Topic Wiki

South Florida Kosher Restaurant and Attraction Map (HT: Yaalili).

DD Trip Notes:
http://www.dansdeals.com/archives/16322 (2011)
http://www.dansdeals.com/archives/26692 (2012)
http://www.dansdeals.com/archives/49206 (2014)
http://www.dansdeals.com/archives/61082 (2015)
http://www.dansdeals.com/archives/72957 (2015)
https://www.dansdeals.com/points-travel/trip-notes/trip-notes-miami-foodies-delight-finally-cracking-sunpass-tolls (2021)
https://www.dansdeals.com/points-travel/trip-notes/trip-notes-miami-2023-great-food-awesome-cholov-yisroel-chocolate-workshop-weekend-fun/ (2023)

Trip Reports:
@Yehuda's 1st trip to Miami https://forums.dansdeals.com/index.php?topic=63986.0
@Yehuda Miami Weekend Getaway at SRBH https://forums.dansdeals.com/index.php?topic=100169.0
@Alexsei Surfside 2018 https://forums.dansdeals.com/index.php?topic=452.msg1896122#msg1896122
@Alexsei Surfside/Bay Harbor 2019 https://forums.dansdeals.com/index.php?topic=452.msg2055841#msg2055841
@jj1000 ideal foodie oriented day in Miami based on what I've had/done so far https://forums.dansdeals.com/index.php?topic=452.msg1387809;topicseen#msg1387809
@BOOKY trip report for Miami https://forums.dansdeals.com/index.php?topic=452.msg1062268;topicseen#msg1062268
@jack Short trip report https://forums.dansdeals.com/index.php?topic=452.msg745120;topicseen#msg745120
@Chachem Balaileh South Florida mini trip report https://forums.dansdeals.com/index.php?topic=452.msg726747;topicseen#msg726747
@dealfinder85 somewhat of a TR https://forums.dansdeals.com/index.php?topic=452.msg1059208#msg1059208
@JayR 3 Days In Florida https://forums.dansdeals.com/index.php?topic=50450.msg1088383#msg1088383
@AJK Labor Day Hop https://forums.dansdeals.com/index.php?topic=55342.0
@twentie4hrs Miami Beach for a Relaxing 4 days (Including Shabbos) https://forums.dansdeals.com/index.php?topic=59239.0
@srulky Mini TR for quick 3 day/2 night Jaunt down to Ft. Lauderdale/Miami https://forums.dansdeals.com/index.php?topic=452.msg1354473#msg1354473
@Adam101 Chanukka '15 trip MIA & BNA https://forums.dansdeals.com/index.php?topic=59271.0
@mgoldhammer18 A different kind of trip to Miami beach https://forums.dansdeals.com/index.php?topic=61518.0
@shnoz Quick TR from N Miami https://forums.dansdeals.com/index.php?topic=452.msg790875;topicseen#msg790875
@Amusch low-key low-cost trip https://forums.dansdeals.com/index.php?topic=452.msg1413855;topicseen#msg1413855
@joe999 4 Days in Miami https://forums.dansdeals.com/index.php?topic=452.msg1201938#msg1201938
@mochjas Saturday Night @Meat Bar (Surfside) Sunday Night at SOHO https://forums.dansdeals.com/index.php?topic=452.msg2184097#msg2184097

Hotels

41st and Collins Area
Four Points (Shabbos friendly)
Lexington
Courtyard by Marriott
Holiday Inn
Grand Beach
Best Western Atlantic Beach Resort
Fontainebleau
Eden Roc
Alexander
Confidante (Hyatt)
The Cadillac (Marriott)

Bal Harbour/Surfside/Bay harbor - Walking Distance To Shul
hotels in walking distance to shul:

Surfside:
Residence Inn by Marriott $$ (confirmed shabbos friendly)
Four Seasons $$$ Ocean front hotel
Sun Harbour Boutique Hotel $$
Grand Beach Surfside $$ Ocean front hotel
Grand Beach Surfside West $$

Bal Harbour:
St Regis $$$ Ocean front hotel
Ritz Carlton $$$ Ocean front hotel
Bal Harbour Quarzo $$ inter-coastal front hotel
Sea View $$ Ocean front hotel

Bay Harbour:
Grand beach Bay Harbour $$ inter-coastal front hotel
TRYP by Wyhndam $ CLOSED
The Landon $
The Altair(kosher)

Aventura
Turnberry Isle Resort (Marriott)

Hollywood
Westin Diplomat Resort and Spa (Leaving SPG 10/30/14)


Fort Lauderdale
Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort and Spa
W Fort Lauderdale
Hyatt Place
Hyatt House

