Delicious Miami (part I)

Last updated on February 13, 2016

South Beach Miami- sunshine, Toes in the sand, laying on the beach with a cocktail in hand…yes yes, we did all that, and then some. We were only there for 3 days.
3 days = 9 meals… not nearly enough!!!
Here are what we have:

We started off at Puerto Sagua. It’s a typical hot, humid day in Florida, and we walk 14 blocks to Puerto Sagua. We just got off the plane, and we were starving, exhausted, and dehydrated. Half way there, we were starting to wonder… why are we doing this to ourselves. Could have easily take a cab there or ride a bike… but it’s all worth it.

Puerto Sagua is like an old-school coffee shop or dinner. I bet the place looks the same as it was in 1962. There is a wall mural that made out of metal which document the way it was then in South Beach Miami. Take a closer look, you will see that Puerto Sagua is right in that picture. Puerto Sagua offers simple but delicious comfort food. We had Cubano Sandwich ($9.25; $8.25 for half) and Oxtail stew, classic Cuban fairs. Ham, swiss cheese, marinated roast pork tucked in between lightly toasted French Baguette. Crispy, crunchy, just comforting.

Oxtail stew (FRICASE DE RABO $11.95) with rice and fried plantains. Oxtail stew came in a small iron tray. Great, great, rich flavor. Wish we had a little more meat. This oxtail stew is awesome. I’m whole again after this meal.
***700 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139

Ola at the Sanctuary

Located at the Sanctuary Hotel in South Beach, Ola is a Latin American restaurant featuring ceviche, but I can tell you, the main courses are outstanding too. Service was warm and attentive. We were a large group and did not have a reservation on Friday night, and the staff there were accommodating.

Lobster Ceviche come in a light tomato citrus sauce. Just the right amount of sweet and sour, great balance. Sweet and fresh lobster, all so refreshing.

I highly recommend the Foie gras empanada. Yes, it might not be the most authentic thing, but when the foie gras slowly flow out and melt on your tongue, that’s undeniably mouth-watering.

We also have lamb and fish of the day (Corvina). The portion were so generous. It was a whole rack of lamb. For the same price, we would usually get may be 3-4 “bones”. But here, I counted, there were 8!!! portion big enough for two!!! and I must say I did not expect the lamb to be so delicious. It could possibly be the best lamb we have had. Crusted with hazelnut, it had that nutty/ chocolate flavor to it. And so perfectly cooked!

While the lamb is the star of the night, the corvina holds its own too. The fish came in a orange/ yellow sauce. At first I thought it was a mango sauce, and fear I had order the wrong thing. But it was definitely not mango. It has a hint of spice, almost curry like, later determined that it is a light yellow pepper sauce. It is actually an aji amarillo sauce. It bring a shape note to brighten the fish and the array of seafood on the dish. Kind of remind me Malaysian cuisine. Again, portion is huge. I really feel like all the entrees are designed for two.
We all had a wonderful night at Ola. It was an outstanding latin restaurant fill with surprise. Thank you to the extremely nice gentleman at the concierge desk of Delano – Mr. Haas. It was him whom suggested Ola. Mr. Haas is so helpful and patient with us.
***Sanctuary South Beach, 1745 James Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139

–stay tune for part II