Miami
After being home for barely a week, it was time to pack up again and head out to my favorite American city: Miami. Reason? My good friend’s 21st birthday celebration. Here’s how its done.
Where to stay: Miami has so many great options, but we were a group of 8, so we had to get creative. Solution? AirBnB in the Mondrian Hotel, with a two bedroom suite that fit all 8 of us comfortably. The hotel itself is definitely not bad, with a great pool area (complete with a couple bars and ping pong tables), stunning views, and a trendy interior. Its definitely quite the clientele, as the people staying there were young and…interesting, for lack of a better word. Bizarre outfits, lots of exposed skin, and a general aura of want-to-be-wealthy-30-something-year-olds. But hey, its Miami. That shit is everywhere. It’s part of the culture, so get ready for it.
Where to get dank tacos (twice): Bodega Taqueria (with a secret)
Within walking distance from the Mondrian, this quickly became our go-to spot for food. Incredible tacos (especially breakfast tacos), a cool vibe, and reasonable prices make this the perfect place. Step up to the Airstream counter and watch them grill up your taco. Only issue I had with this place-they took about 30 minutes for my order because they had gotten backed up. But, while we were bored and waiting around, we found a secret room in the back. A massive speak-easy, with a completely different vibe and design from the Bodega. It was wack, but again, its Miami.
Where to get modern Latin cuisine: Toro Toro
Our first stop in the city was actually Toro Toro, over in downtown Miami. Located in the Intercontinental, this place serves up some seriously tastey food in a great environment. If you’re around downtown Miami, I would recommend this place (especially if you’re a fan of MEAT).
Where to have an awesome celebration meal: Bazaar
With a few locations around the US (LA and Vegas), Bazaar Miami is one of the coolest places to eat in the city. Chef Jose Andres creates an incredibly unique menu which derives inspiration from around the world. You’ll primarily find a fusion of Southeast Asian and Spanish fusion here, with some local infusions. Croquettes in glass shoes? Steaming shots of frozen Brazilian liquor? Philly cheese steak (with a twist)? Espresso crusted steak? Yeah, all of that can be found at Bazaar. As my friend stated, “One of the best overall dining experiences I’ve ever had”. Also, ask for Marty to be your waiter. The guy is awesome and he knows his shit so if you don’t want the stress of picking what to order, just tell him your preferences and he’ll curate a dining experience like no other.
Where to have a solid Cuban breakfast: Havana 1957
With a couple of restaurants set up around South Beach, this place is one of the best options in the city for Cuban food. Touristic as it may be, the food here really can’t be beat, and its location, right in the middle of Lincoln Road (which was the one we went to), is ideal .
Where to go to celebrate turning 21: 11
E11even is the most fucked up place in the world. Miami’s party scene is epic, albeit not quite on the level of Vegas or Ibiza. But E11even is absolutely next level. Its a club and a strip club combined into one. Its where humans go to sin. Its an absolute mad house of lust, wealth and insanity. It shouldn’t be legal. If you want an absolutely ridiculous night out, complete with table-side massages, naked girls everywhere, amazing music, stunning, cirque-de-soleil type entertainment, and lots of alcohol, E11even it is.