Go Latino! | Top Ten Miami Beach Activities | Part 4
Miami is a totally bilingual city with a unique Latin flair. Locals readily note how easy it is to communicate in “Spanglish,” the Americanized patois of 2 or 3 different languages heard on the street. Miamians incorporate Latin cuisine into their daily diet as well; from strong Cuban coffee in the morning to Latin-inspired sub sandwiches and sweet batidos at night.
For tip number four, we say, “When in Miami, Go Latino!”
Start your day at a sidewalk coffee window to jump-start your heart. Even if you have tried espresso before, know that sugary Cuban coffee is an even higher octane than most Italian brews. Cuban cafes often have breakfast specials for little more than a few dollars a plate. Grab a seat at David’s Cafe off Lincoln Mall at 1654 Meridian Avenue and start your morning like a local. David’s is a go-to spot on South Beach because they never close. If you decide to experience the real Cuban scene, you will have to head west to Miami to explore Little Havana and check out a local salsa club.
The center of the ex-patriot Cuban community is Little Havana and its Main Street is Calle Ocho. This one-way thoroughfare offers a wealth of tiny storefronts and cafes, coffee bars and botanicas. Plan a visit to Calle Ocho around lunchtime to sample a sliced pork Cuban Sandwich, a huge plate of “arroz con pollo” chicken and yellow rice or the staple of every Cuban meal, rich black beans served over steaming white rice.
While Mexican cuisine can be spicy, Cuban meals are not. A typical restaurant meal starts with hot, light, crispy Cuban bread and butter. Soups include caldo gallego (bean based), sopa de plantano (unsweet starchy bananas), or a classic chicken soup with rice. Main plates like pounded-thin beefsteak and onions (palomilla), flash-fried breaded chicken breast (empanizada), or shredded stewed beef (ropa vieja) are tasty introductions to the menu. Save room for the egg custard dessert (flan) and you can say you have dined like a Cuban in Miami.
Once you’re fortified, start to walk and wander through Little Havana. Spend a few moments at Maximo Gomez Park on 15th Avenue, where older men play dominos and chess. See the Cuban Memorial Plaza at 13th Avenue to get a brief history of the heroes of the Revolution, the Bay of Pigs and the map bearing the inscription by Cuban Poet Jose Marti which reads, “La patria es agonia y deber.” (”The homeland is agony and duty.”)
Much like the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Calle Ocho has a series of sidewalk plaques - the Walkway of the Stars - honoring the big names of the Latin Scene including Celia Cruz, Tito Puente and Arturo Sandoval at 16th Avenue. Fans of Latin music should visit nearby Lily’s Records on 12th Avenue to update their international collections. Lilia Reyes has offered a comprehensive collection of Latin American CDs since 1968. If you are in town on the last weekend of the month, visit the district from 7-11pm to experience “Viernes Culturales,” a free cultural tour of the area including live music and local artists. www.viernesculturales.com
If you want to take a step back in time, stop by one of the Cuban cigar factories where each stogie is rolled by hand using methods that date back to the old country. Cigar making is an art form and cigar culture is a vital part of the Cuban heritage. There are a number of popular cigar factories and shops around 16th Avenue offering hand-rolled options starting at just a few dollars up to pricey boxed Havana-style treasures. Even if smoking is not of interest to your family, the art and craft of hand made cigars is really fascinating. Check out El Titan de Bronze, El Credito and Little Havana Cigar Factory. At 14th Avenue, a shop called Little Havana to Go sells souvenirs of your visit. Once you are well versed in Cuban style, it’s time to hit the town and Shake your Bon Bon!
The friendly folks at Salsamia.com offer salsa lessons every weekend on South Beach. Whether you’ve already got the moves or you’re stuck with two left feet, a quick course in the basic elements of Cuban dancing will get you ready to hit the dance floor like a real pro! Singles and couples crowd the second floor lounge of Yuca Restaurant every Friday night to kick off the weekend with a Latin Beat. Once you’ve mastered the simple steps, head to the bar and tell the bartender you’ll need a mojito to get you in the mood to salsa the night away.
If Wheaties are the Breakfast of Champions, perhaps mojitos are the jet fuel of true Ritmo Latino. To relieve your inhibitions and get your hips moving in sync at a real Latin nightclub like La Covacha, Kimbara Cumbara or Hoy Como Ayer, you’ll need to sip a few potent rum and freshly muddled mint cocktails to fill you with the Spirit of Miami. Be forewarned, the sweet mixed drinks go down quickly but can sink your battleship if you aren’t careful. Heed this rule: One mojito, Two mojito, Three mojito, FLOOR!
The most popular Latin Nightspot on South Beach is Mango’s Tropical Cafe. While this isn’t exactly an authentic salsa spot, it is as close as many visitors get to the Latin music scene. It’s a fun place for a potent mojito and a peek at the buxom dancers and local musicians strutting their stuff. After a night of dancing, locals wind down on 741 Lincoln Road at Tropical Cigar Bar where the aromas of strong coffee and tobacco smoke fill the air - El Sabor de Miami!
Miami offers a rich mix of cultures and cuisines. Our next guide to the Best of the City will help you discover the places we love to eat. Stick around and check out what’s on the menu. Be sure to let us know if you have a favorite restaurant or bar in town. We love to hear from you…
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