to each restaurant you will also learn a lot about the local buildings and the history behind each one. You will get the chance to learn about the preservation efforts that were made in order to keep this part of our city iconic.

This tour is given multiple days of the week and several times, allowing you to fit this food tour into your schedule. You will move from place to place and eat some of the tastiest food SoBe has to offer.

La Ventana (Colombian Cuisine): This stop was definitely one I will never forget. When I got to this location I was presented with quite the tasty plate. There were fried patacones with shredded meat on top. I also really enjoyed the fried empanada with meat and potato. The best thing about this empanada was that it didn’t leave behind a taste of oil in your mouth. They then gave me a refrajo, the equivalent of a Colombian Heineken beer. It was a mixture of beer with an orange soda called Colombiana. The mother-in-law of the owner is the one who has prepared each and every recipe on the menu. She is there everyday and makes sure that each dish is made to perfection before it hits the table of the customer. Talk about real family cooking! To find out more about their menu click HERE.

Astor Cuba (Cuban/Latin Cuisine): When you first enter the Hotel Astor, you have to take a few minutes to marvel at the many unique things that make this Art Deco hotel has to offer. Then you will make your way to Astor Cuba, which is only a few weeks old. I was given an arroz con pollo that was out of this world. It isn’t your typical abuela cooking, but boy is it good. The sauce that surrounded the dish was a type of chipotle ketchup with other spices that really made the dish unique. And, I was able to top it of with a refreshing mojito. To stay at this unique hotel click HERE for more information.

David’s Cuban Cuisine (Cuban Cuisine): This spot has a couple of locations around Miami Beach. I got to try their media noche, which was really scrumptious. And then I washed it down with some guarapo juice! This institution has been under the rule of the same family for the past 30 years.

Fiamma (Italian Cuisine): Talk about family cooking. This Italian joint is on Espanola Way. Here I tried their fusilli al pesto. This dish was made with homemade pesto that was out of this world. And, I have to mention that their pasta is cooked fresh everyday.

Charlotte Bakery (Chilean Cuisine): This place is so good that is was featured on the Food Network for the best empanadas, and that is what I tried at this bakery. Seriously, hands down, the best baked chicken empanada I have ever eaten. The pastry that surrounds the chicken has the most perfect texture and crunch. It was so good that I am already organizing the next time I can make a pit stop on my way to the beach. This is definitely a stop you must make when you make it to SoBe. For more information on the history of this empanada click HERE.

Milani Gelateria (Italian Gelato): If you are in the mood for some awesome homemade gelato you must make a stop at this gelateria. The cool thing about this place is that they have a refrigerator filled with several flavors, and each flavor comes from a specific part of Italy. If you want to learn how they make their gelato make sure to get there either on a Saturday or Sunday at noon, and you can learn all the tricks.

La Ventana

Astor Cuba

Fiamma

Grace & I