Boca
Waldorf Astoria
Boca Hilton Suites


Rent a villa/apartment
horarentals.com
floridakoshervillas.com
northmiamirental.com
northmiamivilla.com
lxure.com
reservekosher.com
flamingokosher.com
motelchai.com


 
Miami Kosher Restaurants 

map with kosher restaurants under Kosher Miami
http://koshermiami.org/
41st and Collins Area
Name                               Style   Price    Kid Friendly?RecommendationsNotes
Miami Beach’s Chocolate Dairy  $$$                                    CLOSED. They opened on Harding
Lenny’s Pizza                      Dairy      $      Yes                                             Multipule Locations   
Asi’s Grill (CLOSED)                      Meat      ??           ??                                           
Carlos & Gabby's                      Meat      $      Yes                                                     
Grill House                      Meat      ??           ??                                           
MONTEFIORE CAFE              Dairy      ??      Yes                                               
17 Restaurant & Sushi Bar        Dairy      $$$                                                  
Tasti Cafe              Dairy Not CY      ??      Yes                                               
Bagel Time              Dairy      $      Yes                                             off 41st street, on Alton Rd. 
Florida Grill                      Meat      ??           ??                                           
Kikar Tel Aviv                      Meat      ??           ??                                          Shabbos Meals



Bal Harbor / Surfside / Bay Harbor
Name                               Style   Price    Kid Friendly?RecommendationsNotesCertificationOnline Ordering
Cine Cite Cafe Dairy  $$YesClick HereCholov Yisroel / Pas YisroelOKUberEats
Foozo Artisan Pizza Dairy  $YesCholov Yisroel / Pas YisroelKMChowNow
Cafe Vert              Dairy   $$Yes Click HereCholov Yisroel / Pas YisroelOKEat24
Rustiko Dairy  $$Yes Click Here   KMChowNow
26 Sushi& Tapas        Dairy   $$$YesClick Here   KMUberEats
Serendipity Yogurt Cafe    Dairy  $YesClick Here    KMUberEats
Yossi's Out Of Home Pizza Dairy  $YesClick HereCholov Yisroel / Pas YisroelTheShulCall/WA (786) 352-1913
Rachel's Baked Goods & Dips Parve  $YesClick HereFree Delivery??Call/Text (786) 447-9809
Harbor Grill                      Meat   $$$No                                   KM??
Harbor Bistro                      Meat   $$$NoClick Here    KMEat24 pickup Only
Kosh                  Meat   $$$NoClick Here    KM??
Chai Wok                  Meat   $$YesClick Here    KMUberEats/GrubHub/ChowNow/Eat24
The Backyard BBQ & Brew                      Meat   $$$Yes Click Here   KMUberEats
The Carrot                      Meat   $$??                                  KMUberEats/GrubHub/Eat24
King David Cuisine Meat ??Yes                                 KM
Meat Bar (Bay Harbor) (New 2019) Meat ????                                 KMUberEats
Street Kitchen (New 2019) Meat ????                                 KM??
Surf-n-sides Meat $$                                 MDKComing Soon
pokado Take out & Delivery Only (New 2021) Meat/sushi $Yes                                 KMAll
So Heavenly Take out & Delivery Only Meat/shabbos $Yes                                 KMAll
Rolling Pin Bakery              Parve   $Yes                                  StarK??
Kosherland+Maven baker Grocery bakery and deli??Yes                               Shabbos Packages+Free Hot PlateKMDeli Has online ordering
Newtime Catering Meat   ????                               Takeout/Shabbos MealsKM
Miami Beach Chocolates Surfside Parve/dairy $$??KM
BON Chocolatier Bay Harbor Parve $$??Click HereVegan Chocolate BoutiqueKMPickUp Only

Shabbos Meals in Bal Harbour/Surfside
  • Kosher Kingdom Takeout (15 drive)
  • KosherLand Takeout (was bought by The Grove and now has a massive shabbos selection as well as prepared foods all week long. no more hot plates as far as I know. jj)
  • Esti Englander - Pickup in NMB (305) 502-4611
  • Fromowitz 347-680-1099
  • Backyard BBQ Friday Night and Shabbas Day Meal Service
  • Kosh Friday Night Meal Service
  • Meat Bar (Bay harbor) Friday Night and Shabbas Day Meal Service
  • OVO at Altair (Bay harbor) Friday Night and Shabbas Day Meal Service
  • For Shabbat day people usually eat in the SHUL

