first time in miami

i've never been to miami before last week. everyone seems surprised when i tell them this. i don't know why. the thing is... i always had the impression that miami was, well, cheezy. don't get me wrong: i have good friends from miami who aren't cheezy. i think 'miami vice' and 'CSI: miami' (i can't stand horatio) ruined miami for me.

however, when my S.O. told me that he had a meeting in miami, i decided i couldn't let TV influence my life forever, and i decided to tag along. i wanted to stay at the mandarin oriental, but they were booked. very unfortunate.

here's a list of what i did in my 36 hours in miami:

the conrad hilton - a crappy hotel dressed up to be nice. incredibly rude and poor service. PROs: comfortable beds, decent fitness center, near my S.O.'s meeting. CONs: pool and tennis courts are on the rooftop of the building across the street, did i already mention the rude service?

matsuri - pretty good japanese restaurant not really close to downtown. PROs: semi-friendly sushi chef, masa; mostly fresh sushi; nice atmosphere. CONs: it's pretty far, it's in a strip mall, their omakase is done like a sushi/sashimi combo platter.

kami - i needed a manicure. random beauty salon full of cuban customers and employees. PROs: inexpensive, super friendly staff, family environment, there's a sweet hairdresser named daisy. CONs: if you don't speak Spanish, you may not understand what's going on; there may be a wait without an appointment (i waited 40 minutes).

michy's - amazing restaurant from acclaimed chef michelle bernstein in an up-and-coming part of miami. i was very impressed with her food, and the restaurant was cozy and nice. the hostess was a doll, and our waiter was professional without being obnoxious. PROs: gnocchi, green curry fish, pork belly, white gazpacho, pasta carbonara. CONs: heirloom tomato salad, ceviche (not bad, but not exceptional).

here's a list of what i wanted to do (in addition)

puerto sagua - i can't believe i didn't have cuban food while i was in miami! this restaurant would've killed two birds with one stone: a good cuban spot in south beach!

joe's stone crabs - i've had joe's stone crabs at events in NYC, but i thought it would be nice to have them at the original outpost. next time.


matsuri
5759 Bird Rd
miami, fl 33155
305/663.1615

michy's
6927 Biscayne Blvd
miami, fl 33138
305/759.2001

kami hair boutique
5746 SW 40th St
miami, fl 33155
305/661.6022