Miami, magic city
Magic meals, magic memories
Miami holds many memories for me. In the mid-1980s, I was living in a hotel in a coveted spot as a flight attendant in training for Pan Am Airlines. I owed much of this to my high school Spanish teacher, who hailed from Cuba and sparked my interest in the language. I continued Spanish studies in college, and this helped me pass Pan Am’s language test.
Young readers might not know that Pan Am went bankrupt long ago. But in its heyday, it pioneered international air travel and was one of the first airlines to introduce in-flight entertainment and dining services.
During my training, I was too busy memorizing safety procedures and the anatomy of a 747 to focus on eating well. However, I enjoyed the refined lessons from the Pan Am purser, the senior flight attendant who taught us about first-class service. Setting the table correctly, serving, and opening wine carefully are all hospitality lessons in my mind now.
When training days ended, and the books and lectures disappeared, Miami burst wide open. I was in my mid-20s, the Cuban migration had just hit Miami, and Rhythm of the Night by DeBarge was the soundtrack to our evenings out. The city was alive and it felt like anything was possible.
Melting pot
Decades later, while dining in Coral Gables, someone at the table remarked that Miami is a melting pot. (Coral Gables and also Coconut Grove are well-known neighborhoods within the greater Miami area.) I smiled. It’s true. Waves of Hispanic and Latino people have shaped the city’s life and food culture.
The numbers tell some of the story: according to US Census Bureau data, over 70% of the 445,924 people who live in Miami are Hispanic or Latino, followed by 14% white, nearly 12% African American, two or more races (non-Hispanic, at 2%), Asian, other races (non-Hispanic), and Native American (non-Hispanic).
The food scene is beautifully reflected, with cafeterias serving Cuban coffee and pastries, fusion dishes, fresh seafood, and tropical fruits. Italian cuisine thrives, too, with Carbone’s staking two outposts in the city.
We had many places to choose from on our trip: Cuban, French, and Italian seafood and fusion restaurants. At each stop, I found myself studying the meals: how sauces were applied, how portions were sized, and how the vegetables fit into the overall composition of the plate.
Vegetables are non-negotiable for me. Whether at home or eating out, I look for a hearty serving of greens. Michelin stars or not, a balanced meal with care and thought for vegetables is my gold standard.
So let me share my thoughts on a few places we went, in the order of how much we enjoyed them.
Nestled in the historic 1924 La Palma building, Bouchon felt like stepping into an elegant Mediterranean courtyard. The scene was warm, festive, and effortlessly welcoming. Just across the street from our hotel, we arrived at 7:45 PM to a packed house buzzing with conversations and an attentive staff.
The warm, rustic bread arrived at our table, its shining brown crust inviting. Phil tasted it immediately, but I held off, following my little rule: bread is best enjoyed after vegetables, protein, and healthy fats. It’s a small trick I used to eat more intentionally but let me tell you—when I finally took a bite, it was worth the wait.
Our table was soon graced with chicken, salmon, rainbow trout, and beef dishes. The sauces were served on the side at our request, and every plate was beautifully presented. Phil’s chicken was tender, and the trout was paired with cauliflower in a way that made me want to replicate it at home.
Dessert was ordered, but Phil ate more of it than I did. We laughed about our shared weakness and later we resolved to be more mindful next time. I ordered it because I wanted one bite to taste it, and Phil ate the rest, which got me in trouble because I’m the one who ordered it in the first place!
Sugar is a persistent challenge in American dining, but what can a restaurant do? Maybe homemade lightly sweetened cookies? Now, there’s an idea.
Regardless, Bouchon delivered a balanced and flavorful meal in an environment pulsing with style and panache. It’s a place we’d eagerly revisit.
Opening night at a brand-new restaurant, and the spit and polish was everywhere to be seen. The atmosphere, bar none, is wholesale speakeasy a la 1920 New York. It’s terrific, and if you’re in Coconut Grove and this appeals to you – one word here – go. The staff was on their toes, a delightful bunch of locals who are also excellent at the bar and hosting. For the full effect, the bartenders wore white dinner jackets and black bow ties. Very cool! By the way, it’s called Carbone Vino for its extensive wine list.
The food was excellent by all standards, but there were some caveats in my mind. We sat down, and as we looked through the menu, the bartender—we were sitting at the bar, not at a table—brought pickled vegetables, bread, and a mortadella. This is a classic combination of Italian cuisine, but the pickled vegetables are not my favorite. I generally don’t eat cold cuts however I tried the mortadella. It was tasty paired with the whole grain bread they served, which, in moderation, is probably just fine.
We were told the pasta dish was big, so we shared it. It was smaller than we expected, but that was fine. I didn’t want to eat much of it; it was just a taste. The sauce seemed a bit heavy to me, but Phil enjoyed it. I had an octopus salad, refreshing and satisfying. But I was careful eating too much of the sauce because a lot of calories and sugar can end up there generally.
We split the main meal. Phil ordered a large sole. It was a GORGEOUS piece of fish—light, fluffy, and gleaming pristine white. I was so focused on filming it being de-boned that I didn’t notice just how much sauce was being poured over it. For me, sauces always go on the side. While eating, I discreetly blotted that wondrous white fish with a napkin. We gave it an A++, which was superb; no sauce soak was needed.
The dark coffee tasted a tad bitter, though I’m not a big coffee drinker. Here’s how coffee ordering usually goes. I order it, take a sip, and give it to Phil. He shakes his head at me. Again, I was sampling.
Carbone Vino isn’t just a restaurant; it’s an experience. Rumor has it they’ll be hosting speakeasy nights in their private back room. It could be flawless for a picky, health-conscious diner like me with just a tweak or two to the sauces.
Sapore di Mare landed on our list because it was highly rated online. The great reviews were justified—this is an excellent restaurant with one dish that is more delicious than the next.
It’s a local spot with modest starfish on the sign and the words "Italian Seafood and Take Out Market.” The frames of the glass doors are painted blue, and holiday lights hang glitteringly, brightening a night softened by light rain.
The place was packed throughout the meal, with a small line collecting out the door. Raindrops glistened under the warm holiday glow, adding to the cozy atmosphere.
We started with grilled and seasoned vegetables that were not too soft, but perfectly cooked. The eggplant parmigiana was soft, warmed by the elegant red sauce that didn’t taste heavy or sweet. A fresh basil leaf rested on top.
I was practically full but said, "What the heck, let me order the seafood pasta." I hadn’t eaten that in a long time. The homemade pasta was topped with a substantial amount of seafood. I swore I couldn’t eat it, but there was nothing left.
Meanwhile, Phil ordered a Bolognese that could have fed both of us. We passed on dessert and coffee, sparing Phil from eating the dessert but denying me my little taste.
When in Coconut Grove, this is an awesome spot. Locals know best!
Magic Meals, Magic Memories
Food in Miami isn’t just about what’s on the plate—it’s about the stories, the culture, and the memories each bite carries. Whether it’s a historic French bistro with people you love, or a buzzing Italian speakeasy and a cozy seafood spot for a romantic date (heading to 22 years of marriage for us), every meal tells a story.
For me, Miami remains a place of discovery—a city where the past and present dance together over perfectly plated meals.
And yes, we even stopped by Publix in Brickell. But that’s another story for another day. Coming soon!