Florida

<< back to user content in Florida

Miami Beach is a perfect destination for a family getaway. Lately, the restaurant scene has been changing dramatically, with up-and-coming chefs opening new places all over town. Miami is bringing a more sophisticated scene to that same old hotel-by-the-beach vibe that used to be the theme back in the 80s and 90s.

Lincoln Road is my favorite spot to bring the whole family. Located between West Avenue and Washington Avenue, Lincoln Road is a pedestrian-only promenade at the epicenter of South Beach. It offers unique shopping, sidewalk cafes, bars, galleries and fine dining. Lincoln Road is also the best people-watching spot on South Beach. My favorite place for an early dinner is Baires Grill, an Argentine steakhouse featuring a complete and refined menu that's appropriate for almost everyone. Their steaks are top-quality that's grilled to perfection by very talented executive chef Nicolas Cabrera. I personally love their Milanesa Baires (beef or chicken breaded cutlet), which is grilled instead of fried, offering a lighter but more flavorful version. It comes topped with fresh arugula and campari tomatoes. No need to order a salad, but I do order a side of their mouth-watering mashed squash. My husband usually orders one of the steaks, either the entraña or skirt steak (a thin but marbled cut that's full of flavor) or the more traditional ribeye steak: perfectly marbled, char-grilled over an open flame. My kids love to get beef empanadas as a starter and share a ribeye or skirt steak for the main course. A side of truffle cayenne steak fries goes great with any of the steaks.

We usually get a table outside so the kids can enjoy playing at the koi pond and fountain across the table. My husband and I watch them while sipping a glass of Malbec. Perfection! To complete the dining experience, we usually order a panqueque with dulce de leche that everyone can share that's paired with café cortado (espresso with a drop of milk). Lincoln Road is also home to the newly restored Colony Theatre, a performing arts venue, and ArtCenter/South Florida, a collection of studios and gallery spaces for artists. It even offers a Farmers' Market, featuring fruits, vegetables, fresh cut flowers, plants and other items, such as bread, honey, jams and jellies. - Consuelo Lyonnet, www.thecitizenculture.com