Shabbos Friendly Hotels in Bal Harbour/Surfside
  • Residence Inn Surfside

COVID Testing

Aventura/North Miami Beach/Sunny Isles
Name Style   Price    Kid Friendly?RecommendationsNotesCertificationOnline Ordering
Fresko Dairy     $$$                                                          
China Bistro                      Meat      $$$              No                                             
Dixie BBQ    Meat     $      Yes                                               
Foozo    Dairy     $      Yes                                               
Fuego                      Meat      ??           ??                                           
Grill Time                        Meat      ??      Yes                                                     
Mozart Grill                      Meat      ??           ??                                           
Holy Bagel              Parve/Dairy      ??      Yes                                               
Soho Asian Grill        Meat      ??                                                  
Mozart Cafe              Dairy      $$      Yes                                               
The Frieze              Dairy Not CY      ??      Yes                                               
Vgan    Vegan     $$                                                     
Grand Cafe              Dairy Not CY      ??      Yes                                             Stirling Road- Hollywood, Israeli breakfast joint 


Boca Raton
Name StylePrice    Kid Friendly?RecommendationsNotesCertificationOnline Ordering
Mozart CafeDairy. 4/5$$??     Nice outdoor area tooORB??
Jon's Place (pizza)Dairy$Yes     ---??
Pita N GoDairy 4.5/5????     They currently have a unreliable hechsher according to R Goldberg of BRS/ORB????
BOCA BAGEL FACTORY CAFEDairy 4/5????     ORB??
MenchiesDairy 5/5????Incredible non C'Y frozen yogurt????
AsiaMeat. 4/5$$??     ORB??
Boca GrillMeat????     ORB??
Century GrillMeat 4/5????     ORB??
Orchid's Garden ChineseMeat 4/5????     ????
Butcher Block GrillMeat 4/5$$$??     ORB??
Ditmas Kitchen BocaMeat&Sushi????     ORB??

Butcher Block Grill, Asia, and Mozart are adjacent to each other at the Fountains Center at Camino Real.
Update Jan 2021: all 3 establishments above closed. They are being replaced by a new set. Carmela’s (dairy) rave pizza (not open yet) roadshow (meat) Eden wok (Chinese, not open yet) oak & ember (steakhouse, not open yet)

Great website for all things kosher in Boca - https://www.kosherbocaraton.org/

Hollywood
Name                              Style   Price   Kid Friendly?RecommendationsNotesCertificationOnline Ordering
Cafe Noir (open till 2 AM) Dairy  $$YesCholov Yisroel / Pas YisroelORBhttps://www.kosher24.net/
Cafe 56 Dairy  $YesCholov Yisroel / Pas YisroelORBNo
Toast Avenue Cafe Dairy  $YesCholov Yisroel / Pas YisroelORBDoorDash
Yum Berry Cafe & Sushi Bar Dairy  $YesCholov Yisroel / Pas YisroelORBNo
Sara's Pizza Dairy  $YesCholov Yisroel / Pas YisroelORB?
Lenny's Pizza Dairy  $YesCholov Yisroel / Pas YisroelORBSliceLife
Mizrachi's Pizza Kitchen Dairy  $YesCholov Yisroel / Pas YisroelORBChowNow
Ariels Delicious Pizza Dairy  $YesCholov Yisroel / Pas YisroelORB?
Grand Cafe Espresso Bar Dairy  $Yes NOT Cholov Yisroel / Pas YisroelORBChowNow
HBK Burger Meat $$?? Glatt Kosher, Pas Yisroel ORBOn Website
China Bistro & Sushi Meat $$?? Pas Yisroel ORBMany
Hummus Factory Meat $$?? Pas Yisroel ORBMany
Nava's Kosher Kitchen & Restaurant Meat $$?? Pas Yisroel? ORB?
Pita Star Meat $$?? Pas Yisroel ORB?
Pita Express Meat $$?? Pas Yisroel? ORB?
JZ Steakhouse Meat $$$?? Glatt Kosher, Pas Yisroel ORB?
Pita Plus Meat $$?? Pas Yisroel? ??


Lauderhill

Sunrise Pita - 2680 N University Dr, Sunrise, FL 33322
(954) 748-0090


Fort Lauderdale
PX Grill (next door to chabad)



Supermarkets

41st and Collins Area
Kastner's Market
Kosher Price Market - 460 West 41st St. (305) 763-8524
YES Market

Bal Harbour/Surfside
Kosher land
Publix (regular big supermarket - Some Kosher items are available)


Aventura
Sara's Tent -Aventura
Kosher Kingdom - Aventura
Winn Dixie - 20417 Biscayne Blvd, Aventura

