Weekend Getaway: South Florida

Last weekend, I jetted to Florida for a quick getaway to sunbathe and celebrate Justin’s bubbe’s 85th birthday. Justin and I were both overdue for some R&R (doesn’t Christmas feel like it was eons ago?), so the timing was impeccable. I was especially excited because I’d never visited Florida and love any vacation spot that allows me to log some beach time. Here’s a look at the sights and bites of our stay.

{Sunrise from our balcony at the Lago Mar Hotel in Ft. Lauderdale after our red-eye arrival}

{El Brazo Fuerte, a 35 year-old Cuban bakery in Miami that consistently tops “Best Of” lists}

{Guava, Guava and Cream Cheese, and Meat Pastelitos (turnover-like pastries) with an addictive Cafe con Leche. All of this was under $6.00!}

{A rainbow of macarons at the newly opened Laduree on Miami Beach’s Lincoln Road}

{An art deco-inspired macaron box exclusive to the Miami location}

{Rose, “Marie Antoinette,” Lemon Verbena, Raspberry and Pistachio Macarons}

{Lunch at Florida Cookery at the James Royal Palm in Miami}

{Pomegranate Cucumber Mojito}

Michelada Cubana at Florida Cookery (Miami, FL)

{Michelada Cubana: Tecate, Lime, Maggi, Clamato, Cholula, Salt}

{Surf and Turf Tostada: Guava Pulled Pork and Lime Jalapeno Shrimp with Papaya Slaw}

Guava Pulled Pork at Florida Cookery (Miami, FL)

{Guava Smoked Pork Sandwich}

{Azucar Ice Cream Company, artisanal ice cream inspired by Cuban and tropical flavors}

{A scoop of tart, refreshing, creamy Guava Ice Cream}

{Mai Kai, a tiki-themed bar and restaurant plus “Polynesian Islander Revue!” It is the only restaurant or bar still serving the original recipes of Don the Beachcomber’s.}

{We had a little bit of trouble narrowing down the drink options from their epic menu}

{Tahitian Breeze: Rum, Passion Fruit, Juice}

{Does it get any more tiki than rum in a whole pineapple?}

{Mai Tai}

{Above: Justin’s bubbe, poised to blow out the candles on her cake after dinner at 3030 Ocean and before her husband yelled, “Give it a blowjob!” Below: After. }