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culinary food tour Miami tour travel

Miami Culinary Tours – South Beach Food Tour (REVIEW)

Back in May I headed to Miami for a popular food conference that I was attending and one of the first things I did while I was there was go on a food tour. My friends and I had been planning the trip for a few months, and as we counted down to Miami time the excitement grew! We came across the Miami Food Tours by Miami Culinary Tours during the planning process, and they offered us a complimentary tour that we could review. We thought it would be a great way to kick off our Miami trip, so we scheduled it for the first day we were there before the conference began.

We were staying in downtown Miami, so we grabbed a cab to head over to South Beach to begin our tour. This is where we met Mirka (who I quickly discovered shares the same last name as me!) and she led us on our journey while we ate our way through South Beach.

Miami Culinary Tours - South Beach REVIEW

Meet Mirka, she’s a passionate foodie who taught us all about the Miami food culture.

The Meeting Place 

Our first stop was at Bolivar Restaurant while we waited for the rest of the people that would be touring with us. This is where we met one another, chatted, discovered where everyone was visiting from and got to know who we’d spend the next 2.5 hours with!

Miami Culinary Tours - South Beach REVIEW

Bolivar Restaurant
661 Washington Avenue
Miami Beach, FL 33139

As soon as we walked in, I loved the funky, colorful and vibrant mood that this restaurant provides.

Miami Culinary Tours - South Beach REVIEW

The mood is fun and funky here!

While we waited, we were served a Refajo Colombiano – this drink is made with Colombiana soda and Aguila beer. The soda is similar to a cream soda and combined with the beer this is a crisp, slightly sweet drink with a fun fizziness. I actually really enjoyed the drink and plan to make it at home.

Miami Culinary Tours - South Beach REVIEW

The delicious Refajo Colombiano.

Once everyone arrived and we all met and exchanged pleasantries, we were served our first bites of culinary excellence. It was Passion Fruit Ceviche and a Beef & Potato Empanada with a spicy ahi sauce.

Miami Culinary Tours - South Beach REVIEW

Passion Fruit Ceviche and a Beef & Potato Empanada with a spicy ahi sauce.

The ceviche was surprisingly un-fishy tasting, and the passion fruit gave it an entirely different flavor. The empenada was out of this world delicious, and had a wonderful crispness to it thanks to the corn based batter. The ahi sauce was spicy as it had a habanero base, but it was a great fusion of flavors that all complimented each other very well. What I learned here, is that the food itself is full of delicious flavors, but Colombian food is served with the spiciness on the side. Loved it!

Miami Culinary Tours - South Beach REVIEW

This combination is amazing.

I really  enjoyed this little restaurant. The vibe was eclectic and funky, with a lot of bright colors as well as a full selection of wines to choose from that were available for purchase.

Miami Culinary Tours - South Beach REVIEW

Plenty of wines to purchase.

There was space to be seated at the bar, and the restaurant is cozy in a lounge sort of way. I’d love to visit again on a Friday night for a few drinks and to explore the rest of the menu.

Quick Stop for Sweets!

Once we were full off of the delicious Colombian food and drinks, we took a stroll to a fun little Argentinian cafe called Manolo‘s.

Miami Culinary Tours - South Beach REVIEW

Manolo’s
685 Washington Avenue
Miami Beach, FL 33139

Here we did a quick run inside just to grab the best Churro’s I’ve ever had in my life. You know, no big deal, right?

Miami Culinary Tours - South Beach REVIEW

The best churro’s I’ve ever tasted in my life.

These churro’s have just the right balance of crunch and softness, and they are filled with delicious Dulce de Leche. So amazing!

Miami Culinary Tours - South Beach REVIEW

These churro’s were AMAZING!

I was still munching on mine as we left to head over to our next stop. Plotting how to go back and get more!

The Scenic Route

While we finished our delicious churro’s and walked off the food we had consumed so far, we strolled through Washington Avenue and headed over to Collins Avenue and peeked inside the Essex House Hotel.

Miami Culinary Tours - South Beach REVIEW

We left the Essex House and strolled over to Ocean Drive. The weather during that particular weekend was filled with rain and storms and even some flooding, thankfully on the day of our tour it was just slightly overcast with some sprinkles.

Miami Culinary Tours - South Beach REVIEW

I was dying to get on that beach though.

While we were on Ocean Drive, learning about the popular architecture and popular art deco style of  most of the buildings in Miami, we strolled passed the famous Versace Mansion which has now been turned into a boutique hotel (The Villa by Barton G).

