miami beach birthday

 Turning 28 in the Sunshine State

Year twenty-eight feels like a lifetime ago.  This was the last birthday I celebrated before moving to Phoenix, getting a promotion, and meeting Matt.  My whole life changed in year 28!!  Miami has so much to offer beyond beaches, sunshine and people watching, but for this particular birthday, that's all I wanted to accomplish.  Dinner at 10pm, overlooking the ocean.  Called into a restaurant by a chatty greeter, beaconing us into the establishment.  No glitz, no glam, just spiked slushies and sunbathing during the day, and stuffing my face with touristy grub at night.  South Beach, but make it low key.

 

Heading to Miami in the year 2021, there is so much more I'd want to do and chose to see.  First and foremost, I'd expand on the art deco architecture pictured above and participate in an Art Deco District Walking Tour.  Next, I'd carry on my love of art and explore the Wynwood Walls.  Murals are my love language and I want a photo of each and every one of them.  Keeping with the theme of my favorite things ever, I'd visit the Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden and then the Coral Gables Museum to participate in their downtown walking tour.  Rounding out my tours, I'd visit the Ancient Spanish Monastery or the Deering Estate.  While I will always appreciate the party atmosphere of South Beach, I'm now drawn to the rich architecture and history of Southern Florida.  

For nourishment, I'll skip the French fries and drinks at Wet Willy's and opt to feast at some of these fanciful establishments.  In South Beach, I'd shovel fluffy tortilla chips and pastor tacos into my mouth at Taquiza. In North Beach and the Surf Club is right up my alley with it's 1950s glamour and nostalgic menu.  Kitschy name and unique flavor combinations draw me to Phuc Yea, the Vietnamese/Cajun fusion restaurant.  In the Design District, I'd try Le Jardenier, a veggie forward restaurant with Art Deco Interiors.  For water views, a James Beard Chef, and farm to table meals, I'd love to dine at Amara at Paraiso for Latin inspired dishes.  I'd want to try the famous Zak the Baker breads, especially after my love of Beauty and the Baker on Netflix (haha).  I would round out my meals with a Cuban inspired dinner by a James Beard winner at Cafe La Trova.  More of the best restaurants in Miami for 2021 are located here, here or here.  There is no better way to familiarize yourself with a city than through it's food.  

Twenty-Eight may have been a lifetime ago, but my love for Miami is here to stay.