Hollywood
Kosher Central
Aroma Market
Grove - Hollywood
Sylvia's


Coral Springs/Parkland
Fooderie - 5651 Coral Ridge Drive, 954-752-0008


Boca
Grove - Boca
Kosher Marketplace , with full take out
22191 North Powerline Road, (561) 391-3318
Winn-Dixie (Kosher take-out, bakery,meat,fish,pizza, large kosher section)
7024 Beracasa Way, (561) 368-5442
Aroma Boca
Glicks

Delray Beach
Glick's Kosher Market, with full take out - now under ORB
7351 W. Atlantic Avenue, (561) 637-5771


Things to do
Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
Miami Zoo
Seaquarium
Jungle Island
Lincoln Road Mall
Bal Harbour Shops
Aventura Mall
Sawgrass Mills outlets - Ft. Lauderdale
Lion Country Safari
rent bikes
watersports
Gulfstream
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
Segway
Kayak or canoe
Hanglidng
Scuba diving by the keys

Jay Why's List of things to do with kids:

Airboat or swamp buggy in the Everglades.
MODS museum in FLL.
Drive Loop Rd in the Everglades.
Jungle Island.
Fruit and Spice park.
Glass bottom boat in key largo.
Fairchild Gardens. (It’s mango season currently)
Kayaking in Oleta river SP.
Sugar sand park in boca.
Frost Museum.
Lion country safari
If all else fails, beach and pool

JJ1000's list of top restaurants and dishes in Miami:

1. Backyard BBQ (New chef in mid 2017 totally new menu): Burnt ends, 2nd cut brisket, Dinosaur Rib, BBQ Sundae, BBQ Burger.

2. 26: Sushi pizza is  a must I prefer it with baked salmon, then the Passion Mojito, Sushi Teriyaki tempuraed, Cilantro Aioli dip and truffle fires, all of their soups are good. Miso Bass is incredible as well.

3. Harbour Bistro, new menus in early 2018: Chicken and waffles just perfect, duck a l'orange pot stickers, millionaire ramen, lamb shank, charcuterie platter if that's your thing... Also serving brunch, Chicken and waffles again, eggs Benedict with bacon on top,

4. Fuego: Flatbreads are a must, then the back ribs, pastrami egg rolls, smores dessert, perfect date drink are good. (Update March 2017, the app chef and bbq chef isn't there anymore and the quality has been spotty from recent reviews.)

5. Zak The Baker. Menu changes too often to recommend stuff. Not Cholov Yisroel.

6. Kosh: Chocolate souffle and korean beef with extra sauce are good.

7. Rustiko: Spinach and Artichoke Dip, (Quinoa Salad is very good), (Pappardelle Mushroom if lunch), Mushrooms Panzerotti is an absolute must order only down side is it's a dinner only item. Oreo cheescake dessert but make sure it's fresh.

8. Harbour Grill: The Harbour Grill Filet or TheKing Reserve steaks are great. Supreme Burger is very good as well.

9. Pizza type options:

Foozo: Foozolis, the caprese foozoli with extra balsamic sauce and garlic aoili, their pastas are good as well.

Jerusalem Pizza: Best plain pie, get it fresh in store, coated fries good as well.

Lenny's pizza: Gan Eden Pie.

Also notable unique places are The Freeze which makes ices, serendipity makes ice cream (there is one next door to ZTB now), and Miami Beach Chocolates turtles and bark now also in Surfside!


#2020 Restaurants with outdoor seating

Soho - large semi enclosed patio, perfect for a rainy day

Fuego - large semi sheltered area outside the restaurant, indoors area has a new $20k air filtration system

Mozart Sunny isles -  large semi sheltered area outside the restaurant

Foozo - streetside tables

Zak The Baker -  streetside tables

Cine Cita, Backyard BBQ, Street Kitchen, 26, Kosh - streetside tables on Harding Ave 

Karne


Dan's Steakhouse Recommendations
Food: Street>Mendel's>Kosh>Fuego>Harbour Bistro>Meat Bar
Ambiance: Kosh>Meat Bar>Fuego>Harbour Bistro>Mendel's>Street
Service:  Kosh>Fuego>Mendel's>Street>Meat Bar>Harbour Bistro

Dan's 2024 Update
Moran (pastries) 9.5/10
Neya 9/10
Hadekel 9/10
Bambu Boca 8.5/10
Bambu NMB 8/10
Asiatiko 8/10
Ostrow Brasserie 8/10
Levy's 8/10
Street 7.5/10
26 7/10
Vish 7/10
Rustiko 6.5/10
Fresko 6/10
Smash House 6/10
Foozo 6/10
SoHo 6/10
Kosh 5.5/10
Carmela's Boca 5/10
Fuego 5/10
Ditmas Boca 4.5/10
China Beach 4/10
Cine Citta 3/10 Can't recommend due to service failures.
Meat Bar 2/10 Can't recommend due to service failures.
Cafe Noir: 0/10 Can't recommend due to service failures.
G7: 0/10 Can't recommend due to service failures.
Harbour Grill: 0/10 Can't recommend due to service failures.