Miami Culinary Tours - South Beach REVIEW

The famous Versace Mansion is a popular tourist attraction.

We continued our walk down Ocean Drive which led us to our next stop..

Miami Culinary Tours - South Beach REVIEW

Crossing the famous Ocean Drive in South Beach, even the streets are colorful.

Mango Margaritas

We stopped at the beautiful The Tides South Beach Hotel where we enjoyed delicious Mango Margaritas at The Tides Restaurant and Terrace.

Miami Culinary Tours - South Beach REVIEW

The Tides Restaurant and Terrace at The Tides South Beach Hotel
1220 Ocean Drive
Miami Beach, FL 33139

This Tides Restaurant and Terrace is lovely, the perfect place for brunch or a nice lunch. It’s beautifully lit with many windows and a gorgeous beige and gold color scheme that gives an elegant feel without going overboard. I found myself drawn to the dining area with the beautiful tables and gorgeous chairs.

Miami Culinary Tours - South Beach REVIEW

I loved the dining area.

The bartender was waiting for us, and he prepared plenty of mango margaritas for our visit.

Miami Culinary Tours - South Beach REVIEW

Plenty of delicious Mango Margaritas.

The Mango Margaritas were delicious, not overly strong OR sweet,which is important!

Miami Culinary Tours - South Beach REVIEW

Delicious Mango Margarita in a beautiful restaurant.

We finished our drinks and prepared to head over to our next adventure.

Next Stop, Cuban Food

Cuban food, it’s what you expect when coming to South Beach. Our next location did not disappoint. We stopped at Polo Norte Restauraunt which was in the middle of a name change (to Habanos Cafe) the signs were actually in the process of being switched that morning!

Miami Culinary Tours - South Beach REVIEW

Polo Norte Cuban Restaurant (Habanos Cuban Cafe & Pizza)
1200 Washington Avenue
Miami Beach, FL 33139

Here we had a large basket of Mariquitas con Mojo (Plantain chips with “mojito” a tasty garlic sauce) waiting for us. I’ve tried plantains before and didn’t particularly care for them, but these Plantain Chips were great! These handcut chips were crispy without being too hard and the sauce was delicious.

Miami Culinary Tours - South Beach REVIEW

Mariquitas con Mojo (Plantain chips with “mojito” a tasty garlic sauce)

We got to sit down at tables and mingle while we waited for the next item to be served, the Pan con Lechon Sandwich. This is a Mojo-roasted pork sandwich with sauteed onions. It was delicious! The bread was firm without being crispy or hard and the pork was juicy, which can only be expected when it’s been slow cooked to perfection and marinated in olive oil, cumin and garlic. I know it doesn’t look like a lot of food, but that sandwich was actually pretty filling!

Miami Culinary Tours - South Beach REVIEW

Pan con Lechon Sandwich (a Mojo-roasted pork sandwich with sauteed onions).

Headed for the Mother Dough

Next up on our excursion was a stroll further down Washington Avenue. This time landing us at Blocks Pizza Deli, home of the Mother Dough.

Miami Culinary Tours - South Beach REVIEW

Block’s Pizza Deli
1447 Washington Avenue
Miami Beach, FL 33139

This tiny space holds the recipe for the Mother Dough. Described as a 300 year old recipe, the yeast for this dough was kept alive by adding water and flour on a daily basis and never missing a day. For authenticity to it’s origins and recipes, Block’s uses the “Mother Dough” for all of it’s recipes. In addition, Block’s Pizza is all about freshness. They use only natural ingredients, and none of them have been dried or frozen.

Miami Culinary Tours - South Beach REVIEW

More about the “Mother Dough.”

Needless to say, I was excited to try the food!

Miami Culinary Tours - South Beach REVIEW

Just a sampling of the block pizzas served.

Everything looks so delicious!

Miami Culinary Tours - South Beach REVIEW

Fresh & Delicious!

Miami Culinary Tours - South Beach REVIEW

A combination custom order, everything looks so fresh!

Shortly after we arrived and learned the history of Block’s Pizza & Deli, our sampling was ready for us to try. We had the Sundried Hippie Panouzzo with spinach, kalamata olives, sundried tomatoes, feta cheese and homemade pesto.Sundried Hippie Panouzzo with spinach, kalamata olives, sundried tomatoes, feta cheese and homemade pesto

Miami Culinary Tours - South Beach REVIEW

Sundried Hippie Panouzzo with spinach, kalamata olives, sundried tomatoes, feta cheese and homemade pesto.

