Isla Mujeres – Day 1 – Food and Drink

Mike and I had a few hours to kill before everyone joined us so we decided to go to the North Beach end of the island. We saw a little cart just before you get all the way to the water and decided to eat there. We had albogondas (I have no idea if I’m spelling this correctly. We really need to learn spanish) Tiny meatballs they served with rice and homemade tortillas.

We also had picadillo (ground beef) and carnitas (pork) tacos and a chicken tamale. The tacos were delicious. The tamale was different than any kind I’ve had before. It had huge pieces of chicken, a hard boiled egg and the corn meal was so fine it was pudding like in texture.

We wandered the streets for a while after lunch and decided to stop and get a drink. We found a cool bar with a wrestling ring. I can just imagine the tourists with a few drinks in them taking advantage of it.

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Isla Mujeres, Day One

We’re finally here! Our friends, Gary and Melody have been trying to get to visit this small island off Cancun for years. Because of the restaurant we never had enough time off to be able to really enjoy ourselves. Well…The restaurant is gone and we are taking our first vacation in two years!!!!! Gary and Melody really have this down. It was so easy. Book your car from the airport with incredibly efficient and hospitable AGI Tours. You can book on line and the people who run it are friendly and informative. They will take you right to the ferry, explain where to buy your tickets for the ferry across to the island and where to get pesos.

Since we left from Ft. Lauderdale and everyone else was coming in from Nashville we had lots of time to kill. Our first stop was Casa Amarilla in Punta Sur to drop our bags. Wow! All I can say is WOW. All I brought with me is WOW!

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Random Miami/Ft. Lauderdale explorations

I’ve always wanted to stop at this little tourist shell shop, Alex’s Gift Shop on A1A. We finally did. They Have a beautiful selection of shells from all over the world and the little area in the back ships the most deliciously sweet orange anywhere in the world.

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Miami…Part 3

Up and about…searching for a cuban restaurant in Ft. Lauderdale. Harder than you would think. Found the Tropical in the old Sears shopping Center. Had a much craved Cafe con Leche, Cuban Toast, Ham Croquettas and an Empanada. Aahhhh.

Food stop #2

Tark’s Seafood on US 1. Delicious steamers and an exceptional Conch salad. Conch can tend to be very rubbery but these guys really nail it. The perfect marinade. Just spicy enough, tart enough. Check it out.

Cocktail interlude.

Heading south…made it to Hallandale for a quick beach stop. Unfortunately, it was very cloudy. Time for a cocktail. We drove up A1A and stopped at the Tub in Hollywood. Pina Coladas for everyone!!!

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Miami post…part 2

OK. We made it to miami. A quick stop to see my friend Julian who was shooting an Italian cell phone commercial at a rooftop pool on Brickell Avenue. Mike and I stayed a little while to watch. What a view.

Made a quick stop on Miami Beach to have a cocktail with our friend Gary at the News Cafe. Couldn’t get off Miami Beach quick enough. Spring Break. What a zoo!!! Off to Ft. Lauderdale to see my brother Ted and his family.We haven’t seen them in 2 years and in all the hello-ing I forgot to take pictures. Dummy.

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Wow, where do I start…

Mike and I have been going, going, going…. I’ll post in segments. It will be easier for me to remember.

Apparently the Beachcomber is in for the long haul. Shouldn’t spread gossip, shame on me. I’m very thrilled because this is an excellent restaurant and I love to stop there when I’m in Clearwater. They make the best cocktail on the beach.

On our drive from Tampa to Miami we stopped at an amazing seafood restaurant. We found Steamer’s on Urban Spoon and let me tell you…what a GEM! We had steamed clams that were so flavorful and soft, not rubbery. Mike ordered the Haddock and Chips. It was fried a delicate golden brown with just the lightest batter. The fish was light and flaky. Perfect! I had the seafood roll. It was exceptional!!! Huge chunks of lobster, crab and shrimp. YUMMY!

Driving through the parking lot to find Steamer’s we came across a Polish Deli in the same shopping center. We stopped in to see what they had after lunch. What a selection. Meats, cheeses, take away food. We grabbed a 1/4 # of tongue loaf to try. Huge pieces of tongue suspended in aspic. Not for everyone, I know but it was delish.

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Off to Miami

Mike & I had a great time in Clearwater with my cousins. Sal & Patty are amazing people. They showed us a really great time. Their friends we’re a lot of fun. Had a great food talk with Ann & Ken who just moved there from Puerto Rico. Good luck opening that restaurant. We can’t wait to come back for another visit.

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Stepping back to the 60’s

I love the Bob Heilman’s Beachcomber Lounge right on the strip in Clearwater. It’s like you stepped back into the 60’s. Rumour has it it under contract tobe torn down for a mega hotel. That makes me sad.

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Why did I move?

We’re on the beach!!!! The sun is shining and I have a frozen rum runner in my hand. Life us good.

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