« Last edited by Joe4007 on March 13, 2024, 01:41:55 PM »

Author Topic: South Florida Master Thread  (Read 3190823 times)

Offline AROCKS1

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Re: South Florida Master Thread
« Reply #3340 on: July 08, 2015, 09:20:30 PM »
Hey anybody have any ideas as to which hotel to stay in near the 41st and collins area with UR points? I'm going in aug and looking to spend no more than 12K per night (so the centric is out, and no I don't want to use 150$ cash with points) and want it to be a relatively nice place. The regency is a good option but I heard that parking is 40$ a night and a huge mess, so that's not so good..

Thanks in advance for help!

Offline joe999

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Re: South Florida Master Thread
« Reply #3341 on: July 10, 2015, 09:25:51 AM »
Miami Trip Review:
Day 1: First time in Miami. The itinerary called for relaxation+ eating and not much else. We got in late at night using Avios to fly American Airlines. It was nice having Priority Access boarding because the overhead compartments filled up quickly. I used Silvercar for a rental car, and they were great. (Dan, you've got a $25 referral award coming your way). I was confused as to where to go after getting off the plane, because the instructions say to take the Miami Mover, but I didn't know where that was. I called them and they said to just wait by baggage claim and they'll come pick us up, which was nice. The car drove well and was comfortable. We got in to the Aloft South Beach, which just opened less than a month ago (and they should have waited longer. But more on that later). The lobby is nice and very modern, and check-in was easy. The rooms are small, but nice. We had a view of a dirty condo building across the canal (which was also dirty), so not very picturesque, but ok. We couldn't connect to the WiFi and didn't have cell service, but I was too tired to deal with it at night.

Day 2: We went to Tasti Cafe, which was only 5 minutes from the hotel, along with a bunch of other restaurants. HIGHLY recommend. They aren't cholov yisroel, so maybe that's why I didn't hear much of it on the forums, but it was really great. We ordered the blueberry pancakes and an avocado omelette that was delicious. It came with a multi-grain croissant. Frappes were good as well. Rating:5/5

I asked to switch rooms when we got back to the hotel, and they were polite and switched us to the first floor. But the room stank of fumes, whether from paint or cleaning solution. There was also a rag left in the sink. I asked to switch rooms again. This time, we moved to the fourth floor, which smelled fine, and WiFi and cell service worked. Great.

Lunch was 17 sushi and cafe. I used the groupon thankfully, because this place was super overpriced. The food was decent, we got quesadillas, sushi, and a milkshake, which was nothing special at all, even though it cost $8.  Food: 3/5 (but the price drops it to 2.5/5 for me).

Dinner was Fuego by Mana: A bit of a drive, but well worth it. Best place we went to in Miami. Pulled brisket empanadas were nice, and I had the best ribs I've ever had (better than Milt's in Chicago), topped with a really good chocolate mousse. 5/5 in every aspect.

Day 3: We loved Tasti cafe so much we decided to go there again instead of shlepping to Holy Bagels like the plan called for. Got the avocado omelette again and french toast. Still great though the pancakes were better than the french toast.

Lunch was at Zak the Baker. The neighborhood seemed a little rough to me, but it could just be the street art that is on the surrounding walls which I know is a tourist attraction. Either way, the bakery itself was anything but rough. The bread here is incredible and the portabella cheese melt I got was perfect. Very unique place and a must-go if you are visiting Miami with its ever-changing menu. They earned their rave reviews that I heard about. 5/5

Dinner was Kosh. I had the korean beef app and peppercorn filet mignon per Dan's recommendation. The former was great. The latter was just meh to me. My wife had the steak risotto which she said was good but not great. 3/5

We arrived back at the hotel at about 10pm, and the air conditioning in our room wasn't working. We spoke to the front desk and they told us to pack our stuff and they'd call us when a new room was ready. 15 minutes later, they call and say the engineer is trying to fix the problem, don't pack your stuff up yet (but we did). We wait longer. It's pretty unbearable with the heat and the humidity. 15 minutes later, I ask to just switch rooms. The new staff member I spoke to barely spoke English and had a thick accent. She tells me it's a problem with the central system. So I try to clarify, is it a hotel-wide problem? She says no and says something about the fourth floor. So I ask to switch to a different floor. And we go in circles. Meanwhile, all our stuff is in suitcases, because we don't know if we are going to move again. After this happens a couple more times, I call SPG. They call the hotel and clarify that it IS a hotel-wide problem. I ask to switch to the W, which is just across the street, and she says she can only do that if I use the point difference on the night. The hotel finally tells us we are not going to be switched, and just have to stay in our rooms. We are going to be "compensated" but she can't tell us how much.

