Hey Foodie Friends-

If there is one thing I love as much as eating and trying new food, it’s traveling. About a week ago, I visited sunny south Florida for a destination wedding (#BanksOnTheBeach was litty!) While in Miami, one of my top priorities was to visit Little Havana to eat everything I could get my hands on. In a short time frame, I ate (and drank) so much I felt like I was going to pop, but devouring every morsel was so worth it.

My first stop was La Esquina de la Fama, a small food stand on the corner of Calle Ocho and 14th ave. Walking up, you’ll immediately notice the golden empanadas displayed in the window. Although they looked tasty, I opted for the cuban coffee and the cuban sandwich instead. The coffee was superb and that sandwich?! Yall probably won’t believe me, but this little shack had THEE BEST cuban sandwich I have ever tasted… No cap. My only regret is not getting two of everything!

Right down the block, on the same side of calle ocho, is Old’s Havana Cuban Bar & Cocina. From the moment I stepped foot into this restaurant, the atmosphere gave me all the cuban cultural vibes. As a first timer, I didn’t know exactly what to try here. The waitress recommended her favorite dishes, so of course I went with the reco and tried them out. Her appetizer suggestion was the croquetas - an assortment of homemade croquettes with ham, chicken and fish. I’m not going to front, the thought of ham, chicken and fish as a croquette worried me, until I popped one in my mouth and it produced nothing but flavorful goodness. The waitress definitely got it right with that one.

Next was the Vaca frita de pollo - a crispy shredded roasted chicken cooked with spices, white spanish onions and citrus mojo. This dish came with two sides, so I selected the rice w/ black beans and the plantains. I tried a bite and at that moment I knew the waitress deserved every coin I had as a tip for providing such fire recommendations. Not only was the chicken bursting with all kinds of flavor, it was still moist, and the crispiness provided an element of texture that took this dish to the next level. On top of all the great food at this restaurant, there was a live band playing music that makes you want to get up and baila all day long. Win. Win. Win. Win.

Vaca frita de pollo con arroz y frijoles negros - Old’s Havana Bar & Cocina

Next stop, still on the same side of calle ocho and just steps away from Old’s Havana cocina, is Domino Park. When walking past, you’ll see a countless number of domino games, hear a ton of spanglish banter and smell cigar smoke thicker than a hotbox session with all the windows up in the car. Take pics, chop it up with the OGs and hop in on the next game of dominos only if you’re about that life.

After working up a sweat in the park, walk across the street and cool down with a scoop (or two) of ice cream from Azucar. Azucar’s ice cream is made daily using local ingredients. I ordered a scoop of the dulce de leche and a scoop of cookie monster on a handmade waffle cone. Both flavors were sweet, creamy and just down right delicious. Enjoy the delights of your cone in Azucar’s air conditioned store front or outside at your own risk as it doesn’t stand a chance against that Miami Heat (don’t ask me how I know.)

And finally, after you’re good and full, go next door to Ball and Chain and wash ya food with a mojito. Enjoy the live music on their adorable patio and just chill out (or nap) until all of your food digests.

#TheEnd

I hope you enjoyed reading as much as I enjoyed sharing!

Foodie Love, Erin