South Beach…conjures up visions of beautiful beaches, al fresco dining, and the Kardashians. Thank God we did didn't see the Kardashians (sorry CMK)! However, we did see beautiful beaches populated by "beautiful people" who managed to make thong bathing suits with heals the standard dress code for not only poolside, but shopping and dining. Let's just say I was under-dressed in my bikini and flip-flops.
What may surprise you is that Miami was home to some awesome Cuban coffee! While it is true we were chasing warmer weather and sunshine…as well as hiding out from our 6 kids still at home--we were also in search of the ultimate local (South Beach) coffee experience. We stumbled upon that experience at a small local Cuban coffee shop located several blocks away from the famed shopping district…including the Kardashian boutique--DASH.
Las Olas Cafe is located 6th and Euclid. It is a small, local eatery and coffee shop that is frequented by the locals. We were the only "touristas" amongst the local Cuban clientele. The staff welcomed us with warm smiles and beverage and bakery recommendations. I (Pam) had the cafe con leche and Mike had the traditional Cuban espresso. We sat at one of the few small tables located in the diner atmosphere and thoroughly enjoyed our coffee experience. The cafe con leche was rich and creamy, with just the right amount of sweetness to be paired with my Cuban cheesy pastry of which I can not remember the name…so it will be known as the "cheesy pastry". Mike enjoyed the strong, bold notes of the espresso which was served in a "wee" styrofoam cup--which simply added to the ambience and the experience. His pastry was topped with white sprinkles…which cut the bitterness of the espresso perfectly. We enjoyed the staff, the locals, and the whole South Beach Cuban coffee experience. If ever in the Sobe area, you must make time for this cultural coffee gem. Feel free to skip the Kardashian DASH adventure…unless you enjoy spending $60 on a t-shirt. Save it for the coffee….this little Cuban diner is truly where the "beautiful people" and beautiful coffee is.
Next coffee shop adventure stop: Dallas , Texas where my sister, Becki, will be filling in for my husband on this adventure as we run the Dallas Rock-n-Roll Half Marathon in the Lone Star State. Cowgirl up!!
Monday, March 24, 2014
Monday, March 10, 2014
Life, Love…and the Pursuit of Coffee
I love Saturdays. I love the sleeping in, lingering over breakfast that IS NOT a bowl of cereal, and the whole day stretched out before us like a blank canvas. Saturdays are also coffee house adventure days! Saturday morning greeted us with bright sunshine and a balmy 48 degrees for the high--manna from Heaven compared to the siberian wasteland we had been living in with the sub-zero temps and mounds of snow (I fought the urge to break out the flip-flops). Michael had a surprise coffee house adventure planned...but sometimes the best laid plans lead to better plans...especially in the case of a closed coffee shop (special shout-out to Donatellos in the Carmel Art District for claiming they would be open Saturday morning)!
Not to be denied our coffee adventure, my guy and I headed to our current favoritand previously blogged about location...Hubbard's & Cravens! H&C has become our favorite fall-back coffee house. The bonus this time is that is was debuting its newest java offering...Tanzania Peaberry! Michael, the more adventurous coffee drinker (or coffee stud as he refers to himself) savored a cup of the newest offering and really enjoyed its bold, rich flavor. I, however, stuck with what I like best..my sugar free hazelnut latte with some awesome micro- foam art!
However, the moral of this story isn't the coffee...it's the time we spent together connecting after a busy week. Yes, the coffee was really good, the barista was wonderful, but the opportunity to sit face to face with each other was priceless.
So, in pursuing a coffee adventure, we actually ended up pursuing each other. And the coffee tastes just a little bit better when shared with the one you love.
Next stop MIAMI BEACH! Flip flops, sunshine, hand holding and coffee adventures! Michael has already researched and chosen two eclectic coffee house locations, including a Cuban coffee house! Can't wait!
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