At this point it's well past midnight, and we are hot, but exhausted and manage to fall asleep after some time.

Day 4 The air conditioning turned back on around 2am. I call down for the valet to bring my car around. About the valet: Every time I came in my car, I found the music turned to some rap station. Unprofessional, but I didn't care that much. They also said they need 15 minutes notice to bring the car in front. It's a $37 a day fee, and I feel like 15 minutes is a lot of time for such a large fee. However, again I didn't care that much. I arrive at the valet 15 minutes after I called, and he tells me it will be another 10 minutes. It ends up being over a half hour after I call. I'm going to miss the minyan I was planning on going to. I complain to the same woman, who doesn't know english very well, and she says in her broken English: "I know Jews, My ex-Husband was a Jew. I understand." I don't think it was meant maliciously, but I decided I was done speaking with her.

After coming back, I ask to speak to the manager. I go through everything that happened, and she was really nice. She refunded me the third night stay, the recreation fee ($20 each day for beach chairs and towels), and the valet fee plus a late check-out.

We then went to Montefiore, which was pretty decent. Great pancakes, but only an okay omelette. 3/5.

Lunch was pasta from Shemtov's 3.5/5 and a slice of Lenny's Pizza which was good thin crust and gigantic slices for a great price. 4/5

Overall a really nice trip. Thank you to everyone here for their recommendations!

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Re: South Florida Master Thread
« Reply #3342 on: July 11, 2015, 03:15:18 PM »
Thanks for the tr! Staying in new hotels have their upsides and downsides-on the one hand it's new, clean and has that fresh feeling, on the other-the service and kinks still need ironing out!

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Re: South Florida Master Thread
« Reply #3343 on: July 11, 2015, 10:38:58 PM »
Miami Trip Review:
Day 1: First time in Miami. The itinerary called for relaxation+ eating and not much else. We got in late at night using Avios to fly American Airlines. It was nice having Priority Access boarding because the overhead compartments filled up quickly. I used Silvercar for a rental car, and they were great. (Dan, you've got a $25 referral award coming your way). I was confused as to where to go after getting off the plane, because the instructions say to take the Miami Mover, but I didn't know where that was. I called them and they said to just wait by baggage claim and they'll come pick us up, which was nice. The car drove well and was comfortable. We got in to the Aloft South Beach, which just opened less than a month ago (and they should have waited longer. But more on that later). The lobby is nice and very modern, and check-in was easy. The rooms are small, but nice. We had a view of a dirty condo building across the canal (which was also dirty), so not very picturesque, but ok. We couldn't connect to the WiFi and didn't have cell service, but I was too tired to deal with it at night.

Day 2: We went to Tasti Cafe, which was only 5 minutes from the hotel, along with a bunch of other restaurants. HIGHLY recommend. They aren't cholov yisroel, so maybe that's why I didn't hear much of it on the forums, but it was really great. We ordered the blueberry pancakes and an avocado omelette that was delicious. It came with a multi-grain croissant. Frappes were good as well. Rating:5/5

I asked to switch rooms when we got back to the hotel, and they were polite and switched us to the first floor. But the room stank of fumes, whether from paint or cleaning solution. There was also a rag left in the sink. I asked to switch rooms again. This time, we moved to the fourth floor, which smelled fine, and WiFi and cell service worked. Great.

Lunch was 17 sushi and cafe. I used the groupon thankfully, because this place was super overpriced. The food was decent, we got quesadillas, sushi, and a milkshake, which was nothing special at all, even though it cost $8.  Food: 3/5 (but the price drops it to 2.5/5 for me).

Dinner was Fuego by Mana: A bit of a drive, but well worth it. Best place we went to in Miami. Pulled brisket empanadas were nice, and I had the best ribs I've ever had (better than Milt's in Chicago), topped with a really good chocolate mousse. 5/5 in every aspect.

Day 3: We loved Tasti cafe so much we decided to go there again instead of shlepping to Holy Bagels like the plan called for. Got the avocado omelette again and french toast. Still great though the pancakes were better than the french toast.