It was every bit as delicious as it sounds. I have to admit I wanted to try some of the pizza though, but that’s just me being greedy!

Miami Culinary Tours - South Beach REVIEW

Quaintness with Gelato

Once we were all done stuffing our faces, we headed out for a walk down the quaint streets of Española Way, it felt like we were in Italy with the little streets and the gorgeous scenery.

Miami Culinary Tours - South Beach REVIEW

The quaint streets of Española Way.

I just loved this part of the tour, because we were taken away from the busy hustle and bustle of South Beach to this adorable little section that seemed like an entirely different city. Here is where we stopped at Milani Gelateria for some authentic Gelato.

Miami Culinary Tours - South Beach REVIEW

Milani Gelateria
436 Española Way
Miami Beach, FL 33139

Once inside, you can see the spinning gelato display. This keeps the gelato at the ideal temperature (just above freezing) so it’s perfectly creamy without being solid or icy.

Miami Culinary Tours - South Beach REVIEW

The spinning gelato display case.

I ordered the cream caramel and pistachio. Unfortunately I took mine outside and it began melting immediately. No worries, it was still amazing. I loved the pistachio flavor.

There is also another stop for Cuban coffee, but we had to duck out early in order to get back in time for other obligations.

Miami Culinary Tours – my final verdict

I had an amazing time on this tour, and it was actually one of the highlights of my trip. It was the perfect way to begin our stay in Miami and I would absolutely recommend it to anyone heading out for a visit. Here are all the tours available:

  • Art Deco Breakfast Tour
  • South Beach Food Tour
  • SOBE Cocktail Tour
  • Wynwood Food Tour
  • Little Havana Food Tour
  • Private Group Tours
  • Wynwood Graffiti Tour

What I also liked about the tour, is that they provided special accommodation for dietary restrictions. So if you are a vegetarian or a non-drinker, just let them know ahead of time and they will do their best to accommodate your needs. For more information on their tours or for any questions, head on over to MiamiCulinaryTours.com.

Also, Mirka was a wonderful guide. She was informative and friendly while still not allowing us to get too off track. She also kept us safe while crossing some of those busy streets and I can tell she loves what she does. I’m now inspired to see if there are these types of tours every time I travel, and even in my area.

Have you ever been on a food tour?

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9 Comments

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Vaneese says

    July 15, 2014 at 10:52 am

    I have never been on a food tour, but this post is making me want to go something serious. I’m actually going on a quick trip to Miami in September and may try to convince my bestie to do one of these with me. She’s much more of a “foodie” than I am, so I’m sure she’ll be game! Thanks for planting the seed, Mama Harris!

    Reply
    • MamaHarris says

      July 15, 2014 at 11:11 am

      Oh, I love that Vaneese! Yes, absolutely do it!! I’m sure she would love it too, if she’s a foodie. I plan to look locally to see if there’s any near me too, hopefully they are as wonderful as the one I went on in Miami!

      Reply
  2. Kitty Bradshaw says

    July 15, 2014 at 5:35 pm

    I love pistachios!!!! Especially on everything!!! lolll

    I sprinkle them on my oatmeal. I love this post, wish I was there with you.

    Reply
    • MamaHarris says

      July 18, 2014 at 3:05 pm

      Mmm pistachios are so delicious and that gelato was amazing!

      Reply
  3. Sharelle D. Lowery says

    July 18, 2014 at 10:25 am

    Mama Harris!!….Girl you make me want to go on every food tour that there is period!!
    This looks amazing…I was especially excited about the pictures of the Churro’s and the Pizza!!….YEAS!!!!

    Reply
    • MamaHarris says

      July 18, 2014 at 3:03 pm

      Those churro’s were EVERYTHING! It was a struggle writing this out because I wanted to GO BACK and re-experience it all!

      Reply
  4. Brandi says

    July 18, 2014 at 4:32 pm

    Oh my! This is my kind of tour! Those churros, that pizza, the mango margaritas….everything looked amazing!

    Reply
    • MamaHarris says

      July 20, 2014 at 1:05 am

      Brandi, I know you would have loved it! We should look at some nearby and gather the girls to do one!

      Reply
  5. Arelis Cintron says

    July 28, 2014 at 6:27 am

    My mouth is watering. Danny and I have mentioned going to Miami on one of our upcoming vacations. I’d live down there just for the food!

    Reply

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