Lunch was at Zak the Baker. The neighborhood seemed a little rough to me, but it could just be the street art that is on the surrounding walls which I know is a tourist attraction. Either way, the bakery itself was anything but rough. The bread here is incredible and the portabella cheese melt I got was perfect. Very unique place and a must-go if you are visiting Miami with its ever-changing menu. They earned their rave reviews that I heard about. 5/5

Dinner was Kosh. I had the korean beef app and peppercorn filet mignon per Dan's recommendation. The former was great. The latter was just meh to me. My wife had the steak risotto which she said was good but not great. 3/5

We arrived back at the hotel at about 10pm, and the air conditioning in our room wasn't working. We spoke to the front desk and they told us to pack our stuff and they'd call us when a new room was ready. 15 minutes later, they call and say the engineer is trying to fix the problem, don't pack your stuff up yet (but we did). We wait longer. It's pretty unbearable with the heat and the humidity. 15 minutes later, I ask to just switch rooms. The new staff member I spoke to barely spoke English and had a thick accent. She tells me it's a problem with the central system. So I try to clarify, is it a hotel-wide problem? She says no and says something about the fourth floor. So I ask to switch to a different floor. And we go in circles. Meanwhile, all our stuff is in suitcases, because we don't know if we are going to move again. After this happens a couple more times, I call SPG. They call the hotel and clarify that it IS a hotel-wide problem. I ask to switch to the W, which is just across the street, and she says she can only do that if I use the point difference on the night. The hotel finally tells us we are not going to be switched, and just have to stay in our rooms. We are going to be "compensated" but she can't tell us how much.

At this point it's well past midnight, and we are hot, but exhausted and manage to fall asleep after some time.

Day 4 The air conditioning turned back on around 2am. I call down for the valet to bring my car around. About the valet: Every time I came in my car, I found the music turned to some rap station. Unprofessional, but I didn't care that much. They also said they need 15 minutes notice to bring the car in front. It's a $37 a day fee, and I feel like 15 minutes is a lot of time for such a large fee. However, again I didn't care that much. I arrive at the valet 15 minutes after I called, and he tells me it will be another 10 minutes. It ends up being over a half hour after I call. I'm going to miss the minyan I was planning on going to. I complain to the same woman, who doesn't know english very well, and she says in her broken English: "I know Jews, My ex-Husband was a Jew. I understand." I don't think it was meant maliciously, but I decided I was done speaking with her.

After coming back, I ask to speak to the manager. I go through everything that happened, and she was really nice. She refunded me the third night stay, the recreation fee ($20 each day for beach chairs and towels), and the valet fee plus a late check-out.

We then went to Montefiore, which was pretty decent. Great pancakes, but only an okay omelette. 3/5.

Lunch was pasta from Shemtov's 3.5/5 and a slice of Lenny's Pizza which was good thin crust and gigantic slices for a great price. 4/5

Overall a really nice trip. Thank you to everyone here for their recommendations!

+1 on Fuego's ribs. Ridiculously good.

Offline Yaalili

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Re: South Florida Master Thread
« Reply #3344 on: July 11, 2015, 11:16:49 PM »
No more Uber in FLL :'(. As of July 30th.

Ouch, uber is less than half the price of a taxi from FLL.

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Re: South Florida Master Thread
« Reply #3345 on: July 20, 2015, 09:47:57 AM »
Can someone add Foozo to the wiki? Not sure what area it would go under. That place is excellent. 
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Re: South Florida Master Thread
« Reply #3346 on: July 20, 2015, 09:52:10 AM »
Can someone add Foozo to the wiki? Not sure what area it would go under. That place is excellent. 
Review/pics?
Save your time, I don't answer PM. Post it in the forum and a dedicated DDF'er will get back to you as soon as possible.

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Re: South Florida Master Thread
« Reply #3347 on: July 20, 2015, 09:56:32 AM »
No pictures unfortunately. :-\ And the food was brought to my hotel room by friends so I wasn't actually in the store though I heard good things about their service. I'd never heard of the place before otherwise I would have gone.

The Margherita pizza, white hot pizza,  foozo salad, and caprese sandwich were all excellent!!
Can't wait to get back to Miami to try out the rest of the menu.


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Re: South Florida Master Thread
« Reply #3348 on: July 27, 2015, 03:57:50 PM »
I have just about given up. Can anyone please help me. Have tickets for family of 6 next week 4th-11thto Florida but have not found a house to rent yet. (Would rather be in Boca Raton but anywhere at this point would work)  Looking for one with a pool and walking distance to a shul. Yes tried all options in the Wiki and nothing is available. Basically hoping that someone here either knows of a house that's not advertised or knows of a house on Vbro type of site that is walking distance to a shul.
 
Thanks in advance for any advice.

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Re: South Florida Master Thread
« Reply #3349 on: July 28, 2015, 09:58:46 AM »
I have just about given up. Can anyone please help me. Have tickets for family of 6 next week 4th-11thto Florida but have not found a house to rent yet. (Would rather be in Boca Raton but anywhere at this point would work)  Looking for one with a pool and walking distance to a shul. Yes tried all options in the Wiki and nothing is available. Basically hoping that someone here either knows of a house that's not advertised or knows of a house on Vbro type of site that is walking distance to a shul.
 
Thanks in advance for any advice.

Just did a search on Airbnb https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/6356017?checkin=08%2F04%2F2015&checkout=08%2F11%2F2015&guests=6&s=we5Y

Not sure if this is what you're looking for though.

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Re: South Florida Master Thread
« Reply #3350 on: July 28, 2015, 12:47:24 PM »
No pictures unfortunately. :-\ And the food was brought to my hotel room by friends so I wasn't actually in the store though I heard good things about their service. I'd never heard of the place before otherwise I would have gone.

The Margherita pizza, white hot pizza,  foozo salad, and caprese sandwich were all excellent!!
Can't wait to get back to Miami to try out the rest of the menu.

Here's a pic of the "Foozo pizza", the "Foozo salad", and a not-so-great-picture (but delicious) "Vegeez Foozoli."  Salad presentation could have used work (but this pic was taken the first week they opened -- I imagine they've improved on that front). 



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Re: South Florida Master Thread
« Reply #3351 on: July 28, 2015, 01:00:36 PM »
Here's a pic of the "Foozo pizza", the "Foozo salad", and a not-so-great-picture (but delicious) "Vegeez Foozoli."  Salad presentation could have used work (but this pic was taken the first week they opened -- I imagine they've improved on that front). 



What is the veggie foozoli exactly?
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Re: South Florida Master Thread
« Reply #3352 on: July 28, 2015, 01:01:13 PM »
What is the veggie foozoli exactly?

It's basically a calzone.  But more delicious.

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Re: South Florida Master Thread
« Reply #3353 on: July 28, 2015, 01:03:26 PM »
It's basically a calzone.  But more delicious.
Interesting. I'll have to try next time I'm in fl
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Re: South Florida Master Thread
« Reply #3354 on: July 28, 2015, 05:20:30 PM »
I have just about given up. Can anyone please help me. Have tickets for family of 6 next week 4th-11th to Florida but have not found a house to rent yet. (Would rather be in Boca Raton but anywhere at this point would work)  Looking for one with a pool and walking distance to a shul. Yes tried all options in the Wiki and nothing is available. Basically hoping that someone here either knows of a house that's not advertised or knows of a house on Vbro type of site that is walking distance to a shul.
 
Thanks in advance for any advice.
I just booked with Mendy Rosenberg in North Miami Beach.. if that is an option for you, it sounded like there were options for that week.. would you consider going in two houses during your stay.. I know the house I am in someone is there through the 12th, the day I am coming, he is going to another house because it was booked by me first...

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Re: South Florida Master Thread
« Reply #3355 on: July 29, 2015, 08:11:55 AM »
That's a great find. Fast location and the pricing isn't insane, albeit expensive
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Re: South Florida Master Thread
« Reply #3356 on: July 29, 2015, 04:13:44 PM »
recommendation for really nice hotel in Miami?
Looking to be close to food -walking distance would be great as I hated having to deal with the traffic every time we went for lunch or dinner- would be nice if there's access to a beach which is somewhat quiet, even if only at sunset.
I have 140k x 2 from the Ritz card, some spg and some hilton points.
Thanks!

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Re: South Florida Master Thread
« Reply #3357 on: July 29, 2015, 04:55:33 PM »
recommendation for really nice hotel in Miami?
Looking to be close to food -walking distance would be great as I hated having to deal with the traffic every time we went for lunch or dinner- would be nice if there's access to a beach which is somewhat quiet, even if only at sunset.
I have 140k x 2 from the Ritz card, some spg and some hilton points.
Thanks!

You can use your Ritz points at Turnberry Isle in Aventura (the old Fairmont).  Walking distance to restaurants (and Uber for everything else).  Not on the beach but they have their own private beach and a free shuttle to/from.  We had an awesome stay there and will definitely be back. 

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Re: South Florida Master Thread
« Reply #3358 on: July 29, 2015, 05:30:10 PM »
What's the best grill in Boca (Grill Time, Century, or Pita n go)?

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Re: South Florida Master Thread
« Reply #3359 on: July 29, 2015, 05:34:49 PM »
What's the best grill in Boca (Grill Time, Century, or Pita n go)?

We liked Grill Time (had great Korean steak) and their chocolate volcano cake, however never century and pita, so not sure if better.
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